Mower County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 8 of 14)

Robert Dick, a scientific farmer of Le Roy township, was born in Green county, Wisconsin, May 19, 1869, son of John and Ferena (Isly) Dick, natives of Switzerland. He received his early education in the schools of his native county, and then engaged in farming witli his father until 1892, at which time he took up his residence in Chester, Howard county, Iowa, and purchased a half interest in a half section of land. There he engaged in farming until 1895, when he sold out his interest and came to Le Roy township, where he farmed on rented land. In 1902 he returned to Howard county, purchased 250 acres in Chester township, and there followed farming until the spring of 1910, when he sold out and purchased 2-iO acres iu section 27, Le Roy township, the place then being known as the Hayes place. Mr. Dick carries on general fanning and stock raising in the most modern style. He is now breeding into Holstein-Fresians, having hitherto been a breeder of the Black Polled Angus. While in Iowa, Mr. Dick served s-s president of the school board of his district. He votes the Democratic ticket, attends the Presbyterian church and belongs to the M. W. A. of LeRoy. Mr. Dick was married October 19, 1893, to Lena Karlen, born in Switzerland, January 23, 1876, daughter of Christian and Katherene Karlen, wiio brought her to America in 1892. In the Dick family are live children: Olga 0., April 16, 1894; Herman R., February 20, 1899; IMartha M., September 10, 1901; Lorena, November 2, 1901 (died April 29, 1905), and Marie L., December 13, 1908. John Dick was born December 9, 1835, and hift Avife, Ferena Isly, April 3, 1840, both natives of Switzerland. They came to America in 1854, and located in Ohio, where they farmed four years. Then they went to Green county, Wisconsin, and purchased a 200-acre farm, where they farmed until 1901, when they retired and moved to Monticello. There they died, John, August 9, 1910, and Ferena, December 9, 1902. In their family were nine children : Ella is the widow of Gottfried Wittwer, and lives in Madison, Wis. ; John lives in Monticello, Wis. ; Mary is the widow of Albert Wittwer, and lives in Madison, Wis. ; Robert lives in LeRoy; Rosa is the wife of Samuel Wittwer, and they live in Monticello, Wis. ; Louise is the wife of Henry Stedtler, and they now reside also in Monticello, Wis. ; Jacob lives in Redfield, S. D. ; Annie is the wife of John P. Klossner, and they live at Rice Lake, Wis. ; Minnie is the wife of Detrich Marty, and they live at Monticello, Wis. Christian Karlen was born January 25, 1845, and his wife, Katherene Deiter, April 15, 1840. They came from Switzerland to America in 1889, and located in Green county, Wisconsin, where they engaged in farming three years. Then they came to iMower county, Minnesota, and fanned five years. Subsequently they went to Howard county, Iowa, and purchased a quarter section farm, where they farmed until 1911, when they retired and moved to LeRoy township. In their family are eight children: John C. lives in Lodi township, this county; Albert lives in Columbia, S. D. ; Emma M. is the wife of Samuel Meier, and lives in Verona, Wis. ; Eliza, wife of Eleroy Hilton, died in September, 1893; Lena is the wife of Robert Dick, and they now live in LeRoy; Edward lives in Taopi; Emil lives at Houghton, S. D. ; Ida lives in Columbia, S. D.

Thomas Kough, extensive stock breeder of Lodi township, Avas born in Siii'cws])ury, England, November 1, 1841, son of Tiionias flnd Catherine (Ilarley) Kougli, both of whom died in England.

He came to America in 1861, and after a long and troublesome voyage landed in Quebec. Then he visited a brother in Owen Sound, Georgian Bay, Canada West of that time, but now Ontario, for a while, and subsequently located in Guelph, Canada, where he engaged as a farmer eight years. In 1867 he went to New York state and a year later came to Mower county and located in Lodi township, purchasing 120 acres in section 14. This he has now increased to 440 acres, all in a high degree of cultivation. In the early years of his residence here he raised grain, but later he began breeding Shorthorn cattle and Cotswold sheep. After studying the matter carefully he decided to introduce Hereford cattle into this part of the country, and accordingly, in 1881, went to Guelph, Canada West, now Ontario, where he and Conrad Hambrecht, of LeRoy, purchased four head of pure blooded Herefords for $1,630 and brought them to Lodi. He now ships his beef directly to Chicago, and sells pure blooded live stock as far away as western Montana. His herd consists of 125 head, several of which are prize Avinners, his bull and steers having taken $140 in premiums at the 1902 state fair. Mr. Kough has a comfortable residence, with all modem improvements, such as running hot and cold water, bath rooms, modern plumbing, acetylene, a heating plant and the like, his present residence being erected on the site of one which burned in 1902. Mr. Kough has taken a prominent part in the affairs of the community from the time of his first arrival. Soon after he came here he attended a school meeting of district 67, and was elected school clerk at once. At that time the district had just been organized and the schoolhouse had been started but was not finished on the inside. This old schoolhouse was destroyed by prairie fire in 1871, when it was not yet paid for. Unfortunately, the records of this district were destroyed Avhen the residence of Mr. Kough was burned, in 1902. In the spring of 1874, when the town of Lodi was organized, Mr. Kough was the first town clerk, and since then he has held some important local office nearly continuously. He has refused to run for county office, though often assured heavy support. He was first married in Canada, November 16, 1865, to Alice Maud Benham, who died in 1867, leaving one child, Catherine M., who now lives in England. September 4, 1873, Mr. Kough married Maggie Ann AVilsey, a native of Pennsylvania. This union has been blessed with four children : Nancy Maud, John Harley, Thomas William, the latter two being twins, and Sarah Calphernia, now Mrs. J. R. Culton. Nancy M. is widow of F. S. AVhite, formerly for many years station agent at Taopi. John Harley married Lorene Fisher. Thomas William married Leona ^'isher, and after lier death, Bridget Murray.

Axel Roe, an industrious farmer of Lodi township, was born in Norway in 1865, son of Die and Katherine Larson Roen, both now deceased. Axel came to America in 1889, landed in New York and then came west to Praltar, Iowa, where he engaged in railroading for the Chicago, JMilwaukee & St. Paul for three years. Then he moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he worked for the B. C. R. N. railroad four years. Then he came to Adams and purchased 160 acres in Clayton township. After farming there for four years he sold out and then purchased 160 acres in IMitchell county, Iowa. After two years he sold out and purchased 160 acres in secticrn 26, Lodi township, where he carries on general farming, raises Shorthorn cattle for beef and dairy purposes and has a drove of thirty-three Chester "White swine, as well as twelve Percheron horses. In addition to his property in Lodi, he owns sixty-five acres in Mitchell county, Iowa. Mr. Roe is a Republican in politics and has been school director of district 80 for some years. He was married in 1892 at Cedar Rapids to Annie Jondal, of Norway, and they have six bright children: Otis, Conrad August, Arthur Segard, Theodore Clarence, Archibald Gerhard and Alma Senora. The five sturdy boys attend school. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Engbret Rudlong, a substantial farmer of Lodi township, M^as born in Norway in 1857, son of Alex Rudlong, who died in Norway in 1908. Engbret came to America at twenty-seven years of age, landed in New York and came directly to Adams, where he worked out as a farm hand seven years. Then he purchased eiglity acres in section 5, Lodi township, and made general improvements, erecting a home and barn and raising a windmill to pump water. He has since followed intensive farming, and raises also Shorthorn cattle for beef and dairy purposes, selling cream to the Adams Co-operative Creamery, in which he is one of the stockholders and which he assisted in organizing. Mr. Rudlong is a Republican in politics and attends the Lutheran church. He was married in 1891 to Annie "Weste, who was born in Norway and came to the United States in 1889. This union has been blessed with seven children: Mabel, Artie, Harry, Eddie, Eda, Nordine and Violet, all at home. Plarry, Eddie and Eda attend school.

Rev. Frederick C. Milius, pastor of St. Michael's Gennau Evangelical church, at Waltham, ably fulfills the ideal of the village pastor. Active, well-read and deeply devoxit, he combines justice with charity, and kindly consideration for the sinner with his sternness toward wrong. He has built up a great organization, and the church will stand as his monument for centuries to coTne. Born in North Collins, Erie county, New York, son of

Michael and Caroline (Smith) Milius, he received a good education in his native town and graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary, at Buffalo, N. Y., coming to AValtham in 1881. The Rev. Milius married Anna Dette, daughter of Louis and Caroline Dette, and they are the parents of four children : Anna, Emma, Hugo and Herbert. Anna is the Avife of Herman IMatter and they have one child, Beata, two years old. Emma is the wife of Julius Kapke and they have two children, Leonard and Alvin. ]\liehael Miiius, father of the Rev. Frederick C. Milius, came from Germany with his parents about 1840, and settled near Buffalo, N. Y. He learned the trade of carriage painter and finally, in 1860, established a business of his own, which he engaged in at North Collins, that state, until his death, June 3, 1910.

John H. Anderson, a hardworking farmer of Clayton township, was liorn in Adams township, July 7, 1872, son of Hans and Isabell Anderson. He was educated in the country schools, and when twenty years of age started in life on his own responsibility. He worked out by the month, then on the railroad and then at the carpenter trade one year. For four years he rented land, and then purchased eighty acres. He now has 160 acres in section 17, Clayton township, and on this he now conducts mixed farming. He has forty-five head of cattle, which he raises for dairy and beef purposes, a drove of hogs and several head of grade Perch eron horses. His house is well located, and an evergreen drive adds greatly to the appearance of the place. Mr. Anderson is a Republican in politics, has been road overseer two years and treasurer of school district 74 for two terms. The subject of this sketch was married January 1, 1896, to Christina Huseby, daughter of Arne A. Huseby, of Marchall township, and this union has resulted in seven children: Selma, Ella, Ida, Herbert, Arnold, Adeline and Joel. All except Adeline and Joel are attending school and doing well in their studies. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church. Hans and Isabella Anderson came to America from Norway and settled in Dane county, Wisconsin. Two years later they came to Adams township and purchased land on Avhich they farmed until the death of Hans A., in 1910. Mv:i. Isabella Anderson is now living in Marshall township.

E. E. Edwards, a modern farmer of "Waltham township, where he owns 200 well tilled acres in sections 26 and 27, was born in the township where he still resides, September 5, 1873, son of Milton and Dorothy (Johnson) Edwards, the former of whom came from Illinois about 1871, and located in "Waltham township. The subject of this sketch received his early education in Waltham and Wilder, Minn., and Osage, Iowa, and has devoted his life to farming. He married Jennie A. Hunt, November 11, 1896, daughter of E. F. Hunt and Mary Kezar, his wife, and they arc the parents of four children : Eugene Everett, born February 12, 1900; Lester Lee, born October 16, 1901, and died November 5, 1901 ; Brasilia Wave, born December 21, 1904, and died March 19, 1905 ; and Mark Wesley, born October 11, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Edwards is a member of the M. W. A. at Sargeant.

Truls S. Green, an honored resident of Pleasant Valley, was born in Norway, July 1, 1842, sou of Sven and Anna Green, now deceased. He came to America in 1870 and after landing at Quebec came directly to Dane coimty, Wisconsin, where he worked out a year. Then he was employed as a farm hand in Olmsted county four years. Subsequently he purchased eighty acres of land in section 26, Pleasant Valley. He uow^ owns a quarter section of good land, and has conducted diversified farming, having about twenty-five head of Durham cattle and ten head of Chester White hogs. Mr. Green is a Republican in politics, and an attendant of the Lutheran church. He was married in November, 1877, to Anna Nelson, of Rockdell township. Anna Nelson, daughter of Nels and Christine Nelson, was born in Wisconsin, May 16, 1852, and after two years was taken by her parents to Rockdell township. At the age of eighteen she started to work out part of the time, until the age of twenty-three, when she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Green have had eight children, of whom four are dead. Anna was born February 1, 1876, and was married to Christ Nelson, January 11, 1896. She lives in Grand Meadow township. Christine was born November 12, 1878, and died March 3, 1896. Sam was born in June, 1881, and died in March, 1882. Alfred was born July 4, 1884. He is employed in a department store in I\Iinneiipolis, and owns a cpiarter section of land in North Dakota, Carl was born January 26, 1887, and died September 10, 1901. Walter, the first, was born January 21, 1892, and died October 10, 1892. Walter, the second, was born December 11, 1893, and is at home. Theodore was born January 15, 1889. He has rented his father's farm for the past two years, and has managed it successfully, owning stock and six horses of his own. He is an estimable young man, well liked in the community.

Olaus Thorson, assessor and prominent farmer of Bennington township, was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, December 23, 1861, son of Thor Knutson and Betsy Knutson, his Avife. These worthy people, natives of Norway, came to America in 1861, lived in Rock county, Wisconsin, until 1868, then came to Fillmore county, this state, purchased 120 acres, and followed agricultural pursuits, dying, respectively, in November, 1892, and January, 1876. Olaus received his education in the district schools, lost his mother when he was fifteen, was reared on the farm and there remained until J 889, when he came to Mower county and purcha-sed 160 acres of land in Bennington township, where he erected buildings and improved the land. He has added to his place from time to time imtil he now owns 320 acres, all under a high degree of cultivation. Mr. Thorson is a Republican in politics, served nine years as school treasurer, and is now in his seventh year as clerk of the same district. In addition to his real estate, he is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery and the Farmers' Co-operative Elevator at Ostrander. The subject of this sketch was married October 4, 1884, to Oleva Barnes, of Fillmore county, and they have eight children : Clarence, Bernard, Oscar, Oneay, William, Owen, Roosevelt and Leona, all living at home except Clarence, who is managing a 240-aere farm in section 21, Bennington township. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Thorson is known as the "threshing machine man" of the community, having operated four different threshers in the town of Bennington since he first started in 1891. In the fall of 1910 he sold his threshing machine and threshing business to his son, Bernard Thorson. AVhen Mr. Thorson started in this line in 1891 he purchased a Huber engine and a Columbian Victory separator. His second thresher was the Minneapolis, and his last two were the. J. I. Case thresher.

Robert A. Anderson, progressive farmer of ]\Iarshall township, was born in Mower county in 1879, son of Andrew R. and Elizabetli Anderson, pioneers. He was educated in the county schools, and assisted on the farm until twenty-four years of age, at which lime he inherited 240 acres of land in section 25, Marshall township. Since that time he has conducted general farming, making a specialty of dairying. He belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran church, votes the Republican ticket and belongs to the Modern "Woodmen. Mr. Anderson was married in 1903 to Clara Alfson, and they have two bright children, Cora and Arnold.

Andrew R. Anderson, an early settler of Marshall township, was born in Norway, November 17, 1855. "When he was thirteen years old he came to America with his parents and located in Decorah, Iowa, where his parents farmed, and there he grew to manhood, spending his time in school, and on the farm. At the age of nineteen he went to the Dakotas, but this was the summer of the grasshopper plague, and not finding things favorable there he came to Mower county. In 1874 he purchased eighty acres of unimproved land in section 25, built a house, made many improveinonts and carried on general farming, adding to his land from time to time until he owned 240 acres. Mr. Anderson was assessor and town clerk several terms, and was also a teacher in the county, his education being obtained by self study. He was married in 1879 to Elizabeth Rasmussen, a daughter of one of the

Chris Anderson was born in Denmark, April 9, 1863, son of Hans and Anna (Christiansen) Anderson, both of whom died in the old country. Chris Anderson received his education in his native country and came to America in 1880, locating in Austin township, where he engaged in agricultural Avork. In 1901 he became head foreman for the A. H. Davidson farm, of 264 acres, which position he still retains with much credit, being energelic and thoroughly capable. He is a Republican, attends the Lutheran church and belongs to the Danish Brotherhood. The subject of this sketch was married in October, 1893, to Anna Prestegaard, and they have four children : Hans, Mabel, Helen and Elmer, all at school.

Zalmon Ames, one of the early settlers of J\Iower county, ^.vas born in Genesee county. New York, August 9, 1820. He grew to manhood in New York, and was there married to Anna Avery, October 12, 18-44. She was a native of Chautauqua county, New Yoi-k, born there in 1830. She died in 1850, leaving three cliildren : Francis, Cerenias C. (now deceased) and Alfred 0. ^NLrs. Ames was again married in 1851 to ]\Iary Avery. In 1854 they migrated to Illinois, settling in that state in January of that year. In 1857 they came to Mower county and located on section 7, Red Rock township. His wife died October 30, 1875, leaving five children : Henry A., Mary E., Fred D., Warren and Hattie L. Mary E. married George AVood, and they live in Spring Creek, Pa. Fred D. lives in Chicago. AYarren lives in Verndale, Minn. Hattie L. is now Airs. Carter.

Henry A. Ames was born in Red Rock township, December 7, 1858, and has spent the larger part of his adult years in Austin, being employed for some years with Alonzo Decker in the coal business. He is now with J. F. Fairbanks. Mr. Ames married Barbara Sachse, and there are six children in the family: Bertha, Ettie, Esther, Grace, Caroline and Donald D. Bertha is the wife of AVilliam Lambert and has one daughter, Ruth.

Joseph M. Beck, Austin bookbinder, was born in New A^ork city, January 27, ]8G8, son of Robert and Emma (Canfield) Beck, natives respectively of Ireland and England. They located in New A'ork city, and there Robert Beck engaged in the retail meat trade for many years, dying in 1890, several years earlier tlian his wife, who survived him until 1906. Joseph AI. received his education in the public schools, and then learned the bookbinding trade. In 1887 he worked in Chicago a short period and tiien took up his abode in St. Paul for six years, still working at his trade. In 1894 he came to Austin and opened a small bindery in the office of the Register. In 1907 he moved to his present quarters in the

Revord block, where his business has grown and prospered. ^Mr. Beck is a Eepubliean in polities, belongs to the C. of 11. and the R. A. and attends the Catholic church. He was married October 29, 1889, at Inver Grove, Dakota county, this state, to Anna Brown, and this union has been blessed -with, four children : Agnes, Joseph, Jr., Anna M. and Florence ]\I., all at home and attending school.

Robert M. Boyd, a retired farmer living in Austin, was born in Janesville, Wis., August 3, 1846, son of Robert and Ellen (Bufton) Boyd, natives of Ireland. Robert M. was reared on a farm, and remained in Rock county until 1877, Avhen he came to IMower county and located in Austin township. Later he went to Lyle township, and farmed there until 1895, when he retired and moved to Austin. He married for his first wife Sebenia Cimningbam, daugiiter of Richard Cunningham. She died July 20, lUOO, leaving five living children: Mary; Robert A.; Ellen, wife of Joseph Redman; Ormanzo and Amelia. He Avas m.arried the second time November 4, 1903, to Mary A. Hoiifman, daughter of Jacob Fiezel and ]Mary Sarah Ott, his wife. Robert M. Boyd served in the Civil war, enlisting in March, 1863, in Co. B, 37th AVis. Vol. Inf., and serving until the close of the war.

R. A. Boyd, the popular local agent for the Standard Oil Company at Austin, Avas born in Wisconsin, ]\Iarch 4, 1874, son of Robert i\I. Boyd, also of Austin. R. A. Boyd was brought to Mower county Avhen two years of age and Vi^as reared on a farm, remaining at home until 1902, Avhen he came to Austin, and engaged in the draying business. In 1905 he commenced work for the Standard Oil Company, and thirteen months of this service so demonstrated his fitness and ability that he was given charge of the local district, consisting of Austin, Adams, Lyle, Rose Creek, Elkton, Dexter, Renova, Brownsdale, "Waltham, Lansing, Corning, Oakland, Moscow and London, in Avhich position he has since remained, dealing in all kinds of illuminating oil, machine oil, naphtha, turpentine and gasoline, and keeping three teams on the road all the Avhile. ]\Ir. Boyd served three years in Co. G, Second Regiment, M. N. G., and at one time Avas appointed a member of the school board in Lyle township to fill a vacancy. He is a member of the M. W. A. and the F. 0. E. The subject of this sketch Avas married IMarch 30, 1896, to Mabel Mannering, and to tliis union have been born two daughters, ]\Iildred, November 16, 1900, and Hazel, -lune 18, 1903.' The family faith is that of the Baptist church.

Barney Bushman, for many years street commissioner of the city of Austin, came to Mower county in 1878 and was employed for a time as section hand on the C, M. & St. P. line. After two years of this Avork, he Avas engaged for seven years in the car shops, ami then farmed two years. His wide aequaiiitaiiee and his interest in jHiblic atfairs caused him to enter the political arena, and for sixteen years he served as street commissioner. He has now retired from active work, but still takes an interest in all public movements. Mr. Bushman married Tiena Helmsing, daughter of Gerhard Helmsing, and to this union have been born five children : Gerhard, Henry, August, Frank and Katie, the latter now being Mrs. Albert Thompson. Barney Bushman was born in Germany, October 27, 1841, son of Frederick and Katie (Linneman) Bushman. He came to this country with his wife and family of four children, landing at Baltimore, and coming direct to Austin.

C. Perry Bell, no-\v deceased, was one of the venerable pioneers of ]Mower county, and his influence was ever exerted in behalf of that which was righteous and just. He was born November 24, 1828, on a farm in Garrettsville, Otsego county. New York, where he w^as reared. His father Avas a native of Yorkshire, England, who came to America in 1802, married Abigail Perry, and ended his days in Albany, N. Y. The son was named from the famous commodore of the war of 1812. In 1856, N. G. Perry, a cousin of C. Perry Bell, came to ]\Iower county Avith a party of settlers wdio located in Lansing township, about three miles north of Austin. In the spring of 1857 came the subject of this sketch. He preempted land in Udolpho towmship, but soon after purchased eighty acres in Lansing toAvnship from N. G. Perry. On this place he settled, and there he successfully conducted general farming, adding to his place from time to time until he owned 338 acres. During the fall and winter of 1858 he lived in Wisconsin, but in the spring again returned to his farm. In 1863 he enlisted in Company B, Second Minnesota Cavalry, and engaged in the famous Indian expedition to Fort Sully and through the "bad lands." He Avas mustered out in the Avinter of 1865, and again returned to MoAver county. In the early days Mr. Bell Avas the good Samaritan of liis neighborhood, supplying flour to his starving neighbors. Often upon his return from a thirty-mile trip he found his floor covered Avith sleeping men, w^aiting for a share of his flour, some of them coming from as far away as Moscoav. Mr. Bell Avas a member of Mclntire Post, G. A. R., and the members of that order attended his funeral in a body. His death, June 6, 1906, Avas a distinct loss to the community in Avhich for so many years he had been an honored factor. The subject of this sketch Avas inarried December 18, 1875, to Rebecca Garred, and to this union Avere born two children, Cora and William. Cora is noAV ]\Irs. ^Maurice Case. William married Ada Carll, daughter of Josepli and Mary (Bartlett) Carll. The father of Mr. liell was Christoplicr Bell.

John 0. Blom was born in Sweden in 1871, the son of Oscar and Johanna Blom, who came to the United States about 1890, and located in Mower county. John 0. was educated in Sweden, came to Mower county with his parents, and when twenty years of age started in life for himself as a farmer. He is now leasing the E. A. Taylor property in section 28, Marshall township, and expects soon to buy a nice farm of his own. He has been on the Taylor property since 1903. Mr. Blom was married in 1893 to Helen Rolf, daughter of Fred Rolf, of Marshall township, and this union has resulted in two children : Walter and Grace. He attends the Lutheran church, votes the Republican ticket, and belongs to the United AVorkmen.

Harry Bradley, retired business man, has seen much of life on the continent and islands of Europe, and has also had his share in the commercial activities of Le Roy. He was born in Yorkshire, England, June 27, 1840, son of Joseph and Sarah (Eastwood) Bradley, the former a cloth merchant of Yorkshire who died in 1850, the latter following him to the grave in 1880. To this union twelve children were born : Sarah, Mary and Isabella live in England; Harry lives in Le Roy, Minn.; Anna, Emma, John, Jane, Joseph and three unnamed infants are deceased. Harry Bradley received his education in the Tollersfield Academy of Yorkshire, England, and graduated in 1858, after which he went to London and engaged as a draftsman with W. M. Crossland, an eminent architect, for five years. During the succeeding seven years he remained in the same employ, traveling extensively in France, Germany, Italy, England, Scotland and Wales, learning the highest arts of his profession. Then he returned to Yorkshire, engaged in business for himself, and later went to London, where he still followed his profession. It Avas in 1881 that he left England and sailed for America, locating at once in Le Roy, where he was clerk and bookkeeper in the Frisbee and Larrabee drug stores. Later he embarked in the lumber and coal business, in which he was very successful, having his son, Harry E., as a partner a part of the time. In 1910 he sold out his business and retired. Harry Bradley was married December 31, 1881, to Mary Ann Bradley, who died August 1, 1909. In the family is one son, Harry E., born March 6, 1883. Mr. Bradley is a Democrat in politics, is a member of the Episcopal church, and affiliates with the M. W. A.

Hiram H. Either, retired farmer, living in Le Roy village, was born in Aroostook county, Maine, August 9, 1836, son of Benjamin and Anna (Tyler) Bither, twelfth of a family of five girls and ten boys. Hiram H. left Maine in 1856, and located in Black River Falls, Wis., where he stayed eight months. Then he farmed in Elk River, Minn., for eleven years, and in 1868 sold out and located in Oakdale, Howard county, Iowa. In 1892 he sold this lilaee and came to Le Roy, where he purchased a small farm of twenty acres, which he sold in 1904. Mr. Either is a member of Eureka Lodge, No. 74, A. F. & A. M. By his first wife, Saphronia, daughter of John Felch, lie has five children: Harry E., died at the age of two years and ten months; Edwin H. is the second; Susan E. is the wife of Ches.ter Cadwallader; William lives in Chicago ; Saphronia died in infancy. Mrs. Saphronia Felch Bither died in July, 1870. Later Mr. Bither married Harriet R., daughter of John Burbank. She died April 10, 1895. In 1896 Mr. Bither married Anna Forthum, a native of Le Roy, of Norwegian descent. There is an adopted child, Helen M., in the family.

Thomas Cahill, the genial proprietor of the Taopi Hotel, is a native of Connecticut, born in New London, November 12, 1844, son of Dennis and Ann Riley Cahill, who brought him to Dodge county, Wisconsin, in 1845, at one year of age, taking him at eleven years of age to Sauk county, in the same state. Here he received his education and grew to manhood. In 1866 he engaged in farming for himself, in Sauk county, an occupation he followed there three years. He then worked at the timber business in the same county for a similar period. In 1873 he came to Mower county and located in Le Roy township, engaging in farming for one summer, after which he took up the stock and grain buying business, an occupation which he followed until 1891, purchasing grain at Le Roy, Chester, Riceville and Taopi, still maintaining his home at Le Roy. In 1901 he removed to Taopi, and continued grain buying two more years. In July, 1893, he rented the Taopi Hotel, which he conducted as landlord until 1902, when he purchased the property, and has since been both landlord and owner. Since coming to Taopi, Mr. Cahill has served as president of the village council, and is now village recorder. Aside from the hotel and buildings in Taopi, he owns a residence and seventeen lots in Le Roy. Mr. Cahill is a Democrat and a Catholic. He was married February 23, 1867, to Bridget E. Walsh, and to this union have been born five children, of whom two are living: ]\Iary Ellen, now Mrs. H. J. Gosha, operator at Farmington, Minn., and Kathei'ine, who lives at home. Those deceased are John S., James and Thomas.

Henry P. Cronan, a successfid farmer of Mower county, has 160 acres of good land in section 25, Windom township, and carries on general farming in an energetic manner, which is highly productive of excellent results. He was born March 6, 1867, at Ossian, Iowa, son of Patrick and ^Mary (Grace) Cronan, who were born in Ireland and married in America, to which country they immigrated. Patrick dying in 1877 and his wife in 1904. Henry P. was brought to Mower county as a boy, and here received his early education, assisting his parents with farm work. He has since devoted his entire life to agriculture. Mr. Crouan is a member of the Workmen and the Degree of Honor and is a communicant of the Catholic church. He was married May 17, 1892, to Laura E. Woodward, daughter of James and Helen (Kreglok) Woodward, of New York. This union has resulted in four children: Euth B., born February 16, 1893, a teacher in Windom township; Eeginald T., born August 4, 1894; Helen M., born November 9, 1898, and Eodger B., born March 21, 1903.

C. B. Dibble, of Austin, sanitary dairyman and owner of the North Star Dairy Company, was born in Michigan in May, 1856, the son of D. K. Dibble. He came to Minnesota with his parents at one year of age, and lived with them in Dodge county, where the father pursued his occupation as a farmer, being also employed in the county treasurer's office. The subject of this sketch remained in Dodge county until 1891, when he came to Austin. Since then, with the exception of about two years, he has been in the dairy business. The North Star Dairy Company, of which he is the owner, does a general dairy business, retailing milk, cream, butter and ice cream. Mr. Dibble commenced in this line by selling milk from his farm, two miles out of Austin, and gradually drifted into his present large business, increasing the number of his customers by hard work and honest dealing. Mr. Dibble is well liked socially, being a member of the Modern Woodmen and the Eagles. He pays his religious duties at the Methodist church. In early life he married Idell Getman, daughter of Conrad and Mary Getman, and this union has been blessed with four sous, Daniel K., Roy G., Bert E. and Ralph, all of whom are employed with their father in the North Star Dairy Company. Daniel K. married Lettie Dungaw, and they have three children : Irene, Esther and Charles. Eoy G. married Ada Storey. Bert E. married Alta Minto.

Emil Dahmen, representative of the Minneapolis Tribune, living in Austin, was born in Kalmer, Sweden, June 17, 1872, son of C. J. and Hanna (Peterson) Dahmen, the former of whom was a leather merchant in Sweden. Emil received his education in the public and private schools of Sweden, and then entered into the grocery business in his native land. In 1893 he came to America, and farmed near Jamestown, N. Y., for one year, after which he engaged in the life insurance business six years, serving in the meantime a term as private in the New York National Guard. In 1900 he went to New York and engaged in the life insurance l)usiness there. He followed the same line in Minneapolis, to Avhich city he next moved, but later accepted a position in the circulating department of the Minneapolis Tribvme. In 1903 he came to Austin, and has since had charge of the circulation of that paper in Austin and southern Minnesota. He is a Eepub- lic'ciu aud a member of the B. P. 0. E. Mr. Dahmen was married October 2, 1899, at Jamestown, N. Y., to Emma Strauburg, daughter of F. 0. Stranburg, a prominent undertaker of Jamestown, N. Y., now deceased. Mrs. Dahmen was born at Jamestown, November 22, 187-1:, and in that place her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Dahmen have two children : Lloyd C, born September 9, 1900, and Grace H., born February 22, 1903.

H. G. Dahl, successful hardware merchant of Lyle village, was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, October 5, 1871, son of H. 0. and S. H. Dahl, natives of Norway, who came to America as children, lived in Rock county until 1873, and then engaged in farming in Mitchell county, until they moved, in 1882, to their present farm of 120 acres of excellently cultivated land. H. 0. Dahl died July 23, 1908, and his wife still lives on the old homestead. H. G. Dahl received his education in the public and high schools and in the academy at St. Ansgar, Iowa. He started work in life as a clerk and worked for E. L. Stanley, R. Reirson and the Wilson Brothers before embarking in the hardware business with C'olburn J. Colbertson. The business has grown to large proportions, and the store cai'ries a good stock of all kinds of hardware, plumbing and heating equipment, tinware, pianos and organs, the plumbing department being well equipped for work in village and country. Mr. Dahl is a Republican, has been assessor of the village of Lyle two terms, member of the city council one term, and treasurer of the school board five years. He has shown his interest in the welfare of the village by subscribing to stock in the Lyle Telephone Company. The subject of this sketch was married October 15, 1898, to Emma Volstad, daughter of G. K. Volstad, and this union has been blessed with five children: Lloyd F., Genevieve S., Fred E., Glenn il. and Evangeline H., born October 20, 1910.

E. S. Evenson, one of the leading farmers of Windom township, and veteran of the Civil war, was born in Norway, November 18, 18i5, son of Stener and Rondi (Knutson) Evenson, who came to America in 1849, and settled in Green county, Wisconsin, coming to Minnesota in 1862, and settling in section 31, Windom township, where the son, E. S., now lives. E. S. came to America with his parents as an infant, was reared in Wisconsin, and as a young man enlisted in a company of Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He saw active service in the war, and was discharged at Vicksburg, jMiss., August 9, 1865. After the war he came to Windom township, to which locality his parents had in the meantime moved, and has since farmed on section 31. He has been successful in his opei*ations, and is respected and liked throughout the community. He married jMary Hanson, and they have seven children: Rondi, wife of Peter Lawson ; Hans and Ben, of Nevada township ; Edward, of Adams township ; Minnie, now deceased; William, of Lyle township; and Julia, wife of Nels Nelson, of Nevada township.

Joseph H. Furtney, a successful liveryman of Austin, was born August 24, 1875, son of Josiah S. and Sarah (Hibbard) Furtney. He attended the schools of his neighborhood, and then took up mason Avork with his father, remaining at this work until he gradually became interested in the livery business. For the past six years he has been a member of the firm of Furtney & Bassett. Mr. Furtney married Ida Nelson, and they have three children : Florence, Herbert J. and Donald. Mr. Furtney belongs to the F. 0. E. and the M. W. A.

Josiah S. Furtney, for many years a farmer and mason in ]\Iower county, Avas born in Canada, his father being a native of Pennsylvania, and his grandfather of Germany. Josiah S. married Sarah Hibbard, and after a period spent in Decorah, Iowa, came to Austin, in Avhich vicinity he lived until his death in 1902. He had seven children : ]\Iinnie, Joseph H., Harry M., Lottie M., Lottie, Roy, Ada and Vera.

Alfred D. Fairbanks, noAV deceased, was born in Vermont, there grew to manhood, and at the outbreak of the Civil Avar enlisted in the United States Sharpshooters, serving in Company E. He married Belle A. Baker, and together they Avent to live in Bethel, Vt., Avhere Mr. Fairbanks worked three years on a farm in hopes of regaining his health, which had been impaired by army life. Then they came west and located in MoAver county, taking up their home in the historic spot long known as "Saints' Rest." Seventeen years later ill health caused him to abandon farming, and in 1891 they moved to Austin, Avhere Mr. Fairbanks died April 4, 1899. Mrs. Fairbanks, nee Belle A. Baker, Avas born in Hollidaysberg, Pa., daughter of Abram P. and Elizabeth (Kidd) Baker. Mrs. Fairbanks passed her early life in her native tOAAm, attended school there, and later took courses at Philadelphia and at Altoona, Pa. She was married at her home in Hollidaysberg. Three of her sisters are still living : Ann is now ]\Irs. William Kean, of Bedford, Pa. ; Maria is now Mrs. Harry Campbell, of Chicago, HI., and Jennie is now Mrs. James Lightcap, of Alleghany, Pa.

Edward Goebel, Jr., Avho conducts a farm at 1200 Freeborn street, just inside the city limits of Austin, Avas born in Claremont, Minn., July 21, 1883, son of EdAA^ard and Amelia (La Sage) Goebel, natives of Wisconsin. He received his education in the public schools of Minnesota, AVisconsin and loAva, his first venture for himself being as a papermaker at Appleton, Wis. Then he learned the machinist's trade, and worked in the shops at Eagle Grove, Iowa, until 1902, when he became chauffeur at Kan- sas City, Mo., for five years. From June to November, 190S, he had a similar position at Callander, Iowa. Late in the fall of that year he came to Austin, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Goebel was married November 2, 1904, at Ft. Dodge, Iowa, to Louise Peterson, of Callander, Iowa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Peterson. To this union have been born three children: Marvin E., born October 22, 1905; Harold P., born April 12, 1906, and an infant, born August 16, 1910. Edward Goebel, Sr., and Amelia La Sage, his wife, were natives of Wisconsin. Edward, Sr., was in the livery business in Eagle Grove, Iowa, for about eighteen years, and in 1893 came to Austin and engaged in the livery business. He is now retired and lives in La Crosse, Wis.

L. C. Gillett, a retired farmer now in the village of Brownsdale, has taken his part in the life of the community, having served at various times as township supervisor, village councilman and district school clerk. He was born in Putnam county, New York, November 4, 1833, and Avith his parents went to Berkhannen county, jMissouri, where the family remained nine years. Then they went to Vernon county, in the same state, and there the father died, after a residence of twenty-three years. In 1867 L. C. Gillett, with his wife and mother, came to Austin, and remained four years, afterward taking up their residence in lied Eock township, where Mr. Gillett farmed twenty-five years, after which he retired. He has occupied his present comfortable residence in Brownsdale since 1904, his wife being now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gillett were blessed with six children: Hattie, deceased ; Delia, wife of C. A. Sleeper ; Edna, deceased ; Ulysses S. ; Gordon L., deceased, and Nora, wife of Henry Woodward.

John Gilligan, a well known and popular citizen of Adams, was born in Ireland, son of Patrick and i\Iary (Hart) Gilligan. He came to this country with his parents, lived with them in New York and New Jersey. He came with them to Adams township, and grew to manhood on section 16. In 1872 Mr. Gilligan purchased the north half of the southeast quarter of section 36, erected some excellent buildings and there carried on general farming until 1898, when he retired from active farm life and moved to Adams village. Mr. Gilligan is a gentleman of the old school, courteous in his bearing, and charitable toward all. He married Mary INIadden in. April, 1871, her parents being William and Bridget ]\Iadden. In the family there are three children: John J., Walter H. and Mary C. The subject of this sketch 1ms filled various positions of trust and honor in township and village, and has also served with credit as county commissioner.

1844, the fruit of this imion being three children : John, Mary and Charles. Patrick brought his family to the United States in 1849, leaving Ireland March 3 and arriving in New York after a voyage of four and a half Aveeks. He at once went to New Jersey, where he hired out on a farm, remaining eight years, after which he went to New York state, remaining about a year. Then he came to Mower county and settled in section 16, in Adams township, on which he built a log cabin, thatched with hay. After living in this building some two years he erected a more commodioxis dwelling, in which he resided eighteen years, after which he purchased the southwest quarter of section 15 and erected a large farm house, in which he made his home until his death.

Jeremiah Guinney, now deceased, was one of the early merchants of Austin. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1842. His parents died when he was a child. "When he was eleven years of age he landed in America Avith his brothers. In the spring of that year located in Boston, and in the fall Jeremiah moved to Illinois, where he remained three years. It was in 1856 that he came to Red Rock township, in this county. He learned the harnessmaker's trade. In 1868 he formed a partnership in the same business with a Mr. Kaiser, and this partnership continued until the death of Jeremiah Guinney, December 13, 1890. The subject of this sketch married Mary Welch, a native of County Cork, Ireland, daughter of John and Anora (Keefe) Welch. Mrs. Guinney is the mother of four children : Anna, living at home ; Daniel, a harnessmaker by trade ; Minnie E., a bookkeeper at the Albert Thon dry goods store in Austin, and Lauretta, a stenographer and bookkeeper.

Edward Gurvin, chairman of the board of supervisors, of Adams township, was born in the township where he still resides December 13, 1873, the son of Peter and Kate Garvin, natives of Norway. He attended the district schools, and remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when he started out in life for himself. He started by renting land, and at this was very successful. He now works the home place and several tracts adjoining, making a total of 400 acres under his supervision. On this farm he conducts general farming, making a specialty of Shorthorn cattle for dairy purposes, the cream from this lierci being sold to the Adams Co-operative Creamery, in which he is a director. Eight years ago Mr. Gurvin, who is a Republican in politics, was elected a member of the board of supervisors of Adams township, and after three years in this capacity he became chairman, a position he has held for the past five years with much credit. He is a popular member of the M. AV. A. and attends the Lutlieran church.

They came to America before the Civil war and lived for a tiinc in Madison, AVis. There Peter farmed for several years and tiicn started with his ox team and prairie schooner across the country. Upon reaching Adams township he purchased eight acres in section 13, and farmed there until his death, December 27. 1910. He liad three sons. Edward manages the home place. Nels is in the machine and automobile business in Adams village. Ivnute is general agent at Adams for the Acme Harvester Company and eiijoys a large trade.

James Keenan was born in Mount Pleasant, AVayne county, Pennsylvania, son of James and Elizabeth (Farwell) Keenan, who brought their family to Oakland, Freeborn county, this state, in 1867. James, Jr., received a good common school education, and after coming west he and his brother, Joseph, engaged in the manufacture of carriages and wagons. After six years of this business, however, the brothers discovered that they could buy the A'ehieles cheaper than they could make them, so they abandoned the manufacturing end of the business, and devoted themselves to selling Avhat they shipped in. In 1906 this business was discontinued, and since then Mr. Keenan has looked after his numerous financial interests and his real estate business. Mr. Keenan is an extensive traveler, and has visited many lands. For his first wife Mr. Keenan married Bella Hall, a native of ]\Iassachusetts. After her death he married Katherine E. Dunavone, who has proved a most able helpmeet. James Keenan, Sr., was a noted shipbuilder on the Atlantic coast, in the early part of the Jiineteenth century. His ability and skill were widely acknowledged, and his name was known ^^herever ships were constructed. He worked in Boston and New York for many years, and after the war of 1812 assisted in rebuilding the American navy, working on sucii vessels as the Hornet, which in those days Avere considered as monarchs of the seas. For seven years Mr. Keenan, Sr., Avas with the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, superintending the construction of all the boats built by this company at Houesdale, Pa. In 1867 the family came west and settled on a farm in Oakland, Freeborn county, Minn., where James, Sr., farmed until his death, in 1879. He married Elizabeth Farwell, Avho bore him five children: Mary, now Mrs. Reily; John, living in AVinona : James, Joseph and Michael J., living in Austin.

Hiram F. Kezar, merchant of Sargeant village, was born in Beaver Dam, AA'is., August 12, 1870, son of Alvin Kezar, marshal of AValtham village, and Ellen Alarkham, his wife, the father, Alvin, and the grandfather, Iliram, both having been born in the same house in Alacenia, St. Lawrence county. New York. Hiram F. spent his boyhood on a farm in AValtham township, there grew 1<» manhood, took up agricultural pursuits and was thus engaged until 1907, when he came to Sargeant village and opened a store. Mr. Kezar is a Mason. He was married a few years ago to Rebecca Johnson, daughter of George Johnson, and they have one child, Lyle T.

Alvin T. Kezar, marshal of AV^ltham village, was boi'n in Maceuia, St. Lawrence county, New York, May 18, 1845, son of Hiram and Catharine (Nesdel) Kezar. The father was born in the same house as his son, and was a genuine Connecticut Yankee. The mother was a native of Ireland. The father and his family came Avest in 1854, and settled at Beaver Dam, Wis., where he farmed for eighteen years. Mrs. Catherine Kezar died in Beaver Dam, and in 1872 the father, Hiram, and the son, Alvin, started farming in Waltham township, near the village. In 1896 Alvin T., the subject of this sketch, received his appointment as marshal, a position he has since held with discretion, courage and integrity. He is a Republican and a member of the Modern Woodmen. ]\Ir. Kezar was married some years ago to Ellen Markham, daughter of AValter Markham, and to this union have been born two children, Hiram and Myrtle. Hiram lives in Sargeant. Myrtle married George Nichols and they have one daughter, Bessie.

William Euchenbecker, business man of Waltham, was liorn in Crav/ford county, Wisconsin, March 19, 1871, son of William and Louisa (Railer) Kuchenbecker, who came to America from Germany in 1850, and located in Crawford county, Wisconsin, where they farmed until 1887, in which year the father died. A son, Alfred, then bought the old homestead, and the mother moved to Prairie du Chien, where she still lives. William, the subject of this sketch, received his education in Crawford county, Wisconsin, and there engaged in farming until 1890, when he came to Mower county and worked on a farm in Red Rock township for seven years. Then he rented a farm in Waltham township for a similar period. Then he came to Waltham village, and was clerk in a meat establishment, also operating a steam threshing machine. In the fall of 1908 he embarked in the meat business for himself. Now does a large business, has an Extensive trade, and prepares most of his own fresh meats, as well as hams, bacon, sausages and the like. In company with his brother, Louis, he is still in the threshing business and reaps a goodly profit in this line every fall. Mr. Kuchenbecker lives in Waltham village, votes independently and belongs to the Lutheran church. William Kuchenbecker is the fourth of six brothers. Alfred, Osear and Rudolph live in Crawford county, Wisconsin ; Louis lives iu Waltham ; Hiram lives in Prairie du Chien.

George Larson, buttermaker at Lansing, was born in Denmark in 1881, and was reared in the home of his parents, John and Margaret (Rasmussen) Larson, attending the common schools and learning the buttermaker's trade. lie eame to Aincrica in 1904, lived in New York city a year, and tlien canic to Laasinji-, where he has since been engaged witli the Lansing Co-operal ivc Creamery. This is an important eoneern and turns out on an average of three thousand pounds a week. j\Ir. Larson belongs to the ]\Ioderu Woodmen of the World. He married Loretta Sevay, and they have one child, Vera Isabell.

William Logue, genial proprietor of the Merchants' Hotel, at Adams, was born in Ottawa, Canada, October 31, 1857, son of Patrick and Margaret (]\IcGee) Logue, natives of Ireland, who came to Canada and remained for a period of six years, after which they came to the United States and located at New Oregon, Howard county, Iowa, where the former engaged in house moving and contracting, which vocation he followed until his death, July 20. 1882, his wife jiassing away at Minneapolis, September 15, 1877. "William received his education in New Oregon, Iowa, and worked out by the month initil twenty-one years of age. Subsequently he was engaged as follows: teaming for the Great Northern railroad at Minneapolis for four months ; working for a bottling company at Minneapolis a little over a year; working for jIoss & Davis, wholesale liquor dealers of Minneapolis, one year; conducting a well drilling business at New Oregon, Iowa, eleven years ; managing a hotel at LeRoy, this county, two years ; managing a hotel in Adams two years ; managing a hotel at Lyle a year; managing for three mouths the Sweet Hotel, at LeRoy, which he erected ; working at the well drilling business in Owatonua one year; managing a hotel at New Richland, Waseca county, for one year; engaging in the electric light business in Owatonna one year; working as collector for the Sherman Nursery Company, of Charles City, Iowa, four years; managing a hotel at Gilbert, Minn., for six months, and managing a hotel at Stewartville, Minn., for six months. In September, 1910, he came to Adams, and has since been proprietor of the Merchants' Hotel. iMr. Logue is a Republican in politics, a member of the Catholic church and of the Knights of Pythias. The subject of this sketch was married June 24. 1890, to Bridget Fitzgerald, daughter of Michael and Bridget Fitzgerald, of Clermont, Fayette county, Iowa, where she was born February 2, 1860. Her father died February 16, 1873, and her mother December 9, 1888. Mr. and ]\Irs. Logue have two children: Alfred, born April 21, 1891, a student at the Virginia, Minn., liigh school, and I\Iay A., born November 5, 1900, living at home.

William P. Lewis, merchant of Grand Meadow village and formerly county commissioner of Slower county, was born in Kenosha county, "Wisconsin, July 13, 1855, son of AVilliam and Eli/.a (Bennett) Lewis, early sctth-rs. AVilliam P. assisted his parents on the farm and later took up the meat business, which he has followed since 1905. His business during this period of fifteen years has continued to grow, and he recently moved into a large store formerly occupied by the Exchange State Bank. Aside from the office mentioned above, Mr. Lewis was one of the supervisors of Grand Meadow township for thirteen years. He married ^lay Turner, daughter of Hiram and Eunice (Mathews) Turner, and has two children, Joseph and Elwin.

William Lewis was born in England, married Eliza Bennett, lived for a time in Wisconsin, and came to Grand Meadow township in 1864, remaining here until his death, in 1890. His wife died five years later.

0. D. Lambert, who lives in Brownsdale, is now practically retired from active participation in farm life. He was born in East Hamlin, Monroe county. New York, October 19, 1851, son of Peter and Eveline (Simmons) Lambert. He moved to Illinois about 1880, and there remained several years. He dates his residence in Mower county from 1884, in which year he came to Red Rock and purchased a quarter section of land which he improved and cultivated. Here he remained and successfully conducted farming operations until he came to the village of Brownsdale to live. On March 7, 1877, he married Clara Hampton, daughter of William Hampton, of Illinois, and there were three children: W. P., born October 13, 1880; J. V., January 15, 1881, and Claira A., who was born January 10, 1888, and died January 20, 1889. Mrs. Lambert died March 5, 1889. March 12, 1891, he married Margaret Cutts, daughter of Samuel ^nd Mary (Barnes) Cutts, early settlers of DaKalb county, Illinois, and of English descent.

Nels Mickelsen, contractor and concrete manufacturer of Austin, was born in Denmark, October 18, 1865, son of August and Mary (Jensen) IMickelsen, natives of Denmark, where they lived and died, the father passing away in 1878 and the mother in 1902. Nels received some schooling in Denmark, and came to America in 1886, locating six months later in Rochester, Minn. Then, after three years there, he took a trip west through the mountains of Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. Then he returned, and after a year in Rochester came, in 1892, to Austin, where for a time he followed his trade as a bricklayer, also doing some contracting. In 1904 he started in the cement business, with a fine I)lant on Eiver street, where he manufactures cement tiles and blocks. He also owns a fine home and ten acres of land on South Kenwood street. Mr. Mickelsen is a Republican in politics, attends the Lutheran church, affiliates with the Masonic order, and belongs to the M. W. A. and the Danish Brotherhood. He was married November 30, 1892, to Julia Johnson, of Rochester, and this union has been blessed with seven children : Emma,

Edwin W. Marsh, treasurer and manager of the Austin Cement, 8tone and Tile Company, was born in Mason City, Iowa, April 2, 1867, there received his education, and then took up contracting and building at Mason City, following this for ten years, at the end of which time he entered into the retail meat business for four years. He came to Austin and took up the meat business here for ten years, after which he became interested -in cement products, and helped to organize the company with which he is at the present time connected. Mr. Marsh resides at the corner of College and GreenAvich streets. While in Mason City he served five years as a member of Company A, Sixth Eegiment, I. N. G., and for four years served as chairman of the Democratic County Committee of Cerro Gordo county, Iowa. He Avas married February 7. 1888, at Mason City, to Esther Hurlbert, and this union has been blessed Avith one daughter, Beryl B., born August 31, 1889, noAV a school teacher. The family faith is that of the Baptist church.

C. H. Metgaarden, a Lansing toAvnship farmer, noAv living in the city of Austin, AA'as born in NorAvay in 1845, came to America in 1887, located in Ward county, Iowa, and there remained until 1903, Avhen he came to Lansing tOAvnship and purchased the Jensen farm. Later he took \\p his abode in Austin. He mai-ried ]\rary Knudtsou, and they have four children: Holiver; Rena, noAv ]\Irs. Jacobson; Kanute and Christianna.

John McBride, an honored resident of Windora toAvnship, noAV deceased, Avas born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1829. He AA^as reared to agricultural pursuits, and at nineteen years of age, in 1848, he came to America, locating in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia. Later he Avent to loAva. There he remained until 1865, Avhen he came to Minnesota, and located in Windom toAvnship, ^MoAver county, where he purchased the northeast quarter of section 1, on Avhich A\ald prairie land he conducted general improvements, erected buildings and carried on diversified farming. Later he added 160 acres in section 6, Marshall toAvnship, making in all a fine farm of 320 acres. He made a specialty of raising grain and high grade stock and continued as a hard Avorking farmer until about 1900, Avhen he rented his farm, later, in 1902, purchasing a home in Rose Creek, to Avhich village he moved, and spent the remainder of his days in well deserved retirement. ]Mr. McBride Avas a member of the school board, a Democrat and a Catholic. He died at his home, January 1, 1904. The subject of this sketch was married February 14, 1857, at Galena, 111., to ^fary Furlong, born in County Tipperary, Ireland, September 28, 1838. She came to America in 1852 Avith her parents, William and Sarah (Carter) Furlong, landing in New York, January 13. Later she went to Illinois with her parents, was there married, and came to Minnesota with her husband. Mr. and Mrs. McBride were the parents of eight children: Charles is married and lives in North Dakota, having a family of four children : Mary, Grace, Elizabeth and George. Sarah A. married Thomas Skahan, of Windoni township, and they have two children, William and Ernia. James A. is married, lives in Weyburn, Canada, and has six children: Deney D., Arthur, Leo, Herbert, Dorathy and Aaron. Katherine A. married Leahy, of Wiudoui township, and they have seven children: Mary, Madeline, Joseph, John, Ambrose, Raphael and Norbert. William is married, lives in Washington, and has four children : Loretta, Esther, John and William. John J. is married, lives at Vienna, S. D., and has three children : Mary, Francis and Cicily. Mary R. died March 1, 1904, leaving two children: Mary M. and John E., who were taken by the grandmother, with whom they lived until they again took up their home with their father in 1910. Margaret A. married JM. P. Reagen, of Windom township.

Harry G. McKee, retired blacksmith of LeRoy village, was born in the old village of LeRoy, May 26, 1858, son of Elijah McKee, the pioneer blacksmith of J\Iower county. Harry G. was reared in the village of LeRoy, entered his father's shop and learned the blacksmith business in all its details, conducting the establishment alone after his father's death. In 1909 he retired, and is now living in his pleasant home in the village of LeRoy. Mr. McKee is a Republican in politics, and has served on the village council. He is also a member of the M. W. A. Mr. McKee was married December 25, 1880, to Edith Bowen, daughter of William and Mary (Ross) Bowen, the former of whom was killed in the Civil war and the latter of whom died in 1897. Mrs. McKee died December 9, 1897, leaving three children. Bessie E. is a teacher in Seattle, having graduated from the LeRoy high school. Raymond L. Brown is the husband of the second daughter, Eula L. Floy, the youngest daughter, is studying domestic science in the Minnesota Agricultural College at St. Paul. It is worthy of note that Mr. McKee 's property was swept away by the oychinc of Se]iteml)er 21, 1894.

Elijah F. McKee, the pioneer blacksmith of ]\Iower county, was born in Pennsylvania, and reached MoAver county February 22, 1855, being married in the old town of LeRoy, July 2, 1857, to Mary E. Taylor, who arrived in the county in 1856. February 26, 1855, he opened the first blacksmith shop in tlie county, in section 36, in what is now LeRoy township. April 13 the same year he moved to the old town of LeRoy and built a blaeksmitli shop, continuing the business of smithy for the remainder of his life. He died September 2i), ISitT. and his wife is still living at the age of seventy-foTii- years. In tlie family were six children: Harry G., Wintield, dead ; Clark, Carrington, N. D. ; Frank, Seattle: ilargaret, Montana, and Lillie, now Mrs. George Magee, of Seattle.

Joseph M. Maxfield, retii-ed grain buyer and farmer, now living in LeRoy village, was born in Wayne county, New York, February 24, 18-i4, son of Joseph and Artimisia (Munson) Maxtield. He came to Wisconsin with his parents in 1855, and to LeRoy in 1862. After completing his education, he farmed eleven years, and then became a grain buyer and sold goods for Frank Avery. Then he engaged in the livery business with his brothers until 1904, when he retired. Mr. Maxfield owns his home in Le- Roy village, a quarter section in Howard county, Iowa, and sixty-two acres in Mower county. He has been .justice of the peace many years and constable for five years. He is a Republican, a Knight Templar, and a Presbyterian.

Joseph Maxfield was born in Syracuse, N. Y., July 28, 1815, and Avas married September 27, 1840, at Wajnie county, New York, to Artimisia ]Munson, born at Tulley, N. Y., May 12, 1820. In 1855 they located in Wisconsin, and in 1862 came to LeRoy township, where they purchased a farm of 150 acres, which they broke and improved, adding other land until they owned 230 acres. In 1871 they retired and moved to LeRoy village, Joseph dying :\Iay 12, 1884, and his wife October 27, 1904. They were members of the Presbyterian church of LeRoy. Mr. and iMrs. ^laxfield were the parents of six children. Glover lives in Mason City, Iowa; J. M. lives in LeRoy; Aldice died in September, 1903, at T'orvalis, Oregon; Sarah is now Mrs. M. H. ]\Iiller. of Taopi, ^Minnesota ; ]\lartha A. keeps house for her brother, J. ^I., at LeRoy : Riciiard is a liveryman at LeRoy.

Nicholi Nicholsen, now deceased, Avas born in Norwa.y, and came to America in 1868, locating in Austin, where he was employed at various lal)or, until his marriage, after which he (»ngaged in the pump business, continuing imtil the time of his death in 1895. He was a consistent Christian, and a member of St. Olaf Lutheran church.

G. R. Nichols, a general merchant of Waltham, ha.s built up a successful trade, the fact that iintil recently he was a farmer making him particularly adapted to keeping a store in the rural districts. He was born in Somerset county, Maine, jNIarch 26. 1866. son of Charles and Clara (Hill) Nichols. Charles Nichols was l)orn in Elaine, cainc west in 1869, and settled on a farm in AValtliam. where he lived until his death in 1900. His wife is .still living, making her liome with a daughter. The subject of this sketch remained on tlie Farni until attaining manhood's estate, receiving his education in the district schools. He purchased the home farm, and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1907, when he came to the village and engaged in his present business. Ho has been assessor of township and village for twenty years, and has performed the duties of that office to the general satisfaction of his fellow citizens. Mr. Nichols was married some years ago to B. Martha Kezer, daughter of Alvin T. Kezer, and to this union has been born one daughter, Bessie.

John E. Norris, lumber dealer of Lyle, was born in Lyle township, in ^larch, 1872, and thus has the honor of being a native son of this county. His parents were John and jMarie E. (Spears) Norris, of Scotch-Irish descent. John E. received his education in the schools of Lyle township and also at Old Otranto, in Iowa. He farmed with his parents for a time, and then with them went to North Dakota, Avhere he and his father purchased a whole section of land. In 1905 they sold out, and John E., on his return to Lyle, purchased the lumber yards of L. W. Sherman. He has a large trade and is the only lumber dealer in the village. J\lr. Norris is an independent voter, and while in North Dakota was chairman of the township board. He is now a member of the village council of Lyle, belongs to tlie A. F. & A. ]\1. and the K. of P. and attends the Presbyterian church. He was marrietl October 19, 1908, to Mary E. Eoulston, of Oakland village, Iowa.

John Norris was born in the north of Ireland of Scotch parentage, and came to America at the age of nine years. He located in Wisconsin, married Marie E. Spears, and there remained until 1868, when he came to Mower county and purchased 160 acres, also acquiring a'similar tract in Freeborn county. From 1883 to 1890 he conducted the flouring mill at Old Otranto. Iowa, and then sold and went to North Dakota. About six years later he came to Lyle once more, his wife passing away in 1905.

Abe Olson, of Lansing township, one of the progressive farmers of Mower county, was born in Neury, Freeborn county, Minnesota, April 9, 1859, son of Helge and Kari Olson, the former of whom, coming to America in 1855, was one of the first settlers in Freeborn county. Abe Olson was one of ten brothers and three sisters. He passed his early life on the farm, and came to Mower county about twenty years ago (1890). He now owns 180 acres of land, and has made his place one of the model farms of the township, his fine house, commodious and modern barns, and well-tilled acres being hard to excel. Besides carrying on general agricultural pursuits, Mr. Olson is a breeder of Belgian liorses and owns some of the most valuable pieces of horse flesh in the state, having taken many prizes. He also makes a specialty of l)reediug fine Jersey hogs. The subject of this sketch

Anfend Olson, village marshal of Adams, and superintendent of the municipal gas and water plants, was born in Norway, March 23, 1866, son of Ole Johnson and Martha Thompson, his wife, natives of Norway, where the father died. Anfend received his education in the public schools of Norway, and came to America in 1882, locating in De Forest, Wisconsin, where he worked out as farmer and stone mason, until 1893, when he came to ^Minnesota and purchased a farm of 120 acres, on section 6, Lodi township, which he improved and developed, erecting buildings and cultivating the land, still combining masonry and general farming until 1900, when he sold his farm, and for nine years devoted his entire time to the trade of stone mason. In July, 1910, he was elected marshal of Adams village, and superintendent of the gas and water plants. He is a Republican in politics, attends the Lutheran church and belongs to the Commercial Clul). In addition to his present offices, he has served as a member of the village council. Mr. Olson owns a pleasant residence in the village of Adams, three lots in INIinneapolis, and 100 acres of timber land in Aitkin county, this state. He Avas married October 26, 1896, to Carrie ]\Iunson, who died in 1897. Mr. Olson brought his mother to this country in 1885, and she still presides over his household.

Joseph Palmer, of Austin, now retired, a veteran of the Civil war. was born in Chittenden county, Vermont, September 25, 1830, and received his early education in the public schools of his native state. In 1856 he came to Illinois, and in 1860 to Fillmore county, locating in Austin in 1875. He followed various vocations from that time until his retirement in 1908. In July, 1864, ;Mr. Palmer was drafted into the Union army and served in Company B, Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, six months, being discharged at Duval Bluff, Arkansas, in December, 1864, on account of illness. For one term he served with credit as county treasurer of Fillmore county. He is a Republican in polities, a member of the Congregational church, and a good citizen in every respect. He affiliates with the G. A. R. and has the unu.sual record of having been a member of the I. 0. 0. F. for forty-four years. 'Mr. Palmer was married February 15, 1854, to Katherine Coleman, who died July 1, 1897, leaving four children : Fred L., now of Iowa, born December 14, 1855; Clara B., born November 25. 1863, now Mrs. George Miller, of IMinneapolis ; Albert, born August 28. 1867, now of Chicago; and Eunice, born December 29, 18H9. and widow of Thomas Floyd, who died November 14, 1889.

Harlan G. Palmer, one of the energetic young business men of LcRoy. was born in this village. ^larch 19, 1885, son of George W. and ^lary Palmer. lie attended the village schools, and grad- uated from the LeRoy high school in 1903. Then he took a course in literature and arts at the University of Minnesota, and subsequently returned to LeEoy and purchased the LeRoy Independent, which he conducted for two and a half years. At the end of this period he sold to Ralph Prescott, the present owner and editor, and took up his father's interests in the Palmer Lumber Company, in which he has since successfully continued. Mr. Palmer is a Republican in politics, and has much faith in the future of LeRoy.

John Reding, assessor of the city of Austin, was born in Luxemberg, Germany, March 15, 1863, the son of Peter and Mary Reding, who brought their family to America in 1869, and settled in Union township, Mitchell county, Iowa. Here Peter Reding farmed about eighteen years, and here his wife died, after which he moved to Adams in this county. John Reding remained on the old place and farmed for three years, then engaged in the hardware business, which he conducted for five years. He then again took up agricultural pursuits, and farmed four years in Union township, Mitchell county, Iowa. Then he rented the farm and moved to Lyle, Mower county, where he again engaged in the hardware business, at the same time conducting a farm near the same village. Six years later he moved to the city of Austin. Mr. Reding is still interested in farming, and is one of the stockholders in the Austin Cement & Tile Co. Mr. Reding married Nellie Smith, daughter of Charles Smith, and they have three children : Marie L., Agnes V. and Esther E.

Ed. J. Show, a well-known citizen of Marshall township, was born in 1868, in the township wherein he still resides. His father, John Show, was a native of Norway, came to America, settled in Wisconsin, and later moved to Mower county, where he purchased eighty acres in ]\Iarshall township. Ed. J. was educated in the public schools, and early in life began work as a farm hand. He later rented land, and then purchased eighty acres where he now lives, making at the present time a specialty of dairying and grain raising. In 1902, the subject of this sketch married Tilda Lee, a native of Norway, and this union has been blessed with one daughter, a pupil in the public schools. The family worships at the Lutheran church.

Louis A. Sherman, secretary and treasurer of the Gilbert Improved Corrugated Culvert Co., Austin, was boin in Edgerton, AVisconsin, November 20, 1870, son of Loran W. and Kate (Wilcox) Sherman. He was brought to Lyle, in Mower county, in 1873, and received his education in the public schools of Lyle, afterward taking a course in the Cedar Valley Seminary, at Osage, loAva. After leaving school he worked at the lumber business with his father until 1906, when he engaged in the general luerehandise business -with I. F. and S. H. Dahl luulcr tlic firm name of Dahl Bros & Sherman. In 1908, when tlic ( {illicit Improved Corrugated Culvert Company was organized, he assumed his present position, coming to Austin in the spring of 1909. AVhile at Lyle, i\Ir. Sherman was a member of the school board, as well as village recorder, and he still retains his interests in the Lyle Telephone Company. Since coming to Austin he has allied himself with the Austin Commercial Club. The subject of this sketch was married June 27, 1893, to J. Sophie Dahl, of Otranto, Iowa. This union has been blessed with three children: Lloyd H. was born IMarch 24, 1894, and died April 12, 1896 ; Marion F. was liorn July 13, 1896, and Fayette AV. was born October 24, 1900.

George Schmidt, a valued employe of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad, who has worked his way up to passenger conductor through sheer merit, was born at Kur-Hessen, Germany. August 18, 1841, the eldest of a family of seven children. George received a thorough training in the schools of Germany and remained in his native land until twenty-one years of age, when he crossed the Atlantic, locating in Ontario, Canada, for a time, and then passed over the border into Minnesota. August 12, 1867, he began his career as a railroad man, entering the shops of the Southern Minnesota railroad company, at Hokak, ^Minnesota, in which he spent three years as a machinist before becoming a fireman on the road. After four years of service in this capacity, he was badly injured by an accident caused through a washout and passed many months regaining his health, after which he resumed his former vocation as a machinist for a period of tAvo years, subsequently returning to firing, and in 1880 was promoted to engineer in the freight service. Eight years later he was given his position as passenger conductor, which he still holds, being one of the oldest and most trusted employes on the southern Minnesota division, having endui'ed through the various managements, and, being recognized as one of the most valuable men. was retained when the road became a part of the St. Paul system. In politics he is a staunch Eepublican. He is affiliated with the Masonic order as a Knight Templar, is a member of the Ancient order of United AVorkmen and of division number 101 of the B. of L. E. The Methodist church values him as a hearty supporter, and he is also a strong temperance worker. December 17. 1867, he was married to Anna "Wetyen at LaCrescent, IMinnesotia. who died in 1878, leaving four children: Elizabeth, who died in her nineteenth year; Angelica, now wife of Alfred Krieger. a clothing merchant of Montana; John H., a locomotive engineer, located at Ottumwa. Iowa; and Dora, now Mrs. W. L. Cowpcr. of ^Michigan City, \orth Dakota. He was married a second time to Catherine AVetven. lialf-sister of his first wife.

They have one child, Eva E., a graduate of Hamline university, now ]Mrs. A. G. Scullin, of Austin. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have a very pleasant home at 207 West Water Street. John and Elizabeth Schmidt, parents of our subject, were natives of Germany, the father successfully conducting a tile' manufactory at Kur- Hessen, being considered an expert in his line.

Arthur G. Scullin, mail clerk on the Chicago, ]\Iilwaukee and St. Paul railway line, and good citizen of Austin, was born June 5, 1875, in Oakland toAvnship, Freeborn county, Minnesota. After graduating from the Austin high school in 1895, he devoted the next three years to teaching school in Freeborn county, and then entered the railway mail service, at present being stationed on the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad, with a run from St. Paul to Decorah, Iowa. His political principles are those of the Republican partj% and he is identified with the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen of America. The Baptist church also claims him as a loyal attendant. June 20, 1906, he was united in marriage at Austin, Minnesota, to Esther Schmidt, born to George and Catherine Schmidt, May 3, 1889, at Hokak, Minnesota. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Scullin: George S., born May 26, 1907; and Alta C, who was born April 27, 1909. George and Alta (Smith) Scullin, parents of our subject, were natives of Michigan and Pennsylvania, respectively. They were among the pioneer settlers of Freeborn county, settling on an eighty acre farm in Oakland township, in 1869, which the father operated up to the time of his death, January 27, 1899. The mother passed away March 26, 1907.

John K. Syverud has a farm of 120 acres in Lansing township which he is industriously cultivating, being justly proud of his fertile acres, his well kept buildings and his sleek looking live stock. He has lived in Lansing township since 1881, is one of the leading members of the Lutheran church and a popular brother in the Sons of Norway. The subject of this sketch was born in Norway in 1856, the son of Christian and Martha Syverud, and in 1881 came to this country, arriving in Lansing after brief stops in Waukon, Iowa, and Fillmore county, Minnesota. In 1900 he went back to the old country, married Aegmepe Kopprud and remained there two years, returning to Lansing in 1902. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Syverud are the parents of four bright children: Carl, Clara M., Annie L., and a baby not yet named.

James Shepard, now deceased, was for many years a familiar figure in both FillmoTe and Mower counties. He was born in St. Lawrence county. New York, September 29, 1831, and when but two years old was taken by his parents to Herkimer county. He spent his boyhood in the towns of Schuyler, Salisbury and Norway, and when twenty-one years of age came to Wisconsin, where his parents had located the previous year. After i-cniiiining there a few months, he followed his parents on their further migration to Allamakee county, Iowa. In 1854 he went to Illinois and was married in Kankakee county, in December, 1855, to Desire Gates, daughter of Elijah and Eachel (Ferris) Gates. Mr. and IMrs. Shepard remained in Illinois al)0ut six months, and then took up their residence in Allamakee county, Iowa. In 1858 they started Avith teams for Minnesota and settled in the town of Beaver. Fillmore county, where Mr. Shepard entered 160 acres of land, in section 9, built a small frame house and improved sixty acres. In 1866 he sold out and removed to LeRoy township, where he purchased a farm in section 16. At that time there was a log cabin on the place and but twenty acres were broken. He later erected a frame house and suitable buildings, and continued to improve the land and carry on general farming until 1894, when he moved to the village of LeRoy and practically retired from active life. He died in July, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Shepard were blessed with six children : Frank A., living in Montana ; Lewis T., living at home ; Emma, deceased ; Addie, wife of George Turner; George M. and Eliza J., wife of John Errington. Elijah Gates was born in Vermont and came west in 1845, taking up his residence in Lake county, Illinois. There he farmed for several years and then came to Beaver, Minnesota. Late in life Mr. Gates Avent to Kansas and took up a homestead, where he died.

John Stute, a farmer of Mower county, now living on the old ]u>me farm of 429 acres in section 35, Nevada township, was born in ]\lonroe county, Wisconsin, in September, 1866, son of Carl and ]\Iargarette Stute, and with them came to MoAver county in 1873, settling on the farm AAdiere he has since lived. Mr. Stute is a Democrat in politics, and has been a member of the toAvnship board of Nevada for the past fourteen years. He is a eomnumicant of the Catholic church, and he and his family attend the church of that denomination at Johnsburg. Aside from carrying on general farming he makes a specialty of breeding cattle. He married Anna Landherr, daughter of Christ, and Emma Landherr. of Nevada tOAvnship, and this union has resulted in four children: Bernetta, Ardilla, Sabin and Magdaline.

Carl Stute, a respected resident of Nevada township, Avliere for many years he Avas a successful farmer, was born in Prussia, Germany, January 6, 1837, and came to this country in 1864, being married near Buflfalo, Ncav York, to IMargarette ScliAA^artz, daughter of John and Sathrine SchAvartz, also natives of Prussia. After living for a time in Waukesha eonnty. Wisconsin, they located in ;\lonroe county, in the same state, and purchased eighty acres. In 1873 he sold out and came to MoAver eonnty. Avliere he started farming, finally acquiring 429 acres, wiiieh liis son .bilin lunv manages. Mrs. Carl Stute died in 1899. i\Ir. and Mrs. Carl State were the parents of five children : John, of Nevada township ; Henry, also of Nevada township ; Augusta, married to "William Baker, of Cresco, Iowa; Fred, a dentist of Elmore, Iowa; and Charles, who died in infancy.

Lewis Tow, who has charge of his father's extensive real estate interests in Mower county, lives in section 36, "Windom township, and although he has lived here but three years he has taken an active interest in the progress of the commuuity. Being yet a young man, his friends predict for him a successful future. He was born in Cedar Rapids, Benton county, Iowa, March 29, 1873, son of Lars and Julia (Strand) Tow. He received his education in the schools of Iowa, and has devoted his life to business and agricultural pursuits. Lars Tow was born in Norway and married Julia Strand. They came to America and after living three years in Illinois, located in Iowa, where they now live. Lewis Tow owns much land in Iowa, and 980 acres in W^indom and Nevada townships. Mower county.

Lewis Thompson, also known as Lars Thorson, was the first Norwegian settler of Lansing township, and lived on a farm in that township forty-three years. He was born in Norway, September 13, 1827, and remained in his native country until 1845, when he came to Rock county, Wisconsin. In 1856 he came to Mower county and pre-empted a quarter section in section 7, Lansing township. He continued to reside on this place, working hard and living a frugal life, increasing his possessions until he owned 400 acres. He held various local offices, and was highly esteemed by his neighbors. After living in retirement in Austin for several years he died in 1904. He was married in Mitchell county, loM^a, August 1, 1857, to Elase ToUifson, a native of Norway, who came to Rock county, W^isconsin, with her parents at the age of ten years. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were the parents of nine children: Jennie, Carrie, Theodore, Edward Inga, Maria, Oline, Ole, Lewis and Aaron. Carrie is the wife of C. I. Johnson, a merchant in Austin. Lena is the wife of Edward Engen. Aaron lives on the home farm and lias four children: Lee, Esther, Reuben, and the baby.

Theodore L. Thompson, who has a fine farm of 160 acres in Lansing toAvnship, was born December 15, 1861, on the old Thompson homestead in Lansing township, son of Lewis and Elase Thompson, the pioneers. Theodore L. was reared on the farm, was educated in the schools of his neighborhood, and later took up farming for himself. He married Annie Olson, and they liave seven children: Clara, Agnes, Hilda, Florence, Blanche, Ruth and Estlier. Clara is the wife of T. Paulson.

born in Dane county, Wisconsin, October 27, 1852, son of Tciium and Inger Temansou, who came to America in 1852 and in 1S()5 located in Frankford township, this county, where they farmed all their lives. Teman, the subject of this sketch, received his education in the district schools and farmed with his parents until thirty-three years of age, at which time he purchased 100 acres in Frankford township. To this he later added ninety acres, thus making a fine place of 190 acres on which he farmed until 1896, when he sold his farm, and moved to Grand Meadow village, where he has since resided. He is a Republican in politics, a member of the M. W. A. and a stockholder in the First National Bank, of Grand Meadow, and in the M. W. A. hall in the same place. He attends the Lutheran church. Mr. Temanson was married June 22, 1879, to Mary Severson, who has proven a capable helpmeet.

Burr Beneke is a prominent citizen of AValtham township, has been a resident of the township since 1870, has served as supervisor of his township as well as clerk of the school board, and at the present time is doing excellent service as town treasurer. Burr Beneke was born near Berlin, Germany, November 13, 1858, son of Frederick and Julia (JMiescl) Beneke, who brought their family to America in 1868, settled near Rochester, Olmsted county, and there resided until 1870, when they came to Waltham and settled in section 30, where Frederick ended his days in 1898 and Julia in the spring of 1899. Burr, the subject of this sketch, attended school as a very young child in Olmsted county, and later in districts 50 and 93 in Mower county. After his marriage he took charge of the farm in section 30, where he now owns a fine farm of 200 acres, in addition to eighty acres in Udolpho township. The family home, which was originally erected in 1883, was remodeled in 1896 and is now a comfortable residence, well furnished throughout. The subject of this sketch married Matilda Kroening, and they have eight children: Edward, Clara, Lillie, Alma, George, Helen, Ernest and Stella. The parents of Mrs. ^Matilda (Kroening) Beneke were Herman and Hulda (Broggeman) Kroening, the former of whom was born in Germany, came to America in 1872, located first in Milwaukee, and later in Waltham township, this county.

Lorenzo S. Chapman, of Waltham, station agent, bank cashier and village clerk, was born in Green Lake county, "Wisconsin, :\ray 28. 1862, son of William W. and Elizabeth (Palmer) Chapman. He received his early education in the district and graded schools of his native county, and also attended the normal school in that county as well as the one in Crawford county, Kansas, He taught school for a time in Green Lake county, and then l)ecame a carpenter and painter for a few years. In 1888 he entered the employ of the IMinnesota & Northwestern, now the Chicago Great Western, as agent and operator at Renova, Minn. In 1889 he was transferred to "Waltham as agent and operator, and in this capacity he has since continued. Before as.sumiug his present position in the Waltham State Bank he was its vicepresident three years. His clerkship of the village dates from the original organization. Mr. Chapman was married April 28, 1889, to May Rockwell of Brownsdale, daughter of Alfred Rockwell and his wife, the former of whom died in 1900, and the latter of whom is still living in Brownsdale. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Chapman have two children : William Alfred, who was born Llarch -1, 1890, is assistant cashier in the Waltham State Bank, and Eva S., an adopted daughter, who was born June 4, 1894, lives at home. The family faith is that of the Methodist church. Mr. Chapman is a Republican, a high degree Mason, and a member of the ]M. W. A. William W. Chapman was born in New York state and married Elizabeth Palmer, a native of the same state. They located in Wisconsin in 1855, and farmed in Green Lake county until 1878, when they rented their farm and went to Crawford county, Kansas, where they continued farming until the winter of 1879, when William W. died. His widow returned to Green Lake county, Wisconsin, lived there until 1896, and then came to Mower county and lived with her son, Lorenzo, until her death, August 16. 1902. There were five children in the family : Z. W. lives in Northfield, Iowa; H. A. lives in Green Lake county, Wisconsin; Olive A. is now Mrs. F. L. Nareross, of Crow Wing county, Minn. ; Ella is now Mrs. Charles Bassett, of Windom township; Lorenzo is a banker of Waltham village.

George A. Hormel, president of the pork packing plant of Geo. A. Hormel & Co., the leading industry in Austin, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., December 4, 1860, son of John G. and Susan (Decker) Hormel. He was educated in the public schools of Toledo, Ohio, and in early youth went to work for his father in the sheepskin tanning business. In 1876 he went to Chicago and worked in the packing house market for a year, after which he returned home and worked in the Wabash shops. Subsequently he again returned to Chicago and re-entered the packing business. Soon after he became traveling agent for J. N. Dubois, Kansas City, purchasing hides, wool and the like. Next he engaged with Oberne, Hosiek & Co., in the same line of business, traveling out of Des Moines for seven years. At the end of this period he resigned, and entered the retail meat business in Austin, Avith a partner, under the firm name of Friedrieh & Hormel. This partnership was dissolved in 1892 and the firm of George A. Hormel & Co. was formed. This plant has grown in importance, and is now one of the leading industries in southern jMinnesota. It has been an important factor in insuring the prosperity and growth of the eity. The company maintains, aside from its plant, a retail store in Austin, and branches in several cities. Mr. Ilormel is a Republican in politics, and a Mason of the Knights Templar degree. He has affiliated Avith a number of societies and organizations, and is a valued member of the Austin Commercial ('lul) and the I'nion League Club of Chicago. The subject of this sketch was married in February, 1892, to Lillian B. Gleason.