Mower County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 1 of 14)

Biographical sketches

Jacob S. Decker is oue of the earliest pioneers still living in Mower county. He was born in Flatbrookville, Sussex county, New Jersey, October 14, 1831, where his younger days were spent in school and on the farm. He was joined in marriage February 28, 1852, to Mary A. Smith, and on October 28, 1855, they started together for the "West, where they hoped to establish their roof tree. They reached Colesburg, Iowa, later in the fall, and there spent the winter. In February, 1856, they started with oxen and teams for Minnesota, which was then a territory. At West Union the snow Avas so deep that he had to abandon the Avagon and finish the journey Avith a sled. Arriving in MoAver county February 25, 1856, he purchased a claim in tOAvnship 102, range 18, noAV knoAvn as Austin. The purchase price of this claim was $275. A log house, a Avell and three-fourths of an acre broken constituted all the improvements at that time. The family occupied the log house until 1860, then built a frame house, which was burned Avith all its contents in 1865. Then was erected the house Avhich still stands, and which ranks with the best country homes in the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Decker have been born seven children : Arminda, Elizabeth, Calvin D., Chester H., Alonzo N.; Silas D., and EdAvard W. Arminda and Silas D. are dead. EdAvard W. is vice-president and general manager of the North- Avestern National Bank, at Minneapolis, president of the Twin City Bankers' Club, and president of the TAvin City clearing house. Calvin is secretary of the board of regents and purchasing agent for the University of Minnesota. Jacob Decker has had an honorable and successful career, and has fathered a family of Avhich he can Avell be proud. He has held many positions of public and private trust and honor, and is now living in retirement, enjoying the fruits of a Avell-spent life. The founder of Mr. Decker's family in America Avas Thomas Decker, Avho came from England, and Avas one of the first settlers of Port Jervis, N. y., then knoAvn by its Indian name of Mackachamack. His son, Daniel Decker, opened iip and settled the country still knoAvn as Decker's Ferry, Ncav Jersey, and his son, Thomas, died when in his ninty-fourth year. His son, Calvin Decker, spent his life in NoAv Jersey, and died in the latter state in 1895. He married for his first Avife, Christine Smith. Avho died in 1849, leaving eleven children - Jacob S., Jonas S., Susanna, Elizabeth, Sarah Ann, ]\Iary, Paul, Silas, Cynthia J., Thomas and Amzey. Calvin Decker married for his second wife, Margaret Dupue, and they had two children, Margaret, deceased, and Amanda, now living at Newton, N. J. Christine Smith, wife of Calvin Decker and mother of Jacob S. Decker, was the daughter of Jacob Smith, the son of Jonas, the son of John, a German by birth, Avho in colonial days settled on the Delaware river, in Pennsylvania. The parents of Mary Ann H. Smith, the wife of Jacob S. Decker, were Philip and Elizabeth Smith.

Chester H. Decker, successful hardware merchant, is a native l)orn son of this township, having first seen the light of day May 26, 1861, in the home of Jacob S. and Mary Ann (Smith) Decker, his pai'ents. He was reared on the farm, and attended the schools of his neighborhood, working on the home place until 1882, when he started to learn the carpenters' trade, an occupation he followed for four years. In 1886 he saw the possibilities of a firstclass hardware store in the city of Austin, and he accordingly embarked in the business which he has since conducted. Mr. Decker is a believer in education, and for fourteen years has done efficient service on the Austin school board, of which body he is now treasurer. He is also a member of the Austin Commercial Club and affiliates with the Modern AVoodmen of America and the United AYorkmen. He was married October 20. 1887, to Ada C. Douglad, and to this union have been born two children. The oldest, Leonard R., graduated from the Austin high school in 1908 and is now in charge of the manual training and blacksmithing department of the Southern Minnesota Normal College, of Austin. Fred R. is clerk in the hardware store for his father. The subject of this sketch first purchased an interest in the hardware business with Col. A. W. "Wright, and in 1896 formed a partnership with his brother, C. D. Decker, the firm name since that date having been Decker Brothers. Mr. Decker also has other business interests and is a director in the Austin Building and Loan Association. Ilis residence is at 305 West "Water street.

James H. Aultfather, a scientific farmer and prize stock breeder, of Austin township, Avas born on the farm where he now lives, September 16, 1874, son of David and Pamelia (Foster) Aultfather, the pioneers. He attended the schools which were in existence in his neighborhood, and also the Austin high school, supplementing this with a course in the Northwestern College of Commerce in the same city. After completing his schooling he returned to the farm where he has since carried on farming operations. He owns 160 acres, highly cultivated, and some comfortaide out-buildings for the housing of stock. In 1901 he built a fine new residence for himself. He has a herd of some fifty thor- oughbrod Ecd Poll cattle, and for four years has taken prizes on this herd at the Minnesota State fair, his awards in 1910 aggregating .$500. He also breeds some fine Pereheron horses and has a large herd of pure bred Poland China swine. Mr. Aultfather is an independent voter, has been town supervisor for several years, and associates with the Masonic order. The subject of this sketch was married December 4, 1901, to C. Mabel Varco, and they have one bright son, Myron C, born December 26, 1907.

David Aultfather, a pioneer, was born in Ohio, and came to Austin township in 1856. Here he married Pamelia Foster, Avho was born in New Jersey, and came to ]\Iower county with the earliest settlers of what is now known as Lyle township in 1854: her father, James Foster, being one of the earliest arrivals in this county. David Aultfather, upon his arrival in Austin township, took 120 acres of government land for which he paid $1.25 an acre. This land he broke and improved, built a house, and had the usual experiences of a pioneer in a wild country. In time he added to his possessions until he owned 1,560 acres, all in Mower county, his original house was replaced with a comfortable residence, his stock which once was sheltered by a few boughs hastily cut Avas placed in modern barns, and what had been wild land blossomed under the toil of the laborers. Desiring to see his nine children well started in life, he gave to eacli, as each attained his or her majority, a quarter section of land. But a greater heritage still was the record of unswerving honor with which he left his name connected for all time. He died, ripe in years and character and knowledge, November 19, 1899. His wife is still living at the good old age of 70 years.

Andrew H. Anderson, now deceased, prominent citizen of Lyle, and for many years president of the First National Bank of Lyle, which institution he organized, was born in Drammen, Norway, November 15, 1843, and came to America in 1852 with his parents, i\Ir. and Mrs. Halvor Anderson. They stopped in Racine, "Wis., and the following spring went to St. Ansgar, Iowa, where they engaged in farming. Andrew H. remained at home until 28 years of age, and then went to Nebraska, where he took a homestead and remained for seven years. Later he moved to AVahoo, Neb., and engaged in the lumber business until 1880. In that year he came to Lyle, and after engaging in the hardware Inisiness ten years opened a private bank, Avhich in 1901 was reorganized as the First National Bank, ^Ir. Anderson becoming its first president, a position he held at the time of his death. Mr. Anderson did much for the growth of Lyle. He acted as village treasurer twenty years, and was a member of the school board for many terms. He was liberal, broad minded and charitable, and a truly representative citizen. The subject of tliis sketcli was first married December 28, 1871, to Barbro Oline Blakestad, who died April 4, 1888, leaving six children: H. 0., who is in the implement and machine business at Crookston, Minn. ; Anna M., who is now Mrs. ^X. R. Hunter, of Lyle; Bertha L., now Mrs. B. J. Robertson, whose husband is postmaster at Lyle ; Ida E., of Lyle, a music teacher ; Ralph Arthur, a Lyle banker, and Rufus, now a teller in the Merchants' Bank, at Los Angeles, Cal. Mr. Anderson was married the second time to Mrs. Christine M. Craig, Avho died in October, 1900. In February, 1903, he max'ried Mrs. Anne ]\Iyhre, who survives him. He died October 29, 1910.

Ralph Arthur Anderson, banker of Lyle, was born in Lyle, March 13, 1884, second son of Andrew H. Anderson. He attended the village schools, and started work in his father's private bank as assistant cashier. He also worked in the bank at Rose Creek for a while. In 1903 he went to Crookston, Minn., and for two years worked in the abstract office of Christianson & Sti-ander. Later he became a bookkeeper in the First National Bank, of Crookston, a position he held with credit until April, 1910, when he entered the First National Bank of Lyle, to look after his father's interests. Mr. Anderson is a popular member of the K. of P., B. P. 0. E. and the M. AV. A. and is well liked by his fellows. After the death of his father he was appointed village treasurer, and M'as elected to the office in 1911.

Erick Alrick, Avho farms on land that has been in his family for over half a century, Avas l)orn on the old homestead in Adams toAvnship in 1865, and with the exception of periods when he was engaged in business in loAva, has since resided there. He Avas reared in the home of his parents, Andrew A. and Sarah Alrick, and attended the district schools. At 26 years of age he Avent to Thompson, loAva, took a partner and began business, carrying a full line of hardware and agricultural implements. This business was successful, and in it Mr. Alrick continued for ten years. In 1901 he sold his interest to A. B. Larson, and returned to Adams tOAvnship to take charge of the old homestead Avhich he has since conducted. He has dcA^oted much of his time to breeding Horefords and raising grain, and he makes a specialty of liogs, having raised Poland Chinas and WarAvickshires. He is noAV acquiring a Avell developed breed of Reds. In Avorking his 240 acres he uses ten horses and hires considerable help during the busy season. Mr. Alrick is a Republican. He Avas married in 1898 to Julia Hamlin, and he and his Avife attend the Lutheran church.

Andrew A. Alrick, and Sarah Alrick, his Avife, Avere born in NorAvay and came to America in 1856, locating in "Wisconsin, Avhere they remained for years. Then they started Avith tAvo yoke of oxen and their household goods in a prairie schooner for I\rinnesota, arriving in Adams after a journey of many hardships.

Alexander S. Campbell

They homesteaded a quarter section and here ended their days, being respected and honored throughoi;t the community as hardworking and industrious people.

Anton B. Asper, a self-made man of j\Iarsliall townsliip, luis made his way in life with no help and little encouragement, and has acquired a competence and extensive land possessions entirely through his own efforts. He came to America in 1871, engaged in railroad work in Iowa three years, and then came to Mower county and railroading in Adams until he acquired sufficient funds to purchase eighty acres in Marshall township. He now owns 330 acres, carries on general farming on an extensive scale, and owns fifteen cows, his specialty being the sale of cream. He is a Republican in politics and has served on the school board of District 65 for four years. Anton B. Asper was married in 1876 to Julia Johnson, daughter of Arne Johnson, of Wisconsin, and this union has been blessed with seven children : Louie is married and lives in Marshall township ; Alex is married and lives in the township of Clayton; Bennie is married and lives in Adams townsliip; Tillie, Clara, Oscar and Alma are at home. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Alexander S. Campbell, leading merchant-miller of Mower couuty, former state senator, present mayor of Austin, is a native born son of Minnesota, and has taken his share in the upbuilding of his adopted city and county. He was born in Rice county. December 20, 1859, and received his early education in the county and village schools, also attending the public schools of jMinneapolis for a while. After leaving school he worked on the home farm, and at about the time of attaining his majority went to Owatonna, where he learned the milling and flouring Inisiness. In 1886, in company with his brother, L. G. Campbell, he engaged in the milling business in Austin, and purchased a small mill near the C, M. & St. P. station. This business grew, and in 1890 they purchased the large plant on the east side of the Red Cedar river on Water street. The firm also took control of the milling plant at Blooming Prairie, L. G. taking the management. In 1909 the L. G. Campbell Milling Company was incorporated at OAvatonna, with the Blooming Prairie plant as a part of its holdings, and Alexander S. is now the owner of the Austin plant, wiiicli turns out over two hundred ])arrels of flour a day. The ]iroduct of this mill is widely known tliroughout the northwest, and such brands as the Diamond AVhite, White Rose and Peerless represent the higliest development in the miller's art. Mr. Campbell served in the ;Minnesota senate in 1903, 1905, 1907 and 1909. and was mayor of Austin in 1899, 1900 and 1910-11, his public service having given the greatest degree of satisfaction. He is active in the Austin Commercial club, and is also affiliated with the Masonic order, the B. P. 0. E., the K. of P. and other organizations. jNIr. Campbell was married December 20, 1883, to Mary Iliinkius, of Owatonna, and they have four children, Minnie C, Alexander K., Francis and Neil. John and Catherine (Graham) Campbell, parents of A. S. Campbell, are descended from the ancient Campbell and Graham clans of the Scottish highlands, John Campbell being born near Glasgow and his wife in Canada. He settled in Milwaukee in 1856 and took up railroad contracting. He afterwards located near Northfield, Minn., and carried on general farming until 1868. He then moved to Claremont in Dodge county and engaged in the same occupation, giving special attention to grain and stock raising, until 1889, when he came to Austin, where he and his wife still reside.

F. M. Dufty is one of those men Avho possess what Shakespeare so aptly called the "Milk of human kindness," and for a generation to come the people of his neighborhood will recall his big souled hospitality and kindliness which has given joy to so many people. His home has been the stopping place for ministers preaching in the vicinity for the past three decades, and every child in the neighborhood, as well as many a child now grown to manhood and womanhood, recalls with pleasure the delightful hours spent in the Dufty home, where they are always made welcome, and where much has been done for their comfort and happiness. His fondness for children is one of Mr. Dufty 's most delightful characteristics, and his hand is ever ready to assist all young people. Mr. Dufty was born in Canada, October 15, 184-7, son of John and Sarah (Keeley) Dufty. His father died in 1853, and at the age of seven years F. M. was brought to the United States by his mother. He grew to manhood in Wisconsin, and in 1875 came to Mower county, purchasing sixty acres in section 3, Lyle township. To this he added until at one time he owned 480 acres. He now possesses 360 acres in sections 3 and 4. Since 1907 he has left the management of his farm largely to his sons. Aside from his property in Lyle township he owns building lots in Austin, and 800 acres in Burleigh county, North Dakota, as well as half a section in Rossoau county, and a quarter section in Beltrami county, in Minnesota. Mr. Dufty is a temperance Republican. He has served on the town board, and he and his wife have both been members of the school board. He was married in 1878 to Fannie J. Powers, who died in 1895, leaving seven children: Avery J., proprietor and manager of the Normal restaurant; Alma, married to Claude Howard, a banker, of Freeborn, Minn.; Delia, who is now the wife of Joseph Lewis, of Grand Meadow; Mary, Avife of H. L. Dawson, express mail clerk, of Albert Lea; George, of Beltrami county, married to Selma Johnson; Jay, who lives on the old homestead, and Jesse, who is a student in the Southern Minnesota Normal college. John and Sarah (Kecley) Dufty were natives of Nottinghamshire, England, and as young people came to Canada, where they were married. Tlie former, who was a watchmaker and gunsmith by trade, died in 1853, and the latter came to southern Wisconsin, where she remained until 1902, when she came to Minnesota, and died in Austin in 1904.

B. F. Carll, a well-to-do farmer of Lansing township, was born in Arcadia, Wayne county, New York, December 2, 1854, and grew to manhood in New York state. In 1871 he came west with his father, and settled on land that his father had purchased in Udolpho the previous year. Benjamin's early manhood was passed on this farm, and when he was twenty-two years of age he purchased a farm in Waltham township and lived there five years. Then in 1885 he moved back on the old farm, lived there six years, then went to Michigan and stayed seven years. After his return to Mower county he bought out his father's heirs, and thus secured possession of the home farm, which he subsequently conducted five years. He is now living on the old Williams place in the town of Lansing. Mr. Carll is a member of the Masonic order. The subject of this sketch married Etta Fifield, daughter of John S. and Rhoda (Pope) Fifield, natives of Michigan, the former of whom was a prominent farmer in Jackson county. Mr. and Mrs. Carll have one daughter, now Mrs. George Clement.

Samuel Carll, a native of Maine, moved to New York state in 1812. In 1869 he came west and purchased a half section from R. F. Leighton in Udolpho township. He then returned to New York state, and two years later came back to his farm in Mower county, bringing with him his son, B. F. Samuel Carll died in 1878, and his Avife, Jane Drake, passed away in 1901.

Sven Anderson, of Austin, garage and monument man, Avas born in Sweden, June 7, 1842, son of Samuel and Mary (Gustafson) Anderson, Avho lived and died in the old country. Sven came to America in 1869, located in Austin, and worked a few weeks on the railroad. Then he worked out for a time farming and in 1870 rented a farm in Austin township for one year. Then he worked for the McCormick Harvester Company five years, and afterward purchased a farm in Marshall township, this county. On this farm he remained eight years and then came to Austin, and started dealing in machinery. In 1896 he started in the machine business for himself, and later took up the sale of monuments with his son, John H. Anderson, in Avhieh business he ha.s been very successful. In 1910 he opened a garage and buj-s, rents and sells several makes of automobiles. Mr. Anderson is a Republican and while in Marshall township was supervisor of the township for a time. He Avas also deputy sheriff for sI.k years. The subject of this sketch has allied himself with the B. P. 0. E., the M. W. A. and the Masonic order, in Avhich latter body he belongs both to the Blue lodge and to the chapter. He was married January 13, 1864, to Anna C. Anderson, and to this union have been born six children - Albert, John, Axel, who died aged 24; George E., the assistant postmaster at Austin ; Arthur, Herbert and Esther E., the latter being Mrs. Arthur Carlson. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church.

William T. Adams was born in Illinois, March 29, 1860, and came to this part of the country in 1881. He was a telegraph operator for a number of years for the railroad, and then became a successful farmer in section 17, Udolpho township. He married in 1885, his wife being Jennie M. Washburn, daughter of Seth S. and Julia A. (McQuivey) Washburn, and they have six children - Edgarda T., Beatrice, Mary F., John Q., Stanley E., Theodore R.

Seth S. Washburn, early settler of Udolpho township, was born in Bethel, Yt., June 11, 1826, son of James and Ruth (Sanford) Washliurn, both natives of Massachusetts, the former born in 1783 and the latter in 1785, moving to Vermont in 1785. The parents of Ruth Sanford also moved to Vermont when young, were there manned, and there died, the father May 9, 1861, and the mother November 18, 1869. Before marrying Ruth Sanford, James Washburn married Polly Chadwick in 1806. She died in 1815. Seth S. Washburn was the fourth of five children born to James Washburn by Ruth Sanford. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on the farm and received a district school ediication. He was married in Vermont, September 4, 1853, to Julia A. McQuivey, born in Vermont, July 4, 1825. In the fall of 1856 Seth S. Washburn left his native state and with his family settled in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he remained a short time. In May, 1857, he came to Mower county and after a brief stay in Udolpho township took up a claim in section 17. His wife died June 14, 1881, having borne to her husband six children, Sanford S., Jennie M., Hattie L., Emma H.. James L. (deceased), and Julius E., deceased. Honorable Sanford S. Washburn, after serving some years as probate judge of Mower county, lives in Washington ; Emma H. is the wife of J. P. Rogers, of Newport, Minn., and Hattie makes her home with her.

Hosmer A. Brown, one of the substantial and honored citizens of Mower county, and after Avliom the thriving village of Brownsdale was named, was born in North Stonington, Conn., September 30, 1830, son of Matthew and Lucy (Denison) Brown, natives of .the Nutmeg state, wlio lived im an old homestead, which had been held within the family since the first settlement of Stonington. Tlie i)roj)ei-ty is still in the family. The parents lived on this fiinii until their death, the mother dying in 1849 and the father in 1860. They raised a family of four children, three boys and one girl, Hosmer A. being the yovingest. He received his education in the common schools and then learned the carpenter trade. In the fall of 1851, Mr. Brown went by the way of the Isthmus to California and engaged in mining for a period of two years, after which he received contracts for erecting government buildings at Fort Point, San Francisco. He followed this business until the spring of 1855, when he took passage on board the steamer "Golden Age" for home. When within 300 miles of Panama and off the island of Kakera the vessel struck a reef and stove a hole in her bow. The vessel was run ashore but soon filled with water and sank on the beach. Mr. Brown, having had experience in making pumps and draining mines in California, was employed by the captain to assist in stopping the leaks and getting the vessel afloat, which was accomplished on the ninth day, after which they set sail for the British dry docks on the island Toboga. For his services, Mr. Brown received from the steamship company $500 in the way of a donation. After remaining thirty days on the island he crossed the Isthmus and came on the steamer "Illinois," from there to his home in Connecticut, where he spent the summer. In the fall Mr. Brown started for Kansas. On reaching Ft. Des Moines, la., he heard so much of the troubles there that he changed his mind and came to Minnesota, arriving at Spring Valley, Fillmore county, December, and there spent the winter. In April, 1856, he, in company with his brother, Andrew D., who had come from Connecticut that spring, came to Red Rock township, this county. Hosmer A. entering the northeast quarter of section 9 with a land wan-ant given his father for services in the war of 1812. He also bought of a Norwegian the southeast quarter of section 9. Mr. Brown and his brother, together with John L. Johnson, were the original proprietors of the townsite of Brownsdale, where Mr. Brown's brother erected one of the first sawmills in Mower county. In the fall of 1870 Mr. Brown was elected to the legislature and served that term. The same year he secured the location of the Southern-Minnesota R. R. at Brownsdale.

Hosmer A. Brown was married in St. Paul January 1, 1870. to Mary L. Frink, born in North Stonington. Conn., her parents being Joseph and Lucy (Billings Coals) Frink, natives of Connecticut. The father was a soldier of the war of 1812. The mother died in 1866, aged 66. The father died in 1871 while visiting his son-in-law, Dr. William A. Babcock. in Illinois. ^Mrs. Brown received her education at the Suffiold Literary Institute, at Suffield, Conn.

William L. Hollister, M. D., ifliiid physician and surgeon, and former state senator in ISS'.i and member of the legislature in 1897, was born in the town of Sharon. Schoharie county, New

York. January 9, 1837, his father being Luther Hollister. William assisted his father on the farm, and attended the schools of his neighborhood. He started the study of medicine Avith Dr. A. H. Knapp as his preceptor, and then entered the Albany Medical college, graduating in 1861. After receiving his diploma he started practice in Stuj'vesant, Green county, New Y''ork, but at the end of two years removed to Kiug.ston, where he stayed until 1867. In that year he came west, locating in Lansing, this county, and continued practice there four years. In 1871 he came to Austin, where, with the exception of the time devoted to public office, he practiced continuously until ten years ago, when he retired. In 1883 he was elected to represent this district in the state senate. In May, 1883, he received an appointment as internal revenue agent, and in 1907 again Avent to the state legislature. He also served as coroner many terms, and many year.s as pension examiner. Dr. Hollister is a member of the Masonic order and of the Elks. He was married January 9, 1862, to Mary E. Beatty, daughter of William Beatty, a bricklayer. Mrs. Hollister was born at Coxsackie, N, Y., March 27, 1837, and to her union with William L. Hollister three children were born. Lansing 0. is the only one living; Clarence and John F. being dead.

Christian A. Hegge, M. D., skilled practitioner of Austin, one of the members of the firm of Hegge & Hegge, physicians and surgeons, was born in Biri, Norway, April 23, 1866. He attended school in Norway, and came to America in 1887. He at once entered the Augsberg Seminary, at Minneapolis, and after two years entered the scientific department of the University of Minnesota. In 1890 he entered the medical department of the University of Illinois, graduating in 1893. After a year spent as an interne in the city hospital at Minneapolis, he came to Austin in 1894, and in partnership with his brother, Olav IL, started the practice of medicine. In 1900 he took a post-graduate course at the Chicago Clinical School, in 1903 attended clinics in Germany, England and the Scandinavian countries, in 1906 attended the Chicago Policlinic, and in 1908 at the Chicago Post-Graduate School. For twelve years he has been one of the physicians and surgeons at St. Olav's hospital, in Austin, which he and his brother foiuided. Dr. Christian A. Hegge belongs to the American, state and county medical associations, and has been secretary of the latter two years. He belongs to the 'Masons and the IMaccabees and vot(>s tin- Di-mocratic ticket. Tlic subject of this sketch was married jNlay 14, 189:"), and to this union have been born (wo children, Nina, July 31, 1896, and Agnes, February 9, 1899, the wife's name being Isabella Dalager. The family residence is at 916 Lansing avenue.

and surgeons, was born in Biri, Norway, March 20, 1872, and there roeeived his earlier education. He came to America in 1889, entered the University of Minnesota, and then the medical department of the University of Illinois, graduating in 1893. Then he spent one year as an interne in the Bethesda Hospital, St. Paul, and in 1894 came to Austin, where he joined his brother, C. A. For twelve years Dr. Olav H. Hegge has been one of the physicians and surgeons at St. Olav's Hospital, of which he was the real founder. In 1903 Dr. 0. H. Hegge spent a year attending clinics in Germany, England and the Scandinavian countries. He has also taken a number of post-graduate courses in the leading post-graduate schools of New York, Chicago and New Orleans. He belongs to the American, state and county medical associations, and was secretary of the latter organization one year. He is a Mason, a Republican in politics, and a member of the Lutheran church. The subject of this sketch was married Api'il 20, 1898, to Stella L. Johnson, and this union has been blessed with three children - IMilda, Rolv and Valfrid. The family home is at 811 High street in Austin.

Alden A. Hickok was born in Green county, Wisconsin, December 23, 1856, son of John H. and Christy S. (Bennett) Hickok. He was brought to Mower county by his parents in 1863 and attended the district schools and the Austin high school. He taught school winters and worked on the farm at home summers until twenty-six years of age, and then went to Minneapolis, where, after working in the shipping room and offices of a Avholesale furniture manufacturing company for a time, he went on the road as a traveling salesman for the same concern for six years. After this he again returned to Mower county, and after three years of teaching purchased the old home farm of eighty acres, on which he now conducts general farming. He was elected assessor in 1904, and with the exception of the year 1905 has held that position continuously. IMr. Hickok was married March 30, 1892, to Lillie M. Bishop, of LeRoy village, and to this union have been born ten children - Otto B., Mina Belle, Christea May, Helen C, Adson M., Lilliam L., Lou Thorne, Etta E., Alice A. and NTathan J., all of whom, with the exception of Mina Bell(% who is attending high school in LeRoy, are still at home.

John H. Hickok, Avho came to Austin township in early war times, was born in Ohio in 1830 and came to Green county, Wisconsin, in 1846, his people coming some time later. He married Christy S. Bennett, who came with her parents about the same time, in 1853. In 1863 John H. Hickok and his family came to ]\rower county, and here he preempted eighty acres of land in Lyle toAvnship. selling out his claim a year later. In the early days he licllxMl to buiid tiio historir old Gregson-Offi.-.-r mill. Mr. lli.-kok followed general farming on his farm in section 25, Austin township, which he bought in 1865. until 1891, when he retired and moved to Austin, where his wife died in August, 1905, and where he passed away in November, 1908. ]\Ir. Hickok was assessor of Austin, with the exception of one year, from 1872 to 1891. Of his children, Alden A. is assessor of Austin township ; Mrs. "\V. W. Hommel lives in Austin and has two children, Harry and jMeda ; Mrs. H. R. Campbell also lives in Austin, and E. H. died in November, 1909, leaving his widow, Elizabeth, and three children - Beatrice, Ray and Walter, likewise living in Austin.

George Hirsh, one of the leading merchants of Austin, has been engaged in the retail trade since early manhood. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 19, 1856, son of Isaiah and Rosa (Stern) Hirsh, the former of whom was a grain dealer. The father died in 1882 and the mother one year later. George received his education in the schools of Germany and then came to America in 1873. He took up peddling of dry goods and notions in New York state and Vermont for seven years. In 1880 he went west and opened a meat market and grocery store in Chicago, conducting same for four years. The clothing business then occupied his attention in Council Grove, Kan. In 1887 he came to Austin, where he has since remained. Opening with a .stock of clothing and men's shoes, he gradually increased his business, until it reached the proportions which justified the erection of a fine block in 1900. This block is located on the corner of Main and Water streets, and is two stories in height, 95x100 feet. The ground floor is devoted to his store and auditorium, while the upper floor contains lodge rooms and offices. Mr. Hirsh is a member of the board of education of Austin, and has served as chairman of the County Republican Central Committee. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and also belongs to the Austin Commercial Club. Mr. Hirsh was married February 12, 1895, at Neenah. Wis., to Eva Billstein, and this union has been blessed with three children - Rephah B., Elizabeth F. and Alexander' I., all at home. Aside from his business block, ]\Ir. Hirsh owns a pleasant liome at the corner of Courtland and Greenwich streets.

Joel A. Hart, now deceased, was a farmer in Austin townsliip in the years folhiwiug the Civil war. He was a substantial citizen, and was much respected at the time of his death, December 28, 1882. By his union Avith Amy Vareo, born in Canada, daughter of Tliomas and Emaline (Eddy) Varco, he had three children: Eugene V., Orrie and Jennie. Eugene V. married Rachel Brooks and they have two children: Irene and Bernice. Jennie is now Mrs. Shepplay and is the mother of three children, Marjerie, Amy and Ruby. Eugene V. now conducts the liome farm in Austin

Thomas Varco, one of the earliest settlers, was born in Enuland and moved at an early date to Canada, where he married Emaline Eddy, who was born in Coberg, Ontario, and is still living at the good old age of 84. The family moved to Wisconsin, there remained six years, and then came to Austin, arriving July 24, 1856. A daughter, Mrs. Amy Hart, now living in Austin, well remembers this long and tedious trip to Austin by ox eart. Thomas Varco was a farmer and raised a family of eight children, of whom five are living : Amy, now Mrs. Joel A. Hart ; Maitland, wlio married Hattie Bowers ; Charles, who married Isabell Gammel; Jennie, now Mrs. Berton Hart, and Justin, who married Etta Streeter and manages the home farm. Thomas Varco died February 12, 1893.

0. J. Hill, a retired farmer now living in Austin, dates his residence in MoAver county from 1857. He was born in Carroll county. New Hampshire, ^March 8, 1835, son of James and Sally (Brown) Hill, both natives of New Hampshire, the former dying in that state and the latter coming to Red Rock township in 1857, and there ending her days. 0. J. received his education in the district schools, moved to Oshkosh in 1853 and then in 1857 came to Mower county, making the trip by ox team, Avhich took four weeks, locating in Red Rock township. He purchased 160 acres of government land at $2.50 an acre and later acquired 200 acres of railroad land. Still later he purchased 220 acres, owning at the present time 480 acres, all of which he developed and improved, and nearly all of which he broke. Here he built a beautiful home and followed general farming successfully until 1898, Avhen he retired and moved to Austin, where he now resides. "While on the farm he made a specialty of breeding fine stock, especially Red Polls and Shorthorns. He sold four different teams which he raised for |400 a pair. For six years IMr. Hill Avas chairman of Red Rock township, and he also served various terras on the school board and as pathmaster. He is a Republican in politics. The subject of this sketch was married March 6, 18G2, to Frances Ransom, of Ripon, Wis., whose father erected the first house in Oshkosh. To this union have been born seven children : Walter J., of Oregon ; Arthur H., of Oelwein, Iowa ; Eliza G., wife of C. F. Lewis; Edmund T., who occupies the old farm in Red Rock township; Laura J., James O. and Sallic E. Tlic family faith is that of the Episcopal church.

Ralph P. Crane, lumberman, of Austin, Avas born in this city April 21, 1887, son of Frank I. and Sylvia (Pettibone) Crane, the ])ioneers. He received his edncation in tlie Austin sclionls. and graduated from the Austin iii-rh school in 1!)()."). jiftrrward taking courses at Carleton College, Nortlifield ; the University of Minnesota, at Minneapolis, and the Cornell University, at Ithaea, N. Y., taking law studies in the latter institution. In July, 1909, he took up the lumber business in Austin with his father, and at the time of the latter "s death took full charge of the business. While at college he was admitted to the fellowship of the Alpha Delta Phi, one of the Greek letter fraternities, and since then he has allied himself with the IMasonie order. He is president of the Austin and Mower County Automobile Club and also a member of the Austin Commercial Club.

Benjamin Hilker, a veteran of the Civil war, now deceased, and for many years a well-liked resident of Austin, was born in Preston, Ontario, November 22, 1843, and as a boy moved witii his parents to Fort Elgin, Ontario, where he grew to manhood. He v.-as married there January 22, 1869, to Abigail Detwiler, daughter of John R. Detwiler. Mr. and Mrs. Hilker came west in 1873, and settled in Lansing, where they lived on a farm for twelve years. In 1885 they moved to Austin, where the family has since resided. For three years Mr. Hilker was in the meat business with Fiehn & JMcMann. Later he Avorked at the trade of mason and house mover. During the Civil war, while at work in the Michigan woods, he enlisted at Flint, Mich., in Co. I, 30th Mich. Vol. Inf., in 1864, serving until the close of the war. He died September 10, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Hilker had five children: Mrs. Dell Roberts, John Hilker, Mrs. Eugene Fairbanks, Albert Plilker and Mrs. Charles Pitcher. Abigail Detwiler Hilker, widow of Benjamin Hilker, now makes her home at 400 "Water street, Austin. She was born in Roseville, Ontario, Canada, and is the daughter of John R. and Nancy (Dodge) Detwiler, the former a hotel keeper in Canada. John R. Detwiler and his father Avere both from Pennsylvania, and of Dutch (Holland) ancestry, the latter for many years conducting a grist mill on the Schuylkill river in that state.

Reuben Oscar Hall, a retired business man of Austin, and one of the hoiioied old residents of Mower county, was born in Rochester, Vt., January 10, 1829, son of Reuben and ]\larena (Brown) Hall. He received his early education in the district schools of his neighborhood, and took one year's course in the high school at Rutland, Vt. He came west in 1850, and located in Wisconsin, farming summers and teaching school winters for six years. In 1856 he went to Mendota, 111., and there engaged in the grocery business until 1866, in which year lie went to AVheaton, 111., a short distance out of Chicago, in DuPage county, and purchased a farm. Three years later, in 1869, he went to Dixon, 111., and engaged in the lloiii- business four years. The year 1873 dates his arrival in Austin. In that year he came liere and opened a dry goods store in partnership with his son-in-law, Col. Charles L. West. After twenty-six years' constant attention to this business, he sold the business to Colonel West and retired. Then he spent nearly two years in California and one year traveling in the southern states. I\Ir. Hall is a Republican in politics, having been an Abolitionist and a Prohibitionist also ; has served as sheriff of Mower county four years, from 1875 to 1879; has been alderman of Austin from the second ward, and has done excellent service to the city as chairman of the Austin board of education. He is a high degree IMason, and has been a trustee of the Methodist church for over forty years. The subject of this sketch was married April 8, 1852, to Frances Annette Smith, a native of Schoharie county. New York, born April 8, 1834, and died July 25, 1896, leaving six living children. Eliza INIarena, born May 4, 1856, in Mendota, 111., is now Mrs. Lyman D. Baird. Chai'lotte Cerucia, born January 6, 1853, in Winnebago county. Wisconsin, married Col. C. L. West, and is now deceased. Frank 0., born July 29, 1860, in Mendota, 111., is a groceryman of Austin. Adelbert Eugene, born July 16, 1871, in Dixon, 111., is agent for the Wells-Fargo Express Company, at Madison, S. D. Fred H., born September 12, 1869, in Dixon, HI., lives in Kansas and travels for the Marshall Field Company, of Chicago. Jay Mason, born March 25, 1873, is a St. Paul dentist. Mr. Hall was married the second time August 31, 1897, to Alice Gertrude Harvey, of Woodstock, Vt., daughter of George W. and Caroline (Conant) Harvey, of Woodstock, Vt., the former being still living and the latter dead. To this union have been born two children : Louise Elizabeth, born February 18, 1899, and Reuben Harvey, born April 17, 1905. It is worthy of note that the old Harvey homestead in Woodstock, Vt., has been in the family since the time of Mrs. Hall's great-great-grandfather in revolutionary times, and is now owned by Mrs. Hall's father, G. W. Harvey. Edmond Harvey, ]Mrs. Hall's great-great-grandfather, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

Reuben Hall, father of Reuben Oscar Hall, was born in Vermont and there married Marena Brown, a native of the same state. They came west in 1853 and located in AVisconsin, coming to MoAver county in 1867. Here they took up their residence and farmed a few miles out of Austin all their lives. Reuben Hall lived to be 80 years of age, and his wife reached the age of 93. Both now repose in Oakwood cemetery at Austin. John Brown, maternal grandfather of Reuben Oscar Hall, was one of the first settlers in the town of Rochester, Vt. He was a veteran of the War of 1812. and took part in the ])attle of Plattsburg.

triet Schools of Clayton township and in the Austin graded schools. He began life for himself as a clerk in the store of C. ^I. Rice, in Austin, for a year, and then formed a partnership with L. G. Billings in a general store at Oakland village in Fillmore county, a few miles from Austin. In 1898 he sold his interest, and purchased his father's farm of 150 acres in Austin township, on which tract he has since conducted general farming. He has been road overseer four years, was school clerk for six years, and has taken an active interest in public affairs. He attends the Christian church, and belongs to the Modern Samaritans and the jModern Woodmen of America. Mr. Hobson was married June 28, 1899, to Emma Rosenthal, and their home is brightened by one child, Mildred.

Robert Hobson, retired farmer of Austiii, was born in England December 11, 1845, and there lived until thirteen years of age, at which time he came to Sparta, Wis., and lived on a farm. In 1877 he came to Minnesota and located in Spring Valley, where he farmed two years. Then he came to Mower county, purchased 440 acres in Clayton tOAvnship, and there lived thirteen years. Later he moved to Austin township and continued farming. In 1898 he sold a tract of land in section 21, Austin township, to his son Andrew, and purchased a quarter section in section 32, Red Rock township, where he lived five years, after which he sold out, purchased his present property and erected his present home. Robert Hobson was married July 10, 1867, at Sparta, "Wis., to Almira Kelsey, of Pennsylvania, and this union has been blessed Avith five children: Eliza, Jayne, Andrew, Blanche and Almira. Dr. Eliza Morrison has erected a sanitarium Avhich she conducts at Stuttgart, Ark. ; Jayne married John Anderson and died in November, 1892, leaving -a son, Robert I., who has been adopted by his grandparents ; Andrew farms in Austin township ; Blanche died January 23, 1896, and Almira married Albert AVatkins.

Abram Hollister, now deceased, a veteran of the Civil war, gave his health and strength to the service of his country, receiving wounds on the nation's battlefields from which he never fully recovered, suffering therefrom until his death, April 1, 1909. I\Ir. Hollister came to Austin in ante])ellum days, and at the outbreak of the Civil war enlisted in Co. K, 4th Minn. Vol. Inf., his enlistment dating in 1862. He was wounded in the right foot, and received his discharge in 1865. He never fully recovered from this wound, and although he continued farming for some years his wound annoyed him all his life and hastened, probably, his end. He was married in 1866 to Celia Rawson, and this union was blessed with two daughters, Alice M. and IMyra J. Alice I\I. married Elmer Loucks, and they have three children: Arthur H., Celia ]M. and AVilliam A. Nathan Graves is the husband of Myra

J. and they have two children, Lester H. and Nathan A. Mrs. Celia (Rawson) Hollister, widow of Abrara HoUister, was horn iu Jefferson county, New York, daiighter of Ozias Rawson, a carpenter liy ti'ade, wlio later in life moved to Canada and Ix'canic a farmer.

Aaron E. Henslin, M. D., C. M., who has taken a deep interest in the business and social progress of IMower county, as well as iu its hygiene and sanitation, was born in Racine, in this county, June 20, 1865, son of Frederic and Ernstine (Weckwerth) Henslin. He was reared on a farm in his native township, attended the Spring Valley high school, and in 1888 entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Keokuk, Iowa, graduating with a medical degree in 1891. Then he took two courses in the Chicago Polyclinic, and in the fall of 1894 entered the Milwaukee Medical College, graduating with honors iu surgery in 1895. In the summer of 1891 Dr. Henslin practiced a short time in Adams. After completing his special studies he came to LeRoy, where he has been since that date in active practice, having an extensive clientele, and enjoying that full measure of confidence and regard which is the skillful physician's reward. Dr. Henslin is a member of the American, state and county medical associations, as well as of the Austin, Flint and Cedar Valley association, of Iowa, the Anti-Tubercular Congress, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has served as president of the Mower county association. He is also county coroner and county health officer. His civic interest is shown by his membership in the LeRoy Improvement Association, and he is also a member of the I. O. 0. F., the Degree of Rebekah, the B. P. O. E. and the M. \V. A. He was one of the chief promoters and one of the organizers of the LeRoy I'elephone Company, of Avhich he is now the treasurer. Dr. Henslin was married June 1, 1905, at Racine, this county, to May L. Piuckney, and their son, Robert F., died at the age of two years.

Frederic Henslin, the pioneer, was born in Prussia, Germany, and came to America at the age of 25 years. He was married in Wisconsin to Ernstine Weckwerth, who was born in his native place and was brought to this country with her parents at the age of ten years. Frederic Henslin and his wife came to IMower county in 1859. and located in Red Rock township, going in 1863 to Racine township. Frederic died November 23, 1903, and the mother June 21, 1891. They had nine children, seven of whom arc living: Christina, wife of John Pfuhl, of Sergeant; Aaron E. Henslin ; Emma, wife of Augu.st Rein, of Paynesville, 'SUnn. ; Sarali, widow of Charles Davis, of Pasadena, California : Julius F., of Ilalbrite. Canada; Bertha, wife of J. C. Sdiroedei-. of Racine towLship, and ^lary L., a tcadier in Minneapolis.

Atkins Hotson, who is acceptably filling the position of secretary for the ]iIower County Farmers' Fire and Lightning Mutual Insurance Company, -was born in Norfolk, England, March 22, 1851, son of Thomas and Esther (Guttridge) Ilotson, who brought him to Illinois in 1854 and to IMower county in 1862. He received the larger part of his early education in the district schools of Lyle township, and farmed Avith his father until 1877, when he started farming for himself in section 14, Lyle township. He first purchased eighty acres, but by thrift and energy he managed to acquire 200 acres, all in Lyle township, which he still owns. On this place he successfully conducted farming operations until 1902, when he rented his land to his son, and moved to Austin to assume the position which he has since occupied. Mr. Hotson is at the present time serving with credit as a member of the city council of Austin. While in Lyle he served twenty-two years as town clerk. He was also treasurer of school district No. 12 at one time and clerk of district No. 54 for many years. Mr. Hotson belongs to the A. F. & A. M. and to the Knights of Pythias. He was married May 24, 1876, to Maria E. Gregg, of Nevada township, this county, who died January 3, 1900, leaving four children : Frank A., now farming in Nevada township ; Fay G., who is on the old homestead in Lyle township; Mabel E., who is a graduate of the Austin high school and teaches school, and Nellie M., at the present time a student of the Austin high school. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Thomas Hotson, of Lyle township, was born in Norfolk, England, and there married Esther Guttridge, a native of the same locality. They came to America in 1854 and located in Illinois until 1862, Avhen they came to Mower county and purchased 160 acres of land, which they broke and developed, still carrying ou general farming.

Patrick Hoban, retired farmer, was born in Kilkenny county, Ireland, August 15, 1847, son of Martin and (Purcell) Hoban. He was brought by his parents to America at the age of five years, lived in New York two years, and then came with his parents to Wisconsin, Avhere he spent his boyhood. In 1862 he came with them to Rochester, Minn., and remained there until the following summer, when he came to Oakland township, Freeborn county, liclped his father break land, and then went back to Rochester. In 1868 he located in Oakland township, Freeborn county, took up eighty acres of railroad land, made the usual improvements, .'ind added to his land until he owned 500 acres, all in Freeborn county. In the meantime he bought half a section in South Dakota, sold this tract, and purchased a whole section in North Dakota, and later disposed of this tract also. In 1909 he purchased a fine property on College street in Austin, where he has siuce resided. Mr. Hoban is an independent Democrat and attends the Catholic church. He has worked his way upward in life by his own efforts entirely. Mr. Hoban was married November 1, 1874, to Mary McGuire, a native of Berlin, Wis. This union has been blessed with eight children: jMary, now Mrs. James Quinn, of Bowman county, N. D. ; Julia, now Mrs. Gus Kenevan, of Freeborn county ; Martin, who is on the home farm ; James, wlio is also on the home farm ; Nana, who is a school teacher ; William, who is in North Dakota; Arthur and Katheriae, who are at home. Martin and Julia (Purcell) Hoban were born in Ireland and came to America in 1852, remaining in New Jersey two years. Then they located in Berlin, Green county, Wisconsin, and remained until 1862, when they came overland to Freeborn county, remaining one summer, on the way, in Rochester. Martin home steaded eighty acres in section 14, Oakland township, but the first year lived on what was known as the Johnson place. He improved his land and increased his acreage to 240. Mrs. Hoban died in 1881 and her husband in 1886.

William M. Hynie, the capable manager of the Albun & White lime kiln, at LeRoy, was born in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, March 15, 1874. He received his education in Blue Earth county, and then worked three years with the C. M. & St. P. Then he took a position with Fowler & Pay, of Mankato, and has since been engaged in the lime business, working for a time in Austin, and now in LeRoy, his home being located in Austin. He is a Republican in politics, a Lutheran, and a member of the M. W. A. and the F. O. E. In addition to being in the lime business, Mr. H\Tiie spent one season, that of 1906, in Montana, where he worked on railroad bridge construction. Nels and Carrie Hynie, parents of William M. Hynie, were born in Norway, and on coming to America located in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, where they took a homestead of 120 acres in Brilliant Valley. In 1892 they retired and moved to Lake Crystal, in the same county, Nels dying there February 28, 1893, and his wife, January 8, 1895.

Milan J. Hart, M. D., a successful practitioner, is village officer of LcRoy, and vice-president of the First State Bank in the same village. He was born in Dover, Olmsted county, Minn., May 9, 186G, son of John G. and Phoebe (March) Hart. J^Iilan J. pa.ssed his boyhood and early manhood on the farm, attended the village schools, graduated from the Dover high school, and then entered the University of Minnesota, graduating from the medical department in 1895. After a short period as interne in the City Hospital, at Minneapolis, he came to LeRoy and opened an office. He has a wide trade and is well liked. Being thoroughly ethical in his practice, he has allied himself with the American, the ^Minnesota, the Southern Minnesota and the Mower County Med- ieal associations, and keeps well abreast of the latest developments in medicine and surgery by wide reading. He is a Eoyal Arch Mason, a member of the Eastern Star, and a member of the M. W. A. Dr. Hart married Maybelle Avery, daughter of John and Myra (Mitchell) Avery, early settlers. John G. Hart came to Minnesota in 1856, locating -west of Rochester, and moved to Dover in 1863, farming there the remainder of his daj's and died in 1876. He married Phoebe March, who proved an able helpmeet, and lived until 1895, when she, too, passed to the Great Beyond.

John S. Lacy was an early hotel keeper in Austin, having erected the second hotel in the place. Mr. Lacy was a native of Ohio and upon coming to Austin erected a two-story frame building opposite the present court house square, on the site now occupied by the McCullough printing establishment. Mr. Lacy sold his house to Asa Brown, who in the fall of 1865 sold it to one Cole, who in th'e spring of 1866 sold it to Jacob and A. M. Fleck, who raised the main part of the building, put in a basement, added a story and fitted up in all thirty rooms. The Fleck house was then built on the same site. After passing through several hands, it ceased to be a hotel and is now used for commercial purposes, as above stated. Mr. Lacy died in Montrose, S. D., September 13, 1902.

Jonas Haney, the pioneer, was born in Sussex county, Ncav Jersey, August 1, 1828. He grew to manhood in his native county, receiving his education in the common schools. His parents were John and Sarah (Berk) Haney, the former a native of Pennsjdvania, of Germant descent and the latter a native of New Jersey, of English extraction. This couple reared a family of nine children, and continued to reside in New Jersey the remainder of their days. In 1851 Jonas Haney went to Port Jervis, Orange county, N. Y., and was there married to Sophia Miller, born in Orange county. New York, January 15, 1831. He worked at the carpenter and joiner's trade three years after his marriage, and in the spring of 1856 came to Minnesota, landing at Winona the first day of May. He remained there until September of the same year, when he came to Mower county and settled in section 30, Lansing township, where he remained until the time of his death, in 1892, with the exception of two years which lie spent in Austin. Mr. Haney was a Republican in politics, and filled \arious offices of trust in the township. He was county commissioner two terms, assessor of his township for some time, and chairman of the board of supervisors. He had four sons - John W., now living in Oregon ; Myron C, now deceased ; Charles and Frank. His wife died in 1909.

Lausiug, was born in Lansing township, January 24, 1859, son of Jonas and Sophia (Miller) Ilaney. He was reared on the home farm, attended the district schools, and later took up farming for himself, being now one of the substantial men of the township. Like his father before him he is a Republican in politics, and his term as supervisor has extended over a period of fourteen years. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen, the Eagles and the Court of Honor. The subject of this sketch was married many yeai's ago to Lillie A. Lacy, born in the old Lacy house, in Austin, daughter of John S. Lacy. Mr. and ]\Irs. Haney are the happy parents of six children - Sophia, Robert L., Orma, Leonard, Aaron and Everett.

W. F. Cobb, M. D., physician and surgeon, of Lyle, has taken an active part in the official and private life of Mower and ]\Iitchell counties, and has attained an enviable position among the medical fraternity of this portion of Minnesota and Iowa. In the medical world he is a member of the American, Minnesota State, Mower County, Mitchell County and Austin Flint Cedar Valley Medical associations, having been president of the Mower County association and both president and treasurer of the Mitchell County association. He has been county coroner of Mitchell county and served fifteen years as secretary of the school board of Mona. He has been mayor of Lyle, has served six years as president of the Lyle school board ; is president of the Lyle Telephone Company, has been local surgeon for the Illinois Central for over thirty years, and is medical examiner for numerous standard insurance companies as well as of a number of fraternal insurance orders. W. F. Cobb was born in Maine, June 14, 1847. son of JoeL and Abigail E. (O'Brien) natives of Maine who after living in Wisconsin for a time came to Iowa and lived in Mona until Joel died in 1877, after which Abigail E. returned to Maine where she ended her days. The sub.ject of this sketch received the nsual preliminai^y education, and then entered the University of Wisconsin in 1865, graduating in 1870. In the fall of the latter year he entered the Chicago Medical College, and Avas graduated, after the requisite hospital and dispensary practice, in 1874. He then started practice in Llona, remained until 1895, and then came to Lyle, where he has a wide practice in village and country. April 30, 1871, he married Abbie C. ]\Iason, of Rutland, Wis., daughter of ^Mr. and ]\rrs. J. Warner Mason, both now deceased. This imion has been blessed with four children: Edith A., Edna :\r., Ethel M. and Enid 11. J:ditii A. is the AvitV of L. O. OLson, station agent for the C, :\I. & St. P. at Northtield, ]\Iinn. Niles C. Putnam is the husband of the second daughter, Edna M. Ethel M., after teaching school six years, studied domestic science in the Thomas Xoi'iiial Training seliool at De- troit, Mich., and is now attending the Stout Training School at Menominee, Wis. Enid H. is a telephone operator at Lyle. Dr. Cobb is a Repiiblican, a high degree Mason, and a member of various leading fraternities. He attends the First Congregational Church of Lyle, of which he is a deacon and church collector.

William M. Howe, now deceased, was a man of high moral character, and his uprightness of life gave him an enviable standing in the community, both as a public servant and as a private citizen. He was born in Canton, N. Y., June 19, 1835, son of Nathan and LockAvood Howe, received his education in the New York State College in his native place, and then took up clerical work in the court house in the same town, that being the seat of government of the county. Mr. Howe came west in 1865, lived for a time in Lansing village, and engaged in farming for seven years. Later he moved to Austin, was elected county commissioner, and still later became register of deeds, serving six years with much credit. During his term of office he compiled a set of abstract books, and after retiring from public life opened an abstract and real estate office, remaining in this business the remainder of his life. Values of more than a million and a half dollars passed under his abstracts, and an abtract of title from him was considered as good as a guarantee from a bonding company. Mr. Howe was a Republican, affiliated with the A. 0. U. W. and belonged to the Congregational church. He was clerk of the latter for a number of years, and he, his wife and his daughter all sang in the choir at various times. Mr. Howe departed this life May 16. 1908. He was married January 23, 1867, to Susan J. Soule, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Rensslaer Soule, the former a graduate of the Green Mountain University, of Burlington, Vt., and a physician of considerable note. Dr. and Mrs. Soule came west in 1865, located at Lansing, in Mower county, lived there a number of years and in 1872 came to Austin. The doctor died November 7, 1880, and his wife passed away March 10, of the same year. Mrs. Howe was born in Fairfax, Vt., February 21, 1842. She and her husband were blessed with one daughter - Jessie Ellen, who was born November 9, 1867, married AYinfield S. Pierce, died April 18, 1894, and left one daughter, Florence G., who now lives with her father at Seattle, Wash., having made her lioine with her grandmother imtil fifteen years of age.

John M. Greenman, for several years judge of probate of .Mower county, was born in Steuben county, New York, April 15, 1837, son of Henry G. and Mary B. (Maxsou) Greenman. He graduated from the Allegany College, at Alfred, Allegany county, New York, the institution being at that time known as the Alfred Academy. After graduating, he came west in 1852, and taught school two years in Milton, Wis. In 1856 he located in Olmsted county, this state, and combined farming with the practice of law, having in the meantime been admitted to the bar. In 1863 he went back to Milton, owing to failing health. In 1870 he came to Austin, in which town he has since lived. He at once took up the practice of law, served as city attorney several terras at different times, and from 1880 to 1884 was county attorney. In 1902 he was elected judge of probate and served from January, 1903, to January, 1911. Judge Greenman is a Kepubliean, a IMason, and a member of the B. P. 0. E. and the M. AV. A. He was married October 24, 1858, to Elizabeth Sturdivant, daughter of Peleg Sturdivant. This union has been blessed with three children. Henry and George are dead. Fay W., who was born in May, 1878, is a prominent attorney in Austin, now associated with his father in the practice of law, the firm being styled Greenman & Greenman. Henry G. Greenman was born in New York state, and married Mary B. Maxson, Avho was born in a lighthouse off from Long Island. They came to Wisconsin in 1852 and spent the remainder of their lives in Milton, in that state, Henry G. dying in 1863. and Mary B. in 1886.

Matthew Gregson, now deceased, for many years a prominent miller of IMower county, was a man of upright and honest dealing, one in whose integrity and honor his fellow citizens had the most implicit trust. He was born in Lancashire, England, in November, 1838. In 1856, accompanied by his sister, he crossed tlie ocean and located for a few years in Illinois with a sister, who had previously taken up her residence there. He next went to Minnesota, and lived for a short time in Freeborn county, but having reached the county during a rainy season he was unfavorably impressed with the weather, and returned to Illinois. Later he went to Kansas, to Pike's Peak and to Missouri. Then he went south, and enlisted at Vicksburg in the Confederate army, serving under Bragg, Beauregard, Johnson and others. When Roseerans was advancing on Tellehoma, Tenn., Mr. Gregson refused to retreat with his regiment, and was captured by Union troops belonging to McCook's corps. He remained a prisoner four months, and was then paroled in November, 1863. In the spring of 1864 he returned to Mower county and engaged with his brother in the milling business south of Austin. He remained in this concern until 1869 or 1870, when he engaged for a short time in the mercantile business in Austin. The next spring he leased the Austin mill and operated it until his removal to Ramsey. In 1872 he erected the Ramsey mill and remained its owner and proprietor until the time of his death, in Octol)er, 1900. The subject of this sketch was married January 3, 1866, to Sarah G. Otter, who was born in :Madison, Ind., in 1839. This marriage resulted in eight children: Louisa, Anna, George, AVallaee, Clara and AVilliam. Mary and Frank are deceased. The mother of this family died Septeml)er 15, 1882.

Wallace Gregson, of Austin, wlio makes a business of electrical construction and supplies, was born in Austin on September 23, 1871, fourth child of Matthew and Sarah Gregson. After his father's death he continued to operate the Eamsey mill for a time and then disposed, of his interests to J. H. Meyer & Brother, the former being now the sole proprietor and owner of the mill which now has a capacity of seventy. barrels a day. Mr. Gregson then took up his present business. He married Edna G. Carll, daughter of Freeman A. and Eliza E. Carll, and they have two children, Doris and Wallace C. Mr. Gregson is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery and Eastern Star. Mrs. Gregson is a member of the Eastern Star.

I'reeman A. Carll, a well-known citizen of Lansing, was born in Lyons, "Wayne county, New York, in 1842, son of Beujamin and ]\Iartha Ann (Hamlin) Carll, both parents being natives of the town of New London, Me. The parents came Avest in 1863, and located in Lansing, keeping the hotel three years, after which they purchased the Timothy Andrews farm in Udolpho. Freeman A. enlisted in the2nd Minnesota Cavalry, November 1, 1863, and was discharged December 5, 1865. After leaving the army ho located oil a farm J and noAV has a well-tilled place in Lansing township. He belongs to the ]\Iasonic order and to the G. A. R. The subject of this sketch was married to Eliza E., daughter of Augustus and Elmii*a (Crouch) Carll, and five children blessed their imion: Louis R. (deceased) ; Edith I., now Mrs. G. W. Eastman, of Aiistin ; Edna G., now Mrs. Wallace Gregson, of Austin ; Liudorf P. and Ernest W., living in Lansing.

Joseph S. Bevier was born in Union township. Rock county, Wisconsin, March 11, 1847, son of Franklin Bevier, and Sarah Cole, his wife. He received his education in LeRoy, to which town he came in 1856 with his parents, and after school took up farming with his parents, at the same time learning the broom-making trade, working at that trade more or less for ten or twelve years, using his father's home-made machinery. Subsequently he spent some time in Kansas, and a few months in Pope county, Minn.. I)ut later returned to the old farm. In 1887 he moved to Seattle, but on accoimt of liis father's failing health, he returned to LeRoy in October, 1888, and four years later moved on his father's farm, remaining there till 1909, when he purchased a home in the old village of LeRoy. He is a Mason and a Republican. Mr. Bevier was married August 26, 1880, to Josephine Sweet, and they have one adopted daughter, l\lildr(Ml, avIio is the wife of George N. Sitts, of Portland, Ore.

Franklin Bevier, one of the i)iomHn-s of LeRoy, was born in Birghaniton, N. Y., Doeeinber 15, 1805. His grandfather on the mother's side, Captain Joseph Leonard, was a native of Vermont, and were pioneers in Broome county. New York. Ills father was a native of Holland, and came to America when quite young. When the subject of this sketch was seventeen years of age, his father died, and the care of the family devolved upon him. Previous to this he learned the blacksmith trade, and soon after engaged at that work, with his oldest brother, Zenus, remaining a resident of Broome county until 1843, when he went to Illinois, and lived there three years, after which he went to Wisconsin and settled near the present site of Evansville, Rock county. He bought land, and erected a frame house, which he opened as a tavern. This "was before the days of the railroad, and the tavern was on the Sugar river road from Mineral Point to Janesville, a route much traveled in those days. While proprietor of the Prairie House at Wisconsin he was engaged in the manufacture and sale of brooms, making his own machinery and acting as his own salesman. He managed his tavern under the name of Prairie House, in company with his younger brother, Henry, until 1854, then sold and moved to Green county, and located in the town of Dayton, remaining there two years. In 1856, with his family, he started for Minnesota. After eleven days they arrived in township 101, range 14 west, now known as LeRoy, and here Mr. Bevier purchased a claim and pre-empted the land, erecting buildings and bringing the place to a high stage of cultivation, among other improvements being a fine stone house, which still delights the eye of the passers by. Franklin Bevier was joined in marriage to Sarah Cole, in 1845. She was born in the town of Coventry, Chenango county. New York, April 6, 1820. They had eight children: Joseph S., of LeRoy; Frederick G., deceased; Polly Ararainta, now Mrs. W. W. Sweet, of LeRoy; Franklin J., deceased; Henrietta E., deceased; Theodore, who died at three years of age. and Flora, who died in infancy. Mr. Bevier died in 1894, and his wife died in 1909.

Charles F. Cook, state senator from IMower county and former mayor of Austin, was born in the city where he still resides, December 24, 1866. The public schools of Austin afforded liim his early education, these advantages being supplemented with a course in the Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. His first practical business experience was in his fatlier's hardware store. In 1888 he Avent west to Seattle, Wash., wiiere lie remained two years, clerking in a hardware store. After returning to Austin, he engaged in the insurance business, in which he has continued to the present time, l)eing now president -ind manager of the Austin .Mutual Hail liisuraiirc ( 'oinpauy, of .Minne- sota. In politics lie is an independent Democrat. He was alderman from the first ward of Austin two years and served as mayor from 1903 to 1906. In November, 1910, he was elected to represent Mower county in the state senate, and his record has justified the confidence of his fellow citizens. Mr. Cook belongs to the

B. P. 0. E., the M. W. A., the C. of H., the K. of P. and the Austin Commercial Club, being one of the first organizers of the latter society. In 1885 Senator Cook enlisted in Co. G, Second Infantry, ]M. N. G., and has been captain since 1906, having received his commission from Governor John A. Johnson. ]\Iuch credit is due him for the high standard of excellence and discipline which he has enforced. The subject of this sketch was married April 8, 1896, to Julia E. Wood, of Berne, N. Y., and they have two boys, John Alden and Charles Carpenter. The family faith is that of the Congregational church.

Robert Dickens, a pioneer, now deceased, was born in New York state, went to Pennsylvania, and there married Sarah Babcock, a native of the latter state. They came to Minnesota in the closing months of the war, and purchased 160 acres in Red Rock township, the tract being at that time all wild land. On this piece of land they farmed until 1873, when they sold the farm and purchased 100 acres in Grand Meadow township, where they remained until their death.

Colman E. Dickens, cement manufacturer of Austin, was born in Tioga county, Pennsylvania, Fel)ruary 8, 1861, son of Robert and Sarah (Babcock) Dickens. He came to INIower county with his parents, was reared on farms in Red Rock and Grand Meadow townships, and at the age of sixteen entered the employ of the

C, M. & St. P. as a section hand. In 1893 he came to Austin and engaged in the cement business, which he has since successfully followed, doing all kinds of cement contracting and manufacturing all kinds of cement building material as well as cement hitching and fence posts. It is worthy of note that nearly all the cement sidewalks for which Austin is justly noted were laid by ]\Ir. Dickens. The subject of this sketch belongs to the E. F. U. and the I\Iaccal)ees and attends the Seventh Day Advent churcli. He was married October 25, 1884, to Lucy Gould, Avho was born near Preston, in Fillmore county. This union has been blessed with two children, Claude E. and Edith F. Claude E. was born at Dexter, November 15, 1887, and is engaged in bu.siness with his father. He married Mabel Henderson, of Brownsdale. Edith F. was ])orn November 5, 1891, and married William Coogan. The family residence is pleasantly located at 409 Oakwood street.

F. J. Field, for many years a respected agriculturist of Lansing lownsliip, deserves a phu-e in the history of tlie community as one wlio unostentatiously went his way IVom day to day. following his allotted walk in life honesty and intej^rity, doing that whieh he believed to be right, and meting ont exact jnstiee in all liis dealing's. He was of sturdy old Green Mountain stock, born in Panton, Addison county, Vermont, in July, 1826. In 1852 he located in Fall River, Cohunbia county, Wisconsin, and was there married to Frances Hobart, a lady of excellent qualities and accomplishments, daughter of John and Eunice (Needham) Hobart, who brought their three children, Martin, Susan and Frances, to the west at an early day. In 1876 Mr. and Mrs. Field came to Lansing, and here Mr. Field carried on farming operations until his death in 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Field had three children. John is dead, and Hixon M. and Elizabeth M., the latter of whom was for several years a successful school teacher, live at home with their aged mother.

William M. Frank, banker of LeRoy, was born at Ft. Snelling, ^linn.. ^lay 9, 1866, son of lion. John Frank, of LeRoy township. xVfter receiving a thorough public school education, he attended the Shattuck school, at Paribault. After this he went to New York city, where he worked in a real estate office for a year. Then he secured a position with W. H. Goadby & Co., Wall street bankers, retaining this position two years. Then he returned to Minnesota, and entered the bank of Gleucoe, as bookkeeper, remaining for a period of two years. In 1885, with Hon. M. II. Dunuell, he started the bank of New Rockford, becoming its cashier, and remaining two years. He then took a position as cashier for the Powers wholesale dry goods house, in St. Paul, with Avhieh concern he remained four years, after which he came to LeRoy, and in 1894 accepted a position as assistant cashier of the First State Bank, in which capacity he remained for a period of seven years. At the end of that time he started the Citizens' Bank of LeRoy, becoming its cashier. This bank in 1904 was merged in the First National Bank, Mr. Frank retaining the position of cashier to the present day. He is an independent voter, a member of the Episcopal church, a thirty-second degree jMason, and a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and the B. P. O. E. He has served as village treasurer of LeRoy, his term of office extending from 1897 to 1903. Mr. Frank is a popular citizen, and well thought of in the community, extending to the patrons of his bank every courtesy and favor consistent with sound l)anking i)rinciples.

William A. Clay, now deceased, was at one time an Austin lu'ubi-rman. He was born in Elaine, in 1827, and tliere married Sarah Douglass. He came to Stillwater in 1856, and engaged in lumbering in Washington county, owning a large mill. In the middle sixties he engaged in the lumber business in Austin. Afterwards he again retui-ned to Stillwater, and was interested in

William Franklin Clay, one of Austin's aldermen, has the excellent and unusual record of having been in the railroaa service for over forty years. He was born in Gardner, I\le., April 15, 1849, son of AVilliam A. and Sarah (Douglass) Clay. He came to Minnesota with his parents in 1856, and there received his education. He first started railroad work at Austin in 1868. After working about the station for a while he was appointed yardmaster, and later became a conductor. He Avas conductor of the construction train that was used in the building of the short line between St. Paul and Minneapolis, and for a number of years he was passenger conductor on the Southern Minnesota division. At the time of his retirement, in June, 1908, he had been in the employ of the railroad just forty years and eleven days. He is a mc7nber of the K. of P. and of the B. P. O. E., as well as of the Order of Railway Conductors. In 1910 he was elected alderman from the third ward. Mr. Clay is a Republican. By his first wife, Emma Fenton, he has two children : William D., now of Tacoma, Wash., and Hattie B., now Mrs. Bert Fitch, of Barber, Mont. By his second wife, Ida Bowen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Bowen, of Austin, he has had three children. Guy lives at home. Rex died from injuries received while in the employ of the Chicago, ]\Iilwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, and Frank was drowned in the Cedar river while skating. The family faith is that of the Episcopal church.

John R. Blackmer, Jr., miller and poultry fancier of LeRoy, was born in Decatur, Mich., July 2, 1867, son of John R., Sr.. and Catherine (Jewells) Blackmer. He was brought to LeRoy by iiis parents in 1880. He attended school for a while, learned the plasterers' trade and then engaged in milling several years. He is now engaged in milling in LeRoy, where he does all kinds of grinding, Jiaudling graham, b\ickwheat, corn, etc. He also manages a small l^^arm, and makes a specialty of Red Rocks and White Wyandottes, keeping over 500 birds and breeding them for the spring trade from February to June. j\Ir. Blackmer is an independent voter and is a member of the LeRoy board of education. He belongs to the Masonic order, the 1. 0. 0. F., the ]M. AV. A., tlie Mystic Toilers and the Sons of Veterans. The subject of this sketch was married July 15, 1888, at LeRoy, to Nannie W. Pierce, daughter of G. W. Pierce, and to this union have been born four children: John R., Jr.; Nannie, wife of IMilton A. ]\Iorse ; Raymond C. and Kdith. The family faith is that of the Baptist church.

John R. Blackmer, Sr., was born in New York state, and married Catherine Jewells, of Philadelphia. In 1866 they located in ]\Iichigan, and in 1877 took up their residence in Lime Springs,

Howard county, just over tlie Hue iu Iowa. Three years later they came to LeRoy township, purchased a farm of IGO acres and carried on farming many years. Catherine Jewells Blaekmer died in 1902, and her hushand is now an extensive land owner in Nebraska. lie was a veteran of the Civil wai', having served in Co. K, 12th Mich. Vol. Inf. It is interesting to note that George Jewells, father of Catherine (Jewells) Blaekmer, was cashier of the First National Bank, of Philadelphia, for twenty-five years. Sylvester AVood, another ancestor of the Pierce family, on wife's side, was the first man to take a British prisoner at Lexington, Ky., iu 1812.

Frank M. Beach, the well-known president of the First National Bank, of Lyle, was born iu Lyle township, May 21, 1866, sou of John and Catherine M. (Morrison) Beach. He received his education in the district schools of his neighborhood and in the public schools of Austin. In 1885 he started out in life for himself by going to Omaha, Neb., and entering the United States National Bank, as collector. There he remained until 1901, when he resigned the position of paying teller, to which he had been promoted, and came to Lyle. He assisted in the organization of the First National Bank, of Lyle, became its cashier, and in January, 1911, was elected to the office of president, which he fills to the great satisfaction of his patrons and the community at large. A few years ago he, with Augustus Vaux, established the Bank of Rose Creek, Mr. Beach becoming its president. Later the institution was sold to the Dean interests. Mr. Beach has been active in public and business aflfairs. He has been mayor tlu'ee terms, a member of the executive committee of the ]\Iinnesota Stale Bankers' Association three years ; a member of the executive council of the First district group of bankers, being president of the same in 1909-10, and secretarj^ and treasurer of the Lyle Corrugated Culvert Company, of Lyle and IMinneapolis, in which capacity he is still serving. IMr. Beach is a Republican in politics, and his religious faith is that of the Congregational church. Ho was married September 28, 1897, to Zetta Churchill, of Omaha, Neb., daughter of A. S. Churchill, former attorney general of the state of Nebraska, and Lena Murphy Churchill. Mrs. Beach was born in Iowa, November 16, 1873, and to her union with ]\Ir. Beach have been born three children : John C, August 6, 1900 ; Catherine :\[.. July 6, 1905 ; and Marjorie, August 14, 1907.

John Beach, now deceased, was born in Rensselaerville, Albany county. N-nv York. May 16, 1833, son of the Rev. Alanson Beacli, and Sinai Tanner Beach, his wife. John moved with his parents 1o Sc-hoharie county, in his native state, and after seven years again returned to Albany county, where h" grew to manhood. At twentv-onc yeais of age he went to Green eounly, in the saine state," and took charge of his grandfather's farm there. In 1855 he made a trip to Iowa, but returned to New York state, remaining until the fall of 1856, -when he came with his father's family to Mower county, j\Iinnesota. Here he purchased land in sections 32 and 3o, Lyle tov/nship, a portion of wliich tract he improved. Two years later he moA'ed to his parents' homestead, where he lived until 1890, when he retired and moved to the city of Austin, whore he died January 21, 1906. His wife, Catherine M. Morrison, wliom he married September 3, 1856, died in November, 1896. Mr. Beach was a man of sterling qualities and was always interested in everything that was for the good of the community. His services for eight years as county commissioner gave general satisfaction. In the family were two daughters and one son: Mary A., Frank M. and Katie M.

Rev. Alanson Beach, now deceased, was one of that band of devout Methodist clergymen Avho did so mucli to assist in the progress of that denomination in this country. He was born in Rensselaerville, Albany county, New York, October 26, 1808. His early days were spent on the farm, his time bemg devoted to farm work, to teaching and to study. He was ordained to the Methodist Episcopal ministry at a meeting of the Troy conference, held at Schenectady, N. Y., May 15, 1833, Bishop Wangh presiding. He preached in several cities until 1856, when he came west and located on sections 32 and 33, in what is now Lyle township. Mower county. Then he went back and got his family, bringing them to his claim in Mower county, one of the sons, "Wilson, making part of the trip alone. Upon reaching Lyle township, tliey took up their home in a large log house with puncheon floor and a stone chimney. After a iew years the family erected a fine frame house. Rev. Beach died July 30, 1877. He was very prominent in county affairs, was county commissioner for eight years, chairman of his township for many terms, and also served in other positions of trust and honor. He was married March 15", 1832, to Sinai Tanner, who was born in Albany county, New York, February 24, 1809. They had three children: John, Wilson and Zillah.

Americus V. Bacon, veteran of tlie Civil war and retifcnl merchant of Lansing, was born in "Wilton, Franklyn county, ]\Iaine, in 1839, son of Josiah and Jerusha (Gould) Bacon. He spent his early life on the farm, and at the outbreak of the Civil war enli.sted in the 8th Maine "Vol. Inf., and played low bass in tlie regimental band. In 1862 the band was discharged and lie turned home, reinlisting in the 2nd Elaine Cavalry, and s<M-vinQas bugler in Co. F until the close of the war, returning home ir. December, 1865. In 1868 he came west and located in St. Cliarles, AVinona county, Minnesota, staying there thirteen years. During this period he married Minnie L. Scheiik, daughter of Jolin aud Minnie Sehenk, of St. Charles, formerly from Lomira, AVis. Mr. aud T\Irs. Bacon came to Lansing; in the spring of 1881, and Mr. Bacon took up the coal business, which he conducted for ten years, disposing of it at the end of that period. He then went into the lumber business, which he carried on until 1901. He now owns a farm about two miles out of the village of Lansing. He has been a justice of the peace for several years, and is a member of the G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have two children: Eleanor and Arthur J. Eleanor is now ]\Irs. Albert Schisley and has one son, Kenneth. :\Irs. Bacon died in 1906 and m 1907 Mr. Bacon married ]\Irs. Grace ^1. Thorn, of Minneapolis.

Oliver J. Bemis, one of the earliest pioneers, eame to Austin, from Maine, in 1855, pre-empted 160 acres near the present city, built a shanty and started breaking the land. The following year he sold this land and purchased a farm in section 11. Four years later he sold this place and bought a farm in section 3, Windoni township; at about the same time starting, with his brother, George, the first shoe store in Austin. In 1859 he married Elizabeth M. Vandegrift, a native of Philadelphia, and to them were born six children : Mary 0., Edwin T., Charles H., Sarah, wife of Samuel McMinnis, Frank C. and Howard J. Oliver Bemis was born in Paris Hill, Oxford county, Maine, April 20, ] 829, and was taken by his parents to Penobscot county, in the same state, at two years of age. It was liere that he was reared. When he was twenty-one years of age he located in Wisconsin, remained two years and then went to California. Starting from Rock county, Wisconsin, he went over the plains with ox teams, commencing his journey April 15, and arriving at his destination August 28. He engaged in mining in Sierra county, and remained there until 1855, Avhen he returned to I\Iaine via the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in IMower county later in the same year.

.Edwin T. Bemis, elevator manager of Austin, was born on a farm near this city, son of Oliver and Elizabeth :\I. (Vandegrift) Bemis, and remained on the home place until twenty-five years of age, since which he has ])een engaged in the grain business. He man-ied Alice, the daughter of Leander and Patience Kirkland.

George S. Burnham, clerk of the district court for iMower county, was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, May 29, 1854-, son of Miles and Caroline (Johnson) Burnham. He received his education in his native county, and then learned telegraphy. In 1872 he went to Blooming Prairie, in tliis state, and was operator for the C, M. & St. P. there about four years. After a year's work for the Northwestern, he again went to Blooming Prairie, and was cashier of the bank of J. C. Brainerd & Co. for six years. In 1885 he came to Austin, and worked as liookk"c]>cr and foreman in -i f-jundry and machine shop owned by the Ames Brothers. Subsequently he became a locomotive machinist for the C, i\I. & St. P. and continued in that occupation until 1906, Avhen he was elected to his present position, in which he has since served with fidelity and ability. "While in Blooming Prairie he was treasurer and recorder of the village for four years, and since coming to Austin he has been alderman from the first ward two years. He is a Republican and a high degree ]\Iason, and also affiliates with the B. P. 0. E., the Maccabees and the A. 0. U. W. The subject of this sketch was married October 23, 1878, to Marian L. Gleason, and this union has been blessed with two sons, Erie M. and Harry G. Erie M. was born July 7, 1879, and is now secretary for the Hughes Manufacturing Company, of Los Angeles, Cal. Harry G. was born in September, 1880, and operates a jewelry store in Hibbing, Minn. Miles Burnham, father of George S. Burnham, of Austin, was born in New York state and married Caroline Johnson, a native of England. They located in Dodge county, "Wisconsin, in 1844, and there Miles engaged in conducting a saw mill. He was also first county superintendent of schools in that county. In 1880 they came to Dodge county, Minnesota, and took up dairy farming. Miles Burnham died in 1899, and his wife now lives in Blooming Prairie at the age of 80 years.

E'red Baldner, a popular farm^er oE Nevada township, where he owns 140 acres of good land in section 25, is a native product, born in the township where he now resides May 5, 1866, son of Philip and jMaggie (Weber) Baldner. He was reared on the home farm, attended the public schools, and has devoted his life to farming. He is a Republican and attends the Lutheran church. Fred Baldner married Rena Rosel, daughter of Leonard and Marie Rosel, and they have six children : Elsie, Clara, ]\Iina, Erma, "Walter, Oscar. Elsie married George Perau, of Mitchell county, Iowa.

Philip Baldner was born in Prussia, Germany, and married IMaggie AVeber. They came to America in 1854, and located near Princeton, 111. It was in 1860 that they came to Adams township, and here they lived in section 25 until 1886, when they moved to Mitchell county, Iowa, and lived there until the death of Philip, in July, 1904. Mrs. Baldner is living at the good old age of 79, and is making her home with her daughter, Mrs. William Ehlke, There were ten children in the family: Louis lives in INIitchell county, Iowa ; Maggie married William Ehlke and lives in the same county; Philip likewise lives in that county; David lives iu Cresco, Iowa; Barbara, wife of Carl Young, deceased, lives in Spokane, Wash. ; Lizzie is the wife of Henry Longrock, of Alberta, Canada: Joliii lives in Mitchell oountv; Fred farms in Nevada