Otter Tail County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 13 of 28)

ien as he whose career has only been touched is of life, Mr. Esterman lias exhibited those (1 by the word stalwart. Strong in mind and ideals inculcated in a home founded by pious md has become a type of man worthy of emulation and respect.

Vs a man whose entire life has been given to agricultural pursuits, and this successfully, and also as one whose career and character are such as to command respect, John C. Lieder merits a place in the present publication. The family early became identified with the annals of this vicinity, and from the time of its appearance, to the present, there has been nothing to mar its honor, for both Mr. Lieder and his father have been eminently just and square in their dealings. Mr. l.ieder, who is a native of LeSueur county. Minnesota, was horn on March i. iNNi. and is the son of Christ and Johanna i i Iroschke ) l.ieder.

The parents of Mr. l.ieder were born in Prussia. Germany, where they married and lived until the year 1S72 or 1873, when they came to America. Living their first year in Faribault, Rice county. Minnesota, with friends, they then took up farming in LeSueur count}' on a farm which they rented for a couple of years. By the end of this time, Mr. Lieder had saved enough to buy a sixty-acre place, later adding another sixty acres and here he lived until his death which occurred in 1899. llis wife continued to live on the farm with her sons until her death in 1907. Both were members of the German Evangelical church. They were parents 'if six children: Albert, who died an infant in Germany; Augusta, the widow of Lonney Sykes, lives with the subject of this sketch; Emil, who also lives with his brother Join). but who also.owns a farm in Oak Valley township; Otto (l.. who is in partnership with his brother. John: William died at the age of two; John C., the

|ohn ( '. l.ieder was broughl up on his Father's farm and attended the local schools. Receiving his share of the home farm, he lived there until

19] 1. and in January ol thai year came with his In-other. < >tto, to this county where they purchased one hundred and sixt) acres in sections 11 and u. of rhree years after the first purchase the owners 1 milt a fine modern barn thirty by sixty feet, having hip-roof and concrete foundation. The} alsi well-house. The) then began giving their special attention to the of full-blooded Holstein cattle, and at present are especially interested in the dairv business and are the owners of fourteen milch cows

Mr. Lieder has not limited His activities to agriculture for he is the present secretary of the Wrightstown Telephone Company. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and to the Odd Fellows lodge. He votes with the Republican party. Mr. Lieder is a progressive farmer, a wideawake man and a public-spirited citizen. He has won his present place by his own efforts and because of his consideration of others and his square dealing he has won the respect of all who know him ; a respect which is well merited.

Andrew Ekstam

Andrew Ekstam began his industrial career as a farmer in his native country of Sweden, where he was born in 1847, on tne J5tn °f April. While employed on the farm, he spent some time in learning the carpenter's trade, which he mastered and used to a great advantage as a means of earning a living. The parents of the subject of this sketch, Anders Aaronson and Johanna Johnson, were both born in Sweden, in the year 1822. The father, who was a landowner, devoted his time to farming and to the trades of the blacksmith and carpenter. He worked at these occupations until his death, which occurred after he had reached the age of sixtv vears. The mother, who died at the age of seventy years, reared the following children; Andrew, to whom reference has already been made: Ulrika, who married C. Carlson, and who is living in Sweden ; Aaron, a farmer, who died in Grant county, Minnesota; Matilda, who died in Sweden; Adolph, who is a farmer in Sweden; Hannah, the wife of August Anderson, who lives in Sweden; August, who lived in Chicago, and Victor, who died in Wisconsin. where he was employed in a saw-mill. Three of the children died in childhood.

At the age of twenty-three years Andrew Ekstam left his native country and came to America, where he settled in Ishpeming, Michigan, and for four years worked in the mines of that locality. At the end of that time, which was in 1874, he left for Dakota county. .Minnesota, and worked on the farms of that section and also on the railroads which were being put through in that part of the state. He came to Otter Tail county in [879 and bought eighty acres of land 111 section 28, of Scambler township. He spent tin- first few years clearing the land of underbrush and timber and during that time put up a log cabin which is -till standing: part of this time was also spent in the Dakotas, where there was opportunity offered for making money. Mr. Ekstam has continued to add to his possessions until now he is the owner of one-half section in Scambler township. In iqoq he erected a modern residence designed with every convenience and has a barn of large proportions and perfect construction. Since realizing his ambil62 OTTER TAI] COUNTY, MINNESOTA.

Andrew Ekstam was married, in 1876, to Mrs. Ida (Johnson) Anderson, a native of Norway and the daughter of Julian Hanson and Maren Brynildson, also natives of Norway- To this union the following children have been born: Anna, who resides at home; Carl, who married Esther Beckman, is employed in a store in Pelican Rapids; I '.mil and Allien, who are living on the home farm; Thea, the wife of Edward Elefson, who is living in North Dakota: Emma, who married Adolph Erickson and resides in North Dakota; Henry, who remains at home; Hilda, the wife of Alfred Peckham, of Roseau county, Minnesota; Alma, who resides on the home place.

By her first marriage, Mrs. Ekstam reared two sons: Gabriel, a farmer in Scambler township, who married Olena Hanson, and Julius, who married Eldora Cowles, and who resides in Canada, where he follows the occupation

Prank W. Danielson

Prom far-away Sweden Frank W. Danielson came when a young man of twenty-six, to seek prosperity in a wider field than that afforded by his native land. The fact that here he has established himself and family in a -ond substantial home surrounded by valuable land which he has acquired, is evidence that when he disembarked on the \merican shores he was possessed of the dauntless courage, the eager industry and the faith that go to make up the admirable qualities of a self-made man. Mr. Danielson was horn in the southern part of Sweden on December 6, [862.

Daniel Gunderson, the father of the subject of this sketch, was horn 111 Sweden in the year [837, and his mother, Mary Johnson, was horn three years later, and in that countr} the: grew n]> and were married. The father, a farmer and landowner, is still living. His wife died in iwii Their eight children are as follow ; Charles, a section boss living in Sweden; frank \\ ., whose name heads this article: John, a section boss residing in Stockholm; Edward, a Minneapolis blacksmith; Samuel, a farmer living about four miles west of Wadena. Minnesota: Olricha, who married a Swedish farmer: Emma, who married a soldier and lives in Sweden, and \nnie. the wife of a Swedish farmer.

frank Danielson, as a preparation for his after life, like many other boys born in that locality, had only limited educational advantages, hut of :1m 1 lu made the nios|. ||js early days were spent in the school and on tin' farm, and in [888 he joined some friends in Minneapolis and lived there for three years. His ne\t home was in Montana, where he worked in a copper >melter for seven years. Desiring to become more settled in hi-* habits and life, in 1898 he returned to Minnesota, and in July bought one hundred and twenty acres in Elmo township. Otter Tail comity, and this has been his home ever since. Taking what was practically unimproved land, its only building being a log house, the owner remodeled this, adding bedrooms and kitchen as well as clearing the farm of timber until now he has forty or fifty acres cleared, the remainder consisting of pastures and hay meadows. Besides this he has rented land in the neighborhood, in which he is recognized as a capable and successful general farmer.

In i8<)5 Frank W. Danielson was united in marriage to Annie Sherblum, a native of Finland, but. born of Swedish parents. The children born df this union are: Beda: Lorency, who lives at Moorhead; Axel Alovick; Grace, who died 111 1014; Harry and Everett.

Mrs. Danielson has had the qualities necessary for a hard-working piOneer farmer's wife, and has shared her husband's hardships and work, a- well as his joys and sorrows. Both are members of the Presbyterian church at Elmora. In politics, Mr. Danielson is a Republican. His toil and virile energy have brought him the success for which he planned, and because of his kindly disposition and upright life he is among the; must highly respected farmers of the vicinity in which bis home is situated.

Frank Nelson

Frank Nelson, a well-known farmer of Clitherall township. Otter Tail county, was born in the southern part id" Sweden, November 2J, 1845, :m<' 1- a -nn of Xels and Elsie (Okeson) Nelson. Air. Nelson's parents spent their entire lives in their native land of Sweden. .Mr. Nelson's father was a farmer and landowner. lie was born in 1804 and died in 1851. Mr. Nelson's mother was born in r8o8 and died in 1869. Both were members of the Lutheran church, and reared a family of eight children, as follow: Oke, born in 1826: Nels, born in 1827; John, a farmer of Clitherall township, was born in [83 1 ; Peter, w bo died in Clitherall township in [913, was born in 1833; Bernt. born in 1836; llabban. who was the wife of Xels Madis, was born in 1830, and died in Denmark- : Lewis, who died at the age of seventeen, was born in [842.

Nelson was educated in the public schools of his native land and was reared on his father's farm. When he was old enough be engaged in farming, and in 1869 came to America on a steamship. Upon his arrival in the United States, be settled firsl at Litchfield, Minnesota, where F01 .1 time be worked on a railroad. Frank was the tirsi member of the Nelson family who came to America. In 1871 be removed to Otter Tail county and homesteaded one hundred and sixtv acres of land in section 29. of

Clitherall township. The farm was heavily timbered at the time Mr. Nelson purchased it. and it was necessary to clear this land before crops could be raised, hi the meantime he erected a log house, which has since been destroyed. For about twenty years after coming to America. Mr. Nelson was engaged in clearing and improving his land, and his farm is now in good condition, and he has occupied it ever since his removal to this county. He is a general fanner and stockman, and has been most successful in his operations.

In 1875 Frank Nelson was married to Annie Peterson, who died in [886, leaving four children: Leonard, who is a clerk in a hardware store in Clitherall; Joseph, a farmer living in Dakota: Oscar, who lives at home, works on neighboring farms; Emily, who died in 1905.

In [887 Mr. Nelson was married to Hannah Peterson, and to this union have been born eight children: Agnes, the wife of Richard L. Gilles; George, who is a telegraph operator at Black River Falls, Wisconsin; while five children. Eddie, Harry, Arthur, Esther and Ernest, are living at home with their parents. John, another child, died in infancy.

Mr. Nelson has always voted the Republican ticket since coming to the United States. He and his family are earnest and devoted member'- of the Swedish Lutheran church of Eagle Lake township, and take an active interest in religion- affairs, and contribute liberally to the support <<\ the church.

Ole I. Slettede

Ole I. Slettede, an upholsterer by trade, is well known to the ]< Fergus Falls, this county, where he enjoys the confidence of a host of friends and a large patronage lie was horn in Norway on November 28, 1851). the -on of John and Kari 1 Morten' Slettede, members ol two good old Norwegian families.

Oli J. Slettede emigrated to \merica in [880. when he was twenty-one years old. in company with his brother, < )le They came West, firsl locating igo, where they remained for a time, doing odd jobs, but in iSS; Ole J. Slettede came to Minnesota, settling in Fergus Falls, where osition as cloth coverer with the casket company, and this occupation he followed for sjn years, after which he returned to Intrade of upholstering and repairing. Hi- business was then located in his

.Mr. Slettede married Mathilda Thoreson, who has borne him two children, Hihna, a teacher at Underwood, and James H.. who is associated with his father in the furniture repair business. James H. Slettede married Verdetta M. Waller, a native of Illinois, and they have one child, Cessarine June.

Of Mr. Slettede it ma\ be said truthfully that he is one of the bestknown men in Otter Tail county. He is known for his kindness, his geniality and his admirable intelligence. Being a great reader and a deep thinker, he is a most interesting conversationalist and no one may leave him, after having spent an hour or two, without feeling that he has learned something. Mr. Slettede'- religious views are tolerant in the extreme. He believes that all religious organizations perform a good purpose, and he unqualified!} give- his support to all of them.

Ferdinand Zuehlke

Ferdinand Zuehlke, a native of Prussia, Germany, was born on October 4. 1N51. The parents of the subject of this sketch, Frederick and Caroline (Pomerenke) Zuehlke, were also natives of Prussia, where they were married, and from which country they and their six children came to America in 1866, and made their home in Pittsburgh. There Mr. Zuehlke was engaged in the blacksmith trade for thirteen years. In 1879 he took his family to Chickasaw county, Iowa, where he farmed until 1881. They then took up a homestead claim in this county, becoming possessors of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on Stony creek, the place being thickly covered with brush and timber. Living in a log house, hastily and rudely constructed, he began to clear his land, but was not able to finish his task, for in 1884 he died. Five years later his wife passed away. Both were devoted members of the Lutheran church. Their children, all of whom were born in Germany, were six in number. Florentine became the wife of Fred Voos, of Philadelphia, and later died in Chicago. Theresa married William Redeman. and died in Washington state. The third child is the subject of this sketch. Adolph is employed in a cracker factory in Minneapolis. Bertha is Mrs. George Roehm, of Parkers Prairie. Gustav, the youngest, i- a laborer in Milwaukee.

Ferdinand Zuehlke attended school in his native land and in Pittsburgh, and engaged in bridge work in this city for eleven and one-half years. Desiring to return to the country and its healthful pursuits, he homesteaded a tract of one hundred and sixtj acres, in section 24, Elmo 1 50b) township, this county, first building a crude log cabin on the thickly timbered land. A later addition, also built of logs, was added, this being fourteen by sixteen feet in dimensions. While this structure is still standing, it is not used as a residence, tor in 1905 Mr. Zuehlke built a modern frame

Ferdinand Zuehlke' s marriage to Caroline Schneider took place in 1872. His wife is a Prussian by birth and a daughter of Frederick and Eleanora (Dilg) Schneider. Mr. and Mrs. Schneider came to America in [869 and made their home in Pittsburgh and Mr. Schneider was employed as a laborer in Pittsburgh, where they settled. They later lived in Rochester, Pennsylvania, where he died in June. 1885, and his wife died two years later while living with her son-in-law, Ferdinand, in this county.

To Mr. ami Mrs. Zuehlke were horn nine children, as follow: Fred, the first born, died at the age of seven; T.ouis lived in Buffalo, Xew York: Herman is a farmer in Elmo township; flattie became the wife of John Cameron, who lives in Calgary, Canada; Christopher lives at home: Elnora died in infancy: a child, who followed her. died unmarried: Albert operates the home farm and other rented land: Florentine is a clerk employed in a store in 1 )etroit, Michigan.

Mr. Zuehlke has been painstaking and persistent in his work, undaunted by the problems presented to every pioneer, and sturdy and faithful in every duty- He has made for himself and his family a place in the community, which it will lie an honor for his children to retain and hand down. He and his wife have many friends here.

Gilbert Moen, a well-known fanner of Sverdrup township, this county. is a native of x orway, where he was born on July 5, [862. Mr. Morn is a son of Helge and Kan (Skatebol Moen, both of whom died in Norway. Helge Moen and wife were the parents of a large family of children. among whom were Even. Erik. Kari, Gilbert. Christ. I labor, Ole and Knut. besides two who died early in life.

Gilbert Moen received bis education in the public schools ~<\ his native land, and when be was twenty years old. in lSSj. made the voyage to America and settled eventually in Sverdrup township, this county. Five years after coming to the United States, Mr. Moen was able to purchase ..lie hundred and twelve acres of laud, and on this tract he has since lived. He has greatlj increased the value of this place by the addition of main mporti in and substantial improvements

Mr. and Mrs. Moen and family are all earnest and faithful members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Moen is independent in politics. He has served as school treasurer in Sverdrup township, and here where he has lived for the past twenty-five years, is well known and is a highly-respected citizen of the township, and is especially popular in the neighborhood where he has lived for so manv vears.

Andrew J. Anderson

Born in Moore county, Minnesota, January 30, 1868, Andrew J. Anderson is the son of Johanna and Synneve (Olsen) Anderson, both of whom were born in Norway, the former in 183 1 and the latter in 1842.

Mr. Anderson's parents came to America in 1867 and settled in Moore county, Minnesota. The next year they emigrated to Otter Tail count}', making the journey from1 Moore to Otter Tail county with an ox-team. After homesteading one hundred and sixty acres in Aurdal township, where their son, Andrew ]., now lives, they set to work to clear the land and to improve it. At the time the land was obtained it was covered with heavy timber. Here Mr. Anderson's father died in 191 1. His mother had died fifteen years previously, in 1806. They had three children, of whom Andrew J. was the eldest, Gustina and Hannah being the other two children. Mr. Anderson's parents were prominent in the Lutheran church of this community.

Andrew J. Anderson was reared on the old homestead farm and educated in the public schools of this county. His first teacher was Haldor Boen. Mr. vnderson attended school in pioneer times, when the educational facilities were considerably more limited than they are at the present time. When the Andersons came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota. Mr. Anderson's father had only two cows, two calves and a half interest in a wagon.

Some years ago .Mr. Anderson purchased his father's farm. He now owns two hundred and sixty acres of land. Tn tqo8 he built a new barn and. after it lias been destroyed by a tornado in iou. it was replaced by another barn.

On October _-('. [8q8, Andrew J. Anderson was married tn Louisa Fossen, who was born in Goodhue county in 1867, and who is the daughter of Jens .ind Christina Fossen, who settled in Goodhue county in 1864. after emigrating to this country from Norway. They moved to Otter Tail county about 1870 and took a homestead farm in Dane Prairie township. Both are still living. Mrs. Anderson's father is now eighty-three years old and her mother is eighty-five. They had a large family of children, of whom three. Lawrence, Louise and Hans are deceased. The living children are < He, Louisa, John, Gurena and Mikkel.

-Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Anderson have three children. Julius, horn on October 30. [899; Sophia. October 29, 1901, and Arthur, April 25, 1903.

Mr. Anderson has never been active in politics, but he lias always been interested in educational affairs and has been, for a number of years, a member of the local school board.

Ole O. Vidness

( He < ). \ idness, who is a prosperous farmer of Everts township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born on December 24, 1853, in Norway, and is the son of Ole Christiansen and Christina Johnson, both of whom were born in Norway and who spent their entire lives in their native land. Thev were the parents of four children: Julia, Ole O., Thea and Mena.

Ole O. Vidness was educated in the public schools of Norway. In 1880 he emigrated to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and took a homestead of ninety-two acres in section 30. of Everts township. Here he made many improvements and now has a commodious barn and a comfortable residence.

Ole O. Vidness was married, in Norway, to Anetta Sletner. the daughter of Andrew Sletner, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. To this marriage there were born six children: Oscar. Caroline, Christ, Julia, John and Alfred. Mrs. Vidness died in 1888, and, two years later. Mr. Vidness was married to Lena Johnson, who was born in Wisconsin and who is the daughter of Johannes Johnson, who came from Norway to Wisconsin and later to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he spent his last days.

Mr. and Mrs. Ole O. Vidness and family are well-known members of the Lutheran church in Everts township. They take a prominent part in all public matters and are among the leading citizens of this township.

\moiig the leading farmers of Erhards Grove township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is John M. Vaglo, who was born in Norway on January 20. [853, the son of Olaus L. and Nicolena Vaglo, both of whom were natives of Norway Olaus Vaglo came to America in [882, and located in ail county, where he lived until his death, in 1014. Nicolena, the wife of the elder Vaglo, died en February 17. [893. Olaus and Nicolena Vaglo were the parent- .if live children. Ludwig, John M.. Anna. Ellen and Johanna, all of whom are living.

John M. Vaglo was educated in the schools of his native land, after which he came to America in 1880, and located in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he lived for two years and then moved to Fargo, North Dakota. One year later John M. Vaglo returned to Minnesota and came to Pelican Rapids, where he worked as a carpenter and also as a millwright for some time. In 1885 Mr. Vaglo bought sixty acres of land in section 4, Erhards Grove township, a place which he has improved and to which he has added land until now he cultivates one hundred and twenty acres of choice land in the community.

During the year 1888 John M. Vaglo was married to Josefa Dahl, who was born in Norway in the year 1862, and to this marriage have been born two children, Katie Nemina and Alma Olina.

John M. Vaglo is well known in public life and in political circles, having served his township on the board of supervisors for a term of five years : has been a member of the school board for fifteen years, and has been a candidate for some of the higher offices of the community.

Frederick Eugene Burlingame

Born in Madison county, New York, August 15, 1865, Frederick Eugene Burlingame is the son of James Alden and Melvina (Palmiter) Burlingame, both of whom were born in New York state, and who came to Wisconsin in 1874. Some years later the)' emigrated to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where Mr. Burlingame's father died on December 6, 1914. His mother had died many years previously, April 10, 1892. There were three children in the Burlingame family: Frederick E., the subject of this review, is the eldest; Franklin, the second born, and Minnie, the youngest child, who is the wife of S. M. Wright, of Deer Creek, Minnesota.

Frederick E. Burlingame was reared on a farm and received his education iti the common schools of Markesan, Green Lake county, Wisconsin. After finishing his educational training, Mr. Burlingame worked as a painter and decorator for twelve years. He then engaged in farming and in 1800 purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Tnman township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota. Here he carries on a general system of farming and stock raising, and has made many substantial improvements on this place since acquiring it. All but one acre of the farm he has cleared, and his buildings are modern and up-to-date and his farm is well equipped for stock raising.

On March 5, t8oi. Frederick E. Burlingame was married to T.izzic Mattocks, a native of Town, who was born on August t,^. 1871. She was a daughter of W. R. and Phoebe (Conner) Mattocks, both of whom died at Deer Creek. Minnesota, within one year. They had come to Otter- Tail county, Minnesota, from fowa. They settled in Oak Valley township on two hundred and eight) acres of well-improved land, comprising one of the best farms of Oak Valley township.

Mr. and Airs. Frederick E. Burlingame were the parents of three children, Cecil, « 'lifford and Harland. The mother of these children died on May 29, i<)o(>. and on June II, 1907, Mr. Burlingame was married, secondly, to Jeanne- Johnson, who was born in Deer Creek, Minnesota, in [882, and who is a daughter of Jacob and Marion (Binnie) Johnson, of Deer Creek. By this second marriage there have been horn three children. Gordon, .Marland and Gladys.

The Burlingame family are well-known, enterprising farmers. Mr. Burlingame has always been an industrious and hardworking man. and his success in life is due almost wholly to his own unaided efforts, and he has a host of friends in the neighborhood where he lives.

Hans Staner Hanson

Hans Staner Hanson, a farmer of Henning, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is now a well-to-do man and is well known throughout the county where he has lived for many years.

Mr. Hanson was horn on January 3, 1852, in Norway, and is the son of Staner and Rungnald (Larsen1) Hanson, both of whom were nati es of Norway. Mr. Hanson's parents came to America and settled at Madison, Wisconsin, in 1856. Four years later they moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota, and there purchased a pre-emption of one hundred and sixt) a res of land, where Mr. Hanson's father died. They were the parents of seven children, two of whom. Louis and an infant, an- deceased. The living children are Mary, Hans Staner. Ole, Anna and Richard.

Hans Staner Hanson was four years "Id when the family settled in the -tate of Wisconsin. He attended school in Dane county, Wisconsin. and at \lbert I ea and later took up farming. Subsequently, he moved to 1 rool ton, Polk county, Minnesota, and purchased three hundred anil twenty ere 1 1 railroad land, which he sold in 1879. \t this time he returned to St. Croix county, Wisconsin, and in 1881 came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, ami purchased 1 ne hundred and sixty acres of land in section t6. of Henning township. \fter a time he sold this farm and moved to Girard township, where he purchased three hundred and sixt) acres For the next sixteen years he lived in Girard township, but this farm was sold in r8o8, at which time Mr Hanson moved to Henning. He nov >>wns two hundred acres of land, "tie hundred and -i-!\ acres of winch is located within the corporation limits of the town of Henning. Having rebuilt his house, Mr. Hanson has a splendid residence lie has a barn, sixty by twenty-six feet, with two sheds, eighteen by sixty and fifteen by sixty. Hans Staner Hanson lias always been prominent as a stockman. He is secretary and manager of the Henning Farmers Creamery Association and has held other positions of trust and responsibility.

In 1892 Hans S. Hanson was married to Helena Bogan, who was born at Christiania, Norway, in 1862. Airs. Hanson's father died in Norway and, after his death, her mother came to America and settled in Otter Tail county. She spent her last days in Raker count)', Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Hans S. Hanson have been the parents of five children: Staner, Louis, Stella, Hannah and Henry, all of whom are living and reside at home with their father. Their mother died in 1904.

Mr. Hanson has bought and sold considerable land in Otter Tail county, Minnesota. He has been president of the village of Henning and is now president of the local school board. He has served in this capacity for the past seven years.

Stillman Halvorson

Stillman Halvorson, who is one of the most extensive farmers of Nidaros township, this county, was born on the farm he now owns and which is located in section 33, of Nidaros township, February 21, [873. Mr. Halvorson is the son of Even and Ingeborg Halvorson, both of whom were born in Norway. Mr. Halvorson's father was born in 1836 and his mother in 1843. After their marriage in Norway the}- came to Freeborn county in 1868, and two years later emigrated to Otter Tail county, taking a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres which their son. Stillman, now owns. Mr. Halvorson now owns fifty acres joining the homestead, also eighty acres in another tract. His father died on this farm in 1885, after having spent a great deal of money in improving the farm. The family were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. They were the parents of seven children: Anne, Halvor, Carrie, Charley. Stillman. William (deceased) and Sever.

Reared on the old homestead farm of his parents and educated in the public schools of this county, Stillman Halvorson has been engaged in farming and threshing for twenty years. Mr. Halvorson has erected a new house and a good barn on the farm.

In looi) Stillman Halvorson was married to Hattie Benson, who was born in Leaf Mountain township. Otter Tail county, December 1, [888. She is the daughter of Nels and Celia Benson, of Leaf Mountain township. Mr. and Mr-. Halvorson have three children. Margaret, Bernice and Will-

.Mr. and Mrs. Stillman Halvorson are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church of Leaf Mountain township. They not only take a profound interesl in religious affairs, but in civic affairs as well. Mr. Halvorson has a host of friends in tin- communitv where he lives.

Peter K. Pederson

A successful farmer of Sverdrup township, Otter Tail county, Minne sota, is Peter K. Pederson, who was born near Manitowoc, Wisconsin, June ~, [867, and who is the son of Kmtt and Marit Pederson, mentioned elsewhere in this volume.

Peter K. Pederson was only six months old when he accompanied Ins parent^ to southern Minnesota. They settled at Bear creek, in Mower county, and in 1X70 emigrated to Otter Tail county and settled in Sverdrup township, where Mr. Pederson has since lived. Some years ago, lie, in partnership with his brother, Carl, purchased the old homestead of three hundred and twenty acres and they are engaged in general farming and stock raising. The Pederson brothers keep full-blooded Jersey cattle and other purebred stock and are engaged in the dairy business.

In 1902 Peter K. Pederson was married to Pauline Osander, of Sverdrup township. Mrs. Pederson was horn in Norway and is the daughter of \ndreas and Gurianna Osander, who came to Otter Tail county from Norway. Mrs. Pederson's father is now deceased. I [er mother is still living.

The family of Peter K. Pederson arc all members of the Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Pederson are active in church work. Tn politics, Mr Pederson is independent.

\.mong the well-known farmers and prominent citizens of Maplewood township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Par Anderson, who was horn in Gothenburg, Sweden, on November 24, [865, the son of Andrew and Path arine Anderson, both of whom were natives of Sweden, the former horn in [839, the latter in 1832. Andrew Anderson came to America in [879 and settled in Douglas county, Minnesota, where he lived for one year and then moved to Otter Tail county and homesteaded one hundred and sixtv acres of land in section 1 |. Maplewood township, a place where he has since which he became a fanner, buying the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Maplewood township, where he engages in general farming and stock raising.

On June 9, 1898, har Anderson was married to Clara Blegen, who was born in Iowa, the daughter of Gilbert A. and Kjersti Blegen, pioneers of Iowa, who later moved to Maplewood township, where they now live. To Ivar and Clara Anderson have been born seven children. Lottie. Arthur. Delia. Clifford, Leonard. Arnold and Thelma.

For more than twenty-five years, !\ar Anderson has been a part of the public and official life of Maplewood township, for the whole of his publii career having served as treasurer of the township. For some years he served as school treasurer and is now clerk- of the school board, having served this office for three years.

Andrew Wagstrom

Andrew Wagstrom, one of the best-known farmers and public men of Maplewood township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Sweden on February 2, [849, tin son of Swen Olofson and Ingeborg Anderson, both of whom lived and died in their native country of Sweden. Swen Olofson and Ingeborg Anderson were the parents of four children. Claus, Andrew, Johanna and I'.eiata. all of whom are living.

Andrew Wagstrom, following his education in the schools of his native country, came, in June. 1N71. to \merica. and after a short time in Xew York 1 'ity went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was employed at railroad work, and later to Minneapolis, at which city he was engaged in lumber work for four years. In [876 Andrew Wagstrom secured employment on the construction of the Great Northern Railway Company depot at Minneapolis, where he was engaged until the year [880, when he came to Maplewood township. Otter Tail county, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 10, which place Andrew Wagstrom improved extensively and where he now lives as a general farmer and stock raiser.

During the year [876 Andrew Wagstrom was married to Clara Redeen, who was born in Sweden. April n. [849, and to this marriage have been born the following children, Arthur Edwin, \lma Frances, Harry ('deceased 1. Maud Clarice, Laura Helen, Clans Harry, Olga Axeline, Ellis Rudolph and I [erbert Eugene.

\ndrew Wagstrom has taken an active part in the public life and official circles of bis community, having filled a number of offices with notable efficiency and satisfaction. In r88l Mr. Wagstrom was elected as constable of Maplewood township, an office which he served for four years and then he was elected as township supervisor, serving in thai capacity for three years, al the end of which time he was made township clerk, a position which he held for eight years. During the year [898 Andrew Wagstrom was elected to office as a county commissioner for Otter Tail county, serving this office continuously for eight years. Andrew Wagstrom performed a notable service to his community when lie organized school district No. 224 in 1 887. he after this time, for some years acting as clerk of the school hoard, an office he now holds. In 1910 Mr. Wagstrom was elected to the office of township supervisor, being made chairman of the board at the same time, an office he has since filled.

W a business man. Andrew Wagstrom has demonstrated his ability, being the organizer of the North Maple Telephone Association, a company in which he has officiated as president sine- the establishment of the company.

August W. Meyer

August W. Meyer, the son of John and Mary (Leiferman) Meyer. was born on June 25, [873, in Carver county, Minnesota. The parents were natives of Germany, the father being born in Prussia, on the Rhine. August 29, [829, and the mother was horn in Westfall, Germany, on December 'J. [837.

John Meyer, on (Mining to the United States in [856, located in Wisconsin, where he remained for two years, after which he came to Minnesota, where he entered a claim. In August, of the same year, he returned to Wisconsin, where he married Mary leiferman, and they came to their home in Minnesota On ('etcher 21, where they resided until their retirement, in [895, when they took up their residence in Watertown, where Mr. Meyer died. November 23, 1004. Mrs. Meyer, who came to America with her father, brothers and sister, in [856, and settled near Madison, Wisconsin, survived her husband some years, having died on \pril 9, 1000. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer wen' the parents of the following children: John, Jennie, Henry, Frank, Casper, Ubert and August. Mr. Meyer was a soldier of the (nil Mar. having enlisted on August [2, [864, and received his honorable discharge en July 1 \. [865. lie was a member of Company B, in a Minnesota regiment, and was a brave and worthy soldier during his entire enlistment.

Ilemw leiferman. the father of Mrs. August W. Meyer, was bprn on December 17. [837, in Westphalia, Germany, and emigrated to Dane county, Wisconsin, where he entered land and remained for some years, after which he removed to Waseca county, near Mma City, where he engaged in farm- ing tor nine years. He then moved to Beau ford township, Blue Earth county, and purchased the farm on which he died on June 6, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Leiferman were the parents of eleven children, as follow: Henry, William, John, Katherine, Frank, Joseph, Elizabeth, George, Sophia, Leo and Alary.

August W. Meyer, whose education was limited to the common schools of Carver county, worked for a time in Minneapolis, where he was engaged in the meat business. In the fall of 1898 he came to Dent, where lie entered his present farm. December 18, 1898. The place was covered with heavy timber and with no buildings. He at once began the erection of a small shanty on his one hundred and eighty-eight acres of land, preparatory to the coming of his bride the next spring, he being married to Elizabeth Leiferman, March 14, 1899. Much work was accomplished by Mr. Meyer during the fall and winter in the erection of his little house and the clearing of some of the land. The original home was the home of the family until 1900. when the present residence was built, the barn being erected in mi 2. Mr. Meyer does general farming and is an extensive breeder of full-blooded Holstein cattle, his stock being some of the best in the section.

Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have a pleasant country home, well kept and a pleasing place to rear their family of four children: Hazel. Henrietta. Glenn Alvin and Jennetta Elizabeth. Mr. Meyer and family are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Meyer is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He has also been school clerk for the past six years, giving most general satisfaction, as he is a man of broad views and takes the utmost interest in the education of the children of his district.

Ole Hanson

Ole Hanson, a prosperous farmer of Nidaros township, this county, is a native of Sweden, where he was born 011 May 7, 1858, and was educated 111 the public schools of that country. He is one of seven children born to his parents: Andrew (deceased 1. Peter, (He. Magnus, Nels, Anna and Johanna 1 deceased). Mr. Hanson's father died in 1870 and his mother in [901. Both lived in Sweden all of their lives.

fn r888 Mr. Hanson came to America and, for several years, rented land in Otter Tail county. In toot he purchased one hundred and sixty acre- of land in section 34, of Xidaros township. From year to year he made improvements on the farm and. in 1014, erected a substantial residence, llis buildings are all kept in a high state of repair and are all well painted. He is a general farmer and stockman and is one of the wellknown citizen- in the community where he lives.

in Sweden on iulv I, [863, and who is the daughter of Bengt and Anna (Miller) Lindahl. both of whom died in Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have Keen the parents of six children, Xanna Marie (deceased), Helmer Bernard, Otto Adolph, \.nna Marie, Hugo and Gerda.

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Hanson are members of the Eagle Lake Swedish Lutheran church. They take an active interest in religious affairs as well as in all civic matters.

Hans Madsen

Hans Madsen, who is one of the older citizens of Otter Tail townshp. ('iter Tail county, Minnesota, and one of its most successful fanners, was horn in Denmark. September _\ [849.

Mr. Madsen's father and mother were both natives of Denmark. His father. Mads Hanson, was married three times, Hans Madsen's mother being Anna Rasmussen. Air. Madsen's paternal grandfather was Hans Madsen. a native of Denmark, who was a day laborer and who spent all of his life in his native land, lie was a member of the Lutheran church. Mads Hanson, the father of Hans Madsen, was a soldier in the Danish army ami a day laborer. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. Hans Madsen. the subject of this sketch, is a son by his father's third wife, and in this family there were three children, Rasmus. Lewis and Hans.

Hans Madsen was educated in the common schools of his native land. hi 1878 he came to America and. after landing in New York City came direct to Perham, in Otter Tail county. Minnesota, purchasing one hundred and nineteen acres of land in this county in 1885. The land was boughl from C. J. Wright, of Fergus Falls, for seven dollars per acre. The farm al that time was wholly unimproved and consisted merely of wild land. Mr. Madsen now owns one hundred and sixty acre-, most of which has been cleared and which has been very greatly improved within recent years.

On December 10, [888, Hans Madsen was married to Anna Olson, who was born in Norway, August 15. 1859. She came to America in 1883. I!v this marriage there have been horn two children, \rthur. horn < in July 15. [895, ami Minnie. November 4, 1N07. both of whom live at home with their parents.

Otter 1Aii County, Minnesota Herbert S. Aldrich

Herbert S. Aldrich, the son of John H. and Anjanette (Stinson) Aid rich, was horn on December 2, [861, at Centralia, Woods county, Wisconsin.

The father of Mr. Aldrich was a native of New York, having been horn there in. 1830. His wife was horn in Bangor, Maine, but they met and married in Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, and after their marriage lived first in Waukesha, Wisconsin. After a brief residence in Winona, Minnesota, they returned to Wisconsin, where for a time they lived in Centralia. They then returned to Minnesota, where they took up their residence in W Iland, Martin county. John Aldrich was by trade a blacksmith and carpenter and was for the period of nine or ten years head sawyer in Wisconsin saw-mills. While a resident of Martin count}" he engaged in farming in the summers and blacksmithing in the winters, this continuing for four years.

In 1874 John H. Aldrich homesteaded a claim of eight)' acres in section 2, of Woodside township, this county, arriving here on July 3, and before the month was out had secured a squatter's right. In August. 1878, he took out filing papers for this property. At that time almost the entire township was a wilderness, there being only three or four settlers here. In true pioneer fashion, Mr. Aldrich constructed a rude log cabin, in which he started a small store for the accommodation of the neighborhod, which, in connection with his farming, was to be his source of livelihood. He set to work to break and cultivate the soil and later purchased eighty acres additional, after which he began a mercantile career and was appointed postmaster at Wrightstowri. He enlarged his business, later adding more floor space by building a new house. He lived here, however, only four years and four months, when he died, at the age of forty-nine, this taking place in the year 1870. Mr. Aldrich, Sr., had completed the process of homesteading in the year of his death. He had the distinction of being one of the organi xers of this township and of being its first clerk. After his death his wife closed out the store business and post office in favor of "Sir. Dere Newell, who built a store and started up a business on the old homestead, by leasing a one-acre tract to build on.

Mr. Aldrich and his wife were members of the Baptisl church while residing in Wisconsin. I lis wife, Anjanette Aldrich. married again, her second husband being John S. Flint, and they lived in this vicinity for two years, when Mr. Flint died. Several years after his death, his wife married \mos Bacon, and he died within two years after their marriage. She died in Bertha, Todd county, Minnesota, on November 25, 1914, at thi > of seventy-four,

Herbert S. Aldrich is one of eight children, the others being, Plyna, a resident of Battle Lake, engaged in the garage business; Edgar, a merchant living in Aldricli. Minnesota; Willie died in infancy, in Winona, Minnesota; I . I tt m !' i- a general merchant living in .Minora; Belle died in infancy; Guy passed away when less than one year of age; Gara is Mrs. Alfred Xavlor, of Bertha. '

Herbert S. Aldrich was able to acquire only a limited education, owing to the necessity for work at home. For two years he was a pupil in the .Martin county district school, the term consisting, however, only of threemonth winter seasons and in summer he was obliged to herd cattle. After Air. Aldricli became a resident of Otter Tail county he attended two summer terms of school of two months each. From his fifteenth to his nineteenth year lie was a farm laborer, working much of the time away from home, still helping, however, in the management of the home farm. This continued until his twenty-second year, when he married and purchasing eighty acres one-half mile from his home, began his own independent career.

Air. Aldrich lived on his farm for four years, when his wife, who was before her marriage. Jennie Cameron, died, leaving a daughter. For the next two years Mr. Aldricli continued to work in the woods in the winters and was employed in various -aw -mills in the summer time anil in threshing at Wrightstown, meantime making his home with his aged mother. About i <S( > t he purchased a part interest in the store then owned by Jerry Newell. Later, Mr. Aldrich, with three others, bought out Air. Newell, and the business was continued under the firm name of Aldrich, Cameron & Company. This partnership lasted for two years, when Air. Aldrich. selling out his saw-mill and threshing interests, bought out his three partners. Soon after this transaction he sold one-half of his interest to his brother, Edgar D. Aldrich, and the linn became known as Aldrich Brothers until January i. [896, when Mr. Aldrich became the sole owner, continuing in possession until the present time. The -lock at the time of Mr. Aldrich's first purchase was placed in a building whose dimension- were sixteen by twentyfour feet. The store is now forty by forty-four feet, with storage space twelve 1>\ fort) feci. From a -tuck worth two hundred and seventy-five dollars at the time it was purchased from Air. Newell it has increased in value l" a sum all the way from eighl thousand t>> nine thousand dollars, consisting of groceries, hardware, clothing, shoes, rubbers and farm implements. The business transacted, in the year 101 ( amounted to more than twenty-three thousand dollars, the handling of which required the services of four clerks.

Mr. \ldrich has never relinquished his interest in farm matters, lie ii.i- purchased the old homestead, consisting of eighty acres, as well as other adjoining land, amounting in all to seven hundred and thirty acre-, all of winch is located in Woodside township. As a stock breeder, Mr. Aldrich specializes in Duroc-Jersey hogs.

On December 16, 1897. Herbert S. Aldrich was united in marriage to Margaret J. Perkins, a native of Todd county. She is the daughter of Edgar A. Perkins, who, with his wife, were pioneers in this section of the state, to which they came from Money creek, Minnesota. He is still living at the ripe old age of seventy-four or over. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich was blessed by the birth of six children, the eldest of whom is Hazel D., who received her education in the local schools, including the Wadena high school and one term at the St. Cloud Normal. The other children are, in the order of their birth. Myrtle, Paul. Kenneth. Reynold and l.uverne.

A Republican in politics, Mr Aldrich is vitally interested in public affairs. He was for ten years township treasurer and has been a valuable member of the local school board. He and his wife are not only members of the Wrightstown United Brethren church, but they contribute largely to its financial support as well as to its active work. Mr. Aldrich is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Not only as a merchant has he become well known and esteemed, but also as a man of sterling qualities. No consideration of expediency can change his determination to follow a certain line of action, having once decided upon its wisdom, and his clean, wholesome life has won for him many friends. .

Ferdinand Heembrock

Ferdinand Heembrock, well-known farmer, of Edna township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in St. Charles county, Missouri. April 29, [866, the son of Anton and Katherine (Ottomeyer) Heembrock. Anton Heembrock came to America in 1852, and located in Missouri, where he lived as a farmer the remainder of Ins days, with the exception of two years as a gold miner and as a mine owner in the state of California. Anton and Katherine Heembrock were the parents of six children: Marv. John, Ferdinand, Anna, Anton and Joseph. Anton and Mary (Goedde) Heembrock (bis second wife) were the parents of the following children: Vgnes, Anton. Theodore, Henry, Elizabeth, Dorothea. Pauline. Stephen, Bernard, ( lenience. Mary and Herman.

Ferdinand Heembrock was educated in the schools of St. Charles county, Missouri, after which. 111 t88l, lie came to Minnesota and located in Perham, near where he was employed on farms until [888, when be bought eighty-five acres of land, to which he later added eighty-three acres and where he is now engaged in general agricultural pursuits.

In the year r8oj Ferdinand Heembrock was married to Anna C. Altstadt, a native of Perham township, and to this marriage were bom the following children : Kate, Alary, Aloysius, ( lenience. Rudolph, Hugo, Helen. Leonard, Elenora, Lauretta, Veronica and Agnes. Mr. Heembrock and his family are communicants of the Catholic church. Anna C, the wife of Ferdinand Heembrock, died on December 6, [911, survived by her husband and eleven children.

Ferdinand Heembrock is affiliated with the German Catholic Aid Society of Minnesota, and in the public life of the township Mr. Heembrock has served efficienth and satisfactorily as township supervisor and as township assessor.

Among the men of large and various interests in Otter Tail enmity and in the town of Vining, is Michael H. Froslee, successful farmer and leading Business man. A citizen of conspicuous ancestry, a man of splendid intellectual attainment-, one who in the affairs of community life has been a leader of thought and a director of public opinion, no work of this kind would be complete without reference to and a proper review of the life and activities of this man.

Michael II. Froslee was born six miles north of Christiana, Norway, on July 25, [868, the son of Hans and [ngeborg (Gjefsen) Froslee, both of whom lived in Norway all their lives, and wdtere Hans Froslee looked after his extensive interests until he died, at the age of sixty-eight years, on December 9, [894, his wife. Ingeborg, surviving him until the year [913, when she died al the age of seventy-seven years.

Hans Froslee was the son iff Mons Svinning and Maria Froslee, who, after their marriage, moved to the farm of the Froslee family, where Mons Svinning assumed tin name hi- wife, and where they lived for tinremainder of their days, Mons Svinning Froslee dying in the yeai [868 his wife. Maria, having died previously. Mons Froslee was engaged extensivel} a- a farmer in hi- native land, conducting hi- farm in a progressive and scientific manner, and being a man of important rank in bis home district. To the marriage of VTons and Maria were born four children : TTans, father of the subject of this sketch; bar-, who lived and died on a part of In- father's farm, hi- death occurring during tin- year 101 (.; Ingeborg, who married Paul Rakstad, and who died in Norway in the year [904; and Mary, arried Paul Dahlen, and who died in Norway in the war [903.

rngeborg Froslee was the daughter of \ndrew and Kari (Klastad) Gjefsen, who lived and died in the same community a- tin- Froslee family. Andrew Gjefsen wa- interested in three or four feed mill- and a distillery in his native- land, as well as having been the owner of a nail and spike factory. He also was the owner of great land interests, on which land he was a raiser of cattle, as well as an extensive follower of general agricultural pursuits. Andrew Gjefsen died in the year 1882, his wife, Kari, surviving him until the year 1885. To the marriage of Andrew and Kari Gjefsen were born the following children: Margaret, 'who married Brede Gjefsen, and who lived and died in Norwa) ; ECjersti, who married Bent Horn, and who died in Norway; Ingeborg, mother of the subject of this sketch; and Martha, who married her Svinning, and who died at Sundbakken.

Andrew Gjefsen, maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was the son of Ivor Stadstad, a well-known farmer in his community. He was the father of four children: Andrew, grandfather of Michael Froslee; Lars, who assumed the name of Rustad; Ingeborg, who married Thorsten Svinning; and Margaret, who married Lars Hvalby.

Maria Froslee, the paternal grandmother of the subject of this sketch, was born on a farm in Flatla and was married to Lars Froslee, who was "wakmaster." a local government officer of Norway, having to do with the military and postal service of his locality. Maria Froslee was one of fifteen children. Hans Froslee, father of Michael Froslee, was one of the leading farmers of the district in which he lived, being the producer of many superior products, for which he received from his government many awards and prizes in recognition of his success, and especially for fine horses and cattle. Hans Froslee conducted a creamery on his own land, was a keeper of records dealing with his cream and milk and was generally known as a farmer who in the conduct of his agricultural life followed closely along scientific lines.

Michael H. Froslee was educated in the academic course of his native land, a course similar to that taught in the high schools of America, and after finishing his schooling, during which time he studied four different languages, he became a clerk in a store for three years. In the year 1892 he came to America and landed at New York city, and from there went to Vining, Minnesota, reaching this place on January 11. At Mining, Michael Froslee entered the general merchandise store of Froslee Brothers, as a partner with Thorwald II. Froslee, his brother, until the spring of the year tgoi, when Michael Froslee purchased the interest of Thorwald Froslee and conducted the store as sole proprietor until 1910. He then disposed of his interests and for the next three years devoted his time to the care of his wife, whose poor health resulted in Mr. Froslee going with his wife to Norway and there placing her in the hands of specialists, but without avail, for Mrs. Froslee died on June 5. 1012.

In August, 19 1-', Air. Froslee returned to America and cared for his land interests until 1913, when he erected a new store building, which, with a general stock of merchandise, he opened on February 5. 1914. where he has been engaged in business ever since. In addition to his merchandise business, Michael H. Froslee is the owner of two farms, on which land he is the overseer of general farming and stock raising pursuits. Since coming to America. Mr. Froslee has visited his home land on four occasions, at one time journeying as Far north as Trondhjem and Nortcap, the farthest point north in Norway. He was present at the coronation of King Haakon, and during the same summer he became acquainted with Ranghild Rustad, a second cousin, to whom, after returning to America, he was married, on November _'o. 1906, in Rousseau. .Minnesota, at the home of Dr. Christian Jelsrup, with whom she lived previously. Subsequently, Michael II. Froslee made a trip to Norway in the interest of his wife's' health and after returning to America to care for business interests. Mr. Froslee again, in 191 2, went to Norway, at which time he was called on to bear the death of his wife. To Michael H. and Ranghild Froslee were born two children: Hans M., who was born on September 16, 1007, and Raunaug Margaret, April 26. 1909.

Michael II. Froslee, as one of the leading citizens of Vming, has served his town and county well, both in private life and in the office of chairman of the town board. Mr. Froslee has been active in all those things for the promotion of town and county interests, and has given much in the way <>i time ami means to the community affairs. In politics. Michael H. Froslee is a Republican. He has been president for two years of the local society of the Sons of Norway and has held all the offices of this organization. Mr. Froslee is a member of the Lutheran church at Mining.

Oscar F. Wilson

Oscar F. Wilson, a prosperous farmer of Tordenskjold township, this county, was born on November 25, [861, near Aalborg, Jutland, in Denmark, and is tin- son of Jen- II. and Christine (Graveson) Wilson, both of whom were natives of Denmark. Jens II. Wilson, who is still living at the age of ninety years. was a fanner during his active life and, by his marriage to Christine Graveson, who died in Denmark, had eighl children, live of whom arc living.

Oscar I;. Wilson was educated in the public schools of his native land and in the high school, lie learned the gardener's trade and in 1882 came to America alone, settling in Wisconsin. Afterward he moved to Minneapolis and followed bis trade until he came to Otter Tail county with his brother, Christ, \fter coming to (titer Tail countv, Mr. Wilson purchased a farm of one hundred and fourteen acres in section 16, of Tordenskjold township. There were no improvements upon the land and it was necessary to clear the land before a crop could be raised. Mr. Wilson erected buildings on the farm and lived upon it until 1897, when he sold out and moved to Underwood, where he operated a feed store for six years, a part of the time for his brother, Nils, and later for himself. In 1903 he moved to the Nelson farm, owned by his mother-in-law, in Tordenskjold township, and has managed this farm ever since. In 1912 Mr. Wilson purchased lot 7, in section 11, of Tordenskjold township, a tract of thirty-five acres, which land is now cultivated by a tenant. Mr. Wilson is engaged in general farming and stock raising and has made a specialty of raising Chester White hogs.

On March 26, 1900, Oscar F. Wilson was married to Mary Jensen, who died on July 15. 1900, without issue. Mr. Wilson was married, secondly, on September 2, 1902, to Jensena Maria Henriksen, the daughter of Jens Peter and Anna Marie 1 Nelsen) Henriksen and the granddaughter of Anders and Annie Jens ( Datter) Nelsen. Mrs. Jensena Maria Wilson died on June 13, 1903. To them was born one son, Jens Frederick, who was born on May 29. 1903, and who died on October 4, 1909.

Mrs. Wilson's grandfather, Anders Nelsen, was born in Denmark, in Skiby, near Raskilde, September 16, 1829, and died on May 5, 1909. He was the son of Nels and Annie Maria (Petersen) Petersen, who had four children, three of whom remained in Denmark. Anders Nelsen was a blacksmith by trade, and in 1871 came to America, bringing with him his wife and three children. They landed in Portland, Maine, on July 15. 1871, and lived there for two years, where Mr. Nelsen worked at the blacksmith's trade for a company in Portland. In 1873 ne emigrated to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, homesteading a farm of one hundred and thirty acres in Tordenskjold township. This tract of land was located in section T2, on the shores of Fish lake, which Mr. Nelsen named. The land was not improved and Mr. Nelsen erected a log house and a log barn, living here until his death. As time passed he improved the farm and cleared it. Politically, he was a Democrat. He was a member of the Lutheran church.

By the marriage of Anders Nelsen, on August 4, 1853, to Annie Jens Dattef, a native of Denmark, and the daughter of Jens Peter, who died on April 3. 1890, there were born three children. Of these three children. Wis Andersen, horn on \pril 12. 1854, who lived in section ri. of this township, married Elsie < hristina Petersen, and to them was born one daughter, Anna Marie, who is new Mrs. Ole F. Johnson. Wis Andersen died on January CI, 1900. The second child, Anna Marie, who was horn on June 25, 1855. came to America in 1 871 and in 1873 married Jens Peter

Henriksen, who died on February 17, 1885, in Maine. Two years later she joined her father in Minnesota. To Air. and Mrs. Henriksen were born six children, of whom Henry Peter, the eldest, lives with his mother; Anna Christena married Martin Ambuehl on May 25, 1895, ar>d nves near Boston; Jensena Maria was the wife of Oscar F. Wilson; Dorothea Sophia married Olaf Christensen, of Bagley, Minnesota, and died on November 1, 1914; Nelline Andrea died at the age of nine years, on March 2. 1890; Ole Jensen, born on November 10, 1883, died on September 25, 1884. The third child of Anders Nelsen, Anna Katrina, was born on November 25, 1861, married Jens Petersen and lived in Tordenskjold township for a time, but later moved to Wilkin county, where she died on June 23, 1890, leaving two sons, Hans and Henry.

I >scar F. Wilson is a member of the Danish Brotherhood and is identified with the Democratic party in politics. He is a prominent citizen of this county and enjoys the confidence of a host of friends.

Christian Rode

Christian Rode, a retired farmer of Oak Valley township, where he owns two hundred and forty acres of splendid farming land, is a native of Germany, born on January 10, 1846.

Mr. Rode's parents, Halmud and Lottie Rode, were natives of Germany. His motber died when In- was still a small lad and his father some years later. Their six children are all deceased, except Christian. The deceased children are John, Henry, Fred, Jacob and Mary.

Christian Rode was educated in the public schools of Germany and. when he was eighteen years old. came to America. After landing in New York City he spent five weeks there and then moved to Dupage county, Illinois, where he worked at the mason's trade for a time. Subsequently, he engaged in farming and, for two years, rented land. In 1874 Mr. Rode purchased a farm of eighty acres in Lee county, Illinois, and there he lived for twenty years. In 1895, however, he emigrated to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, purchasing two hundred and forty acres of land in section 1, of Oak Valley township. This has since been his home. Mr. Rode has erected comfortable and substantial buildings on this farm. These buildings are kepi well painted al .ill times. For the pasl five years Mr. Rode has been living retired. During his active career he was a general farmer and stockman.

Christian Rode was married on \pril 28, 1875, in 1 at county, Illinois. to Catherine Meyer, who was born in Germany on December 6, 1S54. and who is the daughter of John ami Mary Meyer, the latter of whom died in Germany in iSnj. The former came to Boone county. Illinois, in Decern- ber, 1867, and, for one year, worked at the trade of a cabinet-maker at Belvidere, Illinois. He died there in 1868, leaving a family of seven children, George, Jacob, Mary, Catherine, Lena, Charles and Caroline.

Mr. and Mrs. Christian Rode have a family of seven children, all of whom are still living, Bertha, Winona, Minerva, John, Maud, Catherine and Gladys.

Although Mr. Rode has long been prominent as a farmer and citizen, he has never aspired to public office. Mr. and Mrs. Rode and their family are members of the Evangelical church and attend the church which stands on their farm. The building was erected in 18(78, three years after Mr. and Mrs. Rode and family came to Otter Tail county.

Fred A. Femling

Fred A. Femling, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Adams county. Wisconsin, where he was born on the 16th of June, 1868. His father, John Femling, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1831, and came to America as a young man and settled in Wisconsin. There he met Sophia Sommers, also a native of Germany, who was born in 1839 and whom he finally married at Whitewater, Wisconsin. The couple went to Wood county, after their marriage, where Mr. Femling bought government land at the rate of a dollar and a quarter an acre. From that locality he went to Worth county. Iowa, where he resided for six years. In 1881 he took a homestead claim on ninety-six acres of land in section 6, of Star Lake township, Otter Tail county. He lived on this farm until 1889, when he passed away. His wife, who is still living, makes her home with her son, Fred, who is the subject of this sketch. She attends the Lutheran church. Among the children reared by Mr. and Mrs. Femling are : Lydia, Mrs. Orlin Rood, who died at the age of fifty-five years; Lizzie, the wife of R. T. Cordes, of Iowa: Sarah, Mrs. William Sutton; Flora, who married Mathew Champlin, of Star Lake township: Emma, Mrs. Henry Madee, who died in Star Lake township: Fred; George died at the as^e of two years. and Edward died in infancy.

Fred A. Femling attended the common schools of Wisconsin and of Iowa. From the age of fourteen he has assumed the duties of farm life. He owns his farm in Star Lake township and keeps it in an advanced state of improvement. He gives special attention to the breeding of Shorthorn cattle. Air. Femling is a shareholder in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery Company at Dent and was director of the concern for two years. He is an independent voter and takes an active interest in the affairs of the township. As chairman of the board of supervisors he has served for nine years, and has also acted as school director of the district in which he lives.

On the 21st of March, 1894, the marriage of Fred Femling to Jessie M. Langley was solemnized. She is the daughter of Joseph and Caroline 1 Nash) Langley, early settlers of Glencoe, Minnesota, where Mrs. Femling was born. Her parents came to Fergus Falls in 1881, where Mrs. Langley died seven years later. Mr. Langley married Mrs. Daisy (Lotton) Giantvalley after the death of his first wife, and moved to Canada, where he has lived since 1909.

George, the eldest son born to Mr. and Mrs. Femling, is a graduate in the 1915 class of the University of Minnesota, where he took the course in agriculture and where his sister, Caroline, is still a student. The other children born to this union are: John, Frank, William, Norman, Fredericka and Dorothy. Olive, who was born after Fredericka, died at the age of four months.

Mr. Femling, who recalls many interesting experiences of pioneer life in Otter Tail county, remembers the time when Fergus Falls was the only market reached by a passable road, and when the trip to that point and back required four days. In relating of the conditions of the roads he tells of one occasion when returning home with a load of wheat he was obliged to block all four wheels of the wagon to prevent the team from falling on the steep hills. Once during the early days of settlement, Fred Femling and his father camped out when the temperature was forty degrees below zero. One of the greatest hardships encountered by these two men was that of rowing across the lake to gather hay which in the winter had to be hauled to the farm on the ice. They threshed the first two crops of wheat with a flail. Game, such as deer, ducks, rabbits and partridges, was plentiful and was a large part of the living. They had to go fifteen miles for their mail, which thev usually got about twice a month.

Teman A. Lund

One of the well-known and prosperous farmers of Erhards Grove township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Teman A. Lund, who was born in Erhards Grove township, September 12, 1S76, the sun of Anund and Olena Lund, both of whom were natives of Norway. Anund Lund came to Vmerica in 1869 and settled in Waseca county, Minnesota, where he lived until [874, and then moved to Erhards Grove township, where he homesteaded eighty acres of land in sections _m and 22, to which he added eighty acres and where the elder Lund lived until his death, in 1S0N. his widow, Olena. surviving him until 1015. Anund and Olena Lund were the parents of the following children: Christine, Mary I deceased). Tora (deceased), Andrena (deceased), Peter (deceased), Emma (deceased), Jennie, Tilla, Teman A.. Lena, John and Peter.

Teman A. Lund received his education in the public schools of Erhards Grove township, after which he went to the state of North Dakota and homesteaded a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Pierce county, where he lived for seven years and then returned to Otter Tail county, Minnesota. On his return to Erhards Grove township, Teman A. Lund bought one hundred and eighty-three acres of land in section 8, a place which he improved with a modern house, large barn and outbuildings, and where he now follows general agricultural pursuits, together with the raising of live stock.

During the year 1902 Teman A. Lund was married to Clara Christopherson, who was born in Erhards Grove township, February 3, 1878, the daughter of Andrew and Lise Cirri stopherson, who were among the early settlers in Erhards Grove township. To the marriage of Teman A. and ( 'lara Lund have been born three children, Orville, Linda and Myrtle.

M. O. Madson, farmer and well-known citizen of Trondhjem township, this county, was born in Norway, January 25, 1855, tne son °f Ole and Olea Madson. both of whom were natives of Norway, the former born in 1822, the latter in 1830. Ole Madson, who was a painter by trade, was married in Norway in 1849 a"d in 1866, with his family, the elder .Madson came to America and located in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he lived a short time and then moved to Otter Tail countv in 1869, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 4, Trondhjem township, where Ole Madson lived until his death, in 1905, his wife surviving him until 1015. Ole and Olea Madson were the parents of the following children : Ole. Johanna. Anne, O. M., Serena, M. O., John, Severn and two children who died in infancy.

M. O Madson received his education in the schools of Norway, and in the schools of Fillmore and Otter Tail counties, Minnesota, after which he became a farmer, securing the home place of one hundred and sixty acres, which M. O. Madson has improved and to which farm he has added land until now Mr. Madson cultivates two hundred and forty acres of choice land in Trondhjem township. In addition to his general farming, M. O. Madson engages extensively in the raising of fine grade live stock. M. O. Madson lias now retired from active farm work, but lives on the farm and supervises the conduct of the place.

On May 30, 18S4. M. O. Madson was married to Julia Steffinsen, who was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, in the year 1865, tlie daughter of John and Hokine Steffinsen, early settlers in Fillmore countv, where they lived for some time and then moved to ('lay countv. where they spent their last days. To the marriage of M. O. and Julia Madson have been born seven children: Melvin, Oscar, John, Henry, Eunice, Helen and Gustof, all of whom are living.

M. ( ). Madson has been active in the public and official life of the community, having served as clerk of the school board for fifteen years and for an equal length of time Mr. Madson served with honor and with notable efficiencv as a member of the board of supervisors.

Herman Larson, successful farmer and stock raiser, highly-respected citizen and man of affairs in the life of Eagle Lake township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Sweden, March 20, 1875, the son of Andrew Larson, who was born in Sweden, July 6, 1841, and of Joanna Kjell. who was born in Sweden, May 31, 1851. Andrew Larson, who was a laborer in his native country, came to America in the year 1881, coming directly to Otter Tail county, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Orwell township, a place on which he lived as a general farmer until his death on September 20, iqoj, following his death, his widow going to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where she now lives.

Andrew Larson was one of the well-known and prosperous farmer- of the community, at the time of his death being the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of well-tilled and highly-cultivated land, on which he had placed extensive improvements, making his farm one of the best in the township. Andrew Larson and wife were the parents of six children. Herman, Anna. Elida, Albin, Elof and Marvin, all of whom are members of the Swedish Lutheran church. In politics Andrew Larson was an ardent Republican.

Following his education in the common schools of Orwell township. Otter Tail county. Herman Larson became a farmer, fur a lime operating a threshing machine with O. Sholberg, later moving, in the year [QOO, to Eagle Lake township, where he ran his father-in-law's farm. He afterward bought forty acres and now owns two hundred and forty acres of land, which he has extensively improved and where he engages in general farming and stock- raising.

During the year 1896, Herman Larson was married t" Jennie Olson, who was born on December jo. 1873, the daughter of Andrew and Hannah (Nelson) Olson, the father born in Sweden. December 10. 1833, he living in his native country, where he was a railroad worker until the year iSjr. then coming to \merica, working on the railroads of the stair of \\ isconsin for .urn' time, after which he came to Eagle Lake township and after many privations and sacrifices became the owner <ff a farm of one hundred ami sixty acres of land, a place on which Herman Larson, his son-in-law, now lives. Andrew Olson died on July 9, [906, his wife. Hannah, having preceded him in death many years, she dying on June r6, 1884. Andrew and Hannah Olson were faithful and devout members of the Swedish Lutheran church. To the marriage of Herman and Jennie (Olson) Larson were horn the following children: Arvid II.. who was horn on December 19, 1896; Harry F., September jo, 1898; Olof S., April 28, 1901 ; Helen E., December 21, I903.

Herman Larson is one of the more prominent members of the Swedish Lutheran church of Eagle Lake, Minnesota, being a communicant who has served his church for three years as treasurer, as well as being a member who is an active worker and supporter of the efforts of this denomination.

In political affiliation Herman Larson supports the Republican party, although in local affairs he is independent of party. Air. Larson has taken no especial part in the official or public circles of his township, but he is known as one of the leading citizens of the community, one who has done no little in the development and in the progress of the county and its various interests. Herman Larson and his family are among the esteemed and honored people of Eagle Lake township and of Otter Tail countv, Minnesota.

Andrew Glende

Andrew Glende, a. well-known farmer of Everts township, Ottei Tail county, Minnesota, who was born in Norway on December to, 1855. is the son of Andrew and Kare (Rye) Glende, both of whom were born in X'orway, the former in 1823 and the latter about the same year. They were married in Norway and both died in that country, the former in 1857 and the latter in 1865. They were the parents of seven children: Anna Alary. Karen, Erick, Andreas, Andrinie, Anton and Andrew. Andrew Glende's mother was twice married, the second time to Even A. Glende, by whom she had one child. Thor

Educated in the public schools of bis native land. Andrew Glende came to America in 1871 and settled in Eairbault, Rice county. Minnesota. The next year he came to Otter Tail countv, and in 1874 purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 10. of Everts township. Later he sold this farm and purchased one hundred and sixty acres, in 1S7N, where he has since lived. Mr. Glende has erected . substantial buildings on the farm and has made other improvements.

In 1XN5 Andrew Glende was married to Olena Larson, and to them was born one child, Kare Mrs. Glende died in r888, and five years later Mr. Glende was married to Mina Venes, of Everts township, who i- tindaughter of Tohn and Anna Marv Venes. Thev came from Norway in

[880 and purchased one hundred and sixty acre- of land in Everts township. Later they sold this farm and moved to Battle Lake. By his second marriage Mr. Glende has five children, all of whom arc living, foseph, Marie, Agnes. Ovidia and Altine.

Henry D. Luhning, farmer and well-known citizen of Girard township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was horn in Hanover, Germany, on June 27, iN-;. the son of li. Luhning and Magarete Luhning. natives of Germany.

Henry 1). Luhning was educated in the schools of his native country, after which lie came to America, in [899, and located in Otter Tail county. Minnesota, where, in partnership with his brother, William, Henry I). Luhning bought three hundred and thirty acres of land in Otter Tail township, a place which Mr. Luhning cultivated for some time and then he bought one hundred and seventy-two acres of land in Girard township, a farm on which he now lives as a general farmer.

On July [8, 1902, Henry D. Luhning was married to Anna Peters, who was born in Germany, the daughter of < »tto Peters and wife. To the marriage of Henry D. and Anna Luhning has been horn one child, William. Mr. and Mrs. Luhning also have one adopted child, Elsie. Henry 1). Luhning and his family are members of the German Lutheran church, they being active members in the congregation of their choice.

Henry D. Luhning, for two years has been school treasurer For Otter Tail township, and he is a man who takes an important place in the public life of his community.

Mr. Dinsmore is a son of Scott and [sabelle Christie Dinsmore. Scott Dinsmore was a farmer in Pennsylvania, and for twenty-five years taught >chool in Westmoreland county, that state, lie owned one hundred and forty acres of land and was a prominent and leading member of the Presbyterian church, having served as an elder in that denomination for many years. Scotl Dinsmore was the father of nine children, eight s.m-. and one daughter.

fohn 11. Dinsmore received his education in the common schools of die Keystone state, and in the spring of 1SS4 left Pennsylvania for Otter Tail countv, Minnesota. For a time Mr. Dinsmore was employed bv IX G

Keefe, and during this peri' id taught school during the winter months in Fergus Falls township. Afterwards he removed to I 'age county, fowa, and for six years operated a farm belonging to his aunt. He also bought eighty acres of land in Page county, and lived in Iowa for six years. In 1891 Mr. Dinsmore sold his holdings in Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Maine township, this county, sixty acres of which was cleared. In 1910 Mr. Dinsmore built a comfortable and commodious house. Previous to this, in [902, he had built a large barn.

In 1888 John Dinsmore was married to Xettie Wilson, a daughter of William Wilson, a Pennsylvania farmer. John Dinsmore and wife are the parents of four children. Isabel, Wilson W.. Lilian and J. Scott.

Mr. Dinsmore and family are members of the Presbyterian church in Maine township, and take an active interest in the affairs of that congregation. Mr. Dinsmore has served efficiently for a number of years as clerk of the township school board, and has been a member of the board .altogether for a period of twenty years. He is well known and highly respected in Maine township.

John Sim

John Sim, well-known farmer and prominent citizen of Scambler township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Scotland, October 28, 1848, the son of John and Agnes (Donald) Sim, both of whom were natives of Scotland, born in the year 181 1. John Sim, Sr., who was a blacksmith in the highlands of Scotland, lived in his native country during his entire life, dying in the year 1875. Agnes, the wife of the elder Sim, died in 1885, at Glasgow, Scotland. John and Agnes Sim were the parents of the following children: Margaret. Thomas, James, ^.gnes, Janet, John, Alexander, David and two children who died in infancy.

Following his education in the public schools of his native country. John Sim came to America, and in 1887 settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he started a blacksmith shop, a trade which lie followed until 1892, and then bought forty acres of land in Scambler township, a place which he improved and to which Mr. Sim has added land until he now owns one hundred and eighty acres of well-improved and highly-cultivated land. John Sim, in addition to his general farming, makes a specialty of dairying.

During the year 1878 John Sim was married to Isabel Cameron, a native of Scotland, and to this marriage have been born seven children : John Cameron, T-homas, James. Isabel, David. Alexander and Francis.

John Sim has been an active and a valued citizen in business circles of Scambler township. Mr. Sim was one of the organizers of the Park Region Co-operative Creamery and Store Company, of Cormant, Minnesota; he was one of the organizers of the Farmer's Elevator Company, at Pelican Rapids, and is a member of the Pelican Rapids Farmers' Shipping Association. John Sim lias been a prominent member of the school board for many years and he is now one of the supervisors of Scambler township.

Tohaxxes P. Schei

Johannes P. Schei, a pioneer citizen of Otter Tail county and one of the best-known residents of Tordenskjold township, where he is now living retired, is a native of Norway, horn eight miles out of Trondhjem, May 17. [839.

The venerable Johannes P. Schei is the son of Peter and Jochimine Schei. who in later life immigrated to America. They died on a farm in Tordenskjold township about 1890 and are buried in the Tordenskjold township cemetery. They were farmers by occupation and had a family of nine children, all of whom came with them to America. Johannes P. was the eldest, Maria, who died in Norway; Ole, who lives in Red Wing, .Minnesota: Olaf, who died in Minneapolis; Berit Martha, who married Aneus Volen and died at Underwood; Paulina, who died unmarried in Minneapolis; Martin, who died in Minneapolis; Mary, who married a Mr. Johnson and lives in Minneapolis, and Ever, who resides near Minneapolis.

Johannes P. Schei was educated in the public schools and, from his boyhood, has been engaged in farming. In 1867 he accompanied his parents to America, and for the next three years worked on a farm in Goodhue county. Later the family came to Otter Tail county and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres in Tordenskjold township. This farm was composed altogether id' wild land and. after clearing a place, Mr. Schei buill a log house, having lived one summer in a wagon. The old log house stood on the site of the present Schei home. Later, Mr. Schei added forty acres of land in Lane Prairie township and still later two hundred acres more southeast in Tordenskjold township, erecting houses and barns on these various farms. For some years, Mr. Schei has been living retired.

1 »n lulv 4, i8f>7. Johannes 1'. Schei was married in Goodhue county. Minnesota, to Barteline Rosvold, an aunt of Martin Rosvold, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Schei have been the parents of ten children. Olaf. who is a merchant at Fergus Falls; Julia, who died n the age of si* years; Karen, who married Allien Anderson and lues m Dane Prairie township; Julius, who is a farmer in Tordenskjold township: Joseph. who died at the age of twenty-seven; Ole. who is in the real estate business in Portland. Oregon; Martin, who is a farmer in Idaho; John (I., who is the manager of the home Farm; Olena, who died at the age of twenty years, and lulia. who lives at home with her parents.

Ellef E. Risbrudt

Ellef E Risbrudt is one of the representative agriculturists of St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and is a native of Norway, his birth having occurred on September 2~, 1857. He is the son of Engebret T. Rishrnclt. also a native of Norway and the brother of Torkel E. Risbrudt.

Ellef E. Risbrudt received his education in the public schools of St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county, and was reared on the home farm where he assisted his father with the work until twenty-seven years of age. In 1884 he purchased one hundred and seventy acres of land in St. Olaf township, on which he erected buildings and made other improvements. He has continued to live on this place ever since. In 191 1 he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land, under the homestead law, in Montana and remained there until Christmas, 1914. Each year he returned to his former home in St. Olaf township to visit his people, and in 1901 purchased ninety acres of land near the home place. In 1900 he invested in forty acres more adjoining his farm, and now owns three hundred and ten acres in St. Olaf township. He is also the owner of ten acres of timber land, which was given to him by his father. The farm in St. Olaf township is devoted to general agriculture and stock raising.

On June 2, 1883, Ellef E. Risbrudt, Jr., was united in marriage to Christine Johnson and they are the parents of six children as follow : ( 'lara. Emma. Tena, Elvin, Selmer and Noble. Politically, Ellef E. Risbrudt, Jr., is a stanch advocate of Republican principles and is very earnest in his convictions. Religiously, he is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and lends his active support to that church.

Oliver E. Moses

( lliver E. Moses, who claims Minnesota as the state of his nativity, was born in Blue Earth county, on February 19, 1872, and is the son of Emerson and Alice W. (Calvin) Moses, natives of the state of Connecticut. The grandparents' of the subject of this sketch were born in Hartford county, Connecticut, where Richard Moses, the paternal grandfather, was a farmer and landowner. He and his wife, Rachel Moses, lived in that community until they died. Their son. Emerson Moses, grew to manhood in the state where be was liorn and took up farming on his father's place. In [868, after selling the old home, which he had in the meantime acquired, to an elder lirother. \dnan. he moved to Minnesota, coming by stage from Winona, there being no railroad at that time, and where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Judson and Garden City town-hips, located in Blue Earth county. On this land, which was only partially improved, he worked at dairying and farming, raising pure-blood Jerse) cows, which breed his son, Oliver, -till raises. His death occurred in C901. \ iter the death of her husband, Mrs. Moses continued to live on the homestead until a short while before her death, when she went to make her home with her son, ( >. E. Moses, the subject of this sketch. She passed away on March 5, 1915 U the time of his death, Mr. Moses owned two hundred acres of land. He was always an enthusiastic member of the Democratic party. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Moses, are O. E. and Charles K., who lives on the old home place in Blue Earth county, and two children who died in infancy.

O E. .Muses attended the public schools of the village of Lake Crystal. After completing the course he remained on the home place until he was twenty-six years old. lie bought one hundred and twenty acres of land adjoining his father's place and worked upon it at general farming for - years In March, 1904, he and family moved to Otter Tail county, where in [903, they had purchased three hundred and eleven acres of land in section 35, Scambler township. This farm they still occupy today. \t the time they bought the place, a log cabin was the only dwelling in evidence, luit Mr. Moses has added improvements from year to year until the fan one of the most up-to-date in that vicinity. In 1014. he erected a concrete silo. He is a breeder of full-blood Jersey cattle and keeps fifteen milch cows, lie handles eighty head of Yorkshire hogs annually.

Mr. Moses was the originator of the idea of the Farmers Co-operative Creamery at 1'elican Rapids, where he served for three years :is director ol the concern. In 1014, in partnership with L. C. Nicholson, he bought a threshing outfit, which they -still operate. Although a member of the Democratic party when national issues are at stake, Mr. Moses votes independently in local politics

The marriage of ( (liver E. Moses to May Q. Beebe, a native of Waupon, Wisconsin, was solemnized on January 1. 1898. Mrs. Moses was born on May 14. 1870, and is the daughter of Norman and Susan 1.. 1 Davis) Reebe. who were among the early settlers of Blue Earth county.

Norman Beebe was a native of Cattaraugus county. New York, and moved to Wisconsin during the pioneer days of that state, lie settled near Waupon, where he became a successful farmer with large dairy interests Seven children were horn, of whom all are living ami all married. They are Bird \ '.. of Spa, California, a rancher; Leona Butterfield, of Los Angeles, California; May Q. Moses, of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota: Norman E., a farmer of St. Tlilaire. Minnesota: Dr. lav I... of Miaheim. California, a successful doctor and surgeon; Susie I). McAulay, of Fullerton, California; and Roxy 1. I'errin. of Mansfield, Illinois. In [878 he moved to Blue Earth countv, Minnesota, and boughl a four-hundrd-acre farm, lie kept on an average, fifty cows, his daughter (now Mrs. Moses) making cheese of the milk in the summer and butter in the winter, for ten years, having a cheese factory on the farm. In 1895 Airs. Moses made cheese in a large factory at Garden City, Minnesota, her brother, Norman, working as helper. After selling tliis farm, the family lived in Lake Crystal, until iqoi, when Mr. and Mrs. Beebe and two youngest daughters moved to Upland, California, where he bought a twenty-acre orange ranch, where they lived until he died in January, 1004. His wife, who is a native of Erie county, New York, was seventy-five years old on January 8, 1916. She is living with her daughter. Mrs. Susie McAulay. at Fullerton, California.

Five children were horn to Mr. and Mrs. Oliver E. Moses, Bernard Earl, seventeen, who is a student in the State Agricultural College at Crookston, Minnesota; Jay Lind, sixteen; Bertha May, fifteen, who will also attend the state school: Norman, seven, and Emerson, five years. They are all at home and help on the farm when not in school.