Otter Tail County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 15 of 28)

Erik Wilhelm Erickson

Among the farmers who have taken an interest in the development of Otter Tail county, and in the promotion of its life and its activities to a more advanced and progressive position, and a man who from his busy life has found time to serve his township in public office and as a leader in political and community lite, is Erik Wilhelm Erickson, who was born in Sweden, on April 6, J <S 7 5 , the son of Erik and Matilda Anderson, both of whom were horn in Sweden, where Erik Anderson now lives, his wife having died some years ago. Erik Anderson is the son of Andres Orinson and wife, Andres Orinson being a farmer in his native country. Matilda Anderson was the daughter of Joh.m and Ellen Johnson, Johan Johnson being a farmer and landowner of Sweden, in which country he was horn. Erik Anderson, father of the subject of this sketch, was a farmer, and was the father of two children, Sarah, who lived and died in Sweden, and Erik Wilhelm.

Ink Wilhelm Erickson was educated in the public schools of Sweden. after which, at the age of eighteen years, he came to \111crica. and went to the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, near where he secured employment for the next four years on farms in the forests, and also worked on the railroads of the districl In the year 1X08. Erik Erickson bought a farm in section 11. W'ilken county, Minnesota, where he lived for four years and then came to Otter Tail county, where he purchased two hundred acres of

In 1900. Erik Wilhelm Erickson was married to Hilda Steen, who was horn in Norway, the daughter of Berthus and Youndena Orstand, the mother being deceased and the father now living in Norway. Berthus Orstand is the son of Donald and Johanna Berterson. who were farmers and fishers in Norway, where they died. Youndena Orstand was the daughter of Joha and Ellen Johnson, who were landowners and extensive farmers of Norway, where they lived their entire lives.

Erik and Hilda Erickson are the parents of six children, Ellnora Charlotta, Blanche Joy, Lloyd Ezra, Allan Jeralcl. Ella Hazel and Willy Milton.

In church and religious affiliation Erick Erickson and his family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and take an active part in the work and worship of this congregation. Erik Erickson has served his township in several important school offices, filling the positions in an efficient and business-like manner.

Winfield W. Gould

In a state like Minnesota, where the greater part of the land is used for agricultural purposes, the man who can successfully meet the great competition in his field of endeavor and bring returns of substantial profit from the soil, deserves a place in the annals of the county in which he lives. Such a man is Winiield \Y. Gould, who has been a resident of Otter Tail county for a period of over forty years, and who by his noble attributes of character and his ability to enter upon all affairs that go to uplift the community in which he lives, has attained a position of influence and prominence.

Winiield W. Gould was born in Washington county, Wisconsin, on August 2(), 1852. He is the son of George and Eleanor (Sherman) Gould, who are numbered among the early settlers of the West. The mother of Winiield Gould was the daughter of Jacob and Rhoda Sherman, the former of whom was a native of England. Upon his arrival in this country, Jacob Sherman settled in New York, in Herkimer county. His first move to the \\\->t brought him to Fillmore county. Minnesota. In iSoo. Mr. Sherman came to Otter Tail county and settled in Everts township, where he experienced the dangers and the hardships of early pioneer life. His love of simplicity and plain methods of living, however, offered him a means of contentment in his later days and he died in Otter Tail county, not unhappy that he had chosen a vocation of toil. His wife spent her last days in the town of Maine. Otter Tail county, with a son. where she passed away. The father of George Gould was a native of England who came to America and settled m New York. He was returning to the British Isles on a business trip when he lust his life at sea. His wife remained in New York where she died.

George Gould, the father of Winfield Gould, -was born in the state of New York on January 18, 1819, and Eleanor Sherman Gould, who later Ijecame his wife on December 25, 1844, was a native of the same state, having been born there on August 5, 1821. In 1848 they moved to Washington county, Wisconsin, bought and cleared up a timber farm which he sold 111 1857 aiK' came to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where they lived until 1868. The last change of residence made by Mr. and Mrs. Gould was in 1868, when they came to Otter Tail county, where they lived to enjoy the prosperity of well-directed lives. The trip to the county where they spent the last days of their lives was picturesque. In those days the scanty furniture with a few provisions and household necessities were placed in a covered wagon and hauled by a team of oxen. Upon his arrival in Otter Tail county Mr. Gould began at once the task of homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land which he gained possession of. The land was part prairie and part timber. He first built a log cabin and later a frame house and cultivated the farm until his death, which occurred on April 14. 1895; his wife survived him until September 17, 1898. Mr. Gould was a popular member of the Republican party, and held a number of township offices, where he served the part}' of which he was a member, earnestly and conscientiously. Mr. Gould was also deeply solicitous regarding religious affairs, especially in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The first marriage of Mr. Gould was contracted on December 31, 1840, with Amanda Williams, who became the mother of two children: George, who lived with Winfield Gould until his death, which occurred on March 11. ion. and Jane, the widow of Thomas Crane, who lives in Independence. Missouri. By his second marriage Mr. Gould became the father of the following children: Roseltha, the widow of William Corliss; she later married Orris Albertson, and is living at Battle Lake: Clayton, who is living a retired life in Independence, Missouri; Winfield, the subject of this sketch; Eleanor, who is the wife of Lurett Whiting and who lives in Clitherall village. Otter Tail county, and Emma, who married William Oakes. and is now living in Canada.

From early childhood Winfield Gould was prepared for a life on the farm and was educated in the public schools. At an early age he entered upon the task of homesteading in Everts township, where he had come into possession of eighty acres of prairie land. Hie occupation required more than an ordinary amount of physical Strength and mental ability, and Mr.

Gould grappled with the obstacles and conquered the primeval conditions in the midst of which he toiled. In 1901 Mr. Gould sold this tract, consisting of eighty acres, and bought one hundred and sixty acres in section 1, Clitherall township, which touches the shores of Battle Lake as well as Clitherall lake. Since the time of his purchase, Mr. Gould has erected a residence, barn and a number of smaller buildings on the farm land. He has been occupied with no special line of agriculture, but devotes his time to general farming.

In his political relations, W infield Gould has followed the example of his father, who was a prominent Republican. Mr. Gould works with untiring energy for the good of the party of which he is a member and as a reward has held a number of offices. He has not only served as supervisor and assessor in Everts township but he has also held the position of treasurer of the school board in the same township. Mr. Gould is a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

On July 7, 1875, Mr- Gould was united in mariage to Ella Whiting, the daughter of Lewis Whiting, who was widely known as one of the early settlers in Otter Tail county. To this union the following children have been born: Leon, who is a farmer residing at Bemidji, Minnesota; Winfield, who died when he had reached the age of manhood; Maude, the wife of I'. \. Sherman, who is now living in Independence, Missouri; Hallie. Ivu and Gladys, who are teachers in Clitherall township; Ethel, the wife of Frank Tucker, who resides at Dear Creek, and Nina, the wife of Orrison E. Tucker, of Clitherall.

William Morrow

William Morrow, born in Ireland, August 8, 1846, was the son of Thomas and Mary (Lackey) Morrow, both natives of Ireland. William Morrow was named for his grandfather, William Morrow, a farmer of northern Ireland. The Morrows were members of the Presbyterian church and very active in its affairs. The elder William Morrow never came to America. Thomas Morrow, father of the subject of this sketch, received his education in the common schools of his native country. After his mar riage he and his wife rented a piece of ground which they tilled for a number of years. In the year 1853 they decided to try. their fortunes in the New- World. After reaching New York City they proceeded to Wisconsin Owing to the lack of funds the son, William, was left with an uncle in New York. The Morrows located near the town of Troy, Wisconsin, where the father worked by the day. Thomas Morrow was the father of the following children: Mary Jane, [sabelle (deceased), William, Kslher and Joseph. \11 hut William live in Wisconsin. The father died in t866 and the mother in 1894.

William Morrow received most of his education in New Yurk City while staying with his uncle, James Morrow. William Morrow enlisted as a soldier in the Civil War, where he fought for eleven months with Company L, First Wisconsin Heavy Artillery. At the time of the assassination of President Lincoln he was stationed at Arlington Heights. On the night of the fatal shooting he was mounted on a horse and given instructions to shool anyone he met in the road without warning, as he was carrying dispatches to headquarters.

William Morrow sent home to his father in Wisconsin some four hundred dollars saved from his pay in the army. With this money his father purchased a little home of four acres near the town of Troy. Wisconsin. After some time William joined the family at Troy. He worked on a farm to the time of his marriage to Caroline Rawson. May 29, 1873. Airs. .Morrow is the daughter of Lorenzo and Sallie (Folensbee) Rawson, the former of whom was a native of the state of Vermont and the latter a native of New York. Lorenzo Rawson was twice married. His first wife was Mar) King and to this union the following children were born: Helen, Lorenzo, John, Carlos and Flora. Of these children, John and Lorenzo were veterans of the Civil War. John having served four years and Lorenzo one hundred days. The children of Lorenzo and Sallie (Folensbee) Rawson are: 1 aniline, wife of William Morrow, Emma and Jennie. Lorenzo Rawson, the father of Mrs. William Morrow, was an active member of the Methodist Fpiscopal church and always took an active part in the song service. He was born on May 22, 1810, and died on October 16. 1907.

William Morrow, after his marriage, rented and farmed his father-inlaw's farm of two hundred and twenty acres, for seven years. Me then removed to Mower county, Minnesota, near the town of Austin. In [88] lie came to < Uter Tail county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 24, Otter Tail township. He later added to his first purchase until he had four hundred and sixty acres, but he later sold one hundred and sixty acres. The land was all purchased 111 the undeveloped stage and 1>\ hard work and industry he has made it into a well-cultivated farm. He has placed all the improvements on the farm, the house he built in the year 1004. The barn he had built some five years before. Mr. Morrow and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Morrow has been president of the town hoard for years, lie was secretary and treasurer of the school district and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs. Morrow are the parents of the following children: Minnie. Vernon, Lorenzo, Frank, Olive and Clayton. Minnie and Frank are deceased.

Jens P. Berger

One of the best known farmers of Dane Prairie township, Otter Tail county. .Minnesota, and one of the most successful farmers in this part of the county is Jens P. Berger, a native of Norway, born at Aamodt, Osterdalen, on December 27, 1861.

Jens P. Berger is a son of Peter Jensen and Eline (Olson) Berger, both of whom were also natives of Aamodt, Osterdalen, Norway, the former on June 9, 1833, and the latter on June 6, 1830. They grew up in the neighborhood of Osterdalen, and were married there. Peter Berger was a farmer by occupation, who. in 1883, emigrated to America, and located at Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He spent his last days, however, at the home of his son, Jens P., the subject of this review, passing away, July 4, 189c. His good wife died less than a year later, on May I, 1891. In Norwa\. Peter Berger had been a soldier in the Norwegian army before coming to America. There were four children in the Berger family, of whom two died in infancy. Those who survived were Jens P. and Ole, a miner by occupation, who died in Michigan about T895.

Jens P. Berger received his education in the schools of his native land and was reared on his father's farm. He came to America alone in 1880, and after arriving in Fergus Falls on June 5, 18S0, began work on neighboring farms, at which he continued for five years. After his marriage, Mr. Berger rented a farm for three years in Dane Prairie township, and in 1887 purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 1. of Dane Prairie township. About twenty acres of the farm was cleared, and there was a small house and a log barn on the farm. At the present time there are one hundred and ten acres of the farm under cultivation. In 1915 Mr Berger built a magnificent new barn, thirty-two by sixty-four feet, and a win- sixteen by twenty feet. The barn is thirty-eight feet high and has a hip-roof. The foundation is made of concrete and the barn is painted red. There is room in it for nine horses and twenty-six head of cattle, and seventy-five tons of hay and fifteen hundred bushels of oats can be stored in this commodious barn.

Some live years after coming to America, Mr. Berger was married to Olga Everson, a native of Norway, who was born at Frederickshald. Mrs. Berger is a daughter of Ok- Everson, who died in Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Berger are the parents of six children: Peter ( >.. a merchant of Mission Mill, South Dakota; Ole Edward, who died at the age of twent) one wars: Plise Marie. George O. and Magna Constance are living al home with their parents, while Arthur R. died al the age of eight years.

Jens P. Berger had been prominent in the educational, political and civic hfe of his township since coming to this country, lie served twelve years as treasurer of school district No. 43, and for two years was president of the Underwood Co-operative Creamery. Politically, he is identified with the Prohibition party. The family arc all members of the Free Lutheran church, of Tordenskjold township.

Among the pioneers from older communities who have contributed to the best citizenship of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is Tra J. Brown, who as a representative of the highest type of the reliable, industrious and intelligent settler has passed many busy and productive years. A man, in all things upright, he has never lacked the largest measure of popular confidence and trust. His career has been studded with all the dramatic events found in the life of a soldier and a pioneer. There is not a phase of early American life in the West with which he is not familiar and cannot recall with the keenest memory and accuracy. And aside from this, he has a fund of war experiences, the stories of which even the greatest adventurer could not tail to be interested in.

Ira Brown, who is now living a retired life as a farmer, was born on March 5, 1844. in Ffopkinton, St. Lawrence county. New York, the son of Harvey J. and Harriett (Gould") Brown. He was reared on a farm, where he received his first lessons in building those traits of character which served him so well in later years. When a young man, scarcely nineteen, he showed his patriotism by tendering his services in defense of the Union. I11 December, 1863, he enlisted in Company I. Seventh Heavy Artillery, United States Army, and in the year [864 left for the front. During his term of setwice his experiences were varied and thrilling. Mr. Brown was taken prisoner in front of Petersburg, and fur three months he was held in the \ndersonville prison, during the fore part of his captivity, and two months in the Milieu prison. He was finally paroled and was discharged, and came North in June, 1865.

In 1871, when many citizens were migrating to different parts of the We^t. Mr. Brown joined a colon}- that went out to Western township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota. There were over thirty people in the company and the caravan consisted of horses, cows and wagons. Most of the members of tin- party upon their arrival began at once the task of homesteading. Mr. Brown built a shanty, twelve by sixteen feet in dimensions, where he and his family lived for four years. The next building erected by him was a frame house, which remained the famiK residence for thirtv-four years. Upon bis retirement from the active duties ,,f farm life, Mr. Brown moved rgus Falls, which was in the \ear 1005. and in this community he con-

On November J5. [865, Ira J. Brown was married, to Rhoda M. Drurey, who was born on July 11. [844. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parent-, of the following children: Eli \Y. and Mattie M.. who were horn in New York; 1 J attic- M.: Harvey J. and Jeanette R., who were horn in Western township. Eli, who lives in Grant count)-, married Miss Godwars, and has four children. Mattie, who married E. M. Johnson, has five children and is living in Tacoma, Washington. Eattie is the wife of W. S. Tombs, and lives in Glenwood, Minnesota, and has four children. Harvey J. lives on the home place in Western township, and is married to Gertrude Toombs; they are the parents of six children. Jeanette married 11. J. Berry and lives with her husband and four children in Glenwood, Minnesota.

Mr. Brown has been intrusted with man}- public offices. For a number oi" years he served as justice of the peace and as a member of the town school board. In religious affairs he lias always exemplified the deepest Christian faith and charity. lie has throughout his life taken an active interest in the affairs of the Presbyterian church. He was superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty-two years and also served as an elder in the church. In 1896 he was honored with the appointment to serve as commissioner to the Presbyterian general assembly. Following the reward that has come to bim after years of patient toil and cheerful giving, Mr. Brown is now enjovimr the happiness which comes to those who have li\ed useful

Lars Iv Olsen

Among the successful citizens of a past generation in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was the late Lars 1'. Olsen, who was born at Sjelland, Denmark, March 9, 1847. the son of Ole Peterson ami Margaret Nelson, both of whom were born and who lived and died in Denmark. Mr. Olsen's father was a stone mason by trade, and had a family of six children: Nils, who died in Denmark: Lars 1'.. the subject of this review ; Peter, a retired citizen of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; \ndrew , a fanner living in Canada; Johanna, unmarried, lives in Denmark; Stina. the wife of Anton Nelson,

The late Lars 1'. Olsen was educated in the public schools of bis native land, and when a young man took up farming. In [869 he came alone to the United States, and settled first at Winona, Minnesota, where he worked for farmers in that neighborhood, and also on tin- railroad then being constructed through that country. Two years later be removed 10 Otter Tail COUllt\ and worked near Crockston. lie afterwards homesteaded one bun dred and forty-nine acres of land in Tordenskjold township, clearing the land and putting it under cultivation, as well as erecting buildings on the farm and improving n in many ways. In 1879 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Tordenskjold township, where he erected magnificent modern farm buildings. Later he bought eighty acres more. Here his death occurred on May 14. 1910.

In 1874 the late Lars P. Olsen was married to Stina Margerita Olsen. who was born on December 27, [854, and who is a sister of Hans P. ( >lsen, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The marriage took place on January 7, 1874. Mrs. Olsen came to America with her brother in i860, and after a stop at Winona. Minnesota, for two years, they came to Otter Tail county, where she lived until her marriage. Airs. Olsen's mother also came to America and died here in 1903. Lars P. Olsen and wife were the parents of eleven children, as follow: Emma, the wife of Jens P. Tohansen. and they live in Tordenskjold township; Peter George, who is conducting the home farm and lives with his mother; Alice, the wife of Anton Jensen, and they live in Minneapolis; ( )tto, living in Montana, where he is a fanner; Thea, deceased' William, a farmer living in this township; Henry, a farmer living in Montana; Lily, who died young; Eddie, a farmer in Montana: Daisy, deceased, and Benjamin, also deceased.

The Late Lars I'. Olsen was chairman .if Tordenskjold township for many years, and served efficiently as a member of the school board of his township. He was a member of the Free Lutheran church, as is his widow. The family is well known and highly respected in this part of Otter Tail county, where thev lived for so many years.

Mick Ebersviller

of (laud and Susanah 1 Schneider 1 Ebersviller, both of whom were natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Ebersviller, with their family, came to the United Slates and at once settled in Carver county, where they bought fiftyseven acres of land. Ibis they made their home until their death, (laud Ebersviller died in 1882 ami Mrs. Ebersviller five years before, in 1877. They were (be parents of the following children: iVIargaret, Peter, John and (laud, all of whom are dead: Nick, Lena and Mary.

Nick Ebersviller received his education in his native country, where he remained until he was nineteen years of age. On coming to America he settled in Carver count) in the spring of 1874, where be remained until [884, when he came to Candor township, this county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in section 22. To the original farm Mr. Ebersviller added until be owned four hundred and sixty-eight acres. The land has been highly improved, good buildings erected, until toda) it is one of the best farms in the township. Air. Ebersviller remained on the farm until 1914. at which time he retired to Vergas, where he owns a substantial home.

He has always taken an active interest in public affairs and always worked for the public good. Ik- was a member and director of the school board for twelve years and was treasurer for many years. He was also chairman of the board of supervisors for twelve years, and is at present village assessor.

Nick Ebersviller was married in 1883 to Mary Krosche, who was born in Germany, June 21. 1858, and was the daughter of Joseph and Theresa Krusche. The father died in 1864 and the widow came to Candor township in 1887, where she died in 1908.

Mr. and Mrs. Ebersviller are the parents of the following children : Louisa. Adolph. Anna. Arthur. Peter, William, Alma and Clara, all of whom are living.

Before his retirement from active life, Mr. Ebersviller sold all his land, excepting one hundred and sixty acres in North Dakota. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Creamery Company and was the treasurer for some years. His life has been a successful and an active one and he has the respect of all who know him.

Carl Anderson

Carl Anderson, a farmer of Exerts township, who owns a splendid farm in section 16. three mile^ from Battle Lake. Minnesota, is a native of Norway, where his birth occurred on December 31, 1857.

Mr. Anderson is a son of Andreas Sakkariasen and Gunhild Marie Sakkariasen, both of whom were natives of Norway, and spent their entire L es in that country.

Car] Anderson received his education in the public schools of his native land, and after leaving school came to America and settled in Minnesota in 1881, working for the Northern Pacific Railway Company until iSS; In the latter year Mr. Anderson returned to Norway, hut came back to the United States in iooj. and in [908 purchased the farm which he now owns. This farm consists of eighty acres, and here Mr. Anderson carries mi a general system of farming and Mock raising, in which he has nut with commendable success.

In 1SS6 Carl Anderson was married to Gertie Christenson, a native of Norway, where her birth occurred in [853, and to this union have been born four children. Conrad Arthur. Bertha Marie, Thora Mathilde and John Henry

.Mr. Anderson has made practically all of the improvements which are now 'in his farm, and within recent years has built a new house. For ten years he rented land and after buying his farm in 1908 still continued to rent land for three years, lie moved to his own farm in 1913.

.Mr. and Mrs. Carl Anderson and family are active and devoted members of the Lutheran church of Everts township, and take an active interest in the affairs of that congregation. Air. Anderson is one of the foremost advocates in Everts township of public improvements. He has a host of friends in the township and community where he lives.

Martin Evander is the son of Nels Martinson and Bengta ^Andresdatter) Evander, both natives of Sweden, where their entire lives were spent. Xels Martinson Evander was a village schoolmaster in his native land.

Martin Evander was horn on December 31, 1839, in Stora Keopinge, Harrestad Narad, Malmo Huslan, Skane, Sweden, and received his education in that country. After seven years as an apprentice to a cabinet-maker and carpenter in Ystad, he engaged in that vocation for some years, both in Sweden and Denmark. On December jo, 1865, the marriage of Martin Evander and Elna I 'ehrsdatter was solemnized, the ceremony being performed in Ystad. Sweden. Elna Pehrsdatter was born on November 19, JN41 in Tostrbp, Ingelstad Harad, Kristianstad-lan, Skane, Sweden, and is the daughter of 1'ehr Pehrson and Maria Klemens, both natives of Sweden. Pehr Pehrson was employed as a groomsman for Lord Albert Aransvard, of the Swedish nobility. Pehr E'ehrson always lived in his native land where his death occurred.

Martin Evander immigrated to America in i860, and immediately located in Eagle Lake township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, where he homesteaded a farm on which he now resides. One year after his arrival in ibis country he was joined by his wife and two sons. Martin Evander was the first carpenter to take up his abode in this community, and most of the buildings of the early days were erected by him, including the church. in which services are still held. lie erected all of the buildings on his own farm, and constructed most of bis household furniture, as well. He has continued to increase his holdings, until he now owns two hundred and sixty acres of well-improved land, winch has been more than ample for the provision of tin- family, and a liberal education for each of the children. Martin Evander has been a modest man. and has never sought office. To the union of Martin Evander, and Elna Pehrsdatter. seven children have been born, and their names follow: Gustave, Alfred. Erick, lluldah. Ida. Samuel and Foseoh. With the exception of lluldah, the fourth child, all reside in vari ous parts of the United States, she only remaining at home. For the past twenty years Huldah Evander has been a teacher in the schools of Otter Tail county, Minnesota. Her education was received in the public schools and at the State Normal school.

Gustave Evander married Lucy Klemack and they reside in Wheaton, Minnesota, where he has been a druggist for the past twenty years. They are the parents of three children. Amy, Edwin and Elna. Alfred Evander married Anna Eaddock, and they reside on a farm near Diamond, South Dakota, and are the parents of seven children: Daniel, who married Muriel Lindqtlist and has one child. William; Dorothy, Ada, Alfred, Robert, Martin am! I oyd; 1 ".rick Evander married Caroline Slocum, and they are residents of Seattle, Washington, where he is engaged as a taxidermist. They have one child. Martin Bruce. Caroline (Slocum) Evander is a descendant of Genera] Slocum. Ida Evander became the wife of John Erickson. of Menahga. Minnesota, where he was engaged in the hardware business. They are the parents of one child, Elsa. Samuel Evander married Maud Pottenger, of Maddock, North Dakota, where he is engaged as a druggist, and is also interested in agricultural pursuits. Joseph Evander is also a druggist, and is engaged in that business in Underwood, North Dakota. He married Emma Fredrickson, and they are the parents of one child, Percy.

Martin Evander and his wife. Elna ( Pehrsdatter ) Evander have reared a lovely family and are rounding out a life of unselfish service, both to the community in which they have resided, and to their family. On December 26, 1915, tliev celebrated their golden wedding in the presence of all their children, grandchildren, relatives, neighbors and old-time friends.

Alfred Nilsson

Born in Sweden. October 24. 1864, Alfred Nilsson, who is a self-made man. and who has succeeded in a large measure as a farmer in his adopted country, is a son of Nils Peter Jagnuson and Johanna (Gurston) Nelson. both of whom were born in Sweden, and who died in their native land.

Alfred Nilsson was educated in the common schools of Sweden, and in [892, when he was twenty-eight years old, came to America and settled in Sverdrup township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota. In 1895 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, to which he has since added fourteen acres, making a total of one hundred and thirty-four acres which he now owns and operates. Mr. Nilsson is a general fanner and stockman, and has been very successful in this county.

On May 29, 1886, six years before coming to America, Alfred Nilsson was married in Sweden to \nna Lata, who was horn in thai country in f8qc. To this union have been horn eight children, as follow : John G.,

.Mr. Nilsson has cleared all his land since settling in this county, and has made many and various improvements on his place, and he now has one of the most productive farms to he found in Sverdrup township, where he is well known as a valuable citizen.

Ole A. Aarness

A man who boldly faced the responsibilities of life and who by determined and untiring energy has won for himself a place of honorable success is Ole A. Aarness, the subject of this sketch. By a straightforward and commendable course he made his way to that point where now he is of valuable aid and benefit to the community and to a place of esteem and respect in the eyes of his fellow citizens and among his associates.

( »le \. Aarness was born near the city of Kristianstind, Trondhjem. Norway, January 24, 1857, the son of Anders and Ingebor (Olsdatter) Aarness. The father and mother of Ole A. Aarness were born near Kristiansund, and there grew to maturity and were married and lived the remainder of their days in that locality. Anders Aarness was the owner of a small farm in his native land, a place which he cultivated until his death. To Anders and Ingebor Aarness were born the following children: Alary, who married < He Vaagen, and who died in Norway, was the mother of two children, Ingebor and Olena, the latter of whom lives in America; Ole, the subject of this sketch; Frederick, who came to this country on the suggestion of his brother, < >le, and who worked on a railroad for his first summer and then went to St. Paul, Minnesota, later to the state of Oklahoma, after which time he was lost to the knowledge of his family: Anna, who married < He Swinweg, and lives at Kristiansund. Norway.

( He A. Aarness was educated in the public schools of his native country, after which he came to America, making the journey alone, and located at Fergus Falls, where during the year iSSi he took up work with the Great Northern railroad, following this trade in the summer and in the winter working in the northern woods. After a time Ole Aarness accepted employment with Martin Gillespie, al the New York Mills, and worked there for two years, leaving on account of receiving no pay for his services Ole Aarness then went to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and worked a- a farm harvester lor >ome time and then was employed on what is now the Hans Ryen place for the next three years, during the winters of which time Ole Aarness attended school, and then later returned to the employment on the Great Northern railroad, where he worked for some time. In the meantime he had purchased a half interest, with ECnut Aasgaard, in a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 26, of Dane Prairie township.

During the year [88'cj Ole A. Aarness was married, on April 23, to Randi Torvig, a native of Norway, and the daughter of Martenus Torvig, who came to America and lived lure about twenty years. After his marriage, Ole A. Aarness and his wife moved to the farm of Air. Aarness, which they improved and to which later Ole Aarness added the interest held by Knut Aasgaard, his partner. Today the farm of Ole A. Aarness is one of the most modern and picturesque places to be found in the entire community. Mr. Aarness has erected a beautiful house, not far back from the road, reached by a well-designed driveway bordered with trees. Mr. Aarness and his family are members of the Lutheran church and take an active and appreciated part in the work of that congregation. In political affiliation Ole A. Aarness is a Republican. To < Me and Randi Aarness have been horn one son.

Ole A. Aarness, his wife and his son are among the highly respected and esteemed people of the county ami township. Their interest in. and their efforts towards, all movements for the betterment of the community are well known and they are among the appreciated residents of the locality.

Jonas Gustav Johnson

Jonas Gustav Johnson, well-known farmer of Erhards Grove township, this county, was horn in Sweden, October 26. 1857. the son of John and Gustava Person, natives of Sweden, where they lived their entire life, John and Gustava Person were the parents of eight children, Peter. John, Jonas Gustav, Carl. Mary f deceased 1. Andrew. Xels and Prick.

Jonas Gustav Johnson received his education in the public schools of his native country, after which he came, in the year 1882, to .America and located in Otter Tail county, where he bought forty acres of land in Pida township. After two years on his farm, in Pida township. Air. Johnson d^po^d of his land and then bought seventy acres of land in Erhards Grove township, a place to which he later added twenty acres of the best land in the community, which Jonas Gustav Johnson owns, [bnas < I. Johnson now engages in general farming and stock raising on his well improved and modernly equipped farm.

Jonas GustaA Johnson is a prominent member of the Swedish Lutheran church at Pelican Rapids. Although Mr. Johnson is a man of public spirit and is a citizen interested in the development and promotion of the welfare of his community, he has preferred nol to serve in public office but to give of his efforts as a private citizen.

County. Minneso Martin Ii. Hexum

Wise is the man who takes advantage of an opportunity when it is presented to him. Air. Hexum, whose name heads this sketch, has possessed the foresight to accept the business chances in his career, in the order in which they were presented to him, believing this to be far more advantageous than to wait for mure desirable things, all of which has resulted in his permanent financial benefit.

.Martin II. Hexum was born on February 26, [837, at Toten, Norway, and is the sun of Hans and Elena 1 Rusven) Hexum. He was educated at die public schools of Norway, and after completing his studies he started to farm for himself in his native country. In October, [866, he came to America and traveled to Chicago, where he spenl two week-, and from there he went to Lockport, Illinois, for three months, at the end of which time he moved to Houston county. Minnesota, and worked at the trade- of carpenter and blacksmith. In 1N71 he came to Carlisle, fitter Tail county, where he took up a homestead consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, bringing with him an ox team and his family. There was nothing on the place but a shanty. Mr. Hexum improved the farm and has continued to prosper until he is now the possessor of a splendid estate of six hundred acres. He has put all the improvements on his place, including a commodious residence, erected in 1894, and a good barn, erected in 1912. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, while his religious belief is with the Norwegian Lutheran church. He is a large stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company at Carlisle, Otter Tail county.

Hans, father of the subject of this sketch, was horn at Toten. Norway, and died while still a young man. He was united in marriage with Miss Elena Rusven, both of whom lived and died in Norway.

Martin II. Hexum was united in marriage. April -'7. [863, with Karine Nestrud, who was horn in 1X40, and died in 1867, in Houston county, Minnesota. To this union were horn two children: Johanna Mary, who is living in Carlisle: and Helmer. who is a farmer in Otter d'ail county. Mr. Hexum was married, secondly, January 0. 1N-0. to Marit Grotte, who died on May 31, 1893. Their children are: Carl, unmarried: Lena, who became the wife of Lars Krogstad; Ella, who was married to Leo Peterson; Ole, who. was united in marriage with Matilda I. inner: Henry, deceased: and Ubert, wdio was married to Olga Sethre. \lhert Hexum attended the Park Region Luther College at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, graduating later from the ('aton College at Minneapolis, since which time he has remained 011 the farm with his brother, Carl, where they cultivate five hundred and sixty acres, owning in partnership one hundred and sixty acres. Albert is a stock holder and director in the Farmers elevator at Carlisle, Minnesota. d'o

Martin Ii Hexum

Martin H. Hexum is one of the prominent citizens of Carlisle, Minnesota, where lie is noted for his scrupulous honesty and charitable disposition inwards his fellow man.

Kittel Olson

\ pioneer of Otter Tail county, who came to the locality when it was yet unbroken and uncultivated, and by his determined and persevering nature was able to do those things which today gives him one of the best farms of the township and a man who by his good citizenship and unselfish interest in the community and its welfare has won the rank of a leading resident and a valued citizen, the name of Kittel Olson and a review of his life are a suitable part of this work.

Kittel Olson was burn in the central part of Norway, on January 27, [852, he being the son of Ole Kittleson and Berit Ellefson, who were born in Norway, married there, and in the year 1882 came to America, to join their son, Kittel Olson, who had preceded them. On reaching America, ( )le Kittleson and Berit Ellefson went to A'ining. near where Ole Kittleson was employed on farms for some years, later living in retirement with his son, Kittel. until the death of the elder Kittleson, in the year 1899. Ole Kittleson was survived by his wife. Berit, who now lives near Yining, being eighty-three years of age. To the marriage of Ole Kittleson and Berit Ellefson were born the following children: Kittel, the subject of this sketch; Ellef, a farmer who lives one and one-half miles east of the town of Vining; Knut, a farmer living one-half mile north of the town of Vining; Tom, who was a fanner and railroad worker, now deceased; Ole C, who is the manager of a grain elevator at the town of Underwood; Knut, who is a fanner of the state of North Dakota; and Rev. Adw. Olson, who is pastor at Morns. Minnesota.

Kittel Olson was educated in the public schools of Norway, and when twenty-eight years of age he came to America and settled in St. Olaf township, where he engaged in general farm work for sometime and then, in the year f883, In- came to Folden township and bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in section 27, land which being covered with unbroken timber, he proceeded to clear and to prepare for cultivation, at the same time building a log house in which to live. After some years effort and with tin- addition of many improvements, among which are a new house of modern construction, ami a new barn, together with other necessary buildings, the farm of Mr. Olson is among the best equipped, for general agricul- tural purposes, of the locality. Kittel Olson engages in general farming, each year producing excellent crops and raising first-class cattle for the market and for dairy purposes.

During the year 1S80 Kittel Olson was married to Oletta Peterson, who was horn in Norway, the daughter of Peder Peterson and wife. Kittel and Oletta Olson are the parents of the following children: Bella, who was born on April 13, 1881, and who married Theodore Bjerke, and now lives at Ruso, North Dakota: Olavus, November 3, 1882, who is a barber at Vining, Minnesota; Peter. February 21, 1885, who died on February 27, 1885; Matilda, July 10, [886, who died on September 11. 1889, and Clarence, October 16, 1888, who married Hilda Rakstad.

Kittel Olson has been a well-known man in the public life of Folden township. Otter Tail county, having served credibly in the office of school director and having been township supervisor, hi politics. Air. Olson 1- an ardent Republican. Kittel Olson and his wife are members of the Lutheran church, in which congregation they are faithful and conscientious workers.

Christen Nattestad

Christen Nattestad, prominent farmer of Erhards Grove township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in Norway. January 20, 1848, the son of Ole and Bertha Nattestad. both of whom were natives of Norway. in which country they lived their entire life.

( 'hristen Nattestad received his education in the public schools of Norway, after which he came to America and located in Fillmore count}-. Minnesota, where he lived for four years. In 1872 he came to Otter Tail county, where he homesteaded sixty-eight acres of land. After some time Mr. Nattestad sold his first farm and bought one hundred and fifty acres of land in section 6, Erhards Grove township, a place which he improved and to which lie added land until now he owns two hundred and seventy acres of the best farm land in the community. Following an active and successful life as a fanner, (hristen Xattestad is now retired from the duties of agricultural life.

During the year 1870 ('hristen Nattestad was married to Mathea H. Weik, a native of Norway, who was born in 1847, the daughter of Hans and Kare Weik, natives of Norway, who came to America and lived in Otter Tail county for the remainder of their days. To the marriage of Christen and Mathea Nattestad have been born the following children: Bethse, Karolene, Karl Alfred. Hilda and Martha, who are deceased: and Edwin, Christena, Mena, Ole and Elmer Oscar, who are living, Mathea. the wife of (hristen Xattestad. died 011 September 20, 1912.

life of Erhards Grove township, not only having served well and efficiently as treasurer of the school board, but in all movements having for their object the betterment of life and conditions in the community, Mr. Xattestad is interested and active. He is one of the respected citizens of the locality.

James Xesbitt, well known in the commercial and real-estate circles of \ ergas, ( >tter Tail county, .Minnesota, has had a great part in the commercial activities of bis community. Originally a farmer in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, but subsequently entering into a business career, he has successively engaged in mercantile and real-estate pursuits at St. Clair, and in the mercantile, lumber, implement and real-estate business at Vergas. During his successful career as a real-estate dealer, he has dealt extensively in land situated throughout various portions of western and central Minnesota and has, as a recompense for his earnest labors, become possessor of various large tracts of land situated in Otter Tail as well as adjoining counties. He is one of the owners of "Highland Stock Farm," situated in Otter Tail township; owner of four hundred and eighty acres in section 27, one hundred and twenty-five acres in section 31, one hundred and twelve acres in section 3, in Candor township; and one hundred and sixty-two acres, known as the "Lake Sybil Farm," in Hobart township, and several other tracts. His interests in Vergas are also of a marked nature and characteristic of his power and influence in his community. As one of the stockholders in the Farmers State Bank of Vergus, for two years the president of the council of Vergas, as a member of the school board when the new school building was constructed, at present the treasurer of the school board and president of the Vergas Telephone ( Company, he has exerted much influence and controlled large interests in Vergas.

James Nesbitt was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, January 1, 1868, the son of Andrew and Jane (Jordenson) Nesbitt, both natives of Canada. The parents of Andrew Xesbitt were early pioneer settlers to Dane county, and both lived and died in that county. Andrew and Jane (Jordenson) Xesbitt were married in Dane county and soon afterward removed to Faribault county. Minnesota, where for four years they were engaged in farming, at the expiration of which time they removed to Waseca county, Minnesota, where, and in Blue Earth county, they lived until 1003. Tn 1903 they moved to North Dakota, where Mrs. Xesbitt died in [909. \ fier the death of his wife. Andrew Xesbitt spent his remaining years with his children, William. James, Amy, Anna and Isabel, all of whom are still living.

Minnesota and educated in the public schools of that state. When twenty years of age he began farming in Blue Earth county and farmed there until he sold his farm and engaged in the mercantile business at St. Clair for three years. In the meantime he had become actively engaged in the real-estate business, and while engaging in this business, bought and sold extensive tracts of land in western and central Minnesota. In 1905, however, he removed to Vergas, where for a time he engaged in the mercantile, lumber and real-estate business and where he formed a business association with C. A. Peterson, which association continued until 1910, or until he sold his mercantile interests and entered into the implement business. Subsequently, on September 14. 1915, Mr. Nesbitt sold out his implement business and devoted his attention strictly to his large real-estate interests, only, however, after having constructed a modern business building, fifty by one hundred and forty feet, made necessary because of his large business interests.

In 1890 James Nesbitt was united in marriage to Etta M. Dunsmore. who was born on February 16, 1871, in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, the daughter of Randall and Caroline Dunsmore, both of whom were pioneer settlers of Blue Earth county and who spent their last days in Forest Grove, Oregon. To Mr. and Mrs. James Nesbitt there have been horn five children, Lilah, Lura, Fern, Florence, and one that died in infancy. Of these children, Lilah is the wife of A. G. Schwarzrock, cashier of the First National Bank of Perham, Minnesota.

John G. Rienian, one of the prominent and successful business men of Vergas, was born on April 5, 1874, in Dodge county, Wisconsin, being the son of William and Frederrika (Schlievert) Rieman, both of whom were natives of Germany, the father being born in 1841 and the mother in 1847. The parents came to Wisconsin from their native country in early manhood and womanhood, settling in Dodge county, where they were married some time after coming to their now home. They were the parents of eleven children, as follow: Herman F., August (deceased), William F., John G., Bertha, Albert. Emma, Ida, Frank, Lydia and Lawrence.

John G. Rieman was educated in the common schools of Dodge county. Wisconsin, and as a boy and young man worked on a dairy farm. He came with his parents to Otter Tail county in [891 and made his home with them until he was twenty-seven years of age. During this time he was engaged in the cultivation and developmenl of a farm in Otto township, adjoining that of his father. The father owned two hundred and forty-seven acres of land here, which he purchased when he came to the county and here he resided until 1012, when he removed to Otter Tail, where he now lives a retired life. The family are members of the German Evangelical church.

The maternal grandparents of John G. Rieman emigrated to Dodge county, Wisconsin, where they died some years ago. His paternal grandparents lived and died in Germany ; they both died while the father of John G. was a soldier in the Franco-Prussian War.

In 1903 John G. Rieman established himself in the grain business in Vergas and in 1913 added lumber to his growing business. Today he has one of the substantial business enterprises of his home town. He is secretary for the Co-operative Creamery Company and has served as a member of the town council.

John G. Rieman was married in 1902 to Milda McAteer, who was born in Watertowu, Wisconsin, in 18S1, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon .Me \tecr. Mr. McAteer was an early settler in Girard township, where he took up a homestead and where Mrs. McAteer died. Mr. McAteer lived a retired life at Fergus Falls until his death, some years ago.

Anton Kopperud

Anton Kopperud was born on April 5, 1850, in Norway, and is the son of Andrew and Johannah (Bugsted) Kopperud, both natives of Norway. The family, together with Anton, emigrated to America in 1870- and located in Illinois for one year, removing to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1871, where the)- established a home in Norwegian Grove township.

Anton Kopperud is one of seven children born to his parents and his education was received in the schools of his native land. While still a resident of Norway he was employed as a farm hand. Upon his arrival in Norwegian Grove township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, he purchased one hundred and ten acres of land, under the homestead law, and has increased his holdings until he now owns one hundred and twenty-five acres. This well-improved farm is devoted to general agricultural pursuits and stock raising. Politically, he is a Republican and has served as township assessor for twenty-eight years, lie has also served on the school board for many years and has been a trustee of the Norwegian Lutheran church for thirtyfive years.

In [879 \nton Kopperud was married to b.lise Hill, a native of Norwav. She was born on December 11. 1854, and is the daughter of John E, and Anne (Amundson) Hill, both natives of Norway. To the union of \nton Kopperud and Elise illilli Kopperud no children have been horn, but they have adopted two girls, Olea, who married Ed Krare, and

Maria. John E. Hill, father of Elise (Hill) Kopperud, was born on October 17, 1831, and was married to Anne Amundson in 1854. She was born on March 23, t8_'<). They emigrated to America in 1870 and located for eighteen months in Iowa, removing to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1872. Here they purchased one hundred and fifty-three acres of land in Sverdrup township, which they improved and on which they lived until 1909. Since that time they have resided with Anton Kopperud. To them were born these children: Elise, Carl, Edward, Anna and Otelie.

Henry Carl Deidrich Otto. M. D.

Successful m the practice of his profession as well as dutiful to the public life and welfare of Yergas is surely evidence by the large and lucrative practice as well as the faithful public service of Dr. Henry Carl Deidrich Otto. Having served as president of Vergas during 1910 and at other times as chairman of the school board and as president of the village council, he is justly entitled to the respect and success which have attended both his professional and public efforts.

Henry Carl Deidrich Otto was born in Nicollet county, Minnesota, August 15, 1885, the son of Frederick L. and Emily (Netzke) Otto, both natives of Prussia, Germany, the former born on November 28. 1842. and the latter in 1847. The paternal grandfather, Christopher Edmond Otto, emigrated from the Fatherland to America in 1856 and settled in Cook county, Illinois. Having received an excellent education in Cosline University, Germany, and having experienced teaching in the schools of his native land, upon his arrival to America he began teaching school and for a period of twenty-five years followed the teaching profession in the schools of Illinois and Minnesota. He died in Nicollet county in 1890, two years after the death of his wife. In politics, he was a Republican.

Frederick L. Otto came to Nicollet county when a lad of sixteen years of age, preceding his parents two years. Having formerly received his education in Germany, he took up farming in Nicollet county and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, as did also his father. At that time there were lint few white settlers in this section of the country and tin- region was exceedingly wild. During the rest of his life, Frederick L. Otto lived on this homestead, passing away in 1899. He was a Democrat and a member of A. EC Skaro Tost No. 47. Grand Army of the Republic. His widow survives and is living at Lakefield, Jackson county, Minnesota. To this union there were born eleven children, namely: Fred, Emil. 'William, Herman and Henry Carl Deidrich, Madtie, Minnie, Helen. Mary, Bertha, and Olga, deceased.

at which time he removed to Elysian, LeSueur county, Minnesota, and still later to Lake-field, Jackson county, Minnesota. Having received his elementary education in the public and parochial schools of Nicollet county and pursued his secondary education in the Elysian high school he entered Ansgar College, at Hutchinson, Minnesota, from which he was graduated in the commercial and academic departments. Desirous of entering the medical profession, he entered the Hospital College of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky, and was graduated' from the Louisville and Hospital College of Medicine in 1908. After serving an interneship in a private hospital of Louisville, he located at Perham with a Doctor Brabec, but in the fall of 1908 removed to Vergas, where he has followed his profession ever since.

On June 10. 1914, Dr. Henry C. D. Otto was united in marriage to Alice A. Norgren, a native of Otter Tail county, born near Fergus Falls, the daughter of Andrew Norgren. To this happy union there has been horn one child, Kermit Lahreath.

Tacob Larson

Jacob Larson, who is a successful farmer of Tordenskjold township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is a native of Seeland, Denmark, where he was bom on March 13, 1862. Mr. Larson is the son of Lars Petersen and Kirstine Larson.

Mr. Larson's parents were born in Denmark. His father, who is deceased, spent his entire life in his native land. His mother, however, is still living. Lars Petersen was a soldier in the Danish army and a laborer. He was a member of the Lutheran church, as is also his widow. They were tlie parents of seven children, of whom Jacob was the fourth. The others were: Karen, who married Mads Larson, and lives in Denmark ; Christena, who married Anders Gregeson, and lives in Denmark; Christian, who lives retired in Underwood; Sophia, who is the widow of Peter Peterson, and lives in Tordenskjold township; Peter, who fixes in the state of Washington, and Wilhelmina, who married Christ Jeppesen, and lives in Denmark.

lacob Larson was educated in the public scfiools of his native land and in iSS ; emigrated to America, settling in Otter Tail county after fiis arrival in America, fie worked oil various farms in this state and also in the state of Dakota until about [886, when fie purchased eighty acres of land in Tordenskjold township. This farm was poorly improved at the time, but Mr. Larson replaced the old buildings with substantial and modern frame structures. Onh about twenty-five acres of the farm was cleared when fie purchased the land. Subsequently, fie purchased thirty-four acres from the hi [886, just a few years after coming to America. Jacob Larson was married to Karen Olson, a native of Denmark and the sister of H. P. ( Hson, referred to elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Larson have eight children: Louisa, who married Joe Schiller, and lives in Fergus balls; Albina, Erwin, Henry. Dora, Carl, Amelia and Esther, all of whom live at home with their parents.

Jacob Larson is identified with the Democratic party and, as a Democrat, has served as school treasurer of district No. 2^~, a position which he filled most creditably. He is highly respected in the community where he lives and where he is well known.

Ole T. Langen

This country can hardly ever repay the debt it owes to its pioneers, to those rugged and enterprising citizens who carved out homes on our western frontier, who have cleared the forests ami who have made the soil, once a barren waste, teem with growing crops and fruitful with the good things of this earth. Among these venerable pioneer citizens of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Ole T. Langen, who is living retired at Battle Lake, Minnesota.

Mr. Langen is a native of Raroaas. Norway, where he was born on January 30, 1N44. Mr. Langen is the son of Tron O. and Bertha Louisa (Larson) Langen.

Ole T. Langen's parents were natives of Norway. His father was born in r822 and his mother in [821. They grew up in their native land and were married about 1843. Tn 1852 they came by sailing vessel to Canada and by boat to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where they fitted out a prairie schooner and drove to Winneshiek county, Iowa, locating about two miles southeast of where the town of llesper now stands. Their nearest neighbors at the time were two miles away. This land was not in the market until 1853. when it sold for one dollar and twenty-five cents an acre. The late Tron O. Langen was able to buy, in all, about two hundred and forty acres. He lived upon the farm until his death, in 1889, of pneumonia. His wife died a few months later. The) were active in all local affairs in their township and count) and were prominent in the Lutheran church.

Ole T. Langen is the eldest of six children bom to his parents, the others being Nellie, \nnic. bars. Peter band Peter lb Nellie married G. A. Hauge and died in Albert lea. Minnesota. Annie is the wife of E. J. I.ein and lives in Faribault county, near Delevan. Minnesota. Lars. who. when he was twenty years old, attended Si. Olaf College ami then the Decora Lutheran College, became a school superintendent and died when still a young

Ole T. Langen enjoyed little opportunity to obtain an education. His education has been acquired largely by home study, and he is today a wellinformed man, conversant with all current topics of general interest and a most interesting conversationalist. Air. Langen was reared on a farm and was engaged in farming with his parents until 1867, when he journeyed to Douglass, Grant and Otter Tail counties, Minnesota, on a prospecting trip in a wagon. The only improvements which he saw on this whole trip through Otter Tail county were in Tumuli township, west of Ten Mile lake. Tlie Mormons were then at Clitheralr, hut could not he seen because the lakes and woods were impassable. Mr. Langen bought the west half of section 10, in Dane Prairie township. Me spent the harvest of 1867 with his father, and in 1868, with two other men and their wives, moved by ox team to Otter Tail county, coming by St. Peter and Sauk ("enter, in Stearns county. The trip took twenty-two days. These early pioneers settled in the southeastern part of St. Olaf township, in sections u. 13 and 14. Mr. Langen's two friends settled on nearby land. There were few settlers in the township at that time, hut the following year they began to come very rapidly. Mr. Langen pre-empted prairie land ami began to build a log bouse. In the early months of their residence in this county, the three families lived together until 1869, when Mr. Langen built on his own land. He was compelled to go to Otter Tail city to get the lumber for the doors and the floors. Mr. Langen employed others to erect his buildings and, in the meantime, was able to put out a crop of sixty-five acres. He raised a great deal of wheat and was compelled to pay a very high price for threshing. As late as 1870 he had to haul the grain to Otter Tail city. There were only a few- Indians in the township at that time.

As time passed Mr. Langen added barns and granaries to his farm and lived upon it until 1882. In 1807 Ik- had bought a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Dane Prairie township; he paid ninety-five dollars for one hundred and sixty acres of this place. Although he has never lived upon that farm he still owns it. In i88_> he moved to Battle Lake, but the previous year had established a lumber yard near the railroad track of the newlyhuilt Northern Pacific railway, lie continued in the lumber business until rgoo, having added a line of farm machinery in the meantime. In [900 he had begun to sell out his interests in preparation for retirement ami. in the meantime, had purchased land in Saskatchewan, Canada.

In February, 1N70. < >le T. Langen was married to Thurid |. I. arson, a native of Winneshiek county, Iowa. She was born near Hesper in i8^_». .Mrs. Langen is the daughter of Halgren Larson, who came to Iowa in [852 from Wisconsin. He was a Norwegian by birth. Mr. and Mrs. Langen have keen tilt- parents of seven children, namely: Louise married John A. W'edum, of Alexandria. Minnesota; 'Iron and Amanda died of diphtheria, at the ages of four and seven years, respectively; Agnes died at the age of eighteen; Leonard lives in Kensiqgton, Minnesota, where he is a lumber dealer: Bert P. is employed in a hank at Glasgow, Montana: and Lenora, who lives at home, is a student at the Stout Institute at Menominee, Wisconsin.

Mr. Langen has always been interested in the history of his county and state, especially in local history. He has always been active in local affairs from the time of the organization of St. Olaf township, in i86q, until he left the township. He was a member of the hoard of supervisors, and part of the time was chariman of the hoard. He was also school director of district Xo. 2, and. for man\' years, was the school treasurer. lie also served as road overseer for a time. Mr, and Mrs. Langen are members of the Lutheran church, although they were formerly members of the Synod Lutheran church while living in St. Olaf township.

Ole T. Franze

( fie J. Franze, who is a well-known fanner of Tordenskjold township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born twelve miles northwest of Christiania. Norway, December 7, [852, and is a son of John and Inga (Olson) Franze, also natives of near Christiania, Norway, where they grew to maturity and were married. In 1866 the family came to America and settled seven miles from Red Wing, Minnesota. The father was ill during the first summer after coming to Minnesota, and the family suffered many hardships. Mr. Franze worked on neighboring farms for four years, and in the fall of 1X70 emigrated to Otter Tail county, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land.

Of the farm which John Franze homesteaded on coming to Otter Tail county there was a log cabin standing and only four acres of the land had been cleared and put under cultivation. Mr Franze put new floors and doors in the cabin, and lived in this house for some tune. In 1897 Mr. am! Mrs. Franze removed to a small farm in ('litherall township, where he is still living, at the advanced age of ninety-two years Mis good wife died in 1908, at the age of eighty-seven. They were the parents of five children. of whom Ole J. is the eldest; Joseph died when a small box: John is a farmer in ('litherall township: Peter lives with his father and is unmarried: Mary lives at home with her father.

( lie f. Franze was thirteen years old when he accompanied his parents to America, lie attended die common schools in his native land. After reaching manhood he worked on farms in the neighborhood of his home until 1N77, when lie homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Grant county. Minnesota. After living in the latter county for twentyyears, Mr. Franze sold out and removed to Otter Tail county and purchased the farm his father had homesteaded in this county. This farm is now well improved and is devoted to general farming and stock raising.

On April 1, [884, Ole J. Franze was married to Maria Storstad, a native of Norway, and a daughter of Peter Storstad. Mrs. Franze came to America at the age of twenty-two years. She died on March 28, [914. leaving her husband and eight children, as follow : Joseph, who is a cook by trade, lives at home; Hilda, Ida. Amanda, Peter, Oscar, Arthur and Agnes also live at home.

Mr. Franze is identified with the Republican party. He served as supervisor in Grant count}', and also as a member of the school hoard. Tie is a member of the Synodical Norwegian Lutheran church, as was his good wife also at the time of her death.

Carl Klug

Carl King is one of seven children horn to the union of Carl and Rachel i Bomgard) King, and his birth occurred on September 22, 1857, in West Prussia. Flis parents were also natives of Prussia and their marriage was solemnized in that part of Germany. After the birth of their third child they emigrated to America in a sailing ship, and were eight weeks en route. Their arrival was in 1857 and they immediately located in Carver county. Minnesota. Carl King, Sr., was employed by a Mr. liite to clear twenty acre-- of land and in remuneration was given twenty acres of land. This was soon cleared and eighty acres more were purchased, and this farm became the home of the family until the father's death, in 1910. The mother is still living, at the age of eighty-four years. Carl King. Sr.. and his wife were members of the Lutheran church, and the names of their children follow: Herman is a retired farmer living in Fergus Falls; Fred resides in Fargo, North Dakota; Carl; Amelia married Carl Bamke, and they live in Dora township; Augusta married Otto I'aske, and their home is in East Grand Forks, Minnesota; Eugene lives on the old home place in 1 'arver county, and Rudolph, who was a blacksmith, died at the age of thirty, in ( arver county.

Carl EClug received his education in the public schools of Carver county, Minnesota, in Waconia township, and remained on the home place until twenty-one years of age, at which time be became employed as a farm hand on the surrounding farms. In [878 he removed to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and purchased one hundred and forty-one acres of land, tinder the homestead law, in section [4, Dora township, range 41. This land was unimproved, but a log cabin was creeled and the place was soon under cultivation. In [914 the farm was sold and Carl Klug retired to the town of Vergas, where he purchased a residence and thirteen acres of land within the village corporation, on which he still lives. Politically, he is a Republican and has served as a member of the school hoard for fifteen years.

On February 15. r88i, Carl Klug was united in marriage to Matilda Schimmelfenig, and they are the parents of four children, whose names follow: Helma is the wife of Julius Milke, and they live in White Earth Reservation; Luella is the widow of Ernest Barker, and lives in Tacoma, Washington; Herbert is a barber living in San Francisco. California, and Amber is employed as a bookkeeper in the land office at Larimore. North Dakota. Matilda 1 Schimmelfenig ) Klug is the daughter of John Schimmelfenig, a pioneer of Carver county. Minnesota.

Herbert A. Putnam

Herbert A. Putnam, successful farmer, prominent citizen and leader in the affairs of Amor township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Sherburne county, Minnesota. October 1, 1865, the son of Henry T. and Caroline ( Newton) Putnam, the former born at Sutton, the latter at Auburn. Massachusetts. Henry T. Putnam was the son of Tyler Putnam, a farmer and prominent man of the Congregational church in the state of Massachusetts.

Henry T. Putnam was educated in the common schools of his native town, after which he left Massachusetts, in 1855. and moved to Sherburne county, Minnesota, where he purchased a farm on which he lived for some time, and then, disposing of his farm, Henry T. Putnam conducted a general supply store for two years, in Stearns county. Minnesota. I.ater, having sold his goods to one of the Whitings, merchants of Clitherajl. he homesteaded, in 1870. one hundred and forty acres of land in Amor township, and pre-empted .me hundred ami forty additional acres, a place which Henry T. Putnam improved and cultivated, and a farm to which he added nil. re land until, at the time of his death, on February 2, 1892, be was the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of choice land in Amor township. (liter Tail county. During In- later life, Henry Putnam was a member of the Presbyterian church, he taking no especial part in the political life of the community. Henry T. and ('aroline Putnam were the parents of the following children: Mary, Newton, Henry. Herbert and Tyler.

Herbert A. Putnam received his early education in the common schools of Maine township, after which he attended the Si. ("loud Normal School for three years and then became a school teacher, teaching for one term near Pelican Rapids, for two term- in the schools of Battle Lake, Minnesota, and for some time in district No. 69, of Amor township. Mr. Putnam now lives on the home farm and engages in general agricultural pursuits.

On December 31, 1891, Herbert A. Putnam was married to Celia J. Oakes, a native of Wright county, Minnesota, and the daughter of A. E. Oakes, and wife, well-known people of their community. To the marriage of Herbert A. and Celia Putnam have been born the following children: Henry, Helen, Carrie, Everett, Alfred and Kenneth, all of whom live at home. Mr. Putnam and his family are members of the Presbyterian church of Maine.

Herbert A. Putnam is perhaps best known in Otter Tail county as a representative of the people in the Minnesota Legislature, Mr. Putnam for four terms having served the people of Otter Tail county in that body. He has also served his township as chairman of the town board, an office which he occupied most efficiently for several years. In politics, Herbert A. Putnam was a Republican for many years, but at heart is a Prohibitionist. As a fraternal man, Mr. Putnam is a leading member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and also a member of the Royal Neighbors.

Otto Martinson

Otto Martinson is one of ten children born to the union of Martin Christianson and Olenia Halverson, both natives of Norway, who married in that country and emigrated to America in 1869. Martin Christianson immediately located on the homestead, which is now in the possession of his son, Otto, and where both he and his wife passed to their eternal rest. The original farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres. Martin Christianson and his wife, Olenia (Halverson) Christianson, were both members of the Lutheran church in Clitherall, Minnesota.

Otto Martinson is indebted to the public schools of Eagle Lake. I >tter Tail county, Minnesota, for his education, following which he engaged in agricultural pursuits. lie has always resided under the parental rooftree and assisted in the cultivation of the home place. In 1896 he purchased some land, under the homestead law. and has since added eighty acres more, which has been improved with new buildings and other things necessary to the successful cultivation of a farm. He has erected a large granary and built an addition to the barn.

In [898 <>tto Martinson was married to Lena Herness. To their union have been born eight children, namely: Mildred. Myron. Oris, Lane. Raymond, Raymond, Helen and Earlin. Lena (Herness) Martinson was born is i.ne mi' the representative and respected citizens of ounty, Minnesota, who is identified with the advanceity. he 1- one of four children born to the union of nd Rosa (Hensel) Ladwig, and his birth occurred on 1 Sac City, Iowa. The paternal grandfather of W. F. in Ladwig, a stock dealer of Pomern, Prussia, who native land, lie was the father of three sons: Fred- Franco-Prussian War. who died in Germany; William ives in Ball, Prussia, and is a stock dealer of that town, ind Ladwig was born in Germany and when a young man emigrated to America, lie was a farmer and stock raiser and followed that vocation until 1SS7. in Iowa, where he located upon his arrival in the United Stales. In [887 he removed to Jackson county. Minnesota, remainin- there until ro.OO, ai which time he removed to Wilkin county. Minnesota, where he purchased eight hundred acres of land in Tanberg township. This land was virgin soil, hut is now; improved with modern buildings and a specialty is made of breeding and raising high grade Shorthorn cattle. Pie is a stockholder in the farmers Co-operative Elevator Company, at Lawndale. Minnesota. Politically, he is a Republican and very active in local matters. William Ferdinand Ladwig is a member of the German Lutheran church and the father of four children, whose names follow: Frank is a farmer and stock raiser, and lives near P.arnsville. Minnesota: W. F., the subject of this sketch: Paul is a fanner living six miles north of Barnsville, and Walter, who lives on the home place.

The maternal grandfather of W. F. Ladwig was Gotlob Hensel, a native of Swedensburg, Germany, who emigrated to America in 1868, accompanied by his wife and five children, leaving a married son in Germany. This son was a soldier. The names of the children follow ; bred (deceased) remained in Germany; William is a farmer living near Auburn, Iowa: Ernest is a farmer living near Lake City, Iowa; Bertha is the widow of John Cray, and lives ill Auburn, Iowa; Rosa; Pauline is a missionary of the Methodist Episcopal faith, and resides in Los Vngeles, California. Gotlob Hensel located in Auburn, Iowa, and remained there until his death, in April, 1913. lie followed the vocation of farmer during his entire life. Rosa Hensel was horn in Swedenburg. Germany, and emigrated, with her parents, to America in t868. Her marriage to William Ferdinand Ladwig was solem- nized in Iowa, where her parents had settled. Her death occurred on March 9, [895, in Jackson count)', Minnesota. She was a member of the German Lutheran church.

W. F. Ladwig received his preliminary education in the common schools lit Jackson county and Fergus Falls, .'Minnesota, completing his education in the Park Region Lutheran College, from which he was graduated with the class of 11)07. He also took a course in Aaker's Business College, after which he accepted a position with the First State Bank in Mercer, North Dakota. as assistant cashier, lie served in this capacity from 1909 until 1913. In .March. 1913, he became cashier of the Farmers State Bank of Vergas, which position he still holds. This hank was originally owned by William Galvin, and operated as a private institution. In 1905 it was incorporated as a -tatc hank, and the officers who were elected are: L. YV. Oberhauser, president, who lives in Frazee; Charles W. Higley, vice-president, who lives in Chicago, and W. F. Ladwig, cashier. W. F. Ladwig is a notary public and srr\es his community as city treasurer. Politically, he is a Republican and a member of the German Lutheran church.

On November 29, 1911, W. F. Ladwig was united in marriage to Louise Guslander, a native of Kensal, North Dakota, and they are the parents of one daughter. Carol Lose, who was horn on December 24, 11)14. Louise ("Guslander") Ladwig is the daughter of William Guslander.

Walter S. Fisk

Walter S. Fisk, successful fanner and well-known citizen of Maine township. Otter Tail county, was horn in Vermont, September 12. [869, the son of ( irvil T. and Salome ( Bickford) Fisk, the former a native of Vermont. After his marriage in his native state, Orvil T. Fisk came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and homesteaded eighty acres of land in Maine township, a place which the elder Fisk improved and a farm on which he followed general agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his days. The elder Fisk was notably successful as a fanner, having acquired at the time of his death one hundred and sixty acres of the most desirable land of the community. Orvil T. Fisk was a veteran of the Civil War. having served with the colors tor three years, during which time he had a pari in the battle of Gettysburg, as well as in many other conflicts. Orvil and Salome Fisk were the parents of six children: Alice L, Walter S., May, Julia, fennie. and Milo (deceased) Orvil T. Fisk and his wife were members and active workers of the Presbyterian church in their community.

Walter S. Fisk received his education in the common schools of district No. 22, Maine township, after which he became a fanner, mi a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he secured in Maine township. Mr. Fisk

During the year npi Walter S. Fisk was married to Louretta Brown, who was horn at River Falls. Wisconsin, the daughter of E. A. Brown, well-known people of that community. To the marriage of Walter S. and Louretta Fisk have been horn two children. Edwin and Dorris.

Walter S. Fisk has taken many parts in the public and official life of Maine township and is ready to do his part in the advancement of the localitv and its various interests. He has served on the town hoard of Maine township for ten years; also has served in other offices in the town, besides being a member of the school board in district No. 22.

Magnus Strobfck

Magnus Strobeck, who is one of the well-known retired citizens of Clitherall and who is a native of Sweden, where he was born on February 20, 1841, is the son of Bengt and Eleanor Strobeck.

Mr. Strobeck's parents were both natives of Sweden. His father was horn in 1804 and died in 1898 in Leaf Mountain township, Otter Tail county, and his mother was horn in 18 14 and died on July 4, 1869, in Washington county, Minnesota. The Strobecks emigrated to Washington county, Minnesota. May 7, [869, and it was here that the mother died two months later. In iNji the family moved to Leaf Mountain township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and took a homestead of one hundred and twenty acres. Mr. Strobeck's brother, Xels. also took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Leaf Mountain township. Bengl Strobeck gradually improved his farm and shortly after acquiring the homestead erected a log house. He died on this farm in 1898. There were four children in the family, of whom Peter and Oscar, the eldest and youngest, are deceased. The living children are: Mangus, the subject of this sketch, and Xels.

Magnus Strobeck was educated in the public schools of his native land. In [869 he came with his parents to America and settled with them in Washington county. Minnesota. Two years later he moved with the family to Leaf Mountain township .ami himself took a homestead of one hundred and twenty acres in Nidaros township. In the beginning he hail three oxen. with which to perform the work of the farm, but his claim was eventually in 1836. After the death of her parents, she came to Moline, Illinois, in 1869, and two years later emigrated to Otter Tail county, Minnesota. To her first union there were horn four children. Ilulda Amelia, Florentine Elizabeth, Helena Josephine and Henry. By her marriage to Mr. Strobeck then was born one child, Godfred Leojiard, who married Emily Okenson, and has one child. Evelyn Jalelin Evangeline, who was born on August 9, [909. Mr. and Mrs. Godfred Leonard Stroheck live at Cogswell, North Dakota, where he is vice-president of the Cogswell State Bank and is interested in other banks of the state. He is also a dealer in real estate and has been very successful in business.

From the fruits of his early labors Magnus Strobeck has accumulated a substantial competence, by which he is able to live in comfort during his declining years. Ik- lias been successful in husiness and is a highly valued citizen of this great countv.

I. Emil Nelson

A successful farmer and a man who by the quality of his life has made a host of friends and has won for himself a place of respect and esteem in Otter Tail county is J. Emil Nelson, who was horn in Meeker county, Minnesota. September 19, 1886, the son of Hans and Anna (Johnson) Nelson, both of whom were horn in Sweden, where they lived until the year 1880. and then came to America, landing at Quebec, Canada, from which they went to the state of Minnesota and located near the town of Litchfield, where Hans Nelson was employed in the town of Litchfield ten years, until his death, in the year i8qo. Following the death of her husband Anna (Johnson) Nelson, with her family, continued to live near Litchfield, where she purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres of land, on which the family lived for ten years, after which they disposed of their land in that locality and moved to Wadena count}-, Minnesota, there buying one hundred and sixty acres of land in Leaf River township, a place where Anna (Johnson) Nelson and her family lived for three vears, and then disposing of this land they came to Otter Tail count}-. Minnesota, and bought a farm 111 sections 26, 27 and 34, in Compton township, where they now live. To the marriage of Hans and \nna (Johnson) Nelson were horn the following children: Nels Alfred. John Emil and Fritz Edwin, all of whom are married.

On September 20, 101 1, J. Emil Nelson was married to Tova Lauritzen, who is a native of Denmark, and to this marriage have been born two children, Kenneth Raymond and Lesley Emil.

J. Emil Nelson is a man who, though having taken no special part in the political or public life of the community, has been a good and capable citizen of the county, and is a man whose interest in the welfare of the life and activity of the community is unquestioned.

Christ 1. Hansel

Successful farmer, public man and official, and one of the best-known men of Otter Tail county, where he has lived his entire life, Christ Hensel is one who, because of his life and his works for the general welfare of the community, has a rightful place in a work of this kind.

Christ J. Hansel was Lorn on the Hansel homestead in Tumuli township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, on June 15, [875, the son of John and Goro I Brekken) Hansel, both of whom were born in Norway. John Hansel was the son of Christ and Sigrid Hansel, who lived and died in Norway, where Christ Hansel was a farmer: and Goro Hansel was the daughter of Ole and Mali Brekken, who lived their entire lives in Norway, where Ole Brekken was engaged in general farming. John Hansel and wife came to America during the month of May, in the year 1S70. and settled in Tumuli township, Otter Tail county Minnesota, where he homesteaded a claim of one hundred and eighty-nine acres of land, a place which this pioneer farmer improved extensively and where he and bis wife spent the remainder of their days. |ohn and Goro Hansel were the parents of the following children. Ole, living in Canada, \nna, deceased: Christ, the subject of this sketch, and two deceased children who bore the name of Christ. The elder Hansel and bis wife were devout members of the Parkdale Norwegian Lutheran church, a congregation in which they were honored and highly respected communicants.

I hrist 1. Hansel received his education in the local schools of Tumuli township. Otter Tail county, after which lie aided his father "ii the home farm for sC,me years and then went to Renville county. Minnesota, where he homesteaded a farm .in which he lived for three years, then returned to ( )tier Tail county and boughl the home farm of his father, a place where he now lives, after having added thirty-three acres of land adjoining. Christ |. Hansel has one of the best unproved and most modernly equipped farms of the county, where be now engaged in general agricultural pursuits.

Christ J. Hansel in political circles and in public life is well known, having- served the township for tour years as assessor, at one time having been elected to a seat on the township school board, and he is now the occupant of the office of road overseer.

Henry E. Siebels

( hie of the most progressive and enterprising young fanners of Gorman township, this county, is Henry E. Siebels, who was born on the farm on which he still makes his home, on July 18, 1876, son of Edward and Angeline (Shulta) Siebels, both natives of Oldenburg, Germany, the former of whom was horn on August 14. 1833, and the latter. February 2, 1848, who homesteaded a place in this county in 1874.

Edward Siebels, who was the son of Henry Siebels, a farmer in Oldenburg, first came to America in 1868, leaving his first wife, who was Margaret Sears before her marriage, and their small daughter, Rose, at home while he was making arrangements for the creation of a new home on this side of the Atlantic. For two years he worked with a railroad construction force and then returned to Germany for his wife and daughter, with the expectation of bringing them to America. Before their preparations for departure were completed, however, Mrs. Siebels, while crossing the river Alba, broke through the ice and the shock induced a fatal illness. Some time after her death. Mr. Siebels married, secondly, Angeline Shulta, and in [872 returned to America, bringing his wife and his daughter, Rose. From New York, the Siebels came to Minnesota and for a year lived at Duluth. Mr. Siebels then resumed his former work with a railroad construction crew and helped to build the first railroad through this county.

Becoming impressed with the possibilities of the region hereabout. Edward Siebels homesteaded eighty acres of land in Gorman township, in 1874. and made his home there, the remainder of his life being spent on the homestead farm, his death occurring on March 20, 191 1. To him and his second wife six children were born: Margaret. Henry F... Regina. Anna (deceased), Edward (deceased) and Edward. His widow is now making her home with her eldest son, the immediate subject of this -sketch, who is managing the old home place. Edward Siebels bad prospered during his life in this county and at the time of his death was the owner of three hundred and twenty acres surrounding the original homestead in section _»_'. of Gorman township. He had made substantial improvements to the same and was regarded as one of the leading farmers thereabout. lie and his wife were devout members "f the Catholic church and their children were

Henry E. Siebels received his education in the excellent school of district \To. 14 and was reared to the life of the farm, becoming in time one of the most progressive young farmers in that part of the county. He is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of well-tilled land surrounding the old home place and forty acres over the line in Becker county. Mr. Siebels takes an active interest in community affairs and gives his faithful and intelligent attention to all movements having to do with the betterment of conditions in the vicinity of his home. He long lias taken a warm interest in educational matters thereabout and for thirteen years has been the treasurer of the school board. He is one of the leading stockholders in the farmers store and creamery at Perham; a shareholder in the local telephone company and is actively connected with the farmers insurance association. In his farming operations he gives much attention to stock raising and his Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs are of the best.

On June 6, 1890, Henry E. Siebels was united in marriage to Christine Banner, who was born in Stevens count}', this state, and to this union eleven children have been born; Angeline. Joseph, Adaline. Frances. Henry (deceased), Rosie, Leona, Regina, Magdaline, Alord ami Mary. .Mr. and Mrs. Siebels are earnest members of the Catholic church ami are looked upon as among the most useful and influential members of the parish to which they are attached, they and their family being held in the highest esteem throughout that entire section of the county.

Wiluam Beck

William Beck, a well-to-do farmer of Oak Valley township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is a native of Bremer count}-, Iowa, where he was born on September 28, 1870.

Mr. Beck is the son of Reter and Emma ( Runyan) Heck, the former of whom was born in Alsace-Lorraine in 1833, and the latter born in Bremer county, Iowa, in 1847. She was the daughter of John and Lavina ( Thayer 1 Runyan, who immigrated from New York state to Michigan and later from Michigan to Bremer county, Iowa, with an o\ team. John Runyan and wife died in Bremer count}. Iowa. The parents of Peter Heck were natives of France, who settled in the state of Illinois as early as 184^ and both died in that state. Peter Beck was only eleven years old when he settled with bis parents in the state of Illinois. He had come to America from France with his parents. He attended school at Evanston, Illinois, and. for a time, was a student at Northwestern University. Later he moved to Bremer county, Iowa, and in [860 was married. Shortly after his marriage he immigrated to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, purchasing one hundred and twenty acres of land, which his son. William, now owns and which is located in section 14, of Oak Valley township. Here he died in 1894, but his widow is still living and resides at Verndale, Minnesota. Peter Beck was chairman of the township board and also server] on the school board and as township treasurer at one time. There were three children in the family: Harry, deceased; Grace and William, the subject of this sketch. Grace is the wife of H. J. Ormsby, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin.

William Beck was educated in Bremer county, Iowa, in the public schools, but came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, when eleven years old. He also attended the public schools of this county, and the Wadena high school. After finishing his education, Mr. Beck taught school for twentyfive years in Otter Tail county in connection with farming. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in sections 14 and 23, of Oak Valley township, and is a general farmer and stockman.

On November 29, 1900, William Beck was married to Winona Rode, who was born on April 9, 1878, in the state of Illinois, and who is the daughter of Christian Rode, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. William Beck have two children, Harry Lesley, born on October 11, 1005. and Valora Eileen, born on October 27, 1909.

In political affairs. Mr. Beck is identified with the Republican party. He is now clerk of Oak Valley township and has served in other positions of trust and responsibility within the gift of bis neighbors and friends, whose confidence he has enjoyed during his long residence in this locality.