Otter Tail County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 17 of 28)

Mr. Rakstad is a prominent member of the Lutheran church and has served his congregation as a trustee for some time. Public spirited and broad minded, a man of varied and of valuable experience, and a man of unusual executive and administrative ability, he is one of those men without whom the county and the township would be less progressive and less prosperous in business and in agricultural life.

Farmer, teacher, business man and all-around man of affairs, Senator Ole O. Sageng, of Tumuli township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is the leading citizen of this section of Otter Tail county, and one of the bestknown men in the state of Minnesota. Elected on the Populist ticket to the House of Representatives in 1900, Senator Sageng served during the session of [901 and the extra session of 190.'. In 1906 he was elected on the Populist ticket to the Minnesota state Senate and has served continuously ever since, having been re-elected in 1910 as a Populist, and in 1914 as a non-partisan. In 1908 he was an independent candidate for Congress from the ninth Minnesota congressional district. During the past twelve yearhe has been president of the Dalton Grain and Lumber Company and was one of the incorporators. For seven years Senator Sageng was manager .11" the Dalton Co-operative Creamery Company.

Senator Ole O. Sageng is a native of Norway, where he was horn on December 1, 1871, the son of Ole H. and Mali (Dahlen) Sageng. the former of whom was horn in Norway on July 9, 1839, and the latter born in Norway on February 3, 1839. They were married in Norway on April 9, [866, and in the spring of 1N7N came with their family to America. After a time, they located near Dalton, in Tumuli township, ( liter Tail county. Minnesota, where Mr. Sageng homesteaded forty acres of land. After fifteen years, he sold the forty-acre farm and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in the same township about four miles west of Dalton. In 11)13 he retired from farming. Seven children were horn to Mr. and Mrs. Ole H. Sageng, as follow: Ingehorg. Kari. Hans, Ole O.. Halvor. Marit and Lars who died some rears ago. The parents of these children are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Of these children, Ole O. Sageng received his education in the common -chooK of Tumuli township and in the high school at Fergus Falls, from which he was graduated with the class of 1895. After graduating from high school, he attended the Augsberg Seminary at Minneapolis for one year and then taught school in Otter Tail county for about five years, lie also taughl one year in North Dakota. During the time that Ole O. Sageng was engaged in teaching, he was also engaged in farming, having started to farming in [898 on his father's farm.

In [909 Senator Sageng purchased a farm of one hundred and sixt) acres, adjoining the town of Dalton on the north, and since that time has lived upon this farm. lie is engaged in mixed farming ami in stock raising.

In 1904, Ole ( ). Sageng was married to Kari Brandvold, who was born on December 4. r88i, and who is the daughter of K. II. Brandvold, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. To this union there have been born sj\

Senator and Mrs. Sageng and family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Senator Sageng is now secretary of the Sarpsburg congregation.

Coming from a representative family in Norway, it is not at all surprising that Senator Sageng has achieved success in his adopted home and country. His grandparents, Hans II. and fngaborg Sageng, were prominent farmers in their native land, and it is from these sterling ancestors, no doubt, that he has inherited those worthy traits which have enabled him to succeed in a new country. Having come to America when he was a mere lad. Senator Sageng knows no country other than the United States and loves no other state so well as his own state of Minnesota, which he has served so faithfullv ami so well for many vears.

Anton Glende

Anton Glende, a successful farmer of Kverts township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was horn on February ,}, 1N57. in Norway. lie is the son of Andrew and Kare (Bye) Glende, both of whom were natives of Norway. The former was born in 1823 and the latter about the same year. They were married in Norway and there both died. Mr. Glende's Father died in 1857, when Anton Glende was about one week old. His mother died in [867. They were the parents of five children: Anna Mary, Karen. Erick, Andrew and Anton. After the death of her first husband, Mrs. Glende was married, secondly, to Even Anderson, and to them was horn one child. Thore,

Anton Glende was educated in Norway. In 1N71 he accompanied his stepfather, Even Anderson, to America. The latter took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Everts township and here died in 1903. Mr. Glende grew to manhood on the farm which his stepfather had bought. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Everts township, upon which he has lived since [879. Mr. Glende has cleared the land and erected substantial and commodious buildings. He is a general farmer and stocl; raiser.

In [882 Anton Glende was married to Mathea Stenmark, a native oi Norway, where she was horn in [862. Mrs. Glende is the daughter of |ohn and Karen Stenmark. who moved to Rice county, Minnesota, in 1870. Later they came to Otter Tail county, and here Mrs. Glende's father died Mrs. Glende's mother is living in Everts township.

( ornelius, born on September 2, [882; Caroline, May 11, Louise, May 6, [886; Martin. September 4, 1888; John 3, [891; Clara Jorgine, November 20, [894; Marvin Julius, 1897; Eleonora, July 5, [899; Alyda Matilda. April 12, tQ02; -, November 30, [905, and George I eonard, October _'. 1908. Mrs. Anton Glende and family are members of the Lutheran famih is well known and respected in Everts township.

of Finland who have come to America Tail county, where they have had no part in the development of the locality and its resources, John Peter Majava, the subject of this sketch, is representative of those who have proved successful and who have shown themselves to be citizens of real w nth to the community.

John Peter Majava, the subject of this sketch, was horn in Finland, April [4, 1S02. the son of David and I'.rita Majava. who lived their entire lives in their native country of Finland, where David Majava was a farmer and landowner. David and Brita Majava were the parents of the following children: Alex, a farmer of Newton township: Elsie Mary, who lives in Finland; Kate, who lives in Finland; John Peter, the subject of this -ketch: Anna Brita, who died in childhood: David, who died in Finland, and Margaret, who died in Finland.

John Peter Majava was educated in the public schools of Finland, after which he worked on a farm until twenty-two years of age, when he came to America and settled in Calumet, Michigan, where he worked in the woods of that district for three years, and then came to the state of Minnesota, and located in Otter Tail county, where he and a brother, Alex. boughl eighty acres of land in Newton township. After clearing' his land and improving the place with better buildings, John P. Majava void this farm and then bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 4. of Newton township, a place which he has supplied with new buildings and has otherwise improved until it is now one of the best improved farms of the locality.

|ohn Peter Majava was married to Katie Mary Pary, a sister of Olaf Pary, one of the besl known citizens of Otter Tail county, and of the town of \ew York Mills. To the marriage of John and Katie Majava were horn three children: Jalmar Rudolph, who was burn on March 4, 1001: Walfred, May 12, [904, and Elsie Katherine, September 26. 1000

Lutheran church at New York Mills, a congregation which they serve and which they support devotedly and unselfishly and with the membership of

John i'. Majava is one of Newton township's most appreciated citizens, one who gives of his time and of his interest for the betterment of the county and the more immediate neighborhood.

John X. Brogard

One of die best-known citizens of Henning township, Utter Tail county, Minnesota, is John N. Brogard, who was born in Sweden, October 29, 1849, and who is the son of Nels and Ingre (Jensen) Brogard. Mr. Brogard's parents were both natives of Sweden. His father died at the age of about eighty-three years, and his mother at about the same age. The latter was born in Sweden, but his father was a native of Norway, and a music director. Mr. and Mrs. Nels Brogard were the parents of four children, John, Andrew, Hans and Ingre, the two latter being deceased.

John N. Brogard was educated in the public schols of his native land. He lived with an auctioneer in Sweden and. for a number of years, did the auctioneer's writing. He attended the agricultural schools of Sweden for three years and then attended business college for six months. Finally, he was sent to Brandenburg, Germany, to obtain reports concerning agricul tural conditions there. These reports were used extensively in the agricultural schools of Sweden. Afterward Mr. Brogard was a bookkeeper for three years on a large farm where nine hundred cows were kept, which required eighty people to do the milking.

In 1878 Mr. Brogard received a permit to come to the United States. After traveling in this country for two years, he returned to Sweden, where he remained for six months and then came back to the United States in r88i. For the next two years he was employed as an engineer, after which he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 27. of Henning township, and now owns two hundred and forty acres. He planted a magnificent grove of trees on the farm and made many improvements. He also planted about one hundred and fifty fruit trees and has a thoroughly modern farm at the present time. His buildings are all in good condition and are all well painted. The barn is thirty-four by eighty feet. Mr. Brogard keeps Shorthorn cattle and sells a great number every year. He was the first man in this part of Minnesota to experiment with red clover, lie made a very great success with red clover from the start.

Nels and Ellen Parson, who came to Otter Tail county in 1890. Mrs. Brogard's mother died in nm>, and her father is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. I"hn Brogard have been born seven children, all of whom are living, I. la. Xels, Harold, Olga, Adric, Esther and Emmet, the last two being t\vin>.

.Mr. and Mrs. Brogard and family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Henning. .Mr. Brogard has always been prominent in local politics. He has served as supervisor of his township and has held other positions of trust and responsibility of a local nature.

|ohn A. Johnson, prosperous farmer and well-known citizen of New York Mills, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in Finland, March _'. 1865, the son of fohn A. and Kate Johnson, both of whom were natives of Finland, where thev lived their entire life, the former dying in iqio. the latter in 1S71. John A. and Kate Johnson were the parents of four children. Jacob, John A.. Albert and Kate.

Following his school days in Finland, John A. Johnson came to America and, in 18S6, shortly after his arrival in this country, he went to the state of Montana, where he was employed for seven years in gold and silver mines of that region. In 1893 Mr. Johnson came to Otter Tail county and located at Xew York Mills, near where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in section S. Newton township, a place which he improved and to which he later added forty acres in Homestead township. During the year [893, after one and one-half years' residence in New York- Mills, John A. Johnson went to the Black Hills, where he again took up his work in the mines, returning eight months later to New York Mills, after which Mr. Johnson again went to the Black Hills, working as a miner for two years. At the time of gold discovery in Alaska. John A. Johnson made a journey to the Klondike region, where he mined for three years and then came back to Xew York Mills, a place which has been his home since. To his original farm in Newton township, John A. Johns, .11 has added land until he now is the owner of two hundred and forty acres, one hundred and sixty acres of which is within the corporate limits of New- York Mills. Mr. Johnson has improved his place with one of the best houses of the community, has erected a modern silo and has constructed 11, li other buildings as :M ,,, the completeness of a modern farm and home. John A. Johnson now engages extensively in general fanning and in stock raising, together with tin- conducting of a modern dairy business dricksen, who was born in Finland in 1872, the daughter of Henry Hendricksen and wife, who were pioneers of Bryan, South Dakota. To the marriage of John and Sophia Johnson have been born the following children: Mamie, who married Martin Sondergard, a butter manufacturer of Storden, Minnesota; Winnie, Ernest, Senia, George, Lucina, Edna, Oscar, Beulah, Russell and Byron. Mr. Johnson and his family are members of the Lutheran church.

John A. Johnson is affiliated with the business life of New York Mills as a member of the banners Shipping Association, and in the public life of the community Mr. Johnson has done no little for the township and for his town, as a member of the council, an office which he has served for seven years. In fraternal circles, John A. Johnson takes an important part in the affairs of the Modern Woodmen of America lodge at New York Mills, an organization of which he has been an honored member for eight years.

Mikkel R In Dal

Born in Norway, October 30, 1839, Mikkel Rindal, a prominent citizen of Sverdrup township, who has enjoyed a large success in agriculture, is the son of John E. and Britt (Almberg) Rindal, both of whom were natives of Norway. Mikkel Rindal's father was born in Norway on August 12, r8l2, and his mother in February, 1814.

The late John E. Rindal died in Norway in 1873 and, after his death, his widow came to America in 1875 and settled in Otter Tail county, where she died in 1882. To John L. and Britt (Almberg) Rindal were born eleven children: Anne, Even (deceased), Mikkel. Bridt (deceased), Bridt (deceased), John (deceased). John. Bridt, Johannas, Ingeborg (deceased) and Ingebregt.

Mikkel Rindal was reared in Norway and was educated in the public schools of his native land. He came t<> Ymerica in 1875 with his mother and shortly thereafter settled in Utter Tail county. Three years later he homesteaded one hundred and fifty acres of land and. during the next few years, made man}' improvements upon this land.

Three years after coming in America, Mikkel Rindal was married in Otter Tail county. Minnesota, t<> Rannei O. Anne, who was burn in Norwa\ in [848, and is the sister of Ole 0. Anne, a prosperous farmer of Sverdrup township Mr. and Mrs. Rindal are the parents of five children: Mary, deceased: John, who was bum on the old homestead on August 18. r88o, educated in the public schools of this township, and lives at home "ii the farm; Ole, who was born in 1882, was also educated in the public schools and is now a farmer; Mary, burn in 1884, is the wife of John l'ahan. of Pingree, Stutsman county, North Dakota, and Berntine, who was burn in [886, lives at home with her parents.

All of the members of the Rindal family are identified with the Lutheran Brothers church. They are prominent in religious affairs and are widely known in this community as deserving- citizens and successful farmers.

Cornelius B. Erickson

Cornelius B. Erickson is one of fourteen children born to the union of Berger and Olena ^ Alberts) Erickson, both natives of Norway, and his birth occurred in [865 in Adams count}-, Wisconsin. The marriage of Berger and Olena (Alberts) Erickson was solemnized in their native land and they emigrated to America in 1852. locating in Wisconsin, where he followed his trade of tailor until the age of forty years, at which time he was compelled to discontinue the vocation he had planned as his life work, on account of the failure of his eyesight, and engage in agricultural pursuits. While a resident of Wisconsin, Berger Erickson was the owner of a farm but never cultivated the soil until his removal to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1871. when he became the purchaser of school land, located in section 36, Dane Prairie township, on which he still resides, at the advanced age of ninety years. His wife, Olena (Alberts) Erickson, passed tu her eternal rest in the spring of 191 1, leaving her husband and her nine surviving children to mourn her loss.# Besides an original purchase of land, i'.erger Erickson entered a homestead, located one-half mile north of his first tract and added more until the farm now consists of three hundred and twenty acres of land, very well improved. He is a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the Wisconsin volunteer infantry.

The paternal grandparents of Cornelius B. Erickson were Erick and Petronelle Erickson, both natives of Norway, the death of the latter having occurred in that country, but the former emigrated to America after the death of his wife and died at the home of his son, Berger Erickson. in Wisconsin. The maternal grandparents of Cornelius 1'.. Erickson were Ole and Sigre Alberts, both natives of Norway, where they lived and died.

Cornelius R. Erickson received his education in the district schools, and while very young discontinued his studies to assist his father with the work on the home place and when twenty-four years of age purchased the farm on which he still resides. This investment was arranged in the fall of 1880. but his residence on the same was not effected until the following spring. Thi' house was built of logs and all improvements were very poor, but owing to his thrift and well-directed energy, new buildings have been erected and they are very excellent ones, indeed. General agriculture and stock raising is the system on this well-managed farm. A specialty of Shorthorn cattle is made and a dairy herd, of from twelve to fifteen head, is constantly kept on hand.

Cornelius 1!. Erickson was united in marriage to Olena Bakke in 1887, and to them have been born four children: Benjamin, Clarence, Palmer and Clinton. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and are earnest supporters of that faith. Olena (Bakke) Erickson is a native of Iowa.

Cornelius B. Erickson has a reputation of high repute, as is evidenced by the many positions of trust which he has held, two of the offices having been town supervisor and township treasurer. He served eight and three years, respectively, in these offices. The original farm of Cornelius B. Erickson consisted of one hundred and seventeen acres, but this has been increased until, at the present time, he owns two hundred and fifteen acres. Cornelius B. Erickson is a brother of Ole ami Bennie Erickson, mentioned elsewhere in the pages of this history.

< If those citizens who have been a success in agricultural pursuits and who have done their part in the development of the community and have now retired to the more quiet walks of life, J. H. Welch, the subject of this sketch, is one of the best known and one of the most highly respected. A man who saw his efforts prosper, not only as a farmer, but as a man in public life and a citizen who is able to look back upon a life well spent, he is a worthy part of a work of this kind.

J. H. Welch was born in the state of Pennsylvania, June 12, 1850, the son of James Welch, who was born in Ireland, and of Harriette (Vargason) Welch, who was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania. James Welch, following his education in his native land, came to America, about the vear 1840, and settled in the state of Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade as a contractor and public worker for some years, he also marrying there, a marriage to which were born the following children: \bbie. who lives in Pennsylvania; Frederick, a fanner and bridge worker, who died in [902; 1. H., the subject of this sketch; John, a mail carrier, who is deceased: William, who lives at Athens, Pennsylvania; and George, who died at New Brunswick. Canada. James Welch and his family were members of the Catholic church, hut later he joined the Protestant church.

Pennsylvania, after which he went to the state of Iowa, in the year 1865, locating in Buchanan county, where he worked on a farm for some years. In the year 1890 he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and settled in Inman township, where he bought eighty acres of land, for which he paid the sum of twenty-five dollars per acre, and after living- on the farm for thirteen years he disposed of his place, receiving for it the sum of seventyfive dollars per acre. During the year I'M,} J. II. Welch retired from his farm and moved to the town of Deer Creek, Minnesota, where he boughl six town lots, on one of which he now lives, having a convenient and desirable home.

( hi September 10, 1885. J. H. Welch was married to Mrs. Sarah Curtis, the widow of Orin (i. Curtis, a soldier in the Ninth Regiment. Iowa Volunteer Infantry, who, while serving in the Civil War. contracted the small-pox and died in the army hospital at Louisville, Kentucky.

To Mr. and Mrs. Curtis were born four children, two of whom died in infancy. The living children are Esther and Mrs. C. II. Vergason, both of Deer ('reek. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have no children.

J. H. Welch is a prominent member and worker in the Church of God, a congregation with which he has been affiliated for a short time. J. H. Welch is one of the honored and respected men of Deer Creek, Minnesota, he being the type of pioneer without whom and without whose efforts the county would he less progressive and less advanced.

Jacob Niebels

The late Jacob Xiehels. who was one of the well-known citizens of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, during the generation just passed, was a native of Creafeld, Prussia, where he was horn in 1842. Mr. Xiehels came with his parents to America in 1851, when he was nine years old. His parents remained in Milwaukee for one year and then moved to Owatonna. Minnesota, and settled on a farm.

Jacob Niebels spent his early years on the farm and received his early education in the schools of Owatonna. assisting his father on the farm during the summer months and attending school during the winter months until he was seventeen years old. At that age, he began to learn the plow manufacturing trade and later went to Faribault, Minnesota, where he found employment in the plow factory operated by Christian Holmberg. In [862 he was married to Augusta Holmberg, the daughter of Christian Holmberg, and it was only a short time later that his regiment, in which he had enlisted .is a Union soldier, was ordered to the South. Leaving St. Paul on April [8, [862, he participated in the battle of luka as his first experience as a soldier in the great Civil War. He was a musician and his regiment was engaged in the battles of Corinth, Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta and Savannah. Mr. Niebels was a soldier in Sherman's arm)- and accompanied his army from Memphis, Tennessee, to the sea and northward through the Carolinas to Washington, D. C, where the Grand Review marked the close of the long years of strife and it was his hand which first entered Washington. There is one feature of Mr. Niebel's record as a soldier that requires explanation. lie was sentenced to the military prison for burning cotton, having been unjustly convicted, as the cotton was burned by Frank Studefant, against Niebel's protest. By order of President Lincoln, they were both released and ordered back to their regiment and participated in the movements which resulted in the surrender of the rebel army. While Mr. Niebels did not earn a gun during a greater part of the war, since he was a member of the regimental band, in several engagements, he was obliged to do so, especially where the rebels outnumbered the federal forces.

Upon returning to his home after the close of the war, Mr. Niebels resumed his work in the plow factory as a partner of his father-indaw and this arrangement continued until 1876, when Mr. Niebels and his young family moved to Waseca, where he purchased a gun and sporting goods store, which he operated until 1882. At this time he moved to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and estahlished a similar store on Lincoln avenue, west, in this city. This store he conducted up until the time of his death, which occurred on April 16, 1913.

By Mr. Niebels' marriage to Augusta Holmberg, March 28. 1862, there were born three children, Albert J., Clara L. and Harold E. Mrs. Niebels is the daughter of Christian and Ellen (Romberg) Holmberg, her father having come to America from Konsberg, near Christiana, Norway. The family came to America in 1851 and immediately thereafter, settled at Racine. Wisconsin, where they remained for one year. They then moved io Manistee, Michigan, where they lived for three years, during which time Mr. Holmberg was a mill overseer. The family then moved to Beaver Dam. where he was engaged in repairing plows and guns. His next move was to Faribault, where he engaged in the manufacture of plows.

Of the three children horn to Mr. and Mrs. Niebels, Albert J. lives in Providence, Rhode Island. He married Mable L. Carpenter, the daughter of Alva Carpenter and the sister of Rev. Alva Carpenter. They have one son. \lva. horn on January 17. 1908. Clara L married Louis Keane. of Xew York City, and has four children. Pauline C. Kenneth C. Muriel C. and Eleanor. Harold E. is a graduate of the Fergus Falls high school and of the dental department of the University of Minnesota. He finished the f3Qb) course in 1914 and immediatel}' thereafter began the practice of his profession in Fergus Falls, where he has a fine practice and one which is growing rapidly, lie has a most enviable reputation for careful and painstaking work and is well known in the social life of this city and county.

.Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Niebels celebrated their golden wedding anniversary mi .March 28. [912. A large number of the old settlers of Fergus Falls and the surrounding country honored this worthy couple with their presence on that day. It was an enjoyable evening, spent principally in discussing pioneer times. Mr. Niebels was a man of strong opinions, straightforward ami fearless 111 expressing them. He always manifested a deep interest in public affairs and made his views felt in public matters. His death was a great loss to the city where he lived and was mourned by a host of friends throughout the county.

A. Albert Frank

A. Albert Frank, farmer of Buse township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Waseca county, this state. March 1. 1867, son of Ludwig and Millie (Manwiler) Frank.

Mr. Frank's ancestors come from Prussian Poland and he has some interesting family history to relate concerning the enforced military service of that country. Ludwig Frank was a son of John Frank, who was one of a family of twelve children, eleven boys and one girl, and the father wishing to save his sons from compulsory military service, moved his sons to another location. Their hiding place was not learned by the authorities and officers came to forcibly take the suns away. These sons were in hilling and the old man declared he did not know where they were. The officers hung him up by the hair of his head for an hour, but even that torture did nol force him to disclose the whereabouts of his boys. Of these sons, only b'hn and Andrus are definitely known of. Andrus finally went into the army and served seven years, but when he got into active service he found he had considerable dislike of bullets and made his escape. He arrived at home and stayed hidden in the barn until the close of that war. His army was defeated and he, therefore, had no need to fear showing himself. He took up bis residence on the old homestead there and it is related he lived happily ever after. John acquired land of his own in Prussian Poland, where he spent his entire life and reared, his family of seven children. There were two sons. Julius and Ludwig. and to Julius fell the family homestead, w beta' he passed his entire life

Ludwig Frank (who was born in 1827) was, therefore, forced to find a location for himself, and in the spring of 1855 m' st'' sa^ '"'" America and after nine long weeks at sea, his boat landed at the port of Quelxx, Canada. Ludwig Frank worked his way to Wisconsin and settled in Marquette county. He was accompanied on his journey by his bride, to whom he was married just the da)' before he set sail. He secured work in the harvest fields of Marquette county at fifty cents per day, and later bought eighty acres of land there, where he lived for four and one-half years. He decided he was not suited in his location there, and disposed of his farm without making out any papers, and together with his wife and two small children he set out for Minnesota, with an ox-team which hauled their few precious belongings, driving his live stock ahead. They crossed the Mississippi river at LaCrosse and journeyed on into the central portion of the state and reached their destination near New Ulrn. There, in i860, Ludwig Frank took up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres and proceeded to establish a home and friendly relations with the Indians, who were there in great numbers and paid visits to the home of the paleface every day. The land there was all prairie and the winters extremely severe, so after two years in that location, in the spring of 1862, he moved his family to Waseca county and there secured work among the farmers of that county. For a year or so he rented land and in the spring of 1865 purchased a farm of eighty acres in section 24. of Wilton township, where he made his home for a great many years.

In iSqo Ludwig Frank sold his homestead and moved to a forty-acre farm nearby, where he lived at the time of his death, in January, 1902. His good and faithful wife is still living in Waseca, this state, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. She is a native of Bradenburg, Germany, and enjoys remarkable health and vigor for one of her age, especially when the hardships of her earlier life and pioneer days are taken into consideration. Both Ludwig Frank and his wife were members of the German Evangelical church. There were eight children in their family, Albert being the fifth child in order of birth. The eldest is William, who is a farmer in Waseca county; Minnie is the wife of Joe Fromlath and lives at Lisbon, North Dakota: Ludwig died at Rochester, this state. although he had lived in Waseca county; Millie is the wife of John Hoffman, of Redwood county, this state; F.d is unmarried and makes his home in Detroit, .Minnesota; Matilda, who lives in Waseca, has been twice married, her first husband being Julius Kehn and her second husband Herman Janka; Emma also lives in Redwood county, and is the wife of Paul Schroeder.

Albert Frank received his education in the public schools of Waseca county and was raised on the farm. He assumed the management of the homestead in 1890 and continued there until IQI2, having purchased it in the meantime. In that year he disposed of the old farm and came to Otter Tail count) and on Vpri] 15, [912, contracted for a farm of two hundred and fonr acres in Buse township, where he has since made his home. This farm is equipped with good buildings and is an up-to-date home in all respects. In Waseca county Mr. Frank had given particular attention to the breeding of Duroc-Jersey hogs and Brown Leghorn hens, but in Buse township he goes into general fanning, raising only a small amount of live stock. Albert Frank was married on June 26. 1893, t0 Albertina Klinger, horn at Kaiser-Dramberg, Pomern, Prussia, Germany, April 18, 1873. She is a daughter of Gottlieb and Albertina (Pust) Klinger. both natives of that place. Mrs. Frank came to the United States in 1892. Gottlieb Klinger came to America with his family and landed at St. Johns. Canada, and from there they journeyed on to this state, reaching their destination in Waseca county on April 20, 1896. They are farming people and are now living in quiet retirement in the town of Waseca. Mr. and Mrs. Frank have nine children in their family, namely : Benjamin, who died at the age of five months: Arthur, Lily, Erna, Nelda, Clarence. Elmer, Leona and Albert, and all of these are being well educated and trained to good citizenship. Mr. Frank is honest and upright in his dealings' with his fellow men and is held in high esteem. He is a Republican, and inasmuch as he takes special interests in the cause of education, he has been a member of the local school board practically ever since living in this township.

Tosfpff Fish

Joseph Fish was born near Syracuse, Xew York. September jt,. 1850, the son of Jerome and Sarah Fish. His parents also were both natives of Xew York state, but in 1855 they moved to Wisconsin, where they bought land and farmed until the breaking out of the Civil War. In 1862 the father enlisted in the noted Second Regiment. Wisconsin Cavalry, and served until disabled by sickness, his condition being such that he was returned home, and did not return to the service. hollowing the close of the Civil War he had charge of a cooper-shop in River Falls, Wisconsin, for some years and, in 1870, came to Minnesota. In the spring of 1871 he settled on land in Becker county, Minnesota, where he died in June. 1872, not having tiled claim on the land. His wife died before the Civil War. Their children were Joseph, Lucy. Harvey K.. Harry. Maria and Arthur.

Joseph Fish received some education in Wisconsin, where, at the age of eleven years, he started in life for himself, working at such farm jobs as he could obtain until he entered the cooper-shop before mentioned. In

[881 he came to Minnesota and bought forty acres of timber laud, where he has since resided. There were no buildings on the land he bought, and his entire capital was forty-three dollars, but he put on modern buildings and now owns a farm of eighty acres, which he uses for farming and stock raising, and always has a large amount of stock.

In 1878 Joseph Fish was married to Mrs. Jennie Sanders, who was a native of New York. They have one child living named Jessie, and a child. Walter A., who died in infancy. Mr. Fish has been chairman of the township hoard for the past two years, and had served a term of two years prior to the present one. and had been a member of the board several times previously.

The father of Mrs. Fish was a native of New York. His name was Avry Stanton Sanders. He had been in business in New York for many years,- but on account of his wife's poor health he sold out and came west and benight a farm in Wisconsin; later both died. They had two children, Benjamin Franklin, born on January 3, 1848. and Jennie Almira, born on May 9, [851.

Joseph B. Hemmelgarn

\mong the successful farmers of Pine Lake township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Joseph B. Hemmelgarn, who was born in Mercer county, Ohio, February 18, i860, the son of Theodore and Mary (Luelsman ) Hemmelgarn, both of whom were natives of Germany, in which country they spent their early years and then came to America with their parents. Theodore Hemmelgarn, in America, became a farmer and now lives on his farm in Mercer county, Ohio. Theodore and Mary Hemmelgarn were the parents of the following children: Theodore, Henry, Benjamin. |oseph, Elizabeth, Barney, John. Anton. William. Mary, Josephine and Thresa.

When twenty-four years of age Joseph B. Hemmelgarn came to the state of Minnesota and engaged generally in farm work about the town of Perham for five years, and then bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Pine Lake township, where he now lives and engages in general agricultural pursuits. On taking possession of bis farm Mr. Hemmelgarn cleared the land of timber, built substantial buildings and. as he prospered, added in bis land until now he is tbe owner of two hundred and sixty acres of the desirable land in Pine Lake township.

During the year [888, Joseph IV Hemmelgarn was married to \nna Wagner, who was burn in Austria, the daughter of Anton Wagner and wife, wbu came to America in [872 and located in Pine Lake township,

< )tter Tail county, Minnesota, where they followed a general agricultural life Po the marriage of Joseph B. and Anna Heramelgarn have been born tour children, Clara, Rosa, Andrew Martin (deceased) and Martin. Mr. Hemmelgarn and Ins family are members of the Catholic church.

Joseph B. Hemmelgarn has taken a prominent place in the public life of the community, serving as a volunteer in all matters for general welfare.

George B. Wynn

George B. \\ Ann was hern at Rossville, twelve miles from Danville, Vermilion county, Illinois, on November 18, 1868. His father, James B. Wynn, came of a family of Irish descent and was born in Attica, Warren county, Indiana, and was married to Mary Davis whose family came from England, the marriage ceremony taking place in Illinois, where Mr. Wynn went as a young man. The young couple resided for eight years on their farm in Vermilion county and seized by the "wanderlust" spent the following two years in Texas, returning to the Xorth in the winter of 1879- 1880, when .Mr. Wynn settled in Otter Tail county and brought bis family there in February. This family consisted of his second wife and three children, the first wife having died in 1876, he was married, secondly, t<> \dill Shamp, who is still living.

In Otter Tail county James B. Wynn bought forty acres of what was then known as the Skinner land, in section 23, Woodside township, which is now called the Wagner farm. The}- set up housekeeping in a log cabin which he built (which was later destroyed) and began the task of clearing his newly acquired purchase. Here they lived until the fall of 1892, by which time they had acquired two hundred acres which Mr. Wynn sold in order to be free to move to Springdale, Arkansas, where he still lives on a farm at Winslow. He was a soldier in the Civil War, having enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for three years. Both he and his wife are members of the Seventh-Day Adventist church, whose activities constitute one of the important phases of their present quiet life. Mr. Wynn is a member of the Grand Army id" the Republic. Mr. Wynn had by his first wife four children, of whom George B.. the subject of this sketch is the eldest. The Mihcrs are. in the order of their birth: Thomas, who for some years has been an extensive traveler: William, a farmer living at Wrightstown; Manolia, the wife of Charles Michel, who lives in Ballaton, Minnesota. By hi< second marriage eleven children were born, these being Mary, Frank. Silas, who died at the age of eight; Rhoda, Joseph, deceased at the age of fifteen; Henrv, a soldier of the regular army: Ruth. Martha, who died

I he old log school house so well known in the previous generation furnished young George Wynn with the only education available at that time. He attended school at district No. 100 during the winter terms of three months and the rest of the year worked on the farm until he was twenty-two years of age. He then left home to become a farm laborer in .Minnesota and Dakota. With the money he saved he was able to buy in [888 or [889, fort) acres in the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter mi section jj. in Woodside township, land that was then a wilderness. ( 'ut of this wilderness Air. Wynn has made one of the finest farms in the township. Soon after his marriage. 111 1893, he built a log house and there took his wife, continuing to live there until 1904, In 1896 he increased his holdings by eight}' acres which he bought in section 27. this being unimproved railroad land. Having cultivated this tract he further enhanced its usefulness and attractiveness b) building in 1905 a splendid frame house where he and his family have lived ever since. In the summer of 191 5 he built a new barn thirty by fifty feet, having hip-roof and concrete foundation. Mr. Wynn is now farming one hundred and sixty acres, having in 191 1 bought forty acres in the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 26. He is a general farmer and stock raiser and has met with a marked degree of success.

Lucy E. Adams, a native of Richland Center. Wisconsin, became Mrs. George B. Wynn on the 28th of November, 1893. Her father, Thomas B. Adams, a carpenter, had enlisted in Company F, Sixteenth Regiment. Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War. His wife's parents had come to Crow Wing county before the war and there had married. They later went to Wisconsin. While Thomas Adams was serving his country a period of three years and three months, his wife took her two children from (Vow Wing county. Minnesota, to Richland ('enter. Wisconsin, in order to receive from the government the support due her as a soldier's wife. There he returned after the war and resumed his trade, continuing to live there for forty or fifty years, until his death which occurred in r8oo or 1900. His wife passed away in T894.

The mother of Mrs. Wynn was. before her marriage. Nancy I. Mc Arthur and the history Of her ancestors is of unusual interest. David McArthur. the father, was a native of Scotland and was the first of this family to locate in (row Wing county. For many years he was postmaster at White Earth Reservation. \t that time Minnesota was full of Indians, hut they were for the most part of a friendly nature. However. in an evil hour, one of his daughters named Ellen was captured and killed by three Indians in 1872. In payment for this dastardly deed they were apprehended and hanged by the settlers on what was called "the lone pine tree" at Brainerd, Minnesota, and this tree is still standing there. The body of the girl was not found for three years when a traveler was passing by an Indian tepee and found the "brave" beating his squaw. He overheard the woman threaten to tell on her husband. This led to the apprehension of the murderers.

Mr. and Mrs. George 15. Wynn became the parents of five children, namely: Thela J.. Carrie Marie, who died in infancy: Menolia, Wilma and Jesse.

Mr. Wynn's service to the community has been of long duration, a certain test of efficiency and honesty. An assessor of this township for sixteen years and a member of the school hoard for twenty-one, he has paid the tribute of good citizenship to a commonwealth to whose material interests he has also contributed. Mr. Wynn is a member of the Wing River Telephone Company and of the Co-operative Creamery Companv at Bertha. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and is an independent in politics. Mr. Wynn has those traits of character which make him a man whose influence is felt anion"' his associates.

John Ertz was born in Germany, November id. 1869, the son of Valentine and Angeline fKiewel) Ertz, both of whom were born, reared to manhood and womanhood and married in the Fatherland. Valentine Ertz was a farmer in his native land and followed his occupation there until 1880, when he emigrated to America with his family. After settling in Stearns county, Minnesota, he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of partially improved land and lived upon that land for twenty years, when he moved to (old Springs, where he and his beloved wife live retired at the present time. To this devoted couple were born seven children, as follow: Nick, a farmer living in Gary, Minnesota: John, the subject of this sketch: Katie, who married Frank Wiesener. and lives at Cold Spring. Minnesota; Joe. a laborer living in Bluffton township, Otter Tail county: George, a farmer living in North Dakota: Peter, a fanner living in Bluffton township, and Mary, who lives at home with her parents.

Reared and receiving his elementary education in Germany until ten years of age, John Ertz came to the 1'nited States and for some time pursued still further his education in the Minnesota public schools. Subsequent removed to Otter Tail county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in section 5, of Bluffton township, where lie has been actively engaged in farming ever since. At the time of his purchase of the farm in Bluffton township, only two acres of the land had been broken and a few dilapidated buildings were standing on the farm. Determined to improve his farm, he began to clear the land and to break the soil. In 1915 lie built a substantia] and modern house and barn, the latter being thirty-four by fortyfour feet and equipped with hay fork and other modern improvements. Mr. Hrtz has been deeply interested in live stock and is a breeder of Roan Durham cattle and ( hester White hogs.

On February 15, 1898, John Krtz was united in marriage with Mary I.aubach. a native of Spring Hill. Stearns county, and the daughter of Nick Daubach, an old settler who lived and died at Spring Hill. To this happy union there have been born thirteen children, of whom Nick, Clara. Katie, George and an infant are deceased The living children are Annie. Louis, Marcus. William. Stephen, Helen. Rosa and Leona.

John F.rtz. besides successfully operating his farm, has taken an active interest in the commercial and political activities of his township. As a Democrat he served for four terms as township supervisor. He is a shareholder in the Farmer's Co-operative Creamery Company of Bluffton.

Otto P.. Tohxson

Among those who from humble beginnings, have reached a place of distinction in the agricultural life of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Otto B. Johnson, who was born in Smoland, Sweden, on the 6th of November, 1865. He is the son of John and Eva (Olson) Johnson, natives of that country. Eva Olson was the daughter of Ole and Lena Olson, who were born in Sweden, where they spent the greater part of their lives, he working as a carpenter and a farmer and she assisting him in many ways. The father, Ole Olson, died when in the prime of life, but his wife lived to be ninety years old.

John and Eva Johnson, who were both born in the year 1819, spent their childhood davs in Sweden, where they were later married. Mr. John- 1 fanner. He came to America alone, in country went directly to St. Paul, Miiinc- three years on a railroad \t this form . small amount of his earnings each month. Sweden. His initial appearance in ( (tter ,ben he came to this community with the 1 [e began bis task of clearing the land on one hundred and sixty acres located in section 2, in Erhards Grove township. The homestead claim was covered with timber and aside from the task of clearing the land, was the difficult one of hauling supplies from the nearest markets winch were located at Fergus Falls and at Alexandria. Air. Johnson built his log cabin on the site where the present Swedish Lutheran church stands.

In 1872 Air. Johnson sent for his two eldest sons, who joined him on tin homestead, and in [875 Airs. Johnson arrived in this country with the thro- ^mailer children. At the time of his death, which occurred in 1895, Air. Johnson owned two hundred acres of land. He and his wife (who died m 1SS71. were members of the Swedish Lutheran church and contributed generously to the support of thai organization. Air. Johnson gave the land for the present church and for a number of years served the congregation as trustee. The following children were reared by John and I \.i Johnson: Gustaf, who owns an adjoining farm: Carl F.. who is a farmer in Pelican township; Olena. the wife of Peter Nygen, who lives in Nevada: Lottie, who married William Hubbard and who lives in the state of Washington, and Otto P.., who is the subject of this sketch.

The educational training received by Otto B. Johnson covered a period of only seventy days. lie received his training in farm management from his father during the time of clearing the homestead land. Previous to the death of his father he rented the home place and in 1893 bought the entire farm of two hundred acres. He has improved the farm since the time of the purchase. A large modern residence has been erected and a well-built barn put up. The management is devoted to general farming and stock raising.

Mr. Johnson has not allowed the interest of the farm to narrow his business activities. He was a director of the Lakeview Telephone Company and organized the Pelican Valley Shipping Association, of which he has been president for many years. Independent in his political interests Mr. Johnson has always been active for the cause of good government, lie served nine years as supervisor in the township and the same number 1 if \ ears as school clerk.

In March, of [893, Mr. Johnson married Emma Carlson, the daughter of Maria and Carl Carlson. Mr. Carlson never left his native land of Sweden to come to this country, but his wife and children, who came to this country, settled in Otter Tail county, near Pelican Rapids. Airs. Johnson, who is a native of Umea, Sweden, is the mother of the following children: Victor, Victoria, Josephine, Joseph, who died at the aye of ten: Otillie. Emil and Gladys. All the children are living at home with their parents.

William Janke is one of six children born to David and Fredericka (Lipke) Janke and his birth occurred on April 14, 1864, in Pomern. Prussia. David and Fredericka (Lipke) Janke were also natives of Prussia and were married in that country. David Janke was occupied as a day laborer both in this native land and in America. He immigrated to America in 1885. His death occurred in 1889 in Waseca county. Minnesota. Fredericks (Lipke) Janke died in 1887. Both were devout members of the German Lutheran church and were the parents of the followingchildren: August, .Minna. Amelia, Charles, Christena and William. August 1- a retired farmer living in Waseca county, Minnesota; Minna is the wife of William Rotke and lives in Waseca county; Amelia married John Wartime and after his death, in Prussia, immigrated to America; Charles is a ship-builder and is engaged in that business in Charlottenburg ; Christina became the wife of William Guelzow and the)' live in Otter Tail county.

William Janke received his education in the public schools of his native country and upon the completion of same engaged in farming, immigrating tn America in 1884. After his arrival in the United States he was employed as a farm hand in Waseca county, Minnesota, for a period of three years. He then purchased eighty acres of land in Iosco township where he continued to cultivate the soil until 1905, at which time he removed to Otter Tail county and purchased four hundred and seventy acres of partially improved land. Desirous of making this farm one of the best in that section be erected new buildings, fences and other necessary improvements and until 11,114 specialized in the breeding of Holstein cattle and Poland China hogs. In 1914 two hundred acres of this farm were sold but he still continue- tn cultivate the remaining two hundred and seventy acres. Besides the cattle and hogs which are sold yearly, William Janke retains a herd of twenty head of cattle and about thirty-five head of hogs.

In 1 N85 William Janke was united in wedlock to Augusta Block, daughter nf Michael and .Augusta Block, both natives of Posen. East Prussia. Augusta (Block) Janke is a native of Iosco, Minnesota, and by her union to William Janke has been the mother of six children: F.rnest, Aaron, l.yiha. Theodore, William and Emma. Ernest, Aaron and Lydia died when very young and Theodore, William and Emma reside under the parental roof. The parents of Augusta (Block) Janke were old settlers of Iosco township, Waseka county, Minnesota.

creamery at < Itter Tail and also a stockholder in the telephone company of that place. Politically, he is a staunch Republican and has served the educational interests of his township as school clerk. He also served as road overseer for a number of years. His religious inspiration is received through lus attendance at the German Lutheran church, of which both he and his wife are active members. Not only has he mastered the language and customs of this country, but he has amassed a comfortable competency as well, and, withal, holds the respect and good will of his fellow citizens.

Andrew A. Wicklund

A line example of native shrewdness has been displayed in the life oi Andrew A. Wicklund, in connection with the ownership of one hundred and sixty acres of land to which he now owns a clear title, and on which he has resided since 1882. Andrew A. Wicklund was born on December 8, 1875, m Sweden, and is the son of Andrew Johnson and Kigsa (Allison I Wicklund, both natives of Sweden. Andrew Johnson Wicklund immigrated to America in [881 and secured one hundred sixty acres of land. under the homestead law. in Eagle Lake township, this county, lie unproved this land and put it under cultivation, in preparation for the residence of his family who followed him one year later. In 1882, Kigsa (Allison) Wicklund immigrated to America, accompanied by her three children, Magnus, Mathilda and Andrew A. Their eldest child, John, died in Sweden.

Andrew A. Wicklund assisted his father with the management ami cultivation of the home place until his father's death, after which he assumed full charge and ownership. A dispute arose as to the validity of the claim and in order to make the title clear. Kigsa (Allison) Wicklund, mother of \ndrew V Wicklund. entered the homestead as her own. transferring it to her son at the proper time.

Andrew A. Wicklund was united in marriage to Christina Nelson, in [904, and they are the parents of four children: Alice. Arthur, Myrtle and Wallace. Christina (Nelson) Wicklund is a native of Eagle Lake township, Otter lad county, Minnesota, and a daughter of Lotus and Inglcborg (Olson) Nelson, natives of Sweden and Norway, respectively. Louis Nelson immigrated to \merica in [875, locating 111 Iowa for a short tune and later removing to Otter Tail county, where his marriage occurred. Inglehorg (Olsen) Nelson, immigrated to America 111 [882 She was the daughter of Henry and Rangen (Harelsdatter) Olsen who immigrated to America in [880, purchasing a homestead nght in Eagle Lake township, tins county. Thev cultivated this property until their death.

The father of Andrew A. Wicklund. Andrew Johnson Wicklund, is deceased, but his widow still lives and shares the home of her son. Andrew A. Wicklund and family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church and are actively engaged in the support of the same. For the past eleven years Andrew A. Wicklund has served as school director and was recently re-elected for another three-} ear term. This fact is surely the best recommendation for his sterling worth to the community and the respect and esteem in which he is held.

Ernst Luebberman

Ernst Luebbermann, one of the well-known and highly-respected farmers and stock raisers, and a citizen who has been active in the political and official life of Dora township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Germain-, October 30, 1845, a son ot Everhardt and Sophia ( Burer ) Luebbermann, natives of Germany, in which country they lived their entire lives, the elder Luebbermann having been a successful farmer. Everhardt and Sophia Luebbermann were the parents of seven children.

Ernst Luebbermann received his education in the public schools of his native country and after the completion of his studies became a farmer working on the home place for some years. When twenty years of age, in [865, he left the land where he had grown to maturity and came to America, locating in the state of Ohio where he made his home for about thirteen years. During the year 1878, Mr. Luebbermann moved to Minnesota and located in Dora township, this county, where he became one of the colony of homesteaders who were numerous in this locality at that time. Securing the rights to one hundred and sixty acres of uncleared and unimproved land. Ernst Luebbermann proceeded to improve his place and prepare the land for cultivation, from time to time adding more improvements and securing more acreage until now Mr. Luebbermann is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of the best improved and most highly cultivated land of the community. For many years Ernst Luebbermann has lived on Ins present farm, his success as a general farmer and as a stock raiser giving him a place of note among the leading agriculturists of Dora township and the vicinity.

During the year [882, Ernst Luebbermann was married to Minnie Hoffmann, a native of German}-, and to this marriage have been born six children: Fred, Herman, Otto, Rudolph, Ernst and Tena. Mr. Luebbermann and his family are members of the German Lutheran church, the activity of Mr. Luebbermann and his wife in this congregation being well known in the community.

Ernst Luebbermann has taken a prominent place in the official life of Dora township. Utter Tail county. Minnesota, for about eight years having served as an active and influential member of the township hoard of supervisors.

As a citizen and as a leader in agricultural circles Mr. Luebbermann has demonstrated his value to the community and he is a man who takes a place of honor and prominence in the various affairs of Dora township and of ( )tter Tail county.

Peder P. Harrang

Near Underwood, Minnesota, in section 8, Sverdrup township, is the farm of one hundred and twenty acres belonging to Peder P. Harrang, an enterprising farmers of this township, who is a native of Norway, born in that country on April 6, i860.

Mr. Harrang is a son of P. M. and Brit Harrang, both of whom were born in Norway, and who, after their marriage, came to America in 1880. They settled 111 < Itter Tail county and homesteaded a farm in section 12, Sverdrup township, and both spent the remainder of their lives on this parents of five children, of whom Peder P. was the ih. The eldest child was ( )le, who died in Norway tnga I is now Mrs. P. Sande. Inga II is the wife 1- superintendent of the car service of the Missouri Louis. Missouri. John lives in Idaho, where he is running a general merchandise store.

.Peder P. Harrang was educated in the public schools of his native land, and in [88] emigrated to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and for a time worked as a painter in Fergus Falls. In 1888, Mr. Harrang was married to Anna Sholberg, who is a native of Norway, born in 1866. the daughter of Martin and Mary Sholberg. Mrs. Harrang's parents came from Norway to the United States in the early seventies, and upon their arrival in (his country worked at Porter's mill, near Fan Claire, Wisconsin. In 1875 the family came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and homesteaded eighty acres of land, to which they later added forty acres, and it is this farm which Mr. Harrang now owns Mr. Harrang has made in<>st of the improvements "ii this farm, and now lives in one of the mos1 substantial farm houses in Sverdrup township. He also has a tine barn and other outbuildings necessary for the equipment of a well conducted farm.

Mr. Harrang and wife are the parents of eight children, as follow: l'aliner. Monrad, Minda. Helen, Ida. Clara, Bertha and \gnes, all of whom are living.

Mr Harraojg is a stockholder in the Co-operative Creamery Company, of Underwood, Minnesota, and also in the co-operative store at that place.

Mr. and .Mrs. Harrang and family are earnest and devout members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Harrang formerly served as a member of the town board of supervisors, and at one time was chairman of this board. He has worthily discharged all the duties, both private and public, which has fallen to him as a citizen of the republic.

Ole A. Berg

Ole A. Berg is a native of Norway, born on September 5, t86o. Mr. Berg is a son of Arne Christensen Berg and Marie Olson Hoi, both of whom were born, reared, married, and died in Norway.

In [890 Ole A. Berg was married to Carolina Vidness, who was born in Norway in 1875, and who is a daughter of Johannes Vidness and wife. Mrs. Berg's parents emigrated from their native land to America about r88o locating near Battle Lake. Minnesota, where they still live.

Mr and Mrs. Berg are the parents of ten children, as follow: Josephine. Mabel, Karen. Christian, Florence, Johannes, Arne (deceased), Arne, Else and Laura.

Charles Stender

Charles Slender, one of the successful farmers and stock raisers, and a man who has taken an important part in the official life of Dora township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Germany, November 13, 1857, a s<m of lohn and Henrietta ( 1'riebe) Stender, natives of Germany.

John Stender lived in his native land until [866 when he came to America, with his family, and located in Carver count}', Minnesota, where he made his home as a pioneer farmer for the remainder of his active life. The elder Slender and his wife were the parents of four children.

Charles Stender received his education in the common schools of Germany and then, with his parents, came to America and with them settled in Carver county, Minnesota, where Charles Stender engaged in farming and in the work of clearing the land of the community.

where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land which he unproved and supplied with the necessary equipment and where he has since lived as a general farmer and stuck raiser, he now owning two hundred and fifty acre.- of land, his success m these lines being well known throughout the locality.

During the year J 877, Charles Stender was married to Maria Mielke and to this marriage have been horn the following children: Louisa, Anna. Bertha, Ida, Otto, Emma, Martha, Bennie, Olga, Alma (deceased), Paul, Charles, .Marie Krwm 1 deceased), Lottie and Henry (deceased). Mr. Stender and his family are active members of the German Lutheran church. Mr. and Mrs. Stender being affiliated with the South Dora church, in which congregation they are well known and highly respected workers.

( harles Stender has been active in the official life of Dora township for many years, during which time he has served as clerk of the township since first coming to the locality and for many years served as clerk of the Dura township school board. Politically, Mr. Stender is a Republican. As a citizen and as a friend Charles Stender holds the respect and esteem of all in his community and is one without whom Dora township would be less one of its progressive influences for the upbuilding of community life.

The Union soldier in the great war between the states builded wiser than he knew. Through four years of suffering and wasting hardships, through the horrors of prison pens and amid the shadows of death, he laid the foundation of the greatest temple ever erected and dedicated to human freedom. Today we call those soldiers sublime and in art and sculpture we have preserved their unselfish deeds. It remains, however, for the children of generations yet unborn to accord the full measure of appreciation for their immortal characters. Among the valiant veterans of the great Civil War now living 111 Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is Hon. Daniel W. llixson, who enlisted as a soldier in the Union army before he was eighteen vears old. Mr. Hixson has been repeatedly honored by the people of this state and has served nobly and efficiently in the Minnesota state Senate. Ibis the scion of a distinguished family, his grandfather having fought valiantly by the side of Washington in the Revolutionary War.

Daniel W. Hixson, a retired citi/en of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is a native of Burlington, Iowa, where he was born on December _>.:;. 1843. ''c 1- the son of John and Man I Burnett) Hixson and the grandson of David Hixson, a soldier in the Revolutionary War. John Hixson spent his early years in the mercantile business, but finally took up farming and in [821

Ohio, where he engaged in the milling business. In 1837 he took unl in 1843 moved to near Burlington, where he was a farmer the remainder of his life.

Daniel \Y. Hixson received his early education in the public schools of Burlington and vicinity and on August 4, 1862, enlisted from Kossuth, Iowa, in Company C, Thirtieth Regiment. Iowa Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to the Fifteenth Army Corps. Mr. Hixson was wounded in the siege of Vicksburg and was thereafter honorably discharged on account of wounds.

After his return home, Mr. Hixson finally engaged in farming and in the live stock business, ship]. ing his stock to Chicago, Illinois. In 1883 Mr. Hixson moved to Grant county. Minnesota, where he purchased six hundred and forty acres of land. This large tract of land was located in Delaware township and there Mr. Hixson was engaged in farming on a large scale. Three vears after his removal to Grant county he was nominated for the Senate by the Republican party and, having been endorsed by the Farmers' Alliance, was triumphantly elected and served during the legislative sessions of 1887 and 1889. As a member of the Senate he had a conspicuous part in the framing and passage of important legislation and was considered, during the two sessions in which he served, as one of the leaders on the Republican side.

In [899 Mr. Hixson purchased a farm near Fergus Falls, but never lived on it. His daughter being a student in the schools of Fergus Falls, Mr. Hixson finally purchased a home in the city, a house on Lincoln avenue, west, formerly owned by Doctor Cole. Here he has lived ever since.

By his marriage on March 7, 1866. to Helen Orr. a native of Ohio and a descendant on her paternal side from one of the most historic families of New England, there were born three children, Edwin S., Elma C. and Alice Capitola. Mrs. Hixson's father came originally from Goffstown. New Hampshire. Of the Hixson children, Edwin S., an only son, is a president of Blaine county, Montana, where lie is engaged in farming and stock raisin-. Ne married Flora Goodell and has three children, Helen S., Ned B. and Charles D. Elma C. is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and is now the teacher of history in the Fergus Falls high school. She is the widow of the late Professor Benton, who was a well-known linguist of this state and who was an instructor in the University of Minnesota. Professor Benton died several years ago, leaving two children. William P.. and Daniel II. Alice Capitola is a well-known musician of this section of Minnesota. She has so willingly contributed her services as a musician on so many occasions that there is perhaps no young woman in this section better known (40b ) than she. She married Jesse O. Billings, a native of Rutland. Vermont, and a man of sound business ability, who, before his untimely death in 1910, was engaged as an importer of purebred stock and who also owned a large ranch in North Dakota. His death was a severe shock not only to his wife, but to the Hixson family and to a host of friends. He left two children. Ida and Cecil.

Daniel W. Hixson has been prominent not only in the political and civic life of this state, but he is likewise well known in fraternal circles, being a Mason. He is a member of the Knights Templar and also of the Chippewa Club.

Ode Xygaard

Ole Xygaard, a prosperous farmer of Sverdrup township, Otter Tail count)', -Minnesota, is a native of Norway, where he was born on March i^4Q-

Air. Xygaard is the son of Ole G. and Ingebor 1 Anne ) Xygaard, both of whom were born in Norway and who. about 1882, immigrated to America and settled in Otter Tail county. Minnesota. Mr. Nygaard's father died in 1 00 1 at the age of eighty-three years, and his mother in 1907 at the age of ninety-four. They were the parents of eleven children.

Ole Xygaard was educated in the public schools of Norway and in 1870 came to America, settling at St. Peter, Minnesota. Later he moved t<i Mankato, .Minnesota, in September, 1870. and the following winter moved to St. Paul. In 1872 he came to Otter Tail county and took a homestead of one hundred and thirty-one acres of land, which he has cleared and improved. He is a general farmer and stock raiser and has been successful in this county.

On January to, 1882, Ole Xygaard was married to Gertrude Sande, who was born on February 17. 1862, in Norway, and who is the daughter of Ole and Betsy Sande. They came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, in 1882. Mrs. Nygaard's father died here 111 [905 and her mother in 1802.

Mr. and Mrs. Ole Xygaard have been the parents of eleven children, of whom !nga is the wife of Thomas Petersen and has four children, Susie. Olive, Clifford and Raymond; Berntene is the wife of Hans Mortonson and has one daughter, Irene; Odin, lives at home: Lena is the wife of Edwin Gilbertson and has three children, George, Robert and Melvin; Johanna is the wife of Clayton Senilis and has two children, Leona and Beatrice; \lfred. Daniel, Henry. Ingvald, Mary and Clarence are all at home.

county since Mr. Nygaard moved here, and Fergus Falls, the county scat. is a vastly different city in appearance from what it was thirty-five years ago, when there were only two or three stores in the town.

Gilbert L. Antonsen

Gilbert L. Antonsen, well-known farmer of Edna township, Otter Tail count v, Minnesota, was born in LeSueur county, Minnesota, July 14, 1877, the son of Christian and Henrietta E. (Wassman) Antonsen, the former born in Denmark, the latter born in New York state. Christian Antonsen was the son of Peter and Sarah Antonsen, natives of Denmark.

Christian Antonsen came to America about 1859 and located in Le- Sueur county, Minnesota, where he secured one hundred and eighty acres of land and engaged in farm life for the remainder of his days. Christian and Henrietta Antonsen were the parents of nine children : Henry, Allen, Walter, Fred, John, Elick. Otis, Gilbert and Sarah.

Gilbert L. Antonsen received his education in the common schools of LeSueur county, after which he became a farmer, working generally on the farms of his native county for two years. He came to Otter Tail county in tSqo. and bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Edna township, at the same time dealing to a small extent as a land agent, in partnership with his brother, Otis. As a farmer, Gilbert L. Antonsen has been thoroughly successful, having improved his land, equipped his farm with approved machinery and now engages in general farming on two hundred and ten acres of highly productive soil. In addition to his general farm activity, Mr. Antonsen operates a threshing outfit throughout the township and vicinity.

Ole Anderson

Horn in Norway, May 22, 1875, Ole Anderson, a prosperous farmer of Everts township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is a son of Andreas and Maren Anderson, who were both born in Norway. Mr. Anderson's father was born in 1840. and after the deatli of his wife in her native land, came with his children to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in [892. Here he purchased eight}- acres of land located in section 14, of Everts township, and on this farm Andreas Anderson has resided most of the time since coming to the county. ( >f bis three children, Anna and ( )le are living, while an infant is deceased. \ndrcas Anderson is a member of the Lutheran church, in whose welfare be is deeply interested.

Ole Anderson was educated in the public schools of his native land, and when seventeen years of age came to Everts township with his lather. He now owns one hundred and fifty-nine acres of land in sections 13 and 14, and not only operates this farm, but also eighty acres belonging to his father.

Air. Anderson lives with his father, who has been married since coming to America, to Olene Broteng who is the mother of two children by her first husband. Ole Anderson's sister, Anna, is the wife of Ole Widnes, of Battle Lake, Minnesota, and they are the parents of six children, Marvin. Dora, Hilda, Ruth, liner and Roy.

Ole Anderson is a devout member of the Lutheran church, in which betakes an active interest, and to the support of which he is a liberal contributor.

Walter C. Antonsen

Walter C. Antonsen, successful farmer and well-known citizen of Edna township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in LeSueur county, Minnesota, May 16, 1865, a son of Christian and Henrietta E. (Wassman) Antonsen, the father a native of Denmark, and the mother a native of New York state. Christian Antonsen was the son of Peter and Sarah Antonsen, natives of Denmark.

About 1859 Christian Antonsen came to America and settled in LeSueur county, Minnesota, where he took up the duties of farm life. As a fanner, Christian Antonsen was notably successful, he having acquired one hundred and eighty acres of land, all of which he cultivated in his able manner, for the remainder of his days.

( "hristian and Henrietta Antonsen were the parents of nine children : Henry, Allen, Walter. Fred. John. Elick, Otis. Gilbert and Sarah, all of whom are now living. The elder Antonsen and his wife were members of the Methodist church.

Wralter C. Antonsen received his education in the public schools oi LeSueur county, Minnesota, after which he became a farmer, working on the home farm for his father. During the year 1887, Walter C. Antonsen came to Otter rail county, and located in Edna township, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres, which he improved and to which he added land until now he is the owner and successful cultivator of two hundred and forty acres. In addition to his general farming. Mr. Antonsen engages in the raising of considerable live stock.

During the vear t8qo, Walter C. Antonse mvas married to Sophia Sunderman, and to this marriage has been born one child. Pearl, who was born in Tune. 1003. Mr. Antonsen and bis family are active members of the .Methodist Episcopal church, in Edna township, they being highly respected people of this church. Politically, Walter ('. Antonsen is an ardent Republican.

Henry Antonsen

Among the men of Hobart township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, who not only take a leading place among the farmers and stock raisers of the community, but who also are active and influential in the business and official circles, is Henry Antonsen, who was born in LeSueur county, Minnesota. March 27, 1861, a son of Christian and Henrietta E. (Wassman) Antonsen, the former of whom was born in Denmark, and the latter, in New York state. Christian Antonsen was the son of Peter and Sarah Antonsen. natives of Denmark.

Christian Antonsen came to America about 1859, and located in LeSueur county, Minnesota, where he secured one hundred and eighty acres of land and engaged in farm life for the remainder of his days. Christian and Henrietta Antonsen were the parents of nine children: Henry, Allen, Walter. Fred, John, Elick, Otis. Gilbert and Sarah.

Henry Antonsen received his education in the common schools of LeSueur county, Minnesota, and after his school days became a farmer, working on the farms of his native community. When twenty-two years of age. in 1883, Mr. Antonsen moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and located in Hobart township, where he purchased eighty acres of uncleared and unimproved land. On taking possession of his land, Henry Antonsen built the necessary buildings, supplied his farm with the proper equipment and fourteen years later, in [898, having prospered as a farmer, he added eighty acres of land to his original farm, all of which has since been highly improved and now is in a thorough state of scientific cultivation. On his excellent farm Henry Antonsen now is engaged in general farming, together with the specializing in the raising of purebred Poland-China hogs and of Red Polled cattle, the product of (his progressive farmer in this line being of the choicest to be found in the community.

Henry Antonsen, in addition to his success as a farmer and stockraiser is well known and prominently connected with the business activities of the township, he now serving in the capacity as secretary of the Vergas I lo-operative Creamery Company.

During the year 1887, Henry Antonsen was married to Sarah L. Pengra, a daughter of Rush Pengra and wife, and to this marriage have been born eighl children: William II.. John PP. Charles IP. Prank II,. Sarah II. Mary H.. Margaret H. and Elnora H.

Iii the political and official life of this community, Henry Antonsen has been active and useful to the township and vicinity, for many years having served as township treasurer, as school clerk for several terms and in all the other township offices with the exception of supervisor. .Mr. Antonsen has demonstrated his efficiency and value as a public official. Henry Antonsen is an independent voter.

Ole Pederson

( )le Pederson, although a resident of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, for over forty years, is not a native, having been born in Trondhjem, Norway, on March 5, 1849. His father, Peder Iversen Leraad, followed farming for years in his native land. Ole Pederson is the sixth son of a family of eight boys born to Peder Jverson Leraad and Kari Esmor, both of whom were born in Norway. The father was born in 1805, and died in 1863. The mother was born in 181 3, and died in 1898. The couple reared an interesting family: Iver, the eldest son. died at the old home place in Norway; the second son, also called Iver, now lives in Norway, where he is a fanner ; the next three sons, in the line of birth, died when they were small ; Ole was the sixth son ; the two boys who were born last in line, died when they were young.

The rudimentary branches of education were received by Ole Pederson in the public schools of Norway. In 1870 he came to America, where he landed alone and practically without friends. His first choice of residence was in Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he worked on the farms in that locality. In the fall of 1871 he came to Otter Tail county. The trip as far as P>reckenridge was made by rail, and the remaining miles were covered on foot. LTpon his arrival in the county where he now lives he settled in < >sc.ir township, where he took up the task of homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land, located in sections 2 and 3. The section of the township in which he settled was an uncultivated tract of prairie land and the first few years, during which the breaking of the soil was the principal occupation, were studded with events of adversity and danger. It was in tlie time of the greatest trials that Ole Pederson showed his highest traits of character. He grappled with primeval conditions with fearlessness, and the prosperity enjoyed by him today is a direct consequence of his early endeavors. In i88t he bought one hundred and sixtv acres of land in sections 28 and 29, Trondhjem township, and took up his residence in that part of the county. He sold the old homestead upon which, in the earlier days, a log cabin had been erected by him, and purchased eighty acres of land adjoining his new residence. Upon the farm where he now lives. Mr. Pederson follows the occupation of general farming. He believes thoroughly in modern improvements and his farm land gives evidence of this fact. The buildings are large and attractive and the fences exhibit capable farm management. Mr. Pederson has not been content with having the farm interests engage his attention, but has given both time and study to other lines of business enterprise. He was director of the creamery, formerly located in Trondhjem township, and is at the present time director of the Oscar Fanners Mutual Insurance Company. In politics, he has always taken more than the usual interest. In the beginning of his political career, Mr. Pederson followed the cause of the Populist party, but later turned to the principles of the Republican party. He now serves as treasurer of the township and treasurer of the school board.

In 1874 Ole Pederson was united in marriage to Kari Wee, also a native of Norway, who was horn in that country in 1850. She is the daughter of Erick Olsen Wee and his wife Margaret, who are numbered among the oldest settlers of Trondhjem township, having been residents of that section of Otter Tail county since 1872. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pederson the following children have been born : Caroline, who married llarman Rud, and who is now living in Rothsay, Minnesota: Eric, who lives on a farm in North Dakota: Petrina. the wife of Ole Tetrud, is now living in Rothsay. Minnesota : Ida, who married Iver Nelson, resides in Rothsay; Peter, who lives on the old home place: August, who died in his thirty-second year; Petrina, who died when two years old, and the youngest son. Oscar, died at the age of six months. Mr. and Mrs. Pederson are both devout members of the Lutheran Synod church and contribute generously to every cause for its welfare.

Alfred P. Rfstad

Alfred P. Restad. a prosperous and successful young farmer of Otter Tail county, was born at Calmar, Iowa. January 31, 1872, and is the son of Peder and Cecelia (Dahl) Restad, both of whom were natives of Norway, the father having been born in 1836 and the mother in 182s. They came to the United States before their marriage and located in Iowa, where they were married some time later. In 1874 they came to Otter Tail county, where they entered land in section 30, Scambler township. The first farm consisted oi one hundred and sixty acres, which was cleared and improved by Mr Restad, after which forty acres was added to the original place. The father and mother, the latter of whom is near ninety years old, make their home with their son and his family.

county, where he has resided most of his life. Having been reared on the farm his inclination for agricultural pursuits was developed at an early age. Mr. Restad, being the only child, has for the most part of his life worked on the old homestead, which he has assisted in developing and cultivating. He also owns forty acres, which is all timl>er. lie lias erected a beautiful brick residence. In 1914 he remodeled the barn, which is a structure fortysix by sixty-six feet.

Mr. Restad is a most excellent farmer and a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle, his stock being of the best. He has been a member of the board of supervisors and at one time was the chairman. He is at present clerk of the school board.

In 1896 Alfred P. Restad was married to Hilda Krogstad, who was born in Otter Tail county in 187c), the daughter of John and Petra Krogstad, both of whom were natives of Norway. They came to Otter Tail county in an early day and now live retired at Pelican Rapids.

Mr. and Airs. Restad are the parents of the following children: Cecelia, Alvida, Lottie. Maurice. Norman, Joel and Edna, all of whom are living.

< lmton R. Stinar, prominent real-estate dealer of New York Mills. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, February jo, 1864, the son of Abraham and Julia Anne I Luke ) Stinar, the former born on June 4. 1828, in Marion count)-, Pennsylvania, and the latter, January 7, 1838, in the same county. Abraham Stinar was educated in the schools of Marion county, Pennsylvania, after which he went to Delaware comity, ( >hio, where he farmed for a time and then moved to Hardin county, Iowa. Later, on June 4, 1876. Abraham Stinar came to Compton township, tins county, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 6, where he lived as a farmer for twelve vears and then moved to Bluffton, Minnesota, living a retired life until his death in [900. Julia Anne, the wife of Abraham Stinar, preceded her husband in death by only three weeks. Abraham and Julia Anne Stinar were the parents of the following children: Lawrence. Mary. Tellie. Flora, Lowell, Clinton. Nellie 1 deceased). Maud and Al.

Clinton R. Stinar received his education in the schools of Alden. Hardin county, Iowa, and then moved to Compton township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he worked on the railroad which at that time was being constructed through Deer Creek township, after which he was transferred to Fergus Falls, where he had charge of the railway yards ami also had the care of the line to Elizabeth. After five vears in the railroad business.

Clinton R. Stinar took up farming and in [893, bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 12, Newton township, which he improved extensively and to which farm he later added forty acres.

During the year [911, Clinton l\. Stinar came to New York Mills and in the spring of the year [912 established himself in the real-estate business, a business in which he has successfully engaged since that time. Clinton R. Stinar is the owner of three properties in New York Mills and is a man who is conceded to he an authority on matters of real-estate value and dealing's.

During the year 1885, Clinton R. Stinar was married to Marrion Jane Bain, who was horn in London, England, on January 7. [866, the daughter of James and Jane ( Robbins) Bain, the former horn near Edinburgh, Scotland, in the year [828, and the latter horn in London, in 1830. To the marriage of Clinton and Marrion Stinar have been horn the following children: Christina Grace, Osay, Ennon, Thora, James, and Lemuel and Sarah, twins.

James Lain came to America in 1S71 and located at Duluth, Minnesota, where he lived for some time and then moved to Brainerd, Minnesota. \hout the year 1N7N he came to Bluffton township, this count}-, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 6. where he lived thirty years and then moved to Seattle. Washington, where he lived ten vears and died on August 12, mi;.

Among the successful farmers and prominent men in Gorman township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is John Mattfeld, who was horn in Gorman township, January 26, [880, the son of Henry and Anna (Aldrich) Mattfeld, natives of Hanover, Germany. Henry Mattfeld was the son of Herman Mattfeld. a farmer and landowner of Germany, in which country he lived his entire life.

Henry Mattfeld came to America in [879, and located in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he joined a brother, Fred, who had come to America ten years earlier, and was established as a farmer. Later. Henn Mattfeld bought one hundred and seventy acres of land in section 5, Gorman township, on which he erected substantial buildings, and on which he lived as a general farmer until 1884. Disposing of his land in section 5, Gorman township. Henry Mattfeld bought two hundred and forty acres of land in sections [6, of Gorman township. On this farm Henry Mattfeld lived until [905, when he bought eight}- acres of land in Becker county. Minnesota, a place which he cultivated until [913, when he retired and moved to Frazee, Minnesota, where he spent his last days. Henry and

Anna Mattfeld were the parent- of fourteen children: Mary, Mate, Anna. John, .Minnie, Emma, Frederick, Merman. Henry, William. Richard. August, ( 'ecelia and Edward, all of whom are living.

John Mattfeld received his education in the common schools of Gorman township, after which he became a farmer and in 11)07 came to the farm in Gorman township, where he now lives and engages in general agricultural pursuits. In addition to his regular farm activity Mr. Mattfeld conducts a dairy and is a breeder of [good grade Holstein cattle and Yorkshire hogs.

On November jo. 1006, John Mattfeld was married to Anna Johnson, who was horn in Gorman township, this county, the daughter of I'. R. Johnson and wife, early settlers of Otter Tail county. To this marriage no children have been born. John Mattfeld and Ids wife are members of the German Lutheran church, of Perham.

John Mattfeld is prominent in business circles of Gorman township. being a stockholder and secretary of the Farmer's Store Company, at Perham. a stockholder of the Luce Creamery Company, and he is secretary and treasurer of the Farmer's Shipping Association of Perham, with which Mr. Mattfeld has been affiliated since the organization of the association.

As a public official, John Mattfeld has served as township assessor for four years, as clerk of the school board for nine years and as school treasurer, an office which he has occupied for three vears.

Ray Phelps

Ray Phelps, one of the prosperous and successful farmers and business men of ( >tter Tail county, was born in that county on February 23, [881, the son of O. C. and Margaret (Gould) Phelps, both of whom were natives of \'ew York, where they grew to manhood and womanhood and were married, after which they moved to Blue Earth county. Here he was a successful farmer and a large landowner. In [880 he sold his land there and came to Otter Tail county, where he took up a homestead of eight) acres and at the same time purchased eighty acres in section 8, Maine township. Here he still makes his home, his wife having died on December _>_', 1013. They were the parents of eight children: Nona (deceased), llulcy. Catherine, Guy, Mary. Fred, Margaret and Ray, all of whom are married with the exception of Margaret.

Ray Phelps was married on May 13, 1007. to Luella Welchle who is a native of LeSueur county. They are the parents of one child. Deggle. Mr. Phelps was educated in the common schools of his county and remained 011 the home farm until ioo.|. when he began working for W. E. Thomas, at Phelps Statu m, and is now the miller there.

Mr. Phelps is the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of land in Maine township, which is well improved and developed. The farm is rented and he and his family make their home in Phelps Station, which was named for the family and at one time the postoffice was located there, hut since the establishment of the free rural delivery it has been abolished.

Mr. Phelps and his family are active members of the Presbyterian church and take great interest in all church work. They are interested in the social and business life of the town and devote much time and attention to all things that tend to the betterment of the community.

John Hanson

John Hanson, of Leaf Lake township, this county, who was horn in Sweden on December 18, 1854, but who has lived in America since he was sixteen years old, owns live hundred and fifty acres of land all in one body and practically all of which was wild land when he purchased it.

Mr. Hanson is the son of Hans Johnson and Marna Olson, who were also natives of Sweden. J I is paternal grandfather was Ole Hanson, a native of Sweden and a fisherman by occupation.

Mr. Hanson's father, Hans Johnson, came to America in 1871, bringing his family with him to the new country. After a short stay in the state of Maine, the family moved to Meeker county, Minnesota, where thev purchased eighty acres of land. From 1871 to 1890. the family lived in Meeker county and there the mother died and the father went to Sweden for a visit. Upon his return to Minnesota he settled in ( )tter Tail county. Hans Johnson lived with his son, John Hanson, until his death, about 189^. He was a farmer all of his life and a devout member of the Lutheran church. His wife died about 1890. They had only two children who grew to maturity: Helen, who is now deceased, and John, the subject of this sketch.