Otter Tail County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 19 of 28)

( )n July 7, 1861, George W. Robinson was married at Centerville, St. Joe county, Michigan, to Mary A. Wolfinger, who was born in Bucks count). Pennsylvania, in 1814. To the marriage of George and Marv Robinson were born seven children as follow: James 1 deceased 1. Ida. Ebin, Edith, Reuben. Jennie and Clarence. Marv. the wife of George VV. Robinson died at Richville, in [913.

Mr Robinson has had a most conspicuous and prominent part in the public and official life of the communities in which he has resided. In [892, Mr. Robinson was elected as probate judge and in 1894 was re-elected.

serving with dignity and efficiency in this capacity until [896, when he was appointed as postmaster at Kent. Minnesota, an office which he occupied until [904. While living in Roberts and in McColville townships. Wilkens county. Minnesota. Mr. Robinson served as justice of the peace, and in the day- of his residence in the State of Iowa. Mr. Robinson was a citizen who held various offices of honor and trust.

Charles A. Peterson

Charles A. Peterson is one of the influential and progressive citizens of Vergas, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, who has achieved success in his chosen calling. He is a native of the southern part of Sweden, where his birth occurred on Jul}' 1 4, [869. I lis parents were Andrew A. and Christine Peterson, also natives of Sweden, who were horn in 1837 and [840, respectively. Andrew A. Peterson was a millwright by profession and followed that trade until 1905, at which time he retired and is now living on a farm near Nashuit. Christine Peterson, his wife, passed away in 1903. They were both members of the German Lutheran church and were the parents of three children, whose names follow: August, who died in Sweden in km 1 : Charles V and Elias. Elias is a farmer and lives with his father.

Charles A. Peterson received his early education in the schools of his native land, immigrating to America when twelve years of age. I le came alone to the United States and located in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where an uncle. John Molt, was then living. For four years he lived with his relative and attended the public schools of Elizabeth, Minnesota, following which he was employed as a farm hand on the surrounding farms, for more than four years. lie then accepted a position as a clerk in a store in Elizabeth, Minnesota, and continued in this occupation until 1904. About this time. it became evident that the town of Vergas was an assured fact and he immediately began erecting a small store, with the intention of entering the mercantile business in the new town. Building operations were begun in March. 11104. anil a store, twenty- four by forty feet, was soon completed. Two years later an addition was built and in [908 another addition, twentysix by eighty feet, was erected, which now makes the entire building fift) by eighty feet, with more than half of it two stories in height. The fust at twenty thousand dollars, and is the largest store in the locality. It draws a trade from a radius of ten miles west and six miles east and south. Four clerks are constantly employed to serve the public and part of the time five are employed.

The late Charles J. Wright, whose early life and career is so fully and interestingh set out by his mother, the late Mrs. C. C. Clement, in a reminiscent narrative contained in the biographical sketch of Charles Rolla Wright, Sr., presented elsewhere in this volume, was horn in West Milton. Vermont, November 2, [852, the son of Charles Rolla and Elsie (Johnson) Wright, and died at battle Creek', Michigan, on December 24. 1913.

Upon arriving at Fergus Falls, while still in his 'teens, Charles J. Wright decided to make that place his home. He did some surveying and. as opportunity offered, picked up a little government land. In the meantime he was engaged setting type for the Weekly Journal, during which time he also wrote some poetry and occasionally contributed articles of general interest for the newspaper. Later he became fully established as a surveyor and land examiner, and in time was elected to the office of county surveyor, later being elected to the office of clerk of the district court, in both of which positions of public trust and responsibility he proved himself of large service to the general good of the pioneer community. He then became real-estate agent for the Northern Pacific and the Great Northern railways, both of which roads had large landownings. He invested in Minnesota and Dakota lands in the pioneer days, not only on his own account. but also as agent for a number of Eastern linns and in partnership with Thomas S. Buckham and George W. Batchelder, of Faribault. Mr. Wright was greatly interested in agriculture and gradually developed most of his extensive landholdings into productive farms. At the time of his death he was said to have been the largest real-estate owner in Otter Tail county lie ever exhibited great interest in. public affairs and was regarded as among the most influential and useful men of affairs in this pari of the state. He served several terms as a member of the city council at Fergus Falls, his service in that connection undoubtedly having been productive of much good to the rapidly growing city, and in 1908 was elected as a member of the state Legislature from this district where his duties were honorably and conscientiously performed.

In 1904 Charles J. Wright organized his business into a corporation under the name of the Charles Wright Company, C. J. Wright, president; C. R. Wright, vice-president, and Mrs. M. F. Wright, secretary and treasurer.

On December 23. 1879, Charles J. Wright was united in marriage to LeMyra Martha Fuller, who was born on October 31, 1856, daughter of Leman and Abigail (Parker) Fuller, and to this union three children were born, namely: Charles Rolla, Klsie L. and Vernon F.

Charles Roila Wright, secretary of the Charles Wright Company, of Fergus Falls, was graduated from the Fergus Falls high school, after which he entered the University of Minnesota, from which he was graduated. receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1905. One year later he received his degree of Bachelor of Laws and was admitted to the bar. Mr. Wright also took a course in agriculture at the University of Minnesota. On June 10, 1908, he was united in marriage to Florence McLean, of Duluth, Minnesota.

Rolla Wright, as he is familiarly known throughout this section of Minnesota, is one of the "live wires" of Fergus Falls and of this county. He has inherited the clear business vision of his father and keeps in close touch with all movements having to do with the general welfare of his home city and the county in general, being regarded as one of the most active promoters of the common good hereabout. Mr. Wright is a careful and conscientious business man and public-spirited citizen.

Theodore Stordal

Theodore Sjordal, of Underwood, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, well known throughout that section as a public-spirited citizen and dealer in live stock, is a native of Norway, born near Trondhjem, December 24, i860., son of Ole T. and Guriana (Sundby) Sjordal. The father, who was born near Trondhjem, June 17, 1829, was a son of Thor and Ingebor Sjordal, natives of that place, where they were farmers and lived their entire live-.

Ole T. Sjordal was the eldesl of a family of seven children, the others being Martin, Johannes, Olaus. who still lives in Norwaj : Martin and Johannes died in their native land, as did also three others in childhood. Mr. Sjordal's mother, Guriana Sundby, was born on February 19, 1833, a daughter of Joe and Karen Sundby. natives of the same section of Nor- (43b) way, where they were farmers. Joe Sundby died in earl)- life, leaving three children and his widow. Lars, the eldest child, lived and died in Norway; the second child was Mr. Sjordal's mother. Guriana, and the youngest was Hannah, who still lives in Norway, widow of Sefenies Gudding. After the death of Joe Sundby, his widow remarried, having one child by that union, who is Bernt Oluf, a farmer residing near Underwood.

Mr. Sjordal's parents grew to maturity in the same community and were married in 1858. Ole T. Sjordal was a farmer and landowner and he continued to follow that vocation in his native locality until 1867. when he emigrated to America, leaving bis wife and family, consisting at that time of four children, in their old home. Ole T. Sjordal came to Minneapolis, where he remained until 1871, his family joining him in the fall of 1870, and in March, 1871, he came to Otter Tail county and entered a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Sverdrup township, his family again joining him in June of that year. He started in on the gigantic task of making good farming lands out of the wild land he had obtained and cleared and erected buildings until be had made a comfortable home. He sold out in March of 1895 ar,d purchased a smaller farm nearer Underwood, where he spent the remainder of his days, having retired from active labor foi the last few years of bis life. He died in March, T902.

Ole T. Sjordal took an active interest in the affairs of the community where he had chosen to make his home and was the first township assessor of Tordenskjold township, which at that time included the present town of Sverdrup. and later was active in the management of the affairs of that town. Both he and his wife were faithful members of the Lutheran church and were among the few founders of the local societ) of that faith. I He T. Sjordal took great interest in the cause of education and was a school director and supervisor for many years. When young bis own educational advantages bad been very meager and he educated himself after attaining maturity. After twenty years of age he taught himself to read and write in two languages, and Mr. Sjordal still has in his possession an old diary which his father kept when learning to write. He made family records, a history of his community, and did much other writing as practice work in his effort to perfect himself in that accomplishment. In every sense ol the word Ole T. Sjordal was a self-educated man and his store of general information would do credit to many possessing university degrees.

Theodore Sjordal is one of a family of six children, being the second child in order of birth. Jonette. the eldest, born on June 9, 1859, is the wife of Hans P. Bjorge, of Dulutb, this state: Christine, June 3. 1863. is Mrs. C. J. Moen, of Underwood; Ole, June 13. 1866, was a merchant at Ada, this state, where bis death occurred; Odin, Tune 8, 1872, lives at

Kremlin, Montana, where he is a merchant, and Gustav, the youngest of the family, May 30, 1875, is a banker, living in Clay county, this state.

Theodore Sjordal received his education in the little old log school house of district No. 5 and later attended school at Fergus Falls one year. He was early trained in the work of the farm, but has never followed that vocation. For one year he gave his attention to the photographers' art, and in 1885 entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Hans P. Bjorge, for the transaction of a general merchandise business, including building materials and farm machinery. The firm style was Bjorge & Sjordal, and they had a big store. They also operated an elevator and bought and sold wheat. Their partnership lasted until 1909, and during the latter years of this connection Mr. Sjordal devoted much of his time to buying and shipping milch cows to Michigan, being the first to engage in the stock-shipping business in this section. In 1909 he severed his connection with Mr. Bjorge and had since devoted his time mainly to the buying and shipping of live stock. For about five years he operated a retail meat market, doing well in that venture, lie was one of the rive men who founded the Underwood Grain Association, adding an elevator to the farmers' grain house. He is still connected with that enterprise and is in -addition a member of the building committee and acting foreman of the local Co-operative Creamery Company, the second largest in the county, and is also a director in that concern. For the past ten years he has also acted as president of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Independent in politics, Mr. Sjordal has taken an active interest in community affairs, although never having been a seeker after office. Mr. Sjordal is a member of the Unitarian church, taking a commendable interest in the affairs of that society. He holds fraternal affiliation with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.

On July 25, 1885, Theodore Sjordal was united in marriage with Inga Maria Lein, a native of Norway, daughter of John and Merit Lein. who came to the United States and settled in Hesper, Iowa. They remained there but a short time and then came on to this state, locating at Argyle, at which place the mother died. The father still lives there. Mrs. Sjordal passed from this life January 18, 1905, leaving her husband and eight children, as follow: Elmer, born on March 13, [886, residing at East Grand Forks, this state, where he is a telegraph operator; Conrad, December 15, 1888, lives at Kremlin, Montana, where he has a homestead and is in partnership with his brother. Richard, in a retail meat market; Richard, October 20, 1890; Edwin, July 13, 1892, remains with the father and is a salesman in the store of the Otter Tail Co-operative Company ; Mabel Louise, October 18, 1894, is a student at Faribault, this state; while the other three, Hjalmer,

Mr. Sjordal is a man of excellent parts, who has filled an important place in bringing about the development of the commercial life of this section. He possesses genial manners and a kindly disposition and this in connection with his business integrity has won for him the respect and genuine liking of a large circle of friends.

Hans O. Olson

Hans O. Olson, one of the leading citizens of Underwood, this county, was born in Norway, March 8, 1856, near Tromso, son of Ole C. and Guri (Olsen) Olson. Both parents were born in Norway, and there spent their entire lives. The father was a carpenter and shoemaker by trade, which he followed all the active years of his life, his death occurring when he was seventy years of age. Both he and his good wife were faithful members of the Lutheran church, and gave careful attention to the rearing of their seven children. Of these, Hans O.. the immediate subject of this sketch, is the eldest; Ole still lives in Norway, where he is a laborer; Olia is the wife of Nils Thygesen of Underwood; Karoline still remains in Norway, the wife of Johan Hendrickson; Kristopher also remains in his native land, a laborer, and two died in infancy.

Hans O. Olson attended the public schools of his native land, but meager was the opportunity for education given, there being but seven school weeks in the year. At the age of fourteen or fifteen he began life for himself as a fisherman and also worked at farming. In 1881, at the age of twenty-five, he emigrated to America and settled in Otter Tail county. Here he secured work on the Northern Pacific railroad, then in course of construction, remaining at that work for some two years. He quit that work to accept a position in the store of Severson & Evanson, the first merchants of Underwood, and in 1889 he left them and returned to Norway, intending to remain in his native land. However, a few months later found him back in Underwood and he then went to work for Ole Loseth in his general store and later was with Bjorge & Sjordal. He was with Mr. Loseth for five years and severed his connection to return to his native land. Again he intended to remain permanently, but in four months was back in America again, and it was then he entered the employ of Bjorge & Sjordal.

Again in i8qq Hans O. Olson returned to his native land, but this time he went for a wife, and while there was united in marriage with Henrietta Hanson, daughter of Hans Olsen. Mr. Olson then brought his wife to Underwood and again began clerking for Bjorge & Sjordal, remaining with them about three years. After a trip to the Pacific coast, where he had intended to locate, he returned to Underwood, and early in 1904 was elected secretary and treasurer of the Sverdrup Scandinavian Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which position he still fills. The business has grown in a most gratifying manner and there are now about three thousand applications in force with twenty-four hundred members.

Mr. Olson is a very public-spirited man and remains independent in his politics. His interest and ability are appreciated, and upon the incorporation of the village of Underwood he was made treasurer of the town, which place he still occupies. In 191 5 he was appointed village assessor, discharging his various duties in a manner which meets with the approval of all. Mr. Olson holds fraternal affiliation with the Modern Woodmen of America and takes an active interest in the work of that order. There are four children in the Olson family. Clara, the eldest, is at home; Hilda died when a child of two and one-half years; Helmar also died in infancy, and Dagny H., the youngest of the family, is a girl in school. Mr. Olson has prospered and has a comfortable home which he erected himself. He is well liked and is eminently worthy of the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him.

Henry O. Robertson

Henry O. Robertson, well known as manager of the Underwood Lumber Company, dealers in retail lumber and building supplies, was born at Fergus Falls, this county, January 8. 1878, eldest child of Christian and -Marie (Nelson) Robertson. His father was a native of Denmark and the mother was born in Norway. Each came to America when young and settled in Fergus Falls, where they married and lived for a number of years. Christian Robertson was proprietor of one of the first retail meat markets in Fergus Falls, but continued in that business only a short time. Then for a couple of years he clerked in Sundahl's general store, and for some three years was proprietor of the old West House, one of the earliest hotels of that locality. Ill health forced him to live in the open, and in 1885 he left the town and homesteaded a claim of fifty-six acres in Sverdrup township, this county. There he passed the remaining years of his life, his death occurring on February 12, 1897. The mother is still living on the old homestead at the age of sixty-six years.

Christian Robertson was always keenly interested in political quesfions and was among the earliest advocates of the principles of the Populist party in this section. He was one of the organizers of the Underwood Farmers' Alliance and displayed a commendable interest in all that made for the general advancement of the community. Both he and his wife were members of the Free Lutheran church, governing their lives carefully by its teachings. Other children of the family are Thora, wife of Charles Holt, living in Canada; William, of Marshall, this state; Jane, who died in infancy, and a surviving daughter of the same name, who is the wife of Oliver Lee, a farmer of Canada.

Henry O. Robertson received his elementary education in the school near his boyhood home, district No. 5, of Sverdrup township, and later had one term in higher studies at the Park Region Lutheran College at Fergus Falls. He took up farming on the family homestead and managed it for some years. In September of 1909 he became connected with the Underwood Lumber Company as manager, which position he has since retained. This company is the leading one of its kind in this vicinity and carries from rive to six thousand dollars worth of stock at all times, carrying brick, cement, lime, etc., in addition to lumber.

Mr. Robertson is independent in politics and as an evidence of the regard in which he was held in his boyhood home he served as supervisor of Sverdrup township to the satisfaction of all. Mr. Rohertson has displayed more than ordinary business ability, and in view of his genial manner is well liked by personal friends as well as represented by business associates.

Edward Wendt

Edward Wendt, a native of Oderberg, Germany, was born on December 11, 1853, the son of Henry and Henrietta (Riebe) Wendt, both of whom were natives of Germany. Henry Wendt died in his native country. The widow came to the United States in 1887, accompanied by some of her children and located in Buffalo, New York, where she died some years later. Mr. and Mrs. Wendt were the parents of the following children: August, Wilhelmina, Louise, Caroline, Emma and Edward.

Edward Wendt was educated in the public schools of his native country, after which he served three years in the German army. After his term with the military forces expired he became a maker of brick, which occupation he followed until 1892, when he came to America. On coming to the United States he came at once to Pine Lake township, where he purchased eighty acres of land, which is his home at the present time. He devoted the greater part of his time during the first three years to work in the making of brick at Perham.

Since the purchase of his first land, on coming to his new home, he lias added one hundred and twenty acres to his farm. The land was without buildings and undeveloped, but by hard and diligent labor he today has the present buildings and the well cultivated fields, the greater part of the clearing and breaking of the land being done by Mr. Wendt. He practices

Edward Wendt was married in 1876 to Ulriecke Lehman at Oderberg, Germany. Mrs. Wendt has been of much assistance to her husband in his successful and active life. They are the parents of the following children: Clara, Bernard, Louise, George, Emma, Paul, Robert, Mary, Frieda, Edward and Otto.

Even S. Evenson

Even S. Evenson, ex-postmaster at Underwood, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was bom in Norway, September 25, 1861, near Trondhjem, which is the second largest city in that country. He is a son of Sivert and Kjersti (Lodin) Eveson, the former born on the same farm in April of 1828, and the latter born in the same neighborhood in 1841. Sivert Evenson was a son of Even Moshong, who lived and died on the old homestead near Trondhjem, which had been in the family for several generations.

In 1867 Sivert Evenson brought his family to America, there being at that time three children, Even S. being the eldest. They located at Menominee, Wisconsin, where they remained but a year and then located on a farm in St. Croix county, about nine miles east of the town of New Richmond, Wisconsin. Their farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres and the family lived there for a number of years. The father's death occurred on August 31, 1908, when in his eightieth year and the mother yet lives at Deer Park, Wisconsin, at the age of seventy-four years. Both were from early childhood members of the Lutheran church and were anion- the organizers of the first church of that belief in their neighborhood. Sivert Evenson was a man of quiet and industrious habits, who gave the best efforts of his life to his private affairs and to the careful training of his large family.

Even S. Evenson, as before stated, was the eldest of his family; and the second is Ole, who is a blacksmith and lives at Deer Park, Wisconsin; Ella became the wife of Clarence Benedict and made her home at New Richmond until the time of her death; Olaf has been unheard of for the past eighteen years; Sivert is a farmer, located at Turtle lake, Wisconsin; l?.mma is the wife of Hans Jenson and lives at South Stillwater, this state; Charles resides at Hudson, Wisconsin, where he is a stationary engineer; Ernest, who is unmarried, makes his home with Charles and is employed in a planing-mill ; Martin also lives at Hudson and follows the carpenter trade; the youngest member of the family was Minnie (deceased), wife of Giis Gunderson, now residing at Grand Forks. North Dakota; two children died in earlv infancy.

Even S. Evenson received his education in the common schools of Deer Park, Wisconsin and in 1885 came to Underwood and secured employment as salesman in one of the local general stores, where he remained for some eight years. In 1905 the bank of Underwood was organized and Mr. Evenson was elected to the position of cashier, which he filled for some four years. He was active in the organization of the Park Region Telephone Company and acted as its treasurer until February of 1914, at which time he resigned. Mr. Evenson is independent in politics and takes considerable interest in local matters, having served as clerk of Sverdrup township for some years past. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and also of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

On December 8, 1888, Even S. Evenson was united in marriage with Anna Gunderson, also a native of Norway, and a daughter of Ingebret and Marie Gunderson. They, too, were among the earliest settlers of this section, coming here in 1882. To Mr. and Mrs. Evenson have been born six children, of whom Edna, the eldest, is the wife of Edward E. Hanson, of Mackintosh, this state, and superintendent of that city's schools; Carl, who was educated in the Underwood schools, makes his home with his parents and is employed in the Fanners' Mercantile Corporation Store at Underwood; Hilda, a graduate of the Stillwater high school, is at home, as are also Arthur, Mildred and Nora.

On January 3, 19 16, the Farmers' State Bank of Underwood opened its doors for business with Mr. Evenson as cashier. Since first coming to Underwood, Mr. Evenson has shown himself to be interested in all that concerns the proper development of the town and its kindred interests and has given generously of his time to bring about many improvements.

Charles Rolla Wright, Sr

There died on June 13. 1 9 1 5 , at Fergus halls, this county, a splendid woman eighty-four years of age, who had enjoyed, (luring the course of her long life, a varied and interesting series of experiences, both in the staid and conservative hast, where she was burn, and in the frontier life of several Western states. The late Mrs. C. C. Clement's first husband was Charles Rolla Wright. Sr., father of the late Charles J. Wright, for years one of the most prominent citizens of Fergus Falls. Mrs. Clement, who was a most interesting conversationalist and who was possessed of a most remarkable memory, often entertained her friends with many interesting reminiscences of her early life.

not long before her death, "began in the fall of 1847, when I was nearly sixteen years of age. He had just been graduated from the Highland Military School at Norwich, Vermont, and was engaged to teach a select school for advanced pupils in Enfield, Xew Hampshire. During the following winter he taught the village school, which I attended. During this time, while teaching, he studied law in the office of my uncle, Judge Westgate. When Mr. Wright's school closed for the season, he went to Orwell, Vermont, where his brother, Murray, lived and there he taught and studied. During a part of this time, he also worked in a telegraph office, which was considered in that time something new. His health, however, became impaired and he went to his home in West Milton, but continued the study of law with a Burlington lawyer. Finally, he was compelled to give up study altogether and he then turned his attention to the farm, which change proved of great benefit to his physical state. On August 2j, 1851, he returned to Enfield and on the following day we were married.

"For a time we remained on one of the farms belonging to Mr. Wright's father, in West Milton, Vermont, and it was there that Charles J. was born, November 2, 1852, the date upon which Franklin Pierce was elected President of the United States. After farming for four years or more, Mr. Wright got the 'Western fever,' so I took our young son back to my old home, while my husband made the trip to Iowa. There he entered a tract of government land near Forest City and, in the spring of the following year, T joined him with our son. Our early experiences there would seem hard today. Father and son were much together and this companionship helped to make Charles J. the man he grew to be. Charles Rolla Wright was elected county surveyor and his brother. George P.. Wright, came to Iowa to work for him.

"In the summer of i!"\;<)," continued Mrs. Clement, "Mr. Wright died during an epidemic of fever and I was left alone with our seven-year-old son. George B. Wright came to Forest City and taught school that winter, during which time he remained with us. Our affairs were finally arranged so that Charles J. and ] could go back to New Hampshire in the spring. George B. Wright accompanied us as far as Chicago and, from Chicago. my sister, Hannah. Charles and I went on to New Hampshire, George B. going to Bloomington, Illinois, where not long afterward he was married to Serina Ames, the adopted daughter of Rev. Charles G. Ames, well known as pastor of the Unitarian church in Boston.

" \ year or two later. George B, Wright and wife went to Minneapolis, where Mr. Wright pursued his profession as surveyor, and Charles and 1 returned to the West and made our home with them. We lived in Minne in Minneapolis, Charles attended the schools there lools at Winona and Hastings. He also frequently George on surveying trips and spent some time in office in St. Paul before coming to Fergus Falls. 1, Charles corresponded for the North Star, the Young Ylinncsotan and The Otvl, and at that time was a member of the Amateur Association of Journalists."

Thus closes this brief but interesting chapter of reminiscences in the life of a noble pioneer woman, whose personal history was so intimately identified with the rapid succession of events in this great Northwest country.

Christian J. Moen

Christian J. Moen, horn in Norway, February 29, [864, son of John and Martene (Korsgaard) Moen, was the first of his family to come to this country. Both parents were natives of Norway, born at Thrystad Smaalenene, about six miles from Christiania. They married in their native home and the father turned to farming as the means of livelihood for his growing family. Christian J. Moen emigrated to America in 1882, and in 1889 the father and mother followed and joined him. They lived on a small farm of forty acres in section 36, of Sverdrup township, this county, and there both parents finished their lives and are buried in Sverdrup cemetery. Both were strong adherents to the Lutheran faith and were devoted to their family of six children. Anne, the eldest of the family, is the wife of P. C. Renfjord, of Fergus Falls; Louise is the widow of Ole O. Sjordal and lives in Ada, this state, where her husband was for many years engaged in the hardware business, and at his death was succeeded by his three sons; Anton is a section foreman on the Northern Pacific railway and is located at Battle Lake, this state; Martin, who makes his home with Christian J., is a carpenter by trade and owns a farm in this vicinity; Hannah, wife of Carl Sundby, resides in Sverdrup township, where they are engaged in farming.

Christian J. .Moen attended the public schools of his native land until the age of fourteen, when he took up part of the work of the family home under the direction of his father. Upon coming to this country in [882, he located at Battle Lake, this state, and found employment with a section gang of the Northern Pacific railroad. A year later he was made foreman of his section gang, which position he held for eighteen years. Upon the organization of the Farmers' Mercantile Corporation in 1892, he was made secretary, in recognition of the service he rendered as one of its organizers. He filled that position until 1900, when he became manager of the company, which position made such demands upon his time that he was forced to give up his railroad work. At that time the company rented the building which it occupied and since then has purchased the building in question and built an addition of equal size to the original portion. The business has increased to four times the volume handled in 1900, carrying a stock valued from eleven to fifteen thousand dollars. Mr. Moen is also a director of the Farmers' Elevator Company, is president of the Farmers' State Bank of Underwood and interested in the Co-operative Creamery at that place.

Mr. Moen owns a farm which lays at the outskirts of Underwood, a portion of it coming within the corporation limits. This farm he purchased in 1903 and it was formerly owned by his father-in-law, it having been their family homestead. This farm contains one hundred and sixty acres and is beautifully located on the shores of Bass lake. Mr. Moen rents the land for farming purposes, but keeps considerable stock himself on it.

In politics Mr. Moen is independent and has always been rather active in local affairs. For twelve years he acted as treasurer of Sverdrup township, prior to the incorporation of the village, and has been active in many ways since. His religious membership is held with the Lutheran church, and fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, acting as treasurer for that organization. Mr. Moen displays a commendable interest in all that makes for public welfare and the best advancement of the various phases of community life.

On October 25, 1885, Christian J. Moen was united in marriage with Christena Sjordal, who was born in Norway and brought to this country by her parents when a little girl of four or five years. Her parents are Ole T. and Guriana Sjordal. who were among the early settlers of Otter Tail county, where they hometseaded a farm. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoen have been born ten children, the eldest of whom is Hans Emil, living in Fergus Falls, where he sells insurance: May is the wife of Arthur Olson, of Big Lake, this state; Gilmar O. resides at Bellingham, Washington, and is a traveling salesman; Carl J. lives at Fargo, North Dakota, where he is connected with the J. I. Case Thresher Company, acting as cashier of the Fargo office; William is assistant cashier in the same office; Ella, Ruth, Roy, Thelma and Stanton remain at home.

Mr. Moen has proven himself worthy of the many responsibilities which have fallen upon him since he became a citizen of this county, and in view of the exemplary manner in which he has discharged his various obligations he is eminently worthy of respect.

Jacob S. Bixby, farmer and stockman of Dead Lake township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is one of the representative agriculturists of the county. He was born on November 8, 1840, in Cabot, Vermont, and is the son of John and Malinda (Schagel) Bixby.

The paternal grandparents of Jacob S. Bixby were Theophilus and Anna (Fiske) Bixby, he a native of Germany and she of England. Theophilus Bixby, for forty years, was captain of a whaling vessel and bad entered the service when a boy of fourteen years, being promoted from first mate to captain, on the death of his predecessor, at the age of eighteen years. After his immigration to America, he located in Salem, Massachusetts, afterward marrying and making his permanent home in that town. Anna (Fiske) Bixby, his wife, desirous of having her children know the love and companionship of a father, entreated him to resign the perils of ocean life for the pleasures of home, but imbued with the spirit which all sailors feel for the life of the sea, he wished to make one more trip before granting her wish. This would-be last cruise extended over a period of three years, finally resulting in poor returns and, determined to recoup his losses, another voyage was planned and executed, this time bringing with it the most unusual success. They found whales galore and, while Theophilus Bixby was not a professional harpooner, he narrowly escaped death in the attempt to harpoon a whale. Upon his return home, he removed to the state of Vermont, where the family settled on a farm near Fayston, and there he remained until his death. He served in the War of [812. Theophilus and Anna (Fiske) Bixby were the parents of twelve children, all of whom are now deceased. Beside his four sons, William. George, John and Luther, he was the father of eight daughters.

The maternal grandparents of Jacob S. Bixby were Jacob and Polly Schagel, he a native of Germany and she a native of England. He immigrated to Canada when a young man and became paymaster, a position demanding great courage and efficiency. The money was carried in kegs and a large guard always accompanied him. After many years of loyal service t" the army, he resigned and retired to private life and became engaged in agricultural pursuits. Polly Schagel was a native of England, removing to Canada when verj young, and it was there that her marriage was solemnized. They were the parents of one son. Jacob, and eleven daughters. They remained in Canada until their deaths.

John Bixby, father of Jacob S. Bixby, was a millwright in his native state, and while there met and married Malinda Schagel, a native of Cushin, Quebec, Canada. He was engaged in the construction of mill machinery until his health became impaired and he was forced to retire from this work at the age of forty years. Following his retirement, he engaged in fanning and purchased land near Fayston, Vermont, cultivating that property until 1854, at which time he removed to Wisconsin and thence to Steele county, Minnesota, and settled on a homestead in Aurora township. The farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, and John Bixby continued to cultivate it until his death on January 15, 1890. Five years later his wife and beloved companion passed to her eternal rest on July 26, 1895. During life they had been respected members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and were the parents of rive children: Jacob S., Harriette, Henry, George and Addie. Harriette became the wife of George Curtis and their home was for many years in I >watonna, Minnesota. Henry was a miner early in life, but later followed the vocation of farmer, in Montana, where his death occurred. George was a farmer in Minnesota and his death occurred in St. Paul. Addie became the wife of Warren Upham, of this county.

Jacob S. Bixby received his education in the schools of Fayston, Vermont, until the age of sixteen, at which time he removed to Eureka, Wisconsin, where he remained during the summer and then with his parents removed to Steele county, Minnesota, continuing his schooling for one term. In August, 1862, Jacob S. Bixby enlisted in Company A, Tenth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He served with Sibley during the Indian campaign and then went south with his regiment, serving most of the time with the Sixteenth Army Corps. He was in sixteen regular battles besides numerous skirmishes, receiving one wound. He was honorably discharged in August, [865, having served a few days over three years. The next year he married and settled on a homestead, which he improved and on which he resided until 1898. He then sold the farm and removed to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he purchased two hundred and twenty acres of unimproved land, located in Dead Lake township, on the south shore of Dead lake. A great deal of this land has been cleared and fifty acres are under cultivation. The products of this farm are Poland China hogs and high grade Galloway cattle, as well as general farming.

On November 29, 1866, Jacob S. Bixby was united in marriage to \nn Elizabeth Eichler, daughter of John and Christina Fichler. and a native of I 1 Fayette, I (nondaga county, New York. She died on March 24. 1879, and on November to, [880, Mr. Bixby was united in marriage to Gertrude Fiveson, a native of Norway and daughter of Live and Sophia Liveson. To the first union of Jacob S. Bixby live children were horn: Katie, who died in infancy; Lottie, who also died in infancy; Jennie, who married William Boyle, and later became the wife of Emil Erickson, died at the age of twenty-four years: Henry, a fanner living in Dead Lake township; Jessie, whr> became the wife of Reynold Zimmerman and now lives in Owatonna,

Minnesota. The names of the children born to the second union of Jacob S. Bixby are: John L., Jacob \\\, Lottie A., Abraham V., Isaac and Gertrude X. John L. follows the vocations 'if farming and school teaching and lives in Dead Lake township; Jacob W. is engaged in the same interests; Lottie died at the age of fourteen years; Abraham Y. died at the age of thirteen; Isaac and Gertrude are at borne. The parents of the second wife of facob S. Bixby, Live and Sophia Liveson, immigrated to America in [872 and settled in Dodge county, where they remained until their deaths. Gertrude Liveson was born on March 3, 1S50. in Norway.

At the age of twenty-one. Jacob S. Bixby became a licensed class leader of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has always been a member and active supporter, and for the past twelve years has been a licensed pastor for that denomination and has served the local congregation. Jacob S. Bixby is an "Abraham Lincoln Republican" and has been honored with nearly every office in the township, also serving his section of the country by acting as a delegate to the county conventions, lie is interested in the creamery and the telephone companies of Richville, in which companies he is a stockholder.

[ohn L. Bixby was burn on December _'(>, 1882, in Steele county, Minnesota, the son of Jacob S. and Gertrude (Liveson) Bixby. He received his education in the public schools of his native town and later became a student in the Moorhead Normal School, for two years. After completing his education he engaged in teaching school, which he followed for a period of six years. About 1905 he purchased one hundred and six acres of land in section 34, in Dead Lake township, which he has improved with buildings and other things needful for the proper cultivation of same. He pursues general farming and stock-raising. Politically, John L. Bixby is an independent voter. He has served his fellow citizens in the capacity of justice of the peace and is at present serving as county assessor.

On June 1. 1910, John L. Bixby was united in marriage to Cora E. Davis, daughter of James and Eliza (Epler) Davis, and they are the parents of one child, Paul \\ .. who was burn on December 22, 11)13.

Jacob W. Bixby, second son of Jacob S. Bixby. has also followed his father's example and taken up fanning as his vocation in life. He was born on August 16. [885, in Steele county, Minnesota, and received his education in the schools of Otter Tail county. He also attended the Moorhead Normal School, as did his brother. John L. Bixby, and began teaching school in K)io. In 1915 he purchased a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres, located in Amor township, this county, and has spent much of the time since in clearing and improving it.

Waterman- Waterbury Supply Company, covering territory in Minnesota. Very active for the furtherance of all educational improvements he has served those interests as principal of the graded schools for a period oi two years, and has discharged the duties connected with that office in a very able manner. He is a member and actively engaged in the work ol the Consolidated School Principals Organization. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is much interested in all church affairs and lends his generous support to that denomination.

Iver O. Grina, who has been a resident of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, for over forty years, has played a prominent part in the agricultural development of the state in which he resides. He was born in Hadeland, Norway, on the 1st of April, 1851, and is the son of Die H. and Martha O. (Moger) Grina, natives of the same country. The parents of Iver O. Grina came to America in 1854, only a few years after their marriage. After crossing the Atlantic, a journey that covered a period of fifteen weeks, the couple took up their residence in Clayton county, Iowa, where" for a short time Air. Grina worked on the farms in that locality. He possessed a character which was eager to seize opportunities for advancement, and had only resided in Iowa a short while when he was able to buy a farm containing one hundred and sixty acres. On this farm he lived with his family twenty years and at the expiration of that time came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he joined his son, Iver, who is the subject of this sketch.

In Norwegian Grove township Ole H. Grina bought two hundred and fifty acres of school land, thirty-four acres of which was in timber. While employed at the occupation of clearing the new tract of land Mr. Grina became ill and died. The first wife of Mr. Grina died in 1874. and he was married, secondly, to Betsey O. Hougtvet, who has also passed away. By his first wife the following children were born into the Grina family: Hans, who before his death followed the occupation of a fanner in Trondhjem township; Ole, a retired fanner of Pelican Rapids; her ( >., the subject of this sketch; Peter, a retired farmer who resides in North Dakota; Martin, also a farmer of North Dakota; Ellen, who died in Iowa; Edward, who lives in North Dakota; Mary, who passed away in Iowa; Mary, who also died when young, in Iowa, and cine who died when very small.

Iver (). Grina was educated in the public schools in Iowa, and was reared to the sturdy discipline of the Iowa farm. At the age of twenty-one years he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he settled in Trondhjem township, after purchasing the homestead owned by the I fans Broth- ers. The land, which was only slightly improved, was located in section 21. After much time and labor spent in clearing and improving the land, Mr. Grina bought one hundred and twenty acres of railroad land adjoining the home place. In the fall of H114 Mr. Grina sold his place in Trondhjem township and bought the homestead originally owned by his father in Norwegian Grove township. This farm has never been occupied by the subject of this sketch, but he rents it to his son. Joseph. Mr. Grina retired from active farm work in March of 1914 and moved to Pelican Rapids, where he has erected a thoroughly modern residence.

Mr. Grina is a man of broad understanding who has given his attention to civic affairs, in [913 he helped in organizing the Erhard State Bank, in which he is a director. \s an enthusiastic member of the Republican party he has served in the office of road supervisor and of clerk of the school district. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.

On the 17th of July, 1&72, the marriage of her ( ). Grina to Olena L. Ohe took place. She was the daughter of Lars and Ingebor (Waterud) Ohe, among the earliest settlers of Erhard Grove township. Mrs. Grina passed away on the 22nd of February, 1014. She was the mother of the following children: Ole, who has lumber interests in Ualstad, Minnesota; Lars, who is also interested in lumber, and who lives in Felton, Minnesota ; Melvin, who deals in implements, hardware and lumber in Erhard; Conrad, who assists his brother, Melvin, at the Borup branch store: Joseph, who died in infancy; Joseph, who is a farmer on tin- place of his father: Inga and Theodore, who are occupied in the work for their brother. Melvin; Emma, the vouneest child, is at home with her father.

Andrew 0. Quam

Andrew 0. Qiiani is one of the progressive agriculturists of Fergus halls township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, who operate their holdings on a large scale, and his keen business ability and exceptionally pleasing personality have been dominant factors in his success. He is a native of Norway and his birth occurred on October 6, 1 S 5 5 , in Tronjam, Norway. He is the son of <He and Johanna Quam, both natives of Norway. Ole Quam was a farmer, cattle dealer and general trader. In 1871 he immigrated to America with the intention of locating here but after a temporary location in Chicago, Illinois, he removed to Minneapolis. Minnesota, investigated the county and returned to his native land, content to remain in the land of his birth.

Andrew < ). Quam received his preliminary education in the common schools in the land of his nativity, and studied geometry, surveying, engineering and general studies, under the tutelage < 4 a Norwegian army officer.

He also studied English while in Norway and received a very good education. He immigrated to America in 1872 and engaged as a clerk in a grocery store in Minneapolis, Minnesota, attending school during the first winter. He then learned the painter's trade, under his uncle's instruction, and later was employed in the harvest fields. In 1874 he established a store, in partnership with his uncle, which he sold in the fall and removed to Chicago where he was employed as a dishwasher in a restaurant, for three dollars per week. Two months of this was night work. Soon after this experience, he established a small restaurant of his own which he operated on North Clark street, Chicago, Illinois, and later at 109 East Randolph street for five years. This place of business was on unclaimed property and was soon established after the famous Chicago fire. The undertaking proved to be a profitable one and he was soon doing business in a spacious building, which had been erected by the owner.

In 1880 Mr. Quam removed to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, after having made several thousand dollars, and purchased two hundred and seventy acres of land in Carlisle township. This was added to until he now owns eight hundred acres of well improved land in Fergus Falls and Carylisle townships.

Andrew ( >. Quam was united, in marriage to Joanna Newhouse and they are the parents of the following children: Ole, Ingwall, James M.. Julian E., Adeline. Josephine, Edith C. Mabel D. and Dwight L. ; two infants are deceased. Andrew ( >. Quam is a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church which he attends and is also clerk of the school board. Politicallv, he votes an independent ticket.

Ludyyig Pilger

Ludwig 1'ilger was born in Prussia, Germany, May 16, 1844, the son of Ernest Pilger and wife, who were born in that province, where Ernest Pilger followed his trade as a weaver until, during an epidemic of cholera, he and his wife succumbed to this pestilence. Ernest Pilger and wife were the parents of the following children: Wilhelmina, who died when a child; Amelia, who married Ferdinand Vitholm and lives in the state of Nebraska: William, who came to America and afterwards became lost to the knowledge of his relatives; Ludwig, the subject of this sketch.

Following his education in the public schools of his native land, Ludwig Pilger worked for a time on a farm and then was employed in a brewery until about the year 1872, when he came to America and went to the state m|' towa, where he settled near < irundy City and there worked on a farm during the next seven years, after which, in the year 1882, came to the (44b) state of Minnesota and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Otter Tail county, where he has since lived. On taking possession of his farm in Otter Tail county Ludwig Pilger found it necessary to clear the land of brush and timber and to replace an old log cabin with a more substantial building. At a later time this progressive farmer added a modern barn and other buildings to his conveniences until now the farm of Mr. Pilger is among the best of the community for general farming purposes.

During the year 1N71. Ludwig I'ilger was married to Dora Effald, who was a native of Prussia. To this marriage were born the following children: Ernest, who is a railway worker of Bluffton, Minnesota; William, who is a railroad worker of Bronson, Minnesota; Huldah, who married H. W. Kile, a farmer of North Dakota; France, a farmer of the state of North Dakota, and George and Otto, who live at home.

Ludwig I'ilger in religious affiliation is of the Lutheran church. In politics, Mr. Pilger is a Republican, one who serves his party well in those efforts which are put forth for the general good of Otter Tail county.

Albert Wiese

Albert Wiese, farmer and stockman of Gorman township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born on January 3, 1874, in German}', the son of Fredrick and Henrietta ( Flatau ) Wiese, natives of Germany. Fredrick Wiese came to America in 1893, am' located in this county, where he engaged in farming in Gorman township, where he now lives a retired life. Fredrick and Henrietta Wiese are the parents of seven children : Gusta, John, Albert, Minnie, Matilda, Amelia and Ida.

Following his education in the public schools of Germany, Albert Wiese came to America, in 1892. and located in Otter Tail county. Minnesota. where he engaged in farm work for some time. In 11)04 he bought a farm in Gorman township, which he has greatly improved ami to which he has added land until now he owns three hundred anil sixty-five acres of land which he cultivates as a general farmer, together with the raising of considerable good grade live stock.

On May [3, 1898, Albert Wiese was married to Louise Flatau, a native of Germany, ami to this marriage have been born the following children: Alma. Otto, Alfred. Herman, Theodore. Paul, Martha and Amanda. Albert Wiese and his family are active members of the German Lutheran church at Perham, Minnesota.

\lliirt Wiese has served as a trustee for the town of Luce, ami has taken an important part in the business interests of the community, at the present time being a stockholder of the Luce Creamery Company, of Luce. Minnesota.

Carl K. Pederson

( 'arl K. Pederson is a native of this county, having been born in Sverdrup township, March 18, 1876, son of Knud and Marit (Gulbranstad Datter Onstad) Pederson, the former born at Aaberg 'and the latter at Onstad, Valdris, Norway. They were friends from early life and were married in their native land, coming to this country in 1866. They located in Mower county, this state, where for some three years he worked at farm labor and other things, and in 1870 came to this county and settled on a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Sverdrup township. His farm was mostly wild land and he set about clearing it and getting it ready for the plow and also erected most of the buildings which are standing on the tract today, lie purchased additional land from time to time until at his death, in November of 1903. he owned three hundred and twenty-eight acres. The mother died some years previous - in July of 1896, and the father never remarried. Knud Pederson was a man who took a most active interest in political affairs. Originally a member of the Farmers Alliance, he later became a Populist and was filling one office or another over a goodly stretch of years. He served as county commissioner of the third district for thirteen years in succession and filled many other local offices. In addition to this, he served two terms as a member of the state Legislature ( 1897-190 1 ). and was always actively interested in the political issues of the day. Both Knud Pederson and his wife embraced the Lutheran faith (members of the Xorwegian church) and were active in religious circles.

('arl K. Pederson is a member of a famih of nine children, being the sixth child in order of birth. Peter, the eldest, is a farmer living on the old homestead; Edward died in ioo_>; Matilda lives in Seattle, Washington, the wife of Ferdinand De Flon; Dinah and Geline are both deceased; Gilbert is a farmer of this county, living about five miles north of Underwood; Clara lives in Oregon, the wife of Ole Nygaard, and Ella, the youngest of the family, is the wife of a Mr. Parson, and lives in Seattle, Washington. Carl K. Pederson received his education in the public schools of this county, attending district No. 5, in the little old log school house located on his father's farm. He was raised on the farm and after school days were over he followed that vocation until [902, when he became a stockholder in the Farmers Mercantile Corporation and at the same time took a clerkship in the company's store under its manager, C. J. Moen, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in the pages of this hook. This relationship continues to the present time and Mr. Pederson now holds a responsible position. having long since demonstrated the fact that he possesses those qualities which especially lit him to eater to the needs of the public. With his brother, Peter, Mr. Pederson purchased the old homestead and together they (In general farming and give especial attention to the raising of live stock for the market.

Mr. Pederson is independent in politics, but has never given the time to that phase of citizenship which his father gave. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and both be and his wife hold their religious membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mrs. Pederson, before her marriage in 1903, was Marie Nygaard, daughter of Lars and Ingeborg Nygaard, both natives of Norway, who came to this country in the early eighties, Marie being born not long after they settled in this country. Mr. and Mrs. Pederson have two children, Kenneth and Irvin. The family is considered among tbe representative families of this section and move in the best social circles. Mr. Pederson, because of his business connection, has a wide acquaintance throughout this part of tbe county and is universally liked.

Nils Wilson

One of the citizens of Underwood, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, who has taken an active part in its civic life and is one of its leading business men, is Nils Wilson, the subject of this biographical sketch. Mr. Wilson was born in Denmark on January 15, 1866, son of Jens and Christina (Graveson) Wilson. Both parents were born near Aalborg, Denmark, and were reared there. All of the father's active years were given to the vocation of farming, and be is still living at the old home, at an advanced age. having been born in 1827. The mother has been dead for a number of years, having passed from this life in 1876, when about forty-six years old. The father has never remarried. Both were from earliest childhood members of the Lutheran church and so reared their family of five children. Nils is the fourth child in order of birth, the others being: Fredericka, wife of Jens C. Wesse. still living in Denmark, where Mr. Wesse is connected with the public schools, having the reputation of being an excellent teacher and active in school organization; Jens Christian, who emigrated to America in [880 or 1881 and has never been heard from since the year [898; Oscar, who followed Jens to this country about a year later and is living on his farm in Otter Tail count}': and \nna. the youngest of the family, who is the widow of a Mr. Larson and still lives in her native land.

X'ils Wilson came to America in [888 and in the spring of thai year located in Otter Tail county, where for some ten or twelve years he hired out to farm labor. lie then became connected with the Andrews-Gates Grain Company, of Minneapolis, being their manager and local represent.!- tive for some fourteen years. In the meantime (about 1898) Mr. Wilson began to deal in feed on his own account. For thirty-four dollars he purchased a lot in Underwood with a house on it which cost him twenty-five dollars, and in that small building, size twelve by fourteen feet, he conducted his business for some time. He prospered in his undertaking and was forced to enlarge his building in 1900, 1901 and 1903, and now has a building twenty-four by one hundred and ten feet, and since 1912 has been forced to give his entire attention to his private business. He is interested in the general advancement of the community and was one of the- organizers of the Otter Tail County Co-operative Company, having served as director since its organization.

Mr. Wilson is a Republican in politics and ever since the incorporation of the town of Underwood, December 23, 1912, he has served as president of the village. For the past five years he has been treasurer of the local school board and in other ways has given evidence of the wholesome interest he feels in the proper growth of the community. Mr. Wilson holds his fraternal affiliation with the Modern Woodmen of America and also with the Danish Brotherhood. Mr. Wilson has never married. An honorable man in all the affairs of life, he is well deserving of the esteem in which he is held by all who know him.

Eric P. Ling

Fric P. Ling was born in Sweden on February 16, 1862, son of Eric Olson and Ingeborg Nelson. Both parents were also natives of Sweden and passed their entire lives there. They were landowners and farmers and lived quiet and retired lives. Both were members of the Swedish Lutheran church and highly esteemed in every particular.

Mr. Ling is one of a family of five children: Nils, the eldest remaining in Sweden, where he is engaged in farming; John lives at Kelsey. this state, as does also Anna; Bertha died in her native land, the wife of Peter Newkvist. Mr. Ling was educated in the public schools near his home and emigrated to America in 1894. settling first in southern Minnesota. From there he went to Duluth. where he worked at the carpenter's trade for some time and in [910 came to bis farm of eighty acres in Dane Prairie township, Otter Tail county, where he has since made his home. Since taking possession of the farm he has made many improvements. He has erected a seventy-two foot barn and has otherwise added to the general appearance of the place. In addition to his farming, he is a breeder of mixed stock for the market and is universally successful in whatever be undertakes. Mr. Ling endorses the principles of the Republican party, although he has never taken especial interest in such matters.

Eric P. Ling was married in 1906 to Selma Haag, also a native of Sweden, and her death occurred in October of 1910. She left two young children, Nellie and Arthur, and these little ones Mr. Ling is worthily trying to properly guide through the perilous years of childhood. .Mr. Ling has the respect of the entire community, a fitting tribute to his worthy characteristics.

F. E. Salomonsen, cashier of the First State Bank, of Underwood, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is recognized as one of the leading husiness men of that locality. In 1907 Mr. Salomonsen first hecame connected with the bank in question, known at that time as the Bank of Underwood, and it was then capitalized at five thousand dollars. On reorganization it was given the name by which it is now known and the capital stock increased to ten thousand dollars. It has an average of six hundred depositors, placing within its keeping one hundred and seventy thousand dollars, with a capital and surplus of nineteen thousand dollars. Charles D. Wright is president of the organization; E. A. Jewett, vice-president, and Mr. Salomonsen is cashier. The hanking husiness now occupies its own building, erected in 1 914, and designed especially to meet the needs of the business.

Mr. Salomonsen is a native of Denmark, born in the city of Copenhagen on March 22, [872, son of John A. and Bina Salomonsen. both of whom were horn in Sweden. While Mr. Salomonsen's parents were yet children they were taken to Denmark by their respective parents, where they grew to maturity and were married. They made their first home in Copenhagen, where the father was engaged in managing a dray line, at which he continued for a number of years. He was successful in his business and in later life purchased a farm near his old home in Sweden, where both are living at the present time. They are members of the Lutheran church and the parents of a family of four children, Mr. Salomonsen being the only one of the family who has come to America. Fie is the second child of the family, the first and third having died in infancy. The youngest is a sister, Amanda, who still remains at home with her parents.

Mr. Salomonsen received his education in the Burger pay schools of Copenhagen and al the age of fourteen years was apprenticed to the carpenter trade. lie mastered this and worked al it for a time in his old home previous to coining to America in [892. lie came directly to this state and settled for a time at Pelican Rapids and later at Fergus Falls, 111 both places following his trade. \t the latter place he became foreman for John Lauritzen, which position he filled for some three and one-half years. In

1N99 he entered into a partnership with W. L. Winslow and engaged in the retail lumber business at Underwood. That relationship lasted for some eighteen months, when both sold out to M. T. McMahon, of Fergus Falls, and Mr. Salomonsen managed the business for that gentleman for some six and one-half years. Then, in 1907, followed his connection with the bank, as first stated, to which business he now gives his undivided attention.

F. E. Salomonsen was married in 1900 to Ellen M. Erickson, who was horn in Sweden, daughter of Charles Erickson. of Pelican Rapids. To this union a family of five has been born, namely: Elmer F., Clarence E., Vernon E. (deceased). Files G. and Esmer If. Both Air. and Mrs. Salomonsen and wife are members of the Lutheran church, and he is independent in politics. He takes more than a passing interest in local political matters and has filled various local offices, among them being justice of the peace. Mr. Salomonsen can well boast the title of "self-made man," and his way in life is such as to win the confidence and regard of both business associates and persona] friends.

Ole Axness

Although the parents of Ole Axness were born and married in Norway, lie was born in America on December 7, 1871, at Norwegian Grove township. Otter Tail county. His father and mother. M. O. and Herbor (Moe) Axness, braved the sea voyage necessary to bring them to America in 1869, and immediately established their new home in Fillmore county, Minnesota. Today they are living on the same farm in Norwegian Grove township which they occupied in the spring of 1871. On these two hundred acres. which .Mr. Axness has improved, he has made his living by general farming, lie and his wife are prominent members of the North Emmanuel church. Their home has been blessed by the birth of six children, namely: Ole, whose history is briefly presented here; Xels. Julius. Melvin. Bernard and Hilda.

Ole Axness was educated in the common schools and the high school .11 Pelican Rapids, and was a student in the Lutheran College at Fergus falls during the Inst year of that institution's existence. Ambitious to acquire a profession, he then went to the .Minnesota Institute of Pharmacy, located at Minneapolis. \t that time this was the only school of its kind ninth of Chicago. After graduating from this institution in iNoj. Mr. \xncss worked for four years each in Minneapolis and Fergus balls, after which he went into business for himself in Pelican Rapids, where he still lives and is a well-known druggisl

[905. Airs. Axness, a native of Norway, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Linder. On coming with them to America she located in Pelican Rapids, where she met and married Mr. Axness. Their home has been blessed by the birth of tour children, namely: Clarice, Clayton, Royland and Venice.

Mr. and Mrs. Axness are united with the Lutheran church. Mr. Axness believes in the effectiveness of social organization, and is active in both the Knights of the Maccabees and Knights of Pythias. Mis long residence and his standing in the community as a business man entitle him to a place among those who represent commercial interests in this township. He has always been ready to support the movements which he considered were conducive to the general welfare.

When Mr. Blyberg first came to Pelican Rapids he found the village consisting of a few groups of small houses inhabited by men and women not afraid to risk their lives to protect their newly established homes. Mr. Blyberg joined with them, and added to the wealth of the village by starting a general merchandise store. Coming with his father, Carl Blyberg, from Norway in 1865, he had located at North McGregor, Iowa, at the age of fifteen, having been born in 1850. From his sixth year he had attended school in his native country, where his mother, Louise Blyberg, died after her husband and son emigrated to America. The father at first was compelled to work at anything he could find todo, and in 1868 O. A. E. Blyberg began a three years' residence in Sauk Center, Minnesota, where he was employed as a clerk. The same year his father located in St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county, where he homesteaded a quarter section of land and remained three years. He then went to Becker county, in the same state, pre-empting a claim, but he died soon after, in the year 1877.

In 1871 the younger Mr. Blyberg left Sauk Center in order to live in Pelican Rapids, where he became a dealer in general merchandise, under the firm name of Pendergast X: Blyberg, a partnership that lasted For eight years. In 1S81 the company became known as Blyberg & Haugen. This partnership was dissolved in to<>8. when Mr. Blyberg retired from mercantile pursuits. During his career as a merchant in Pelican Rapids, Mr. I'.lyberg also had business interests in a number of other places, where he was equally successful. But he was the first merchant in Pelican Rapids.

The marriage of ( ). \ !-'. Blyberg and \1111a G. < )lson was solemnized in [873, Mrs. Blyberg being a native of Wisconsin, and a daughter of Peter Olson. Their first-born, a daughter named Laura, is deceased; the younger daughter, Lottie M., became the wife of C. D. Haugen, of Pelican Rapids. .Mr. Blyberg is a valued member of the Norwegian Lutheran Synodical church in whose welfare and work he has been actively interested for many years, as was also .Mrs. Blyberg. Mrs. Blyberg died on January 5, 1905. Among the public offices held by Mr. Blyberg is that of justice of the peace, he being the first man to hold that office in Pelican Rapids. The term extended from 1S71 to [874. lie was at one time president of the village council. Mr. Blyberg is known for miles around for his sincere interest in public affairs, his business integrity and his upright character.

Charles R. Frazee

Randolph L. Frazee, the father of the subject of this sketch, who established the Frazee family in Otter Tail count}-, was horn in Vinton county. Ohio, on July 3, 1S41, and as a young man followed the occupation of a farmer in the state where he was horn. He came to Minnesota in [866, where for a short time he stopped in St. ('loud. In 1868 he came to Otter Tail county, and settled in Ottertail, when the place just mentioned was a village, whose inhabitants lived in tents. In Ottertail village, Randolph Frazee built the first saw- and grist-mill ever known in the place. After a few years the railroad, which was being put through that section of the county, failed to take account of Ottertail village as a possible station, and Mr. Frazee, on account of better business possibilities, was obliged to move his mill to Frazee's mills (now New York Mills), stationed on the Northern Pacific railroad. From the Frazee mill was furnished the first bridge material used by Northern Pacific railroad in Minnesota.

In [872, Randolph Frazee sold his interest in Frazee mills and moved to Detroit. Minnesota, where he lived just one year. Upon returning to ( )tter Tail county, he bought the water rights of the town now named Frazee. At this place he built a saw-mill and also a flour-mill. After establishing a blacksmith shop, a general store and the two mills. Mr. Frazee found it impossible to persuade the railroad officials to move the railroad station from Mohart. where it was then located, to Frazee. However, he took the matter into his own hands, by persuading the train crew to accompany him to llohart one night, where they loaded the depot on a tlat car and brought it to razee. In 1890, Mr. Frazee moved to Minneapolis, where he resided for three years. During that time he built the first concrete elevator ever erected there. From there he came to Pelican Rapids, where he had purchased the water rights of the place about 1N74. In this location he b the Frazee mill and elevator. In iSNj. Mr. Frazee established the hank of Pelican Rapids and also the Rivers

First National Bank in [902, with Mr. Frazee as president. At the time of his death, which occurred in 1906, he was also president of the Great Eastern Elevator Company, of Minneapolis

Randolph Frazee married Alary Brant, a native of Germany, and to their union the following children were born: Charles, the subject of this sketch; .Mary A.; VY. E. ; Harry E. ; Paul C. and Cora. In his political relations, Mr. Frazee gave support to the Democratic party.

Charles Frazee was horn in Richland county. Ohio, on May 21, 1865. lie was educated by a tutor and received private instruction in the early days of his boyhood in Frazee. From [879 to 1883, he attended school at Faribault, Minnesota, where he was a student in the Shaftuck mill school. Upon completing hi- education. Charles Frazee came to Pelican Rapids as bookkeeper in his father's mill. Tie continued at this employment tor three years and at the end of that time he went to Twin Valley, Minnesota, where he conducted a general store and a drug store until [890, when he returned to Pelican Rapids, lie remained there, working in his father's mill until [895, when he was appointed postmaster at Pelican Rapids, a position he still retains.

Charles Frazee has established himself in many lines of business, and in each field of endeavor he has met with unusual success. In December, 1912, he established the Pelican Rapids State Rank, of which he is now president, lie is also president of the Frazee Brothers Company and holds the office of secretary in the Frazee Real Estate Company, of Pelican Rapids.

< )n August 2<), 1887. Charles Frazee and Clissie Kinney were united in marriage. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Frazee are. Wilfred K . Ethel, Kathleen and Charles R.. Jr. The members of the Frazee family attend religious services at the Episcopal church, of which they are members. Mr. Frazee, in his political relations, is a Democrat. Fraternally, he i- associated with the Knights of Pythias.

A career of constanl application to business interests and .consecutive industry has been that of P. C. Frazee, whose famil) carries with it prestige and honor in (titer Tail county, Minnesota. The Frazee family, which was founded in this community in [868, was established by Randolph Frazee, a native of Vinton county, Ohio, who is the father of the subject of this sketch.

Frazee, and in 1886 entered the Bishop Whipple school, at Moorhead. Upon completing the course in this school he attended the Moorhead Normal school from 1888 to 1889, and in the Minneapolis center high school, from [890 until 1894, he received his high school training.

P. C. Frazee began his business career the year he left school, when he returned to Pelican Rapids and was employed by his father in the Frazee mill. In [895 he went to Staples, where he entered the employment of the Northern Pacific railroad, as a fireman. He remained at this occupation until [898, when he left for California, and in that section of the country, worked for the Southern Pacific railroad. He returned to Pelican Rapids, where until the fall of 1009, he worked in his father's mill. Since 1909, Mr. Frazee has been interested in real estate, loans and fire insurance and has built up an extensive business in this line. He is president and treasurer of the Frazee Fstate Company, and secretary and treasurer of the Frazee Brothers Company.

On July 4, 1900, the marriage of P. C. Frazee to Flora M. Cole was celebrated. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Frazee: Dortha, Paul, Merle, Ralph and Louise. In lodge affairs Mr. PTazee is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity.

Rev. Ellend J. Ovri

From earliest historical time, the place of the clergyman in the community has been one of influence and power. Of this type is Ellend J. Ovri, of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, a man and a minister who, because of his work among the people of Pelican township, and among the people of Otter Tail county, has win the esteem and love, not only of the communicants of his own church, but among all the people with whom he is associated, or thrown in contact.

Ellend 1. Ovri, the honored minister of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, was born in Norway "ii January 25, i860, the son of John A. ami Martha (Stadheim) Ovri, who were born in Norway, in which country they lived until the year 1864, and then came to America, locating in Freeborn count)', Minnesota, where John A. Ovri homesteaded a farm on which he and his wife lived for the remainder of their days.

Ellend J. Ovri received Ins early education in the public schools oi Freeborn county, Minnesota, after which he became a student at the Norwegian Lutheran College, <<i Decorah, Iowa, from which he was graduated in the year [886; he then studied theology for two years at Madison, Wisconsin, and for one year at Minneapolis, which was known as tin- Lutheran Seminary.

Following his graduation and ordination as a minister of the Norwegian Lutheran church, the Rev. Ellend J. Ovri, came to the town of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, to accept his first call at the local Ringsaker Norwegian Lutheran church and adjacent congregations, on August 4, [889, since which time the Rev. Mr. Ovri has served the people of his church and of the community, in a most helpful manner.

( )n September i_. 1894, the Rev. Ellend J. Ovri, was married to Christine Haugen, the daughter of X. X. Haugen, of Pelican Rapids, and to this marriage has been born one son. Norman, on July 2. 1899.

During his residence and service as a minister in the town of Pelican Rapids Minnesota, the Rev. Ellend J. Ovri, has been of much value to the community, not only with his ministrations and his teachings, hut as a man and as a citizen, the Rev. .Mr. ( )vri has taken an influential position in those efforts for a 1 tetter and more advanced life among the people of the town and township.

To possess one of the finest farms in a neighborhood famed for its good farms, is the good fortune of ( )le G. Helseth, a native of Norway. who was born on October u. [849. His parents lived and died in the country of his birth.

Mr. Helseth received a technical education. After attending the common schools of Norway from his ninth to his fifteenth year, he went to the Hedemarken Amts Landbrugoskole, an agricultural school, which he attended from [868 to [870 and graduated. The following ten years he engaged in agricultural pursuits and then left his native land for America, coming direct to this county. Here, however, for the next three years he worked in the capacity of carpenter in the vicinity of Pelican Rapids, having learned the carpenter's trade in Norway. In 1883 he returned to his original occupation and purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Norwegian Grove township, which was state university land and was uncultivated. He later added forty acres of cultivated land and made extensive improvements on the entire tract. Here he lived ami worked as a general farmer until 1913, when his success enabled him to retire and to live in Pelican Rapids. For the past four years he has been vice-president of the Pelican Rapids Telephone Company and was an organizer of the Farmers Elevator Company. For twenty years he held a township office in Xorwegian < Irove township.

Agnes, Oscar, Edwin and Sophia. Martin is a farmer of Burke county, North Dakota; Agnes is now Mrs. I. 1!. Rossum, and she and her husband live mi her father's farm, which they bought; Oscar and his brother, Edwin, are partners, living on a farm in Sheridan county. Montana; Sophia is Mrs. Edwin (Jolnes, the wife of a farmer living in Saskatchewan, Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Helseth are prominent members of the Norwegian Synodical church. Mr. Helseth, who has attracted many friends, and whose upright life has won general respect, is one of this county's best known agriculturists.

John M. Ranger

Although a native of Vermont, and of English parentage, the subject of this sketch has developed into a thoroughbred middle westerner, where his efforts have been crowned with more than ordinary success. Mr. Ranger, whose resourcefulness stands out in the following sketch, has amply demonstrated a claim to he mentioned as a leading citizen of Pelican Rapids.

John M. Ranger, contractor, 1'elican Rapids, Otter Tail count)', was born mi April 28, 185.]. in Vermont, and is a son of James S. and Lucy F. I .Morse) Ranger. James S. Ranger, father of John M., was born in 1820, in England, and came with his parents to America in 1823, locating in ( (rleans count}-. Vermont, where he received his education. As a young man, he followed the vocation of a sawyer, and later engaged his services in a sash and door factory. At the age of twenty-seven years, he came to Wisconsin, locating at Horicon, Dodge enmity, where he followed agriculture for three years. He served in the Civil War in Company ( '. Twentyninth Wisconsin Infantry, remaining out three years, during which time he participated in all the battles of his regiment. After the war he returned to Horicon, and soon afterward settled at Janesville, Wisconsin, where he lived live years, and then moved to Chicago, where he was employed in a planing-mill. Two years later he came to Lyon county. Minnesota, near Marshall, and took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, living there five years, and in 1882, he came to Otter Tail county, and located near Pelican Rapids, where he farmed for the remainder of his active life. The children born to James S., and Lucy 1". ( Morse) Ranger, were: Jennie. John M. and William.

John M. Ranger received his early education at the public schools of Janesville, Wisconsin, and later, in [872, attended the high school at that place. As a young man. he learned the machinist's trade, which he followed at Janesville and Chicago. In 1882 he came to Otter Tail county, where he took up a homestead in l.ida township, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he put all the improvements, including good and suitable buildings of every description, and while following his agricultural pursuits, Mr. Ranger also worked for the Great Northern railroad, as timber inspector. In kjoi. he came to Pelican Rapids, where he built a planingniill. which he sold about seven years later, in 1908, since which time he has been a contractor in concrete work, in addition to which he owns a fine farm of one hundred acres in Lida township. Politically, Mr. Ranger is in sympathy with the policies of the Republican party, and has taken an active interest in local politics, holding the office of township assessor for about ten years, and has been assessor for the village of Pelican Rapids for five years. He also served on the school board during the entire time he lived in Lida township.

fohn M. Ranger was united in marriage to Minnie J. Herrman, by whom he has had the following children: Merton, Lester, Jennie, Harry, Earl, John. William. Violet and Donald.

Harry E. Frazee

Ilarrv E. Erazee was born in Xew York Mills, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, on January 18, 1873. Me is the son of Randolph L. and Mary ( Brant) Frazee, the former was a native of Vinton county, Ohio, and the latter was born in Germain-. Randolph Frazee was looked upon as one of the most prominent men of his time, in the county in which he resided. Having played a part in the very beginning of community life around Pelican Rapids, he became widely known throughout that section of the slate which marked the scene of his endeavors.

The educational training of Harry E. Erazee was begun in the common schools of Frazee City. Later, he attended the Bishop Whipple school at Vloorhead, Minnesota, from 1N85 until 1888. From 1888 to 1890, he took a course at the Moorhead Normal school, and after leaving that institution, took some work in the high school at Minneapolis, where he remained only a short time. In June, 1801. he joined his father in Pelican Rapids, where he became an assistant in the Frazee mill of that place. Since that lime his interest in the mill has never abated. In 181)7, Harry E. Frazee, in partnership with Ins brother, P. C. Frazee, leased the mill belonging to their father tor a period of one year. At the end of that time the father turned over the ownership and management of the mill to these two son- In 1908, ll:nr\ Frazee boughl from Ins brother. P. C. Frazee, the latter's share 111 the business, and since thai time has been sole owner and operator of the concern. Mr. Frazee handles chiefly, flour, feed and grain, and he is also interested in coal. Mr. Frazee is a man of rare t business ability, of broad judgment and progressive spirit, and his success in business has been due chiefly to habits of thrift, industry and application to duty.

In June, njoo, Harry Frazee was united in marriage to Susie A. Swien, a native of Xorthfield and the daughter of John Swien. Mr. and Mrs. 1'Yazee are the parents of the following children: Robert E., Douglas L., and Harold E. In the social life of Pelican Rapids, Mrs. Frazee has also played a part. Mr. Frazee is fraternally affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and also holds membership in the Elks lodge, at Fergus balls.

Xels W. Nelson

To the combined efforts of the representative and progressive business men, is the success of a community due. and to this class belongs the subject of this sketch.

Xels \Y. Nelson, clothing merchant, Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, was born March 13, 18(14. at Decorah, Iowa, and is a son of Knute and Gunel (Holen) Nelson. His education was obtained at the public schools of Ridgeway, Iowa, where he lived with his grandfather Nelson, assisting him on the farm. In 1X84. he went to South Dakota, engaging his services as a clerk in a country store. In 1887 he went to Dell Rapids, South Dakota, where he clerked for about eleven years, and in the fall of 1902, he came to Pelican Rapids, and on October 17. of that year, he opened a clothing store, in which business he is still engaged.

Knute Nelson, father of Nels \\\. was born in Norway, as was also his wife, Gunel Holen. He was educated in the public schools of Norway, and came to America in 1859, locating for one year at Decorah, Iowa. In [860, he moved to Rushford, Minnesota, where he spent the remainder of his life. About 1806, the cholera struck Rushford. and Mr. Nelson's brother, his wife, eldest daughter and youngest son. all died within three weeks. To Knute and Gunel ( 1 Iolen ) Nelson were born the following children: Pars, Martha, deceased: Bertha, Xels \Y., and Andrew, deceased.

Xels W. Nelson was united in marriage, November 15, 1893, to Carrie Blanes, to which union have been born three children, Guy, Ferdinand, and Cathleen.

Mr. Nelson is an intelligent, wide-awake men-bant, ami a pleasanl man to meet, to which characteristic is largely due his business success His reputation for square dealing has also had its share in building up his business.

Alfred K. Bondy

Although not an old man in years, the gentleman whose life record is herein outlined has stamped his individuality upon the locality in which he resides in no uncertain manner, being a true type of the progressive and hustling American business man. The success attained by Alfred K. Bondy in his business affairs has been due much to his steady persistence, stern integrity and excellent judgment, qualities which have also won for him the confidence and esteem of the public to a marked degree. Personally, he is genial and friendly in his relations with others and has a wide acquaintance.

Alfred K. Bondy was horn on .May 3, 1882, in Otter Tail county, Minne sota, and is the son of Knut W. and Anna Gurie (Osmundeson) Bondy, both of whom were natives of Norway, they having come to America in an early day and were married in Rich county. Minnesota. The elder .Mr. Bondy changed Ins name from "Bonde" to "Bondy" after coming to America, to avoid confusion with many other settlers by the former name. He was a man of much force and character and attained considerable prominence in his community, having been a member of the state board of equalization and a member of the state Legislature, which positions he filled with credit to himself and with entire satisfaction to the people he represented.

Alfred K. Bondy, as a young boy, developed a desire for an education and after completing his common school course in Battle Lake he entered the Park Region Lutheran College where he finished the course in commercial work.

At the age of twenty Air. Bondy engaged in business for himself as a meat merchant and the buying and selling of live stock, in which business he was successful. Tn 1910 he became associated with the Independent Silo and Milking Machine Company, of St. Paul. In this work he has advanced through the various stages of development, until he is at present the state representative for the company with offices in St. Paul. I lis work has been most satisfactory to the company and his advancement has been the result of diligent and conscientious desires to make good for the company and himself.

On November 28, 1007, Alfred K. Bondy was married to Geneva I '.cruc the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George J. Berge, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. They are the parents of one child, Gordon F. Mr. and Mrs. Bondy are loyal to the interests of their home community and take an active interest in all that lends to the betterment of the moral and social conditions of the locality. They arc public spirited and their efforts are manifested in many enterprises in which they are interested. Mr. and Mrs. Bondy are active and influential members of the Lutheran church, taking much interest in the activities of the various departments.

Fraternally, Mr. Bondy is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Modern Woodmen of America at Battle Lake, and of the Elks at Fergus Falls. Mr. Bondy is progressive and active in all his work and the organizations to which he is identified are much benefited by his wise, business like and prudent counsel.

Melvin Leonard

The sketch here presented is that of an honored veteran of the Civil War, in addition to which he has long been known as one of the publicspirited and successful men of Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county.