Otter Tail County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 2 of 28)

Doctor Welch is a man who was well trained not only for the technical aspects of his office, but for the general aspects as well. He is a native of Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Charles W. and Angenora (Hawes) Welch. Doctor Welch received a common-school education in Boston and was graduated from the historic select school, Chauncy Hall, in Boston. He began his career in the office of the Old Colony Railroad Company and remained with the company for five years, after which he entered the Boston University Medical School to prepare himself for the practice of medicine. After being graduated from this institution, he occupied a subordinate position in the state hospital at Westboro. Massachusetts, for five years and then spent one year in Europe in special work pertaining to special features of his profession. In 1892 Doctor Welch was appointed superintendent of the Minnesota state hospital at Fergus Falls and has held this position continuously ever since. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having joined this historic order in South Boston, but, upon coming to Minnesota, became affiliated with Corner Stone Lodge No. 99.

Dr. George O. Welch was married to Phoebe M. Lyon, the daughter of James W. and Harriett (Crandall) Lyon, and to them has been born one son, Geoffrey W.

Otto M. Haugax. M.D.

Among the very prominent physicians of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and especially of Fergus Falls and vicinity, is Dr. Otto M. Haugan, a native of South Dakota, where he was born on a farm on May 7, 1868.

After having lived in the state of South Dakota until he was fifteen years old, Otto M. Haugan entered the Red Wing Seminary in 1887 and nine years later was graduated from the University of Minnesota with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. In the meantime he was elected superintendent of the schools of Otter Tail county and served in this position from 1895 until 1898. In 1902 he was graduated from the medical department of Northwestern University at Evanston, receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

Since 1902 Doctor Haugan has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Fergus Falls. Here he has built up a large and profitable practice, but he is quite as well known in the public affairs of Otter Tail county as in the medical profession. Doctor Haugan is a member of the American and Minnesota State Medical Associations, and of the Park Region Medical Society.

Axcel C. Baker. M.D.

Prominent in the medical profession of Fergus Falls, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Dr. Axcel C. Baker, who is a native of Rochester, Minnesota, and the son of Ole and Lena (Olson) Baker.

Doctor Baker's father and mother came to America about 1870 and located near Rochester, Minnesota, where the father operated a hardware store for several years. He is now living retired.

Axcel C. Baker obtained his early education at Rochester, Minnesota. Afterward, he attended the University of Minnesota and was graduated from the academic department in 1807. lie made a splendid record at the University of Minnesota and one of which he has every reason to lie very proud. After finishing the academic work at the University of Minnesota, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Dr. Baker attended

Northwestern University Medical School, at Chicago, and was graduated from that institution in 1901, receiving the degree of Doctor of .Medicine.

After spending two years in the Wesley hospital, at Chicago, as an intern, he came to Fergus Falls in 1903 and here engaged in the practice oi medicine. During the past twelve years his practice has steadily increased and he now enjoys a large and prosperous patronage.

By Doctor Baker's marriage to Catherine Hudson, the daughter of Thomas C. and Eliza Hudson, there have been horn four children, Norman H., Katheryn, Charles E. and Mary.

Doctor Baker is prominent in the Masonic circles of Fergus halls. l>eing a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99. He is also a member of the Park Region Medical Society, the Minnesota State Medical Association and the American Medical Association.

Frank N. Whittaker, D.D.S.

One of the best-known citizens of Fergus Falls, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and the first college-trained dentist to locate in Fergus Falls, is Dr. Frank N. Whittaker, a native of Minneapolis, where he was born on May 16, 1869. Doctor Whittaker's father, who is still living at Llanerch, a suburb of Philadelphia, was one of two children born to his parents. The other was Charles Whittaker, a veteran of the Civil War, who died in Minneapolis. Doctor Whittaker's mother, who before her marriage was Helen Noble, and who was his father's second wife, came from a distinguished pioneer family of Minneapolis, her parents having settled on the present site of the Hennepin county court house. Mrs. Helen (Noble) Whittaker was one of three children born to her parents. She had two brothers. James and John 11.. the latter of whom was a thirty-third-degree Mason, who died in the city of Minneapolis. Many years ago Doctor Whittaker's father removed from the state of Minnesota to Delaware county, Pennsylvania After living in Minneapolis for a time he had removed to Minnetonka Fake, near Minneapolis, where for a time he owned a farm. Later he owned a small farm in Virginia, where he lived for a few years and then removed to Delaware county, Pennsylvania, settling at Llanerch, a suburb of Philadelphia, where he now lives retired with his son Robert, a child by his third marriage. Doctor Whittaker's mother died in 1872 and his father later was married to a Miss Jennings, who is now deceased.

Born and reared in Minneapolis. Minnesota, Frank X. Whittaker attended the public schools of Minneapolis and later spent two wars m the Minneapolis high school. After the high school curse lie entered the department of dentistry at tin- University of Minnesota and was graduated in the class of 1893. After his graduation Doctor Whittaker removed to Fergus Falls and for eight months was employed in the dental office of Dr. R. H. Phalon. After working for Doctor Phalon for eight months Doctor Whittaker bought his office and began the practice of his profession on his own responsibility on February 1, 1894. Altogether he has practiced dentistry in Otter Tail county, .Minnesota, for a little more than twenty years and during this period has given his time exclusively to his profession, having built up a large patronage in this county. He is known here not only as a skilful dentist, but as one of the leading citizens of Otter Tail county.

In 1898 Doctor Whittaker was married to Mrs. Jessie Crippen, a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Col. O. McFarland, who immigrated to Otter Tail county in 1X80 and purchased a farm on the shore of Ten Mile lake, where he lived until his death. Doctor and Mrs. Whittaker have no children.

The Whittakers arc members of the Episcopal church of Fergus Falls and Doctor Whittaker is a vestryman in the church. He is a Republican in politics, but has never aspired to office. All in all, it may be said that Dr. Frank N. Whittaker is one of those professional men and citizens whom many communities delight to honor. He has worthily discharged his duties as a professional man and a citizen. Not only is he well known throughout Otter Tail county and especially Fergus Falls and vicinity, but is popular wherever known.

James H. Bell

The firm of Maire & Bell is well known in the business and commercial life of Fergus Falls and is one of the leading hardware companies in this section of the state. The secretary of the firm is James H. Bell, who is a native of New York state.

James H. Bell was born in the town of Dexter, Jefferson county, New York, January 10, 1854, and is the son of William and Betsy (Seeber) Bell. Mr. Hell's father and mother were born in New York state. His grandfather and his grandmother were natives of Ireland.

James II. Bell was reared on the home farm and obtained his education in his native town. After growing to manhood he taught school in New York state, but in February, t88i, came west to Fergus Falls and purchased land in Buse township, where he carried on farming until 1894, when he engaged in the hardware business in Fergus Falls in partnership with Mr. Maire.

By Mr. Bell's marriage i" Clara J. Wiley, the daughter of Jefferson Wiley, there have been born two children, William J. and Clara I.. Mr-. Bell died on October 10, 1912. Of their two children, William J. was educated in the public schools of Fergus Falls. He attended the Princeton Theological Seminary, at Princeton, New Jersey, and is now a missionary of the Presbyterian church and is stationed at Virginia, Minnesota. Reverend Piell was married to Helen Hunt, of St. Paul, Minnesota. Clara L. Bell resides at home with her father.

Tohx P. Hawk

One of the oldest merchants in point of continuous business activity in the history of Fergus Falls, [Minnesota, is John P. Haave, who was born twenty-five miles east of Trondhjem, Norway. January 14. 1S39. the son of Peter and Solo (Floren) Haave. the former of whom was a farmer in Norway. Both parents died in Norway.

In 1867 John P. Haave and wife emigrated to America, and after landing on the Atlantic seaboard the family came west, locating in Wanamingo township, Goodhue county, .Minnesota, where John P. Haave farmed for a year. During the remaining three years 111 which he lived in Goodhue county, he was occupied with various kinds of work. In 1871 he removed to Fergus Falls. Minnesota, where he worked during the summer months 111 a saw-mill, and in the winter months in a blacksmith shop. This period of his life covered altogether eight years.

In 1884. in company with Olive Haave, Mr. Haave purchased the grocery store of John Halbeerg, and this partnership arrangement continued for eight or nine months, when John P. Haave stated to his partner that there was not enough in the business for both of them, that he would withdraw his capital and pay for what groceries his family had used in addition and ask nothing for his services during the period of eight or nine months. Olive Haave declined to agree to this arrangement, but after a few days' deliberation he also offered to withdraw from the concern, which he did. This was in 1X84. and since that period John P. Haave has continued in business in Fergus Falls. His first store was located on the present site of the office of the Urgblad. In [888 Mr. Haave moved to his present location under the Riverside flats.

\,,t onlj lias fohn P. Haave been successful in business, but he has also liven successful m the political life of the county. He served as county commissioner of < >tter Tail county from [896 to 1000. and has held various municipal and local offices, for many years Mr. Haave has been a trustee of the Park Region Lutheran College, and is a devoted and earnest member of the Lutheran church, to the support of which he is a liberal contributor.

many important changes, not only in the material development of this city and county, but in the personnel of its citizens. Today he ranks as a good man and a good citizen, and is well and favorably known throughout Otter Tail county.

Henry A. Winther

One of the prosperous commercial concerns of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is the John A. A. Winther & Son, dealers in lumber and building material, of which Henry A. Winther is the junior partner.

Henry A. Winther, a native of Cold Spring, Stearns county, .Minnesota, was born on January 12, 1875. He is the son of John A. A. and Eline (Hanson) Winther, the former of whom was born on June 11, 1836, in Denmark, and who in 1 86 1 . when twenty-live years old, immigrated to America, landing in New York city. Subsequently he came west to Minneapolis, where he followed the cooper's trade for a time. He then removed to Nashville, Tennessee, during the War of the Rebellion and was there obliged tn employ Southern sympathizers whether he desired or not. After the war he returned to Denmark on account of the death of his father and remained in his native land for two years. Upon his return to America he settled at Cold Spring, Stearns county, Minnesota, where he took charge of the lumber business owned by Waite, Clarke & McClure. After living at (old Spring for five years, in March, 1880, Mr. Winther came to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and the following year, in company with B. A. Clarke, engaged in the lumber business. Subsequently, however, he sold out to Mr. Clarke.

In 1883 John A. A. Winther opened a lumber yard at Elizabeth, Otter Tail county, Minnesota. This yard is still in operation. In 1890 he purchased the lumber yard of Edward Mc< iullough, in Fergus Falls, and this yard is also still in operation and is managed by Henry A. Winther, the junior partner, who became associated in the business in 1899.

Mr. and Mrs. John A. A. Winther were the parents of six children, namely: Henry A., the subject of this sketch: Mary K., who is now Mrs. George W. Savage and who resides in Towa : August A., who married Annie llanert: Bates C, who is engaged with his brother, August A., in the fruit growing business at Lindsay. California: Arnold S, who is in the mining business in Utah; and William, an electrician of Fresno, California.

Henry A. Winther was married in kji.) in Eva 1\. Huxmann, of Minneapolis. Mr. and Mrs. Winther have one child, Henry A.. Jr., born mi September 4. 1915. Mr. Winther'- parents make their home in Los Angeles, California, on accounl of the severit) of the Minnesota climate. I'lie California climate agrees with them much better at their time of lite

John Ii. Grass

\s president oi the Grass Clothing < ompany, of Fergus Kalis, Otter Tail county, Minnesota. John II. Grass is a conspicuous figure in the business life of Fergus Falls and Otter Tail county. He is the founder of the business which now bears his name and with which for more than thirtyfive years he has been connected.

John II Grass, a native of Walworth county, Wisconsin, where he was born on March i, 1850, is the son of Vnthony and Catherine ( Noblet) Grass, both of whom were natives of Alsace, then a province of France. Anthony Grass's parents were Joseph and Barbara Grass, who came to America when Anthony was twelve years old. They located in Detroit, Michigan, where the father engaged in manufacturing boots and shoes. Later, however, he sold out the boot and shoe business and engaged in farming in the state of Michigan. He remained on the farm until [844, when the family removed to Wisconsin, settling at Spring Prairie in Walworth county, where he engaged in farming the remainder of his life. Joseph Grass, the paternal grandfather of John II.. was one of the progressive men of Ins time as well as a most skilful and successful farmer. Both lie and his wife lived to advanced ages. Joseph Grass died at the aye of eighty-six and his wife at the age of eight-one years. They had four children, of whom Mr. Grass's father. Anthony, was the first born. The other children were Barbara, Abbie and Rosabelle.

Anthony Grass was reared on the home farm in Wisconsin, where he remained until 1N60. when he removed to Racine county. Wisconsin, purchasing two hundred acres (,f land By his marriage to Catherine Noblet, there were horn nine children, of whom John II. was the fourth. Nichols, the first horn, is deceased. The others were Abbie, Catherine, \nnie. Jos- 1 ph, h rank". Julia and Edward.

John 11. Grass was educated in the public schools of the state of Wisconsin and at Rochester \cademy. He also attended the Burlington high school, but quit school when eighteen years old to engage in the mercantile business at Burlington, Wisconsin, where he worked as a clerk for four vears. \fterward he went to Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and managed a store owned by his former employer, Joseph Crane. There he remained for three years, when, in company with B. C. Drake, he purchased a stock of business with Osmer C. Chase. Subsequently Mr. Chase sold out his interest 11 the mercantile business to a Mr. ('.rant and in 1 SS 1 the linn name changed to Grass, Morrison & Grain. This partnership arrangement continued until 1890, when Mr. Grass and partners split up the store. One took the groceries, one took the dry goods and Mr. Grass took the clothingdepartment. He conducted the business alone until February 15, 1 9 1 5 . when it was incorporated under the name of the Grass Clothing Company The incorporators were J. H. Grass. St., and J. H. Grass, Jr.

In [876, some three years before coming to Minnesota, John H. Grass was married to Adella Silvernail. of Waukesha county, Wisconsin. Mrs. Grass is the daughter of Peter Silvernail and has borne her husband two sons, Charles F. and John H., Jr. The former married Christianna Larson and they have two children. Harriett and Alice. The}- reside in the state of .Montana. John II. Grass, Jr., is associated with his father in the Grass ( lothing ( Company.

In addition to the mercantile business which hears his name. John II. Grass is also a most successful farmer. He owns two splendid farms in Orwell township, to which he gives considerable attention. He is especially interested in breeding Guernsey cattle and Percheron horses.

David M. Brown

One of the thriving industries of Fergus Falls, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is the Fergus Casket Works, of which David M. Brown has been secretary and executive officer since its organization in [897. Not only has he been prominent in the industrial life of Otter Tail county, but lie has likewise been prominent in the civic and political life, having served at one time as mayor of Fergus Falls and as a member of the Fergus Falls council.

David M. Brown is a native of Vblney, Oswego county, Ww York, where he was born on October '1. [857. lie is the son of David L. and Harriet (Harris) Brown, tin- former of whom during liis active career was a successful farmer. Fie is now living retired in New York state. Mr. Brown's mother passed away in the Empire state in 1900. There were six children in the family, four of whom are still living.

David M. Brown received In- early education in Fulton, Oswego county. New York, and at Mexico Academy. While he was still a lad in his teens and while his education was still incomplete, he took up salesmanship and worked during the evenings and summers and on Saturdays selling fruit tree- for a large nursery. Later he taughl school during the winter months for several terms.

with Charles J. Wright, of Fergus Falls (the firm name being Ames, French & Company), three thousand acres of land were acquired, of which fifteen hundred acres was farm land. The farm land was located at French, Carlisle township, and the timber land in the township of Dora, Otter Tail count}'. This company was organized for the specific purpose of cultivating the land for profit and eventually selling it. The business continued until 18S9. when Mr. Brown took up life insurance work, having become at that time assistant manager of the Mutual Life Insurance Company, of New York state. After holding this position until 1897 -^r- Brown assisted in the organization of the Fergus Casket Works, and became the secretary and manager of the concern, positions which he still holds. He is one of the chief officers of this concern and has had much to do with its prosperity and growth.

On December 12. 1883, David M. Brown was married to Henrietta Bisnett, a native of Fulton. Xew York. They have one son, David L., who is the assistant manager of the Fergus Casket Works.

Mr. Brown is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Also he is the exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Walter B. Windsor

One of the largest industries in Otter Tail count}- is the manufacture of flour and one of the largest manufacturers of Otter Tail count}- is Walter B. Windsor, the secretary of the Fergus Flour Mills Company, which makes a specialty of manufacturing flour from the celebrated "'Park Region" wheat. The Fergus Flour Mills Company is a consolidation of the Otter Tail mill and the Fergus flour-mill.

Walter T>. Windsor is a native of Wheatcheif, Xew Jersey, where he was born on November 21, 1850. He is the son oi William II. and Sarah (Battin) Windsor, the former of whom was a well-known business man, of Xew York city, having been engaged there for man}- years in the lire insurance business. 1 luring all of this time, William IT. Windsor lived in Elizabeth, Xew Jersey. In his later years, he moved to the western part of Xew York state, where he and his wife lived until their deaths.

Walter B. Windsor received his carl\' education at Canaseraga, Allegany county, Xew York. Practically all of his education was received in innate schools. After he had grown to manhood, he learned the druggist's trade in I lornellsvillc. Xew York, but in 1883 immigrated to the Dakotas and after taking up some land made his headquarter- at Aberdeen,

In August, 1899, Mr. Windsor came to Fergus Falls and in partnership with David A. Tennant purchased the Otter Tail flour-mill, which was operated for one year. In 1900 he purchased the Fergus flour-mill and consolidated the two mills into the Fergus Flour Mills Company. In 1904 they purchased a mill in Fargo, North Dakota, and in 1912 they purchased the Globe flour-mill in Perham, Otter Tail county. In addition to 'their consolidated mill, they, therefore, own two additional mills. Comparatively, these three mills have a large capacity and the firm enjoys a large local trade in Otter Tail county and does a large business in other parts of the country. From the very beginning, the business has been a prosperous one and its success has been due not only to the wide knowledge which Mr. Windsor has of the milling business, but to his relations with his patrons, which have always been of a most cordial character. Although a prominent citizen of Otter Tail county, Mr. Windsor is a man of most modest and unassuming parts.

In October, 1891, Walter 1'.. Windsor was married, in Faribault. Minnesota, to Sarah Tennant, a native of St. Lawrence count}-, Xew York. Mr. and Mrs. Windsor have two children. Robert and Harold, who live at home with their parents.

Horace Pickit

The only merchant now living in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, who was in business in this city as long ago as 1873, is Horace Pickit, who was born in Edwards, St. Lawrence county, Xew York, in 1842, and who is the son of J. B. and Sarah (Woodcock) Pickit.

The late T. B. Pickit operated a general store in Edwards for a number of years and was postmaster for thirty-five years. He was also interested in a large ax and wagon manufacturing company and held many local offices. In fact, he was the leading citizen of the town. In 1880 he and his wife came west .to Fergus Falls and remained for a time, when they removed to Motley, Morrison county, where he and his wife lived until their deaths.

Horace Pickit received his early education in the district schools ami at the academy at Gouverneur and Pottsdam, New York, after which he worked in his father's store. When he was twenty-one years old he engaged in business for himself in Edwards until 1872, when he made a pleasure trip to California. On August 9, 1873, Mr. Pickit came to Fergus Falls. His brother was already here in business and they entered into partnership under the firm name of Pickit Brothers, which continued for five years, when they dissolved. Horace Pickit then operated the business alone.

A few years later Horace Pickit built a large brick building on the southeast corner of Mill street and Lincoln avenue, and in this building operated a furnishing goods store on the .Mill street side. A Mr. Moore operated a dry-goods store facing on Lincoln avenue.

In [890 Mr. Pickit became the postmaster of Fergus balls under the administration of President Cleveland and at the next door mi Mill street, north, conducted a tailor ship and later a furnishing goods -tore. Subsequently, however, he sold out and put in a line of cigar-, taking at the -ante time the agency for the Northern Express Company, which agency Mr. Pickit still has.

Main vears ago Mr. Pickit was married to Celinda E. Peck,. by whom two children have been horn, both of whom died in infancy. Mr. Pickil i- an affable gentleman and is highly respected by the citizens of this city.

\mong the many residents of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, who arc natives of Sweden and who have been successful in their adopted country, i- John VV. Peterson, the present superintendent of the electric lighl plant at Fergus Falls.

John VV. Peterson was born in the southern part of Sweden on July 31, [858. and is the son of Peter and Hannah (Nelson) Peterson, in 1 S 7 5 the family came to America and. after moving to Chippewa county, Minnesota, settled near what i- now the village of Maynard There the father homesteaded a tract of land which he operated and where he lived until his death.

John VV. Peterson received Ins early schooling in his native land and in America, lie attended the public schools of Granite balls, Minnesota, and of Litchfield, in Meeker county. After finishing hi- education he was first employed in a -lore in Litchfield for one year and then went to Minneapolis, where he wa- able to obtain a position with the Swan & Bush Electric Company. In the meantime Mr. Peterson attended ni-lu school, where he studied electricity, in order to better equip himself for hi- business. \fter six month- he wa- employed by the St. Paul, Minnesota, Gas Light Company, and wa- associated with that compam for four years. Mr. Peter 1. ii Hun operated the power house for eighteen month-, which is located in Fan Claire. Wisconsin. lie then came to Little ball-, where be was emploved by the Little Falls Lower and Light Company for five years.

By Mr. Peterson's marriage to Ellen Benson there has been horn one daughter, Florence K.. who lives at home with her parents; a son. William Edwin, died at the age of sixteen months.

Mr. Peterson is a member of the Minnesota Electrical Association and i- prominent in the civic life of his home town. He is well known in Fergus Falls and is highly respected by all of the people with whom he has o >mc in contact.

Among the active business men of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, who have been connected with the business life of the city for man}- years and who, as the proprietor of a popular grocery, enjoys a large and lucrative patronage, is Watson T. Bell. Mr. Bell deserves to be considered as one of the pioneers of Fergus Falls and Otter Tail county. He is prominent in the fraternal circles of the city and is otherwise well known in this section of the state.

Watson T. Bell was horn on August 14, [853, at SugaT Creek, in Walworth county, Wisconsin, lie is the son of William and Adeline (Fairchild) Bell, the former of whom came to Wisconsin from Cattaraugus county. New York. William Bell was a carpenter by trade. He emigrated in Walworth county, Wisconsin, at an early date and there followed his trade, and it was there that Watson T. Bell grew to manhood.

Having learned the printer's trade. Mr. Bell finally moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where, for some time, he worked at his trade. Still later he moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he was employed as a type setter on the Chicago Tribww until [882. \t that time Mr. Bell moved to Fergus falls, Minnesota. Realizing that there was an opportunity for a large grocery, he. in partnership with Oscar Brown, opened a retail grocery in the Wright block on Hi-mark avenue, east, and was in that location for eighl

Watson T. Bell is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99. Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the .Modern Woodmen of America.

Hon. Elmer I.Llsworth Adams

As the editor of Otter Tail county's leading newspaper for many years, and as a banker and business man. Hlmer Ellsworth Adams is one of the best-known citizens of Otter Tail county. His life and career are intimately identified with almost every phase of the development of this great county.

Elmer Ellsworth Adams, journalist and business man, is a native of Waterburv, Vermont, where he was born on December 31, 1861, a son of Daniel K. and Ann (Hale) Adams, both of whom also were natives of the state of Vermont. Daniel K. Adams, who originally was an iron manufacturer, emigrated to Minneapolis in 1879, and engaged in contract building. His death occurred in St. Paul in [912, he and his wife having reared a family of four children, Dayton, Elmer E., Wilbur and Alice.

Elmer E. Adams was educated in the public schools of Morrisville, Vermont, and at the University of Minnesota, being graduated from the latter institution with the class of 1884, ami on the 17th of February, 1884, arrived at Fergus Falls, this county, as the editor of tin- Fergus Fulls Daily Telegram. In March, 1885, the Telegram was consolidated with the Fergus Falls Journal, and Mr. Adams became editor of the consolidated newspaper, continuing in that capacity until 1912, when he was succeeded by W. L. Robertson.

In addition to the presidency of the Fergus Falls Journal Company, a position which Mr. Adams now holds, he is also presidenl of the First National Hank, president of the Northwestern Building Association, and of tin- Otter Tail Loan Association, and secretary of the Rvd Liver Milling 1 1 impany.

hi [890 Elmer E. Adams was supervisor of the federal census for the fifth Minnesota district, am! in toon he was supervisor of the census for the seventh Minnesota district, For many years he was a member of the hoard ..I' regents of the University of Minnesota. member of the state Legislature for four terms a lower house of the Minnesota Legislature at the at at the University of Minnesota In was a fraternity.

Mr. Adams is prominent as a member of the Chippewa Club, of Fergus Falls. He is a gentleman of wide information as a banker and a forceful newspaper editor and writer, being widely recognized as one of the most forceful editorial writers in Minnesota. His large success in life has come as a natural consequence of his natural force of character and grace of personality and he deserves to rank as one of the foremost citizens of Otter

Richard J. Angus, a successful business man of Fergus Falls. Minnesota, who has been engaged in the real-estate, loan and insurance business in this city since 1891, is a well-rounded man and citizen. He is popular among the people of Otter Tail county. Rarely does anything occur in Fergus Falls in which he does not take a leading part.

Richard J. Angus, who is a native of Scotland, was born at Bathgate on February [6, 1863. His father, the late Alexander Angus, was a merchant in the old country. The family came to America in 1880, and after settling in Minnesota engaged in farming.

Educated at the city of Bathgate, Mr. Angus later entered the University cf Edinburgh, where for some years he was a student. When Mr. Angus was nineteen years old. he engaged in the real estate business with Miller & McMasters, of Fergus Falls, and was employed by this firm for a period of six years. It was here that he laid the foundation of the success which was ti> crown the efforts of his later years. In 1888 Mr. Angus went tn Neligh, Nebraska, where he became assistant manager of the Nebraska office of the Globe Investment Company, of Boston. Massachusetts. The next year. [889, Mr. Angus was transferred to the Kansas City office as cashier of the combined Nebraska and Kansas office-. Two years later. in [891, he returned to Fergus Falls and, having already obtained .1 good

Start in life, boughl OUl the real-estate business of F. \V. Bumham, who had succeeded to the business of .Miller & McMasters. This business has been successfully earned mi for a period of nearly a quarter of a century, and it ha- given .Mr. Angus an opportunity t'> be of real service in the agricultural and commercial life of Otter Tail county. ^mong his various interests he owns farms jn this county and mi the White Earth reservation, and city property, among which is a third interest in the Manhattan building, where his office is located. ,(,bi

.Mr. Angus lias served several terms as alderman of the fourth ward on the city council in Fergus Falls. The gin id work of Richard J. Angus floes not appear in a brief statement of facts concerning his life's career, llis ways of doing good are so varied and extend to so many unexpected quarters that they cannot well be set forth in this place, lie is, however, one of the "live wires" of Fergus Falls and prominent in many phases of its life. Mr. Angus is a member of several fraternal and secret orders, including, among others, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also treasurer of the Federated church.. No interest is beneath his notice and no interest exists in this thriving city either too large or too small to gain a part of his attention, lie is fund of the people of Fergus Falls and the people are fond of him and cherish the work he has done and is doing.

Adin Nelson, a well-known citizen of Fergus Falls. Minnesota, and the principal butter-maker for the Fergus Co-operative Creamery Association, is a native of East Union, Carver county. Minnesota, where he was horn on July 20, 1876. He is the son of Nels and Inga (Anderson) Nelson, who had a family of nine children. The following children are -til! living: Jonah M.. a resident of Minneapolis ; Nels G., a resident of Carver village; Mrs. Christine Svvanson, who lives in Carver; Mrs. Lena Scott, of Ionian. Scott county, Minnesota: Leonard, who lives at Bemidji ; and Emma, who married llenn Hotting, and lives at Bemidji.

Mr. Nelson's father came to America in 1869 and his mother three years later. They settled in East Union, Carver county, Minnesota, where Nels operated a flour-mill and where he was the head m.iller for five years. He then purchased a farm and was engaged in Farming the remainder of his life.

Adin Nelson was reared on the farm and received his education in Easl Union, Carver county, Minnesota. \fter completing his education he managed his father's farm for three years after his father's death, and then found employment in the creamery for a couple of years. After he had obtained a general knowledge of making butter, he attended a dairy-farm school and, after completing his studies there, he returned to Fast Union and became butter-maker for the Easl Union creamers. Altogether, Mr. Nelson was employed by the Easl Union creamery for seven years.

In 1007 Adin Nelson came to Fergus Falls. Minnesota, and has since operated the Co-operative creamery a1 this place. He is a member o1 the Butter-Maker's Association, both Mate and national, and Vasa Orden of Fergus Falls.

county, Adin Nelson has four children, Margaret, Doris, Wilma and Hernia. The Nelson family are all members of the Swedish Lutheran church. They are regular attendants at church services and contribute liberally to the support of the church in every way.

Herbert E. Webber

Herbert E. Webber, the well-known manager of the E. J. Webber Company, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, whose family history is recounted in the sketch of his deceased father, was born on April 21, 1884. It may be said in this connection, however, that his father, who passed away in IQ05, was one of the most progressive citizens in the history of Fergus Falls.

Herbert E. Webber obtained his elementary education in the public schools of Fergus Falls, and after finishing the high school course he attended Northwestern University, at Chicago, and was a student there in the law department. Mr. Webber expected to continue his course in law until graduation, but his father's untimely death, in 1005, changed his plans and he returned home to take up his father's work.

.Mr. Webber has charge of all of his father's business and is capably and successfully installed as its manager. He is president of the Fergus < laskel Works, a position which his father held at the time of his death, and has many other business responsibilities.

Herbert E. Webber was married on February 3, 191 5, to Rose Frankoviz, a native of Fergus Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Webber are popular in the social life of Fergus Falls and entertain frequently at their hospitable and comfortable home in this city. Mr. Webber is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Christian O. Utne

Among the residents of Fergus halls. Minnesota, who have been successful in its business and commercial life, is Christian O. Utne, the present secretary of the Fergus Falls Woolen Mills Company, who is a native of Norway.

Christian O. Utne was horn on March 23, 1882, and is the son of Oliver C. and Ellen Torine < Ryan 1 Utne. The Utne family, consisting of the father and mother and five children, came to .America in [886 \ iter arriving on the Atlantic seaboard, they came West to Dalton, ( )tter Tail county, Minnesota, where the father purchased a farm and on which was standing a small frame house. Later on he built a larger house There were ten children in the Utne Family: Mattie. Amanda. Emma, who is deceased; Christian, who married Edith Suniu, a native of Whhv and the daughter of Andrew and Mar) Sunju, and has two children, Ellen Marie and Dorothy Isabel; Sarah; Andrew O. is a professor in the Park Region College; Theodore, who is principal of the high school at Norwood; form, who lives on the old farm: Emma, who is a teacher by profession; and 1 >ora, who lives at home.

Christian O. Utne received his early education in Dane Prairie. Later he attended the Northwestern College at Fergus Falls and later Red Wing Seminary and Moorehead State Normal School. After completing his studies, he taught school in different places for seven years.

In 1910 Mr. Utne became associated with the management of the Fergus Falls "Woolen Mill Company, which position he now holds. He is a successful business man and a valuable citizen, one who takes a commendable interest in public enterprises and worthy public movements.

Martin T. Nelson

Of the well-known business firms in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, there may be mentioned the firm of Nelson &- Thoreson. who operate two distinct lines of business, the Fergus Fuel Company, which deals in coal, lime, plaster and cement, and the Marble and Granite Works.

Martin T. Nelson, the senior member of the firm of Nelson & Thoreson. was born on November 15, 1873, and is the son of Tollef and Marit (Larson) Nelson, the former of whom was born in 1837 and who, in 1856, with his brother, sailed for America. Tollef was then but nineteen years old. With his brother, he landed at Quebec. Canada, and not having enough money to reach their destination they borrow-ed some and by boat finally reached the state of Michigan, after which they worked their way several hundred miles, finally reaching Big Canoe, Iowa, where their uncle lived. They remained with him for a time and then moved to Waseca county, Minnesota, where they worked a farm on the shares for a time. Afterward they came to Freeborn comity and also worked at farming on the shares. Finally, they purchased a yoke of oxen and drove to Tumuli township, in Otter rail county, taking up a homestead near the village of Halt. ml There

Tollef and Marit (Larson) Xelson were the parents of twelve children, four of whom died in infancy: Carrie, who is now Mrs. T 0 Udbye, of Fergus Falls; Nels T. who is a lawyer and editor; [nger, who married F. C. Svensrud, and lives on a part of the old homestead; Lars, who lives on the homestead in Tumuli township: Martin T., who is the subjecl of this sketch: Anton, who is .1 resident of Canada; Thore L. who is a barber in Fergus Falls; and Eline, who married Emil Brusven.

his education taught school for two years in Norman county and two years in Otter Tail county. Afterward he engaged in the coal, lime, plaster and cenu-nt business and. in 1908, went into the marble and granite business. The title of the firm was originally Partridge & Nelson. This partnership arrangement continued for one year, and afterward Mr. Nelson was alone until 191 2, when he took his present partner into the business.

The firm of Nelson & Thoreson has been unusually successful in business and has succeeded in building up a large trade and a valuable patronage in this community. Much of this success is due to the splendid ability and genial personality of the senior member of the firm. Martin T. Nelson.

Lowell I. Langness

Lowell I. Langness, a well-known merchant of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, who has been engaged in business at Clitherall longer than any other man in the history of the town, was born at Rodness, Smaalennes, Amt, Norway. August 7. 1864, and is the son of Iver A. and Amelia (Anderson) Langness. Mr. Langness' father was born in 1829 and his mother in 1826. They were married in Norway, and after their marriage Iver A. Langness came to America and located in Goodhue county, Minnesota, in 1868. Two years later the family came to America, and in 1874 they settled in Leaf Mountain township. Otter Tail county. Here the father took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres. He cleared the land and improved it in many ways and lived on this farm until his death, in 1901. His wife died in 1905. They were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and were among the organizers of the Zoar congregation. They were active in religious work until the time of their deaths. They were the parents of six children, of whom August and Carl are deceased. The living children are: Julius, Lowell !.. Alava and Anna.

Lowell I. Langness was educated in Leaf Mountain township and in Nidaros township. 1 [e was reared on a farm and lived on the farm until he was twenty-two years old. when he engaged in threshing in this count) .After having been engaged in the threshing business for three years Mr. Langness attended the St. Cloud Normal School and the Curtis Business College al Minneapolis. He came to Clitherall in the fall of i8gt and engaged in the grain business as a buyer for the Farmers Elevator Company. Later he built an elevator, hut sold out about 1901 and moved to North Dakota, where he took a claim of one hundred and sixty acre-, \fter proving up on the claim he returned to Clitherall, and in the fall of [905 engaged in the general mercantile business. Mr. Langness owns hi- own

On October 28, 1896, Lowell T. Langness was married to Minnie Nyberg, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. She was born in Tintah, Wilkin county, Minnesota, in 1875. and is the daughter of Charles and Caroline Nyberg, the former of whom lives in Fergus Falls, the latter being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lowell I. Langness have no children.

Mr. Langness is a member of tin- Modern Woodmen of America at Clitherall. He has been active in the Farmers Alliance and was a delegate to the national convention of Modern Woodmen of America, at Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Langness is independent in politics, but this does not mean that he takes no part in politics. On the contrary, he has always been rather active. Mr. Langness has served as clerk of the village and has also served on the council. lie was township clerk for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Langness are members of the Presbyterian church and take an active interest in religious affairs.

A brother of Lowell 1. T^tngness. Julius 1. Langness, who resides in Nidaros township, was born in Norway, November t. 1858. He was educated in Norway and in 1870 came to Goodhue county. Minnesota. Four years later he settled in Otter Tail count}', was reared on a farm and educated principally in the schools of this county. He is a farmer by occupation and in 1885 purchased seventy acres of land, to which he lias since added until he now owns one hundred and sixty acres in section 33. He also has eighty acre in section 4, of Leaf Mountain township.

Julius I. Langness was married in 1885 to Lelah Doty, who was born in 1864 in Minnesota, and who is the daughter of Gideon and Lucinda Doty. They now live at Spicer, Minnesota. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and. Mrs. Julius 1. Langness. as follow: Merrill. Minnie. George, Cleveland. Jennie. Mice, Vernon, Maud. Lawrence. Lloyd and Raymond.

Ole J. Fossen

The proprietor of the popular Roller Feed Mills on South Mill street, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Ole J. Fossen, was horn at Throndhjem, Norway, and is the son of lens O. and Christena Fossen. who came to America in 1865. After landing on the Atlantic seaboard, the family came west to Minnesota and settled in Goodhue county, where they rented a farm and remained until [870, a period of live years. In 1870 the Fossen family removed to Otter Tail county and settled in Dane Prairie township, where they homesteaded a tract of land. This farm was located in section 6. There the family erected a house and continued to live until about 1900, when Mr. and Mrs. Jens 1 >. Fossen removed to Fergus Falls. After removing- to this city, Jens O. Fossen retired from active life.

Ole J. Fossen received his early education in the public schools of Goodlme county and in Dane Prairie township of Otter Tail county. He attended the old school known as district No. 28. In 1884 Mr. Fossen left the home farm and came into the city, working for the Fergus Flour Mill Company for ten years. In 1894 be purchased an interest in the Beardsley & Langley mill, and the firm became known as Beardsley & Fossen. It was operated under this name for a period of five years, when Mr. Fossen purchased Mr. Beardsley's interest in the mill. Under the management of Mr. Fossen the mill has been verv successful and has done a large business in the grinding of feed and the sale of flour and feed.

By his marriage to Olive Olson, Mr. and Mrs. Fossen have had three children, namely: George is a civil engineer and resides at St. Paul, Minnesota ; Theodore is a bookkeeper employed by the First National Bank, of Fergus Falls; Flenry is a graduate of the Fergus Falls high school. Mrs. Fossen is a native of Norway. Aside from his purely private business interests. Mr. Fossen is prominent in the fraternal circles of the city. He is a member of the Sons of Norway and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Olaf J. Schei

Prosperous as a merchant in the commercial life of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Olaf J. Schei, who is engaged in the retail sale of clothing and furnishing goods, is a native of Kenvon township, Goodhue county. Minnesota, where he was born in 1868.

.Mr. Schei is the son of Johanes P. and Lena (RosvohH Schei. the former of whom was born in Yter Pen, and the latter born in Yerdolm. Norway. Mr. Schei's parent- came to America via Quebec, Canada, in [867, alter a voyage lasting six weeks on the Atlantic ocean. The voyagewas made in a sailing vessel. After landing at Quebec, Mr. Schei's parents came direct to Goodhue county, Minnesota, settling near the village of kenvon. Both father and mother worked out on the neighboring farms the first year, and during the second year they broke ground. In the winter he cut cord wood and broke ground in the summer. In 1870 Mr. and Mrs. Johanes P. Schei moved to ( )tter Tail county, Minnesota, and, after locating in Tordenskjold township, the] homesteaded land and still live on this farm. The) have reared a family of ten children.

ship and was reared on the home farm. In [89] he settled in Fergus Palls, entering the emplo) at thai time of J. II. Grass, the well-known clothier. There he learned tin- clothing nd after being associated with Mr.

Grass for seven and one-half years, in [899, engaged in the clothing business "ii his own responsibility. Mr. Schei has been remarkably successful, owing principally to his pleasing personality and to his grasp of the clothing business.

B\ his marriage to Signe Vinje, a native of Kongsvinger, Norway, Olaf J. Schei has four children, Helen T., Russell J., Vernon O. and Harold W.

Albert Larson

Anna i Erickson) Asleson, both of whom were born in Sweden. They were married in their native land and immigrated to Filmore county. Minnesota, in [868 In [872 Mr. and Mrs. Lars Asleson moved to Leaf Mountain township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acre-. Subsequently, they moved to clitherall. where Lars parent- of eleven children. Betsey, Albert, Jennie John, Maria, Anne, (.'aniline, Matilda. Lewis, \inelia and Ellen. Of these children. Anne. Matilda, Lewis, \inelia and Ellen arc deceased.

Albert Larson was reared on a farm in Otter Tail county and educated in the public schools of Leaf Mountain township. When Mr. Larson enough, he began working on his father's farm. He later purchased a farm in Leaf Mountain township from Charles J. Wright. He added to this farm until he owned three hundred and fort) acres of land. situated in sections 15 and [6. Mr. Larson now has one hundred and eighty acre- of that farm. In August, hioN. Mr. Larson moved to Clitherall and purchased the -tore which he now occupies. He is engaged in the general mercantile business and also owns stock in the Clitherall drain Association, and in the Clitherall Co-operative Creamery Company.

On December 11, [880, Albert Larson was married to Lena II. who was born, in Norway on August 15. [864, and who is the daughter of Halvor and Ragena 1 Martinson) Halverson, both of whom were natives of Norway. Mr. Larson's father remained in Norway, but her mother came to Goodhue county, Minnesota, and after living for a few years in

Faribault and Red Wing- came to Otter. Tail county in 1873 and settled in Leaf Mountain township, where she died on February 4. iqoj, at the age of eighty-five. Her husband had died many years previously in Norway. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom seven are living- Rebecca, Alary, Robert. John, (lie. Sever and Lena.

Mr, and Mrs. Albert Larson have thirteen children, Lloyd Arthur, John Alfred, Ole Rudolph, Rachel Amanda, Alma Augusta, Henry Marvin, Mabel Josephine, Selma Matilda, Ida Amelia. Clifford Clarence, Edna Grace, Gladys Lillian and Lena Lenora, all of whom are living.

Although Air. Larson is independent in politics, he has always been active in local affairs. He has served as a member of the council since he came to Clitherall and also as clerk of the village. Mr. and Airs. Albert Larson and family are members of the United Lutheran church.

John H. Loken

One of the successful merchants of Clitherall, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is John H. Loken, who is a native of Norway, where he was born on July 30, 1S68.

John H. Loken is the son of Hagen J. and Gura (Helseth) Loken, both of whom were born in Norway. Air. Loken's father was born on October 13, 1833, and bis mother on June 6, 1830. After their marriage in Norway, they immigrated to America and settled in Wisconsin in 1870. , On July to, 1871, they settled in Otter Tail county, taking a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in section 8, of Nidaros township. Hagen J. Loken improved bis farm in many ways. He erected good buildings on the farm and lived upon this old homestead until March 16, 1909. His wife died on December 5. 1905. They were members of the L'nited Lutheran church. They had a family of five children, of whom Gunder, the youngest, died in infancy. The living children are Johanna, John H., Josephine and Jens.

John H. Loken was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools of Nidaros township. For a number of years he was engaged in farming. When be was twenty-one years old, in 1880. Mr. Loken purchased his Father's farm, [n [909 he moved to Clitherall and engaged in the hardware and furniture business. Since thai time he has built up a large and prosperous patronage in Clitherall and vicinity. Mr. Loken owns his own place of business as well as his residence in Clitherall. He owns stock in the Clitherall drain Association and also in the Co-operative Creamerv Association and the banners' Elevator Company at Yining. Minnesota.

born in Sweden. April 21, [873, and who is the daughter of Andrew and Frederika Johnson. They came from Sweden to America in 1889 and settled in Leaf .Mountain township, where Mrs. Loken's father died in 1904, at the age of about seventy-three years. I lis widow is still living and 1- now seventy-eight years old.

Mr. and Mrs. John H. Loken have four children: Mabel, born on July [3, [897, who was educated at the Park Region Luther College, of Fergus Falls; Henry, October 31, 1000: Gordon, April 8, 1005: and Lawrence. August 28, 1007.

Mr. Loken ha- served as president of the village of Chtherall for two years and is now a member of the Clitherall council. lie was clerk of the school board of district No. 53, for twelve years ami served as supervisor of the township for three years. Altogether. John H. Loken is one of the most prominent citizens of Clitherall township and one of its must highly respected citi/ens and business men.

Horn in Sweden on January X. 1860, Andrew Gustafson, a well-known lumber dealer of Clitherall, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is the son of Gustav Person and Louisa (Ryberg) Gustafson, both of whom were horn in Sweden in 1832. They were married in Sweden and there Mr. Gustafson's father died in iqii. His mother is still living in her native land and is now eighty-three years old. The seven children horn to Gustav Person Gustafson and wife are: Carl, Andrew, Aunett, Peter, Louisa. Caroline and Anne, all of whom are living. Of these children. Louisa is the wife of Peter Ericksen, of Garfield, Douglas county, Minnesota. With the exception of Andrew and Louisa, the remainder of the family still live in Sweden. \ndrew Gustafson was educated in the public schools of his native land, lie came to America in [882 and settled in Douglas county, Minnesota, where he lived until 1902, when he settled .11 Clitherall. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and engaged in the lumber business. Here Mr. Gustafson has built up a most prosperous and growing business in lumber. Prior in coming to Clitherall, he was engaged in the lumber business at Garfield, :ars. Mr. Gustafson is a stockholder in the tnd also a stockholder in the Chtherall Co- He is now president of the Clitherall council l' the seho.il board since he came to Clitherall, four wars. IK- was also a member of the 1 he resided in Douglas county. on was married to Louisa Angus, who was is the daughter of Robert and Elsie Angus.

-Mrs. Gustafson's father is deceased, but her mother is living in Garfield, Minnesota. Mr. and Airs. Gu'stafson have four children. William S., Amy C, Roger A. and Anna C.

Air. and Air.-.. Andrew Gustafson are members of the Presbyterian church at Clitherall. They are prominent, not only in religious work, but take an active interest in all public matters.

Ads It C. Hatch

One of the most prominent business men and citizens of Otter Tail county, Alinnesota, and, in point of years, the oldest merchant in Battle Lake, Minnesota, is a native of Dane county, Wisconsin, where he was born on July 12, 1855.

Adsit C. Hatch is the son of Lorenzo and Clara E. ( Adsit J Hatch, both of whom were natives of New York state, the former having been born on March 17, 1822, and the latter on September 29, 1821. Mr. Hatch's paternal grandparents were Wells and Alary (Rexford) Hatch, who were natives of Connecticut and New York state, respectively. They immigrated from New York state to Virginia, where they both died. Mr. Hatch's grandfather was killed during the Civil War. He was a soldier in the First Virginia Cavalry. His death occurred in 1862, when he was seventy-four years old. Timothy Hatch, who was Adsit C. Hatch's great-grandfather, was the son of Jethro Hatch, a major in the Revolutionary War. Adsit C. Hatch is in possession of a sword which Jethro Hatch carried during the Revolutionary War. Majnr Jethro Hatch participated in the battle of Ticonderoga. Timothy Hatch, the son of Jethro Hatch, enlisted in the Revolutionary army at the age of seventeen and took part in the battle of Saratoga. He was a pensioner at the time of his death in i<Sst> at the age of ninety-six years. The Hatch family is of English descent.

Mr. Hatch's maternal grandparents were Stephen and Elizabeth 1 I Deri Adsit, natives of Ww York state. They immigrated to Dane county, Wisconsin, and there they both died.

Mr. Hatch's father moved to Virginia when he was eighteen years old. For several years he was superintendent of public works in the Districl of Columbia. In [852 his parents located in Dane county, Wisconsin, and there took up a farm. Lorenzo Hatch died in Dane county in lune, [911. His wile had died in [861. They had children, Susan, Man. Clara ami \dsit. Lorenzo I latch was a Democrat 111 politics, a member of the Legislature and deputy provosl marshal (hiring the ( ivil War. lie was a member of the Presbyterian church.

Q2 Otter Tail County, Minnesota

Academy, the Wisconsin Stale University and was graduated from a business college at Madison. Until he was twenty-one years old. Mr. Hatch lived on the farm. Shortly after his twenty-first birthday he went to Texas where he lived for two years. He then returned to Wisconsin and lived for two vears and then established himself in business at Evansville. .Mr. Hatch came to Battle Lake in 1881 and has been continuously in business since that time. He has the longest business career in this town of any man new in business. Mr. Hatch owns the grain elevator at Battle Lake, farm lands in Otter Tail county and other important industrial and financial interests.

On March 9, 1890, Adsit C. Hatch was married to Louisa Sahol, of Battle Lake. Minnesota. To them have been born eleven children, all of whom are living, namely: Susie. Agnes, Charles, llattie. Edith, Carrie, Alice. Elizabeth. Dorothy, Hester and Lorenzo.

Few men have taken a more active interest in the work of the Minnesota Anti-saloon League than Adsit C. Hatch. He is an implacable foe of the liquor traffic and an ardent believer and advocate of temperance. Mr. Hatch is independent in politics and has never aspired to office. The Hatch family are all members of the Lutheran church and take an active interest in religious affairs.

Martin Rosyold

Martin Rosvold. who is a well-known and highly-respected farmer oi Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and who has made a success of his chosen vocation, was born at Trondhjem, Norway, March 5, 1858, and is tin son of Peter and Annie (Volen") Rosvold.

Mr. Rosvold's parents were also born at Trondhjem and grew up there and were married. The father came to America in r.867, leaving his family in Norway. He lived in Goodhue county, Minnesota, for three years and. in [869, his wife and five of the six children came to join him. In 1870 the whole family moved to Otter Tail county and settled in Tordenskjcld township near the Lutheran church, where they homesteaded one hundred and sixtv acres of land. Later, however, they -old this farm and purchased .me hundred and sixt) acres in Dane Prairie township. This land was mainly covered with timber. Mr. Rosvold cleared the land and. from year to year, erected substantial outbuildings, including a house, barn and granary. \bout fifteen years ago, he retired to a small forty acre tract of land in rorden kjold town-hip and died there two years later. Ills wife had .lied in [896. The) were members of the Lutheran church and reared a family 1 children, seven dying early in life. The names of the children in fhe order of their birth were: Martin, the subjed of this sketch: Andor.

who lives in Portland, Oregon ; Karen, who is the widow of Sam Kloostad and lives in Duluth, Minnesota; Anna, who lives with her brother, Martin; Andreas, who is a farmer in North Dakota; Olaf, who made his home principally with his brother, Martin, died in Otter Tail county; Ole, who died at the age of three years; the eighth child died in infancy; Anna Margaret, who died at the age of twelve years ; John, who died in childhood ; and two who died early in life.

Martin Rosvold received a meager educational training in district No. 43, of Dane Prairie township, and was reared on the farm. When he was twenty-four years old. he moved to Port Ransom, North Dakota, where he took up a homestead of one hundred and one acres of land and pre-empted another one hundred and sixty. He cultivated practically all of this land, except titty acres which were devoted to pasture, and engaged in general farming until 1900, when he returned to Otter Tail county and purchased his father's farm, where he has lived ever since. Mr. Rosvold has erected new buildings, including a house, barn, granary and garage. He is engaged in diversified farming.

When the Rosvold family came to America, they spent from seven to nine weeks on the sailing ship, transportation facilities being very poor at that time. The}- were compelled to change many times from the cars to a ship and hack again to the cars on their way from Quebec to Minnesota and it was a long, hard trip. On moving from Goodhue county, Mr. Rosvold and his father's family spent twenty-two days in all on the trip. Mr. Rosvold's parents and the six children rode in a covered wagon. The roads were terrible and it rained most of the time. The cattle were driven through and some member of the family was compelled to drive them. On arriving in Otter Tail county, the family spent some time in a mere shack with straw thatch for shelter. After breaking three acres of the land, the family had luit two dollars. Leaving one dollar with his wife, Peter Rosvold started for Goodhue county with an ox team, where he knew he could obtain work, there being no work in this vicinity. The nearesl postoffice at that time was Clitherall. Peter Rosvold started for Goodhue county in November and, after his return, built a small log house. The next year he began to clear the land. During this period, he had hut one cow and the family was often compelled to live on dry bread and black prairie tea. Peter Rosvold, however, lived to see better days and his old age was spent in comfort. I [e died at the age of seventy-five.

Martin Rosvold was married on July 28, 1885. to ( Hena Eggen, a native of Norway, who was also horn near Trondhjem and who is the daughter of Olaf Eggen. The Eggen family came to America anil settled in Dakota. Mrs. Rosvold's mother died in Fargo and her father afterward settled in

Ransom county. Mr. and Mrs. .Martin Rosvold have been the parents of fen children: Karen, who died early in life; Paul Oscar, who died at the age of two years; Astrid, who married Albert Hoversten, of Waseca, Minnesota, both of whom were educated in the University of Minnesota; Alfred, who helps on the home farm, is a graduate of the agricultural department of the University of Minnesota; Nora, who was educated in the Fergus Falls high school, teaches in the public schools and lives at home; Annie, who is a student in the University of Minnesota; Olaf, who lives at home; Martha Olena, who died in infancy; .Agnes and Margaret, both of whom live at home.

Mr. Rosvold has always been independent in politics. He supports measures and men rather than parties and party emblems. He served many years as a school director and has always been keenly interested in education, as the exceptional opportunities which he has given to his children so well prove. The Rosvold family are members of the Swan Lake Lutheran church.

Edward L. Aasnes

Born on June 10. 1835, m Norway, Edward L. Aasnes, a prosperous farmer of Dane Prairie township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is a son of Lars and Ellen Knutson.

Mr. Aasnes's parents spent their entire lives in Norway. His father was a glass-blower by trade, and was employed in a glass factory in his native land. Mr. Aasnes is one of nine children born to his parents: Andrew, the eldest, was also a glass-blower by trade, and died in Norway; < )le, who was a turner by trade, also died in Norway; Cornelius, who was a retired farmer, and who came to St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, in 1867. died 111 June, 1915, at Fergus Falls; Lawrence, living 111 Norway; Rasmina lives in Norway; Anna, living in Norway with her husband; AiUlf. living in North Dakota; John, who died at the age of four years; Edward I... of Dane Prairie township.

Edward L. Aasnes was educated in the public schools of his native land, and worked at various occupations until r866, when he emigrated to ,-a. \tter living in the latter state for one year, iy, Minnesota, and settled in St. Olaf township with whom he lived for three years. In 1870 ty-eighl acres of land in Dane Prairie township. At ibis time the Indians still roamed over the around to this section to hunt. However, they truly pioneer conditions Mr. Aasnes continued nd and erected substantial buildings from time to time. He prospered as a fanner and has been able to add forty acres more to his original holdings, and now owns one hundred and eighty acres.

In [880 Edward L. Aasnes was married to Aletta Olson, a native of Norway, born in 1845, at ^I|>ss. Mrs. Aasnes is a daughter of Ole and .Martha ( Larson 1 Olson, both of whom died in Norway. Mrs. Aasnes came to America in 1S71, and has a brother, Otto, and sister living in Chicago. Her sister, Lena, is the wife of Jens Olson.

Edward L. Aasnes and wife are the parents of two children, Oscar, who lives at home and operates the home farm, and Emma Matilda, who died September 12, 1886, at the age of six months.

Upon coming to America Mr. Aasnes identified himself with the Republican party, and served for thirty years as a supervisor in Dane Prairie township. Mr. Aasnes and family are members of the Lutheran church, in which they have always taken an active interest.

Ole Christian Nelson

Prominent in the business life of P.attle Lake, Minnesota, is Ole Christian Nelson, who has been continuously engaged in the mercantile business at Battle Lake since the early eighties and who is now doing business in Battle Lake under the firm name of O. ( '. Nelson & Company.

Born on February 17, [857, in Norway, Ole Christian Nelson is the son of Nels and Helena (Johnson) Nelson, also natives of Norway, who were born in [827 and [825, respectively. Mr. Nelson's father was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1899. On September 15, 1901, Mrs. Helena Nelson came to Battle Lake. Minnesota, and died here on October 16, 1901. They were the parents of five children, of whom two, both named Martenns. are deceased. The living children are, Ole Christian, Josephena and Hans.

Ole Christian Nelson was educated in the public schools of Norway and was confirmed in the Lutheran church at the age of fifteen years. He worked in the lumber-mills and on the railroads of Norway until the spring of t88o, when he came to America and settled at Stillwater, in Washington county, Minnesota, where he was employed by Isaac Staples until [881, when he moved to Fargo, North Dakota. On July o. 1 SN 1 , Mr. Nelson moved to Battle Lake, Minnesota, and for a time, stopped with Han- Gilbertson. He got employment here on the railroad and worked until October 8, [88l, when he returned to Washington county, Minnesota, to work for Mr. Staples. In March. iKK_>. Air. Nelson came hack to Battle I .ako ami has resided here ever since. In June, [882, he bought a one-half interest in the Rustof & Dol meat market, and two years later, purchased the other one-half interest and operated the business for a period of twelve years. In the meantime he had erected several stores. He first embarked in the grocery business and then branched out in the clothing business and finally in the general mercantile business. His store was burned in 1906 and rebuilt in 1907. He has one store, twenty-five by eighty feet, and just north of that has erected another building, forty by ninety feet. In addition to his private business interests. Mr. Nelson owns stock in the flourmill and is one of the directors of the company.

< in February 26, 1895, Ole C. Nelson was married to Matilda Nickelson, whu was born at Baldwin, St. Croix county, Wisconsin, January 31. 1876, and who is the daughter of O. M. and Serine (Olsdatter) Nickelson, natives of Norway, where they were born on September 30, 1844, and 1845, respectively. Mrs. Nelson's parents moved to Wisconsin during the sixties, but later returned to Norway. They immigrated to Battle Creek. Wisconsin, in 1885, and settled on a farm. In iqi i they sold their farm and moved to Battle Lake, where Mrs. Nelson's mother died on October 4. 1913. Mrs. Nelson was the eldest in a family of seven children, the others being, Gusta, Margaret, Eliza, Oscar, Josephine and Mabel. Mr. and Mrs. Ole Christian Nelson have been the parents .if six children. Orville. Helmer S.. Cameron (deceased), Helen. Robert and Carl.

Mr. Nelson has served as a member of the Battle Lake town council. He and his wife and family are members of the Lutheran church and take an active interest in religious affairs.

Rev. Ditlef G. Ristad

Rev. Ditlef < r. Ristad, president of Park Region Luther College at Fergus Falls, has won for himself a conspicuous position in the educational life uf Otter Tail county and of the -tate of Minnesota. Educated in the schools nf his native land and in the best colleges and universities of this country, he i- a man of striking personality and b\ reason of In- tolerant political, social and religious views enjoys the confidence of a large circle of friends in this section of Minnesota, lie is a rr of the people, in the broadest sense of the word a city improvement committee of Fergus Falls, has beautification of that splendid city.

Born in the province of Namdalen, Norway, the Rev. Ditlef G, Ristad is the -"ii of George ami Johanna 1 Bergitte) Ristad, the former of whom, a farmer by occupation, also had charge of die government forests, lie died in hi- native land in [904. lli- beloved wife, mother of the subject of this sketch, i- -till living. The Ristad family is a historic one in Norway mil has an unbroken history of four hundred year- in one locality. \ part "i the original house of 1",^-. which ha- been clapbdarded two or three timeSj and where Ditlef G. Ristad was born, is still standing and is now four hundred years old. The first boards put on over the logs were fastened by means of wooden pegs, this being long before nails were in use. The last boarding was in 1812, but these boards were put on with nails.

Ditlef G. Ristad attended the public schools of Norway and subsequently took a three-years course at the State Normal School, after which he taught in the high school for a time and served as a private tutor for three years. He served three years in the army and on September 1, 1887, left his native land for America. Upon landing he immediately proceeded to St. Paul, Minnesota, and for some time turned his hands to anything he could find to do. He worked in the streets and in the stone quarries and was planning to go to Xew Zealand, where he had relatives who were interested in mining projects. About that time he received a letter from a cousin of his mother's, who had heard of his being in America. This cousin gave him a position in his general store at Mindora, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1889, in the fall of which year he entered the Lutheran Theological Seminary at St. Paul, from which he was graduated in the summer of 1892. He then accepted a call from the church at Koshkonong, Dane county, Wisconsin (a church that was dedicated in 1844 and had the first ordained pastor from Norway), where he served as pastor until 1900, in the meantime ( 1896-97) taking a post-graduate course in the University of Chicago. During the year 1894 and again in 1904 the Rev. Mr. Ristad traveled extensively in Europe. In 1900 he was elected principal of the Albion Academy at Albion, Wisconsin, and remained there until 1906, when he accepted a call from the Park Region Luther College at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and has served continuously as president ever since. He is an efficient instructor and a man of splendid executive attainment, who by his own personal force has been instrumental in building up the college of which he is the honored president.

By Ins marriage to Sara Moltzan Johnson, a native of Milwaukee. Wisconsin, Rev. Mr. Ristad has had two sons. George Rolf and Robert Nicholas.

The Rev. Ditlef G. Ristad is what might be called a "number one" man and citizen, one who has worthily discharged his duties in all the relations of life and who has meritoriousl) attained a position of honor and trust in the community of his residence. For years he has been a valued contributor to the leading Norwegian newspapers and magazines, both in this country and in Norway and has displayed a keen interest in the "P.ygdelag" (provincial societies) movement. Mr. Ristad occupies a very high position in the councils of his communion in this country and served as a member of the committee which prepared the "Lutheran Hymnary," the (?b) official hymn-book of the Norwegian Lutheran church in America, and was one of the editors of the "Lutheran Hymnary, Jr.," a bilingual hymn-book for young people. He also has translated a number of the best English hymns into the Norwegian tongue and has translated the standard Norwegian hymns into English.

Jens P. Jensen

Jens P. Jensen, a prosperous farmer of Dane Prairie township, is a native of Tordenskjold township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he was born on March 2, 1871. Mr. Jensen is the son of Peter and .Maren Christine (Jensen) Jensen, who were born in Denmark and who came to America before their marriage, the father about 1867 and the mother about two years later.

Peter Jensen was eighteen weeks on the water in coming to America. Cholera broke out on the ship in which he made the voyage to America and about one-half of the people on the ship died and were buried at sea. The ship was quarantined in the New York harbor for many months before the survivors were permitted to land. After coming to Otter Tail county, Peter Jensen homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land and was then married to Christine Jensen and settled on the farm, living there until ion;. when he sold out and moved to Los Angeles, California, which has been his home since, with the exception of three years spent on a farm near Los Angeles. Peter Jensen was compelled to clear his land and cut off the timber, before he could raise a crop on his homestead farm in this county.

The first white men who came to this country through Tordenskjold were Peter Jensen, his brother, Christopher, Jens and Hans Jacobson. Peter Jensen built a house immediately after coming to this county and a part of this house is still standing. He also built a log barn, but in later years before leaving the county erected a frame barn. He was a school director for many years and also held ether important township offices, lie was a Democrat in politics and one of the organizers >>i the Sverdrup Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Roth he and his wife are devout members of the Lutheran church and he was one of the founders of the Tordenskjold township church. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Anna married John M. Clark and lives in Los Angeles, California; Jens P. is tinsubject of this sketch; Hans is a farmer of Dane Prairie township; Minm is the general manager of the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Andrew is a farmer in Orphena, Idaho; Mary. who married Gust Sunday, resides at Ocean Beach, California: Alexander is a farmer in California: Andrea, who was the twin brother of Andrew,

Jens P. Jensen was educated in the public schools of Tordenskjold township and for many years attended school district No. 95. He was reared on the farm, and having learned the carpenter's trade followed this trade for some years, working in both the East and the West. After his marriage in 1906, Mr. Jensen engaged in farming. Previously he had purchased eighty acres of land in Dane Prairie township, and after his marriage settled on this farm. Shortly afterward he erected a modern house and barn and other substantial outbuildings. Mr. Jensen is interested in the local creamery and in the telephone company.

On May 26, 1906, Jens P. Jensen was married to Hannah Christiansen, a native of Dane Prairie township and the daughter of Peter and Mary Christiansen, who were old settlers from Denmark. Mr. and Mrs. Jens P. Jensen have four children, Pearl Marie, George Afton, Kermit James and Harriet Elizabeth Marian.

Although a Socialist in politics, Mr. Jensen has never aspired to office. He is known in this township as a successful farmer and an enterprising citizen.

Hans P. Tensen

Born on his father's farm in Tordenskjold township, Otter Tail county. September 26, 1872, Hans P. Jensen was educated in district No. 95, of Tordenskjold township. Mr. Jensen first attended school in a store building and later in a small log school house. He was reared on the home farm, and when he had grown to young manhood removed to Wilkin county, where, for a number of years, he managed a farm near Foxhome which was owned by his father.

After remaining near Foxhome from 1892 until 1900, Mr. Jensen returned to Dane Prairie township, settling with his brother, Jens, on one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 13. Here he built a house and for the next six years lived as a bachelor. During the fall he was engaged in threshing and in the winter time was engaged in the operation of a sawmill.

On April 6, 1904, Thomas P. Jensen was married and, although he is still engaged in threshing, he operates the farm. Mr. Jensen's wife, before her marriage, was Anna Christina Tollefson, a native of Sweden and the daughter of Carl A. and Britta (Ash) Tollefson, who are old settlers in Otter Tail county. Mrs. Jensen's grandfather, Andrew Tollefson, homesteaded land in Dane Prairie township about 1868. He died here in 1907. Mrs. Jensen's parents are still living.

Mr. and Mrs. Hans P. Jensen have been the parents of four children, Blanche, Frances, Henry Arnold, who died at the age of nineteen months, and Margaret Amanda.

Hans P. Jensen has always been independent in politics. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. For many years he has served as supervisor of Dane Prairie township. Mr. and Mrs. Jensen are members of the Lutheran church. They are regular attendants at church services and are liberal supporters of the church.

Otto E. Schachtschneider

Although a comparatively young man, Otto E. Schachtschneider, who was born in the northern part of Germany, October 6, 1884, has experienced many of the hardships of pioneer life and knows what it is to perform hard labor.

Mr. Schachtschneider is the son of Robert and Bertha (Perleberg) Schachtschneider. The former was the son of Johan and Fredericka (Schesserj Schachtschneider, who was born in the northern part of Germany. Johan Schachtschneider was a laborer and died in his native land at the age of forty-eight. He was the father of fourteen children, of whom five came to America. The grandmother also came to America and died at the home of Mr. Schachtschneider's father in 1910. Of the five children who came to America, Herman is a farmer of Dane Prairie township; August is a laborer and lives at Canton, Ohio; Otto is a farmer and lives near Underwood, in Sverdruf township; Bertha married Max Miller; and Robert is the father of Otto E. Schachtschneider. The maternal grandparents of Otto E. Schachtschneider were August and Fredericka Perleberg, who came to America from Germany about 1895 and, three years later, immigrated to Otter Tail county, Minnesota. They died in Tordenskjold township, after having reared a family of twelve children, all of whom came to America.

Mr. Schachtschneider's father was born in the northern part of Germany and his mother in the same part of the same country. They grew to maturity and were married in their native land. Like his father, Robert Schachtschneider was a laborer in his native land. In 1885 the family came to America and settled at Cleveland, Ohio. There he became a member of the Lumberman's Longshoremen Association and was engaged in loading boats until 1897. Tiring of city life and desiring a better opportunity for his children, he came to Minnesota, settling in Dane Prairie township, Otter Tail county, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-six acres of limber land in the southeast quarter of section 23. Although many people may believe that pioneering was a thing of the past in 1897. never- theless, a part of Dane Prairie township was an unbroken wilderness in those years. Robert Schachtschneider and his family experienced all of the trials of pioneer life. They first built a small house which is a part of their present, though much enlarged, home. As the farm was cleared a new barn was erected and finally, by industry and co-operation on the part of the whole family, the farm was sufficiently cleared to support the family and yield a profit besides. Both parents are still living on the farm. Robert Schachtschneider is an ardent Republican. He and his wife had four children, of whom Herman died in infancy; Otto E. is the subject of this sketch; Charles lives on a part of the home place; and Anna married Charles Drews and lives in section 7, of Dane Prairie township.

Otto E. Schachtschneider was educated in the parochial schools of Cleveland, Ohio, and was still a mere lad when his parents moved to Minnesota. He experienced the hardships and inconveniences attendant upon clearing a large farm and became accustomed to hard work. His father growing old in 1908, Mr. Schachtschneider began renting the place and has continued so ever since. He is a general farmer and raises very fine crops.

In 1910 Otto E. Schachtschneider was married to Bertha Boeder, who was born in Dane Prairie township. They have five children, Elmer, Arnold, Anna, John and Arthur.

No family deserves more credit for what it has accomplished in the face of adverse circumstances than the Schachtschneiders, and no young man in this township is more highly respected than Otto Schachtschneider, the subject of this sketch.

Thomas Larson

The late Thomas Larson, who was a well-known citizen of Dane Prairie township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and who was prominent in the civic and political life of his community during his life time, was torn at Chicago, Illinois, August 18, 1857.

Mr. Larson was the son of Peter and Christine Larson, who were natives of Norway and who grew to manhood and womanhood in that country. Peter Larson was thrice married. After coming to America he was married in Chicago, Illinois, to Christine Larson. Shortly after his marriage, he moved to Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he lived for a Eew years. In 1872 he moved to Otter Tail county, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres in the southern part of Dane Prairie township, which at that time was a wilderness. During the next few years, he improved the farm and erected modern buildings, living on the farm until his death in [905 His widow is still living and makes her home with her son. Chris- tian. They were the parents of ten children, of whom Louis is a farmer in one of the western states; John lives one and one-half miles east of the Thomas Larson farm; Thomas F. was the third child; Carrie, who married Jens Peterson, is deceased; Christian lives on his father's homestead farm; Anna, who is a resident of Fergus Falls, has been twice married, the first time to Christian Dahl and the second time to Sorren Larson; Henrietta, who is deceased, was the wife of John McGrath, who is also deceased; Martin is a farmer in Tumuli township; Ludwig is a dentist at Finley. North Dakota; and Emma, who married Andrew Eollingmoe, lives in Fergus Falls.

Thomas Larson was e cated in the common schools of Fergus Falls and in the high school. H was reared on the farm and in 1892 purchased about two hundred acres of land in Dane Prairie township, immediately thereafter erecting a new barn and a new house. lie lived upon the farm until his death and was always engaged in general farming. Some years before Mr. Larson's marriage, he operated a threshing machine and a welldrilling outfit, and drilled many wells in Otter Tail county, but at the time of his marriage he sold his threshing machine and well-drilling outfit.

On March 26, 1892, Thomas Larson was married to Mary Thompson, a native of near Trondhjem, Norway, where she was born on December 25, [862. Mrs. Larson is the daughter of Bernt and Inger (Guldseth) Thompson, who came to America in a sailing vessel in 1864. After living in Hudson county for two years, they moved to St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county, in 1866. After living there for one year, they moved to Dane Prairie township, and homesteaded a quarter section of land in section 21. There they lived for some years and then sold out to their son, Nels B., purchasing one hundred acres of land across the lake, where Mrs. Larson's father died on August 16, 1002. The mother lived with her daughter, Mrs. Larson, until her death on July 3, TQ.04. They were the parents of twelve children, six of whom are living. Mrs. Larson's father was a man of retiring disposition. When he came to Otter Tail county, he traveled from Hudson county to St. Paul by rail and then up the Mississippi by boat to St. Cloud. From St. Cloud, he traveled by ox team to Otter Tail county. spending two weeks on the way. He was an ardent Republican.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Larson were the parents of two children. 1 . .r.i, born on March 3, 1894, who was graduated from the Park Region Luther College in iqii and, after attending tin- St. ('loud normal, has been engaged in teaching; and Bernhard, January 6, 1807. who was educated in the public schools. The father of these children, the late Thomas Larson, died on March 15. 1908.

of trust and responsibility. He tilled the office of township clerk for fifteen years and was also a member of the school board from the time he was twenty-one years old until his death. He could always be found at Republican conventions and was extremely popular in politics. Had he lived, he would have been a candidate for the Legislature. Mr. Larson was a member of the Swan Lake Lutheran church and his widow is an active worker in this church today.

Louis Cornelius Olson

Louis Cornelius Olson, a member of the an of Olson Brothers, who operate a retail business in clothing and men's furnishings at Battle Lake, Minnesota, is a native of Clitherall township, wl ere he was born on March 22, 1883, on a farm.

Mr. Olson is the son of Christian and Louise (Hanson) Olson, who were natives of Eidsvold, Norway. Mr. Olson's parents came to America separately about i860 and. after arriving in America, settled in Goodhue county, Minnesota, where they were married. One year later they immigrated to ( )tter Tail county, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land in Clitherall township, at a time and place where the nearest railroad station was at St. < loud, sixty miles away. The Olson homestead farm was originally wild land.

Christian Olson built a dugout souk- forty rods away from the present house, and after two years replaced this dugout with a log house. From time to time, additional acres of the farm were put under cultivation and 'Mr. Olson came eventually to own two hundred and forty acres, some of which was covered with timber. Eventually, the log house was replaced with a commodious frame house, in which the family lived until the spring of 1007. when they sold, the farm and moved to Battle Lake, where they have since lived retired. Christian Olson is seventy-one years old and his good wife, who is also still living, is only three years his junior, lie has been prominent in the political and civic life of this county and, until recently, voted the Republican ticket, but is now identified with the Prohibition party. He and his wife arc members of the Free Lutheran church.

Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Christian Olson, the eldest died in infancy; Marvin 1\.. who is the manager of the Dwight Farm and Land Company and the Farmers' Elevator Company, resides at Dwight, North Dakota: Henry is the postmaster at Battle Lake and the partner of his brother in the clothing and furnishing business: Thorvald and Hans both died at the age of eighl years; Louis Cornelius is the subject of this sketch; Thea is the wife of Charles Peterson, a farmer of near McCluskey, North Dakota; Mary, who is unmarried and at home, is employed as assist-

Louis Cornelius Olson was educated in the public schools of Clitherall township and at the Park Region Luther College. He lived on the farm until 1910, managing the farm after his father had retired. In 1910 Mr. Olson homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Meade county, South Dakota, and there he lived for eighteen months, when he returned to Battle Lake and became assistant postmaster under his brother, Henry. After serving one year as assistant postmaster, Mr. Olson engaged in partnership with his brother. They purchased the H. L. Wagner clothing and furnishing business on Lake street and this business is now managed by Louis C. Olson.

On September 21, 1907, Louis C. < >lson was married to Emma Peterson, a native of Sweden and the daughter of Peter Nelson. Mrs. Olson came to America to join her brothers, who were already in this country. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have no children.

Tostex Jacobson

Tosten Jacobson, an enterprising fanner of Dane Prairie township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born on the farm where he now lives in Dane Prairie township. November I, 1876. Mr. Jacobson is the son of Hans and Mallena 1 Torstenson) Jacobson.

Mr. Jacobson's paternal grandparents were Hans and Mary Jacobson, who were natives of Denmark and who spent their entire lives in that conntry. The grandfather was a soldier in the army and a farmer by occupation. They were the parent- of three sons, of whom Hans, the father of Tosten, was the eldest. The other two children were Sakereas, who died in Montana, where he was a fanner; and Jens, who was a tailor in Minneapolis and died there. The paternal grandfather was twice married and had two daughters by his second marriage, who died in Denmark. Mr. Jacobson's maternal grandparents were Torsten rorstenson and Mallena Knutson, natives of Norway, who immigrated to America about l868, settling in Tordenskjold township, where the maternal grandfather homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land and where both he and his wife died. They had two sons and four daughters. Of these, Martha died at the age of eighteen years in Norway: Brita, who married Uberl Josephson, died in Tordenskjold township: Mallena is the mother of Mr. Jacobson; Kari. who married Samuel Moklo, lives near Battle Lake; Martha, the widow of Jacob Thompson, lives near Underwood: Tosten. who lives in

Mr. Jacobson's father was born on June 20, 1840, at Guslau, Denmark, and his mother born on June 12, 1852, near Christiana, Norway. She was brought to America by her parents when sixteen years old. Her husband came to America when he was thirty years old, being accompanied to this country by his brother, Jens. They came to this country in a sailing vessel and spent three weeks in making the voyage. After stopping about one month in southern Minnesota, they came to Otter Tail county and intended to take up a homestead. After arriving in this county, they purchased a team of oxen and a wagon. Jens homesteaded a tract of land in Tordenskjold township. Mr. Jacobson's father, Hans Jacobson, homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres in section 12, of Dane Prairie township. Afterward he erected a log house on Jens' homestead farm and then erected a log house about ten rods east of his present house.