Otter Tail County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 20 of 28)

Melvin Leonard, farmer and Standard Oil agent, Pelican Rapids, was born on October n, 1843, at Lexington, Somerset county, Maine, and is a son of Evander W., and Emelie ( Mariah) Leonard. His early education was received in the public schools of Maine, and he later attended the public schools in Juneau county, Wisconsin, where he moved with his parents in i860. As a young man, he began farming for himself, and in December, 1863, he went to the Civil War in Company F, Thirty-fifth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, remaining out until the close of the war, and participating in all the battles of his regiment, the hottest of which was the siege of Spanish Fort. He went through without being wounded at any time, but was laid up for two months with the fever at the Marine hospital at New Orleans. After the close of the war, Mr. Leonard returned to his farming interests in Juneau county, Wisconsin, coming to Otter Tail county in November, 1874, and locating at Pelican Rapids, where he took up a homestead of eighty acres in Pelican township, section 22, to which he later added eighty acres, adjoining, all of which he improved and lived on fur many years, finally selling it in 1895. He has owned two farms since that time, and is now engaged in farming, in addition to holding the agency for the Standard Oil Company, at Pelican Rapids, which management he has had since 1899. Politically, his support is given to the Republican party, in the local politics of which he has had an active interest, serving for a term as commissioner of Otter Tail county, and many years on the village board, as well as officiating as a member of the school board for several terms.

Evander W.. and Emelie (.Mariah) Leonard, parents of our subject, were both natives of Maine. Mr. Leonard followed the mercantile business nearly all his life. In i860, he came to Juneau county, Wisconsin, settling at Mauston, where he opened and conducted the drug business for about sixteen years. About 1876, he came to Pelican Rapids, where he also opened a drug store, and served as county surveyor for about four years. (45b)

J06 Otter Tail County, Minnesota

Melvin Leonard was united in marriage, in 1868, to Sarah J. Dibble, which union has been blest with three children, Bertha Lee; Myrtie, and B. F. Mr. Leonard is a man on whom the citizens of his community have alwavs been able to rely, having his support in any movement for the advancement of moral and educational welfare.

William E. Ingalls

William E. Ingalls, retired merchant and farmer. Pelican Rapids, was born on April 10. 1852, in Columbia county. Wisconsin, and is a son of J. B. and Julia A. ( Robinson) Ingalls. His opportunities for an education were limited. As a young man he was employed on a farm and later learned the blacksmith trade. About 1880 he came to Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, where he built a blacksmith shop, following that trade until about 1802. during which time he had bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 34, in Pelican township, on which he put all the improvements. Mr. Ingalls gave up his blacksmith trade, and grubbed and farmed his place for about five years, at the end of which time he moved to Ackley and engaged in the general mercantile business for five and a half years. Giving up this business, he went to Canada to look the country over, and on his return, he built a store at Spooner, Minnesota. The opportunities offered in Canada appealed to him, and he returned there, taking up a half section, which he still owns and on which he has put all the improvements, including suitable buildings of every description. Politically. Mr. Ingalls has alwavs given his support to the Republican party, and has been actively interested in local politics, holding the office of village marshal for one term. His wife is a member of the Congregational church. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge, the Elks, at Fergus Falls and the Knights of Pythias, at Pelican Rapids.

J. B. Ingalls, father of William E., was born at Cleveland, Ohio, and his wife, Julia A. I R obi son ) Ingalls, was born in the state of \ew York. Mr. Tngalls was educated at the public schools of Cleveland, and as a young man he learned the jeweler's trade. After leaving Cleveland, he went to Wisconsin and followed farming for ten or twelve years, just north of Portage, after which he moved to Trenealeau, where he again entered the jeweler's business, which he followed the remainder of his life. To I. P.. and Julia A. (Robison) Ingalls were born nine children. Laurette P.. Luther L., Joshua P., William P.. Eva, Eri, Alfred P.. Frank A. and Julian M. Religiously. Mr. Tngalls was a Seventh-Day Adventist.

Alice Sanderson was born on October 17, 1858. This union has been blest with one daughter, Ada, who became the wife of Frank Leonard, and is the mother of two children, Scott C, and Zelda L. Scott C. Leonard has been adopted by his grandparents, who think and speak of him as if he were their own child. Cyrus L. and Phoebe J. (Weston) Sanderson were the parents of four children, Eva S., Alice (Ingalls), Georgia and Hester L.

Nels Langsjoen

Nels Langsjoen received his early education in the common schools of township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, June 3, 1884, the son of. Peder and Gertrude Svendson, mother of the subject of this sketch, is the daughter of Langsjoen was a farmer until the year 1880, when he came to America iJid three years later was married to Gertrude Svendson, after which he operated the Svendson farm, engaging in general farming and stock raising. Gertrude (Svendson) Langsjoen, who were natives of Norway, where Peder Xels Svendson and wife, Sigrid, who in the year 1871, left their native home in Norway and came to America, locating on a place of one hundred and thirty-five acres which Nels Svendson homesteaded in St. Olaf township, this county. Two years following his settlement in Otter Tail county, the elder Svendson met a tragic death in the timber land of his locality, as a result of which his widow was left with the care of four children: Sven, who died at the age of about fifteen years; Gertrude, mother of the subject of this sketch; Carrie and Nilsine Nels who are deceased. With much effort and care the widow of Nels Svendson succeeded in rearing her children, giving them a good home and providing for their needs. She died on September 12, 1915. To the marriage of Peder and Gertrude Langsjoen were born the following children: Nels, the subject of this sketch; Serena, Caroline, Sven, Jacob, Pernille, who died in 1908; Liv Ottelia, George Julius and Carrie Eleonora. '

Nels Langsjoen was born on the old Svendson homestead, in St. Olaf St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county, after which he attended Northwestern College, at Fergus Falls, graduating from that school in the year 1906. In 191 1 he received his degree as Bachelor of Arts from the Gustavus Adolphus College, at St. Peter. Minnesota, later during the year 191 5, attaining (he degree as Master of Arts from the University of Minnesota

Following the completion of his schooling Nels Langsjoen, during the years TO06-7. taught school in district No. 19, of Otter Tail countv, after which he taught for three years in the Pelican Rapids high school and then the following year he was elected to the chair of Latin and science in Northwestern College, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he is now engaged.

In the church life of St. Olaf township, Utter Tail county, Minnesota, Professor Langsjoen has taken a prominent and conspicuous part, not onlybeing a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, but lending of his talents and abilities for the promotion of the works and efforts of this congregation, in which he is thoroughly appreciated for his part. In politics, Nels Langsjoen supports the Democratic party and while this valued citizen has taken no especial part in the political or official life of the township and county, he has been of no little use as an advisor and counsellor in matters of general interest and for the public welfare.

Martin E. Floen

Martin E. Floen was born in Stavanger, Norway, October 10, 1871, the son of Andrew and Rachel (Rasmussen) Floen, who were born at the same place and spent their entire lives in that vicinity. Andrew Floen was a farmer and cattle buyer of his native land, a vocation which he followed until his death about the year 1879, his wife surviving him until the year 1883. To the marriage of Andrew and Rachel Floen were born the following children: Ole, who died as a boy of sixteen years, in Norway; Barney, a sailor, who lives in Norway; Edward, who is a mine worker in the state of Montana ; Martha, who married Ole Rasmussen, and lives in Norway ; Gertrude, who married Anton Olson, a carpenter who lives near Christiania. Norway: Rachel, who married Ingwald Rasmussen and lives at Stavanger, Norway, and Martin, the subject of this sketch.

Martin E. Floen was educated in the schools of Norway. He was left an orphan at an early age and during his young manhood was engaged in various kinds of work, which he continued until the year 1890, when he came to America and located in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where for the next six or seven years he was employed generally on the farms of the community. In the year 1895 Martin E. Floen bought eighty acres of land in section 24. of Nidaros township, a farm to which he moved later and on which he put many improvements, among which were a new house and barn, these replacing a one-room house which was the only building on the island when he took possession of it, in its uncleared and uncultivated condition. Later Mr. Floen added one hundred and sixty acres to his original farm, on which he now lives. Martin E. Floen greatly enlarged the house on his farm, built a new granary, put up a splendid barn, in size twenty-six by fortv feet, constructed with a hip roof and a concrete foundation. On this farm, with its excellent conveniences and equipment, Martin F. Floen now engages in general farming and in the breeding of Duroc- Jersey hogs.

Moen, who was born in Todd county, Minnesota, the daughter of Thorsten Aloen and wife, who later came to Otter Tail county, where they now live, as residents of Nidaros township. Thorsten Moen has for many years been a clergyman of the Lutheran church. To the marriage of Martin E. and Gunda Floen have been l>orn the following children : Tony Alexander, who lives at Lowry, Minnesota; Edward, Alma, Ruth, Obert, Amanda, Martha, David, and George Mervin.

Martin E. Floen is a shareholder of the Vining Co-operative Creamery Company, an industry in which the part taken by Mr. Floen has had its influence towards its success. Mr. Floen is a member of the Lutheran church. In politics he is an ardent Republican.

Rev. Andrew Meland

The vocation of preacher of the Gospel, is not one which offers a wide field for exciting incidents, but it is one in which his friends and descendants take just pride. The Rev. Andrew Meland is modest and retiring in his manner, forceful in his delivery, and earnest in the discharge of his ministerial duties.

Andrew Meland. minister at Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail county, was born November n, 1856, in Norway, and is a son of Ole and Bergete Anderson. His education was received at the public schools of his native land, after which he assisted his father on the farm. At the age of fourteen years, he started out as a seaman and later came to America in August, 1879. He entered the Augberg Seminary at Minneapolis, from which institution he was graduated in June, 1886, his first charge being at Carbon, Iowa, where he remained two years. On January 7, 1888, he came to Pelican Rapids, where he has since been pastor of the Pelican Valley church. Many of the Rev. Meland'- ancestors lived to the advanced age of ninety years and over.

Ole Anderson, father of Rev. Andrew Meland, was born in Norvvav, as was also his wife, Bergete. Mr. Anderson followed farming in his native land, where he lived and died. To this union were born six children, Bergete, Malene, Andrea, Andreas, Andrew, the subject of this sketch, and Ole!

Rev. Andrew Meland was united in marriage. March 7. 1887, to Anna Newton, by whom he has had four children, Orvalle X.. Richard, Avin and Ernest. Orvalle Meland is a practicing physician, at Dawson. Minnesota; Richard Meland is a druggist, at Pelican Rapids: Avin Meland is employed in the Wallace State Bank, at Pelican Rapids. Rev. Meland has won many warm and loyal friends at Pelican Rapids, and the surrounding territorv, where he is well and prominently known.

Mrs. Annie C. Larson is one of the few women farmers of Buse township, Otter Tail county, and is highly successful in her undertaking. She possesses unusual business judgment and for the past eight or ten years has most capably managed the home farm. She divides her attention between general farming and stock raising, has also built a fine barn and granary, set out a large orchard, and has a good well, equipped with windmills. She not only manages the place, but also owns it and has long since proven herself a woman of unusual ability, not only in such works as usually falls to the lot of man, but also in those things which are essentially womanly accomplishments. Mr. Larson spends most of his time in Canada, looking after interests there.

Louis P. Larson is a native of Norway, born on August 12, 1848. and at the age of seven vears was brought to this country by his parents, who for a time lived in Chicago. From there the family moved to Goodhue. this state, and at that place Mr. Larson passed his youth. He learned the miller's trade and followed it for a few years, but gave it up shortly after the time of his marriage, when, in 1871, he came to Otter Tail county and purchased a tract of land containing two hundred and forty acres. It was then all raw prairie land and he brought it to its present excellent condition.

Mr. and Mrs. Larson were married on January 21, 1867, and before her marriage she was Annie C. Otterness, born on November 23, 1850, in Columbia county, Wisconsin, daughter of Elef and Johanna (Lee) Otterness. Johanna Lee was a daughter of Christ Lee and Elef Otterness was a son of Ole Otterness, who emigrated to America from Norway and settled in this section at a very early day in local history. He located in Wisconsin, right among the Indians, the nearest town being Otsego, about three miles distant. That, however, was very close at hand for those times. Ole Otterness passed his entire life in that section.

Both of Mrs. Larson's parents were born in Norway and were brought to this country by their respective parents while still young, and it was in this land they grew to maturity and were married. After their marriage they secured a new location in Wisconsin and gave their attention to farming. They were pioneers in the section they chose, and their land when they obtained possession of it was all covered with virgin forest. They set about the difficult task of preparing the land for cultivation and in the course of time made a good farm out of it. They later sold out and moved to Willmar, this state, where the father died about the year 1901 and the mother passed away in 191 2 at the age of seventy-six years. Both parents were life-long members of the Lutheran church. They had a family of fourteen children. The first-born was a daughter named Annie, who died in early childhood and the same name was given to the second child, who is Airs. Larson, of this sketch; then followed Bartwell, Christ (who died young), John, Martin, Phetrina, George, Robert, Rosa (who died in childhood ) , Christ, Samuel, Henry and Joseph.

Mrs. Larson was reared at the family home in Wisconsin, having but meager advantages in the way of education, and when fourteen years of age came to make her home in this state. At the age of seventeen she was married to Mr. Larson, and to their union has been born a family of nine children. The eldest is Charles, who is a farmer and lives near Church's Ferry, North Dakota; Ellen is the wife of Edwin Engen and resides at Knox, North Dakota; Rosa is the wife of Charles Chambers, of Lakota, this state; Josephine makes her home in Seattle, Washington, where she is employed as a teacher in the public schools; Leonard remains at home and assists in the work of the farm, as does also William; Arthur is located in Canada, where he is engaged in agricultural work; Lillian, wife of Martin W olden, lives at Landsford, North Dakota, and Floyd, the youngest of the family, who has recently attained his majority, is also at home.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Larson were reared in the Lutheran faith, and have also brought up their children in that church. The entire family has always been numbered among the most progressive citizens of their community all the children being well trained and educated and all are deserving of the high esteem in which they are held.

Joseph Daiker

Joseph Daiker, farmer, stock raiser and pioneer citizen of Pine Lake township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in Germany, February 5, 1847, the. son of Richard and Veronica (Gulden) Daiker, natives of German v. Richard Daiker was a farmer of his native country, an occupation which he followed his entire life. Richard and Veronica Daiker were the parents of the following children : Walburga, Barbara, Mary, Christina, Blandina, Joseph and Anton.

Joseph Daiker was educated in the public schools of Germany, and in 1866 came to America and located at St. Cloud, Minnesota, where he followed his trade as a stone-cutter and mason for three years, after which he went to Alexandria and engaged in the hotel business until the year 1871. After his business career Mr. Daiker came to Otter Tail county and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Pine Lake township, prior to the time when the township was organized. Joseph Daiker cleared about forty acres of timber land and improved his place with substantial buildings. He added to his land until now he is the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of land in Otto. Butler and Pine Lake townships. Joseph Daiker is now one of the successful farmers of the county, as well as being an extensive feeder and dealer in live stock.

On September u, r866, Joseph Daiker was married to Regina Struett, who was born in Germany, tbe daughter of Adolph and Katherine (Maier) Struett. To the marriage of Joseph and Regina Daiker have been born six children: Joseph L., Maria S., Adolph B., Katherine R., John A. and Barbara V. Joseph Daiker and his family are members of the Catholic church.

Regina Struett came to America with her parents early in 1866 and located at St. Cloud. Minnesota, where she lived with her parents until September 11, 186C when she was married to Joseph Daiker.

Mr. Daiker has not only been a successful farmer, but he has been a valued citizen of the community, lending his aid to all public matters as well has having served in various township offices, among which was his term of twenty-live years as a supervisor of Pine Lake township.

William B. Dfavey

A farmer of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, who has taken an important part in the public life of the community, and a man who in church circles and in the movement for, and the support of general welfare project, has heen a leader of plan and a regulator of action, as well as being a citizen who because of his zeal and his energy, which he has expended for the development and advancement of local life, has won a host of admiring friends and an enviable place in the ranks of Western township citizenship, 1-. William B. Dewey, the subject of this sketch.

William B. Dewey was born in Hopkinton, Xew York, on May 12, 1S5-, he being the son of William W. and Harriett (Blanchard) Dewey, both of whom were born in the town of Hopkinton, or went to the locality when young. William W. Dewey was the son of Jerod Dewey and wife, who were residents of Hopkinton, Xew York, during their entire lives, Jerod Dewey being a farmer of St. Lawrence county, Xew York. Harriett Dewey, the wife of William W. Dewey, and the mother of the subject of this sketch, was of the well-known and pioneer Blanchard family of Hopkinton. St. Lawrence county, Xew York.

William W. Dewey, father of the subject of this sketch, was educated in Hopkinton. Xew York, after which he became a farmer in the locality. Tn the year 1872 he came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Western township, which has been a home of the Dewey family since. William W. Dewey spending his last

William W. and Harriett Dewey were the parents of five children, Alzina, Martha. Mary, Rhoda and William B. William W. Dewey and his wife were devoted and prominent members of the Presbyterian church, Mr. Dewey being largely responsible for the organization of the church in the community, and he being a member who served as an elder for many years.

William B. Dewey, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the common schools of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, after which he became a farmer on the home place, where he has lived since. William B. Dewey has added to his land until he now cultivates three hundred and twenty acres of well improved and productive soil.

On December 2, 1884. William B. Dewey was married to Ella Toombs, who was a native of the state of Illinois, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Crane) Toombs, who moved to Grant county, Minnesota, at an early day. To this marriage were born the following children: Jennie H., Ruth E., Edith H.. Hubert W. and Ira T.

William B. Dewey is a leading member of the Presbyterian church, he. for some years, having served as an elder. In public life Mr. Dewey has served with dignity and with notable efficiency on the school board of Western township for some years.

The life and conduct of William B. Dewey and his excellent family in the community has been progressive and good, and of a type worthy of emulation. They are among the esteemed and honored people of Western township and Otter Tail county.

Peter Lindall

Johannes Lindall and his wife sailed fur America in 1856. They arrived at Quebec in the fall after a tempestuous trip and during the journev they were obliged to push their boat away from the icebergs which they encountered. From Quebec (hey then went westward as far as Moline. Illinois, which was the terminus of the railroad, traveling in a boxcar. Later this sturdy pioneer decided to settle in Minnesota and about the vear 1858 he pre-empted eighty acres in Franconia township, Chisago county, this stale. In order to arrive there they made the trip on foot from St. Paul to Stillwater. lie and his wife finding it necessary to ford all the streams which they encountered. Their goods followed later. Mr. Lindall there accumulated a line farm. Johannes Lindall died in 1 80N Mrs. Johannes Lindall died in 1900 "ii this farm

These early pioneers were not unacquainted with tears occasioned by their Indian neighbors but nothing serious happened from this source. Mr. and Mrs. Lindall were members of the Swedish Lutheran church. Airs. Lindall gave birth to nine children of whom the eldest was Jonas, who became a soldier in Company D, Third Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and later joined Company 11, in which he became first lieutenant. Peter is the subject of the present article. Gustave and John, who became ill cm the boat en route to America from Sweden, died and were buried at sea. Mary, the first daughter, was born on the boat coming over, and died shortly after in Illinois. The other children are Gustave William. Frank John. Emma Marie and Oscar. Jonas, the eldest son. remained near Moline for one and one-half years after his parents left there in order to attend school. He was well educated and in after life became a state senator, being the first Swedish-born senator in the state of Minnesota. He lived in Chisago county.

Peter Lindall attended school in Sweden about three months, when at the age of eight he started for America with his parents. He attended school in this country, but being in the far North among pioneer settlements his educational advantages were meager and because of his large family of brothers and sister it became necessary for him early in life to care for himself. Therefore, when -till a youth, he became a "lumber-jack," working in the pine woods of Minnesota and becoming an expert as a log-driver on the rivers. He worked as a river-man all the way from the northern part of Minnesota to Fergus Falls, as well as on the Mississippi and other rivers. He followed this line of work for fourteen years. After investigating lands in Minnesota for one year, especially in Meeker county, he finally took a homestead claim in ( >tter Tail county and located in Parker's Prairie township about the year [868. Beginning with eighty acres he has been able to accumulate land until he now owns three hundred and fifty-seven acres, well cultivated and equipped with good buildings.

After he located on this farm in the early days, Mr. Lindall joined an engineering party and helped survey the Great Northern railroad from Melrose to Fergus Falls. About this time he had many interesting experiences as a pioneer. When he first traveled from Chisago county to this county he was hauled in an ox team. About two years later he returned on a pleasure trip traveling on the same prairie schooner. Wishing to see again the pinery in which he had spent so many days he retraced his steps during the hitter cold weather of midwinter. Reaching the camp, he found that the rest of tin- party had not arrived and he was compelled to ask for shelter for the night at the door of an Indian tepee. As he could talk the Chippewa language he was welcomed to the Indian tent. When bed-time came his

Indian host took his place on one side of the fire while his guest reclined on the other. Suddenly the Indian woke up and crawled on all fours toward the white man. who, not being asleep, saw with consternation the stealthy movements of the redskin. His blood ran cold as the Indian leaned silently over him and suddenly jerked from under his head the blanket on which he rested. Jumping up, the white man found that his blanket, which was made partly of cotton, had come in contact with the coals and had. caught on lire. The Indian was only trying to save his life. It was during this period of his life that Air. Lindall took part in a council which was held between the officials of Otter Tail county and the Indians at Ottertail. the council being called to discuss the placing of the Indians in what was called White Earth reservation.

In 1SS2 Peter Lindall became the husband of Ida Charlotte Lincpiist, daughter of John and Augusta (Olson) Linquist of Sweden. Her grandfather on the paternal side was Johannes Peterson, who lived and died in Sweden. The grandparents on the maternal side were Ole Olson and Inger ( Pesa ) Olson, both of whom lived and died in their native country of Sweden. John Lincpiist came to America about i860 and engaged in his trade of blacksmith at Hastings, Minnesota. After five years residence in this country he returned to his native country and there died. During his lifetime, however, he managed to accumulate sufficient funds to live in ease the latter years of his life and to send all of his children to America. The children torn to Mr. and Mrs. Linquist were four in number: Ida. who became Mrs. Lindhall : Carl, of Minneapolis, Minnesota: Wilhelmina. who remained in Sweden, and Matilda.

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Lindall are the parents of eight children. Walter Jonas Alphonso, who studied law in the University of Minnesota, was taken sick during his senior year and died on December 25, 1915. Carl Oscar Regner is a graduate of the college of agriculture in the Lhuversity of Minnesota. Junetta Eugenia Hildegarde is deceased. Albin Lothard Lefler is a student of the medical department of the University of Minnesota and will graduate in the class of 1916. He has completed the necessary course in less than the schedule time, receiving credit for two and one-half years of high school work, having graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College before entering the State University. ( liTord Joseph Fayton is a carpenter living in Minneapolis. Inez Geneva Elizabeth is a student in the agricultural college at St. Paul. Minnesota. The remaining two children are living at home. They are Ernest Herbert Elsworth and Lawrence Ruben John.

By their heroic example Mr. and Mrs. Lindall have handed down to their children an inheritance perhaps more valuable than landed estates. Undaunted, Mr, Lindall and his young wife braved the toil, the danger and the poverty incident to pioneer life and they were victors over all adverse conditions. Mr. Lindall is esteemed by his many friends, both personal and business associates, for his strong personality and his genial nature and his wife is known as a woman devoted to the welfare of her home and loved ones.

John I. Ness A.

John J. Xessa was born in Norway, June 13, 1861, the son of John Olson and Susana Chentlang, both of whom were natives of Norway, in which country they lived their entire lives, John Olson being a farmer in that country. John Olson and wife were the parents of the following children: Ole and Peter, who live in \Torway; Susan, who came to America and lives in the state of Illinois; Malinda, Christinia and Mary, who live in Norway; John ]., the subject of this sketch; Johnan and Ludwig, who live in Norway, and William, who came to America and lives in the state of ( alifornia.

John J. Xessa received his education in the schools of Norway, after which, in the year 1881, he came to America and went to Kendall county, Illinois, where he worked for nine years and then moved to Palo Alto county, Iowa, working there for ten years on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres. In 1902 he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Pelican township, a farm which he now owns, and where his son. John, now lives. After four years on his first farm in Otter Tail county, John J. Nessa bought a second farm of one hundred and forty acres, this also located in Pelican township, where he now lives, and engages in general farming and in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle. The farm is among the best improved of the localitv, having a g 1 house, a modern barn and other buildings to make the place convenient and well equipped for agricultural life.

During the year [896 John J. Xessa was married to Christinia Peterson, who was born in Norway, the daughter of Knnt and Christinia (Ostrus) Peterson, who came to America when their daughter, Christinia, was nine years of age, and located in the state of Illinois, later moving to Badger, Iowa, where they died. To the marriage of John and Christinia Xessa were born ten children: John. Martin. Knnt. Susan. Dortha, Carl. Gladys, Clara. Marv and Willie. John J. Xessa and his family are members of the United Lutheran church at Pelican Rapids, a church in which they are well known and appreciated for their activity in the work of the congregation.

In the public life of Pelcain township, Otter Tail county, John J. Nessa has served with notable ability and efficiency as school treasurer, and as a private citizen Mr. Nessa is known as one ready at all times to give of his effort and his time in order that the interests of the locality may be advanced.

Otto Umland

A well-known and prosperous farmer, who is a native of Otter Tail county, where he has lived until the present time and during which time he has been a high type of citizen, serving well and unselfishly in all possible ways and aiding in the development of the life and interests of the township and county, is Otto Umland, who was born on the Umland homestead in Western township, during the year 1880, the son of Richard and Augusta (Mittlestad) Umland, both of whom were natives of Germany, where the father lived until the year 1869, when he came to America, and during the year 1873 the mother came to America and settled in the state of Wisconsin, where they were married. Richard Umland was employed in a saw-mill of the state of Wisconsin for some years, and then in the year 1879 he came to the state of Minnesota and homesteaded a claim in Western township, a place which he improved with buildings and by the setting out of trees in a country which previously was void of such. Later, Richard Umland bought one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining his original farm, in Wilkin county, Minnesota. The elder Umland now lives a retired life on his farm, a son managing the place. To the marriage of Richard and Augusta Umland were born the following children : Anna, Otto, the subject of this sketch; Ida and Lena.

Richard Umland and his wife are prominent and active members of the F.vangelical church of the township, being highly respected and honored people for their long life of service to the congregation. Richard Umland has had no small part in the development of Otter Tail county from its early days to the present time, with its enterprising and prosperous farmers and farms. The elder Umland among other things introduced the first stone well in the county, digging the well with a spade in the year 1879.

Richard Umland, father of the subject of this sketch, is the son of Augusta (Rodtke) Umland. who were natives of Germany, where August Richard was employed as a woodsman on a large estate of his country. Richard Umland was one of the following children: Albert, who lives in the state of Wisconsin: Henry, who lives in Germany: Otto, a soldier of Germany, and Emilia, who came to America, where she died.

Otto Umland, the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of Otter Tail county, after which for nine years he rented a farm near the home place. In the year 1913 Otto Umland succeeded his father as owner of the family homestead, a place where he has lived and a farm which he has operated in an efficient and successful manner since that time. Mr. I 'inland gives his efforts to general farming and to the raising of good grade stock. '

On November 3, [904, Otto Umland was married to Margaret Mann, the daughter of William Mann and wife, who came to Western township. < >tter Tail county, Minnesota, from the state of Iowa. To the marriage of Otto and Margaret Umland have been born five children: Alma, Arthur, Macie. Addie and Elvin.

Otto Umland is recognized as one of Otter Tail county's leading and most progressive citizens, being a man who is a leader for action in the advancement of the county interests, and a man who has spread the fame of Otter Tail county in other localities 111 public addresses on the life and advantages of this community. In political life, though Mr. Umland has not aspired to public office, be is known as a man of value to the locality in matters of counsel and advice.

Ola K. Hanson

< >la EC. Hanson, a Swede by birth, was born on April 20, 1862, but the process of naturalization in his case was a very rapid one. His parents. Hans Johnson and Buel Arvidson, both of Sweden, gave their children all the education which they could afford and as a result Mr. Hanson received but a very limited education.

Mr. Hanson came to America at the age of nineteen, and at the solicitation of friends came to Minnesota and first located in St. Paul. He worked for a time in a saw-mill 111 that city. Shortly afterward he left Minneapolis in company with three others for Fergus Falls for which place they had purchased what they supposed were through tickets. However, instead of reaching Fergus Falls they landed at Wadena and found, to their dismay, that this was the terminus of the road. They bad little or no money, but managed to hire a man to take them in his wagon toward Fergus Falls. Vfter journeying twenty or thirty miles they informed their driver that they had no money and that he might as well return to Wadena. This he did without remuneration for bis services.

Undaunted, Mr. Hanson and his two companions started out to walk the rest of the way. Upon reaching Clitherall a kind farmer's wife allowed them to sleep in the woodshed, but sleep refused to come to their eyelids that night. They could see from the shed door the Indians dancing on the shore of the lake in the distance. The hoys, of course, thought that their aboriginal neighbors were preparing to go on the warpath, but fortunately for them such was not the case.

The next day the trio started out mi foot for Fergus Falls. Becomingvery hungry when within one mile of their destination they found welcome 'in a rude hut, whose inhabitant offered them, in their famished condition, what they considered a splendid repast. It was, in fact, nothing more than boiled potatoes.

The surroundings were so new and strange that Mr. Hanson was almost constantly in a state of fear, so he made up his mind to return to Sweden as soon as he could earn enough money fur the return journey. His hopes, however, brightened, when he was employed at two dollars a day the following spring, grading on the Northern Pacific railroad. Fater he went to North Dakota and pre-empted a claim of one hundred and sixty acres. This was in [884, hut after hi Fling the claim fur a short time he sold it and bought a tree claim, which he also sold after Ik Fling a short time. His next venture was to homestead a tract.

Mr. Hanson, however, found it more profitable to work on the railroad, and be was soon promoted to the position of a grading contractor, both on the main line and on tin branches running out of Fergus Falls. For seven years lie remained in the employ of the railroad company, and by this time all of the lines in the vicinity of Fergus Falls were completed. He had (luring this time been investing his money in land, and when he quit the contracting business he owned a farm of four hundred acres. He not only farmed this extensive tract, but also had charge of an additional two hundred and forty acres. He prospered from year to year and when the cyclone of [896 struck Fitter Tail county he was in a flourishing condition. This disaster not only completely destroyed all of his fine buildings but also his extensive collection of farm machinery. He at once rebuilt on a larger scale.

After engaging in the transfer business in Oaks, North Dakota, for five years, Mr. Hanson returned to the farm for three years. In 1908 he purchased the land on which his present home is situated in Otter Tail county. His farm consists of nearly four hundred acres and is equipped with excellent farm buildings.

of five children grew up in the home thus established, these being in the order of their birth as follow: Selma, Henry, Emil, Andrew and Leonard. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson are prominent members of the local Swedish Lutheran church, of which Mr. Hanson is the treasurer.

Mr. Hanson has been a member of the township board of trustees for six years, and was formerly president of the creamery which he organized.

The blood of sturdy old ancestors flows in the veins of the man whose life record has been briefly presented here. Born of a strong, energetic and a pious. God-fearing mother. Mr. Hanson combines in his nature the elements necessary for pioneer life. He has been, in the true sense of the word, a self-made man, and by his strong character and his honorable, upright living he has reflected credit upon that parenthood. Coming of sturdy old Swedish stock, which has settled many sections of this country with dauntless pioneers, he has made each community the better for having lived in it, and in every enterprise which he has undertaken he has met with marked success.

Tames P. Wallace

He who has attained a high type of citizenship is worthy of a place among those whom the world likes .to honor. James P. Wallace, organizer of the village in which he lives and for four years its first president, also a member of the board of education for thirty-two years, is practically a selfmade man. While the conditions of his youth and early manhood were such a- to call out his physical strength and moral resolution, he overcame the difficulties and won the right later to be called a leading citizen and farmer. Mr. Wallace was born in Washtenaw county. Michigan, January 6. 1844. and is the son of Daniel D. and Laura (Ripley) Wallace, be being- a native of Vermont and she of New York state.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Wallace were Daniel and Abigail (Plum ) Wallace, both of whom were natives of Vermont. He was a farmer by occupation. They bad sons who served in the War of 1812. Mr. ami Mrs. Wallace died in Michigan. The maternal grandparents of the subject were James and Susan Ripley, of Xew York state, he being a fanner. Thev lived and died in that state.

Daniel D. Wallace, father of the subject of this biography, was educated in Vermont and took up the occupation of farming there but in 1830 acquired one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Washtenaw county, Michigan. He later moved to the village of Saline where he became a merchant, builder and contractor. He put up many buildings in that town which during its early days was plentifully supplied with Indians who lived nearby, and came there to trade. He and his wife died there as did also his parents. He was an active member of the Baptist church and was an honest, God-fearing man. The children born to him and his wife were mx in number, namely : Edwin, Lyman, Martin, Martha, Mary and James P.

After attending the common schools of Michigan, James P. Wallace went to a business college in Detroit where he studied banking. He accepted a position in a Detroit bank and later went to Chicago where he was employed by the Union Trust Company. In 1882 he moved to Pelican Rapids where, the same year, he organized the bank which was known as the State Bank. After Mr. Wallace, in 1905, assumed the entire business the banking institution was named J. P. Wallace State Bank.

James P. Wallace was united in marriage to Jennie Scott, of Kalamazoo. Michigan, she being the daughter of John Scott. Mrs. Wallace passed away on March 26, 19 14, leaving a son, a physician of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and an adopted daughter. Clara C. Strand, who lives at home.

Jt may be said truthfully of Mr. Wallace that he has held every office which it is in the power of the village to bestow upon one of its citizens. In 1883 ne helped to incorporate the town of Pelican Rapids and was honored by being made its chief executive for the first four years of its incorporated existence. The confidence in which Air. Wallace is held by his townspeople is evidenced by the fact that for thirty-two years he was retained as a member of the school board. Mr. Wallace, in all of life's relationships, lias measured up to the standard of excellence which he early set for himself. He can now look back upon a well-spent life, a life guided by the desire to be not only successful but useful as well and such opportunities he has never ignored.

William Person

William Person is one of five children born of the union of Andrew and F.lma Person, both natives of Sweden, who immigrated to America in [869 and [871, respectively, Andrew immigrating first in order to prepare the home for the occupancy of the wife and children. The names of the children follow: Celia, William, Matilda. Axel and Lena. Andrew Person secured a homestead, shortly after his arrival in this country, located in Eagle Lake and Clitherall townships. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, which consisted of eighty acres. After preparing the soil for cultivation and making the improvements necessary for the proper housing of the family, Andrew Person sent for them and. upon their arrival, met them at St. Cloud, Minnesota, and transported them, by ox-team, to their destination. This team he had hired of Nels Morrow, who still resides in Clitherall. ( 46b )

William Person was born on July 3, 1865, in Sweden, and immigrated to America, accompanied by his mother and other members of the family, when only a child of six years. His education was received in the schools of Otter Tail county, following which he engaged in agriculture and has continued in this vocation until the present time. He began his initial experiences in this line when a lad of nine years by hauling wheat to market at Perham, Minnesota, using an ox-team as the means of transportation and. on account of the severe winter weather, remained in the woods over night, reaching home1 sonic time the following day. In 1888, at the age of twenty-three years, he purchased his first farm, which consisted of one hundred and twenty acres of school land and eighty acres of railroad land, on which farm he still resides. A small portion of this land has been disposed of, his present holdings consisting of one hundred and sixty acres.

In [889 William Person was united in marriage to Stena Lundy, a native of Sweden and daughter of Ole Lundy, and to them have been born ten children: Oscar, Esther (deceased), Esther, Minnie, Alfred, Carl, Robert, Otto, August and Lller.

Stena Lundy, the mother of these children, was born near Grant Lake. Minnesota, and her father was a pioneer of that township. William Person and his wife arc devout members of the Swedish Lutheran church and are highly respected as good citizens of community.

Henry W. Jones, fanner, Parkers I'rairie township, this county, was horn on lune 30, 1871. on the old homestead in the township where he now resides, and is a son of John R. and Rachel (Palmer) Jones. His early education was received at the public schools of the district, after which he attended high school at Alexandria. On completing his studies he began teaching school, and continued in that work for eight years. In 1895 he quit teaching and went to Roseau county. Minnesota, where he engaged in general merchandising for a period of about seven years. In 1904 he returned to Parkers Prairie and began farming. In 1912 he bought eighty which he resides and does general Mr. Jones is 'a stanch Republican. [6; 1844. in Nova Scotia, and his in January to. 1848, near Oil City, lie came to Otter Tail county in mestead, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres. Prior to coming to Minnesota, Mr. Jones had located for a time in Wisconsin. He was a Civil War soldier, and served in the Third Wisconsin Cavalry, remaining out about two years and serving in Arkansas and the west. After the war was over Mr. Jones returned to Wisconsin, where he was married. In 1870 he brought his wife to the homestead which he had previously taken up, and on which he put all the improvements, following general farming and stock raising, and lived there until 1913, when he sold his entire property. The children born to John R. and Rachel (Palmer) Jones, were: Henry W., Harry R., Nellie H., Lucretia, Cora and L. Mae. Politically, Mr. Jones has always been a stanch Republican, taking an active interest in local politics and serving on the board of township trustees for many years. He was for a time township assessor.

Henry W. Jones was united in marriage with Delia L. Barber, daughter of A. H. Barber, of Otter Tail county. The children born to this union are as follow: Theron P.. Cecil G.. Myles S.. Harley B., E. Helen and ( 'orwin A.

In the essentials of good citizenship, Mr. Jones is a man deserving of special mention as representing sound business methods in all his business transactions, and by his sturdy integrity has retained the high regard of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

Tohn O. Tohnson

Air. Johnson is the son of Ole and Mary (Nelsen) Johnson, who were also natives of Norway. Air Johnson's father was bom in 1842 and his mother in 1846. After their marriage in Norway in 1871, they came to America ten years later, in 1881, and settled in Lyon county, Minnesota. Still later they moved to Pipestone county and in 1906 settled at Henning. Here Mr. Johnson's father died in 1912 and his mother in 1914. They were the parents of eight children, of whom two, John and Gertie, are deceased. The living children are Carrie. John O., Nels S., Lucile, Lena and Olaf.

John (). Johnson was educated in the public schools of Pipestone county. Minnesota, and in [896, when he was nineteen years old, took up railroading at Pipestone, in Pipestone county. After working as an operator at Pipestone for three months, he worked four months at Corson, in Minnehaha county. South Dakota. Later he worked at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he was nighl operator for one month and then at Marshall, Minnesota, for one and one-half years. Still later he worked .11 Green Vallev as agent for four months and then moved to Manley, Minnesota, where he was agent for nine months. All of these positions were given to Mr. Johnson by the Great Northern railroad. From Manley, Minnesota, Mr. Johnson moved to Armstrong Creek, on the Soo Line railroad, but was there only one month, when he went to North Escanaba, Michigan, and worked for 'six months as the agent. Later he worked at Cavour, Wisconsin, for one and une-half years and then at Dressier Junction, Wisconsin, for two months. After that he was the agent at Kilbernie. North Dakota, for two years and after that, at Kuhn, North Dakota, for six months. He was operator at the front during the construction of the railroad from Ottertail, Minnesota, to the Canadian boundary and. on July 8, 1904, came to Henning, tins county. With the exception of three months spent at Colorado Springs, lie has been stationed at Henning continuously ever since. While at Colorado Springs he was both the operator and ticket agent.

On December 23, 1000, John O. Johnson was married at Cavour, Wisconsin, to Dora M. Johnson, who was born at Eldora, Iowa, December 29, [878, .Mrs. Johnson's parents were Peter and Martha Johnson, who were natives of Denmark and Germany, respectively. After coming to the United States they were married and lived in Iowa until 1892, when they moved to Pipestone county, Minnesota. It was in this county that Mrs. Johnson's father died in 1905. Her mother is now living at Ruthton, in Pipestone county. Mr. and Mrs. John O. Johnson have five children: Oral. Myrtle, Pearl. Harold and Richard.

Edward Thompson

Probably no man of the town of Erhard, in Otter Tail county. Minnesota, has taken a more conspicuous or important part in the business life of Erhard and the vicinity than has Edward Thompson, who is cashier of the Erhard State Bank. A man of broad experience, one who has been a farmer, a merchant, a public officer, and now as a financier conducting the affairs of one of the most prosperous of the smaller banking institutions of the commonwealth, he has a record which is most enviable and one to which his friends and many admirers point with justifiable pleasure and pride.

Edward Thompson was born in Norwood, Carver county, Minnesota, November 13, 1877. the son of Knut D. and Mary 1 ( iunderson) Thompson, the father a native of Norway, in which country he was born in 1847, and the mother a native of Carver county. Minnesota. Knut Thompson came to America in 1867 and settled in the state of Wisconsin, where he lived for some years and then went to the city of Minneapolis. Minnesota, accepting employment there for some time, after which he went to Carver county, Minnesota, there starting a blacksmith shop, which he operated for about five years and then came to Otter Tail county, locating in Maplewood township for one year. Coming to the town of Erhard, Knut Thompson established the first blacksmith shop of the town, following his trade at this place until the year 1906, when he went to Stanley, North Dakota, there homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land on which he lived for a short time and then went to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he has since lived a retired life.

Mary (Gunderson) Thompson, mother of the subject of this sketch, is the daughter of John Gunderson and wife, who shortly before the Civil War left his native land of Norway and came to America, settling in Carver county. Minnesota, where he engaged in general farming until the year [883, when with his family, he moved to Erhard, Minnesota, and lived in retirement for the next twenty years, and then, his wife having died, he moved to Audubon and there spent the remainder of his days with a son. To the marriage of Knut and Mary (Gunderson) Thompson were born the following children : Edward, the subject of this sketch ; Emma, a school principal at Jamestown, North Dakota; Juanita, who married George H. Newbert, president of the First National Bank, at Mora, Minnesota, and Anton, who died in 1903.

Edward Thompson was educated in the public schools of Erhard and in the schools of Fergus Falls, after which, with his father, he conducted a hardware store at Erhard for seven years and then accepted a position as grain buyer for the Minneapolis and Northern Grain Company, a business in which he continued for five years. In the year 1907 he went to Mountrail county. North Dakota, there taking a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he lived for one year, afterward returning to his former position as a grain buyer, a work which he followed for about four years, then became a grain buyer for the Farmers Elevator Company, of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In the year 1913 Edward Thompson, with other progressive citizens of Erhard and vicinity, organized the Erhard State Bank, of Erhard, Minnesota, he at the time being elected as cashier of the institution, an office which he has since held to the satisfaction of all, managing this flourishing banking house with its capital of ten thousand dollars and its suq^lus of two thousand dollars, without criticism or complaint from its one hundred and fifty depositors, with their fifty thousand dollars of deposits. Associated with Mr. Thompson in the conduct of this financial institution are the following directors, all well-known men of Otter Tail county, Minnesota: E. A. Jewett, president: Knut Stenerson, vice-president: H. H. Knobel, Axel Knutson, P. M. KnolT and I. O. Grina.

On June 29, [904, Edward Thompson was married to Julia Anderson, a native of the state of Minnesota, and to this marriage have been born six children, Janice, Marion, Ruby, Laila, Palma and George Edward.

Edward Thompson has found time to serve his township in public office, for more than twelve years having served in his usual efficient manner as township clerk. In politics, Mr. Thompson is independent of party. In fraternal circles, Edward Thompson is a leading member of the lodge of Ancient Order of United Workmen, an organization in which he takes a prominent part.

Peter Loken

Peter Loken, farmer, stock raiser, and man of affairs in Oscar township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born at Hedemarken, Norway, April 6, 1866, the son of Michael and Annie (Stetvold) Loken, natives of Norway. Michael Loken, after his school days in his native country and following a term in the Norwegian army, came to America, in 1866, and located in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he lived for three years and worked as a farm helper. In 1869 Michael Loken came to Otter Tail county, making the journey from Fillmore county, a distance of four hundred miles, by ox-team, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 35, Oscar township, which place he has greatly improved and to which farm Mr. Loken added land, until at one time he was the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land in the community. Michael and Annie Loken were the parents of seven children, Oline, Christie, Peter, John, Marie, Edward and Severine. Michael Loken was active in the various interests of his community, being a leading church worker and a man who was especially prominent in the ranks of the Republican party in Oscar township.

Peter Loken received his education in the public schools of Oscar township, Otter Tail county, after which he became a fanner, working on the home farm for some time, and then later taking charge of the place, where he now engages in general farming and in the raising of Poland China hogs and purebred Shorthorn cattle.

On June 29, tqoo. Peter Loken was married to Christine Jacobson, and to this marriage have been born the following children : Alfred (deceased), Marie, Charles, Clara, Olga, Anna, Alfred and Helen. Peter Loken and his family are active members of the Norwegian Lutheran church of Oscar township.

Peter Loken take-~ an important place in the business life of Oscar township and the vicinity, being president of the Elizabeth Creamery Companv, an office which he has occupied for four years. Mr. Loken is a stock- holder in the Carlisle Bank, and a director of the Carlisle Farmers Elevator Company, having been officially connected with this company for ten years. In public circles and official life Peter Loken has served his township as supervisor, as chairman of the township board for fifteen years, and as school treasurer, an office in which he has served for seven vears.

Charlie Kupfer

Charlie Kupfer was born in Baden, Germany, near Strasburg, on Janu ary 25, 1854, the son of Casper and Magdalene ( (Gegg) Kupfer, both of whum were natives of Baden, the former born in 1805 and the latter in 1811. Married in Baden, Mr. and Mrs. Casper Kupfer engaged in farming in their native province until the former's death in 1859, after which Magdalena (Gegg) Kupfer was married to Erhard Ehret. She died at the age of sixty-three years, after giving birth to eight children, four of whom died in Germany quite early in life. The four living children are: Paulina, who remained in Germany; Katie, who married John Strawbinger and who lives in Mauck Chunk, Pennsylvania: John, who also lives in Mauck Chunk, where he is engaged in blacksmithing; and Charlie, the subject of this sketch.

Charlie Kupfer was raised on his father's farm and educated in the public schools of Baden until eighteen years old. when he emigrated to the United States in 1872 and settled in Mauck Chunk, Pennsylvania. There he worked as a car repairer on the Lehigh Valley railroad for a period of six years, until 1878, when he came to Minnesota and settled in Carver county. He began work as a section hand with a gang employed on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, and two years later was elevated to the position of section foreman, a position he held for nine years. He then removed to Sims, Morton county. North Dakota, and was employed as section foreman on the Northern Pacific railroad for six years, or until removing to Watkins, Minnesota, where he was employed as section foreman on the Soo Line railroad for nine years. Finally, Charlie Kupfer gave up railroading and, in 1003, after removing to Richdale, Otter Tail county, engaged in the hotel business for one and one-half vears. Selling out his hotel interests in Richdale, however, he removed to Bluffton, where, after erecting a store building and a hotel, he has since been successfully engaged in business. Aside from his hotel and store in Bluffton, Mr. Kupfer owns a farm of sixty acres situated near the village and takes a great interest in the operation of this farm.

In 1880 Charlie Kupfer was married to Annie Mohrbacher, a native of Cologne, Minnesota, and the daughter of Adam Mohrbacher. Mrs. Kupfer died in 1903, after having borne her husband twelve children, eight of whom are living, as follow: Mary, the wife of Gottlieb Backenstos, lives in Lansford, North Dakota ; Annie, who married Anton Kacosky, and who lives in Bluffton; Clara, who married Christ Snyder, and who lives in Morrillton, Arkansas; Charlie, who lives at home: Emma, who married Ben Beachley, and who lives at Blackduck, .Minnesota; Robert, who assists his father in the operation of the store; Joseph, who also lives at home and who is engaged as a section hand, and Katie, who married William Geiser, and who lives in Bluffton.

Although for many years an ardent Democrat. Mr. Kupfer has recently cast his influence with the Republican party. He has always taken an active interest in politics and has held various political offices of trust and responsibility. While residing at Watkins, Minnesota, Mr. Kupfer served as mayor for six years and as school director for nine years. During the past two years Mr. Kupfer has been serving as mayor of Bluffton and was formerly a member of the council. The success which has accompanied his public service is evidence of his ability and the number of important positions held by Mr. Kupfer is evidence of the esteem and trust in which he is held by the residents of Bluffton. Mr. Kupfer is a member of St. John's Society and is also a devoted member of the Catholic church.

Frank T. Vogel

Prank J. Vogel, farmer and representative citizen of Star Lake township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, is justly one of the respected men of his community and progressively alert to the needs of his fellowmen. He is a native of Blair county, Pennsylvania, and his birth occurred on July 19, 1870. He is one of ten children born to the union of Frederick and Mary (Smith) Vogel, who were residents of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The maternal grandparents of Frank J. Vogel were Martin Smith and his wife, who were natives of Germany and emigrated to America in 1840. They located in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Smith followed the vocation of mason until his death. They were both members of the Catholic church. Their daughter. Mary Smith, was born in Germany and was brought to America when two years of age and was reared and married in Pennsylvania.

The father of Frank J. Vogel, Frederick Vogel, was probably born in France but was reared in Germany, and it was there that his education was received. He traveled in both countries and taught school for several vears while a resident of Germany, and though he had been reared in Germany lu- could speak both the French and German languages fluently. At the age of twenty-one years he emigrated to the United States and located at Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where his marriage was solemnized. Thev con- tinned to live in Hollidaysburg for some years, and in 1879 they removed to Otter Tail comity, Minnesota, where they secured one hundred and sixty acres of land under the homestead law, on which they remained until his death, on June 2_>, [898, the wife then residing with her children. This farm was located in section 20. in Star Lake township and was wild, unimproved land. A log house was built and it is still in use.

The first union of Frederick Vogel was with Susan Smith, a sister Of the second wife, and to them were born two children, Phillip and Martin, who were twins. Phillip is a salesman for a monument concern and lives in Perham. .Martin died while a resident of Puyallup, Washington. The names of the children born to the second union are: George, a realty dealer living in Rainier, Oregon; Fred is a machinist and lives in Brainerd, Minnesota; Kate became the wife of James Aldrich and their home is in Nashua, Wilkin county. Minnesota; Joseph died in Fergus Falls. Minnesota; Annie married Wilbur Brown and they live in Dent, Minnesota; Frank J. is the subject of this sketch; John is a farmer living in Tacoma, Washington; Adam is a merchant in Star Lake, Minnesota; William is a bank cashier and lives in Watkins. Minnesota, and Susan is a teacher living in Dent, Minnesota. The parents -if these children were both members of the Catholic church. Frederick \ ogel having been one of the organizing members of St. James's church and also a member of the choir while a resident of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.

Frank J. Vogel was educated in the public schools of Perham, having been a graduate of the high school of that town at the age of twenty-three years. After completing his education he engaged in the vocation of school teacher and was occupied in that capacity for nearly eleven years in the schools of Utter Tail county, Minnesota. He also was interested in agricultural pursuits and in 1900 purchased one hundred anil eight acres of land, in section 34, in Star Lake township, this county, where he resided until [914. lie then sold the place ami purchased seventy acres one-fourth of a mile north of the former farm hut located in the same township. This place was not improved and he erected new buildings, making it a' very comfortable home.

( )n January 29, 1901, Frank J. Vogel was united in marriage to Maud Emma Dalle, a native of Arcadia. Wisconsin, and to them have been horn four children, whose names follow: Clifford, Vincent. Clare ami Catherine. The last two are twins. Maud Emma I Dalle) Vogel is a daughter of Charles and Emma (Davis) Dalle, natives of Germany and Xew Yorkstate, respectively. They were married in Wisconsin and in 1885 removed to Otter Tail county, -Minnesota. locating in Maine township. His death occurred in 1912. His wife lives in Idaho. Frank J. Vogel has served his

Ole Hanson was born in Elmo township, this county. May i, 1884, the son of Ole and Ronog (Bradley) Hanson, both of whom were born in Northfron, Norway, where they grew up and were married.

( lie Hanson, Sr., was the son of Hans P. and Marit (Olson) Ronning, natives of Norway. Hans P. Ronning was a farmer and lived all his life in Norway, where he died at the age of eighty-one years. His wife came to America and spent her last days with Ole Hanson, Sr. She died in 1908, at 1 lie aye of eighty-four.

Ronog Bradley is the daughter of Nicholas and Martha Bradley, who were also natives of Norway. Mr. Bradley died in Norway, and Mrs. Bradley came to America and made her home with her daughter in Elmo township, until her death.

Two years after their marriage. Air. and Airs. Ole Hanson emigrated to the United States, leaving their home in Norway on May 31, 1S74. They came west to Menomonie, Wisconsin, where they arrived on June 30, the same year. There .Mr. Hanson worked on a farm for three months, after which he secured employment in a lumber camp, at which work he remained that following winter. In the fall of 1874 Mrs. Ronog Hanson, with her children, traveled by rail to Wadena and from there to Otter Tail county on a freight wagon arriving in Elmo township on October 15. 1874. where she staved with her brother during the winter. The following spring Ole Hanson came to this county, traveling on foot from Wadena to Elma township, where he took up a homestead claim of eighty acres in section 32. They began to acquire what in later years became a well-equipped farm, although it was raw prairie at the time of purchase. Their first home was a crude log cabin built within two rods of their present modern residence. There they lived until 1882, when ground was broken for a more commodious dwelling, this also being constructed of logs, which was later remodeled and became the present family home which stands today. About 1892 Air. Hanson added eighty acres to his land, this being across the road in Parkers Prairie township. This land was unimproved. Later he purchased forty acres of timber in section 26, Elmo township. He is considered an expert farmer and dairyman, having equipped his farm with modern improvements, including a silo. He keeps about sixteen cows.

and his wife belong to the Lutheran church. To them six children have been born: Hans O. lives in Dakota, where he is a prosperous farmer; Martha is the wife of Peter Severson, of Elmo township; Mary is the widow of Henry Peterson and lives in Montana, where she owns a claim, and also has a claim at Medora. North Dakota; Xels is a farmer of Elmo township; Oscar lives in Montana, where he has taken up a claim; the youngest son is Ole, the subject of this review.

With only a meager education, Ole Hanson has been able to acquire the means to own his splendid farm and to become prominent in local business and agricultural circles. He was educated in the local schools and spent all of his spare time in his boyhood working on the farm and learning from his father the principles of successful agriculture. Since his purchase of part of the home place in iqoq. he has operated it on the same lines as those followed by his father, adding perhaps more extensive dairying methods.

In 1909 Ole Hanson was married to Rosa Simonson. a native of Elmo township, and a daughter of Simon Simonson, a pioneer settler whose biography is presented elsewhere in this publication. To Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have been born three children. Gladys, Orvey and Maynard.

Mr. Hanson has served as president and clerk of school district No. 99, and takes a good citizen's interest in politics. He is an independent voter.

Andrtas Mesna

Andrias Mesna was born in Norway, January 14, [845, the son of Gulbrand and Runo Mesna, who were horn in Norway, spending their entire lives in that country, where Gulbrand Mesna was a farmer. Following his education in the common schools of his native land, Andrias Mesna, the subject of this sketch, in the year 1872, came to America and went to Fillmore county. Minnesota, where he lived for three years. In 1875 he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and homesteaded one hundred and sixtv acres of land in Pelican township, a place which is now the home of his widow and family. On taking possession of his homestead in the earlv days. Andrias Mesna found it to be uncleared and without improvement, he therefore proceeded to clear his land, to build necessarv buildings and to cultivate his land as conditions would permit; his determination and perseverance in time resulting in his seeing his land become among the most desirable farms of the community, growing not only in productiveness but in acreage, as Mr. Mesna was able at a later time to add twenty-five acres to his already large and well-tilled farm.

of Christian Anderson and Gonor Svenson, who were natives of Norway, where they spent their entire lives, the daughter, Marie, coming to America in the year 1874, and locating in Fillmore count). Minnesota. To the marriage of Andrias and Marie Mesna were born twelve children: Gilbert, Christian, Martin, Rudolph, Gustav, Regina, Melvin, Anna. Laura, Clara (deceased), Clara and Alph. \ndrias Mesna was an active and devout member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, as are his widow and family at the present time.

In the various walks of life represented in Pelican township, Andrias Mesna was well known and highly respected as a man of strong personality and force of character. His many good and charitable acts as a citizen in the community are broadly known and he is a man whose record in Pelican town-Lip and in Otter Tail county will he of a most lasting nature.

Martin Aalberg

Martin Aalberg, a name of Norway, was born in 1859, being the son oi \ndrew and Hannah (Hanson) Aalberg, both of whom were born and died in Norway. Andrew Aalberg was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, at which occupation he worked during most of his active life. He was a master workman, his work commanding much attention in the community in which he lived and labored. Mr. and Mrs. Aalberg were the parents of the following children: Peter, Paul. Martin, Helmer and Hans. Peter is a pattern-maker in Madison. Wisconsin; Paul is a farmer in Richland county. North Dakota; Helmer is still at the old home in Norway: Hans is engaged in the newspaper work in Madison, Wisconsin.

Martin Aalberg received his education in the schools of his native country, which schools compare with the present high schools of the United States. There he carefully prepared for his future life work, that of a civil engineer. His preparation was of the very best and he has been successful.

Mr. Aalberg came to the United States when twenty years of age, locating in Minneapolis, where he followed various occupations until he succeeded in obtaining- a position as civil engineer. In 1887 he became deputy count)- surveyor of Hennepin county. Minnesota, which position he held for live years. He had worked in the surveyor's office for two years previous to the time he became deputy. In 1802 be came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, locating at Henning, where he has since resided. That same fall he was elected county surveyor, which position he held for twelve years, after which he was drainage engineer for the county. At this time he also did much drainage work for other counties of the state. In 191 1 Mr. Aalberg was appointed district highway engineer, working under the state highway commission. This position lie still holds, which is evidence that his work is most satisfactory.

Martin Aalberg was married on November 8, 1884, to Trine Quam, who has been a true helpmate to her husband in the home and in his public life. Air. Aalberg and his family live on their onedumdred-acre farm near Henning. -Mr. and Mrs. Aalberg are the parents of the following children: Lily, Arthur. Harry. Florence and Leonard. Lily is now Mrs. J. Cronkhite, of Thief River Falls; Arthur is a civil engineer with the Burlington railroad, with headquarters at Denver, Colorado; Harry is the present county surveyor of the county; Florence is attending the Stout Institute at Menomonie, Wisconsin; Leonard is still at home with his parents.

Mr. Aalberg as an active member of the Knights of the Maccabees, a prominent and influential citizen and a man held in high esteem by all who know him.

Clinton L. Erckenbrack

Clinton L. Erckenbrack was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, on July 7. 1856, the son of James P. and Rachel Jane (Love) Erckenbrack. both of whom were natives of New York state.

James P. Erckenbrack was the son of Philip and Jane Erckenbrack, natives of New York state, who locating near Richmond, McHenry county, Illinois, lived and died there, the father being a prosperous farmer. Their son, James P., was educated in Illinois and learned from his father the occupation of farming. In 1870 he and his family were hauled by three yoke of oxen to Parkers Prairie, where they took a homestead claim just across the lake from Clinton P. Erckenbrack's present home. After farming successfully on his tract of one hundred and sixty acres for some years, James P. Erckenbrack had accumulated enough to retire, and moving his family to the village remained there the rest of his days. His wife died on the farm in 1874.

Rachel Jane Love was the daughter of Clinton and Rachel Love. They were born in New York state and moved to Rock county, Wisconsin, where he purchased land from the government and was a farmer the resl of his days.

James P. and Rachel (Love) Erckenbrack were the parents of the following children: Allen. Marjorie, John, Philip, Arthur, Orville, William and Mary. Clinton P. was the third child born in the family. His father and mother were members of the Baptist church and the former was fur many years justice of the peace.

Clinton L. Erckenbrack was educated in the country schools of Minnesota and Illinois. Like his father he pursued the vocation of farming, hut later engaged in the transfer business for nine years at Parkers Prairie. In 1914 he began dealing in ice, the business in which he is engaged at the present time.

In 1878 Clinton L Erckenbrack was married to Elizabeth Waldron, of New York Mills. Minnesota, and the union has been blessed by the birth of seven children, Mabel and William, both deceased; Harry, Elsworth, Theodore, deceased; I 'earl and Clara.

Mr. and Mrs. Erckenbrack are members of the Baptist church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Modern Woodmen. For ten years Mr. Erckenbrack has been constable of Parkers Prairie, and has filled the place with satisfaction. Mr. Erckenbrack is not only a good farmer but he is a good business man as well. Mis life has been well lived. The demands of duty, whether personal or civic, have been cheerfully and courageously met, and b) his progressive attitude he has been a source of help and strength to the community.

John Algot Peterson

John Algot Peterson is among the highly respected citizens and progressive farmers of Parkers Prairie township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and his unusual ability in his chosen profession has led to a satisfactory issue of his agricultural interests. He was born on August II, 1855, in Sweden, the son of C. J. Peterson and his wife, Sophia, both natives of Sweden. C. J. Peterson followed the vocation of farmer for many years, while a resident of his native land, and emigrated to America in 186S. Immediately after his arrival in the United States he located in Washing ton county, Minnesota, where he was employed as a farm hand until 1871. He then came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he located on one hundred and sixty acres of homestead land and remained on this property until his death. To the union of C. J. and Sophia Peterson were born four children.

fohn Algot Peterson moved to Otter Tail county with his father and immediately purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, for which he paid cash. This property has been improved and increased until, at the present time, it is anion- the best in the locality. It now consists of one hundred and eighty-four and one-half acres of land, and is devoted to general farming and stock raising. In 1880 John Algot Peterson was united in marriage to Mary Swanson, and to this union seven children have been horn. lennie. Alice. Elbcda. Edna, Emily, Harold and Ruth. Mary (Swan- son) Peterson is the daughter of Carl Swanson. John Algot Peterson and his wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran church, in which he has served as deacon and trustee for mure than twenty years. John Algot Peterson has been very active in educational circles and served for ten years as a member of the township board, also acting as chairman of the same. He has served as township assessor for fifteen years. He takes great pride in the cultivation of his farm and keeps everything connected therewith in the best of condition. Much credit is due him fur his unselfish interest in all questions pertaining' to the betterment of his community.

A well-known and prominent farmer of Erhards Grove township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is John Nickanor Johnson, who was born in Pelican Rapids, September t), [882, the son of John and Anna Johnson, both of whom were natives of Sweden, the former born on December 29, 184J. the latter, \ugust [6, 1 S 5 5 . In 1871). John Johnson came to America and located in Otter Tail county. Minnesota, three years later coming to Pelican Rapids, where he lived until 1891 and then moved to a small farm one mile east of the town of Pelican Rapids, where John Johnson lived for eight years. During the year [899, the elder Johnson secured a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section _\ Erhards Grove township, a place which is now owned by the only son of John and Anna Johnson, John Nickanor Johnson, the subject of this sketch.

John Nickanor Johnson was educated in the schools of Pelican Rapids, after which he became a salesman 111 the stores of the community for ten wars and then he became a farmer, locating on the home farm of one hundred and twenty acres, in P.rhards Grove township. John Nickanor Johnson is now engaged in the duties of general farm life, as well as engaging in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs.

During the year 1912, John Nickanor Johnson was married to Alma Grahn, who was born in Sweden, January 1. 1885. Her father died in Sweden, after which the widow came to America, with her children, and located in ( Hter Tail county, where she spent her last days. To the marriage of John Nickanor and Alma Johnson have been born two children, Alice Violet and Albert Jewel.

John Nickanor Johnson has taken an active interest in the development of the community and its various interests and resources, being at the present time overseer of roads, an office which he is serving with honor to himself and with great benefit to the township and county.

In the honored field of agriculture in Otter Tail county, the acquirement of wealth has not been a matter of extended years in the experience of -Mr. Kronemann, whose brief history is presented to the reader in the following sketch. His success in the agricultural direction has been one of phenomenal growth, having started out on his own responsibility fifteen years ago, and now controls three hundred and twenty acres of line farm land in his own name - an achievement worthy of any man's pride.

M. C. Kronemann, farmer, Fergus Falls township, Minnesota, was born on December 5, 1874, in Germany, and is a son of William and Ernestine (Beske) Kronemann. His early education was obtained in Germany, and after arriving in America, he took a commercial course in 1900. after which he began farming for himself, on the place which he now owns, and on which he has put practically all the improvements. In his vocation as a farmer. Mr. Kronemann makes the dairy business one of his specialties, and is a breeder of fine Holstein Friesian cattle. He is considered a man of advanced ideas in his line, having made a special study of every detail in connection therewith. Politically, he is a Republican, but has never taken an active interest in local politics. He is president of the Live Stock Shipping Association, and vice-president of the Otter Tail County Co-operative Store, treasurer of the Farm Bureau, president of the Fergus Falls Telephone Company, and director of the Oscar Insurance Company.

William Kronemann, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on June 26. 1834, in Germany, and died on August 7, itiio. His wife. Ernestine (Beske) Kronemann. was born on July 24. 1853. in Germany. William was a son of John Kronemann, who was a native of Germany. His education was received in the public schools of Germany, where he learned the miller's trade, and operated a mill of his own until 1888. at which time he came to America and located in Fergus Falls township, where he followed farming on the place now owned by M. C. Kronemann. He had one hundred and sixty acres at first, and two years later bought one hundred and sixtv acres more, doing general farming. The children born to William and Ernestine (Beske) Kronemann, were as follow: M. C. ; Ida, deceased, who became the wife of Fred Hoffman, and Emma Kronemann. who was married to Fred Lother. They are all members of the German Lutheran church.

John Kronemann, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Germany, where he spent his entire life as a farmer. The maternal grandfather. August Beske. was also a farmer, and a native of Germany.

Holthusen. daughter of John and Charlotte Holthusen. She was born on January 13, 1883. The children born to this union were: Ruth, Esther, Max, Herbert and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Kronemann are members of the German Lutheran church.

Mr. Kronemann' s well-kept farm of three hundred and twenty acres is one of the most attractive looking places in the county, and his reputation as a business man and a citizen is beyond question.

Harry Niles Bruce

Harry Niles Bruce, a well-known attorney, village recorder and justice of the peace, has spent many years in the service of the community in which he lives. Fortunate in having the educational opportunities to prepare him for a life of more than ordinary usefulness, he early learned that "knowledge is power," and therefore set himself to work to acquire it. His later years have been full of conspicuous achievement, both in private legal practice and in public life. Harry Xiles Bruce was born in Vermont, September 7, 1846, the son of David ami Miranda (Studevant) Bruce.

David Bruce was born in Scotland but came to America when he was about eight years old, locating in Fairlee. Vermont, where in later years he married Miranda Studevant, a native of Pennsylvania. David Bruce was a farmer and stock buyer, and at one time captain of the Vermont militia. He was twice married and was the father of ten children, of whom six boys were born of the last marriage. He died in 1851.

The eldest brother of Harry Bruce, Charles S. Bruce, was in Company B, of the Tenth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in 1862, and three years later he was honorably discharged and is now a resident of Rock county. Minnesota, where he was county auditor from the year 1891 until January, 191 1. The next brothers, in order of their birth, are Simon R. and George II.. who were Texas rangers during the Civil War. and after the war lived in Oglethorpe, Georgia.

Harry Xiles Bruce went to school in Vermont until his fifteenth year, and in June. 1861, located in Dodge count}1, Minnesota, where he attended a select school for one year. In [865 he joined his brothers. Simon and George, at Oglithorpe, Georgia, remaining there until 1866, when all together they made an overland trip to Texas, by team. In 1867, leaving his brothers, he traveled by a similar method from Texas to Kansas. In [869 Mr. Bruce returned to Dodge county and settled down to the staid life of a harness-maker at Mantorville. A year later he began farming and continued this vocation until 1881. In June, of that year, he went to Pelican Rapids (47b) and for two years engaged in the harness business. Here also he studied law with H. R. Day, and was admitted to the county bar in 1886, since which time he has built up a good practice. In 1900 he ran for judge of the probate court on the Republican ticket, running a close race with Hon. E. Frankberg, who won at that time and has never since been defeated for that office. Besides being justice of the peace, Mr. Bruce has held many town offices and for a number of years has been village recorder.

The marriage of Harry Niles Bruce and Ella D. Dibble took place in November, 1870, she being the daughter of Daniel K. Dibble, a pioneer of Dodge county. Mr. Dibble was an early homesteader, moving to Dodge county in 1858. where he lived until IQOO, when he moved to Owatonna. where he still lives, at the age of eighty-seven years. He followed the occupation of farmer and was for two terms county treasurer. Mr. Bruce and his wife were the parents of Daniel R., a barber at Hotel Dakotah, at Grand Forks, and Libbie Grace, who married E. A. Williams, of Pelican Rapids. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams are Howard B., Harry Niles and Nellie Grace. Daniel R. Bruce married Ella Robinson, and to them were born three children. Vera, Lee and Ruth. Vera married David Fairweather, and they have one son, Lloyd. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce are active members of the local Congregational church.

Syver Olson Ronningen

Syver Olson Ronningen is one of the pioneer agriculturists of Norwegian Grove township, this county, and passed through what was expected to be an Indian outbreak, although no one was injured but all were excited. The Indians made frequent hunting trips through the Otter Tail county region, and it was while they were on one of these expeditions that they surprised the Norwegian Grove community in the fall of 1871.

Syver Olson Ronningen is a native of Norway and was born on April 21, [841. He is the son of Ole Hanson and Martha (Hanson) Ronningen, both natives of Norwav. who lived and died in that country. They were the parents of ten children. Syver Olson Ronningen received his education in the common schools of his native land and, after completing same, entered the Norwegian army. He emigrated to America in 1867, locating for three years in Fillmore county, Minnesota, and thence on to his present location in 1870. Upon his arrival in this section he secured one hundred and sixty acres of land under the homestead law, later adding one hundred and seventy-eight acres more. This place has been improved and is devoted to general farming. In 1905 Syver Olson Ronningen retired from farming, but is still living on the farm with his daughter and her husband. If is wife is Kam (Paulson) Ronningen and they are the parents of three children, Ole, Hans and Emma. Syver Olson Ronningen and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, in which church he has served in many offices.

Anton Kaufmann

Anton Kan f maim was born at Rusdorf, Germany, on October 24, 18OO, the sou of Nicholas and Susanna (Rolling; Raufmann, the former born on July 17, 1840, in Vackschweiler, Rhine Province, Germany, the son of John and Alary Raufmann, and the latter born at Rusdorf, Germany. Nicholas Raufmann was reared to manhood on his father's farm and, upon reaching his majority became a farmer and landowner in the Fatherland. He was married, secondly, to Mary Raufmann, March 1, 1878, and soon afterward emigrated to the United States and settled near Hastings, Dakota county, Minnesota, where he worked on various neighboring farms and rented land for a period of several years. In 1883 he removed to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land situated in section 7, of Bluffton township, all of which land was covered with timber ami brush. After erecting a log cabin on the present site of the farm house, Mr. Raufmann began to clear and to improve and still later to add by purchase an additional forty acres located in section 5, of Bluffton township. He now lives retired on his home farm and, after spending a great many years of hard work in the development of his land, enjoys the fruits of his labors. By his first marriage to Susanna Rolling, there were burn live children, namely: Anton, the subject of this sketch; Ratie, the widow of Joe Sadlier, who lives at Akeley, Minnesota; Susie, the wife of Martin Schmidt, who resides in section 7, of Bluffton township; Christian, who is employed in a saw-mill at Akeley, Minnesota, and Annie, the widow of John Goldie, who resides in Bluffton township.

After the death of his first wife, Nicholas Raufmann was married to Alary Raufmann, who was born on June 13, 1845, m Olmschad, Prim, Rhine Province, Germany, the daughter of John and Theresa ( Rohman ) Raufmann. By this second marriage there Avere born four children, namely: John, a liveryman of Bluffton; Martin, a farmer of Bluffton township; Theodore, also a farmer of Bluffton township, and Ratie, the wife of Ben Weohle, who lives in Bismarck, North Dakota. While still living in Germany. Nicholas Raufmann took an active part in the Danish and Franco- Prussian Wars and was a participant in the siege of Paris, near the close of the latter war. He and his family are devoted members of the Catholic church.

After being educated in the public schools of Germany and spending one year in school at Hastings, Minnesota, Anton Kaufmann began to work on neighboring farms for about fifteen dollars per month. Subsequently he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1883, with his parents, but removed during the same year to North Dakota, where he worked on various farms and ranches for a period of twenty-one years. Finally, in 1904, lie returned to Otter Tail county, where, at the age of sixteen years, he had bought forty acres of land adjoining his father's farm on the south and to which tract he had been adding land until at the time of his return to this county he possessed one hundred and sixty acres. Since living on his farm he has improved it both by the erection of a house and barn and by the development of its state of productivity. He makes a specialty of breeding a milking strain of Durham cattle and raising Chester White hogs.

In 189] Anton Kaufmann was united in marriage to Katrina Mirkes, a native of Rusdorf, and the daughter of William Mirkes. who spent his entire life in Germany. To this union there bave been no children born, but an adopted daughter. Grace kosher, has taken the name of Kaufmann as her own.

Anton Kaufmann is a Democrat and as a member of this party has served as chairman of the school board and as pathmaster. Aside from his agricultural interests, Mr. Kaufmann has dealt extensively m land in both Bluff ton and Newton townships.