Otter Tail County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 22 of 28)

Henry W. Seeber, the maternal grandfather, was of Pennsylvania- Dutch descent, and was a native of Pennsylvania, and a blacksmith by trade, lie went from Mohawk Valley, New York, to Jefferson county. New York state, where he followed farming until his death, which occurred at the age of ninety years. He was a member of the Methodist church. His wife was Susan Overocker.

Lysander W. Bell was united in marriage to Alda Perkins, daughter of lenks Perkins, of New York state, where Mrs. Bell was born. This union has been blest with one son. Clark S.. who was married to Matilda Zimmerman. Their home is at Elizabeth.

Mr. Bell i- a man of strong characteristics, and a well balanced mind. He is well known and well liked throughout Otter Tail county, where he has long been a resident.

Gabriel Gii.Bf.Rtsox

Gabriel Gilbertson, farmer, Elizabeth township. Otter Tail county, was born on December 30, 1S72, in Oscar township, in the county where he now resides, and is a son of Nelson Gilbertson. He received a good public school education in Oscar township, and has followed farming all his life, his present farm consisting of eighty acres of good agricultural land. In addition to his farming interests, Mr. Gilbertson has done threshing for the past twelve years, in which business he has employed the Hubber separator and engine; the grain raised on his own place being principally wheat.

Politically, Mr. Gilbertson is a stanch Democrat, and was road overseer for two vears. although he has never run for office. Religiously, he belongs tn the Lutheran church 111 Oscar township. He improved his farm in [014 by building a new house; having erected a good, substantial barn three years previously. Mr. Gilbertson was also the heir to forty acres of good farm land, which was willed to him by the widow of his -rand father's brother, whose interests he looked alter for nineteen years.

Nelson Gilbertson. father of Gabriel, was born in Norway, and was united in marriage with Gertrude Knutson in 1870, after which they came to America. The children born to this union were as follow : Ena, Sarah, deceased: Olivia, who lives in Washington state; Gabriel, Carl, Ole and Gina. Neb Gilbertson died about 1900. and his widow remained in Baker county. Xels Gilbertson came to Minnesota in 1870, where he began farming at the time when the grasshoppers took everything in sight. He filed on a homestead in Oscar township, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, which he sold to advantage. Afterwards he rented a farm in Baker township, but died in a few years. His religious sympathies were with the Lutheran church.

Eddie N. Nelson

Grain dealer, farmer and merchant. Eddie N. Nelson, a prosperous young citizen of Clitherall, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born on February 18, 1883. in Nidaros township. He is the son of Even and Anna (Halverson) Nelson, both of whom were born in Norway. Even Nelson was the son of Thorwald Nelson, who came to Minnesota in pioneer days and who died at Breckenridge. Mr. Nelson's maternal grandparents. Even and Ingeborg Halverson, came to America in 1871 and settled in Nidaros township. Otter Tail county, on a homestead farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Tt is there that the widow now lives. Her husband died in 1885.

Mr. Nelson's father came to Minnesota with his parents when still a small boy. He was married in this county and died in Xidaros township. His widow is living near Vining on a farm. Eddie N. Nelson was the only child born to his parents. After the death of his father. Mr. Nelson's mother was married to Edward Olson, and to them were born nine children, Inga, Fred, Carl, who died in infancy; Amelia, Eva, Wilma, Mabel, Hazel and Inez.

Eddie N. Nelson was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools of Vining and at Grand Forks, North Dakota, where he attended business college. He began working in the elevator ami lumber yard at Eldridge and Medina. North Dakota. He later worked in the elevator at Sheyenne, North Dakota. In fact, Mr. Nelson was employed at Sheyenne from 1904 to [913. He was also assistant cashier of the Farmers .and Merchants Bank at Sheyenne during' hi- residence at that place, also manager and secretary of the Equity Elevator and Trading Company for two years, from 1910 to 1912.

In [913 .Mr. Nelson mack- a trip to Arkansas, where he remained for a short time. He next lived at Borap, Norman county. Minnesota, and, after one year, in 1914, came to Clitherall and became the manager and secretary of the Clitherall Grain Association. Mr. Nelson owns a homestead farm in Benson county. North Dakota, a tract of eighty acres situated two miles from Sheyenne.

In 1904 Eddie N. Nelson was married to Pearl Colcord, who was born near Pittsburg, Kansas. March 4. 1888, and who is the daughter of Ivory A. and Elizabeth (Preston) Colcord, of Gravette. Arkansas. Mr. and Mrs. Eddie N. Nelson have three children, Arthur Evan, Pela Edith and Edgar Norman.

Fraternally, Mr. Nelson is a member of Century Podge No. 60, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at New Rock ford, North Dakota. He is a Republican in politics and, while a resident of Sheyenne, North Dakota, was secretary of the Eddie county Republican central committee. For two vears he was a member of the Republican state central committee.

In addition to his position as secretary and manager of the Clitherall Grain Association, Mr. Nelson is also engaged in the farm machinery business at Clitherall. He handles the Stillwater line of machinerv and enjoys a good business in this community.

Ole P. Nepson

Another one of the prosperous farmers of Tnman township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and one who has made his own way in the world since coming to America from Sweden is Ole P. Nelson.

Mr. Nelson, who is the owner of a tine farm of one hundred and sixtv acres, was born in Sweden, March 15, 1859. and is a son of Pear and Hannah Nelson, both natives also of Sweden. The former died in his native country in 1905, while his wife had passed away five years previously, in 1900. Of the six children born to Pear and Hannah Nelson, Ole P.. the subject of this review, is the eldest. Elna, Johanus and Martin, the three youngest children, are deceased. The other children are Johanna and Nels.

Ole P. Nelson received his education in the public schools of Sweden. and when he was twenty-eight years of age, in 1887. came to America and settled at Manchester. New Hampshire. After living at the latter place for two years, Mr. Nelson moved to Otter Tail county, in [889, and until [891 worked on various farms in the vicinity of Eagle Pake. In the latter year Mr. Nelson purchased eighty acres of land in section i_\ [nman township, and since that time he has added forty acres in section 1. and fortv acres in section 14. to his original holdings.

Mr. Nelson's wife, who died June 3, 1892, left four children. Maria, Martin Nels, Hulda Christena and George Albert, who are living at home with their father.

Mr. Nelson has substantial, well-kept buildings on his farm, and the farm is equal in productivity to any other tract in Inman township. He is rated in this township as a self-made man and a successful farmer and citizen.

One of the most prominent farmer'- of Otter Tail county and of Deer Creek township is Jerry F. Johnson, who, because of his interest in the community life and its advancement, together with his service to the township 111 public office and as a leader in political movement, has a place of importance 111 the rank-- of the citizenship of the count)- and township. Successful m agricultural pursuits, useful as a citizen, capable in business and notably affiliated in church and fraternal circles, he is a type of manhood and citizenship who has done much for the county and its conditions of life.

Jerry F. Johnson was horn in the northern part of Germany on February 7. 1S05. the son of Frank and Martha (Hackman) Johnson, both of whom were horn in Germany. His father died at 1'etersburg, Illinois, in 1873, and later his mother was married to Joseph Kester of Petersburg, Illinois. Frank Johnson was a devout member of the German Lutheran church of his native country, he taking an active part in the worship of that congregation. Frank and Martha Johnson were the parents of two children: Jerry 1-'.. of this sketch, and Jennie, who came to America and later was married to William Wahlfell, of Petersburg.

Jerry F. Johnson came to America in 1867, and after landing at New York City went to the state of Illinois, where he was educated. He located about twenty miles north of the city of Springfield, there hired out as a farm hand until the year 1885, when he went to the state of Nebraska and stayed with his mother, at Franklin, for more than a year and then he came to Otter Tail county, reaching this county with but ten cents in his pocket. The first two years in Otter Tail county, Jerry F. Johnson worked generally ami then he bought eighty acres of uncleared land in section 36, Deer Creek township, paying for this land the sum of live dollars per acre, land which he cleared and improved with necessary buildings, later erecting a barn, twenty-four by forty feet. In later years he rebuilt his house and it i- now a good, comfortable home. Mr. Johnson i- now engaged in general farming, together with dairying and raising hogs and also as auctioneer in farm -ales.

On April 10, 1890, Jerry F. Johnson was married to Alvina Leeseberg, and to this marriage have been horn four children, Laura, Harry, Arthur and Walter, all of whom are unmarried. Air. Johnson and his family are connected with the German Lutheran church.

In public life Jerry l;. Johnson served for fifteen years as a supervisor; an efficient and able chairman of that body, who was instrumental in the movements for much of the county's civic progress. Mr. Johnson is a leading member of the Modern Woodmen of America lodge at Deer Creek, and is a man who in the various lines of activity in Deer Creek township has proved to the locality his great value as a citizen.

Thomas Carew

Thomas Carew is a pioneer citizen of Utter Tail county, and has taken no small part in the development of the community's interests and resources, a man of broad experience in life. I le is a citizen, who because of his publicspirited manner in local matters, has won a place of prominence and honor among his fellow citizens and associates.

Thomas Carew was horn in Ontario, Canada, on December 19, 1840, the son of Thomas and Margaret (Sargent) Carew. Thomas Carew, Sr., was a native of Ireland and the son of Thomas Carew, who was born in Ireland and lived in that country until the year 1833, when with a colony of people sent out by the government of Great Britain, he came to Canada, locating at a settlement known as Peters Burrow, which received its name from l'eter Robinson, who was at the head of the party who first reached the vicinity for residence. Grandfather Thomas Carew lived in Canada, where he owned a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, for the remainder of his days. He died in 1855: his wife, Esther (Golden) Carew surviving him and living to be more than one hundred years of age. Thomas and Esther Carew were the parents of five children, Samuel, Richard, John, Thomas, father of the subject of this sketch, and Robert. Thomas ( arew and his family were all members of the Church of England.

Thomas Carew. Sr., father of the subject of this sketch, was educated in the public schools <>i Ireland, after which he went to Canada, there locating on a farm of one hundred acres, which he cultivated for the remainder <>f his active life. His first wife having died during the year [862, he was again married, his second wife dying two years after their marriage. Thomas Carew, Sr.. then came to Otter Tail count}' and lived with his son. Thomas, for some time and then later returned to his home 111 Canada, where he died in 1884.

schools of Canada, alter which he came to the state of Minnesota, and located, on < Ictober 4. 1865, at Red \\ ing, where he worked for four years as a driver of ox teams, work for which lie was paid the sum of fifty dollars ]x-r month, from the proceeds of which he saved, during eighteen months, five hundred dollars, with which he bought personal property, which he later sold and then moved to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 27, Buse township, ( )tter Tail county, land which he improved, at first with crude buildings, then later replacing these structures with more substantial improvements. On this place Thomas Carew lived for some years and then selling his land he moved to Deer Creek township and invested in one hundred and sixty acres of land, where he now lives and engages in general farming together with dairying, he keeping about fifteen cows and twenty young cattle, which furnish for the market one hundred and twenty pounds of cream each week.

Thomas Carew is a man of many varied experiences in life, among the more interesting of which were his days as a trapper. Being unable to secure work at the town of Fergus balls, on arriving there, he walked to the town of Alexandria, Minnesota, there spending four of his five dollars for traps with which he was able to catch, during the winter, more than eight hundred muskrats. as well as large numbers of other animals, having a market value. Following his season as a trapper, Mr. Carew built a kiln, from which he furnished the lime used in the first bank building of Fergus balls. Many of the early buildings in Fergus Falls were made possible by the efforts of Mr. Carew, who furnished material and who later having learned the carpenter trade, devoted his time to a line of work which was not as yet plentiful in the community.

On October 15, 1807, Thomas Carew was married to Ella C. Parker, who was born in Trumbull county. Ohio, the daughter of James Parker and wife, James Parker being a farmer and country store keeper. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Carew were born four children, Frnest O., Arden A., James P., and Emily G., who is deceased. Ella, the wife of Thomas Carew, died on November 23, [886, survived by her husband and three children.

In the various lines of activity represented in Deer Creek township, few men have taken a more important or more helpful part than has Thomas Carew, who. though now seventy-five years of age and having served bis community long and well, is yet interested and active in all those things which promote the welfare of the locality. In public office Mr. Carew has a long and honorable record, having served the township as school treasurer for thirty years, during which time he was instrumental in an effort which resulted in the building of three school bouses. For sixteen years Mr.

Carew was township clerk, and for four years he was justice of the peace. He also enumerated the census of the town of Deer Creek for the government, three times in forty years. As a church worker, Mr. Carew has been active, having served for many years as superintendent of the Sunday school of the Methodist Episcopal church at Deer Creek. In the husiness world he is well known as a shareholder in the Farmers Store at Nanola, Minnesota, and also as stockholder in the Henning Creamery Company, at Henning, Minnesota.

Nels Parson

Successful as a farmer in Clitherall township, Otter Tail county, Nels Parson is one of the best-known young men in the county. He was born on the farm where he now lives on January 29, 1874, and is the son of Par and Ealna (Olson) Parson, who were born at Skona, Sweden, the former on November 14, 1831. and the latter on January 3, 1832.

Mr. Parson's father was married in his native land and came to America with his first wife, about 1870. They settled on the farm now occupied by Nels 1 'arson and which is situated in sections ji ami 22. Here he built a house and was just well started in the world, when his wife died. After her death in 187J, he was married to Ealna Olson and continued to live on the same farm. Mr. Parson's mother had come alone to America about 1871. When the Parson family settled in this vicinity, the country was covered with Indian trails and abounded in wild animals. On the southern part of the farm about forty rods from the house, the Indians had a camping ground and they were always friendly. Mr. Parson broke his land and cleared the timber from the farm and lived here until his death on November 5, 1914. Mr. Parson's mother is still living and enjoying good health. She is a member of the Lutheran church, as was also her husband.

By his lir^t marriage, Par Parson had two daughters. Ellen, who married Edwin Lundby and lives in Clitherall township, and Hannah, who married Ole Peterson and lives in Eagle Pake township. To the second marriage, there were also born two children. Nels, the subject of this sketch, and Sadie, who married Andie Okerlund and lives at Kelliher, Minnesota.

Nels Parson received a common-school education and was reared on his father's farm. He has been practically in charge of the farm since he was sixteen years old. In [897 he purchased the farm and has continued to live here. All of the buildings have been improved and repaired. Mr. Parson is a general farmer and stockman and makes a specialty of raising dairy cattle. At the present time, he has ten or twelve head of cows. He also generally keeps a herd for feeding.

On September r6, 1898, Mr. Parson was married to Anna Nelson, a native of Sweden and tlie daughter nt' Nels and Ellen (Nelson) Johnson. Mrs. Parson's father is still living, but her mother died in Sweden. Mrs. Parson came to America with one brother and two sisters. .Mr. and Mrs. Parson are the parents of eight children, Victoria, Anton. Lincoln. Lillian. Ruth and Ruben, twins; Anna, and Mabel.

Mr. I'arson is identified with the Republican party in political matters, lie has served in various school offices and has also served as road overseer. Mr. and Mrs. Parson are members of the Swedish Lutheran church.

Loth Holm

Enjoying distinctive prestige as an adopted citizen and agriculturist of Parkers Prairie township, Utter Tail county, the gentleman whose history follows, is a descendant of Swedish ancestry, and who first looked upon the light in the land of his forefathers, now represents substantial industry and progressiveness in America, which has for many years been his home.

Loth Holm, farmer. Parkers Prairie township. Otter Tail county, was horn on April 2, 1855. in Sweden, and is a son of Swan and Anna 1 Nelson 1 Holm. His education was obtained at the public schools of his native coun try, where he followed farming, and was for a time engaged in railroad work, coming, in 1SS1, to the United States, arriving on June 3, of that year. The first \ear of his citizenship in this country was spent at Stillwater, Minnesota, and in July, iNNj. he tame to Otter Tail county, where he bought his present farm, to which he afterward added forty acres more. Mr. Holm divides his attention between general farming and the breeding of thoroughbred Poland China hogs, of which he has some very fine specimens. He has put all the improvements on his place, including a commodious barn, erected in [915, and is now building a substantial modern dwelling. Politically, he is a Republican, but has never taken an active interest in local politics. Religiously, his membership is with the Swedish Lutheran church.

Swan and Anna (Nelson) Holm, parents of Loth, were both horn in Sweden, where they lived and died. They were farmers, and were the parents nf seven children. Loth being the only one to come to America.

Loth Holm was united in marriage, in 1889 to Lizzie Rosenquest, bj whom he has had seven children -Melvin, Anna, Hilnia. Agnes, Marie. Reuben and Erne. Mrs. Holm died on September 23, 1007. and the daughter, Agnes, died three years later.

Mr. Holm holds the respect of the entire community in which he makes his home, and where he has reared the children to he useful and lion, .red citizens.

George Huggett

One of the best-known and most highly respected farmers and citizens of Girard township, Otter Tail county, is George Huggett, who was bom at Levanna, Cayuga county, New York, October 14. 1852, and who is the

Mr. lluggett's father was a native of Surrey. England, horn on August 9, 1822, and his mother was a native of Sussex, England, horn on November 8, [825. They were married on January 1. 1S50, in England, and. 011 April 1, of the same year, started fur America. They landed in New York city after a voyage of live weeks and subsequently settled in Cayuga county. New York. In 185(1 they immigrated to Wisconsin and located in Dodge county. In i8(>7 they moved to Waupaca county and here Mrs. Rebecca Huggett died 111 [869. In [878 Mr. Huggett moved to Douglas county, Minnesota, trading his Wisconsin farm for land in Douglas county. In i8N_> he took a homestead of one hundred ami sixty acres in South Dakota and there lived a short tune, after which he moved to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he died on July 12. 1906. During the Civil War, he served in the Thirty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry for nine months. His wife was a member of the Methodist church, but lie was a member of the Congregational church. The) were the parents of eight children, of whom one, Martin I\.. died in 1902. The living children are, George, Mary J.. I'. W '.. Etta H.. Sarah Jane. Anna E. and Rebecca A.

George Huggett attended school only about one hundred days in his whole life, in Dodge county, Wisconsin. When he was fifteen years old, he moved with his parents to Waupaca county. Wisconsin, and there, in [875, he was married to Mary A. Shelly, who was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 25, 1854. She was the daughter of Volney K. and Elizabeth ( Demming 1 Shelly, who lived at Hartford, Wisconsin, where she was burn. Mrs. lluggett's father was a native of New York, and died at Matoon. in Shawano county, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. George Huggett have twelve children. Mary E., Martha A . George W., Maud A. and Melvin T., twins; William V., Olive. Jennie. Martin R.. Earl, P.essie and Blanche. Mrs George Huggett died on March 17. mjos. and in June. 1906, Mr. Huggett was married to Mrs. Mary Fulton, of Oconto, in Oconto county. Wisconsin.

On February 17. 1878. Mr. Huggett came to Douglas county, Minnesota, and in June of that year, he purchased a farm of one hundred and fifty-eight acres in St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county, adding to this farm until he owned at one time three hundred and fifty-four acres of land. Mr. Huggett lived upon this farm until loo'i when he moved to Fergus Falls, where he lived for three years. In 1909 he moved to Girard township, where he owns four hundred acres of land, which he has greatly improved. Mr. Huggett has a tine residence, which he built in 1914. He is well known in Girard township as a stock breeder, specializing in Shropshire sheep and Duroc-Jersey hogs.

Mr. Huggett served as a member of the St. Olaf township board for seven years and, for six years, was chairman of the board of supervisors 111 Girard township. He is a Republican in politics and has been active in local politics all of his life. For three years he was a director of the local schools and for twenty-two years, was treasurer of the school corporation. He is president of the local Farmers Society of Equity and is also president of the Henning Shipping Association.

Otho A. Austin

Utho A. Austin, a retired citizen of New York Mills. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, on March 2, 1856. Mr. Austin is the son of Theodore and Susan (Keely) Austin, the former of whom was born in Dutchess county,'New York. July 27, 1813, and the latter in Pennsylvania, September 18, [818, Mr. Austin's maternal grandfather was Henry Keely.

After their marriage in the Keystone state, Theodore and Susan (Keely) Austin immigrated to Montgomery county, Indiana. Theodore \ustin was a pattern-maker by trade. He came to Otter Tail county in 1873, driving through from Illinois. After living for one summer in Yewion township he returned to Illinois, but in 1875 came back to Newton township, driving overland once more. He died in ( )tter Tail county on February 1J, 1898, and his wife died in this county on October 30, [901. They were the parents of five children: Theron (deceased), Grace, Henry (deceased). Jerome and Otho.

( Itho A. Austin was reared, principally in Indiana. When he was thirteen years old he moved to Potomac. Illinois, and. on May 10. [873, came to Otter Tail county with his parents. He returned to the state of Illinois but later, on December 30, [875, came back to Otter Tail county, and in 1877 look a homestead of eighty acres in section 28, Newton township. Subsequently, however, Mr. Austin gave up this homestead in Yew ton township. His father had taken a homestead of forty acres and Otho A. bought his father's interest. Paler In- sold out and moved to New York Mills.

On March _'. [882, Mr. Austin began work as a bookkeeper in the general mercantile si,, re of Olof Parv. After working for Mr. Pary for twelve years, Mr. Austin purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres ill section 2.7, of Homestead township. Gradually he improved this farm and with his family lived on the farm for twenty years. However, he finally sold out and returned to New York .Mills. In 1915 he erected a splendid residence in Xew York Mills, where he now lives. Mr. Austin has bought and sold a great deal of property in Otter Tail county, He became postmaster on January 15, 1898, and was postmaster for over fourteen years in succession. He has also served on the school board in New York Mills and was also village recorder for a number of years. He has also served as president of the village. In politics, Mr. Austin is identified with the Republican party.

Otho A. Austin's wife, before her marriage, was Grace Green, who was born in Sweden. Her parents died when she was a child and she was adopted by a Mr. Green. Her father's name, however, was Peterson. Mr. and Mrs. Austin are the parents of eight children, all of whom are living, Susie, who is the wife of Orlo Wilcox, of North Dakota; Fannie I., who is the wife of W. P. Telin, of Xew York Mills; Stanley A., who homesteaded land in Montana 111 1913; Theodore E., Clarence A., Ralph H., Mae I'., and Grace I.ois.

Peter Petersen

Peter Petersen, a prosperous farmer of Inman township, Otter Tail county, was born October 1, 1863, in Sweden, and is a son of Peter and Ellen Petersen, both of whom were born and reared in Sweden. Mr. Petersen's father died in 1874, at the age of fifty years, and his mother in 1913, at the age of eighty-three. There were seven children born to Peter Petersen and wife, of whom Andrew, Daniel, Elsie and Mary are deceased. The living children are Martin, Peter and Olof.

Peter Petersen received his educational training in the public schools of his native land, and when twenty-three years old, in 1886, came to America, and settled at Deer Creek, in Otter Tail county. For a number of years he worked on neighboring farms. Later, he took up contract work and was engaged in this for several years. Finally, Mr. Petersen engaged in fanning, and in 1910, purchased eighty acres of land in section 11, Innian township. This farm is now known as the Nels Isakson farm. Mr. Petersen carries mi a general system of farming and stock raising, and has been very successful in this vocation since coming to America.

In K)io Mr. Petersen was married to Mrs. Nels Isakson, the widow of Nels Isakson. who was a son of Isaac and Betsey Johnson, mentioned elsewhere in this work. By her first marriage to Nels Isakson. Mrs. Petersen became the mother of six children, Esther, Rov, Nina. Arthur. Mabel and (50b)

Mr. and Mrs Petersen arc earnest members of the Swedish Lutheran church. Mr. Petersen has been more or less prominent in local politics ever since coming to this county, and is now clerk of the local school hoard.

Mrs. Petersen, before her marriage to Xels Isakson, was the daughter of Ole I. and Rebecca i Halverson) Saetre. both of whom were natives of Norway. Mrs. Petersen's father was born in 1845, antl '"lied m Norway in 1893. Her mother was born 111 1N47. and in March, 1Q14, came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and is now living with her son, Hans O. Saetre. proprietor of a well-known hotel and livery in Otter Tail county. Ole I. and Rebecca (Halverson) Saetre were the parents of four sons and three daughters, all of whom are living. The sons are Hans O.. Ivar. John and Peter. The daughters are Mary. Lena and Minnie.

Hans Nesvold

Hans Nesvold is one of three children born of the union of Peter Nesvold and Mary Norman and his birth occurred on February 11. 1863, in Norway, the native home of his parents. Peter Nesvold immigrated to America 111 1881 anil arrived in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, on August II of that year. Three years following his arrival in the United States, he purchased eight) acres of land on which he has since resided. The names of his three children are: Lovna, Hans and Hannah. The paternal grandparents of [fans Nesvold were Lawrence and Ellen Nesvold, both natives of Norway who lived and died in their native country. The maternal grandparents of Hans Nesvold also lived and died in their native land of Norway.

Hans Nesvold is indebted t< 1 the schools of his native land tor the education which he received, following which he engaged in agricultural pursuits in connection with his parents. He has always resided under the parental root-tree and. for the past eleven years, has had the entire management of the home place. He has erected the present buildings and has been instrumental in effecting many improvements, which have added to the value of the farm.

Man- (Norman) Nesvold, mother of Hans Nesvold, passed away in 1004. leaving her husband and three children to mourn her loss. Hans Nesvold was married to Mary Hanson in 1905. Mary 1 Hanson) Nesvold is a native of Tumuli township, (liter Tail county, but was reared and educated in Polk county, Minnesota. To the union of Man 1 Hanson) Nesvold a]m\ her husband five children have been born: Edna, Henry, Mice, Albert and

Robert. All members of this family are affiliated with the Norwegian Lutheran church and are actively engaged in the furtherance of the creeds of that denomination. Hans Xesvold is much respected and well liked among his many friends and associates.

Charles Scheer

Charles Scheer was born in Dodge county. Wisconsin, July 22, 1859, the son of Henry and Wilhclmina Louisa Scheer, who were natives of German}', in which country they lived until the year 1855, when with his family Henry Scheer came to America and settled in Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he owned a small farm and followed general agricultural pursuits. In 1877 Henry Scheer came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, here securing a farm on which he lived until his death in the month of May, 1900. having been preceded in death by his wife, who died in 1896. Henry and Wilhelmina Scheer were the parents of the following children: Augusta, who married Fred Schacht and who later died near Elizabeth, Minnesota; Henry, who died near Erhard, Minnesota, in 191 5; Louise, who married Louis Candaux and lives in Elizabeth township; Charles, the subject of this sketch; August, who lives a retired life in Elizabeth township, and William, who died when twenty years of age, the latter two being twins.

Charles Scheer was educated in the public schools of Dodge county, Wisconsin, and in the common schools of Otter Tail county. Minnesota, after which he worked on the farm of his father for some years and then was given as a homestead the railroad land which was owned by his father, land to which Charles Scheer added by purchase until at the time of his death this prosperous and successful farmer was the owner of four hundred and forty acres of choice land, all well improved with modern buildings, and cultivated to a degree of high productiveness.

On August 1. [888, Charles Scheer was married to Elizabeth Wasmuth. who was horn in Germany, October 6, 1863. the daughter of Conrad and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Wasmuth, they being natives of Germany, in which country tliey lived their entire lives, Conrad Wasmuth having been a landowner and farmer. To the marriage of Charles and Elizabeth Scheer were born the following children: Anna, who married Xeil White and lives in New Zealand; William, who lives on the old home farm in Erhard's Grove township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota: Mary, who was educated in the Pelican Rapids high school, from which she graduated in the vear 1910, later attending and graduating from the Moorhead Normal College, in the year 1913, and is now a teacher in the schools at I'csscnden. North Dakota; Ida. who was educated at the Moorhead Normal College, after which she taught school in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, for two years; Rosa, who is a stenographer al Fargo, North Dakota, and Charles and Esther who live at home.

( iharles Scheer was a member and active worker in the German Evangelical church at Erhard, Minnesota, a congregation in which he was generally honored and appreciated for his efforts and support of the work and worship of this denomination.

In politics Charles Scheer was an ardent Republican, and though he took no especial part in the political life of the township and county, he was known as a man who had no small part in the development of the cominunitv. through his successful efforts as a private citizen endeavoring to make his life of value in all possible ways.

Tohn Knutson

Typical of the citizen of Norway who comes to this country and makes of himself a valued and appreciated part of the life of this nation, is John Knutson. the subject of this sketch. Hardy, persevering, resourceful, and determined in the effort to realize an ambition, and industrious, tactful and progressive, this type of citizenship which is fairly represented by John Knutson, has taken an important part in the life of Otter Tail county.

John Knutson was born in Norway, on January 7, 1859, the son of Knut and Mary ( Youngson) Ellefson, who were natives of Norway, where Knut Ellefson was a farmer during his entire life.

\fter his education in the schools of his native country, John Knutson, tlie subject of this sketch, learned the trade of a shoemaker, a line of work which he followed for ten years. In 1880 he came to America and located in St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county, where he worked as a farmer for some time. During 1884, he bought one hundred and twenty acres of land and. later, bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land, together with sixty acres of timber land, and he is engaged in general agricultural pursuits.

In [882, John Knutson was married to Christie [ngebretson, to this marriage there being' born the following children: Minnie. Hngebret. Carl, Carrie, Julia, Edward, Torkel, Clarence. Andrew. Gena. Bennie, Clifford and Alice. John Knutson and his family are members of, and active workers in. the Norwegian Lutheran church of Dalton, Minnesota.

Mr. Knutson is an ardent Republican and while he supports his party faithfully, is ready at all times to join with any other party or movement which will aid in the life or conditions of the community. John Knutson and his wife, together with his family, are among the respected and esteemed people of the township and county, their part in the progress and development of the locality and its resources being well known.

L. C. Nicholson was horn on September 20, 1875, in Lee county, Illinois, the son of Thomas and Ann ( Burrows) Nicholson, both natives of England. Thomas Nicholson was born in 1826 'and his wife was born in 1836. They grew to maturity and married in their native land and, some years later, immigrated to America in a sailing ship. Thomas Nicholson had formerly been to America and had purchased a tract of government land while here. lie. had then returned to England by way of California, in 1849, and on to Australia, returning to America with his bride. They located in Lee county, Illinois, with the intention of cultivating the farm which he had formerly purchased, but, to his dismay, was informed that it had been disposed of by well-meaning friends who were positive that he had been killed by the Indians. He then purchased two hundred acres of timber and prairie land in Lee county, on which he still resides. He is one of the pioneers of that community.

Nearly twenty years ago Thomas Nicholson retired from active farming and the management of the place was assumed by his son, Joseph, who makes a specialty of breeding and raising Guernsey cattle and mule- footed hogs and is one of the leading agriculturists of that section. Thomas Nicholson and his wife were formerly members of the Episcopal church but he is now a member of the Congregational church. She died in 1893. The names of their ten children follow: Lizzie married Edward Slack and their home is in Chicago; Mary is the wife of John Richardson and they live in Compton, Illinois: Thomas is engaged in the livery business and lives in Amboy. Illinois; William is a farmer and his home is near Pickford, Michigan: Maggie lives at home: Lincoln is a farmer and was last heard oi in Arizona; Sarah is the wife of Lincoln Trent and their home is in Chicago, Illinois; Joseph lives on the home place; L. C, the subject of this sketch ; Ed is a farmer and lives in Dunn township, Otter Tail county, .Minnesota.

L. C. Nicholson was educated in the schools of Lee county, Illinois, following which he operated the home place, in partnership with his brother, Joseph, for one year and then rented a place for himself. This farm he retained until 1910 and then removed to Floyd county. Iowa, where he purchased eighty acres of land on which he remained for three years. In the spring of 1913, he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota and purchased one hundred and fifty-six acres in section 36, it being the old Barney Phillips place. This farm is devoted to general agriculture and stock raising.

Marcus P. Maurin

Marcus i\ Maurin is one of the representative business men of Elizabeth, Otter Tail county, and has taken great interest in the civic affairs of the community. His birth occurred on February 8, 1876, in Elizabeth, Otter Tail county. He was educated in the public schools of his native town during the early years of his life, later becoming a student in St. John's University for two years, from 1891 until 1893. Upon the completion of his student days, he became connected with the business interests which his father had established and in which he has continued until the present time. This business was incorporated in 1912, and since that time Marcus P. Maurin has acted in the capacity of secretary and treasurer. He is also administrator of his father's estate.

On April 6, iqio, Marcus P. Maurin was united in marriage to Irene Barron, and they are the parents of one child. Marcus P. Maurin, Jr., who was born on February 13. 1914. Irene I Barron) Maurin was born on September 12, 1891, and was the daughter of Harry and Bertha (Lill) Barron. Her death occurred on February 25, 1914.

Marcus P. Maurin is a member of the Catholic church and also a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party.

Otto A. Furrnes

Otto A. Furrnes, a successful farmer of Otter Tail county, was born at Skage, north of Trondhjem, Norway, March 27, 1864, and is a son of Alexander and Dorothy ( Lestum ) Furrnes, who were also natives of that same country. Mrs. Dorothy Furrnes died in her native land and her husband is still living in that country, where he is a farmer and where he formerly owned land. He is now living retired. Alexander Furrnes and wife were the parents of thirteen children, as follow : Olava, Erin, who died in infancy: Erin II, Otto A.. Matheas, Samuel, Andreas, Anna, Axel, Dorothy, Johanna, Adolph, and Sophia, who died in infancy. Eleven children of this family are still living, and ten of them live in Norway. Andreas, who spent some time in America, returned to his native land after a visit to Washington and Alaska.

.March 2y, 1S87. he went to Thompson, Minnesota, where he worked in a saw-mill for about a year and one-half. Subsequently, however, he removed to Otter Tail county, and worked on farms in the neighborhood of where he first located, continuing at farm work for a number of years. In 1894 he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Tordenskjold township, but lived on an adjoining farm and worked by the month. In iqoq he bought the farm of one hundred and twenty acres where he now lives, and which adjoins his original eighty-acre farm. Mr. Furrnes is engaged in general farming and has been very successful in the raising of all crops common to this region.

In 1898 Otto A. Furrnes returned to Norway, and was there married to Mrs. Maria Ecker. a native of Norway, and the daughter of Andreas Hummer. Ten years after their marriage, in 1908, Mr. and Mrs. Furrnes returned to Norway for a visit among their relatives and friends. They are the parents of two children. Johannes and Dagne.

Since coming to America Mr. Furrnes has been actively identified with the Republican party, and has been more or less prominent in its councils in his locality. He is a good farmer, a good citizen and a good neighbor.

Knut Gunderson

Knut Gunderson was born near Christiania, Norway, March 26, 1863, the son of Gunder and Berit ( Johannesdatter) Torgenson, who were born in that same neighborhood and there married. In the year 1885 they came to America and settled in Folden township, this county, where they bought eighty acres of uncleared and unimproved land, which Gunder Torgenson cleared and on which he built a house and other buildings necessary for comfort and for convenience. Gunder and Berit Torgenson lived on this place until the year 1902, when Gunder Torgenson died during the month of September, his wife Berit having preceded him in death by only six months. To the marriage of Gunder and Berit Torgenson were born the following children: Gunhild. who lives in Folden township; Torger, who is a farmer of Folden township; Olena, who married Gule V'atnos and lives in Folden township; Martha, who married Elef Olson and lives in Folden township: Kari, who married Andrew Olson and lives in Folden township; Knut. the subject of this sketch, and Jennie, who married Chris Gordon and lives at Brainerd, Minnesota.

Knut Gunderson was educated and spent his boyhood days in his native land. In 1882, three years before the coming of his parents, he came to America and went to the state of Wisconsin, where he lived for two years and then, in the year 1884, he came to the state of Minnesota and settled in < »tter Tail county, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of unim- proved land in Folden township, land which he cleared and improved by the erection of a house and other buildings, structures which are yet in use.

During the year 1888, Knut Gunderson was married to Maria Rakstad, who was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota. May 17, 1872, the daughter of Peter and Betsey 1 Severson | Rakstad, who were natives of Norway, and who at an early date came to America and to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where they settled and in the year 1883 came to Folden township.

To Knut and Maria Gunderson were horn the following children: Ouidja, who married Olaf Johnson and lives at Colfax, North Dakota; Gunda, who died in infancy; Gunda, who married Clarence Boles, and lives at Colfax. North Dakota; Olga, who is deceased: Petra. who married Oscar Olson, a farmer who lives at Parkers Prairie, this county: Guilder, who died at the age of sixteen years; Matilda. Thea, Nettie, Orve and Hazel.

Knut Gunderson and his wife are devout members of the Lutheran church at Folden, a congregation in which they are respected and appreciated members. In politics. Mr. Gunderson is an ardent Republican.

Rudolph Jacobson

Rudolph Jacobson is a successful young farmer of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, who was born at Calumet, Michigan. July 21, 1883, where his parents. Hogen and Karen ( Hendrickson) Jacobson, who were natives of Norway, had .settled after coming to America. They had been married. however, after arriving in the United States. Mr. Jacobson's father, who had taken up mining for about twenty years after his marriage, lived at Calumet. Michigan, for about thirty-two years, and then followed the painter's trade for about twelve years. In 1899 he emigrated to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixtyfive acres in Tordenskjold township. After having settled on his farm in this county, he cleared and drained a considerable portion of it, erected modern buildings upon the farm, and here he lived until his death in 191 1. Mis wife, the mother of Mr. Jacobson, is still living.

The late Hogen Jacobson was an ardent temperance worker, and was a charter member of the first Norwegian temperance society in America. This association was organized in 1N74. As a matter of fact, there was a society organized in New York City by Adolph Peterson in 1873, but this was a Swedish temperance society. The late Hogen Jacobson was treasurer of the Norwegian temperance society from the time of its organization until he left the state of Michigan, lie was a member of the Lutheran church in Calumet, and his wife is a member of the same denomination in Otter Tail county. Mr. and Mrs. Hogen Jacobson were the parents of nine chil- dren: Albert, a machinist of Minneapolis; Barney, a resident of Jennings, Michigan, is engaged in railroad work; Leonard, the third in order of birth, whose whereabouts are unknown; Rudolph, the immediate subject of this sketch; Hjelmar, who died in infancy; Samuel, who died at the age of sixteen years; Clara married Victor Bosquet and they live at Maddock, North Dakota; Laura and Flora, both living at home with their mother.

Rudolph Jacobson received his education in the public schools of Calumet, Michigan. After finishing his school training, he worked for a time on the farm and then worked at the machinist's trade in Minneapolis. Since 1911, however, he has been engaged in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Jacobson is unmarried. He is independent in politics and is a member of the Free Lutheran church.

Tohx Carlson

and especially among the successful hardware dealers of the county, is John Carlson, who is the proprietor of a prosperous business at Almora.

Mr. Carlson is a native of Norway, where he was born on November 4, 1N-4. He is the son of Carl and Anna t Amundson ) Olson, both of whom were natives of Norway, being born 111 [845 and 1848, respectively. They came to Wisconsin in [88] and settled in folk county in July, of that year. A little later they moved t<i Barron county. Wisconsin, and purchased eighty acres of land. There the family lived until iqoo, at which time Mr. Olson came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Elmo township. After selling this farm, he purchased fnrty acres in the same township, where he has lived ever since 1902. He is now retired. To Carl and Anna \ Amundson) Olson were born six children. Amund, Anton. John. Peter, Ole (deceased) and Anna.

John Carlson was reared on a farm in Barron county. Wisconsin, and lived there until nineteen years of age. attending the public schools of Barron county. When Mr. Carlson was nineteen years old, he was employed as a clerk and as a tinner at Rice Lake, Wisconsin, for one and one-half years. Later he moved to Prairie Farm, in Barron county, Wisconsin, and acted as manager of a general store for two and one-half years. He then engaged in the grocery and confectionery business in the same place and remained in business until 1903, when he came to Parkers Prairie, in Otter Tail county. lie acted as clerk for John P. Post in his general store for three years and then moved to Almora. Minnesota, in September, 10.08, and engaged in the general mercantile and hardware business. Some vears ago Mr. Carlson erected a splendid building in which his business is housed. The Structure

In [898 John Carlson was married to Linnie Elseth, who was horn at Menomonie, Wisconsin, in 1S78. She died in 1903. Three years later, Mr. Carlson was married to Mina Olson, of Otter Tail county. She was born in 1'arkcrs Prairie in 18X7. the daughter of Paul and Mary (Erickson) Olson. They were natives of Norway and in 1870 came to Parkers Prairie township, Otter Tail county, and homesteaded land, where they lived for forty-three years. During the last two years they have lived at Clitherall. Mrs. Carlson"s mother died in 1894.

By his first marriage, Mr. Carlson was the father of one child, Yerna ( >veclia. By his second marriage there were born two children, Elnora and Parmer.

The Carlsons are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Carlson is a stockholder in the Almora Co-operative Creamery Company and has served as clerk of the building committee when several of the school buildings in this vicinity have been erected. He is known in this county as a prosperous, influential and popular citizen.

Herman Burau

Herman Burau, deceased, was born on December 15, 1847, nl Germany, and after the death of his father, came with his mother to America and settled in Otter Tail count}-, Minnesota, where he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he later added forty acres more, making in all. two hundred acres at the time of his death. He was a blacksmith by trade, and conducted a shop at Elizabeth, being the first blacksmith in the town. He was a very progressive and prosperous man, and was an earnest member of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Burau put valuable improvements on his homestead, including a substantial house, which was built thirty-eight years ago.

()n October 2 1 . [868, Herman Burau was married to Mary Nigler, daughter of Rudolph and Elizabeth (Arn) Nigler. She was born on January 17. 1850, in Switzerland, and came with her parents to America in 1852. To Herman and Mary (Nigler) Burau were born the following children: Rose. Mary, Charles, Helen. Emma, Bertha, Herman. Frank, John and Raymond, all of whom are now living. Rose Burau became the wife of Peter Wilmes and resides at Glen Cllin, North Dakota: Charles was married to Minnie Godfrey, and resides at Elizabeth: Helen became the wife of E. A. Forder and resides at Chisholm, Minnesota: Emma was married to Joseph Miller and lives at Elgin, North Dakota; Bertha is now Mrs. James Williams and lives at Grand Forks, North Dakota; Herman was married to Martha Becker and lives at Elizabeth, Minnesota ; John was united in marriage with Anna Johnson; Rose Burau, the eldest of this family of children, was the tirst white child born in Otter Tail county. Minnesota; the others were all born on the home place.

Frank Burau, the eighth child of Herman and Mary (Nigler) Burau, was born on April 26, 1885, at Elizabeth, Minnesota, and is unmarried. He lives on the old homestead and takes care of the place, which is located a quarter of a mile from Elizabeth. He is one of the progressive and up-to-date farmers of Otter Tail county, possessing a keen foresight along the lines of agriculture.

Rudolph and Elizabeth (Am) Nigler, parents of Mrs. Herman Burau, were both born in Switzerland, and came to America in 1852, locating first in Ohio and from there they moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Mr. Nigler was engaged in business for several years, conducting a general store and a hotel, finally coming to Elizabeth in 1868, and taking up a homestead one and one-half miles west of that town. The farm consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, and was their home until their death. Politically, Mr. Nigler was a Democrat, and always took an active part in local politics. Both Mr. Nigler and his wife were members of the Lutheran church, and it was through him that the town of Elizabeth, Minnesota, was started, the place being named for his wife, Elizabeth (Arn) Nigler. They were the parents of the following children: Louise, Mary Ann. Rose, Minnie, Mary, Adolph and Edward; and reared Andrew, an adopted child.

James Davis is a native of Otsego county. New York, and his birth occurred on November 26. 1825. He is one of thirteen children born to the union of Ezra Davis and Sabra Somers, both natives of Otsego county. New York, having been born near the town of Cherry Valley. The names of their children follow: Anna Maria, Roswald, Joel, John, Andrew, James, Ezra, Rhoda, Sally, Elmira and Louisa. Two other children are deceased.

fames Davis became an employee in a cotton factory near New Berlin, Otsego county, New York, at the age of eight years and remained as an employee of that institution until the age of twenty-two. By close economy he had saved some money and with it removed to Wisconsin, where he purchased forty acres of land near Waupun, Dodge county, Wisconsin, and engaged in agricultural pursuits for nearly six years. He then sold the farm and removed to Houston county, Minnesota, where he located for a short tunc only, finally removing to Mower county, where he purchased eighty acres of land. In 1861 he enlisted in Company K, Fourth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, in which company he served as a musician for three years. He was present at the battles of luka, Corinth and at the siege of \ icksburg, also at the battle of Black River bridge. While stationed at Vicksburg, Mississippi, he was taken ill with fever and for two weeks received treatment in a field hospital. After his recovery from this illness lie joined his regiment at Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, where he was engaged in picket duty along the railroad, lie also marched with Sherman to the sea. returning home from Savannah, Georgia, by the way of New York City. Immediately upon his return to Minnesota, he again engaged in agricultural pursuits which he has continued to the present time.

( >n April 4, 1N47, James Davis was united in marriage to Evelyn Cronkhite, daughter of Jeremiah Cronkhite, ami of their union eight children were born: Lucy, Frances, Cyrus. James. Jeremiah, Joel, Alva and Malina. Lucy married Austin Laughlin and her death occurred in Maine township, this county; Frances is the widow of George Plowman and resides in Becker county. Minnesota; Cyrus left the parental roof many years ago and his whereabouts is unknown; James is a drayman and makes his home 111 California; Jeremiah is engaged in farming near Harlowton, Montana; |oel resides at Gillette. Montana; Alva lives in California, and Malina makes her home in Becker. Minnesota, where she lives with her husband, Finneas Austin. Evelyn (Cronkhite) Davis was married at New Berlin, Chenango county, Xew York, and after forty-three years of service to her family parsed away on April 0. 1806, leaving her husband and eight children to mourn her loss.

( hi November 28, 1S67, James Davis was married, secondly, to Eliza Epler, the daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Cressey) Epler, and to this union ten children were born: Sophia, David C. Mattie (deceased). Ervin E., |ohn E., Nelson. Lilly May, Clara, Ctistis (deceased) and Cora E. Sophia married Charles Clintsman and they live in section 2 in Amor township, this county; David C. is a merchant in Dead Lake township; Ervin is a farmer living in Amor township; John E. is a traveling salesman and his home is in Minneapolis. Minnesota: Lilly May died at the age of nineteen years; Clara married John \. Gaylord and lives in Amor township; Cora E. is the wife of John L. Bixby and lives in Dead Lake township, this county. The maternal grandparents of these children removed from Xew Jersej to Illinois ami thence to Mower county, Minnesota, where their deaths occurred. Toseph Epler having died on \pril 20, [880 and his wife. Hannah (Cressey) Epler, on February 17, 1800.

After his second marriage James Davis remained in Mower county, Minnesota, for some years but later moved to the town of Carpenter, Iowa, where he remained for eighteen months, removing to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, in the spring of [878, where he purchased a homestead (soldier's right) in section 2, Amor township, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres. This was virgin land, uncleared and unimproved, but a small clearing was soon made in the woods near the river, and on this a cabin was built in which the family lived for six years. In addition to cultivating this farm, James Davis was engaged in other labors and has continued to reside on the one place until the present time. Eighty acres of the original homestead was sold and eight}' acres retained. James Davis is independent in his political faith, reserving the right to cast his ballot in favor of the best man. Religiouslv James Davis and his wife are both members of the Seventh-Day Adventist church, which denomination receives their active co-operation and support.

David C. Davis

David C. Davis is one of ten children born to the union of James and Eliza ( Epler) Davis, and his birth occurred on January 13, 1872, in Mower county, Minnesota. His education was received in the public schools of Otter Tail county, after which he became a student in the Park Region Lutheran College, returning to the home place at the completion of his student days. He purchased forty acres of government land in Dead Lake township on which he remained for five years. This land was unimproved but under the management of David C. Davis was soon ready for cultivation. After selling this farm he purchased eighty acres of the old homestead, which he cultivated for a period of ten years, trading same, in the spring of 1915, for eleven acres of Dead Lake property. This property included the Boswood store which carries a large stock of general merchandise.

On December 15, 1898, David C. Davis was united in marriage to Lulu Mills, daughter of Edward C. and Ella Harriett Mills, pioneers in Swift county, Minnesota. Lulu (Mills! Davis is a native of Swift county and her union has been blessed with four children: Vivy, Iva. Eva and Bessie Madge. Edward ('. Mills was a fanner and a resident in former years, of Arkansas, removing to ( )tter Tail county. Minnesota, in 1893, later removing to Becker county, Minnesota, in i<)0_>. where he still lives. He is a native of Vermont and his wife a native of Illinois.

David C. Davis is independent in his ixilitical faith, recognizing the dictates of no creed in his righl of franchise. He has been a member of the school board for a period of ten years.

Ole P. Ness

( He P. Ness, who is well known as a farmer in Everts township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, but who. for many years, was engaged in railroad work, was burn in Norway, April 10, 1859, and is a son of Halver and Ellen 1 Petersen 1 Ness, both of whom were natives of Norway, his father's birth occurring on July 7, 1828, and his mother's in 1830.

In [883 Halver Ness and his family came to Minnesota, from their native land, and here took up one hundred and sixty acres of land in Marshall county, which their son, Ole P., now owns. The family remained in Marshall county about eighteen years, and Halver Ness now lives with his son, his wife having died in 1005. Halver Ness and his wife were the parents of five children, of whom John and Hilda are deceased. The living children are Ole J'., Torvald and August.

Educated in the- public schools of his native land, Ole P. Ness came to America in 1880, settling in Everts township. In 1882 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, later adding forty acres in one tract, and twenty-nine acres in another, and he is now the owner of one hundred and eighty-nine acres in Everts township, besides one hundred and sixty acres in Marshall county, Minnesota. .Mr. Ness is a general fanner and stockman, and has met with a very commendable degree of success in his chosen calling.

In [883 Ole P. Xess began working in the round-house at Fergus balls, Minnesota. The next year he became a fireman on the railroad, ami five years later was promoted to the post of engineer, holding this position for several years on the Great Northern railroad. For a time he was located at Barnesville, Minnesota, as inspector of engines. Later he settled in Marshall county, Minnesota, and engaged in farming. In 1907 he removed to his farm in Everts township.

Ole 1'. Xess was married in 1893 to Bertha Ellstad. who was born in Decorah, Iowa, and who is a daughter of Tollef and Margaret Ellstad, early settlers in Iowa, who came from Norway. Both are now deceased. By this first marriage of Mr. Ness there were four children born, of whom Elmer, the youngest born, is deceased. The living children are Hilda, Lillian and |ohn. The mother of these children died in 1902, and some years later Mr. Xess married Clara Aune. who was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August to, [886. She is a daughter of Ole and Margaret (Wigen) Aune. the former of whom was born in Norway in 1853. and the latter in 1863 in the same country. Ole Mine came to Minneapolis in 18N2. and Margaret Wigen came to this country in the same year. They were married in Minneapolis in [885, and are now living in Marshall county. Minnesota. Mrs. Ness's mother was a daughter of Berndt Wigen and wife, natives of

Norway. They were married in Norway on October, 1858, and in 1883, came to Minneapolis, where they lived until 1889. in which year they removed to West Valley, Minnesota, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land. His wife died here on January 29, 1915. Berndt Wigen and his wife were the parents of eight children: John, a resident of St. Paul; Alfred, who lives in Canada; Mrs. A. Mickelson, and Mrs. A. Nelsen, both of whom are living at Argyle, Minnesota; Mrs. Ole Aune, of West Valley; Mrs. Peter Myhr, of Minneapolis, and two who died early in life. They also have thirty-nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Mr. and Mrs. Ole P. Ness are the parents of three children: Myrtle, horn in 1906; Helmer. born in 1909, and Orville. whose birth occurred in 1912.

Mr. Ness has cleared practically all of his land himself, and has made many substantial improvements on his place, including the erection of fine farm buildings.

Olaf A. Ytnte

Olaf A. Vinje, the eldest son of Olaf and Mathea (Brenna) Vinje was horn in Norway. March 5, 18(17. His father, Olaf Vinje, was a brother of the distinguished Norwegian poet, Osmund Vinje. He was born in Telemarken, Norway. October 5, 1832. Mathea (Brenna) Vinje was born in Eidskogen, Norway, January 3, 1814. They came to America in 1882 and located on a farm in St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota. Here Mr. Yinje's parents spent the rest of their lives. When they first came to this farm it was a barren tract of land, but is now highly productive and is well improved. When Olaf Vinje first came to this country he operated a store and was later appointed as postmaster. Pie retired from the mercantile business, and resigned as postmaster and devoted his time to farming. Mrs. Olaf Vinje died on December [3, [909. Olaf Vinje died on August

There were twelve children in the Vinje family, all of whom are living, except one girl who died in Norway. Olaf A., the eldest, is the immediate subject of this sketch: Martha, married to N. O. Melby, resides at Fergus Falls, Minnesota: Syver is a physician and surgeon at Hillsboro, North Dakota; Ragnhild married Anton Thompson, county attorne) of Otter Tail county; Osmund, Eivin and Svein are practicing dentistry in Chicago, Illinois; Arne is an attorney at Steele, North Dakota: Signe married Olaf Schei, clothier at Fergus Falls, Minnesota: Dagny married John F. Thomp-

Olaf A. Vinje received his education in the common schools of his native land, and was fifteen years of age when he came to America with his parents. By home stud) he has taught himself to read and write the English language. In [912 Mr. Vinje first engaged in farming and now operates the heme place, tie has been very successful in his chosen vocation, and has applied himself assiduously to its successful operation.

Rev. A. I. Schaut

Among the many crusaders for spiritual freedom, none are more influential than those who are church leaders. A. J. Schaut is in this class and as pastor of an appreciative parish, he is sincerely respected by all who know him. A. J. Schaut is a native of Syracuse. New York, and his birth occurred on June 13. 1869. lie is the son of W. F. Schaut and his wife. Mary A. Schaut. both natives of Syracuse. Xew York. \V. [-'. Schaut was a civil engineer and followed that vocation for many years.

A. J. Schaut is indebted to the schools of Pennsylvania for his early education, having heen a student in St. Mary's and later taking a course of stud)- m the normal, in Florence, Alabama, from which school he graduated in 1883. f'e tnen entered Notre Dame University, at South Bend, Indiana, ami graduated from that institution of learning in 1894. He was ordained at Xotre Dame University, and soon after removed to St. Cloud. Minnesota, where he served in the capacity of assistant pastor of the cathedral 111 that place. In 1895 he removed to St. Joseph, Minnesota, where he remained until 1904, at which time he began his duties in the parish of Perham, Minnesota, and is still engaged as a pastor, much beloved by the cont>rc"ation.

Thomas K. Johnson was horn on November o, 1845, in Guernsey county, Ohio, and is the son of Barney and Maria ( Fitch) Johnson, natives of Pennsylvania and Guernsey county, Ohio, respectively. Harney Johnson left his native state of Pennsylvania when a young man and located in Guernsey county, where he met and won Maria Fitch as his wife. By trade he was a carpenter and followed that vocation in Ohio until [852, at which tune he removed to Missouri and settled in St. Clair county, for seven years. lie then transferred his location to the state of Iowa and resided in Wapello count)- for eighteen months, removing thence to Mower count)-. Minnesota. where he remained until his death in [863. His demise resulted from con- sumption. Maria (Fitch) Johnson, after the death of her husband, married Julius Stone and lived to the age of more than seventy years, dying in November, 1894.

Both Barney Johnson and his wife, Maria ( Fitch 1 Johnson, were active, loyal members of the Baptist church and were the parents of twelve children: William, who was a veteran of the Civil War and died in the state of Missouri; Robert was a farmer and lived in Colorado where his' death occurred; Thomas K. is the subject of this sketch; Sarah Catherine, who is the widow of George Benton and now resides in Austin, Minnesota; John was a farmer and lived in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where his death occurred; Barnabas was an employee of a railroad company and he passed away while a resident of Montana: Nancy became the wife of Caleb Powers and now makes her home in Austin, Minnesota; Theodosia became the wife of 1 1 Miner Hubbard and they reside in Breckenridge, Minnesota; Virginia became the wife of Joseph Shannon and after her marriage removed to Los Angeles, California, where she still lives; three other children there were, but they died in infancy.

Reared on his father's farm in Minnesota, Thomas K. Johnson received hi - education in the public schools of his locality. On November 1, 1863, he enlisted in Company B, Second Minnesota Cavalry, and remained in service for the period of two years and one month, during the Civil War. He was in the western division of the army which was sent out to fight the Indians. He was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1878, and at that time removed to Otter Tail county and settled in Amor township, where he cultivated one hundred and fifty-seven acres of homestead land. This land was in section 4 and was a veritable wilderness, but with the courage and perseverance of the pioneer, he built a log house with a thatched roof and began clearing the land, preparatory to cultivation, improving it in everv way possible and remained there until 1904, at which time he removed to the town of Richville. which was being built. Here he entered the commercial life of this thriving town by engaging in the saw-mill industry and, at the same time, assisted his wife in the general merchandise store which she owned and operated. Since their removal to Richville, the farm has been sold and thirty acres of town property has been purchased. They have a nice, comfortable home and are fully prepared to enjov the future years of plenty and peace.

Thomas K. Johnson was united in marriage to Nellie French on December 23, 1869. She is the daughter of Monroe and Sarah (Landon) French and was born on August 22, 1845, 'n Sugar Island. Wisconsin, a town that is situated not far from Milwaukee. Sarah (Landon) French was a native of Canada, but sonic years after her birth removed to Wisconsin, where shelater met and married Monroe French. Monroe French was a native of Stratford, New Hampshire. They married in Wisconsin but removed to Austin, Minnesota, where they both died.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas K. Johnson are the parents of ten children, three of whom are now living: Herman is a farmer in Saskatchewan. Canada: Stephen is a stationary engineer and lives in Mason City, Iowa; Alberta married Frederick Atwood, but is now the wife of Allen McWhirter and they live in Virginia, Minnesota: Elsie became the wife of Thomas Mills, but passed away at the age of twenty-six years.

Thomas K. Johnson was one of seven men who organized the Richville Telephone Company. He also served as school treasurer for the period of eighteen years, in district 170. in Amor township. He also served as supervisor fur the same length of time. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is also an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. With the exception- of two vears he has been chairman of the Richville council since its organization.

Anders H. Hoem

The late Anders H. Holm, who was one of the well-known citizens of Sverdrup township and one of its most enterprising farmers until his death on April 22, 1013, was a native of Norway, where he was born on November 12, i860.

Mr. Holm was the son of Halvor and Sigred (Andersen) Thoresen, both of whom were natives of Norway and who came to ( )tter Tail county, .Minnesota, in 1887. After coming to this country they lived with their son. Anders H., until their deaths. Air. Holm's father died on June 12, 191 1. at the age of eighty-six years and his mother died in 1898, at the age of seventy-one.

The late Anders IF Holm was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools of Norway. Upon coming to America in 1884 he came to Otter Tail county and purchased seventy-five acres of land where the Holm family now lives. This land is located in Sverdrup township. Here Anders Holm lived for twenty vears. Eater, however, he purchased one hundred and fifty-one acres of land in the same township, farming both tracts of land until his death. After his death, his widow sold the second farm and moved to the first farm of seventy-five acres, where she built a .splendid residence and a good barn and where she now lives. Anders Holm was a stockholder in the cheese factory at Phelps, Minnesota, and a stockholder in the co-operative mercantile store at Underwood,

In 1886 Anders Holm was married to Hanna Carlsen, who was born 111 Sweden on March II, 1862, the daughter of Carl and Christine (Pederson) Carlsen, both of whom were also natives of Sweden. Mrs. Holm's father was horn on April 30, 1825. and her mother on May I, 1829. Her father died in Sweden at the age of forty-nine and the mother at the age of hfty-three. Mrs. Holm was the third child in a family of six children, the others being, John. Alfred, Peter, France and Amanda. Mr. Holm and wife were the parents of twelve children, of whom eight are deceased, Sena, Anna, Sena, Harold. Carl, Andrew, Amanda and Arnold. The living children are Anna, Alma, Elvin and Clara.

Mr. Holm was more or less prominent in the political life of his township and throughout his life was an ardent Republican. The Holm family has been conspicuously identified with the Lutheran church. Mr. Holm was a member of thi^ church as is also his widow at the present time.

John T. Thompson

Born on October 25, 1872, in St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota. John T. Thompson, who is a farmer and business man of Dalton. Minnesota, is the son of Isaak and Ingeborganna Thompson, both of whom were natives of Norway. Mr. Thompson's father was born in Stod, Norway. January 18. 1822, and was a laborer in his native land. In 1857 he came to America and made his home in Iowa, for ten years. Mr. Thompson's mother was born in Stod, Norway, Octoher 18, 1833. She came to America in 1865 and they were married at Decorah, Iowa, in 1866. In 1867 they moved to St. Olaf township where the father homesteaded one hundred and seventy acres of land where he lived the remainder of his active life on the farm. They spent their last years at Dalton, Minnesota.

Mr. and Mrs. Isaak Thompson were the parents of three children. One boy who died an infant. Annie was born on November 18, 1868. On November 18. 1891, she was married to Fred Anderson. They are farming at Aurora, Oregon. The third child was John T., the subject of this sketch. They were members of the Lutheran church. Isaak Thompson died on February 17, 1915, and Mrs. Thompson died on January 17, 1914.

John T. Thompson was educated in the common schools of Si. Olai township, Otter Tail county and. when a young man. began life on his father's farm on his own responsibility. When he was twenty-one years old he was presented with the home farm by his father and has owned it ever since. In 1900 he engaged in the clothing business at Dalton, Minnesota. He retired from the clothing business in 1915. He is now interested in the Northern Oil Company. Mr. Thompson is a stockholder and director

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Thompson is independent in politics. He is an intelligent and prosperous business man and is popular, not only in his home community, but throughout this and adjoining counties, where he is so well known.

Edward C. Embertson

Edward C. Embertson is one of the progressive farmers of Parkers Prairie township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and his superior intelligence, along the chosen line of his endeavor, has made him an authority on many questions pertaining to agriculture. He is one of the seven children born to the union of Edward Embertson and Clara Knutson, both natives of Norway, and his birth occurred on November 10, 1869, in Vernon county, Wisconsin. Edward Embertson was born on April 11, 1847. >n Norway, and immigrated to America when a small child. His education was received in the common schools of Vernon county, Wisconsin, following which he was emploved as a river driver, and in summer he was engaged in the pine forests in preparation for the winter work. Clara Knutson was born on August 26. 1847, and immigrated to America with her parents, who located in Vernon county. Wisconsin. Tt was in that state that her marriage to Edward Embertson was solemnized.

Shortly after their marriage Edward Embertson and his wife removed to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, locating in Parkers Prairie township, on one hundred and sixty acres of land which they purchased under the homestead law. Their abode on this farm was begun in 1870. and for many years their struggle to successfully cultivate and market their products was a mighty one indeed, there being no roads and the location of their farm being far removed from their market place. In spite of the many difficulties, however, they managed very successfully, and many improvements on the farm were made. The names of their seven children are as follow: Edward C, John, Matilda. Julia. Ellen, Emma and Laura. John is an attornev-at-law, at Parkers Prairie. Minnesota; Matilda is a teacher in the schools of Fergus Falls, Minnesota: Julia is a nurse at Sauk Center, Minnesota: Ellen is the wife of P. M. Johnson, and lives in Orleans, Minnesota; Emma is a teacher in the schools of Two Harbors. Minnesota, while Laura lives with her mother at Henning. Minnesota.

Sherve, both natives of Norway, who immigrated to America in 1858 and located in Vernon county, Wisconsin. Ingbret Sherve engaged in agricultural pursuits and followed that vocation until his death. His son, Edward Embertson, died on June 6, 1903. Edward Embertson was one of the organizers of the Norwegian Lutheran church in Parkers Prairie township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in which church he was an active member and served in various offices. His early political faith was in favor of the Republican party, but later he became an advocate of independent principles and continued to cast his vote in favor of the people.

Edward C. Embertson is indebted to the common schools of Parkers Prairie township for his early education, his studies being completed in the commercial college of Willmar, Minnesota. Soon after his student days, he engaged in school teaching, and followed this vocation for a period of three years, after which he accepted a position in the auditor's office in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, serving in this capacity for a period of six years. In 1898, he purchased the present farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, which he devotes to general diversified farming.

On January 17, 1893. Edward C. Embertson was united in marriage to Hanna Olson, and to them have been born eight children, whose names follow: Clarence, Elma, Hulda, Laurence, Harris, Edna, Amy and Harlan. Hanna (Olson) Embertson was born on October 26, 1870, in Norway, and has been a devoted helpmeet and mother. She and her husband attend the Norwegian Lutheran church, and, while not members of the congregation, are active in its support. Edward C. Embertson casts his vote as an independent, and his influence always in favor of the best man.

Willard Hazen

Willard Hazen, farmer, Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail county, was born on August 24, 1863, in Monroe county, Wisconsin, and is a son of J. S. and Virginia ( Miller 1 Hazen. He received his education at the public schools of Parkers Prairie township, and as a young boy started to work out in the timber. For fourteen springs and winters, he worked in the woods and on the rivers of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and during the summers worked in the harvest fields of the Dakotas, after which he was for three years on the police force at Bemidji. When Parkers Prairie was first established lie conducted a saloon for three years, and later became proprietor of a hotel for seven years. In 11)13 he came to the farm on which he now lives, which he had bought the year before, consisting of eighty acres, on which he does general farming. Politically, Mr. Hazen has always given his support to the Republican partv.

J. S. Hazen, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in the state of New York, and his wife. Virginia (Miller) Hazen, was bom in Virginia. Mr. Hazen followed fanning in Wisconsin, and went to the Civil War in the Thirty-seventh regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, enlisting in 1863 anil remaining out three years, participating in all the engagements of his regiment. In 1868. he came to Otter Tail county and homesteaded the place where Willard Hazen now resides, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, but died before he received the homestead papers. Mrs. Hazen completed the arrangements for the homestead, and the family finally became the owners of two hundred and seventeen acres. Mrs. Hazen died in 1894. This union was blest with ten children: Charles, A. B.. Ella, Edmund and Edgar (twins), William, Willard. Bell, Hattie and Fred.

Willard Hazen was united in marriage in October, 1886, with Mary Schroeder, by whom he has had nine children: A. I., Kattie, Betsey, Ora. Rav, Laura, Lillian, Herbert and Kenneth.

William J. Hoffmann

A citizen who has given evidence of his interest in the development of the community in which he lives and who has used every effort to promote its civic welfare, is William J. Hoffman, who as postmaster at Dent, has found opportunity to familiarize himself with many lines of business enterprise. William J. Hoffmann is a native of Germany, having been born in that country on the 22nd of April, 1872. He is the son of Gottlieb and Henrietta (King) Hoffmann, both of whom were born in Germany. Gottlieb Hoffmann lived in Germany all his life, but his wife and the seven children whom they reared left their native land to come to America.

William Hoffmann received the elementary branches of education in the public schools of Germany, and was still a boy when his mother and her seven children came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1882. The family located in Dora township, where Mrs. Hoffmann, a woman of great strength of character, took a homestead claim on forty-seven acres of land. For a short while after their arrival, William J. Hoffmann attended the Dora township schools. He later availed himself of the educational advantages given at Perham, where he attended school for one term. His advancement in school affairs was remarkably rapid, and at the end of the term he was able to qualify for the profession of teaching in the public schools. He taught school, and after the first term turned his attention to the occupation of fanning, which he followed for three years. At the end of that time he was able to buy the original Hoffmann homestead, owned by his mother. Aside from the duties of the farm management, he took charge of the postoffice at Dora, with which he was connected until 1903, when he moved to Dent. He has the distinction, with his business partner, of erecting the first mercantile business building in Dent. He remained in this location for two years when he returned to the farm. During the two years which followed, Air. Hoffmann experienced the disappointment of losing part of his financial gains of several years. He decided to return to Dent, where since \()Oj he has been engaged in various lines of business enterprise, among which is the held of real estate.

In December, 1914, Air. Hoffmann became postmaster at Dent. In political affairs he lias always shown enthusiasm as a member of the Democratic party. He was one of the leaders who were active in incorporating the town of Dent.

On the 27th of February, 1000, the marriage of William C. Hoffmann to Anna Stender was solemnized. Mr. and Airs. Hoffmann have reared the following children: Herman, Elsa, who was the first child born in Dent; William, Bennie, Frieda, Irwin and George.

William H. Kendall

William H. Kendall, farmer, Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail county, was born on May 10, 1863, in Iowa, and is the son of Charles and Mary (Reed) Kendall. His education was obtained at the public schools of Minnesota, after which he assisted his father on the farm, and still later took entire care of his parents for the remainder of their lives, at whose death he became the owner of the home place, about 1805, and now owns one hundred and seventy acres of line agricultural land, on which he has put the most of the improvements. Air. Kendall follows general farming, and on one part of his place he has a splendid fishing lake and a summer resort, including a cottage and boats, which he rents out. Politically, he is a Republican, and in religion his sympathies are with the Raptist church. Fraternally, he belongs to the .Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Charles Kendall was born 011 April 18, 1825, in New Hampshire, and his wife. Alary (Reed) Kendall, was horn on October 18, 1827, in Kentucky. Air. Kendall followed farming for a vocation, and came west about 1853, settling in Illinois for a short period, and then moved to the southern part of Minnesota, from where he moved in a few years to Iowa. In 1881 he came to Otter Tail County and settled in Parkers Prairie, on the farm now owned by his sou. consisting of one hundred and sixtv acres, where he spent the remainder of his life in the vocation of agriculture. To Charles and Alary ( Reed ) Kendall were born two children, William H., and John F. ATr. Kendall was an ardent Republican but never sought public office.

William H. Kendall was united in marriage on October 18. 1885, with Christena Bennett, daughter of A. J. Bennett. She was born on October 10. 1866. This union has been blest with one child, Nora, who was born on May 17, 1888. and is now the wife of Henry Fritz. They have one child, Betsey 1.., horn on Marsh 7, 1912.

Andrew Jackson Bennett, father of Mrs. William Kendall, was born on September 7, 1844, and was united in marriage with Rachel Emberson, who was horn on August 9, 1841). in Norway. They came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, June 10. 1875. and located in Parkers Prairie township, where they took up a homestead of forty acres, and had a hard struggle to get along at first hut by industry he finally became prosperous, and later bought eighty acres more from the railroad, giving him a fine tract of one hundred and twenty acres, where he did general farming. Mrs. Rachel Bennett died on September 26. [893. Mr. Bennett put all the improvements on his place, which he sold in IQ05. moving to Canada, where he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett had nine children: Daniel R.. Christena. Andrew E.. who died at the age of two and one half years: Willie, who died aged twenty years; Elmina and Elmira, twins, the latter of whom died when twenty-six years of age: Delia, who died at the age of twenty-seven years; Alma, and Chester, who lives in Canada. Mr. Bennett is a stanch Democrat, while in religion he is an ardent Baptist, in the work of which he has been active, holding the office of deacon.

K Vsper Lausten

Born in Denmark, March i), [843, Kasper Lausten, of Newton township. Otter fail county, Minnesota, herded cattle when he was a small boy and attended school in the winter. His parents were poor and he has made his own way in the world and is today rated as a self-made man.

Mr. Lausten's parents died in Denmark. He was educated in that country and, in 1N7N. settled at Norwood, Carver county, Minnesota, and six years later moved to Otter Tail county, where he took a homestead of forty acres in one tract and forty acres in another. He now owns eighty acres where he lives, besides forty acres in section 10. While a resident of Norwood, Mr. Lausten worked on the railroad as a section hand. He has cleared his land and has erected good buildings upon the farm.

In 1 8 7 j; Kasper Lausten was married to Johanna Christina Nelson, who was born in Denmark. Mrs. Lausten's parents died in their native land. To Mr. and Mrs. Lausten have been born seven children, four of whom, Mary, Lewis. Anne and Louis, were born in Denmark. Lewis is deceased. Three children. Xicolena. Sophia and Lena, were bom in this country. Xicolena was born in Carver county at Norwood, and is deceased. Sophia is the wife of William Rieman. Lena is the wife of Jerome Compeau. of Cass Lake, Minnesota. Airs. Lausten died on the old homestead farm on April 4, igi2. She was a good mother and a good wife and her loss was keenly felt, not only by her immediate relatives, but by a host of friends and neighbors. She was a devout member of the Lutheran church and her husband and children, who survive, are also members of that church.

Nicolai Haagenson, farmer, stock raiser, prominent citizen and man of affairs in Oscar township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born on the Haagenson farm in Oscar township, November 6, 18S6, the son of Nils and Marie (Johnson) Haagenson, natives of Norway. Nils Haagenson is the son of Haagen Hermanson, who came to America and located in Nicollet county, Minnesota, where he farmed for a short time and then retired from active life and lived with his son, Ole Hermanson, for the remainder of his days.

Nils Haagenson was educated in the schools of his native land, and for a time after coming to America, when he was thirteen years of age, he attended classes in the public schools of Nicollet county. Minnesota, where he settled, with his parents, and with whom he lived until 1875, when lie came to Otter Tail county, and. homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 35, Oscar township. On this farm Nils Haagenson lived as a general farmer until i<)io, when he moved to Fergus Falls, and now lives a retired life at that place. As a business man. Nils Haagenson is prominently connected, being a stockholder in the Fergus Falls National Bank; in the Scandia Bank, of the same city; he is interested in several financial institutions of North Dakota, and is heavily interested in the new Carlisle Bank, of Carlisle. Minnesota. He is an extensive landowner, owning large tracts of land in Minnesota and in North Dakota.

Nils Haagenson is a prominent member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Carlisle. Minnesota, and is known as one of the chief workers and supporters of this denomination in Otter Tail county. Nils and Marie Haagenson are the parents of six children: Anna. Herman. John. Alfred, Emily and Nicolai.

Nicolai Haagenson was educated in the common schools of Oscar township, Otter Tail count}", at Northwestern College, of Fergus Falls, and ,u tin- Darling Business College, at Fergus Falls, following which he became a student of agriculture at the Minnesota State University, and then he took charge of the home farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres in Oscar township, a place which Mr. Haagenson now cultivates as a general farmer, together with the raising of Shorthorn cattle and Chester White hogs. In addition to his present farm. Nicolai Haagenson is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land elsewhere in Otter Tail county.

On June 23, 1910, Nicolai Haagenson was married to Inga Fjestad, of Carlisle, the daughter of Frank Fjestad and wife, well-known people of the community.

Frank Fjestad was born in Norway, November 12. 1847, and in 1867 came to America, locating first in the state of Wisconsin, where he lived for a short time and then moved to Texas, making his home in that state for one year, after which he returned to Wisconsin, and then later moved to Carlisle township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he now lives as a prosperous farmer and landowner, being the owner of nine hundred and ninety acres of land, all well improved.

Nicolai Haagenson is a stockholder of the Carlisle Elevator Company. of the Carlisle Bank, and is heavily interested in the Cream of Barley Company, of Minneapolis. Mr. Haagenson is a leading member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Carlisle.

Frank H. Horne

One of the first hotels in Almora is the establishment built and managed by Frank H. Home, who, because of his genial nature and thorough understanding of the business, has made it a popular home for travelers in the north. Coming here when the town consisted of a small group of houses, he saw the need for hotel accommodations and with true business instinct and with pioneer hardihood, set to work to supply the need. Since that tune his business has grown and he has added livery service to his first enterprise.

Frank H. Home was born on December 3. 1859, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Elias A. and Mary (Minnick) Home. The parents were of German descent, but were born in Berks county, where they grew up ami were married. The father followed his trade as shoemaker until 1869, when, removing to Blackhawk county, Iowa, he became a farmer and there he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in quiet pursuits, she passing awa\ in 1912 and his death following a year later. Both wen- members of the Reformed church. Sarah, their eldest daughter, became the wife of John P. Berry, of Waterloo, Iowa: Frank II. is their second child; Annie is now Mrs. George Davis, also of Waterloo. Iowa.