Otter Tail County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 23 of 28)

1 ionic his education and in his early manhood he became a farmer on rented land in Floyd county, Iowa. In 1902 he moved to Otter Tail county, living near the village of Clitherall on a farm for one year. He then located in Elmo township, when . Minora was only a settlement. A number of buildings were then being erected, and in order to provide lodging for the workmen engaged on them Air. Home established a boarding house in a tent. He immediately began the erection of a hotel containing twelve rooms, the dimensions of the building being thirty by forty feet. He has been its proprietor ever since and by the pursuance of good business methods has built up an enviable trade. To this business was added, in 1915, a livery service, when he built a substantial new livery barn. Another line of activity in which Mr. Home was engaged was a phase of railroad work when for four years he was local agent of the Soo Line and manager of the grain elevator. These enterprises he has given up. His farm of one hundred and thirty-one acres near the village is rented and operated by his son. Earl, who is the eldest son born to Mr. and Mrs. Home, who were married on September 7. 1880, she having been Ida L. Crane, the daughter of Thomas Crane, of .Minnesota. A daughter was born previous to the birth of Earl, her name being Alice. She is the wife of Irvin Hering, a resident of Charles Citv, Iowa. The other children in the order of their birth are: Bert, a mail clerk; of Dixon, Illinois; Iva and Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Home are members of the church of Latter-Day Saints.

As a hotel man and as one of the tirst settlers in this locality, Mr. Home is among the best-known citizens of Almora. He anil his wife are hospitable and it has been their effort to diffuse about their hotel the atmosphere best described as '"home-like." Theirs has been an influence for good during the many years of their residence here.

German Sha

German Sha was born in \Yurteml>erg. Germany, December 3, 1838, the son of Sebastian and Elizabeth (Lark) Sha. both of whom were natives of Germany, in which country they lived their entire lives. Sebastian Sha being a farmer of twenty-five acres, as well as a cattle buver of his locality. The elder Sha served for some years as a soldier of the German army, having made a good record during the period of his service. Sebastian Sha was a member of the Catholic church. To Sebastian and Elizabeth Sha were born five children: Pauline, who is deceased; Elizabeth, who married Martin Muckenteiler and in the year 1855 came to America, locating in the state of Kansas, where she died; German, the subject of this sketch: SebasbI2 OTTER TAIL COUNTY, MINNESOTA.

( lerman Sha, following his education in the common schools of Germany, learned the miller's trade, which he followed for three years and then came to .America, in the year 1857, making the voyage of thirty-five days on a sailing vessel. After arriving in New York City he went to Scott county, Minnesota, where he worked on farms, generally, until the year [869, when he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land in Erhards Grove township, and buying about one hundred acres of additional land from the Northern Pacific Railway Company. This place he cleared of the timber and broke up the sod of the prairie land, building a log cabin for a home and afterward during his active life made this farm his home, in the meantime adding many improvements until now his farm is one of the best in the community. In the year 10.15, German Sha retired from the farm and moved to the town of Elizabeth, Minnesota, where he has erected a good home.

During the year 1862, German Sha was married to Elizabeth Colosky, who was born in Canada, the daughter of Anthony Colosky and wife, natives of Germany. To the marriage of German and Elizabeth Sha have been born the following children: Joseph, a farmer of Orwell township. Otter Tail county; I'eter, a fanner who died in Aurdal township; Frank a farmer, butcher and cattle buyer of Trondhjem township; Alexander, a farmer living near Erhard, Otter Tail county; Edward, who lives on the Sha homestead: Maggie, who married M. F. Kniprath and lives in the state of North Dakota; Elizabeth, who married R. A. Burau and lives at Fairview, Montana; Carrie, who married Henry C. Burau, and lives at Fairview. Montana; Mary, who married Elmer J. Parson and lives at Brook Park, Minnesota; Clara, who married Joe Morris, and lives near Staples, Minnesota : and Kate, who married Charles Spies and lives in Oscar township, this county. German Sha and his family are faithful and devout members of the Catholic church at Elizabeth, Minnesota.

From April 1, 186-?, Mr. Sha was employed by the government at Yellow Medicine, a Sioux Indian agency. On the 18th of August, 1862, there broke out an Indian uprising. With the assistance of a friendly Indian (John Other Day). Mr. Sha, wife and a party of thirty-five people, were able to escape, traveling across country for five days.

In the political and official life of Erhanls Grove township German Sha has served his community in various offices, his conduct and regulation of his offices and related affairs always being above criticism. One of the best evidences of the standing of (lerman Sha in his locality is his election for more than thirty-five years to the important office of school director, as well

Although German Sha has now retired from active life he maintains his usual interest in the affairs of the township and is known as a citizen ready at all times to do or to serve his community in any way. In political affiliation Mr. Sha is of the Republican party.

Harry Baker

Aside from being the owner of a considerable tract of land situated in Alberta, Canada, as well as the proprietor of a farm in Candor township, comprising one hundred and forty-two acres, considerable interest attaches itself to the man whose name heads this biographical sketch in that he is reputed to be the first child born in Lida township.

Harry Baker was born in Lida township, Otter Tail county, on April 15, 1876, the son of Harrison and Lena (Ulven) Baker, the former of whom was born in Clay county, Kentucky, in 1848, and the latter in Norway in 1842. Harrison Baker served valiantly throughout the entire Civil War, having enlisted as a mere lad of thirteen years. After the close of the great struggle, he moved to Ft. Abercrombie, North Dakota, where he was married. Subsequently, in 1874, he removed from North Dakota and settled in Otter Tail county, living at Pelican for a period of one year and then moving to Lida township, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of virgin land. He spent his entire life on this homestead, passing away in 1891 at the age of forty-three years. His beloved wife survives him and is now residing at Yergas. To Mr. and Mrs. Baker there were born six children, namely: Robert, Julia. Harry, John, Minnie and George, all of whom are still living.

Reared on his father's homestead and receiving his elementary education in the public schools of his community, Harry Baker, when a lad of but seventeen years of age, removed to North Dakota, where five years later he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land. After spending seven years on this homestead, he then immigrated to Alberta, Canada, purchased six hundred and forty-five acres of land and occupied this land for ten years. In 19 1 2, however, still retaining his Canadian land, he returned to the county of his birth and bought one hundred and forty-two acres in section 34, of Candor township. Since that time he has devoted his attention and efforts to general farming and stock raising.

In 1912 Harry Baker was united in marriage to Emma Hoffman, a native of Otter Tail county, born in Dora township in 1890, and the daughter of Charles and Bertha (Kratzke) Hoffman. Her parents settled in Otter

Tail county in 1882 and are still living in section 5, of Dora township. To Mr. and Mrs. Harry Baker there has been horn one child, Minnie Bertha, born on December 19, 1914.

Mr. Baker is at present serving in the capacity of treasurer of the school board of his township and is serving this position creditably to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the people of the township.

Wiu.Ard P. Burton

["hough not a native-born citizen of .Minnesota. Willard P. Burton has the claim of being one of the pioneer settlers of the great Northwest. He endured with main' others the hardships incidental to pioneer life and, using his own words, "can well remember the grasshopper days of this section of the country'' By his hard and patient labor he has accumulated a gratifyin- competence and now enjoys the distinction of being one of the most successful farmers as well as the possessor of some of the finest farm buildings in Otter Tail county. During the summer of 1915, he. with his wife, enjoyed a season of travel and sightseeing, and attended the Panama Exposition as well as making side trips of charm and interest.

Willard P. Burton was horn in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, on January 28, 1853, the son of Cyrus and Louisa ( Piatt) Burton, the former a native of England and the latter of New York state. Mr. Burton spent nearly his entire life in Columbia county. Pennsylvania, passing away therein 1852. After her husband's death, Mrs. Burton, with her family, moved to Wisconsin, later to Iowa, and in 1X74 came to Otter Tail county, living here until 1901, when she moved to Bemidji, Minnesota, where she died in 1906. To Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Burton were horn six children, namely: Ira, who lives at Emmett, Idaho: Lovisa, who resides at Fort Dodge. Iowa: I.ovina. who resides in Scambler township: Loretta, deceased: Zolmon, a resident of Spokane, Washington, and Willard P.. the subject of this sketch. By a former marriage to Ira Willard, Mrs. Cyrus Burton had given birth to one child, Sabria.

Willard P. Burton was reared in the states of Pennsylvania. Wisconsin and Iowa and received his education in the public schools of those states. In [873 he came to Scambler township, this county, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land situated in section 10. He immediately began the process of improving his farm and also of adding additional land to his original claim. Continuing this policy of gradual increase. Mr. Burton now owns one thousand and forty acres of land, all of which is contiguous except one farm lying two miles south. He also has lands in North Dakota. All his holdings on his farm are strictly modern, one barn being sixty feet wide and one hundred feet Ion;;'.

Iii October, 1892, Willard P. Burton was united in marriage to \nua Monsen, a native of Sweden, burn on May 16, 1867, daughter of Xels and Ella (Swansen) Monsen. Both Mr. and .Mrs. Monsen were natives <>i Sweden and, after immigrating to the United States, settled in Litchfield, Meeker county, in 1870. and subsequently in Becker county, where they hOmesteaded land upon which they now reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Monsen have been horn seven children, Anna, Ella, Mary, Oscar, Ernest, Hannah and Christina, all of whom are living. To Mr. and Mrs. Willard I'. Burton there has been horn one child, Albert Ira. who was born on October 18, 1893. For some time he has been a student at the Dakota Business College at Fargo, North Dakota.

Besides the operation of his farm, Willard P. Burton has taken an active part in the maintenance of the Farmers Creamery Company, Farmers Elevator Company and Pelican Telephone Company, of Pelican Rapids ami is a stockholder in each of these companies. He also has become an extensive shipper of stdck, most of which is the product of his own farm. He has never aspired to political honors, being content to confine his best efforts to the management of his large farming interests.

Charles H. Perdue, former postmaster of the village of Dent, this county, and now a dealer in live stock at that place, was bora at Minerva, Ohio, in 1870. son of R. I. and Elizabeth (Dumbleton) Perdue, both natives of Ohio, farming people and the parents of eight children, all of whom are living. R. J. Perdue died in 1 S< j 4 . and his widow is making her home with her son. Charles H., at Dent.

Following his graduation from the high school at Altoona, Iowa, in [887, Charles H. Perdue took up farming, which he followed in Iowa until 0105. 111 which year he came to Minnesota, locating in Dead Lake township, this county, where he bought four hundred acres, on which place he lived for two or three years. In [908 Mr. Perdue was appointed postmaster of Dent, at which time he moved to the village, where he since has made his home, being the owner of a fine dwelling house, which he built in 1910. Mis term as postmaster expired in January, 1015, since which time Mr. Dent has been quite successfully engaged in the live-stock business and is widely known throughout the county. Upon leaving his farm in Dead Lake township, he rented the same to responsible tenants and operates it as a stuck farm, being extensiveh engaged in the breeding of Shorthorn cattle.

In [896 Charles II. Perdue was united in marriage to Prussia Gifford, of Mtoona, Iowa Mr and Mrs. Perdue are members of the Christian church at Dent and are active in all good works in that village and in the community generally, they being held in the highest regard by all who know them. Mr. Perdue is a member of the Masonic lodge at Perham and of the Odd Fellows lodge at the same place and takes an active interest in the affairs of these two popular order-. Ik- is a Republican and takes a good citizen's interest in the politics of the county and of the state. He is an energetic and enterprising citizen who is looked upon as one of the leaders of the community in which he lives ami where he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all.

Jacob Mercer Hursh

Horn m Fairfield, Greene county, Ohio, July 7, 1851, Jacob Mercer Hursh, who is now living retired at Henning, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, has been for nearly forty years one of the foremost citizens and farmers of Otter Tail county.

Mr. Hursh's father, Frederick Fioak Hursh, was a native of Harrisburg. Pennsylvania, where he was born on January 29, 1833. His mother, who before her marriage was Ann Mercer, was born in Greene county, Ohio, December 8, 1830. The paternal grandparents of Mr. Hursh were Jacob and Sarah ( Hoak ) Hursh, the former of whom was born in 1808 and the latter in [809. Sarah Hoak's father was Frederick Hoak. who was born on August i(>. 1767. On January 5, 1832, Jacob Hursh and Sarah Hoak were married and. after their marriage, settled in Pennsylvania. Sarah ( Hoak) Hursh died on December 1, 1850. in Ohio, and her husband at Long Fake, near Minneapolis. Minnesota, October 2, 1894.

Mrs. Ann (Mercer) Hursh, the mother of Jacob M. Hursh, was the daughter of Robert Mercer, a soldier in the War of 1812, who died in the state of Ohio.

Mr. Hursh's father, the late Frederick Hoak Hursh, who was a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, immigrated to Clark county, Illinois, and later lived for a time in Cumberland county, Illinois. He was a resident of the latter county at the outbreak of the Civil War and enlisted in Company ( 1. Fifty-fourth Regiment. Illinois Volunteer Infantry. At the close of the war he returned home and moved shortly thereafter, in 1866, to Long Lake. Minnesota. Tn 1877 he moved to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and home- Steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he received by virtue of his service in the Civil War. This claim was located in Inman township, three and one-half miles from what is now known as the town of Henning. but was then known as Peas Prairie. After a time. Mr. Hursh's father sold the claim and moved to California and later to Oregon and Idaho. He spent his last days in Henning. dying here on June 4, IQ07. His widow aKo spent her last days at Henning and died at the home of her son, Jacob

M.j September 25, 1914. Mr. Hursh's parents were married in 1850. The late Frederick H. Hursh served on the town board of Inman and was chairman of the board for some time. He was a member of the Lutheran church early in his life and his wife was a member of the Baptist church. At the time of their death;-, however, both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

To Frederick Hoak and Ann ( Mercer) Hursh were born the following children, Jacob M., the subject of this sketch; Isaac and his twin brother died 111 infancy; F'rederiek. Jonathan Clark, Edward, Philip, Mertie Dell, Anna. Charles and Minnie.

Jacob M. Hursh, from the time he was four years old until the time he was fifteen, lived in the state of Illinois. When he was fifteen years old his parents moved to Hennepin county, Minnesota, and, in 1877, came to Otter Tail county and located in section 18, of Inman township, on eighty acres of land. Soon thereafter Mr. Hursh bought land, and increased his' holdings to seven hundred and ten acres, all of which was located in Inman township, Otter Tail county. Of this seven hundred and ten acres, three hundred and ten were in sections 18 and 19, and the remainder in sections 7, 8 and 17. Until 1910 Mr. Hursh was actively engaged in farming. He retired in that year, but lived on the farm until November 1, 1914, when he moved to Henning and purchased the place where he now lives. He also bought another house and lot and ten acres, within the corporation limits of Henning. all of which is platted. Some of this has been sold recently. Xot very long ago. Mr. Hursh sold one of his farms for twenty-four thousand dollars.

On April 9, 1873, Jacob M. Hursh was married to Lucy E. Braman, wild wa^ born in Hennepin count}', near Minneapolis, February 23, 1856, the daughter of Cyrus and Sarah \. | Stinson) Braman. They were natives of Vermont and Maine, respectively, and pioneers in Hennepin county. Mrs. Hursh's father served in a Minnesota regiment during the Civil War. He died at Grand Junction, Colorado, and his wife at Albany, New York. They were the parents of seven children : Fred, Lucy, Dora, Effie, James, Kate and Ida.

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob M. Ffursh have been the parents of fourteen children- FThel May. born on June 18. 1875, married Ira Parks, of St. Paul; Marion, March 8. 1877, is now a physician at Grand Rapids, Minnesota; Frederick. April 2, 1871), is a farmer: Tda, July 20, 1880. is the wife of George Parks, of Inman township: Clarence, June 23, 1882. is a farmer on his grandfather's old homestead farm in Inman township; Laura, February 27. [884, is the wife of Alvin Hontosh, of Bemidji, Minnesota; Perry, May (52b)

16, 1886. is a carpenter by trade and lives in St. Paul; Ada, June 25, 1888, is the wife of Archie Dibble, who lives on Mr. Hursh's farm in Inman township; Mertie, November 17. 1890, is the wife of Benjamin Hildegard. of Hutchinson. Kansas; Emma. October 2. 1892. lives at home; Kathlyn, February 21, 1895; Charlotte, October 26, 1807; Georgia, August 24, 1899, and Jacob Ira August 4. 1902, all live at home.

Mr. Hursh has been interested in the Farmers Elevator Company, of Henning, for a great many years. He was president of the corporation for some time. While a resident of Ionian township Mr. Hursh was clerk of the school board for many years. He also served as supervisor and chairman of the board for about six years. Politically. Mr. Hursh was reared a Republican. Before the war, his father had been identified with the Democratic party, but became a Republican during the Civil War. Although .Mr. Hursh was reared as a Republican, he left the party many years ago to become a Populist and is now independent in politics. The Hursh family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and two of Mr. Hursh's sons, Marion and Frederick, are ministers in the church, although not ordained. Mr. Hursh is very fond of children. He is highly esteemed in this community.

Fred Hansen

Fred Hansen, a prosperous farmer of Everts township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, is a native of Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he was born on July 20, 1865.

Mr. Hansen moved to Grant county, Minnesota, when a mere child, and soon afterward accompanied his parents to Otter Tail county. He is a son of Andrew and Martha (Erickson) Hansen, both of whom were born in Norway, the former in 1834. and the latter on July 4, 1839. They were married in Norway and settled in Grant county. Minnesota, in pioneer times. They were also pioneers of ( )tter Tail county, Minnesota, and after removing to this county took a homestead in St. Olaf township in 1880. The next year they purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in sections 8 and 9, of Everts township. Subsequently, however, Andrew Hansen sold the three hundred and twenty acres to his two sons. Fred and Lewis, so that each now has one hundred and sixty acres.

Andrew Hansen and bis wife now reside on their old homestead in St. Olaf township, where they have a comfortable and well improved farm and home. Both he and bis wife are earnest and faithful members of the Lutheran church. ( )f their eight children. Lewis and Anton are dead. 'I he living children are J. E. TL, Tilda. Fred, Anne. John and Carl.

Fred Hansen received bis education in the public schools of Otter Tail county, and in 1893 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land from his father, and most of the improvements on this farm Mr. Hansen has made with his own hands, since he has acquired the farm. He is a general farmer and stockman.

On August 2, 1891, Fred Hansen was married to Sophia Dahl, who is a native of Everts township, her birth having occurred here in 1873, and who is a daughter of Ole H. Dahl, whose biography is presented elsewhere in this work. Fred Hansen and wife are the parents of four children, Anton, Carl, May and Edna, all of whom are living at home with their father. The mother of these children died in 1902. The family are devout members of the Lutheran church, in which they take an active interest.

The Hansen family occupies a prominent place in the community life of their home neighborhood. Mr. Hansen is a highly respected citizen of the township.

Richard Wangerin

Richard Wangerin, a representative farmer of this county, by his industrious habits and man)- admirable qualities, has become as thoroughly identified with the community as though he were a native son. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1876. his parents being Frank and Minnie (Marquat) Wangerin, both natives of Germany.

It was in 1872 that Mr. and Mrs. Wangerin crossed, the ocean and established their home in Cleveland, Ohio, where Mr. Wangerin engaged in carpenter work for four years. He then located on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 10, Effington township, where Mr. Wangerin began the improvements which have since made his property an up-todate farm. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land where his son now lives and where he and his wife both passed away. They were members of the Lutheran church, and Mr. Wangerin served the public as a member of the local school board. Their two children are Gustave J. and Richard.

Richard Wangerin. after attending school in this countv, grew up and went to Hope, North Dakota, where he rented a farm for the two following years. Later he lived for three years in Canada on a farm which he purchased. At the time of his father's death he returned home and lias remained here since. His present farm of three hundred and twenty acres is equipped with modern machinery, two large barns and a silo. He has specialized in the raising of purebred Shorthorn cattle.

In 1893, Richard Wangerin and Emma Gasche were married. Mrs. Wangerin is a native of Cleveland and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henrv Gasche, who afterwards located in Effington township. The children born to this union are Henry, Frank and Louis.

Air. Wangerin and his wife have been valued members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Wangerin is interested in public affairs and is at present a member of the local school board. 1 [e is known as an expert farmer and as a man of integrity.

Jorgen A. Fiskum

Jorgen A. Fiskum was born near Christiania, Norway, January 26, 1863, the son of Andrew and Johanna Fiskum, who were born in Norway, there grew to maturity, married, and are now living in the vicinity of their birthplace. Andrew Fiskum by trade is a shoemaker and in his native land enjoys a large patronage for his business. To the marriage of Andrew and Johanna Fiskum were born nine children, two of whom came to America, namely, Olavus, wdio was a shoemaker at Vining", Minnesota, and who later went to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he died, and Jorgen, the subject of this sketch.

Jorgen A. Fiskum was educated in the public schools of Norway, after which he worked on farms in that country until he was nineteen years of age and then he came to America and went to Vining, Minnesota, and for some time was employed generally 011 the farms of that locality. During the year 1889, Jorgen A. Fiskum purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 28, of Folden township, which being uncleared he started to prepare for cultivation and to improve, adding such buildings as were necessary, until a few years later the farm was equipped with a modern house, a splendid barn, and in acreage had been doubled by the purchase of one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 26, a short distance away. Jorgen A Fiskum proved a success as a farmer engaged in general agricultural pursuits and as a farmer engaged in the breeding of Guernsey cattle. Mr. Fiskum also took an active interest in the business affairs of the community, being a director of the Folden Telephone Company, and a man who at all times was willing to aid in the promotion of trade projects for the common good of the locality.

On June 9, 1889, Jorgen A. Fiskum, was married to Hannah Halvorson, who was born near Christiania, Norway, a daughter of Peter and Maren Halvorson, who were natives of Norway, and who came to America about the year 1870 and settled in Nidaros township, about two miles south of the town of Vining, where they now live, the father being about sixtyeight years of age and the mother about seventy years of age.

To the marriage of Jorgen and Hannah Fiskum were born thirteen children : Julia, who married Edward Ulland and lives at Mayville. North Dakota: Andrew, Emma. Alfred, Hjelmar, Hilda, Helmer. Oscar, Ruth and Roy, who are twins; Edwin, Theodore and Lawrence.

Jorgen A. Fiskum was a prominent man of Folden township, as a holder of various offices having to do with the better elements of life represented in the county. For seventeen years Jorgen A. Fiskum served with dignity and unusual ability as treasurer of Folden township, and in the Free Lutheran church at Folden, of which Mr. Fiskum was a devout member, he served for some years as a trustee. Jorgen A. Fiskum, when called by death on March n, 1014. left behind a host of friends who mourn the loss of this worthy citizen. He was a good neighbor, a kind friend, unselfish in his efforts towards others, and one who was generally loved and esteemed, not only in the vicinity of his late residence, but throughout the county.

Tulius Severson

Julius Severson, a prosperous merchant of Clitherall, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and the postmaster of Clitherall, is a' native of Clitherall township, where he was born on August 21, 1873.

Mr. Severson is the son of John and Hannah (Hovren) Severson, both of w:hom were born in Norway, the former on February 2, 1842. They moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota, in 1870, where John Severson worked in a quarry. He assisted in taking out the stone which was used to build the normal school. In 1872 he moved to Clitherall township and took a homestead farm of one hundred and sixty acres. During the next few years he was busily engaged in improving the land. He died on this farm on July 11, 1912. His widow is now living at Clitherall. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Clara and Alfred are deceased. The living children are Julius, Clara, Jenetta, Christina, Jens and Nora. After the death of her first husband, Mr. Severson's mother was married to Paul Olson, of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota.

Julius Severson was reared on the old homestead farm and lived with his parents until about eighteen years old. He was educated in the public schools and, when old enough, took up the machine business at which he worked for a number of years. In 1899 Mr. Severson came to Clitherall and engaged in the restaurant and confectionery business. He has been engaged in this business ever since. In 1900 he was appointed postmaster of Clitherall and resigned in 1904. He was reappointed in 1900 and has held the office ever since. Mr. Severson owns the telephone exchange and is the agent for the Northwestern Telephone Company at this place.

In 1899 Julius Severson was married to Caroline Olson, who was born in Parkers Prairie. Minnesota, December 24, 1874, and who is the daughter of Paul Olson, now of Clitherall. Mr. and Mrs. Severson have one daughter, Evelvn Delores.

Air. Severson has tilled many positions of trust and responsibility within the gift of the people of Clitherall. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Roval Neighbors of America.

N. P. R. Nelson

N. P. R. Nelson is one of the most progressive agriculturists of Parkers Prairie township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, as well as one of the most active citizens and is fully worthy of the respect which he receives.

He is a son of the late Anders P. Nelson, who was born on January 8, 1835, in Furebu, Smaland, Sweden. Anders P. Nelson came to America in 1854 with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. N. D. Anderson. They were pioneers of Chisago county, Minnesota. Anders P. was a trusted employee of the government when the preliminary survey for the government road was made from St. Paul to Superior City, and continued at this kind of work for three seasons, the winters being spent in the pineries. In 1862 Mr. Nelson led the forces who intrenched the peninsula at Center City against an Indian outbreak which was pending. He was active in politics and a pioneer in many of the important events in the early settlement of upper Minnesota. In 1870 he moved to Parkers Prairie, being one of the first to settle in that fertile country. His home was the scene of many early gatherings, as it was the only one large enough to accommodate a meeting of any size. The first church and school in Parkers Prairie were held in his home and the first political meeting of those times was held there. Mr. Nelson afterward did considerable contract work, getting out a large part of the timber supplies for the Northern Pacific railroad which was being built. Mr. Nelson died in 1914 at Parkers Prairie, where he had moved from the homestead two years before.

N. P. R. Nelson, the subject of this sketch, was the third child of his parents. There were six children in the family. They are all living and are: Mrs. John A. Hawkinson, Mrs. Charles A. Bergquist and X. P. R. Nelson, all of Parkers Prairie; Mrs. C. A. Carlson, of Garrison, North Dakota; J. A. R. Nelson, of Deer Lodge. Montana; and J. G. Vasa Nelson, of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota. N. P. R. Nelson was born on May 24. 1873. on the old homestead at Parkers Prairie. He was educated in the common schools of the locality. From the time he was fourteen years of age he practically managed his. father's farm, the father's business of carpenter and contractor taking him away from home a greater part of the time. As soon as he became of legal age his ability as a leader was recognized and he was elected to and held with credit many local positions of honor and trust in school and township affairs.

On December 21, 1898, N. P. R. Nelson was united in marriage to Augusta Sigfrid and their married life has been a particularly happy one. In 1 90 1 Mr. Nelson went to Bismarck, North Dakota, where for two years, in company with his brother, J. A. R. Nelson, he managed the Grand Pacific hotel, a leading hostelry for politicians at the capital city of that state, and there he came to know much about matters which have been of help to him in later life. In 1903 he returned to Minnesota and for three years was agent for the Woodworth Elevator Company at Carlos and Parkers Prairie. In 1906 he went to Detroit, Minnesota, where he was in the mercantile business for a year, but disposed of his interests there in 1907 to accept a position with the North Dakota Grain Company, of Superior, Wisconsin, as traveling solicitor. In 1910 he resigned with this company to return to Parkers Prairie and take up the active management of his farm, where he has since remained.

Mr. Nelson is not only a progressive farmer, but is actively interested in co-operation among farmers along other lines. He is now secretary and treasurer of the Parkers Prairie Co-operative Creamery Company, which he was instrumental in organizing a number of years ago. He is also secretary of the Parkers Prairie Mutual Fire Insurance Company, an organization with over a million dollars of policies and is interested in and was first president of the Parkers Prairie Farmers Telephone Company, the pioneer of a system of co-operative companies which give his home locality a service which has grown from a small beginning to one second to none. Mr. Nelson's counsel and advice are eagerly sought by his friends and acquaintances as being worth while and he is one of the residents of Parkers Prairie to whom they refer with pride.

Melvin I. Grina

Among the merchants and citizens of Erhards Grove township, in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, few are better or more favorably known and appreciated for their work in the community than is Melvin I. Grina, who is a leading merchant of the town of Erhard, and an organizer and director of the larger interests in the locality.

Melvin I. Grina was born in Trondhjem township, this county, April 21, 1878, the son of Iver O. and Olena (Ohe) Grina, who were natives of Halan, Norway, her O. Grina was the son of Ole and Martha Grina, who came to America when Ivor O. was but three years of age. and settled at McGregor. Iowa, where they lived for about twenty years, and then, with his family, Ole Grina moved to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and bought

;i farm from the school land reservation, in Norwegian Grove township, a place on which he lived until his death in 1908, aged about eighty-four years.

Iver O. Grina, father of the subject of this sketch, was about twentythree years of age when he moved with his father and family, from McGregor, Jowa, to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Trondhjem township, later adding one hundred and twenty acres of land, a farm which he improved extensively and cultivated until the year 1913, at that time selling his place and moving to the town of Pelican Rapids, where he now lives in retirement. Iver O. Grina has been a man prominent in the affairs and public life of the town of Trondhjem, not only taking an active interest in all general matters, but he has served for some years as a member of the school board and as township assessor.

When thirteen years of age, Olena Ohe came with her parents to America, her father. Lars Ohe, settling in the state of Iowa, where he lived for some time and then moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, locating in Erhards Grove township, there homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land to which he added, later by purchase, eighty acres, living with his son. who cultivated the land until his death about the year 1895. ^rs- Olena (Ohe) Grina died on February 22, 1914, survived by her husband and eight children.

Iver O. and Olena Grina were the parents of nine children as follow: Ole. who is a lumberman of Halstead, Minnesota; Lars, who deals in lumber and machinery, at Lelton, Minnesota; Melvin I., the subject of this sketch; Conrad, a lumber and machinery dealer of Borup, Minnesota; Joseph, who died in infancy; Joseph, who rents the farm of his father in Norwegian Grove township and now lives there; Inga, who lives with her brother, Melvin I., at Erhard, Minnesota; Theodore, who is an employee of his brother, Melvin, and Emma, who lives at home with her parents.

Melvin I. Grina received his education in the common schools of Otter Tail county, and at the Pelican Rapids school, after which he worked for his father until he had reached the age of twenty-two years. In the vear 1900 he went to the state of North Dakota, there homesteading one hundred and sixty acres of land in Benson county, a place on which he lived for five years and then moved to Williams county, North Dakota, locating at the town of Kermit where he established himself in the lumber business, remaining in that business for two wars, when he traded his stock with his partners in such a manner that he became a member of the firm of Stenersen Brothers Lumber Company, a company owning and operating four stations for the sale of its products, the headquarters of the concern being located at Felton, Minnesota.

During the spring of the year 1912, Melvin I. Grina came to the town of Erhard to care for the interests of the branch of his company located at this place, and while here arranged tor and superintended the erection of a modern brick store building, in size twenty-rive by seventy feet, in which building he now carries a stock of hardware, lumber and farm machinery valued at about twelve thousand dollars. In other lines of business than that of merchandising Melvin 1. Grina has been notably connected, being one of the founders and now a stockholder in the Erhard State Bank, of Erhard, Minnesota.

Politically. Mr. Grina is independent of party and is a man who has preferred to serve his community as a private citizen rather than as an office holder. In church affiliation Melvin I. Grina is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, a denomination which he supports with his efforts and means in a most substantial way.

Ellsworth Vv. Smith

One of the most prominent old families of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is that of Ellsworth VV. Smith, a well-known lecturer on scientific farming in this state, who was born thirty miles east of Buffalo, in Bennington township, Wyoming county, New \ ork, March 23, 1864. Mr. Smith is the son of Isaiah S. and Maria ( Foster) Smith.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Smith. Sardious and Isabel Smith, were natives of Vermont and, for many generations, were connected by blood ties with the oldest New England families. Sardious Smith was a pioneer in western New York, having immigrated to the "Holland Purchase," and settled in Bennington township in 1815. He died there at the age of ninetysix years. Although he carried a musket in the War of 1812, he was not an enlisted soldier. Ik- was the leading man in his community and was highly respected as a citizen. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church. They were the parents of eight children. Mr. Smith's maternal grandparents were farmers in New England, who, very early in the last century, immigrated to Bennington township, Wyoming county. New York.

Ellsworth Smith's mother, who before her marriage was Maria Foster, was born at Belfast. New York, about 1820. His father. Isaiah S. Smith, was ln.rn in Bennington township, Wyoming count}-, in 1817. There they grew up and married. fsaiah S. Smith was a farmer, a contracting carpenter and a well-known builder of bridges, dams and mills. About 1866. he left New York state and made a trip to Nebraska, looking for a location. After remaining in Nebraska for six months, during which time he built a mill at what is now Decatur, he returned to New York and remained until the fall of 1876, when the family moved to Wisconsin. There they lived for four years, but in the spring' of 1881, came to W'oodside township, Otter Tail count)', Minnesota, and purchased eighty acres of railroad land, which was then wild prairie. Here they built a frame house and began to cultivate the farm, tsaiah S. Smith died in 1893 and his wife in 1872. He was always active in local politics. There were four children in the Smith family, George D.. who died in Whatcom count}', Washington, where he was engaged in farming: Ann Augusta, who married William Van Dyke and died in the state of New York; Warren A., who died at the age of seventeen, and Ellsworth, the subject of this sketch.

Ellsworth W. Smith was educated in the public schools of New York state, Wisconsin and Minnesota. He was reared on the farm and. early in life, learned the carpenter trade. Having come into possession of his father's farm, he operated the place since coming here. In 1892 Mr. Smith built a barn, thirty by forty-two feet, and about iqoS erected an addition, which makes the barn now, thirty-six by seventy-six feet. He also has other barns and outbuildings. In 1902 he erected a good house.

Mr. Smith calls himself an all-around farmer, but makes a specialty of raising clover seed, potatoes and pure-blood Duroc-Jersey hogs. He keeps a drove of from lift}' to seventy-five head and also operates a small dairy. He also breeds pure-blood barred Plymouth Rock chickens and generally has from eighty to one hundred hens.

For the past eight years, Mr. Smith has been employed by the farmers institute department of agriculture of the state of Minnesota, to address institutes all over the state. He spends from four to six months of each year in this work. Mr. Smith is the kind of a fanner who "takes something to town to sell every time he goes" and this is the slogan of his lecture, and the principle which he practices and preaches throughout this state. Mr. Smith has often exhibited products raised on his farm at nearby fairs. I lis wife, who is an expert cheese maker, took a prize at the state fair at one time. In their early lives. Mr. and Mrs. Smith experienced many hard times, but, by pluck ami hard work, they have made a large success of farming. Mr. Smith is a director in the Farmers State Bank, at Bertha, Minnesota.

In 1S87 Ellsworth W. Smith was married to Anna S. Streit, a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and the daughter of Benjamin Streit, wdio was born in Missouri, of German parentage. Benjamin Streit came to Otter Tail county about 1878, but is now living at Roseburg. in Douglas count)-. Oregon.

who lives on the farm in Woodside township and is a graduate of the agricultural school; Roy A., who also lives on the farm in Woodside township; Ina G., who lives at home and was educated in the Parkers Prairie high school and at the Agricultural and Teachers Training school of St. Anthony Park; Clifford, who is a student in the Alexandria high school; Zetty and Marjorie, both of whom are at home.

Mr. Smith has rilled practically all of the township offices but has always been especially interested in school affairs. He is independent in politics and prefers to vote for men whom he considers best fitted for the office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

George W. Smith

George W. Smith was born in Holden, Massachusetts, December 27, 1831, a son of Jonas H. and Anna E. (Rogers) Smith, both of whom were natives of Holden, Massachusetts.

Jonas H. Smith lived in the state of Massachusetts until 1836, when he moved, with his family, to the state of Vermont, living there for the remainder of his days. Jonas H. and Anna E. Smith were the parents of six children, four daughters and two sons.

George W. Smith received his education in the common schools of Stratton, Vermont, after which lie became a farmer; working on the home farm until 1855, when, at twenty-four years of age, he moved to the state of Minnesota and located in Carver township. Carver county, where he lived as a farmer until September, 1861. At this time Mr. Smith enlisted for service in the Civil War with Company A, Fourth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, with which command he served for three years. During that time he was stationed at Ft. Ridgely, among the Indians, for six months, later being transferred to Corinth, Mississippi, from which place he was moved as a part of the army righting in the battles at Shiloh, Corinth and Yicksburg. During the last year of his military service George W. Smith was a part of the Veteran Reserve Corps stationed at Rock Island arsenal at Rock Island, Illinois.

After the close of the Civil War, Mr. Smith returned to Minnesota and made his home in Carver county, where he was active as a farmer and as a public official, until 1878, when he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Dora township. On taking possession of his land George W. Smith cleared the place, added the necessary improvements and after some years as a pioneer farmer he improved his farm more substantially and has since made his home on this farm, now being accorded a place among the leading farmers of this com-

Some time after moving to Minnesota, Mr. Smith was married to Sarah DeMerse, who was a native of Minnesota. George W. and Sarah Smith became the parents of four children: Frank H., who was born on June 16, [860; Ida 1\.. September i0. 1865; Lula E.. February 21, 1868, and Marion E., .March 23, 1872. After the death of his wife, Sarah, George W. Smith was married, secondly, in 1 S 7 5 , to Hannah Nelson, who was born on November 19, [851, in Sweden. George W. and Hannah Smith became the parents of six children: Artmas. born on February 6, 1878; Evaline T., December 4, 1880; Zelpha N., December 22, 188-'; Herbert W., July 18, 1885; Matilda. February 21, [888, and George L., August 5, 1890.

As a citizen who has been prominent in the public and official life of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and of other communities where he has made his home, George W. Smith is known as one who has made an enviable record and as one who has done no little in bringing about the present high development of the community life. While a resident of Carver county, Mr. Smith was known as a must trustworthy and faithful deputy sheriff and after moving to this county his ability was -non demonstrated in his successful efforts to establish and maintain a township organization with efficient schools and educational facilities. For many years Mr. Smith was a faithful and influential member of the school board in Dora township, this county, and during several terms of office he was chairman of the township board of supervisors, as well as having served in his usual able manner as township treasurer, for many years. Politically, Mr. Smith is an ardent Republican. In church circles George \Y. Smith is well known, his activity as a member and as an official of the Presbyterian church of this community being an important part in the religious life of Dora township.

Peter Hansen

Born in Sweden on February 24. 1855, Peter Hansen, a successful farmer of Nidaros township, this county, is the son of Hans and Mary Anderson, who spent their entire lives in their native land. Hans Anderson died in 1S70 and his wife in 10,01. They were the parents of seven children, of whom two, Andrew and Johanna, the eldest and youngest, are deceased. The living children are Peter, the subject of this sketch, Ole, Magnus, Nels and Anna.

Peter Hansen was educated in Sweden and in i8q2 came to America and, for live years, or until 1897. worked on a farm in Otter Tail county. In [897 Mr. Hansen purchased one hundred and fifty-five acres of land in section 25, of Clitherall township. There he erected a house and barn and erected all of the buildings which are now standing on the farm. These buildings include a good house and barn. Air. Hansen is a progressive farmer in every respect. He has made a splendid success of general fanning and stock raising.

In 1882, several years hefore coming to America, Peter Hansen was married in Sweden to Anna Hansen, who was born in Sweden in 1862, the daughter of Matthias and Anna Swensen. who never came to America. Mr. and Airs. Peter Hansen have seven children, Albin. Hilda, Selma, Ellen, Fred, Esther and Ruth. Air. and Mrs. Hansen are members of the Swedish Lutheran church at Eagle Lake. Mr. Hansen has never taken any special part in politics, but is interested in local affairs and has given his time and energy to the promotion of public improvements and to matters affecting the general welfare. He is a well-known and popular citizen and i- well liked bv all who know him.

Martin Mortenson

Born on the farm where he now resides in Tordenskjold township, August 26, 1886. Martin Mortenson, a successful young farmer of Otter Tail county is the son of Jeppe and Marie (Larson) Mortensen, both of whom were natives of Denmark. The father came to this county in 1863 and the mother in 1869.

Jeppe Mortenson came immediately to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, after arriving in America. Here he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township. After clearing a place for a home he erected a small log cabin with a sod roof, and there lived as a hachelor for six years. He was then married and continued living on the farm. Gradually he cleared different parts of the farm and in the meantime marketed all his produce and bought all of his supplies at St. Cloud. During this period of his life the Indians were plentiful in the vicinity, but were entirely friendly. Here he lived until his death in 1910, at the age of seventy-one years. His wife died in the spring of 1914, at the age of about seventy years. They were both members of the Lutheran church, and Jeppe Mortenson was one of the founders of the church in Tordenskjold township. Prior to coining to this country he had served in the Danish army. To Jeppe and Marie Mortenson were born two children, Martin and Christena, the latter of whom is the wife of Emil Holbeck, of Dane Prairie township.

Martin Mortenson received his education in the common schools of Otter Tail county, and was reared on his fathers farm. Being the only son he naturally took up farming and during his father's declining years operated the farm, and finally he purchased the interests of his sister in the home farm and erected modern farm buildings and made other substantial improvements on the home place. .Mr. Mortenson has made a splendid success as a breeder of pure-blood Holstein and Shorthorn cattle, as well as ( liester White bogs. He is a prominent stockholder and director of the Underwood Creamery Company.

In July, 1910, Martin Mortenson was married to Carrie Nygaard, a native of Norway and the daughter of Rasmus Rusmussen, but the adopted daughter of Xils Olson Nygaard. Both of Mrs. Mortenson's parents died when she was a small girl, and she was brought to America by her adopted parents. Air. and Mrs. Mortenson are the parents of two children, Joseph, burn (in February 21, 1911, and Carter, born on September 16, 1913.

Mr. and Mrs. Mortenson are members of the Lutheran church, in which they take an active and interested part. Fraternally. Mr. Mortenson is a member of the Danish Brotherhood. He is independent in politics.

Lewis Hanson

Born on March 20. 1867, the late Lewis Hanson, who was a well-to-do farmer of Fverts township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was a son of Andrew and Martha (Erickson) Hanson, both of whom were natives of Norway. Andrew Hanson was born in Norway in 1834, and Martha Erickson was born in the same country on July 4, 1839. They were married in Norway, ami in pioneer times emigrated to America and settled in Grant county, Minnesota. They were also pioneer settlers in Otter Tail county, where they removed from Grant county. They took a homestead in St. Olaf township, a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and bought three hundred and twenty acres in sections 8 and 9, about 1880. Lewis Hanson's parents are still living on the old homestead in St. Olaf township. Andrew Hanson broke up his land from the raw prairie, and made many substantial improvements on the place and is now living retired. He and his good wife are members of the Lutheran church. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Lewis was the fourth child. The others are John Edward. Tilda, bred. Anne, John, Carl and Anton.

Lewis Hanson was educated principally in the schools of Otter Tail county, Minnesota. He came to Everts township with his parents, and located on one hundred and sixty acre- of land which he purchased of his father, and here he lived until his death in 1913.

( >n January 21, 1893, Lewis Hanson was married to Nettie Dahl. who was born in Everts township on May 22, 1872, and who is a daughter of Ole II. and Karen (Glende) Dahl, both of whom were burn in Norway, the former in 1N47 and the latter in 1S48. Ole Dahl and Karen Glende both came to America and settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1871, and were married in this county. After their marriage, Mrs. Hanson's father purchased a farm of one hundred and thirty-three acres in section 17, in Everts township. He died on this farm in 1882. His widow is now living, at the age of sixty-eight years. They were the parents of three children, Nettie, Andrew, and Sophia, who is deceased.

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Hanson are the parents of four children: Ole A., horn on November 27, 1803, lives at home on the farm; Clarence M., June 7, [897, also lives at home; Clara, December o, 1899; Mathilda, February 1 1, 1904.

The late Lewis Hanson made man}- improvements upon his farm in Everts township. In 1898 he built a magnificent residence, and in addition to the erection of many good farm buildings he also fenced his farm and installed a good system of drainage. Mr. Hanson was well known in the community where he spent a great deal of his life. His widow is still living on the farm, and is a highly respected and refined woman.

Andrew Dtetletn

Among the well-known farmers and stock raisers of Dead Lake township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Andrew Dietlein, who was born in Edna township, this county, on May 30, 1878, the son of Philip and Christiana ( Eixtine) Dietlein. natives of Germany, the former born in 1856, the latter in 1858. Philip Dietlein came to America when a young man and following his marriage at New York City, came to Otter Tail county and settled in Edna township, where he homesteaded forty acres of land, a place which he later sold and then bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Edna township, where he now lives. Philip and Christiana Dietlein are the parents of the following children: Mary. Andrew, Peter, Maggie (deceased). Ignatius. Nicholas, Matilda, Barbara. Dora. Sophia. Annie and Robert.

Andrew Dietlein was educated in the public schools of Perham township, Otter Tail county, and in the schools of Edna township, after which he worked as a farm helper for some time and then, in 1903, he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 8, Dead Lake township, where he is now engaged in general farming and in stock raising, together with the operating of a threshing machine throughout the community.

During the vear 1003, Andrew Dietlein was married to Johanna Smelz, who was born in Rush Lake township, in TS7Q, the daughter of Henry and Katherina Smelz, of Perham township. To the' marriage of Andrew and Johanna Dietlein have been born five children: Maggie, Rosie, Mary, Henry

(deceased), and Tillie. .Mr. Dietlein and his family are communicants of the Catholic church. Johanna, the wife of Andrew Dietlein died on May -'4. I'M--

Niels Thygesen

Niels Thygesen, who has been a prominent citizen of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, ever since coming to this county nearly fifty years ago, was bom in Denmark on August 29, 1841. His old home was a part of Denmark and is now a German possession.

Mr. Thygesen's parents, Peter Jessen and Inger (Hansen) Thygesen, spent their entire lives in their native land and were farmers by occupation. They had seven children, of whom Niels was the fifth born. The other children, in the order of their birth, were Maren. who married Hans Xissen and who died in Denmark; Thomas, who was a soldier in the War of 1864 and who died in Denmark about 1895; Hans, also a soldier in the Danish- German War of 1864, died in Denmark a few years after the war; Maria, who married Hans Nelson and died in Denmark; Anders, when last heard from, was a resident of New Zealand, and Christian, whose residence is unknown.

Niels Thygesen was educated in the common schools of his native land and, when he had reached his majority, entered the Danish army, serving in the war between Denmark and Germany in 1864 and 1865. He served as a marine in the coast defense at Mellemfort. and, after the war, returned home and worked as a laborer. He did not prosper, however, under German rule, since that country had captured the part of Denmark where he had previously lived. In i860 Mr. Thygesen came to America and, for a time, lived at Carson, a small town west of Rochester, Minnesota, on the terminus of the railroad at that time. Afterward he spent two years at Winona.

It was in 1866 that Mr. Thygesen came to America. He spent eleven weeks and three davs on a sailing vessel, sailing from Hamburg and landing in New York City on February 3, of the same year. During the voyage he suffered a great many hardships. The rudder of the ship was broken and the ship was torn almost to pieces by a storm. The ship drifted south to the equator and forty-six people died of the heat at Christinas time. Although Mr. Thvgesen himself was very sick, he recovered. From New York City he went by rail as far west as he could travel and at that time the extreme western terminal of the railroad was Carson, Minnesota. At ("arson Mr. Thygesen was employed on a farm. At Winona, Minnesota, he worked as a fireman on a steamboat.

him an ox team. After arriving in this county he homesteaded one hundred and sixty-seven acres of land in Dane Prairie township and was one of the first homesteaders in the township The land was covered partially with timber and Air. Thygesen broke and cleared his land. His first log house had a sod roof. About fifteen years later this house was replaced by a frame house, a part of which is still standing. Mr. Thygesen lived on this farm for about thirty-five years and then sold out and purchased one hundred and ten acres one-half mile north of his original farm. He was engaged in general farming and stock raising. He sold the farm, however, in 191 2, but remained upon it until 1913. when he moved to Underwood and purchased the home where he now lives retired.

About 1871 Niels Thygesen was married to Christine Jensen, a native of Denmark and the daughter of Ole Hansen, who died in Denmark. There were no children born to this marriage. In [906, Mr. Thygesen was married to Olea Randine Olson, a native of Norway and the daughter of Ole < Christian Olson, who died in his native land. Mrs. Thygesen came to America about 1899.

When Niels Thygesen first came to Minnesota, Indians were plentiful in this state and for some years afterward. Generally they were friendly, but on one April morning when Mr. Thygesen was working in the field with his oxen, his little dog came out barking and teasing his master to return to the house. Mr. Thygesen unhitched his oxen and went home. On reaching the house he overheard some Indians talking and found their guns standing by a tree. He went indoors and greeted them as though he was a stranger. There were two Indians who were busily engaged in helping themselves to the flour which he had purchased at Alexandria and for which he had paid fourteen dollars a barrel. Watching his opportunity he seized his revolver from the wall and ordered them to put the flour back. They obeyed and he ordered them to leave the premises. Fearing he had been too harsh. Mr. Thygesen gave them a half loaf of bread and they went away highlv pleased, calling him a good man and never molested him any more. Bears were plentiful in the pioneer days of the state and were sometimes dangerous. When Mr. Thygesen was duck hunting one October evening, about twenty rods north of the house in a thicket, he met a bear and two cubs. He followed them for some distance with nothing but a shot gun and knew that he could not get another gun. Finally he shot one of the cubs and the old bear attacked him. Mr. Thygesen ran and the dog attacked the bear, during which time Mr. Thygesen escaped. The bear was pursued by Mr. Thygesen and a neighbor, but it was not found.

bean party in this township. It was in his house, in fact, that Dam- Prairie township was organized. He was appointed by the county board as the first assessor of Buse, Aastad and Mane Prairie townships and was elected the first assessor of Dane Prairie, lie has held all the township offices and was re-elected many tunes to the position of assessor of Dane Prairie township, lie also served several terms on the hoard of supervisors and in all of this period never sought office. Both Mr. Thygesen and his second wife are active in the Free Lutheran church of Tordenskjold township. The services were held in his house before the church was erected.

Niels Thygesen is a worthy citizen of this great state, a man who is mosl cordial in all of his relations with his neighbors and who enjoys the confidence of many friends made in the course of a long residence in this county.

Frank P.. Saunders

Frank B. Saunders is a son of one of the pioneers of Parkers Prairie. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and himself has undergone many hardships incidental to pioneer life. He was born on February 29, 1856, in Osceola, Wisconsin, and is the son of J. W. Saunders and Christina (Peterson) Saunders, natives of Massachusetts and Smoland, Sweden, respectively. J. W. Saunders was horn on August 9, 1818, in South Gardner, Massachusetts, and his wife was born in 1832.

J. W. Saunders received his education in the public schools of his native state and in 1848 he removed to Beloit, Wisconsin, where he remained for one year and then changed his location to Stillwater, Washington county. Minnesota. In 1853 he purchased eighty acres of land, under the homestead law, near Osceola, Wisconsin, and, beside operating his little farm, he also ran a grist-mill at Osceola. In [86t, he removed to Marine Mills. Washington county, Minnesota, where he was employed as a cook on a steamboat which operated on the St. Croix river until May, 1868. at which time he started for the West with a friend and they traveled on horseback. Some place between Osakis and Parkers Prairie. Minnesota, they overtook a party of road cutters and assisted in completing the road to Parkers Prairie, which work lasted for three days only. Upon his arrival in Parkers Prairie, Mr. Saunders immediately settled on a squatter's claim and soon returned to Marine Mills preparatorj to moving his family to their new home. They were compelled to travel overland with horses and covered wagon and to Frank B. Saunders, who was then a lad of twelve years, befell the task of following behind with the flock of sheep, thirteen cattle and « 'lie yoke of oxen. They followed the governmenl trail from St. Cloud. Minnesota, and encountered manv hardships hv tin way.

Money was scarce and J. W. Saunders was forced to return to Washington countw .Minnesota, in the winter that the family might not want the necessities of life. The farm was located a great distance from the railroad and in the Indian danger zone. Shortly after they began their residence in that locality Mr. Saunders made the journey to Sauk Center, Minnesota, for supplies. While returning home he heard the report that Indians were 011 the war-path and that the families were fleeing to the stockade at Sauk Center. Much excited for fear his family was in danger, he hurried home to find them all safe and determined to stay and protect their home. After a hasty consultation they decided this was the best policy and were delighted to discover that the report had been a false one. In 1882 Mr. Saunders received the deed from the government to the farm of one hundred and sixtyacres, and the family continued to reside on this place, in Eastern township, until his death. There were six children in the family and their names follow : Prank B., Lillie, Emma, Arthur, Eva and Charles. J. W. Saunders and his wife were members of the Baptist church. Politically, he was a member of the Prohibition party and an ardent supporter of same.

brank B. Saunders received his education in the common schools of Washington count)-, Minnesota, and in Parkers Prairie, Otter Tail county. When a boy of fourteen he returned to Washington county, Minnesota, where he was employed in the lumber business and his earnings were given for the support of the family he had left in Otter Tail county, this support continuing for eight years. However, he continued in the lumber business until he was twenty-eight years of age and then returned to Otter Tail county, and purchased the old home, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, and also purchased eighty acres more which was added to the original holdings, making a total of two hundred and forty acres with which to begin his agricultural operations. The farm now consists of four hundred acres. In February. 1889, he engaged in the hardware and implement business under the firm name of Saunders & Post, which partnership continued for five years. In 1894, Frank B. Saunders sold his interest in the business tn Mr. Post and almost immediately entered into a partnership with T- A. Johnson under the firm name of Saunders & Johnson. In 191 2 the partnership was changed and became Saunders & Son. In connection with the general hardware and implement business which they conduct, they also do a prosperous automobile business.

( )n \pril 2, [882, Frank B. Saunders was united in marriage to Vina Lamb and to their union four children have been born: Roy |.. Lula A., Benjamin H. and W'inefred. Vina (Lamb) Saunders passed away in September. [908. She was the daughter of Smith Lamb and her birth occurred on May 18, 1856. Frank l'>. Saunders is a member of the Baptisl church in which he serves the congregation as a director. Politically, he is a stanch Republican and has served his community as county commissioner. He was elected in [886 and served until 1890. He is very active on all questions pertaining to the welfare of his fellow citizens and has many friends.

Ed C. Granrud was born on the Granrud homestead in Trondhjem township, December 21, 1889, the son of Christian and Dena (Quamme) Granrud. Christian Granrud was bom in Norway, December 21, 1859, the son of Even and Kari Granrud, and Dena Quamme was born in Norway, February 12, 1870, the daughter of Rogland and Maria (Fraas) Quamme.

Even Granrud was a native of Norway, in which country he married, and about the year 1864 came to America and settled in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he worked on a farm for about two years and then came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 1, of Trondhjem township, a place which he cleared of the wild timber and the prairie soil of which he broke up, then built a log house in which he lived for some time, later building a frame house, which was the first house of the kind to be erected in the community, Even Granrud living in this house as a farmer until his death, in the fall of the year 1899. Kari Granrud died in the spring of the year 1893. Even and Kari Granrud were the parents of the following children : Ole, who lives in Erhards Grove township, where he is a farmer; Even, who is a farmer and music teacher, living in Erhards Grove township; Martin, a farmer who died in Pelican township; Christian, father of the subject of this sketch; John, who is a professor of languages at the University of Minnesota, and two children who died in Norway, while infants.

Christian Granrud was educated in the public schools of Norway and later in the schools of Fillmore county, Minnesota, after which he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, with his parents, and lived on the home place until the year 1893, when he purchased the farm of his father, adding other land until he was the owner of two hundred acres, which he improved extensively and where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock raising for the remainder of his days. Christian Granrud died on October 24, 1903.

On December 16. 18(16, Christian Granrud was married to Dena Quamme, who was born in Bergen. Norway, the daughter of Rognald and Maria (Fraas) Quamme. who lived in their native land of Norway until the year 1882, and then came t<> America, settling in Norwegian Grove township, of Otter Tail county, where Rognald Quamme homesteaded a farm on which he lived for a time and then sold it and moved to a place three miles east of the town of Pelican Rapids, where he lived until the year 19 1 4, when he sold this farm and moved to Pelican Rapids, where he and his wife now live a retired life. Christian and Dena Granrud were the parents of nine children, namely: Fd, who died at the age of eleven months; Pd, the subject of this sketch; Carl, who lives at home; Mabel, Oscar, Julia, Olga, George and Clara.

Ed C. Granrud was educated in the public schools of this county, after which he aided his father on the farm until purchasing it from the elder Granrud. He has improved the place and with one hundred and twenty acres of rented land adjoining, he engages extensively in general fanning, being known as a young fanner who adopts and follows the most approved and scientific methods of cultivation. Ed C. Granrud is unmarried.

The Granrud family is one of the most highly respected in the community, not only because of their activtty and work in the Norwegian Futheran church, of which they are leading members, but on account of their interest and support of those things which are making for the enlightenment and general welfare of the township and county.

Fred J. Cocking

A life of consecutive industry has been that of Fred J. Cocking, who although interested in many lines of work, devotes the greater part of his time to stock raising and general farming. He is the son of Thomas and Elizabeth ( Dannett) Cocking and was born in Clinton county, Iowa, on the 15th of July, i860. His parents were natives of England and after their marriage lived in Pincolnshire, where Mr. Cocking was employed as a nurseryman. The couple came to America about 1852 and settled in Philadelphia, where Thomas Cocking opened a florist's shop and continued to work at his chosen occupation on a small tract of land outside the city. A short time after their arrival in this country, Mr. and Mrs. Cocking moved to Clinton county, Iowa. In that community Thomas Cocking bought a farm located near the village of Welton, in Welton township. In connection with the regular duties of the farm he continued to use a part of his time for horticultural interests. He lived on this farm until his death, which occurred in 1866. His wife died in January, 1880. Her last days were spent near Grinnell, Towa, with her children. During her life she was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of the twelve children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cocking six grew to maturity, as follow: Annie Marie became the wife of Thomas Maltas, and has lived in DeYVitt, Iowa, for a number of vears; Elizabeth Ann married R F. Stockwell, and lived in Grinnell, lew a. for a number of years before her death, which occurred in the state of Louisiana; Mary Jane, who became the wife of Leroy D. Forehand, lived until her deatli in Grinnell, Iowa; Thomas J. lives in Portland, Oregon, where he is a minister in the United Brethren church; Charles, a fanner, resides in Silver City, Texas; Fred J. is referred to in this sketch.

Fred J. Cocking, after completing the course in the common schools near Grinnell, Iowa, attended the Grinnell Academy. After finishing at the academy he decided to take up the occupation of teaching, which he practiced for four years in Poweshiek county. At the end of that time he rented a farm near Chester. After a short time he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in the same township, and managed this farm until 1904. During three years of his residence on this farm Mr. Cocking conducted a general merchandise store at Chester and later at Grinnell.

! )tter Tail county. Minnesota, attracted Mr. Cocking in 1904, when lie came to this community and bought two hundred and forty acres of land in section it), Dunn township, and eighty acres in the village of Pelican Rapid-, hater he traded the eighty-acre tract for a farm of two hundred and forty acres adjoining his larger farm. Mr. Cocking lived on this land, which was improved, for three years and during that time devoted his interests to stock raising and general farming. He is living at the present time in Pelican Rapids, where he owns fifty acres of land in the village corporation. His special occupation is the rearing of Poland China hogs. The farm owned by him in Dunn township is managed by two of his sons. Throughout his career as a business man. Mr. Cocking has shown a keen interest in affairs pertaining to the welfare of the community in which he live-. IJe assisted in organizing the Farmers Co-operative Shipping Association, of which he is a director. In his political interests, Mr. Cocking is an independent voter and before coming to Otter Tail county served as township assessor and school treasurer in the district in Iowa in which he resided.

On the 13th of March. 1883, Fred J. Cocking was married to Ida A. Bacon, a native of Vermont, and the daughter of Joshua and Mary Jane ( Humphrey) Paeon. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cocking the following children have been born : Edward, who resides on the farm in Dunn township; George, now a farmer in Dunn township, attended business college in I argo and in Minneapolis, and for two years was a book-keeper in Fargo; Esther Grace, who lives at home, is a junior in the high school at Pelican Rapids, and Horace, who is at home with his parents.

Joshua and Mary Jane (Humphrey) Paeon were natives of Vermont, but were married in Carlisle, Indiana. In 1865 they moved to Poweshiek county, Iowa, where Mr. Bacon followed the occupation of a farmer. He retired in later life to Grinnell, Iowa, where he is living at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon reared a family of the following children: Etta, the widow of Milton Sears, who lives with her father at Grinnell; Fred, who died in Chester in 1889; Ida, the wife of Fred J. Cocking; William, who died in Grinnell in [882; Albert, a farmer residing in Grinnell, Iowa; Hiram, a farmer at Burt, Iowa; llattie, the wife of Frank Wesco, of Newburg, Iowa, and Edith, who died in 1882.

Herman Hosterman

Herman Hosterman was born in Germany, April 21, 1845, tne son °f Henry and Adelhiede Hosterman, who lived in Germany, in which country they were born. They came to America, locating in Carver county, where they lived for some years and then moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where they lived until their death. Henry Hosterman died on February 14, 1885, and Adelhiede Hosterman died on March 26, 1891.

Mr. and Mrs. Hosterman were the parents of four children, all of whom were born in Germany, and came with the parents to America. The children were Henry, who married Mary Bnrgner and lives at Waconia, .Minnesota; Adolph, who was a soldier in the Civil War and died at Memphis; Elizabeth, who married Philip Luthiener and lives at Waconia, and Herman, the subject of this sketch.

Herman Hosterman was educated in the public schools of Germany, after which he came t< > America and settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he became a farmer on two hundred and forty acres of land which he owned. He also operated a saw -mill on the river near his home. On taking possession of his land, part of which he homesteaded and a portion of which he purchased from the Northern Pacific Railway Company, Herman Hosterman proceeded to clear his land and to build the necessary buildings together with the preparing of his soil for cultivation, later erecting new and nmre modern buildings, on his land, which after a short time proved to he among the best and most productive of the community, devoted to general farming and stock raising.

On March _>f>, 1883, Herman Hosterman was married to Albertine < )tt, who was born in Germany, and who came alone to America in the year 1881. To the marriage of Herman and Albertine Hosterman were born the following children: Emma, who married Sever Orphns; Augusta, who married ( >scar Schow; Elsie; Cecilia, who married Charles Damschen; Selma, Clarence. Frances and John. Herman Hosterman was an active and faithful member of the German Lutheran church, a denomination of which his widow and children and now members and in which church they are interested and devout workers.

Nils Haagenson

Nils Haagenson, a native of Norway, was born on September 25, 1848, and is a son of Haagen and Amelia (Nelson) Hermanson. Herman Olson, the grandfather of Nils Haagenson, was a large landowner in his community and lived and died in his native country. He was a soldier of the War of 1814. He was a prominent and active member of the Lutheran church.

Haagen Hermanson, the father of Nils Haagenson, received his education in the public schools of his native country, where he grew to manhood and came to America in 1861 with his family. They landed in Quebec, after a voyage of nine weeks in a sail boat. The family moved to St. Peter, Minnesota, where Mr. Hermanson purchased three hundred and sixty acres of land, living there until the time of his death, in 1910. reaching the age of ninety years. The wife and mother died in 1907. The family were members of the Lutheran church and were very active in the work. They were the parents of ten children, seven of whom grew up: Nils, Herman (deceased), Margaret (deceased), Lars (deceased), Sisel, Ole and Olive, the latter of whom is and has been a missionary in China for the past twenty years. The old homestead is now occupied by Ole, the youngest of the children.

Nils Haagenson attended school in Norway, where he lived until he was thirteen years of age, when he came to America with his parents and completed his school work in the common* schools of Nicollet county. He left home when eighteen years old and went to Minneapolis, where he lived for four vears and while there was married to Mary Johnson in 1870, when they moved to St. Cloud. He left his wife in St. Cloud and went out looking for land. He started from St. Cloud on April 3, 1871. on foot, in company with two others, and walked to Alexandria, but owing to the fact that the snow bad just melted, the creeks were so high that they had to hire a team there to take them to Fergus Falls, where they started out on foot again and walked over a great part of Otter Tail county and finally located a claim in Oscar township, in section 32. Then Nils Haagenson walked all the way back to St. Cloud. The first part of June, the following year, be secured a young pair of horses, a cow and a heifer and. with his wife. started for the homestead in a covered wagon. Here he cut logs and built a log cabin about sixteen feet square, in which they made their home, which in those days was considered a good house. As be only had a pair of horses and all his neighbors bad oxen be could not do any breaking but had to hire it done. That vear he got only four acres broke, for which be had to pay five dollars per acre. Late in the fall he traded his team of horses for two yoke of oxen and he felt very much relieved. He made two pair of bob- sleighs out of oak logs and commenced hauling logs. He took two yoke of oxen and two sleighs and chopped two loads while others chopped one. They went in the government timber and cut posts, rails and wood.

In the early part of February, in 1873, Mr. Haagenson was caught in a severe snow storm and when three miles from home he could not get anyfurther but had to take shelter with a farmer and got to Mr. Kievell's place. Here he found room for one yoke of oxen in the stable but the snow had drifted so it was even with the top of the door and he had to dig it out to get the oxen in. He got room for the other yoke of oxen in a shed, which was also covered with snow, and while digging the door out one of the oxen wandered away and was lost in the blizzard. It was found five days later frozen to death. The blizzard lasted three days. In the spring, after fencing in his field, he went out to work on the railroad, where he earned money to buy another ox. After doing the haying and harvest he started out with his two yoke of oxen and a third one which he drove on shares, and commenced hauling freight for the government. He made one trip from Breckenridge, Minnesota, which was their loading point, to Jamestown, North Dakota, in company with another, the two of them driving seven yoke of oxen and seven wagons loaded with freight. Returning to Breckenridge he wanted to make another trip, but found that the only thing there to haul was three loads for Ft. Totten which no one wanted to take, and the freight master could not make any one make that long trip alone, so Mr. Haagenson took these loads with bis three yoke of oxen, and his partner returned home with the other four. He made the trip alone over country which he had never traveled before, taking eleven days to make the trip. On the ninth and temVh days it rained all day and on the eleventh day it snowed and turned into a very severe blizzard from the northwest. When he got into Ft. Totten his clothing, which had been drenched for three days, was frozen stiff. When he notified the quartermaster that he was there with the loads, the quartermaster told him he would not unload in such "dog weather" as that was; but when Mr. Haagenson told him that he would not be responsible for the loads, which still were in good condition, he sent a number of soldiers to unload them and Mr. Haagenson had all he could do to make the oxen stand still while they were unloading. He finally got his oxen in a log stable used by the government butcher. After waiting there for three days for the storm to subside and the snow to disappear, he started for home. While there lie learned that a company of soldiers were going to move to Ft. Abercrombie and he got a chance to haul their trunks and two families from Ft. Totten to Ft. Abercrombie. The weather turned out to be nice and he made fifty dollars extra on this trip on the way home.

protect his property from a prairie fire, which was at a distance, Mr. Haag-< enson set out to start a back-tire outside of a lire break, when a gust of wind blew a tuft of burning grass across and set tire to three large stacks of hay

( all he had i, barely saving his four grain stacks when the tire was put out - it was about three feet away from them. After this he started for Breckenridge to earn some money to buy hay with. He started from Breckenridge to It. Wadsworth with two loads, sixty-five miles. Getting five miles out he camped, but in the middle of the night had to break camp on account of a snow storm. Getting out twelve miles, where there was a settler (the only one on this whole distance), he went to get some hay. When he came back one of his ox-teams had become entangled and thrown. To release them he had to cut the bows. One ox got up, the other had broken his neck. Then he could get no further and had to unload and return home.

After having his homestead fairly well improved, feeling one hundred and sixty acres not enough. Air. Haagenson bought more land, later gradually increasing his acreage from time to time as he felt able to. He has now placed his children each with a nice farm and has left for himself over two sections of land (part in North Dakota). He now lives in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he has bought a commodious residence on the corner of Vernon avenue and Court street, where after many years of hard work he proposes to take life more leisurely. His children are: Annie, now Mrs. Julius Skooholt, of Dwight, North Dakota: Herman, a retired farmer of Fergus Falls; John, an attorney of Fergus Falls: Alfred, proprietor of Christiania hotel and cafe, Fergus Falls; Emily, now Mrs. Bernard Lein, of Carlisle. Minnesota; Xicolai. a farmer at Carlisle. Minnesota.

Andrew T. Lund

Andrew T. Lund was born at Vining, Minnesota. December 21, 1885, the son of Andrew T. and Annie K. (Amundson) Lund, both of whom were natives of Norway, the father being born in the year 1848, at a settlement called Lund, in Kolvereid, Namdalen, and the mother being born near Christiania, in the year 1850. When seventeen' years of age, Andrew T. Lund, Sr., in the year 1866, came to America, making the trip alone, while his wife, as a girl, came to this country with her mother and father. Andrew T. Lund and the parents of Annie Amundson settled at Hudson. Wisconsin, where Andrew Fund was engaged in logging on the St. Croix river for ten years, and during which time he was married, and later he and his wife moved, in the year 1870. to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, where they took up a homestead of about one hundred and sixty acres of land in Nidaros township, a place where now- a part of the town of Vining is located. On taking possession of his land. Andrew T. Lund proceeded to clear the land and to plant crops, together with the erecting of a log house in which to live, at the same time buying grain for the Andrews & Gage Grain Company, at Minneapolis. A few years later Mr. Lund leased the local elevator from his former employers and for the next twenty years he conducted this industry on his own responsibility, being interested in the only lumber yard at Vining during the same time. In IQ04 Andrew T. Lund discontinued the grain business and organized a private bank, which he conducted until [908, and then the institution was incorporated as Lund's State Bank, a financial house which the sons of Air. Lund now operate.

Andrew T. Lund, Sr., was a most active man during his entire life and held many important positions. Mr. Lund was a member of the firm of Nyhus & Lund, general merchants; he took an important part in the organization of St. Luke's Hospital al Fergus Falls. Minnesota, an institution of which he was a trustee for some years; he was instrumental in securing for the town of Vining a railway siding from the Northern Pacilic railway, and he was the donor of the land and one of those who secured funds for the building of the Lutheran church at Vining, a church in which for many years he was a trustee. Andrew T. Lund, Sr., was a Republican in politics and was at one time the candidate of his party for a seat in the United States Congress; he served in several local offices, including a place on the school board and other offices in the township and in the town of Vining. Mr. Lund was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was prominent in the organization of the Sons of Norway, at Vining. Andrew T. Lund was one of the most honored men of Otter Lail county and but for the fact that the state of Minnesota possessed one postoffice named Lund, the present town of Vining would now bear that name. Andrew T. Lund. Sr., died on December 16, iyo8, his wife having preceded him in death about four years, she dying on July 3, 1 904.

To Andrew T. and Annie Lund were born the following children: Thea, who married the Rev. J. C. Herre, and lives at New York City; Melvin !>., who is a tanner of Henning township, and lives at Vining, is a graduate of the agricultural school at Minneapolis; Charles A., who is cashier of Lund's State Bank, is an attorney and graduate from the St. Paul College of Law; Oscar A., who is a partner in the firm of Nyhus & Lund, general merchants at Vining; Harry A., who lives on the home place near Vining; Andrew T.. the subject of this sketch; Fmil A., who is a real-estate dealer and land owner of Vining; Gundrun, who married Theodore Thoen, of the firm of Thoen Brothers' Clothing Company, at Minneapolis. Minnesota, and Baletta. who married William H. Huntington, and lives at Paynesville. Minnesota. Four children of Mr. and Mrs. Lund are deceased.

Andrew T. Lund was educated at the Fergus Falls, Minnesota, high school and later at Concordia College, where he graduated in the class of 1908, with the degree of Bachelor of Accounts, and after finishing his schooling he entered the lumber business at Vining, continuing in this business for four years and then he sold his interests and has since followed the real-estate business together with the duties of his office as president of Lund's State Bank, a position in which he succeeded his father. Andrew T. Lund has found time from his busy life to serve his town as recorder since it was incorporated, in the year 1909, and he takes an active part, as owner, in the plotting and in the development of "Sunny Side," a resort on East Battle lake, one mile from Vining. Andrew T. Lund has served several years as president of the local society of Sons of Norway and he is now dommer of that organization.

On June 2j, 191 5, Andrew T. Lund was married to Alma Korum, who was a school teacher of Otter Tail county, and the daughter of John Korum and wife, old settlers who are now deceased. The Lund family is one of the well-known families of the community, they being strong financial supporters of Concordia College, an institution from which seven of the children of the family have graduated.

Andrew T. Lund and his wife are leading members of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Vining and in church circles as well as the social and business circles of the town and county are esteemed and respected for their part in the life of the community.