Otter Tail County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 3 of 28)

The brothers worked together clearing and breaking the land. Later each was able to buy a team. Hans Jacobson kept on with his improvements and lived in the original house until his death in 1887. His widow is still living. She is a member of the Tordenskjold township Lutheran church as was also her husband, who was the founder of the church. Hans and Mallena (Torstenson) Jacobson were the parents of six children. Mary. who married Ole Eggen and lives in Orwell township; Tosten, the subject of this sketch; Jacob, who lives at home; Martin, who is a farmer in Orwell township and married Mary Sunberg; Hannah, who lives at home; and Jens, who died at the age of two years. Mrs. Hans Jacobson had one child by a former marriage, Jensena, who i- now the wife of Alfred Samison, of Montana.

Tosten Jacobson was educated in the public schools of < >tter Tail county and was reared on a farm in this county. In partnership with his brother, Jacob, he took over the management of the home farm and ha< since operated it. They are engaged in general farming and stock raising and have been very successful. Under the able management of the two brothers, the farm has been kept in a very high state of cultivation. The buildings are all well painted and thoroughly modern. Tosten Jacobson is a member of the Lutheran church. Formerly, he was a member of the Modern \\ oodmen of America.

Mrs. Hans Jacobson, the mother of Tosten Jacobson. has lived on the present farm for forty-seven years. When the family first came to ' >tter Tail county. Indians were plentiful in this vicinity, but were always friendly. Mr. Tacobson himself remembers the Indians very well and especially when they came to watch him plowing as a boy. In tin'-; vicinity the Indian- were honorable and upright in their relations with the white settlers and were never known to steal. Mr. Jacobson himself furnished bread to one Indian during a period of about ten years.

Hans P. Berg

Of the citizens of Vining engaged in business, Hans P. Berg is one of the best known. A man who has taken an active interest in the development of the county and the promotion and advancement of the town of his residence, he is among those men who for their part in community affairs are given a conspicuous rank in the roll of citizenship of Otter Tail county.

Hans P. -Berg was burn in Trondhjem, Norway, July 13, 1849, the son of Haldor Haldorson and Guriana Ivorson, who were born at the same place, the father in the year 1822 and the mother in the year 1819. Haldor Haldorson was a shoemaker in his native land, a trade which he followed for some time and then engaged in the business of a contractor and builder until his death in the 1894. he and his wife being drowned in a flood which overswept their small farm in tiiat year. To Haldor Haldorson and Guriana [vorson were born two children: Hans P., the subject of tins sketch, and Gunirius H., who was a merchant at Surrey, North Dakota, where he died during the winter of 1915, his remains being brought to Vining, Minnesota, "ii February 22, for interment.

Hans P. Berg was educated in a public school which moved from farm to farm, in Norway, stopping for two days in each week where students were brought together. After his school days Hans P. Berg worked for a time on a farm, and in 1871 went to the city of I rondhjem, where lie learned the trade of a horse-shoer and blacksmith, later following his trade for sewn years with the cavalry of Norway, and then after a short time he came to America, in 1881, and located at the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where for the next two months he was employed at a saw-mill. Later Hans P Berk went to Underwood where he took a position with the Kellogg ( hair Company, where he remained for one and one-half years and then came to the town of Vining and established a. blacksmith shop which he conducted for about five years. He then went to the Pacific coasl ami located in British Columbia and then in the state of Washington, later returning to ( i;ter Tail county and settling on a farm of eighty acres which he had hometeaded in the year [883. Mr. Berk lived on his farm for about two years and then became a wheat buyer for tin- fanner-' Elevator Company, a business which lie followed for sixteen years. In [895 I Ian- P. Berg entered into partnership with the linn of Nyhus & Berg, a business in which Mr. vas interested for eleven years when he disposed of his holdings and returned to the business of buying wheat until the year 1911, when he established a store for the sale of flour, feed and grain, together with farm implements, a business in which he is now successfully engaged. Hans P. Berg has erected a splendid building fur his business and among other improvements has built a modern home, where he lives.

Not only in business pursuits but in public life, has Hans P. Berg been an important element of the citizenship of Yining and of ( >tter Tail county. Mr. Berg has served well as a member of the village council and at the present time is the occupant of the important office of assessor. In politics .Mr. Berg is an ardent Republican. Hans P. Berg is a member of the United Lutheran church and he is affiliated with the society of the Sons of Norway.

During the year 1873 Hans P. Berg was married to Marit Anderson, who was born in Norway, in which country she and Mr. Berg were married and a year after the marriage she came to America to join her husband who had preceded her. and about five years later she died. Hans P. and Marit Berg were the parents of one daughter, who married Ole Anderson, an insurance man.

Hans 1'. Berg was married, secondly, during the year 1905, to Martha Berg, who was the daughter of Olaus Berg and wife. Olaus Berg was a farmer who lived near Battle Lake. He died about the year 1898. To the second marriage of Hans P. Berg no children were born.

Hans P. Berg is one of the men of Otter Tail county who have done much for the progress and advancement of living conditions and for the promotion of business prosperity in the locality, and is a man who, with his wife, are esteemed and highly respected residents of the town of Vining.

Henry Olson

Henry Olson, who has served as postmaster at Battle Lake. Minnesota, for the past fifteen years and who is vice-president of the First National Bank of Battle Lake and is now engaged in partnership with his brother in the mercantile business at Battle Lake, is a native of Clitherall township. I )tter Tail county, Minnesota, where he was born on August iq, 1873. Mr. Olson was born three and one-half miles south of Battle Lake.

Mic parents of Henry Olson ate Christian Olson and Louise (II Olson, who were born at Eidsvold. Norway. They came separately to America before their marriage, his father in [867 and his mother in [868,

1870 they moved to Otter Tail county and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Clitherall township. The land was prairie and the nearest railroad was at St < 'loud, sixty miles away. Christian Olson built a dugout about forty rods from the present house and began to cultivate the prairie. After two years he built a log house. He prospered and, in tune, came to own two hundred and forty acres, including some timber land. Finally, he built a frame house, where he lived until the spring of 1907, when he sold the farm and retired to a home in Battle Lake, where he and his wife are now living, the former at the age of seventy-one and the latter three years his junior. Christian Olson has filled many township and local offices. Formerly he was identified with the Republican party, but lately has been voting the Prohibition ticket. Both he and his wife are members of the Free Lutheran church.

Christian and Louise (Hanson) Olson were the parents of nine children, the firstborn died in infancy; Marvin R., who lives at Dwight, North Dakota, is manager of the Dwight Farm and Land Company and manager of the Farmers' Flevator Company; Henry is the subject of this sketch; Thorvald died at the age of eight years; Hans also died at the age of eight; Louis Cornelius is referred to elsewhere in this volume; Thea married Charles Peterson, a farmer living near McCluskey, North Dakota: Mary, who is unmarried, is the assistant postmaster at Battle Lake and lives at home with her parents; Hattie is a teacher and lives at home. She taught for some years in the Battle Lake schools and later in 'Wadena, but on account of ill health had to lay down the work.

Henrv < llson was educated in the public schools of Clitherall township and at Battle Lake. He was reared on a farm and began life as a clerk for < )rris Albertson ai Battle Lake in 1891. After working for Mr. Albertson for three years, he was employed for three years as a traveling salesman for a wholesale fruit company. In 1897. in partnership with Christ Leithe, Mr. Olson, under the firm name of Olson & Leithe, engaged in the mercantile business in the building now occupied by P. J. Elseth. After being engaged in business for three years, Mr. Olson was appointed postmister on March 21, 1901, and has served continuously as postmaster ever since.

Mr. Olson confined his activities to the postoffke until October 1, 1913, when he went into partnership with his brother, Louis C, and purchased the II. L Wagner clothing and furnishing store, which has since been operated under the firm name of Olson Brothers. Mr. Olson owns the building in which the store is housed and lives over the store. He is vicepresident of the hirst National I 'auk of Battle Lake and has served in this capacity since its organization in the early pari of 1007.

In August, 1896. Henry Olson was married to Lizzie Olson, the daughter of Hans Olson Ekeberg, an old settler of Henning, Minnesota. Mis. Olson was born near Faribault, Minnesota, and died on April 15, 1900, leaving two children, Ilarlev Luman, horn on September 8. 1898, and Ethel

Lizzie Isola, April i, 1900. Mr. Olson was married, secondly, on June 18, 1901, to Julia Herness, a native of Eagle Lake township and the daughter of Lars Herness, an old settler of Otter Tail county, who came here in 1868. To the second marriage, there have been born two children, Ruth Henrietta, born on October 7, 1908, and Reuben Joseph, May 25, 1910.

Mr. Olson has served a year as a member of the village council. He and his wife and the members of the Olson family belong to the United Lutheran church and are active in the work of the church. Henry Olson is a good man and a good citizen. He has been conscientious in the performance of every public duty and has prospered in his own private affairs.

Christian E. Berg

Among the men of success in business pursuits at Vining, Otter Tail county, is Christian E. Berg, who as a merchant of hardware and furniture has brought to the community its only convenience in this line, and who as a citizen in private life and as the occupant of public office has taken no minor part in the advancement and progress of the various activities of the locality.

( hristian E. Berg was born in Norway twenty miles north of the city of Trondhjem, the son of Olaus and Rebecca I 'erg. who were born at Trondhjem, and later were married in the same locality, Olaus Berg was a farmer who owned extensive land interests in Norway where he lived until about the year 1889 when, with his wife, he came to America and settled in Everts township, northeast of Battle Lake, in Otter Tail county, where he died. His wife. Rebecca Berg, moved to the town of Vining, where she died some time later. Olaus and Rebecca Berg were members and active workers in the United Lutheran church. To the marriage of Olaus and Rebecca Berg were burn the following children: Christian E., the subject of this sketch; Martha, who married Hans P. Berg, a merchant of Vining, Minnesota: and Kari, who married Martin ECnutson and lives northeast of Battle Lake.

( hristian E. Berg was educated in the public school in Norway, from which he was graduated and then studied for two years in a college of his native land. In 1887 he came to America and located at Battle Lake. Minnesota, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Everts township and there lived for about twenty years, after which he came to the town of Vining and was employed in a hardware store until the year 1906. when he established himself in the hardware and furniture business, in which he has since been engaged, being the only merchant of the town carrying a like stock.

Elevator Company, at Vining, and also interested in a similar industry at Cattle Lake. Air. Berg has served his community in the office of justice of the peace, as treasurer of the school district, and tot ten years was school director, also being for seventeen years supervisor of the township of Everts, in politics Air. Berg is an ardent Republican.

Christian E. Berg is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. an organization which honored him by his election to the office of consul. Air. Berg is also affiliated with the Sous of Norway, for which organization he served some years as secretary. Christian E. Berg never married.

Christian E. Uerg is one of the highly respected and honored men of Utter Tail count}" and a man who is recognized as one of the leaders in business affairs and in general matters of the county.

Thomas A. Ranstad

Thomas A. Ranstad, a prosperous automobile dealer of Battle Lake, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, who was formerly engaged in railroad work, but who has lately been engaged in various lines of the mercantile business, is a native of Flekkefjord, Norway, where he was born on August 10, 1858.

Mr. Ranstad is the son of Aslak and Karen (Tonette) Ranstad. Mr. Ranstad's parents never came to .America. His father was a farmer and landowner in his native land and both bis father and mother died in Norway. They were members of the Lutheran church and reared a family of three children, Andreas, who was a farmer, is deceased; Mallena, who died when seven years of age; and Thomas A., the subject of this sketch, who was the only one of the family who ever came to America.

Educated in the public schools of Norway and reared on the farm. Thomas A. Ranstad was employed on the farm until he had reached his majority, when he came to America. Upon reaching this country in 1879, Mr. Ranstad located at Willmar, Minnesota, where he divided his energy and activities between the farm and railroad work. For two years he was foreman of the yards of the Great Northern railroad at Breckenridge and had the honor to lav the first rail from the Aberdeen branch of the Great Northern railroad at Breckenridge in [886. During [886 and a part of [887, Mr. Ranstad spent six months in Norwaj on a pleasure trip, but upon his return to America resumed his position as foreman of the (beat Northern yards at Breckenridge. Subsequently, he became roadmaster of the Aberdeen branch of the Greal Northern and. in the spring of 18S8. left the railroad work and for a time lived at Rutland. North Dakota, where he was engaged in the retail sale of flour, feed. fuel. etc. 'The next year, he engaged in the hardware and machinery business and continued in tin'-; business until [896, when be came to Battle lake and engaged in the same line of business on Lake street. ['\\<> years later, in [898, Mr. Ranstad took .; partner into the firm, which became that of Ranstad & I Ian-en This partnership lasted eight years and a large and prosperous business was built up. In 1912 Mr. Ranstad sold out the hardware business but still retains his interest in the implement business. In 1912 he became the agent in this section for the Ford automobiles and is engaged in this business in partnership with J. I!. Thompson. The firm handles about seventy-five automobiles each year.

In 1S89 Thomas A. Ranstad was married to Gurine Olson, a native of Wisconsin, and to them have been born three children. Albert, Carl and .Millard. Albert is employed in a wholesale hardware store at St. Paul. Carl is a barber at Battle Lake. .Millard is employed by the International Harvester Company at St. (loud. The mother of these children died in 1897. and alwut 1901 Mr. Ranstad was married to Hilda Lundberg. To this second union have been horn four children. Harold. Lloyd, Helen and Beatrice.

In [912 Mr. Ranstad and Mr. Thompson built a new garage out of concrete. It is a substantial building, forty by one hundred and forty feet. Mr. Ranstad was one of the organizers of the Otter Tail county sanitarium, lie ha- been a member of the board of directors since its organization. This sanitarium is located on Otter Tail lake.

Mr. Ranstad has served a year as mayor of Rattle Lake and two years as a member of the school board. He is also a member of the village council. In politics, Mr. Ranstad is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

Oscar F. Larson

Oscar I . Larson, farmer, of Carlisle township, Otter Tail county, was born on June 29, 1857. in Sweden, and is a son of Lars and Anna Anderson, lie was educated in the schools of his native country, and assisted his father on the farm until 1883, when he came to America, settling at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, where he worked in the coal mines. In 1885 he came to Otter Tail county, remaining one year, and for the next five years was employed in various pursuits in different state-. In [890 he bought his presenl farm, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, in Carlisle town ship, where he has ^ince lived. Mr. Larson has put all the improvements on his place, where he has followed general farming and -tock raising, including eight or nine good cow-. In politic-. Mr. Larson i- an independent voter. He is a member of the United Lutheran church. In .addition to buildings and other valuable improvements, Mr. Larson ha- planted a line grove and a g 1 orchard near his house.

( (scar F. Larson was united in marriage, in 1890, with Christina Johnson, a native of Norway, by whom he has had two children: Alma L., who became the wife of 'William A. Gardiner, and has one child. Harold: Roy, the second child, is at home with his parents.

Mr. Larson is a splendid example of the thrifty and industrious citizen, and his career has been characterized by a marked degree of success.

Rev. George J. Rauch

Born in Metre Grove, Oak township, Stearns county, Minnesota. September 10. [881, Rev, George J. Ranch, pastor of the church of Our Lady of Victory, of Fergus Falls, this county, is the son of Michael and Ann Dorothy (Weber) Ranch.

Michael Rauch was a native of Bavaria, Germany, and his wife also a native of the German Empire, having been born near Mainz. Michael Rauch was but three years old when he came to America with his parents in 1857. After landing in America, they came to Minnesota, locating at St. Joseph, in Stearns count}', where they remained for one year and then moved to Meire Grove, in the same county, and it was in Stearns county that Michael Rauch was reared to manhood. Father Rauch's mother, wdio before her marriage was \nn Dorothy 'Weber, came to America in 1867 with her parents, who settled at Meire Grove.

Michael Rauch grew to manhood in Stearns county anil, after attaining maturity, took up farming as a business. Later he became a contractor and builder and about [883, moved to Melrose. Minnesota, and in iqio moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, where he is still living. It was at Melrose that Father Rauch grew to manhood and obtained his early schooling.

In 1804 George J. Rauch entered St. John's < 'ollege, where he received a classical education. ! [e was a student in St. John's Seminary for five years and at St. John's College tor six years, altogether a period of eleven years. Ordained to (be h( h priesthood at Melrose, bather Rauch became assistant pastor of the church at Si. Boniface and paster of St. Patrick's church.

In 1008 be was transferred to Fergus Falls, where he has enjoyed a wider opportunity for Christian work. Before long he realized the need for the erection of a new church and. having gone about it systematically, was able, in mi |, to complete a mosl desirable edifice of brick, which has a seating capacity of from four to live hundred people, and at the same time erected .1 commodious and comfortable parish house.

of Our Lady of Victory and is gradually growing in influence and favor. His fine personality and his kindly Christian bearing have endeared him to the hearts of all who live in his parish as well as to the community at large and he enjoys the profound respect of all.

Charles A. Lund

Charles A. Lund by his administrative ability and his powers as a business man, has lent new dignity and prestige to a family whose name has been honorably linked with the history of Otter Tail county for a period of over thirty years. As a son of one of the most successful agriculturists of the section of Minnesota in which he lives, he has stood as an exponent of that strong and noble manhood which characterized so admirably the life of his father. His career has been one of consecutive industry and his success has nut been an accident, but a logical result. As cashier of the bank at Vining, he has served with a devotion to duty which has been both profitable and pleasing to the public at large. Charles A. Lund is a son of Andrew Lund, whose life was remarkable for its great achievement and unqualified success.

Andrew T. Lund was born near Namsos. Norway, on the 22nd of August, 1848. He was the son of Torger Balzerson, a native of Alstahaug, Helegeland, Norway, and Boletta Margaretta Anderson, a native of Fosnes, Norway. Torger Balzerson followed the occupation of a sailor and a pilot most of his life. After a life of activity and success he retired to his farm at Lund, where he spent his last days with his children. His death occurred in 1864. Both parents were devout members of the Lutheran church. Of the family reared by the parents of Andrew Lund; Annie, the wife of Alexander Gjisness, came to America with her brother, Andrew, and died in 1912, in Wisconsin; Peter lived at Lund, Norway, on the farm left by his father until his death, which occurred in March, 191 5; Martha, the widow of Peter Eide, still lives in Norway, but has a son Peter residing in Folden township, and a son Anton who is living in Canada; Maren, the widow of Andrew Thorstep, lives in Helegeland, Norway; Thea. the widow of Benjamin Hanson Lund, resides in Lund, Norway; Ellen, who married Helge Gundtedt, a teacher, died early in life, leaving a son Magne who is at the present time residing in Vining; Andrew is the father of the subject of this sketch, and Edward T. is a resident of Vining. The third child. Olava, married Eric Menzen and after his death became the wife of Peter Arnsson. She is buried in Norway.

As a boy Andrew Lund chose a life on the sea, and at the age of seventeen decided to cross the Atlantic ocean. After landing in America he went (8b) to Hudson, Wisconsin, where he was occupied in the winter in the lumber business and in the spring he obtained employment on the St. Croix river. For ten years he worked on the boat line and during- that time gained many valuable experiences and made many acquaintances He formed a very interesting acquaintance with Senator .Moses E. Clapp.

in the spring of 1868, Andrew T. Lund married Annie Amundson, at Hudson. In the spring of [879, lie and his wife came by rail to Perham, Minnesota, and from there to Xidaros township the}' went by a team of oxen. After settling in Nidaros township they began the task of homesteading eighty acres of land, which was located in section 2. The farm, which was a wilderness, was gradually transformed into a cultivated tract of land under the management of Mr. Lund. After a short period of residence on the farm the community life in that section was brightened by the fact that the Northern Pacific railroad would cut through that township. In 1881, the building of the road was completed and the village of Lund sprung up (which was later changed to Vining), a place named in honor of the family of which Charles Lund is a member. To the village since that time, have been drawn other lines of enterprise until now in its attractiveness it remains a worthy monument to him whose name it honors.

During his early days on the farm Andrew Lund was not wholly occupied with its duties, he found time to enter other fields of work and on account of his ability was readily chosen as a leader. He became agent for the Andrews & Gage Grain Elevator Company, and as his business grew to large proportions, Mr. Lund was soon able to lease the elevator, and when his success was assured he bought out the entire plant. Aside from this line of work Mr. Lund was also engaged in the general mercantile business. in partnership with Ole T. Xyhus. For twenty years Mr. Lund held the appointment of postmaster and executed the duties of that office in an efficient manner. M he continued to succeed in various lines of business enterprise. Mr. Lund from time to time added to his land possession-, until at the time of his death he was owner and manager of two thousand acres of land, and was known throughout that section of Minnesota as one of the largest landowners in Otter Tail county.

In 1004 Mr. Lund organized and placed on a linn basis the Hank of Vining, with he and hi- sons as stockholders. In [908 the hank was incorporated as Lunds' State Bank, with Mr. Lund as president, an office he held until December 16, [908, when his death occurred. The hank had a capital stock of ten thousand dollars and a very handsome surplus at the time of the death of its president. In the affairs of education Andrew Lund always expressed a deep interest, ami was often called upon to assist in school affairs lie served as trustee of Concordia College, at Moorhead, and also was trustee of St. Luke's hospital, at Fergus Falls, an institution he helped to organize. As a Republican he was honored with positions of high standing and at the time of his death had held every township office. He was at one time a candidate for the Republican nomination to Congress and in the convention held the balance of power, which his withdrawal threw to the forces of Frank M. Eddy. As a candidate for the state Senate Mr. Lund gave another exciting race and during his life gave evidence of a deep enthusiasm for Republican party and its cause.

Andrew Lund was able to enter many fields of endeavor and carry out successfully every undertaking. He was devout in religious affairs and through his efforts the United Lutheran church at Vining was erected and placed on a firm foundation. As a member of the church he did everything in his power for its welfare. He donated the ground for its location and even solicited funds for the erection of the present building. Mr. Lund was president of the Sons of Norway. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen of America.

Andrew T. and Annie (Amundson) Lund were the parents of the following children : Thea became the wife of Rev. J. C. Herre and is living in New York city; Melvin resides in Vining. as a farmer and a lumberman; Charles is the subject of this sketch; Oscar is a merchant in Vining; Harry A. manages the homestead farm; Andrew T. is president of the bank and is in the real-estate business; Fmil A. resides at Vining; Gundrun married Thoe Thoen, of Thoen Brothers clothing store at Minneapolis, and Boletta, who married William Huntington, a merchant, lives in Paynesville, Minnesota. Mrs. Andrew Lund passed away on the 3rd of July, 1904.

Charles A. Lund was born in Hudson. Wisconsin, on the 14th of October, 1878. His early education was received in the public schools of Vining and after completing the common-school course, he attended school at Concordia College, from which institution he was graduated in the class of 1896. His education was completed in the St. Paul College of Law. from which he received the degree of LL.B. in 1904. He was admitted to the bar but after a short time returned to Vining where he helped his father organize the bank of which institution he has been cashier since its organization. The business of the bank lias steadily increased and in 1913 a new brick building was erected, containing vaults modeled after those in the National Bank of Fergus Falls. The bank' at the present time has over one hundred depositors. Mr. Lund is executor of his father's estate, though a large part of it was divided previous to his death.

The farm of two hundred acres near the village of Vining occupies a great deal of the attention of ( harles Lund. He is a breeder of Shorthorn cattle of which he has forty-six head. His aim is to rear onlv purebred

Following the example of his father, Charles Lund has remained loyal to the cause of the Republican party. He is president of the village of Vining. He is a member of the United Lutheran church.

On the 30th of June, 1908, Charles A. Lund was united in marriage to Matilda Westberg, a resident of Fergus Falls, and the daughter of August Westberg, a member of one of the oldest families in Otter Tail county. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Lund the following children have been born : Corrinne Elizabeth, who was born on October 18. 1909, and Wesley Carlton. April 28, 1912, and died on June 30, 1914.

Mr. Lund has been chairman of the school board, succeeding has father in 1909. He has the honor of having built the first consolidated school in Otter Tail county, which is a step in advance of the educational system in this section. For a distance of two miles around the school site children are brought each day to the up-to-date building, where the influence is more lasting and the conditions more healthful than those found in the oldtime district school of the rural community.

Chris Eyten

In 1880 Mr. Evjen left his native home in Norway for the more attractive advantages of the United States, and here he has acquired the reputation of being one of the most prosperous and successful merchants. At Carlisle, Minnesota, where he carries a modern stock of merchandise. his reputation for straightforward dealing is not only well known in that vicinity, but has reached far beyond the limits of the community.

Chris Rvjen, merchant, of Carlisle, Carlisle township, Otter Tail county, was born on February 3, 1861, at Trondhjem, Norway, and is a son of Nels and Evjen (Tngeburg") Evjen. His education was obtained at the public schools of Norway, and after finishing his studies, he assisted his father on the farm for a time, leaving Trondhjem. Norway, for America on April 14, 1880, arriving in this country on May 17. He first worked in Olmstead county, at Rochester, and on April 1. t88i, came to Carlisle and was emploved on a farm at this place for a few years. In 1887 Mr. Evjen began farming for himself on a rented farm. In 1800 he bought the store which he now owns and operates, carrying on a general merchandise business. On March [8, [891, Mr. Evjen was appointed postmaster of Carlisle, and in 1005 was made agenl for the Greal Northern railroad. He has been a large Inner of -rain from the lime of locating at Carlisle. Politically, he has always been an independent voter in both local and state politics. He has taken an active interest in matters of local interest, serving

Nels and Evjen (Ingeburg) Evjen, parents of the subject of this sketch, were born in Norway, where they followed farming for a living. The children born to this marriage were: Louisa, Andrew, Regina, Ragehild, Chris, Christian and John.

Chris Evjen was united in marriage, May 27, 1887, with Johannah M. Hexum, daughter of Martin Hexum, to which union the following children have been born: Ida, Carl. Minnie, Alta, Otto (deceased), Otto II, Elmer (deceased), Elmer II and Mary.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Evjen hold the respect and admiration of a large number of friends and acquaintances at Carlisle and the surrounding territory, where their success has been earned. Mrs. Evjen has been school clerk of this district for fourteen years. Mr. Evjen is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and is also a member of Lodge No. 59, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Fergus Falls. Both Mr. and Mrs. Evjen are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Ole T. Nyhus

One of the pioneers among the merchants of Otter Tail county is Ole T. Nyhus, who, in the early days of the town of Vining, established a general merchandise store and took an important part in the building up of business interests and the general welfare of the locality. Mr. Nyhus has been a successful storekeeper through a period of many years and a man whose citizenship has been of permanent good to the county and one who today is prominent in the public affairs of the town and vicinity.

Ole T. Nyhus was born at Rengerike, Norway, on August 22, 1859, the son of Truls and Christi (Knutsen) Nyhus, both of whom were born in Norway, where the mother lived until her death, in 1885, after which the father, Truis Nyhus, in [886,-came u> America ami joined a son. Sivert, of Henning township, Otter Tail county. In his native land Truls Nyhus was a small fanner, who cultivated well his limited acreage. To Truls and Christi Nyhus were bom the following children: Knnt. who is a retired farmer of Henning township; OK- T., tin subject of this sketch; Sivert, who lives on a farm in Henning township; Even, who died in Norway, in [885; Inga, who married Knut Nyhus, and who lives near Bemidji, Minnesota, and Hans, who is a farmer of Leaf Lake township.

ollowing his education in the public schools of Norway, worked at general farm duties until 1881, when he came to America ami settled at Faribault, Minnesota, reaching that place <>n June r6, (88l During the spring "f [882 Mr. Nyhus came to Otter Tail county and worked on the farms in this community for the next rive years. In 1887 he established a general merchandise store in Vining, on a site next to that which he now occupies. When he organized his business, Ole T. Nyhus built for his storeroom a rude wooden structure which served until the year [898, and then he erected a brick-veneered building, in size twenty-six by seventy-two feet, where he now conducts his business with a stock valued at from ten to twelve thousand dollars.

Ole T. Nyhus established his business in partnership with Knut Uggen, who, in the year 1887, sold his interest to A. T. Lund, who continued in the conduct of the store with Ole T. Nyhus until the year 1908, when Mr. Lund died and his son, Oscar Lund, succeeded his father, in a firm under the name of Nyhus & Lund. This company is one of the oldest in the entire county, its senior member, Mr. Nyhus. being the oldest merchant in the town of Vining, Minnesota. The firm of Nyhus & Lund is not only a thorough success, with its thriving merchandise business, but the enterprising proprietors have enlarged the scope of their business dealings an.! have added a real-estate department which is consummating some of the large deals in real estate of the locality. In addition to their regular stock, this firm has acquired a farm of two hundred and forty acres of land in Folden township.

In politics, Ole T. Nyhus is a Republican and as a member of this party lie has been elected to and served well on the town council, and also has been the occupant of the office of president of the village board. Mr. Nyhus is a leading member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Vining and he is affiliated with the organization of the Sons of Norway. In private life Ole T. Nyhus has filled his place competently and graciously and he is recognized as one of the strong elements in the active life of Vining, and of Otter Tail county. Ole T. Nyhus has never married.

Anton B. Trana

Without the opportunity for educational advantages, and denied special training for business. Anton I'.. Trana was able to apply the determined and persevering nature of the native Norwegian and rise to a prominent place in the public life of his community and to win the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens and associates. The life of \ntoti I!. Trana is representative of a type which has done much for Otter Tail county, and he is a man whom the residents delight in honoring.

\nton B. Trana was born near Stenkjer, Norway, on October 28, 1874, the son of Rasmus and Johanna Trana. both natives of Norway, in which land they lived and were married. In [882 they came to America .Mid settled in Leaf Mountain township. Otter Tail county, where, in 1883,

Rasmus Trana, took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres. The land was covered with timber, which Rasmus Trana proceeded to clear, during which time he and his family lived in a "cellar," later building a substantial house, a place where he lived until his death, in 1893. Johanna Trana survived her husband anil lives at Henning, she now being seventyseven years of age Rasmus Trana was of a quiet and retiring disposition, lie was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, a congregation with which his widow now worships. To Rasmus and Johanna Trana were born the following children: John R., who is a farmer near Plaza, North Dakota: Martin, who conducts a feed-mill at Almora. Minnesota: Johan. a United States mail rural deliveryman at Henning, Minnesota: Albert, who is the proprietor of a restaurant at Almora: Mary, who married Iver E. Johnson, and lives at Norman, Washington; Anton B.. the subject of this sketch: Richard, who died at Missoula, Montana, in 1903; and Gina. who married O. M. Trana. and lives at Colfax, North Dakota.

Anton P.. Trana received hut little education as a result of poor educational facilities in the vicinity of his childhood home, and therefore Mr. Trana is largely a self-taught man. During his life Anton P.. Trana has engaged in various lines of endeavor, among which was a position as grain buyer for the Andrews Grain Company, of .Minneapolis, while he lived at Vining, Minnesota, from [905 to [915, when he was made the agent of the Dower Lumber Company, at Vining, a line of work in which he is yet engaged. In igoj Anton B. Trana established a confectioner)1 store at Vining, a business which he conducted until July. [915, when he disposed of his interest in this husiness. During the administration of President Roosevelt, .Mr. Trana was honored by his appointment to the office of postmaster at Vining, an office which he served with dignity and with efficiency for eight years. In political affiliation, Anton B. Trana is a Republican.

( )n May 5, 11)03. Anton B. Trana was married to Julia Johnson, who was born at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of John S. Johnson and wife, who were early settlers in Otter Tail county. Mrs. Julia (Johnson) Trana died on January 29, 1012. To this union no children were born. (In June 10. [914, Mr. Trana was married, secondly, to Lydia Peterson, who was born at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the daughter of Nels Peterson and wife. Nels Peterson being one of the earliest settlers of the community. To the marriage of Anton and Lydia (Peterson) Trana was born one sou, Howard, who was horn on June 13. 1015.

\nton B. Trana is among the men who have done greal things for (liter Tail county and for the town of Vining, a man who has the confidence of all and one who. with his wife, occupies a conspicuous place in the various walks 0f life in the locality.

Among the prominent citizens of Carlisle township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and one of its most successful farmers, is Frank Fjestad, who was horn in Norway, November 12, 1847, and who is the son of Erek Haug and Tore P. Field.

Mr. Fjestad's parents were farmers in Norway and reared a family of twelve children. They spent all of their lives in their native land. Frank Fjestad was educated in the common schools of Norway and in Jnne, 1867, came to America. From June to December, 1867, Mr. Fjestad lived in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and from La Crosse he emigrated to the state of Texas, where he remained a year and one-half, working for a gardener. He returned to La Crosse and then moved to Fillmore county, Minnesota, hut remained there scarcely a week. when, in 1869, he moved to Carlisle township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres, the farm upon which he now lives. The land was a barren waste at that time and there was not even a tree standing on the entire farm.

Mr. Fjestad lias erected all of the buildings and has made all of the improvements upon the land, as well as planted all of the trees. He has done most of the improving with his own hands. When Mr. Fjestad started in life he had only fifty dollars, one cow and a pair of steers. Today he owns nine hundred and ninety acres of land, all of which is well improved. besides many thousand dollars' worth of personal property. Shortly after he settled on his claim, he started freighting for the government and the first year hauled freight from St. Cloud to the forts. Later he hauled freight from Benson and was employed in this business altogether during a period of three years.

Later, Mr. Fjestad hauled flour from Fergus Falls to all surrounding points, including Morehead. Subsequently, however, lie engaged in farming, and his life in these early days was a hard struggle, as his farm was far from a railroad. Ii was thirty-five miles to the postoffice and sixt) miles to mill. Nevertheless, Mr. Fjestad prospered from year to year and. as the years wore on. gradually accumulated more and more land and added t0 his pi iSS<

Mr. and Mrs. Fjestad and all of the members of their family are identified with the Norwegian Lutheran church in Carlisle township. Mr. Fjestad is a Republican in politics. He has served as township trustee and has been treasurer of the township since its organization. For many years he was a school director and is now treasurer of the school board. He is also treasurer of the Farmers Elevator Company at Carlisle.

There is no better-known citizen in Carlisle township and, in fact, in the adjoining townships than Frank Fjestad. No man has taken a more prominent part in public affairs than he and no man is more capable naturally of aspirin"' to the position of leadership than the subject of this sketch.

Hans O. Larson

Hans ( ). Larson, who is conducting a successful mercantile business at Battle Lake. Minnesota, where he is a member of the firm of O. C. Nelson & Company, is a native of Goodhue county, Minnesota, born there on September g, 1869.

Mr. Larson is a son of Ole and Catharine (Hansen) Larson, natives of Norway, the former of whom was born on January 13, 1841, and the latter on November 12, 1840. Ole Larson and family emigrated to America in 1867, settling- first in Goodhue county. Minnesota, and in 1870 they removed to Otter Tail county, taking a homestead in Clitherall township. They also owned forty acres of land in Sverdrup township. They were the parents of three children, Hans O., Lauris and Minnie, the last named being the wife of Alfred Okeson, of North Dakota. Ole Larson and all his family are devout members of the Free Lutheran church.

f Tans O. Larson was reared in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and received his education in the public schools of his home township. He lived on his father's' homestead farm until he reached the age of eighteen years, when he was employed as a clerk by Mr. Ubertsen, of Rattle Lake, with whom he remained for sewn years. Lie then entered the employ of O. C. Nelson, and after eight years of service became a member of the firm, which was organized in 1007.

Hans O. Larson was first married, in [892, to Bertha Andersen, who was born in Norway in 1872, the daughter of Alfred \.ndersen. \fter her mothers' death, in Norway, Bertha Andersen came with her father to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 1X711. and located in Tordenskjold township. Alfred \ndersen now lives in North Dakota. Hans O Larson and his first wife were the parents of two children. Oliver Alexander and I eonard Morgan. The mother of these children died in 1S00. and on September 6, inii. Mr. I arson was married to Martha Sett, who was born in Clitherall township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, a daughter of Vndrew and Anne

(Julius) Scott, both of whom were natives of Denmark, who emigrated to America and settled in Otter Tail county. Mrs. Martha Larson's mother died in 1914, while her father still lives on his farm in Clitherall township. Mr. and Mrs. Larson and family are members of the Free Lutheran church, and take an active interest in the affairs of the church. Mr. 1 -arson has served three years as a member of the town council at Battle Lake. He is a Republican, and takes considerable interest in local and national political affairs.

John Kill

The gentleman whose name appears above, although a native of Wisconsin, is of Norwegian lineage, and it is with a certain degree of pleasure and satisfaction that a briefly outlined biographical -ketch is here presented for perusal, and also as a matter of future reference for the progeny which he leaves behind.

on of Goren and Martha Kjer. His education was obtained at the hools of his native county, a.fter which he was employed with his father on the farm until twenty-one years of age. when he began farming for himself on the place which he still owns in Carlisle township, where he re ided until [896, when he moved to South Dakota and took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, in which venture he was fairly successful. In 1909 Mr. Kjer sold his farm in South Dakota and moved back to his home in Carlisle township, Otter Tail count}', which he has improved with substantial buildings, and where he carries on general farming and stock raising. Politically, he has always given his supporl to the Republi can 1 tarty, but has never -ought public office.

Goren and Martha Kjer, parents of the subject of this -ketch, were both born in Norway, where Mr. Kjer as a young man was a day laborer. coming later to America and settling in Portage county, Wisconsin, where he took up a homestead. During the summer before the Great Northern railroad was built through Fergus Falls, be came to Otter Tail county and bought two bundled acres in Carlisle town-hip. to which he afterward added one hundred and twenty acres more, where be -pent the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs, Kjer were the parents of nine children. Politically, Goren Kjer was a Republican, and in religion, he belonged to the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Mr. Kjer is a man of upright character, and his splendid farm, which he keeps to a high standard, is one of the attractive places of Carlisle township.

Nicolai O. Field

Xicolai O. Field, a well-known citizen of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, who is engaged in the postal service at Olympia, Washington, is a native of Carlisle, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he was born on October 22, 1874.

Mr. Field is the son of Ole N. and Anne (Thorpe) Field, and the grandson of Nels Fjeld, as the name was spelled in Norway. Ole X. Field emigrated to America in [868 and immediately thereafter came west to Fillmore county, from which place, in 1870, he moved to Carlisle, Otter Tail county. Here he took a homestead and lived until his death. There were three children in the family, two of whom are living: Peter O., of Frazee, Minnesota, a well-known citizen, merchant and mayor of the city; and Nicolai <».. who is clerk in the postofhee in Olympia, Washington.

The father of Peter O. and Xicolai O. Field died in 1888, and Xicolai worked at anything he could turn his hand to until 1903, when he moved to Olympia, Washington, where he is now engaged as a clerk in the postoffice. tie began in the postal service in 1906.

Henry Colbjorxsen

Henry Colbjornsen. well-known farmer and stock raiser, of St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in the city of Chicago, on November 8. 1868, the son of Colbjorn and Jennie (Holverson) Colbjorn sen, who were natives of Norway, where they lived until the year 1864. they at that time emigrating to America and after landing at New York City they went immediately to the city of Chicago, where they lived for aboul five years and then moved to Otter Tail county, in the year 1X70. locating on a farm which Colbjorn Colbjornsen secured in Clitherall town-hip. Through pioneer days, with hardships and trials, this pioneer citizen and farmer succeeded in those things which he attempted. lie sold his farm in IQ13 and moved to North Dakota. In the family of Colbjorn and Jennie Colbjornsen were ten children.

Henry Colbjornsen received his education in the common schools of CHtherall township. Otter Tail county, after which he worked on the farm of his father until the year 1891, when he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land in St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county, where he is successfully and extensively engaged in general agricultural pursuits. In addition to his farm duties, Henry Colbjornsen is engaged in the operation of a threshing machine throughout the township and vicinity.

Politically, Mr. Colbjornsen is affiliated with the Republican party, and while he has not taken any especial part in the political or official life of the community, he is a citizen who is valued for his part and his efforts in the ranks of private citizenship and for his interest in the promotion of the general welfare of the community where he lives.

One of the leading druggists of Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and one of its best-known citizens, is S. A. Swanson, a native of Fergus Falls, where he was born on July 19, 1873.

S. A. Swanson is the son of John and Selma (Jensen) Swanson, who were natives of the province of Swalland, Sweden, and who came to America in 1870. Subsequently, John Swanson. arrived at Benson, Minnesota, which was then the terminal of the Great Northern railway, and from there walked to Fergus Falls, which was at that time a straggling village, containing only a few people who lived in log shanties. Upon arriving in Fergus Falls, John Swanson homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Western township, which he cleared and upon which he erected buildings. Very soon after coming to the county Mr. Swanson was married and lived on the homestead farm for eight or nine years, after which he moved to Amor township and obtained possession of three hundred and twenty acres of land, which lie proceeded to clear and improve. After living upon the farm until [914 he moved to Fergus Falls and retired, but -till owns the Amor township land, lie was a general farmer and stockman during Ins active career and served in many township offices, lie is a stanch can. John Swanson :i\<<\ wife are members of the Lutheran church ,vas one of the founders of the Amor congregation,

Mr. and Mrs. fohn Swanson are the parents of six children, three son- and three daughters, of whom S. A. is the eldest; Carl is a painter and paper-hanger of Fergus balls: Oscar i- station agent at Detroit. Minnesota: Lvdia, who married Will Ekman, lives on the farm in Amor township;

Educated in the puhlic schools of Amor township and in the academy at Minneapolis, S. A. Swanson came to Battle Lake, Minnesota, in 1891 and was employed by Dr. M. S. Jones in his drug store for four or five years. Afterward he attended the Minneopolis Institute of Pharmacy and was graduated with the class of 1900. Upon completing his pharmaceutical education, he worked for Doctor Jones until 1914, when he purchased the drug store, which is the only drug store in Battle Lake. Naturally, Mr. Swanson has a large and growing patronage and business. The stock would invoice at the present time at about forty-five hundred dollars.

In 1904 S. A. Swanson was married to Huldah Lindquist, a native of Vasa, which is situated near Red Wing, Minnesota. Mrs. Swanson is the daughter of N. I'. Lindquist. To Mr. and Mrs. Swanson has been born one son, Robert, who was born on December 5, 1906.

S. A. Swanson has long been prominent in the fraternal circles of this county. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the United Order of Workmen. Mr. Swanson votes the Republican ticket, but has never taken a special part in politics.

Albert G. Whitson

Yumbered among those who have stood representative of marked progressiveness and civic loyalty in Fergus balls and who have contributed a large share to the industrial and civic advancement of the community is Albert Whitson, who is one of the prominent business men in that section of Minnesota in which he lives. In his chosen field of endeavor he has accomplished most valuable results through his earnest and well-directed business policies. A man of recognized ability and judgment, he is regarded as an authority on questions of civic importance, and as a consequence of his admirable traits of character has reached a position of distinction in his chosen field of industry.

Albert G. Whitson was born near Smith Falls, Canada, on April 18, 1867, and is a sOn of John and Jane (Lawson) Whitson, representatives of an honored family, known in Minnesota for almosl fifty years. His father was a fanner and miller by vocation and the family were in modest financial circumstances during tin- early years of tin- subject of this sketch. The parents left Canada in [868 ami moved to Granville Mills, M where the father engaged in the milling business for ten years. The family then moved to Owatonna, Minnesota, where Mr. Whitson returned to the occupation of farming, until the year 1884. In the spring of that war he came to Otter Tail count) and settled in Aastad, six miles from Fergus Falls. Shortly after his arrival in that township John Whitson was made foreman of the waterworks, which was in the course of building at that time.

As a boy Albert Whitson received his educational advantages in the schools of Northfield and Owatonna. The career of the subject of this sketch has been oik- of various occupations, the first of which was railroading. Later he engaged in fanning in ( (rwdl and the wide experience gained in these two fields proved to be extremely valuable to him later in life. In 1004 lie moved to Fergus Falls and engaged in the livery business. Later he was associated with a Mr. Elliot, and took over the control of the ice plant on Stanton avenue. They ;old out to John W. Campbell in July,

The business of Elliott & Whitson was opened in the same year, when they bought out F. II. Gary, dealer in coal, lime and cement. Since that time the firm of Elliott & Whitson has been doing an unusually successful business. In his chosen field of work. Mr. Whitson has made a large circle of friends, bis ability and thorough business methods have won for him a place of distinction.

The marriage of Albert Whitson to Mary Elliott, the daughter of John Elliott, was solemnized on January 9, iSqo. They are the parents of the following children: Elsie and Emilie, who are teaching school at Western; George and Sidney, who are at home with their parents. In fraternal affairs Mr. Whitson has always taken an active interest. Tie is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and the Modern Woodmen of America. In his political relations he is affiliated with the Republican party.

Peter Lein

One who has made a record of large and numerous accomplishment in connection with the practical affairs of life is Peter Lein, who is recognized as one of the most enterprising, resourceful and influential business men of his community. I lis life has been such as to entitle him to a place of distinction and unqualified public esteem. Through his own ability and efforts he has won success and has given his share to community development and prosperity.

Peter Lein was born in 1S56, in Trondhjem, Norway, and is the son ii Peter and Barrel (Peterson) Lein. both of whom are deceased Bis father died in 1005 and her mother in iNoj. When the subject of this sketch was just twenty-four years old he came to America, in .March. t88o. He landed at Halifax and went by train to Montreal, w beta' he remained a month. From there he went to Winnipeg, where he was employed for two years by a railroad company during its period of construction. His busi ness career was initiated in [882, when he came to Fergus Falls and. with his brother, operated a butcher shop for a year. I lis next held of business activity was in the grocery store owned by Xels Elden, where for live Nearhe was employed as an assistant. During his engagement in business there he was married to .Mary Ann Sten, a native of Norway, and a woman of much persona] charm.

In the fall of 1888 Air. Lein began an independent career as manager of the grocery which he now owns. A man of distinctive initiative and progressive ideas, he is a valued member of the community in which he lives, lie is extremely popular with all of his customers, whom he endeavors to please to the best of his ability. His diligence in business is equaled only by his devotion to Ins family, which includes his wife and four children. His eldest son, Bennie, is assistant cashier of the Scandia Bank. The other children are Emil, who is married and living in Minneapolis; Conrad, a graduate of the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and Laura.

Aside from his business interests. Mr. Lein has always been interested ii! societies that promote good fellowship. He is a member of the Sons of Norway and of the Odd Fellows.

Frank H. Straub

One of the substantia] business men of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the proprietor of a popular jewelry store of this city and a man who is interested in everything which, in any way, mighl promote the best interests of his home city, is Frank H. Straub.

Frank II. Straub was born in 1857 at Lockport, Michigan, 'a town which I- now called Three Rivers. I lis parents were William and Harriet (Shomaker) Straub, the former of whom was a carriage maker by trade. but who, during the greater part of his life, was engaged in the mercantile business. The family emigrated to Minnesota in 1863 and located at Winnebago, an Indian agency near Waseca. In 18(15. two wars later, the family moved to Morristown, in Rice county, where the father engaged in carriage making. Three years later the family moved to Faribault, Minnesota, and there Mr. Straub embarked in the mercantile business, after which he moved to Fergus Falls and engaged in the real-estate business. He died in this city in [886. His wife survived him many years, passing away in 1010.

Frank IT Straub obtained his earh education at Faribault. Minnesota, and grew to manhood in this state. When he was old enough he clerked in a jewelr) store and later operated a store in Northfield for Hunter & Son. '

In 1S80 Mr. Straub moved to Groton, South Dakota, where he homesteaded a tract of land, which he commuted in 1882. In the fall of the same year he came to Fergus Kails and, in partnership with a Mr. Hunt, engaged in the jewelry business. Six years later Mr. Straub bought Mr. Hunt's interest and has since conducted the business alone.

By his marriage to Katie A. Ionian, a native of Maine and a descendant of the Jordans who came over to America from England, Frank H. Straub has six children, Katherine, who was horn in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, in 1892, and died at the age of five and one-half years; Francis, 1894, and died February 1. 18117; Winnifred, November, 1897: Lloyd J., 1899; Margaret L., July. 1001 : and William F., 1004.

Frank II. Straub was a prominent and useful member of the city council at the time when the last city charter was adopted. At the present time he is one of the water and light commissioners of Fergus Falls. Mr. Straub is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias.

Rev. Tames Moody

The Rev. James Moody, professor in charge of Northwestern ( ollege and pastor of the Swedish Lutheran church at Fergus Falls, this county, is a man who has attained notable distinction in educational and ministerial work. He is one of the most distinguished educators now residing in Otter Tail county and his character, one of signal exaltation and purity of purpose, is widely admired by the people of this count)-.

Born in Kekvatten. Vermland, Sweden, the Rev. Mr. Moody is the son of Peter and [ngeborg 1 Anderson) Moody, who with their family emigrated to America in [864, proceeding to Ft. Snelling. by the way of Quebec. Canada. From Ft. Snelling the family removed to Carver county, where they rented a farm and remained until after the close of the Civil War. after which they removed to Moores Prairie, now Cokato, and homesteaded land. There the father built a log house and was engaged in farming until his death in 1904.

James Mood) received his early schooling in the district schools of this state and at the Swedish-American College al St. Peter. He was a student at the latter institution for three years and then spent sjN years al Seminary, Rock island, Illinois. \fter his ordination, the Rev. Mr Mood) received his first charge at Crookston and St. Hilaire, where he remained for eight years From Crookston and St, Hilaire he was transferred to Battle I ake. in Otter Tail county, where he remained for ten vears. In [906 the Ri -\ fames Mtoodv was transferred to Fergus Falls, as professor in charge of Northwestern College and as pastor of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church, over which he is still presiding pastor. His influence in Fergus Falls and vicinity has been a large factor in the spiritual and moral awakening of the community, his personality and kindly Christian leadership proving a most wholesome factor here among the people with whom he has labored.

The Reverend Mr. Moody married Augusta W. Johnson, who has borne him live children, James R., Huldah V., Ruth A., Edna A., and Mildred T. The Moody family are popular in the social life of Fergus Falls and are a credit to their worthy parents, who have reared them in the love of the Christian religion and in the principles of righteous and noble living.

C. Murry Hunt

One of the prosperous and long-standing industries of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is the cigar manufacturing business operated under the name of Hunt Brothers, which is owned by C. Murry Hunt.

C. Murry Hunt was born on July II, 1868, at Manchester, Iowa, and is the son of Walter G. and Susan E. (Blood) Hunt. The former was the .son of David Hunt, who was horn near Buffalo, New York. Walter G. Hunt was born on August 8. 1843, m Harmony. Chautauqua county, New York. When the Civil War began he was living in Delavan, Wisconsin. He enlisted on August 12, 1862, in Company D, Twenty-second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and saw active service during the war. He was honorably discharged on June 28, 1865, at Milwaukee. In September, 1865, he removed to Manchester, Iowa, wdiere he worked as a farmer and where he was married to Susan E. Blood. To this happy marriage there wen born three children, Clarence M., Frank L. and Elizabeth.

The family removed to Nora Springs, Iowa, and in the spring of 1879 emigrated to Fergus halls. Minnesota. In the spring of 1879 they took a homestead in Star Lake township, and lived there for three years, when they returned to Fergus Falls, where they still live.

When he was sixteen years old, C. Murry Hunt began life on his own responsibility. For a few years he was employed at various kinds of work, anything which he could find to do. Subsequently he learned the cigarmaker's trade from Alexander Van Praag. and was employed by Mr. Van Praag for a period of ten years. In December, 1892, Mr. Hunt engaged in the manufacture of cigars on his own account under the name of Hunt Brothers. The name is still in use. although C. M. Hunt owns the business.

"Hunt Imperial," "Hunt Imperial, Jr.," "Hunt's Commander,'- "Hunt's Havana Special," "Ralph Emerson," "Fergus, Jr.," "Factory Smoker," and "662." The Hunt factory is an attractive building constructed of brick and situated on Lincoln avenue, west. Air. Hunt employs thirty-five men. His trade is confined mostly to Minnesota. North and South Dakota.

Some years ago C. Murry Hunt was married to Etta M. Broun, a native of Illinois, by whom he has had one son, Clarence L., born on October 7, 1893. Clarence L. Hunt is employed in his father's office.

Mr. Hunt is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modem Woodmen of America, the Knights of Maccabees, Knights of Pythias, the Modern Samaritans, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Flks.

J. V. Matthews, a successful business man and a highly-respected citizen of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, who is engaged in the livery business and who operates a feed and sale stable in this city, is a native of the town of McHenry, in McHenry county. Illinois, where he was born in 1856.

Mr. Matthews is the son of John Warren and Mary (Scanlan) Matthews, the former of whom was born in Xew York state and the latter was born in Canada. In [857 the family emigrated to Lake City, Minnesota, making the latter part of the journey up the Mississippi river in the steamer '"Milwaukee.*' J. V. Matthews remembers distinctly the boat as she plied up and down the river, it being identified at that time by two large gilt globes between her smokestacks. In Lake City. Minnesota, Mr. Matthews' father was engaged in the livery and sales business in the days before the railroads, and also operated a mail stage line between Winona and Red Wing.

Mr. Matthew^, when a mere lad, attended tin- first school established in Lake City, Minnesota. The school eventually became a normal school. After growing to manhood, Mr. Matthews learned the barber's trade, which he followed for thirt) years, working in Winnebago City, Blue Earth and Devil's Like. North Dakota. In May. [883, he came to Fergus Falls and engaged in the barber business, which he followed until 1005. when lie purchased the livery business owned 1>\ George (i. Matthews, his brother.

Mr. Matthews is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Modem Woodmen of America, and tin- Benevolenl and Protective Order of Elks.

Ole M. Hexum

The subject of this biographical sketch is descended from a fine old family of Norway, and his parents came to America many years ago. Mr. Hexum stands out prominently as one of the rising farmers in his locality, where he has demonstrated strong individuality and ability in his chosen vocation.

Ole M. Hexum, farmer, of Carlisle, Otter Tail county, was born on September 18, 1876. on the old homestead in Carlisle township, and is a son of Martin H. Hexum and his wife, Marit (Grafts) Hexum. His education was obtained at the public schools of Otter Tail county, after which he was trained along agricultural lines under his father's instruction. He has farmed on the home place since iqoi, doing general farming.

Ole M. Hexum was united in marriage, first, with Clara Ejestad, who was born on December 16. 1877, and died on July 28, 1904, and by whom he had two children, Morris F. and Thoralf M. Mr. Hexum was married, secondly, to Matilda Firmer, who was born on January 25, 1886. which union has been blest with the following children : Myrtle. Olga and Martin.

Mr. Hexum has won an enviable popularity as one of the younger agriculturists of Carlisle township, where he takes an active part in the affairs of the community, doing his part in advancing the interests of the public. He is a man of sterling qualities, practicing the principles of scrupulous honesty in all his business dealings.

George Campbell

The people of Fergus Falls. Minnesota, consume annually a great deal if ice cream, most of which is made by the Campbell firm, who not only manufacture ice cream, but also soft drinks, under the linn name of the Fergus Ice Cream Company.

George Campbell, who, with his father, Alexander Campbell, is engaged in the manufacture of ice cream and soft drinks at Fergus Falls, was born in Saratoga township. Winona county. Minnesota, in 1872. He is the son of Alexander and Mary (Coulter) Campbell, the former of whom was a farmer for main' years, but is now in partnership with his son in Fergus Falls.

After having remained on the home farm until he was twenty-seven years old, George Campbell moved to Mcnahga. about six miles from Wadena, and was engaged there in farming for about si\ years. Subsequently, however, he moved to Wadena and remained fur eighteen coming' finally to Fergus Falls in 1909. Immediately thereafter Mr. Campbell engaged in the manufacture of ice cream, to which he has added milk, cream and butter, and supplies most of the grocers of Fergus Falls daily. He also has a large trade outside of Fergus Falls. Mr. Campbell has a model plant and has built up a nice business for the short time during which he has been located in this county. On account of his personality and the superiority of his products, his business is growing day by day and month by month.

Mr. Campbell's wife, before her marriage, was Gertrude I. Bradt, who was born in Fremont township, Winona county, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have one son, Lawrence, who was born on May I, 1901.

George Campbell is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is highly respected by the people of Fergus Falls and vicinity.

Tustus Pickit

Among the well-known merchants of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and among the pioneer citizens who belong to a past generation, was the late Justus Pickit, a prominent citizen of Otter Tail county for forty years, who died on June 7, 1913.

The late Justus Pickit was born in Edwards, New York, on July 2, 1837, and spent his boyhood and early manhood in the Empire state. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in the Ninety-second Regiment. New York Volunteer Infantry. After the war. in 1869, he came west to St. Cloud, Minnesota, where he engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with J. B. Abbott.

In 1871 Mr. Pickit came to Fergus Falls. Minnesota, and erected a frame building on the present site of the Scandia Land Company, at the corner of Lincoln and Mill streets, where be had a general mercantile store.

Mr. Pickit served as postmaster of Fergus Falls for four years under the administration of t lie late President Harrison, and during his advancing years was retired from business. He lived quietly in the later years of his life. He took a prominent part in the progress and development of Fergus Falls and was very successful as a business man. especially as a merchant.

Bv his marriage, in Herman, New York, to \im 1 M. Peek, a native of Fowler, New York, the .laughter of Daniel and Martha (Fuller) Peck. there were horn four sons; Horace E., who lives in Fergus Falls; Leslie J"., who lives in Los Vngeles, California, who married Efne Straub; Robert C., who is employed in the auditor's office at St. Paul, and Ralph E., of Los Angeles, California. Mr. and Mrs. Leslie J. Pickit have four children. 1 '. married Mamie Snyder, and they have an adopted daughter,

Gertrude. Ralph E. married Carrie Cotterell, and they have no children. Mrs. Justus Pickit's father was for many years connected with the Fullerville Iron Works, at Fullerville, New York.

Mr. and Mrs. Pickit reared a family of splendid children, who in the various communities where they live are leading honorable and useful lives and who are a credit not only to their parents, but to the community where they spent the earliest years of their lives.

A. M. Anderson

Jt is a difficult task to do justice to any individual within the limited space accorded in a volume of this character, where so many must be given the credit which they have honestly and deservedly earned. To Mr. Anderson, however, especial honor is due because of the struggle through many hardships through which he has passed, and the eminent financial success which he has achieved, thus enabling him to pass the remaining years of his life in comfort.

A. M. Anderson, farmer, Fergus Falls, Carlisle township, Otter Tail county, was born on January 8, 1856, in Norway, and is a son of Michael and Julia (Olson) . Anderson. He came with his parents to America in 1 86 1, locating in Allamakee county. Iowa. His opportunities for receiving an education were limited, attending for a short period at the public schools in Iowa, and about the same length of time in Minnesota. As a young man ii was always necessary for him to work very hard, and in 1885 he began farming for himself on his father's farm in Martin county, Minnesota, which he afterward bought, and which he sold in 1902, coming to Carlisle township, Otter Tail county, where he bought a tract of two hundred and eighty acres, eighty of which he sold in 1913, and now owns two hundred acres, on which he has put all the buildings and other improvements. In addition to following general farming, Mr. Anderson conducts a dairy, and is a stockholder in the Fergus Falls Creamery. Politically, he is a strong Democrat, while his religious views are in accordance with those of the Norwegian Lutheran church, in which he takes a deep interest. He has put out a new orchard, and is considered a progressive farmer.

Michael and Julia (Olson1) Anderson, parents of the subject of this sketch, were both born in Norway, the former coming to America as a day laborer, arriving at New York City in 1861, and going from there to Allamakee county. Iowa, where he bought a farm of eighty acres and lived until 1882, when he moved to Martin county. Minnesota, taking a homestead of eighty acres, where his wife died. Mr. Anderson then moved to Pine county, where he lived for a few years and then sold out. moving to

Wheeler, Wisconsin, where he died. This union was blest with but one son, A. M. Anderson. Politically, Mr. Anderson was a Republican, and in religion he belonged to the Norwegian Lutheran church.

A. M. Anderson was united in marriage, in 1880, with Elizabeth Knoff, daughter of Peter and Melena (Berg) Knoff. She was born on May 23, 1861, in Norway. Eleven children have been born to this union: Julia M., who became the wife of Edward Thompson, and is the mother of six children, Janice E., Marion E., Ruby E., Lila I., Palma V. and George Edwin; Christian, the second child of A. M. and Elizabeth Anderson, was united in marriage with Emma Paulson, which marriage has been blest with two children. Carlyle E. and Mario: Albert T. : Emma P.. who became the wife of Augustus Siems. and i<; the mother of two children, Delna L. and Arvid H.; Melvin O., Helmar, Carl L., Hazel M., Alma E., Howard E. and George D.

Mr. Anderson enjoys the reputation of being one of the industrious and thrifty agriculturists in his community, where he holds the high regard of all who know him.

Nels T. Mortensen

One of the best-known retired citizens of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is Nels J. Mortenseu, who for many years was engaged in the retail drugbusiness at Fergus Falls, but who has been living retired since 1912. Among his other interests Mr. Mortensen is identified with the manufacture of sash, doors and frames, in Fergus Falls, through the Fergus Falls Manufacturing Company.

Nels J. Mortensen was born on November 6, 1847, m Schleswig, Denmark, now a part of Germany. He is the son of Jens and Catherine Mortensen, the former of whom was a farmer.

Nels J. Mortensen served two years, from 1863 until the close of 1864, in the Danish-German War. after growing to manhood, and then learned the trade of a pharmacist. In the spring of 1872 he emigrated to America, coming t<> the United States by the way of Quebec, Canada. Subsequently, he settled in Steele county, Minnesota, where he remained for a few month-, and then came to Alexandria, Douglas county. Minnesota, where he found employment in the drag business. Mr. Mortensen remained in Alexandria for eighteen months and then moved to Fergus Falls in 1876.

He opened a ding store on his own account in 1876 and continued in business continuously until 1912, since which time he has been living practically retired.

has borne her husband one daughter, who is now the wife of Dr. E. G. Bell, a well-known dentist of Fergus Falls. Doctor and Mrs. Bell have one daughter, Catherine.

.Mr. Mortensen is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Foresters.

Henry Tomhave

In a visit to the home of those of our pioneer settlers, who still make their homes in Minnesota, one would find many interesting facts concerning the experiences of ox team and other primitive modes of travel in the days when railroads were only anticipated luxury. It was during these trips from the East that some of the greatest hardships of pioneer life were experienced, and it is to those who were brave enough to face the many dangers of the wilderness period that much credit is due.

Henry Tomhave, farmer, Fergus Falls township, Otter Tail county, was born on September n, 1845, in the province of Hanover, Germany, and is a son of John and Katherine ( Bungar ) Tomhave. He was educated at the public schools of Germany, and as a young man, came to America in 1866, landing at New York City, where he was obliged to work for six months in order to secure money with which to reach Minnesota. On reaching La Crosse, Wisconsin, the river was full of ice, and he did not possess enough money to pay stage fare, thus necessitating his remaining at that place and working on the railroad, finally reaching Red Wing, where he remained two years. In 1869, he came to Otter Tail county and establishing his farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the wilderness. He traveled from St. Paul to St. Cloud, walking all the way. There was not a building at Fergus Falls when he and his one companion arrived. They crossed the river at Fergus in a 1x>at made of fence bark. This was in the spring, and they returned to Red Wing, coming back in the fall with an ox team, experiencing many struggles because of the lack of railroad facilities. They had no opportunity to market their grain without making long hauls, and all the buildings and improvements had to be put on the place.

Mr. Tomhave has become eminently prosperous, dividing his attention between general Farming and stock raising. Politically, he gives his support to the Republican party, in the politics of which he has for a !- been actively interested, and is the present town treasurer, and has been district supervisor. Religiously, be is an earnest member of the German Lutheran church, to which he contributes liberally.

John and Katherine 1 Bungar) Tomhave, parents of the subject of this sketch, were both natives of Germany, from which country the father never departed. The mother came to America and homesteaded one hundred and twenty acres in Otter Tail county near her son, Henry. She died in this county.

Henry Tomhave was united in marriage on December 20, 1872, with Anna Bradahoeft, daughter of Jacob Bradahoeft, by whom he has had five children, John H., Anna, Carl, Claus and Henry.

Mr. Tomhave bears the distinction of being a real pioneer, and has gained many warm and admiring friends throughout Otter Tail county, where he is well and prominently known.

Knud H. Brandvold

Knud H. Brandvold, a retired citizen of Dalton, Minnesota, is one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Dalton and the man to whom all of the people of this thriving town refer as the real pioneer of the community.

Knud H. Brandvold, a native of Norway, was born on May 11, 1845, and is the son of Halvor Simonson and Kari Avleson. Mr. Brandvold's father died in Norway in 1848. He was a farmer by occupation and spent all of his life in his native country. Both he and his wife were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. They were the parents of only two children, Knud H., the subject of this sketch, and Hannah M., who was born on July 5, 1848, and who married E. J. Berdall, of near Garretson, Minnehaha county, South Dakota. They have three children, John E., Carrie and Henry.

Knud H. Brandvold received a common-school education in Norway and, when a lad of fourteen years, began learning the shoemaker's trade. He worked at this trade until he was twenty-two years old and. in [867, came to America, living for two years thereafter in Filmore county, Minnesota. After two years, he moved to Goodhue county, Minnesota, and in 1871 came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he has lived practically all of the time since.

Upon coming to Otter Tail county. Mr. Brandvold purchased the northwest quarter of section 1 2, in Tumuli township, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which, at the time, was little more than wild land. During the winter of 1883-1884, Mr. Brandvold went to Polk county, Minnesota, where he took a homestead and where he assisted in the organization of a township, which was given his name. A congregation of the Norwegian Lutheran church was also given his name. In the following spring. Mr. Brandvold came back to his home in Tumuli township. During his early days in this county, he was situated about thirty miles from a railroad.

In 1879, in partnership with Taral Olson, Air. Brandvold established a store at Dalton. This partnership continued for six months, after which Mr. Brandvold continued for a time as the sole proprietor of the business. Later he took Ole Nelson into the business as a partner and this arrangement continued for four years. After Mr. Nelson retired. Mr. Brandvold conducted the store alone. He retired from business in 1903.

Mr. Brandvold was one of the organizers of the Farmers Grain & Lumber Company, of Dalton. In [908 he sold his farm to his son-in-law. Senator Ole O. Sageng, who is one of the best-known citizens of Otter Tail county. Since [908 Mr. and Mrs. Brandvold have lived in Dalton.

Knnd H. Brandvold was married to Bertha K. Steien, who died in April. 1890. To this union were born three children, Halvor, Oliver and K'ari. In July, 1892, Mr. Brandvold was married, secondly, to Maria L. Bakken.

Mr. and Mrs. Brandvold and family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Brandvold has served as secretary of the congregation for a short time. For twelve years he was supervisor of his township, and for twenty-eight years was treasurer of the local school board. Knud H. Brandvold occupies a place in the hearts of his neighbors and fellow -citizens second to no other citizen in this part of Otter Tail county. He has well performed his duties as a public-spirited and useful citizen and today is accorded the distinction which belongs to such a man and such a citizen.

Esten Thompson

Unconscious recognition of the true worth of a man who has made his opportunities and opened his own way through hardships and financial struggle is found in the ultimate conclusion of a well-rounded career. Mr. Thompson, whose name i- mentioned above, has demonstrated a firmness of purpose in his chosen vocation that cannot but win the admiration of those familiar with his steadfast and thrifty methods.

Esten Thompson, farmer, Fergus Falls township. Otter Tail county, was born on September _>o. 1856, at Trondkjem, Norway, and is a son of Bernt Thompson. His rudimentary education was obtained in Norway, and at the age of ten years be came to \merica with his parents, where he attended the public schools for a short time. When quite a young man. Mr. Thompson began farming for himself in Wilkin county, Minnesota, where he took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, which he sold in 1903, and bought his present farm consisting of one hundred and ten acres, his time and attention being devoted to general farming. Mr. fhomppon has put valuable improvements on his place, which, although not one of the largest, is one of the best places in the township. He is a brother of Anton Thompson, whose name is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Politically, he is a Republican, and in religion, a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Esten Thompson was united in marriage with Christina Void, by whom he has had eight children : Bernard, Rosa, Edwin, Inga. Albert, Ethel, Man and .Minnie.

Mr. Thompson is a gentleman of mure than ordinary intelligence, and keeps well up with the times, and can honestly claim all the honor accorded him as a substantial and prosperous citizen.

Lewis Lohmeier

Following down a long line of German ancestry, one finds the name of Lewis Lohmeier, a representative and influential agriculturist of Fergus Falls township. Mr. Lohmeier has followed the most approved methods in his rural vocation, and today owns a splendid tract of land in the above township, where he makes the breeding of fine stock one of his specialties.

Lewis Lohmeier, general farmer and stock breeder, Fergus Falls, Otter Tail comity, was born on March 22, 1864. at Evansville, Indiana, and is a son of Henry and Charlotte (Held) Lohmeier. He was educated at the district schools of Fergus Falls township, and as a young man, began farming for himself on his mother's farm. In 1884 he bought his present homestead, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, located in section 33, Fergus Falls township, which place he has owned ever since. [n 1898 Mr. Lohmeier moved to where he now resides, and has since put many valuable improvements on the place, consisting of all new buildings, etc. In addition to general farming, he has made the breeding of tine stock one of his leading interests. Politically, he has always been a stanch Republican, while in religion, he belongs to the Lutheran church. Fraternally, his alliance is with the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Elks.

Henry and Charlotte (Held) Lohmeier, parents of the subject of this sketch, were both born in Germany, and came to America about 1850, locating first at Evansville, Indiana, and in [856 Mr. Lohmeier moved with his family to Red Wing, Minnesota. In [869 he came to Otter Tail county, where be bought a tract of six hundred and fort) acres in Fergus Falls township, returning later to Red Wing, and finally, on lime 15. [872, he arrived at Fergus Falls with his family, where be spent the remainder of his life, and where he conducted a brewery during the first three years of his residence. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Lohmeier were as follow: Henry, Charles, Lewis. August, Rosetta, Mary, Maggie and Matilda.

Lewis Lohmeier was united in marriage, in 1898, with Louise Zahn, daughter of August Zahn. She was born in Wisconsin. Two children have been born to this union. May and Eleanora.

Mr. Lohmeier is appreciated in his community for his genuine worth and high personal character. He is genial and unassuming in manner, and his friendship is held in high esteem throughout his township.

Albert Dalluge

The subject of this sketch is one of the versatile and broad-minded citizens of Otter Tail county, where he has established his family in a comfortable home, the foundation of American happiness, the country which he, like many others of his native land, has adopted as his permanent home. Unlike many of our rural citizens, Mr. Dalluge has never allowed his methods and habits to become fixed, or his ideas to follow a rut. He keeps himself informed as to what is going on in the outside world.

Albert Dalluge, farmer, Fergus Falls township, Otter Tail county, was born on August 3, 1869, in Germany, and is a son of Julius and Caroline (Oehlke) Dalluge. His education was received in Germany, coming alone to America in 1882. His first employment in this country was in a harvest field, after which he worked in the timber, and was later associated with his father on a farm. On March 18, 1914, Mr. Dalluge bought his present splendid farm, consisting of two hundred and forty-four acres, his special attention being directed to general farming and stock-raising. Prior to the purchase of his present homestead, he fanned with his father for nine years, and in 1903 he went to Brown county, Minnesota, where he owned one hundred and sixty acres, which he sold in 1913. Politically, Mr. Dalluge is a stanch Republican, while his religious sympathies are with the German Lutheran church.

Julius Dalluge, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on September 21, 1838, in Germany, and was united in marriage with Caroline Oehlke. who was also born in Germany. They came to America about 1883, locating in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, where they have since resided.

Albert Dalluge was united in marriage with Minnie Lehman, by whom he has had the following children: Walter, Eleanor (who became the wife of John Sorensen ) , Mahila. Paul and Clarence.

By his upright principles and his interest in the welfare of hi- fellow man. Mr. Dalluge is regarded as one of the worthy and honorable citizens, whose character is beyond question.

I4O Otter Tail County. Minnesota

The worthy couple to a short sketch of whose joint career the attention of the reader is now directed, have for many years been counted among the representative citizens of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and each of them arc well known and highly esteemed. Mr. Gast has been one of the progressive farmers of his community and .Mrs. das', has made a reputation for herself as a most capable and painstaking nurse. She has in the course of many years, served in more than half of the best homes of the county and Fergus Falls and has in this way won many warm friends through her ready sympathy and helpfulness in their time of need.

l'eter J. A. Gast was born in Schnierin, Germany, on April 28. 1847. son of Fritz and Maria ( Willert ) Gast, both natives of the same place. The death of the mother occurred in her native land, while the father after that emigrated to this country, joined his children and closed his life at Great Bend, North Dakota Mr. Gast is the youngest of a family of three children, all boys, the other two both being engaged in farming near Great Bend, North Dakota. Mr. Gast when a boy in his native land was educated in a soldiers" school and in 1808 was entered as a full-Hedged soldier in the Franco-Prussian war, serving throughout that campaign. He was a member of the Fifth Prussian Dragoons and saw active service at the battles ol Vletz, roulon, Orleans, Bruges, Sedan. Cikano and many other minor engagements.