Otter Tail County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 6 of 28)

Ove J. and Ingred Svien, parents of the subject of this sketch, were born in Norway, where the father lived until he was nine years of age, and then came to America, the mother coming with relatives when she was twenty-two years of age. On reaching America. Ove J. Svien became a farmer on eighty acres of land which he secured in Goodhue county, Minnesota, on which he lived until the year 1896, and then moved to Grant county. Minnesota, where he bought two hundred and forty acres of land, which he farmed until the year ioi-\ at which time Ove J. Svien retired and moved to the city of St. Paul, Minnesota, where he still lives. Ove J. and Ingred Svien were the parents of eight children. John. Anna, \slak. Bertha, Andrew, Henry, Emma and John Bouchard. In religious affiliation, Ove J. Svien and his family are members of the United Lutheran church.

John O. Svien received his education in the common schools of Good- Inn- county, Minnesota, after which he came, in the year [896, to Otter Tail count}, Minnesota, and rented a farm in Tumuli township, where he lived for two years and then he went to the state of North Dakota, homesteading a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he lived for twelve years, in that state. -After this time John O. Svien returned to (liter 'fail county, Minnesota, and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres in

During the year 1905 John O. Svien was married to Lena Brekke, who was bom in Tumuli township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, the daughter of Johannes Brekke and wife. To the marriage of John O. and Lena Svien were born two children, Inez Othelia and Truman Julian. John O. Svien and his wife and children are members and active workers and supporters if the United Lutheran church at Dalton.

In political life John O. Svien has taken no particular part, but has chosen to lie a good citizen of private life and to serve his community, as he can. from the common walks of life and citizenship.

Toskph A. Otte

Among the younger men of Otter Tail county. Minnesota, business and financial circles, is Joseph A. Otte, cashier of the State Bank of Bluffton. a citizen whose life is proving of great value to the community, not only in the business world, but as a man who is interested in the development of his town and township to a" greater and higher plane in the various lines of endeavor and activity in which they are engaged. A man of thorough culture, one with excellent preparation for the profession in which he is so capably engaged, a citizen who in those things to which he has laid his hands has been peculiarly successful, and a man who because of the force and strength of his life has a host of friends and admiring fellow citizens, he is worthy oi a prominent place in the ranks ot leading men in Otter Tail county, Minnesota.

Joseph A. Otte was born in Stearns county. Minnesota, on November 4. [887, the son of William and Mary I Macks) Otte. both of whom were born in German) and lived in that country until about the year 1880. when, having married, the) came to America and located in Stearns county, Minnesota, where William Otte settled on a farm one and one-half miles north of Melrose. William and Marx Otte were the parents of seven children. Marv. \una. Bernard, William. Joseph. Catherine and Henry. In religious affiliation the elder Otte and his family are communicants in the Roman 1 .nholic church.

Joseph V Otte received his early education in the common schools of Melrose. Minnesota, later attending St. Joseph's Universit) at Columbus, Ohio, for three years, and then pursuing a business and commercial course. including shorthand and typewriting at Saul Centre. Minnesota, after which he accepted a position as first bookkeeper of the State Lank of Monticello, Minnesota, where he remained for two years anil then went to Buffalo, Minnesota, and became deputy auditor for two and one-half years; then coming to Bluffton, Minnesota, he aided in the establishment of the State Rank of Bluffton, Minnesota, an institution of which he was made cashier, a position which he now occupies, and one which he holds in a most efficient and capable manner.

On May 22, [911, Joseph \. Otte was married to Alice Granger, and has made for himself and his wife an excellent home, the hospitality of which is well known throughout the community. Joseph A. Otte and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic church.

Not only in the financial world is Joseph A. Otte a success hut in agricultural life, as the owner of a large farm, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres of well cultivated land, in Blowers township and, also as the holder of considerable stock in the State Bank of Bluffton, this worthy man has shown himself to be of a type of which the locality may be proud.

In public life Joseph A. Otte has not neglected his duty as a citizen 111 the community, hut has given of his valuable time freely for the promotion of local interests and he is now serving the village of Bluffton as its village clerk, in an unselfish and progressive manner, as is characteristic of this man whom all delight to honor ami to whose character and worth all are willing to attest.

Henry P. Nelson

Henry 1'. Nelson, a prosperous farmer of Aurdal township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was born on the old Aurdal township farm, August 10, [888; and is the son of Xels E. and Methe ( Ilallan) Nelson, both of whom were born in Norway, the former on December 17. 1S44. and the latter on January 6, 1850.

Xels hi. Nelson's parents were Ingebret and Aaste Nelson, both of whom were born in Norway and who came to America and settled in Aurdal township in [868. They took a homestead of one hundred and sixtv acres and both died on the homestead farm. Mr. Nelson's father came from Norway to Minnesota with his parents. He settled in Goodhue county and was also a pioneer in Mirdal township. Later be look up one hundred and sixty acres of land and made many improvements upon the farm, which he acquired from the government. \fter having made a large quantity of brick, he erected a magnificent brick residence on the farm and lived 111 this home until his death, in 1900. His widow is still living. The) were the parents of five children, Peter, Haldon, \nna. Xels and Henn P. Mr. Nelson's parents were members of the Lutheran church

Henry P. Nelson was educated in the public schools of Mirdal township and reared on tin farm which his parents owned Mr. Nelson himself owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mirdal township, which is a part of the old homestead. He also owns other land in this county. In 1911 Mr. Nelson built a splendid home on the farm. He 1- a general farmer and stockman and has heen very successful although he is still a young man.

On June 28, 1913, Henry P. Nelson was married to Emma Bye, the daughter of Stephen and Betsy Bye, and who was horn in Sverdrup township. Mrs. Nelson's parents were early settlers of Sverdrup township. They have one sun, Searle LeRoy, who was born on March 29, 1914.

Nels N. Rovang

A veteran of the Civil War, during the campaigns of which he made an enviable record, a pioneer citizen of Otter Tail county, who did much to make the district habitable in the early days, a citizen who in the public life of Tumuli township has shown himself to be a man of much worth, and one whose general life in the community has been such as to win for him a host of friends and admiring fellow citizens who delight in honoring his name, no record of life or review of events in Otter Tail county would be complete without reference to the career of Nels N. Rovang, the subject of this sketch.

Nels N. Rovang was born in Norway on July [9, iN,y>. the son of Nels and Anna (Halverson) Olson Rovang. both of whom were born in Norway, where they made their home until the year 1850, when they came to America and located near the town of Madison, Wisconsin, living there for two years and then moved near the town of Decorah. Iowa, where Nels Rovang bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he farmed for about five years and then sold his place and went to Wabash county. Minnesota, there buying one hundred and sixty acres of United States government land, for which lie paid the sum of one dollar and twenty-live cents per acre. There, on a farm which he had improved until it was one of the most desirable of the township, the elder Rovang and his wife spent their last days. Nels and Anna Rovang were the parents of ten children, two of whom were veterans of the Civil War: Nels N., the subject of this sketch, who served until the end of the war. with Company A. Third Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and Christ, who served nearly tour years with Company C, Tenth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and who was killed in action at Nashville, Tennessee.

Following his service in the Civil War. Nels N. Rovang returned to Wabasha county. Minnesota, and in partnership with a brother-in-law, boughl one hundred and sixty aires of land, on which they farmed for two years and then selling their land, the) moved to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, in the year [868, and located in 'Tumuli township, where Nels N. Rovang home- steaded one hundred and sixty acres of land southeast of the town of Dalton, where he now lives in retirement with a son, who operates the farm.

On November 29, 1865, Nels N. Rovang was married to Ingeborg Johnson Dahlager, who was born in Norway, and who came to America and settled in the state of Iowa with her parents, who were farmers. To the marriage of Nels N. and Ingeborg Rovang were born the following children: Martin, Anna. John, Julia, Christian, Emma and Otto. Mr. Rovang and his family are affiliated with the Norwegian Lutheran church, a congregation in which they are highly respected and esteemed for their lives and for their work- in support of the creeds and policies of this denomination.

In the public and official life of Tumuli township, Nels N. Rovang is a citizen with a long and honorable record as a public servant, he having served for eight years as treasurer of Tumuli township, and for some years occupied the office of township supervisor, during which time much was done for the progress and advancement of the township and the county. Nels N". Rovang is among the esteemed citizens of the county.

Casper Lein

few men 111 the community life of Oscar township, this county, have taken a more active part in the civic affairs of that community than has Casper Lein, a well-known and prosperous retired farmer of that section of the county, who since 1871 has been a resident of Otter Tail county. Successful in hi- Farming ventures, Mr. Lein also has been prominently connected with other enterprises of a profitable character and is regarded as one of the most substantial men in his community. Eor some years he has been living a life of retirement from the active duties of the farm, his broad acres long ago having been turned over to his sturdy sons and he is now "taking life easy."

Casper Lein was born in the kingdom of Norway on January 7. [842, son of Jacob Lein, a fanner and deep-sea fisherman, who came to America in hi- latter days and died in Iowa, while on a visit to his son, P>. M. Lein, in that -late. Jacob Lein and hi- wife were the parents of seven children, namely: John 1'.. who i- living at lb.lt, tbi- state; P.. M.. deceased; Casper, the immediate subject of tbi- biographical -ketch: Jonas, who lives in Iowa: Mary, who lives in Pipestone comity, this state; Christina, who live- in the eastern part of Montana, and Martin, who lives in Burleigh county, North Dakota. Jacob Lein and his wife, Maltie, were members of the Lutheran church and their children grew up in the strict observance of the tenets of that faith.

to America until he was twenty-six years of age. It was in [868 that he lam led in Quebec, shortly thereafter entering the United States, proceeding to Iowa, where for about two years he remained in Winneshiek county, engaged as a farm laborer. At the end of that time he decided to homestead a farm in Minnesota and with that end in view came to Otter Tail eount\. the long journey being made by ox-team. Arriving in this county, he pre-empted one hundred and sixty-three acres in ( )scar township and proceeded to make a home for himself and his wife, he having married in Iowa, in [869, Christine Moe, who also was horn in Norway, and who through all their years of activity in this county has proved a competent and valuable helpmate to him. Prom the ven -tart, Casper Lein prospered and as he became financially able added from time to tune to his land holdings until at one time he was the owner of four hundred acres of choice land surrounding his home. As he retired from the active life of the farm. however, he. disposed of a part of this and turned the remainder over to his children, who are now managing tin- estate, he making his home with his son, Oscar, on the old home place.

To Casper and Christine (Moe) I. em nine children have been horn, Olaf, John. Nicoline, Bernard, Sophia. Carl, Oscar. Matilda and Attin. Mr. and Mr>. Lein are active and prominent members of the Lutheran church thirty-four years, and their children were brought up to the faithful observance of the tenets of that faith. Active in all neighborhood good works. Mr. and Mrs. Lein long have been held in the warmest esteem throughout that pari of the county and no one thereabout has more friends than have they.

For years Casper Lein has served the public faithfully and well as a justice of the peace in Oscar township and since 1S85 has been clerk of the school district. From [873 to [906 he served as clerk of the township and for thirty-eight years was the township assessor. He was postmaster from [900 to [906, at Oscar. During several decades Ik- served the government as a collector of census statistics and also assisted several times in taking the census of the state of Minnesota. For twelve years he was the secretary-treasurer of the Oscar Township Farmers Mutual Insurance Association and is still serving as one of the directors of that excellent organization. lie also is a stockholder 111 the Carlisle Elevator Company and owns a goodsized block of stock 111 the Carlisle Hank as well as in the Scandinavian Bank of Fergus Falls. The civic distinctions which have come to Mr. Lein during his long and busy life in this county are ample evidences of the regard in which he is held generally in the community and his friends very properly are proud of the honors which have been bestowed upon him.

John Sanfred Kallerman

Born in Sweden, the scion of a sturdy race of fanners, swindled out of the possession of his farm in Sweden, a penniless emigrant to the United States, and now a retired farmer living in Wadena, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, ami a man who has the satisfaction id' knowing that his has been a successful career m the agricultural life of Otter Tail county and that to himself alone is due the success which he s, . deservedly has won - such, in brief, is the life of the person whose name forms the caption of this biographical review.

John Sanfred Kallerman was horn in Skaraborgsland, Sweden, at the picturesque village of Skofde, on December 23, 1840, the son of James Olson and Cajsallesa Johnson, both natives of Sweden, the former born in 1809 and the latter in 1813. Both were reared to manhood and womanhood and married in Skaraborgsland. Jonas Olson came in possession of the farm upon which his ancestors had lived for so many generations and devoted himself to general farming. Both he and his helmed wife died on the old homestead, the former in 1878 and the latter in [889. To Jonas Olson and Cajsallesa Johnson were born four children, as follow: Lorenzo, who 1- .1 prosperous and successful farmer living on a farm in Sweden; Matilda, who married John Larson and lives in Sweden; John Sanfred Kallerman, the subject of this sketch; and Franz August, a major in the Swedish army, who lives at Stockholm.

John Sanfred Kallerman was educated in the public schools of Sweden and later pursued his secondary education in the high school of his native land. Being reared on the farm, he early in life became a farmer and followed husbandry for a time. Later, however, he became a grocer in Sodertulge, near Stockholm, in the meantime retaining his farm, which bore the name of "Bambersfik." Having received an offer to trade his farm for a larger farm located in the south of Sweden, he accepted the offer only to find to his loss that he had been swindled and could never recover the farm for which Inhad traded, thereby losing a sum equivalent to ten thousand dollars. Now a poor man, he emigrated to America alone and after a perilous trip landed with but twenty cents in his possession.

Mr Kallerman came immediately to Wadena. Minnesota, and worked for various railroad companies, boat builders and on neighboring farms. In the same fall, on October 12. [886, bis beloved wife and his two sons joined him in his new home, and in 1SS7 he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres in section 1 _>. of Bluffton township, Otter Tail county. At the time tins land was wild, uncultivated and covered with a heaw brush There were no mads or other improvements. After building a log cabin on the same loca tion as the present site of the country home, he began to clear the land anil to put it to cultivation. Later he added new buildings and began to specialize in the raising of cattle. Still later he bought one hundred and sixty acres adjoining his original tract, eighty acres in section t and forty acres in section 12, of Bluffton township. About the year 1912 he sold his farm to his two sons, and- for twenty years operated a threshing outfit and sawmill, at the expiration of which time he retired and moved to Wadena, where he bought a home and invested in other real estate.

On November r6, 1875, John Sanfred Kallerman was married to Sophia Emily Anderson, a native of Sweden and the daughter of Anders Bengtson Carlhon. To this happy union there have been horn two '. and Matteas L., who purchased and have operated their Bluffton township. Allen F. has been prominent in local erved as township clerk.

John Sanfred Kallerman. as a Democrat, has held man)' local political offices, including township supervisor, school director and delegate to the >tate convention, and has filled all positions to the entire satisfaction of his constituency. His interest in local politics has been a deep one and ever directed toward the public welfare. Both he and his beloved wife are devoted members of the Lutheran church. To him is tendered the respect and confidence of a bust of friends and the admiration of the good citizens of Bluffton ti iwnship.

Mr. Kallerman has at various times been a public school official and has always been a strong supporter of free public education. He is opposed to various systems of private and parochial schools and has expressed the hope that all parochial schools may be abolished.

One of the well-known fanners of Compton township, this county, was (). J. Sutler, a native of Sweden, who died on September [9, 1 <j T 4, at the age oi sixty-nine years. The late < ). J. Sutter was married at the tune he came to America, in i<XNj. The Sutter family came to this country in com pany with the Johnson family, who were also early settlers of < ompton township, ( >tter Tail county. After landing in America, the Sutter family moved to Wadena. Minnesota, but later settled on the farm where the family now

O. J. Sutter was one of the. organizers of the Swedish Lutheran church, of Compton township, and, for many years, was one of the deacons in the church. He was also a Sunday school teacher and superintendent of the Sunday school. Mr. Sutter was not interested in politics, but devoted practically all of his time and energy to his family, his home, his church and his farm.

Olaf Sutter was educated in the common schools of Compton township and also at Northwestern College, at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, which he attended after finishing the common school course.

Upon completing a two-years' course at Northwestern College, Mr. Sutter returned to the farm and has lived there ever since. Olaf Sutter is now the town clerk and is an ardent Republican in politics. He belongs to the Lutheran church.

Olof Pary

Perhaps no citizen of New York Mills, or of Otter Tail county, has served his community more unselfishly, or to greater or to more permanent and practical good, than has Olof I'arv. pioneer business man. philanthropist and honored man of New York Mills. Public spirited, benevolent and tenacious in his determination that Otter Tail county should have those things without which it could not reach its present state of prosperity, and ever ready to make personal sacrifice for the realization of his patriotic ambitions in the interests of his locality, he is today one of the most esteemed citizens in the county.

Olof I'arv was born in the northern part of Finland, very near to Lapland, on July 7, 1852, the sun of Olof and Annie Margaret ( Halvor) Pary, who were born at that place, the father on October 21, 181 4. and the mother on November 25, 1S22. Olof Pary, Sr., was a farmer of his native land, working on his own land, until the year 1871, when witli his wife and five children, he came to America and went to the town of Michigammi, Michigan, where lie was employed generally for some years, and then, in the year 1NN7. be came to (liter Tail county, Minnesota, where bis son. Olof, who bad preceded, was living. \t this place Olof Pary, Sr., lived in retirement until be died, on January 30, 1904, bis wife, Annie, surviving him until her death, on January 1 (., [910. Olof and \nnie Pary were the parents of the Following children: Abraham, a fanner of Otter Tail county, who is deceased: Olof, the subject of this sketch; Henry, a farmer of Newton township; Lizzie, who married Theodore Anderson ami lives in Newton town-

Olof Pary was educated in the public schools of Finland and in the public schools of Michigammi, .Michigan, after which he worked for seven years on railroads of the state of Michigan and in Canada, and then, during the year 1881. he came to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, arriving on July 14, and shortly following which he established a store at a small unsurveyed settlement, which later became the present town of New York Mills. At the time of his settlement at New York Mills, Olof Pary found but two .-lores being conducted, one known as the Winslow store and the other known as the Blowers store, both of which are places of history now.

After fourteen years as a merchant Olof Pary invested in the stock of a flour-mill at Washburn, North Dakota, a concern with which he was identified for about three years. In [898 he sold his interests and joined the gold seekers of Alaska, in which country he remained for three years, during which time he conducted a general store and at the same time worked on claims, after which he returned to New York Mills, where he lived for a time, lie then went to the state of Washington, where for about five years he was a prospector for gold and copper, and then, in the year 1908, Olof Pary again became a merchant of Xew York Mills, a business which he followed for some time and then he purchased the Farmers' Mercantile Association, which he conducted until selling to (diaries A. Matala. when he retired from active business life.

During the year [874 Olof Pary was married to Sarah Bippo, who was born in Finland, the daughter of John Bippo and wife. Sarah ( Bippo) Pary died in the year 1004. she being the mother of one child, John, who grew to maturity, and is now a business man in Duluth, Minnesota. Olof Pary was married, secondly, during the year [908, to Sarah 1'. Warner, the daughter of S. J. Warner and wife, who were early settlers in the state of Ohio, but who later moved to Springfield, Illinois, where they lived the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Warner were the parents of eight children, as follow: Joseph P., Mrs. M. T. Swinney, Charles K.. Mrs. Annie Belle Killins, William Woodrow, Mrs. Sarah Pary, John S. and [-rank S.

Olof Pary has been known throughout the history of Xew York Mills and vicinity as .me of the men interested in the developmenl of the general interests of the community, and of these interests the one closest to the heart of this public-spirited citizen has been the matter of good roads for the township and for the county. During the pioneer days of Otter Tail county when (Hot Pan settled in the district be. with Clinton Fiske. August Sit/ and A. S. Rlowers, were the township board which not only assisted in the laving

Out of public highways, but helped in the labor of the project, and gave of their money that ( Hter Tail count)' might he better opened to settlement and to intercourse with the outside world. Olof I'ary has served his township long and well as a member of the township board, and with the spirit oi the true patriot has steadily refused to accept remuneration for his services, preferring to give of his efforts and of his judgment and experience in order that the community, of which he is the oldest living settler, may be a better place for posterit) .

Olof I'ary is a man of important and conspicuous affiliations, not only in the Republican party, of which he is a supporter and which he has represented in convention, both county and state, but in the local offices of president of the school board and as a member of the town council, offices to which he has l>een elected almost without opposition, and without seeking, and in fraternal circles. Olof Par)- is prominently associated as a Mason, an organization in which, during his twenty-one years as a member, he has received the degrees of the blue lodge No. [59, at Perham, and the Scottish Rite, as well as the Shriner honors, at Minneapolis.

Olof I'ary is a supporter of all the churches of New York Mills, he taking interest in their affairs and their activities and lending his support. both moral and financial, to their work.

The life of Olof I'ary has been long and good, of great service to his community, and one which will make an important part of the history of life and events in Otter Tail county.

Daniel Anderson

Born in Sweden. March 31, [854, Daniel Anderson, a prosperous farmer of Compton township, is the son of A. I ). Sutter and Christina Nelson, who were natives of Sweden. Mr. Anderson's paternal grandfather was also Daniel Anderson by name, who died in Sweden, where be was a farmer 1>\ occupation and where he owned a large tract of land, lie was a member of the Lutheran church.

Mr. Anderson's father, V D. Sutter, was a farmer 111 the old country, and, after coming to America, lived retired. lie came to this countn in 1883 and lived with his son. Daniel Anderson, until Ins death, m November, [905, His wife died in April, mu. They were members of the Lutheran church and reared a family of three children, of whom Daniel, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest. The other children were Margaret and Christine,

Educated in the public school-, of the old country, Daniel Anderson came to America i" f88l and, after landing at Philadelphia, came direct to Minnesota. Two years later he purchased land in Compton township, this county

Mr. Anderson began his career as a tanner in Compton township with eighty acres in section 21, which Ik- subsequently increased to two hundred acres. but -dine of it lias been divided among his suns, lie gave eighty acres of his farm to his son. A. 1). Anderson, and eighty acre- to his sun. W. 1'. Anderson.

On March jo. [880, Daniel Anderson was married to Christine Xorden, a native of Sweden, and to them have been horn seven children, Andrew. John, William, Benjamin (deceased), Ella, Manna and Amanda.

Air. and Airs. Daniel Anderson are members of the Mission church. Air. Anderson has served as supervisor of Compton township fur six years, but is no longer serving in this office. He also served as school treasurer for one term in Compton township. Daniel Anderson is a prosperous farmer, a useful citizen and is popular among all of the people in the community where he resides and bv whom he is well known.

Born in Sweden on April 25, [853, John Nordin, a well-to-do fanner of ( '. mptoii township, owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, of which his father at one time owned a part.

Air. Xordin is a son of John Johnson and Carin Matson and the grandson of John Johnson, Sr., a farmer by occupation, who owned land in his native country of Sweden. The paternal grandfather was a devout member of the 1 .utheran church.

In 1883 Air. and Airs. John Johnson, the parents of John Xordin. sold their farm in Sweden and came to America, locating in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where Air. Nordin's father purchased land in section 21. of Compton township, lie gradually added to his original purchase until he was the owner of one hundred and twenty acres at the time of his death. Mis first purchase of land in this county consisted of one hundred and forty acres, and thi- is a part of the farm upon which his son, John Nordin, now lives. Mr. Nordin's father had received military training in bis native land, and was a faithful and devout member of the Lutheran church, His death occurred in December, lN'j.v his wife having passed away previously, in March. [890. They were the parents of four children, of whom, John, the immediate subject of this review, is the eldest. Mat-, the next youngest burn, died at the age of fifteen years, while the other two living children are t 'hri-tcna and Margaret.

|ohn Xonbn received a liberal education in the public schools of Sweden and was a teacher in the graded schools of that country for nine years. Upon coming to America with his parents, he settled with them on the farm w here he i- now living.

Un -March 25, 1880, John Nordiii was married lu Margaret Anderson, who is also a native of Sweden, and to this union have been born rive children, Axel, lj.mil, Robert, Anna and Freda, all of whom are living at home with then paients, with the exception of Axel, who is engaged in the cement business at Wadena.

In 1907 Air. Nordin built a splendid new barn, thirty-rive by fifty feel, and 111 1914 he constructed a large concrete silo. The house in which the family lives was rebuilt in 1914, and all of the buildings and equipment about the farm are modern and up-to-date. .Mr. Xordin is a dairy farmer and keeps always twelve cows or more.

John Norgren

Conspicuous among American citizens from Sweden is found the name of John Xorgren, who keeps well in line with American progress, and is performing his part in the business affairs of the agricultural district of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where he has won for himself a name representing industry and energy, and where he has become a potent factor along agricultural lines.

John Xorgren. farmer, Fergus halls, Elizabeth township, was born on February 8, 1845, m Sweden, and is a son of Magnus Johnson, the name of Xorgren being an adopted one, and was taken from the name of a farm in Sweden. He received his education in the public schools of Sweden, and came to America when he was twenty-one years of age. landing at Xew York in 1866, coming first to Minnesota, after which he went to Wisconsin, where he was engaged in the lumber business for three years, at the end of which time he entered the employ of the Northern Pacific railroad at St. Louis, Minnesota. After discontinuing this work, .Mr. Xorgren followed his track- Mi" stone mason for three years; coming to Otter Tail county in April, 1N71. where he established a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, and where he still resides, lie has continued to add to his property until he now owns acres in section 14 and Forty-nine acres in section 4. lie divides his time and attention between general farming and stock raising of all kinds, lie has put all tin- improvements on the place, including ;; I buildings of a character to correspond with the general surroundings, giving an appearance of care and prosperity to his farm, which is located two miles from the town of Elizabeth.

Mr. Morgren is a Republican, while his religious sympathies arc with the Lutheran church, which he built, and for which he hauled the lumber with an ox team, tie is an active worker in the church, of which he has been the leader for the past fifteen years, lie has also been supervisor of the town board for fifteen years, and occupied the office of road supervisor for a number of years.

Magnus Johnson, father of .Mr. Norgren, was a native of Sweden, where he and his wife. Marta (Christina) Johnson, lived and died. They were farmers, and owned a tine tract of land, consisting of two hundred and eighty acres. They were members of the Lutheran church, of which Mr. Johnson was a leader, lie was a well-informed man. who always kept abreast with the times in his community. This marriage was blest with eight children: John, Anna, Christina. Andrew, John, Eva, Sarah (deceased) and < itista. Of these children. Andrew. John and Christina were the only ones who came to America.

|ohn Norgren was united in marriage on June 7, 1^74. with Ellen neckman, daughter of John Beckman. She was born in Sweden, and was twelve years old when she came with her parents to America. This union has been blest with the following children : Clif, Amanda, Anna. William. Ida. Rosie. \lfred. Elf, and two who died in infancy. Charles, \ndrew . Amanda and Anna l>eing the only married ones.

Paul A. Stortroen. treasurer of Otter Tad county for the past sixteen years, and a well-known and highly respected citizen of this comity, is a native of Martel township, Pierce county, Wisconsin, where his birth occurred on ( >ctober 22, [864.

Mr Stortroen is ,1 son of \nders J. and Sigri (Bjerkeng) Stortroen, the former of whom was born at Tonset, Osterdalen, Norway, and who came to America about 1848, in company with his brother. Anders J. Stortroen located in Pierce county, Wisconsin, where he lived until iN,X_v in winch year he came to Otter Tail county and purchased land in the Aastad neighborhood, where he farmed until [902, when he retired and moved to Fergus Falls, where he spent the remainder (if hi- life and where Mr. Stortroen's mother 1- still living.

Paul A. Stortroen was educated in the schools -1 Fergus halls, and after his graduation from the high school was engaged for five vears as a teacher in this county. He made a most commendable record as an instructor and was popular with school officials and with the patrons and pupils of the various communities in which he taught. At the end of five vears of this valuable form of public service, Mr. Stortroen was appointed as a clerk in the office of the register of deeds at Fergus Falls, which position he held tor four years. Afterwards he was appointed deputy auditor of Otter Tail county, and served as clerk in the auditor's office for a period of eight years, lie then spent a year on the farm, but in 1899 was again called to official life, having been elected treasurer of the county, a position which he now In ilds. For a quarter of a century Mr. Stortroen has been prominent in the political life of Otter Tail county, and is today well known among all classes of people.

By lii s marriage to Martha Tuve, a native of Wisconsin, Mr. Stortroen has had two children, Arthur and Noble, both of whom are living at home with their parents. The family are earnest and devoted members of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and are prominent workers in that denomination, being regular attendants at the services and liberal contrihutors to the support of the church.

August Schmidt

August Schmidt, retired fanner of New York Mills, Otter Tail count}-, Minnesota, was horn in Germany, December 21, 1858, the son of Henry and Sophia (Broemme) Schmidt, both of whom were natives of Germany. In [872 Henry Schmidt came to America and located in Sibley county, Minnesota, where he lived for one year and then went to Redwood county, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he lived for some time, after which he disposed of his land and went to Lamberton, where he died in the year [913, his widow, Sophia, surviving him until 1914. Henry and Sophia Schmidt were the parents of eight children, August, Fred, Dora. Frank, .Minnie. Pauline, Alvine and Emma.

August Schmidt came to America, with his parents, when fourteen years of age. and after his school days he came to New York Mills, near where he bought a farm of four hundred acres, located in Homestead township, a place which he improved extensivelj and where he lived until the vear [914, when he retired from active life and moved to the town of New York Mills. Mr. Schmidt has a good and convenient home in New York Mill-, where he now lives a quiet life.

During tin- year [88] Augusl Schmidt was married to Dora Hoche, who was horn in Germany, where her parents lived their entire life I- the marriage of August and Dora Schmidt were bom the following children. Herman. Frank. Louise. Hulda, \tnanda. Walter, Fredonia and YValdemer.

August Schmidt has been prominently connected with the official life of hi< community, having served as supervisor of Homestead township for twelve years and for a number of years was chairman of the board of supervisors. The part taken by Mr. Schmidt has done much to make the community better and more progressive among the townships of the county.

Peter Btorklund

Peter Bjorklund, a prominent farmer of Henning township, this count), was born in Sweden on January 13, 1 S 5 5 . As the distance to school was too far he was educated by his mother at home. Mr. Bjorklund had read the Bible through several times before he came to America, in 1867, together with his parents. He settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, in 187 1, and, for a time, attended the public schools of this county.

Mr. Bjorklund took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Henning township, where he now lives. He has added to this land from year to year until he now owns six hundred and eighty acres, besides eighty acres which he gave to his son, Oscar. After the latter had received eighty acres from his father, he purchased eighty acres and erected good buildings upon the farm. Oscar Bjorklund installed the first milking machine in Henning township. Mr. Bjorklund's farm consists of five hundred and sixty acres in his home farm and one hundred and twenty acres in another farm in Henning township. He is a general farmer and stockman and a wellknown breeder of Holstein cattle.

On December 26, 1880, Peter Bjorklund was married to Alary Larson, who was born in Norway in [862, and who is the daughter of Herbrant and Borghild Larson. They moved to Dodge county in 1869 and later to Eagle Lake township. Otter Tail county, where Mrs. Bjorklund's father died. Her mother died near Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Bjorklund have been the parents of eleven children, of whom two, Ida and Richard, are deceased. The living children are Oscar, Clara, Hulda and \nna (twins), Herbert, Otto, Robert, Edgar and Edith.

Mr. Bjorklund is one of the wealthiesl farmers of Henning township. He has served as a member of the school board for thirty-five war--. The homestead where he lives was pre-empted in 1X70 and two years later he got married and moved onto the farm, lie has been a member of the township board for main years, serving as treasurer, supervisor and chairman of the board and president of the borne telephone line. The Bjorklund- are members of the Swedish Baptist church at Henning and are very active in religious work.

Mr. Bjorklund's brother. August, who lives in Henning township, is also a prominent farmer. He was born in Sweden on July 8, 1862, and was four years old when the familv came to America, lie was reared in Eagle Lake township and attended the public schools. He bought the old homestead of one hundred and sixty acres and added eighty acres to the farm. In 19 12 he sold the farm and moved to Henning township, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres in section 1. Mr. and Mrs. August Bjorklund are members of the Swedish Baptist church at Henning. While a resident of Eagle Lake, August Bjorklund served on the school board and, for thirteen years, was township clerk. He also served twelve years as justice of the peace and twenty-five years as assessor. For two years he was postmaster of his home town.

On December 31, 1891, August Bjorklund was married to Anna Smith, the daughter of Olof and Mary Smith, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. To them have been born five children, Erwin, Roy, Earl, Reuben and Gladys, all of whom are living except Earl, who is deceased.

Both Peter and August Bjorklund are enterprising farmers, well known and popular citizens. They have done much in behalf of the material development of Eagle Lake and of Henning townships and both enjoy the confidences of a host of friends in Otter Tail county.

H. H. Stone

H. H. Stone has been a resident of Otter Tail county since 1900, coming here when he was sixteen years old. After attending the high school at Fnlda and the St. Cloud Normal, he taught school for five years in this county and at the same time worked on the farm. Tn 191 1 he discontinued teaching and since that time has given his entire attention to the cultivation of the soil. The year previous to that he had purchased over eighty acres and now owns the southeast quarter of section 2, in Elmo township. He engages in general farming and is a breeder of Galloway cattle and Duroc- Jersey hogs, having ten of the former and of the latter one hundred.

On October 30. if)io. H. H. Stone was married to Ethel L. Sparks, ai Minneapolis. His wife is a native of Miller. South Dakota, but has lived in this county since [902, and is a daughter of M. M. Sparks, at present a resident of Parkers Prairie, where lie is engaged in the garage business. H. FT. Stone ami wife have two children, Martha Kate, born on October s. i<)ii. and Sylvia Beth, born on December 17. 1012. Tn 1914 Mr. Stone erected a line new barn, sixty-two by thirty-two feet, having a hip roof and concrete foundation.

Mr. Stone is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, of the Royal Neighbors, and the Modern Brotherhood of America, lie was census taker in the year toio and since that time has been assessor, lie was. from the organization of district No. 275, clerk, his period of office extending from 1907 to the present time. .Mr. Stone is secretary of the Almora Cooperative Creamery. In politics, he is an independent voter. Mr. Stone's useful life is a striking example of what energy and perseverance will do, and it is gratifying that now he is able to enjoy the results of his skill.

Hans C. Hanson

Prom the roll of public-spirited citizens, whose unselfish interests have done great things for the development of the county and for their more immediate vicinities, the name of Hans C. Hanson, of New York Mills, Minnesota, stands out conspicuously as one who, perhaps has done greater service for the public improvement of his home town and for the promotion of the business activities of bis locality than any other of these desirable and valued citizens. A man of varied experience in life, one with broad knowledge of the activities of the business world, and a citizen who as a promoter and as an organizer has proved himself as one of unusual ability, this review of Otter Tail county would not be complete without reference to the work and achievements of this worthy citizen.

Hans C. Hanson was born in Denmark on the island of Fynn, on April 1, 1859, the son of Rasmus and Alary Hanson, who were likewise natives of Denmark. Rasmus Hanson is well known in his community for his record as a soldier in the war with Germany, when he received a medal for an act of bravery in cutting chains which were blockading the war area to the ships of his country. In private life, Rasmus Hanson was a farmer and land owner of Denmark, and both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. To the marriage of Rasmus and Alary Hanson were horn three children: Hans, the subject of this sketch; Mary, who married Andrew Hanson, and lives at Orlando, Louisiana, and Anne, who is married and lives mi the island of Langeland. in Denmark.

Hans ('. Hanson was educated in the public schools of his native land. where he attended classes until fifteen years of age and then he engaged in general farming, until the year 1880. when, being twenty-one years of age, he sailed for \111crica and landed at Xew York City, on his birthday, and immediately Following he went to Rochester. Minnesota, where he worked on a farm for one summer and then took up work for an elevator company, at the same time attending night school under the direction of a friend, who is now a resident of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. \fter two years Hans C. I [anson engaged in work at the Rochester Iron Works, where he was employed for five years, and then resigned to accepl a place on the police Force "t Rochester, under Chief of Police Capp. In the year r88q Mr. Hanson came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and boughl fortv acres of land in section

II, of Homestead township, land which was unbroken railroad territory. Hans C. Hanson proceeded to clear and to improve this land, and from time to time increased his holdings by the purchase of additional land until he owned two hundred and forty acres. On this place Hans C. Hanson lived until a decade ago, at the time of leaving he having one of the best improved and most completely equipped farms of the community.

During his residence on his farm, Hans C. Hanson, for two years, was driver of the United States mail on the star route, after which he moved to the town of New York Mills and rented an old hotel, which he managed in connection with his duties as a mail carrier, until one Easter morning when the hotel burned. Mr. Hanson then rented a nearby house, where he continued in the hotel business, and in 1906 he erected a new hotel building which was known as "The Merchant's Hotel,'' a building which was equipped with twenty rooms, all of which were supplied with hot and cold running water and steam heat. Hans C. Hanson conducted this hotel until the vear [913, when he retired from this business for two years and then, during T915, he returned to the management of his former place of business.

At the time of the double tracking of the Northern Pacific railway through the locality, Hans C. Hanson was given charge of a special company of men employed at construction work and for one season followed this work and then during the next year he went to the state of Montana, where he was engaged in the work of laying the steel rails between the towns of Armington and of Billings, after which Mr. Hanson returned to New York Mills, being called home on account of illness in his family. At this time Hans C. Hanson became a grain buyer for the Andrews Grain Company, a position in which he is now engaged.

Hans C. Hanson has taken an important part in the public life and in the public affairs of New York Mills. For six years Mr. Hanson served on the town council and during that time it was largely clue to his personal efforts that the streets of the town were graded, that cement sidewalks were built, and that the central park of the town was arranged for and largely completed - this without cost to the community - the funds being collected l>\ public subscription and by donation. Hans C. Hanson was the organizer of the local Commercial Club, an organization of thirty-six- members, of which Mr. Hanson is now serving as president. During the year 1914 Hans C Hanson was an active candidate for a seat in the state Legislature, but was defeated at the election.

Hans C. Hanson was married on September 0. t88i. to Charlotte Carlson, who was born at Stockholm, Sweden, the daughter of Carl Carlson and wife, who were natives of Sweden, and of whom the father came to \merica, his daughter, Charlotte, coming to join her father during the vear 1880.

To the marriage of Hans and Charlotte Hanson were born the following children: Carl Oscar, who is a railroad man of Duluth, Minnesota; Adla, who married William Ash and later died of tuberculosis; Alma, who married Seblon Olson and lives at New York Mills; Abby, who is manager and grain buyer for the Farmers' Elevator Company, of Vining, Minnesota; Arthur, who is a chauffeur for the Fiske livery at New York Mills; Justus, a student of the Wadena Business College; Clara, who married Marshall Lloyd, an electrician of Verndale, Minnesota; and Laura, who lives at home. Following the death of his daughter, Adla, Hans C. Hanson adopted his granddaughter, Lura Ash, who now lives with Mr. Hanson as one of the family.

Hans C. Hanson is prominently and broadly affiliated with several fraternal organizations of the community, he being a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since twenty-two years of age, a lodge in which he has served as vice-grand at Rochester. Mr. Hanson is also a Mason of Perham Lodge No. 159, as well as of the chapter at Wadena. Hans C. Hanson is a member of the Modern Brotherhood of America, and in church affiliation he is a member of the Congregational church, in which congregation he serves as treasurer. In politics he is a Republican.

Felix Nylund

Felix Nylund, a native of Finland, who succeeded his father in the publication of the Uusi Kotimaa at the latter's death, in 1892, is a well-known citizen of New York Mills and Otter Tail county, Minnesota.

Mr. Nylund was born on January 4, 1873, in Finland, and is 'the son of August and Sophia Nylund, both of whom were natives of Finland, the former born in 1835 and the latter in 1845. They were married in Finland and in 1878 he came to America and settled at Calumet. Michigan. Three years later the family came, and they moved to Minneapolis. Minnesota, and in July. 1884, to New York Mills, Otter Tail county, Minnesota. August Nylund had established the Uusi Kotimaa in [882, at Minneapolis, and in 1884 moved tin- business to New York Mills, where the publication of the paper has since been continued. August Nylund died on December 12. [892, but his widow is still living, and re-ides at New York Mills. Felix Nylund, the subject of this sketch, in partnership with his brother, August Ferdinand, continued the publication of the paper alone, under the firm name of Nylund Brothers. August Ferdinand Nylund was born in Finland in March, 1868. The Uusi Kotimaa has :t circulation of approximately six thousand live hundred. It is a financial success and is ably conducted by its presenl owner and proprietor.

four, Felix, Lydia, Hilma Sophia and Olga, are now living. Felix Nylund attended public school in Finland, at Calumet, Michigan, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. He came to New York Mills, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, with Ins parents and took up the publishing business in 1892. He has been connected with the business ever since. For three years Mr. Nylund has been a member of the New York Mills council. He has been a member of the school board for nine years and was clerk of the board for rive years. Mr. Nylund has forty acres of land inside the village of New York Mills. He owns real estate and the building in which his business is housed. Besides this he owns residence property in New York Mills. He is an enterprising business man and well deserves the success which has attended his efforts since his father's and his brother's deaths. Mr. Nylund is a thorough-going American, thoroughly in sympathy with the institutions and traditions, and loyal to the country of his adoption.

Jens Nelson

Jens Nelson, a prosperous farmer of Tordenskjold township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is a native of Sjalland, Denmark, where his birth occurred on January 2Q, 1870. Mr. Nelson is a son of Nels and Sophia (Nelson) Jensen.

Nels Jensen and wife were born, reared and spent all their lives in Denmark. The former was a laborer and a soldier in the War of 1863-64 against Germany. He is still living at the advanced age of eighty-two years and is in good health. His wife died about 1907. Nels Jensen and wife were the parents of twelve children, ten of whom were daughters and two sons. Nine of these children remained in Denmark. One daughter, Helena, came to America, and after arriving in this country, was married to N. P. Gloier, and they are residents of Brooklyn, New York.

Jens Nelson was educated in the common schools of Denmark, and when he was twenty-one years of age came to America, settling in Tordenskjold township, where lie worked for the farmers of the neighborhood for about two vears. Afterward Mr. Nelson purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 10. and has lived here ever since. The farm was originally wild land, and had only a small log house on it in the way of improvements. Only about twenty-two acres of the farm had been cleared, but at the present time there is a tine house and a magnificent bank barn with a concrete foundation em the farm. There is also a concrete chicken house, and all of the outbuildings are substantial and convenient for modern farming. The house was erected in 1001 and the barn in tqoq. There is a beautiful avenue of oaks leading from the road to the house, and Mr. Nelson has also set out evergreens and box-elders, adding much to the beauty and attractiveness of tlie place. He has an orchard of fifty apple trees, and is engaged in mixed farming, 111 which he has met with a very commendable degree of success. On August 9, 1892, Jens Nelson was married to Johanna Christina Christensen, a bister of H. C. Christensen and C. H. Christensen, mentioned elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Airs. Nelson are the parents of five children. Marie, George, Christine, Lauritz and Herbert.

Both Air. and Airs. Nelson and family are members of the Free Lutheran church, in which they take an active and interested part. Mr. Nelson is independent in politics. He is an enterprising farmer, a good neighbor and a good citizen, and enjoys the confidence of many friends and acquaintances.

Leander Holaies

Of those men who from foreign counties have come to this country, and in the laud of their adoption have proved thorough successes regardless of the handicap of life in a strange nation, the name of Leander Holmes, a native of Finland, is one which stands as an example of the result of industry and determination, used with tact and with foresight, in the development of business and industrial life.

Leander Holmes was born in Finland on November 20, [852, the son of Charles and Elizabeth Holmes, who likewise were born in Finland, and lived in that country during their entire life, where the father was engaged a- a farmer. Charles and Elizabeth Holmes were the parents of (he following children: Anna Brita, who married Leander Mattson and lives at Duluth, Alinnesota; Charles, who lives in Finland, and Leadner, the subject of this sketch.

Leander Holmes was educated in the schools of Finland, and was confirmed in the Lutheran church of that country, after which he learned the carpenter's trade and followed that business as a skilled and expert workman for some years, both in his immediate locality and at the city of Petrograd 1 Si Petersburg), Russia. In the year [882 he came to America and was employed as a workman in the lumber camps of the state of Michigan for some years, and then he went to the state of California, where he followed the same business, later going to Park City, Utah, and engaging as a worker 111 the silver and lead mines of that locality, work in which he continued for three years. In the year c8Q2 Leander Holmes came to the state of Minnesota and located in Otter Tail county, where he bought eighty acres of land in section (», of Newton township. Being covered with brush and timber, Leander Holmes proceeded t>> clear his land and to replace the unsatisfactory buildings with new structures, together with the adding of land to his holdings until he nov\ has one hundred and twenty acres of land, all well improved and in a good state of cultivation.

During the year 1S77 Leander Holmes was married to Gemina Coopar, who was born in Finland, the daughter of Herman Coopar and wife, of that country. To the marriage of Leander and Gemina Holmes were born the following children: Ina .Maria, who married Edward Deschaine and lives at .Menominee. Michigan; Gusta Leander, who died at Petrograd, when an infant; Axel Ananias, who died in infancy; John Adolph, an employe of the Dower Lumber Company, at New York Mills, Minnesota; Lydia Wilhelmina, who married Arthur Haglund and lives at Hibbing, Minnesota; Hilma Sophia, who lives at home; Fannie Josephine, who died during the year 1910, being seventeen years of age; and Frank William and Winnie Esther, who live at home.

Leander Holmes is one of the men of Otter Tail county and of Newton township who has done much for the progress of the community, beingwilling at all times to give of his time and effort for the promotion of public and general interests. Unselfish and ambitious for the welfare of the locality he ha- proved to lie a worth}' addition to the citizenship of the county.

Chalkley M. Button

Among the strong and influential citizens of Otter Tail county, the review of whose lives is an important part of this book, is Chalkley M. Button, who a> a man of keen perception, tireless energy and honesty of purpose. together with the use of intelligence, has exerted a beneficial influence in the community of his residence, as well as having contributed largely to the support of the moral and material advancement of the county.

Chalkley M. Button was born in Hardin county. Iowa, on September 30, [860, the son of Hiram and Fannie (Bolden) Button, the father being born 111 Chautauqua count). Ww York, on February u, [833, and the mother being born near the city of Indianapolis, Indiana, on October jo. [843. Hiram Button was the son of Mbert and Mary (Collins) Button, his mother being a Quakeress and his father a well-known citizen of New England, in which part .if the country they were married and afterward moved to Chautauqua county, New York, where they lived for some time and then later went, about the year 1S55, to Hardin county, Iowa, where he followed his profession and his trades as a lawyer, merchant and as a shoemaker. Hiram Button, father of the subject of this sketch, was one of ten children, of whom two are living.

don, who were natives of the state of Indiana, where they lived until going to the state of Iowa, where Asher Boldon followed his vocation as a farmer during the remainder of his days. Fannie Button was one of ten children, rive ot whom the now living.

Hiram and Fannie Button each came to the state of Iowa with thenparents and there met and married, and then Hiram Button engaged as a general farmer tor some years, after which he came to the state of Minnesota and located in Utter Tail county, where he homesteaded a farm of eighty acres of land in section jo, of Newton township, land which he cleared and where he established a home, where he lived until his death, in the year 1902. Fannie Button, the wife of Hiram Button, survives her husband, she being seventy-two years of age. Hiram Button, though a man of quiet and retiringdisposition, was faithful to his duty as a citizen and served his community in the offices of assessor, school director and supervisor, as well as being one of the men who organized the Farmers' Alliance, a strong and beneficial organization.

Hiram and Fannie Button were the parents of the following children: Chalkey M., the subject of this sketch; Florence, who died in infancy; Byron A., who lives at Williston, North Dakota; Asher ].. who conducts a business college at Moorhead, Minnesota; Jessie M., who married Ole Tranby and lives at Malta, Montana: Oscar, who is a school teacher of Bellingham, Washington: Aivin, who is a school teacher of Aldrich, Minnesota; I.usia. who married Clarence Rowdon and lives at Malta, Montana: Mabel, who married David Henry and lives at Malta. Montana: Myrtle Edna, who died at the age of seven years; and Fannie Luella, who died at the age of three years.

Chalkley M. Button was educated in the common schools of Hardin county, Iowa, and in the schools of Otter Tail count)'-, Minnesota, after which lie taught school for some time and then settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he homesteaded eighty acres of land, across the road from the land that was owned by his father, Hiram Button. Being uncleared land, Chalklej M. Button sel oul to prepare In- land lor cultivation, clearing the soil of brush and timber and building a house and other buildings, until he ha- ii"w one of the most complete farm- of the community, where lie engages in general farming and in tin- breeding of cattle and hogs.

On December t_\ 1000, Chalkley M. Button was married to Frances Rummins, who was born in tin- state of Iowa, the daughter of George Rummins and wife. To the marriage of Chalkle} and Frances Button has been born two children. Florence and Chalkley Monroe, Jr.

Chalklev M. Button is prominenl in the business life of his community, being a shareholder in the local lel.-i.honc company and being a man. who

In politics, Mr. Button is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Prohibition part}- and is a man whose efforts in the direction of the object of this party has proved of great value.

John Geisness

John Geisness, a resident of this county for twenty years, and owner of two hundred acres of splendid farm land, while not a native of the county, is looked upon as such. From far off Norway he came when a child of nine years, bringing with him the strong traits of character for which his country is noted. Through energy, thrift and perseverance, he has accomplished much and has acquired the right to be called a representative farmer and a man of high character.

Mr. Geisness was born in Trondhjem, Norway, on January 31, 1857, son of Alexander and Annie Boletta (Lund) Geisness, both of whom were natives of Norway, where they were married. Encouraged by reports of the new country, they set sail for America in 1866 and arriving in this country made their first home in St. Croix county, Wisconsin, where they bought a farm the first year. Seven years after he purchased a farm there, Mr. Geisness died, but his wife continued to live there until her death, in 191 1, at the age of seventy-seven. She never re-married. Both she and her husband were members of the Lutheran church, and the latter was a Republican in politics. Of the ten children born in their home, four died while very young. The living are : John, the subject of this biography ; Bolletta Margaret, who married Magnus Olson and lives two miles east of New Richmond. Wisconsin; Anne, Mrs. Arthur Howell, resides in Duluth, Minnesota; Ellen is the wife of Edward Halvorsen and lives in Duluth; Thomas is a resident of Port Angeles, Washington, and \manda is Mrs. Louis Wahl, who lives on the old home place in Wisconsin.

Because of the large family and the difficulty of securing an adequate livelihood in the early days, John Geisness. with his brothers and sisters. shared the lo1 common to the children of pioneer settlers. The school days were short and the work days were long and therefore his education was only such as could be acquired at that time. Spending his early youth on tinfarm, he later worked in the pine w Is for five years previous to several years spenl as a farm laborer in Minnesota and Dakota. Tn [886 he bought eighty acres in section 31, in the township of Henning, built a log house and then- he lived for four years, during which time he broke the land which was at the date of purchase only a wilderness, lie then moved to Vining, where he purchased a hotel, which he operated for eight years. Selling the Henning township land he bought a farm in Nidaros township, which was adjoining to his village hotel. This he later sold to a man named Froslee, and with the means thus obtained bought two hundred acres in Folden township, one and one-half mile- from Vining. There he lived for four years. adding to his propert) by a tract of eighty acre- in section 5. and later a similar amount where he now lives. His residence on this place has been for the last nme years. The improvements consist of a line new home and barn and such other necessities as the modern farm demands. Mr. Geisness has been successful as a breeder of Duroc-Jersey hoys and has made a specialty of dairy farming, keeping on hand from ten to fifteen cows.

Mr. Geisness was still a young and ambitious pioneer when he married, bringing his bride, Thnna Haugenson, to his crude pioneer cabin home. This was on May 0, (888. Mis. Geisness is a native of Norway, having been horn there mi May 30, 18(14. Her parents, Rolland and Christna (Ska fnes) Eiaugenson, were among the first pioneers coming to Folden township, for they arrived in their wagons in 1871. The father died on April id. [895, his widow surviving him until September 22, 1914, when she died, at the age of seventy-seven. The children born to them are: Edna Amanda, who married Eric Paulson and lives in Sacred Heart, Minnesota: Reynard Alexander, who died at the age of eighteen; Annie Bolletta, who died at two years of age, and was followed by another daughter, also named Annie Bolletta, who grew up and married Clifford Read, a resident of Seattle. Washington; Cora Nicoline, Ella Juliet. Thea Jennette and Eva Elenora, all In ing at home.

The Haugenson family were indeed pioneers, the log house in which the) first lived is still standing and is now used as a summer kitchen. When ime <ui the northern frontier they were often their sudden appearance used to frighten even in the year 1868 when this family crossed the 1 hard journey overland arrived in St. Croix y lived for the following three years. When 1N71. traveling in covered wagons drawn by s to make the journey. In order to procure walk to town.

undertaken to do and both are among the most highly respected citizens of this locality, Mr. Geisness being recognized as one of its leading farmers and business men.

Henry Cordes

The energy, frugality and business instinct of the German citizen has done much toward the development of the United States. Wherever these people have settled there is evidence of thrift and prosperity. Substantial homes, large barns and well-cultivated fields in the rural districts and wellconducted business interests in the towns and cities. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is no exception to the rule, for here is found the progressive farmer and the successful business man of German origin.

Henry Cordes, a German by birth, is a man true to the instincts of his race, born in Hanover, Germany, February 12, 1872, he came to this country in early boyhood and has been most successful in his calling.

Henry Cordes was the son of Herman and Charlotte (Winter) Cordes, natives of Hanover, Germany. Herman Cordes was born on April 14, 1842, and was married to Charlotte Winter in 1870, whose birth occurred on May 20, 1844. He received his education in the common schools of his country. He and his wife were active members of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Cordes operated a small farm in German}-, where he and his wife reared a family of ten children. In the year 1885 he decided to cast his fortunes in America and, in company with his wife and children, he landed in New York City mi April 5, of that year. He came directly to Minnesota, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 21, Leaf Lake township, Otter Tail county. Mr. Cordes is still living on a farm near Henning, Mrs. Gunk's having died on July 18, 1909.

The parents of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Cordes never came to America. Henry Cordes. the lather of Herman, was an extensive farmer and owned large tracts of land in Germany. Fritz Winter, the father of Mrs. Herman Cordes, was also a tiller of the soil and owned a small farm. The Cordes and Winter families wen- all members of the German Lutheran church.

Henry Conks, the subject of this sketch, received most of his education in Germany, having come to the United Slates when a lad of thirteen, he received but one year of schooling in America. Mr. Cordes was married on October 18, 1900, to Doris Bormann, a native of Hanover, Germany. She was bom on January 28, [878. Mr. and Mrs. Cordes are the parents of eight children: Herman, Hertha, Emma, Bettie, Clara, Walter, Edwin and Norbert.

acres of his proem farm. Two years before he purchased an adjoining one hundred and twenty acres completing his present farm of two hundred and eighty acres. Mr. Cordes has added much to the value of his farm by the erection of a large barn, forty by eighty-four feet, with two silos, twelve by thirty-four feet, the work being completed in the year 1909. Two years previous to this he had rebuilt a large and modern house. Later he has added a number of large sheds for bis machinery and for the comfort of his many hogs and line Guernsey cattle. Air. Cordes owns his threshing outht, but does only the threshing on his own farm and near neighbors.

Mr. and Mrs. Cordes are active members of the German Lutheran church, in which denomination Mr. Cordes has been a member of the official board fur six years. He is at the present time treasurer of the school board, director of the creamery company and he holds the office of vice-president witli the telephone companies of Otter Tail and Henning. Mr. Cordes has been very active in all things that tend to the development and improvement of his home and the community in which he lives.

Martin K. Martinson

Martin K. Martinson, successful and well-known farmer of Compton township, in Otter Tail county, a man who has taken no small part in the development and advancement of the community and the support of its movements and projects for a greater township and county, was born in Sweden on August 4. 1864, the son of Martin Erickson and Emma ( Peterson) Erickson, both of whom were born in Sweden where they now live. Martin Erickson being a farmer of that country. Martin Erickson and his wife are the parents of four children, Margaret, Peter, Martin, and Christine who is deceased.

Martin K. Martinson was educated in the common schools of his native land after which he came to America, in the year 1889, and went to the state of Minnesota, where he located in Otter Tail county, working for some year-- as a farm helper. In the year 1885 he bought eighty acres of farm land in Compton township, section 28, paying for this land the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. On this place Martin K. Martinson lias since lived, he having improved the farm and cultivated the soil until the place is among the most desirable of the locality.

On December 4. ton-. Martin K. Martinson was married to Carrie Peterson, wh<> was horn in Sweden, the daughter of Nels Peterson and wife, who came to America in the year 1893, locating in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where they bought a farm, which later they sold to Martin K. Martinson.

who was born on October 14, 1903. Mr. Martinson and his wife are well known and highly respected members of the Swedisli Lutheran church, a congregation in which they are actively engaged as workers and as supporters of the creeds of this denomination.

In public life Martin K. Martinson has taken no especial part, he preferring to live well and to do his duty as a private citizen of the county and the township.

The history of one who has lived an honorable life and attained high distinction in the community in which he lives should find a prominent place in the biographical records used by succeeding generations. The lives of these men serve as an inspiration to beginners and as a spur to novices in the field of industry. Among those who have resided in Otter Tail county since the very beginning of her agricultural development, is Olaus O. Hovland. As a boy he had the privilege of living on a Minnesota homestead and to those days of stern labor and discipline be owes much of the success which came to him in later life.

Olaus Hovland was burn in Winneshiek county. Iowa, on the 16th of September, 1868, and is the son of Ole O. and Anna (Teslo) Hovland. Contrary to the prevailing custom of that locality and period he received more than the average educational training. He attended the local public schools and at the completion of the common school course entered the high school at Fergus Falls, Minnesota. During his attendance in the high school, he absorbed the highest principles of right living and learned to look upon the occupation of farming as a dignified and noble form of labor. His first experience as a farmer was received on his father's homestead where he went to work after leaving high school. For several years following his period of residence on his father's farm, he rented a place whose resources proved to be unusually profitable. In iqi_>, he bought the place where he now reside^. The farm extends over two hundred acres of ground located in sections 26 and 27. He has erected, since his occupation of the place, buildings of modern construction and design. His interests are with general farming and he gives some attention to stock raising. As a Republican he has served as township clerk and as school director and executed the duties of each office with efficiency and force.

On the 21st of March. 1895, the marriage of Olaus Hovland to Minnie Sjolaas. a native of Oscar township, Otter Tail county, took place She is the daughter of John and Karin (Bjerke) Sjolaas, among the early settlers of that section, who settled there in 186V). having come from Houston county, Minnesota, where they had lived since the early development <>f that community. .Mr. Sjolaas died on the 27th of March, 1902, and his wife passed away on the 7th of January. 10,14. No children have been born to Mr. and Airs. Hovland, but they have found enjoyment and pleasure in the task of rearing- the three nieces of Mrs. Hovland; Ida, Luella and Lena Lider.

J'lie work of Olaus Hovland has been such as to win for him more than passing recognition in the count)- in which he lives. While he has worked mainly [or individual advancement, he has never lost sight of the fact that there are movements for public good and has used his best efforts in furthering the cause of honesty and business prosperity in Otter Tail county. lie is a man of a versatile nature which has found expression in deeds for the welfare of the public at large.

A man of splendid attainments as a lawyer. John B. Thompson has long held local precedence as an exponent of the most loyal and progressive spirit. An influential factor in the promotion of various important business enterprises, he is eminent!}- entitled to mure than passing consideration in the biographical records of the county in which he resides. A native son of < )tter Tail county and a representative of one of its well-known and honored Norwegian families. Mr. Thompson has well upheld the prestige of the name which he bears and which has been long and prominently identified with the industrial affairs of Battle Make, this comity. His character and services have but further exemplified that line type of citizenship which has made the Norwegian element one of so much importance and influence in the sturdy citizenship of Minnesota.

John B. Thompson was horn on November 4. 1876. in Mane Prairie township, this county, son of l'.ernt and Inger (Gulseth) Thompson. His parents were horn in Selber, Trondhjem, Norway, where they were also married. Upon their arrival in America with a large family early in the seventies, Mr. and Mr>. Thompson settled in Spring Grove, Minnesota. They later came to Otter fail count) ami took a homestead claim on one hundred and sixty acres on the wesl side of Indian lake in Dane Prairie township. In that section Mr. Thompson met the trials of pioneer lite in .1 strange community, but his character was of such force and strength that he was able to turn his means of maintenance in life from a hardship to a pastime. lie cleared a place for a log cabin before he entered upon any form of agricultural life, and lived several years in the dwelling, most of which had been erected by himself. Later in life he sold his place to his son. Nels B. Thompson, and moved to the opposite side of the lake. wher< he died after a few years. Mr-. Thompson spent her last days with her daughter, Mrs. Thomas Larson, the wife of one of the prominent men of this count}', a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Thompson was a Republican and took an active interest in the political affairs of the county, but could never be persuaded to accept a candidacy for a political office. He was deeply devout in all his religious undertakings ami with his wife gave loyal support to the Lutheran church of which they were members. Mr. Thompson was not only one of the founders of the church in the community in which he lived, but for a time before its establishment on a permanent basis, gave the use of his house as a meeting place for the congregation.

John B. Thompson received the advantages of a liberal education, availing himself first of the opportunities offered in the course of study at the Wilmer Seminary. After he left Luther College in the year 1896. he attended the University of Minnesota, from which institution he was graduated in the year 1904. Following the plan he had mapped out for his future profession, his course in the university was that of the law and shortly after his graduation he was admitted to the bar and began his practice in Henning, a village in Otter Tail county. During the legislative session of 1905, he was engrossing clerk, and at the expiration of that term of service he returned to Otter Tail county, where he has resided ever since. Mr. Thompson has made rapid and substantial progress in his practice of law and through his ability and well-fortified powers as a counselor, has gained a position entitling him to the full confidence and respect of the community. Aside from his law practice, he has at different times been engaged in business enterprises which have proved most successful. In 1912, in company with T. A. Ranstad, Mr. Thompson made his initial appearance in the field of business enterprise, as agent for a popular line of automobiles. This line of work has not only proved to be profitable, but it has also been of an unusually pleasant nature, and has gained for the subject of this sketch a wide acquaintance throughout the entire county of Otter Tail. Further prestige was later gained by him as director and manager of the Battle Lake Milling Company which he organized. He has also found time ami opportunity for work in the field of real estate in which he takes a live interest.

Mr. Thompson has given bis entire political supporl to tin- cause of the Republican party, and has been honored for the last four years with the position of mayor of Battle Lake. With the numerous cares of professional and business interests on his mind Mr. Thompson still finds time to engage in the recreations of fraternal and social life. He is a member of the Elks the duties of which have brought him in contact with the best class of citizenship of the community in which he lives and won for him much popularity among its members.

On June 23, iqoj, John B. Thompson was united in marriage to Pauline Tjostelson, who was born in Dane Prairie township, the daughter of Peter Tjostelson, one of the pioneer settlers of that locality. Air. and Mrs. Thompson have no children.

Henry George Hoff

From the land of Norway have come to America many of the desirable and enterprising citizens of foreign countries who take an important and conspicuous part in the life of this country; men who are hardy, persevering, industrious and resourceful, a type of manhood without which America and American life would be denied one of its most acceptable elements. Of this type of manhood and citizenship is Henry George Hoff, and the excellent family of which he is a representative.

Henry George Hoff was born on the farm where he now lives, in Tordenskjold township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, on July 10, 1883, the son of John T. and Marie dishing) Hoff. both of whom were born in Norway, the father at Hedemarken, on August 12, 1840, and the mother at Vadsoe, of northern Norway, on April iS. 1856. John 'I'. Holt was the son of Tollef and Gunor ('Johnson) Hoff, who were horn in Norway, where they were married and to whom were born four sons, one. .Andrew, came to America in the year 1868. and located in Houston county, Minnesota. Later Tollef and Gunor Hoff, with their three sons, came and located with the son and brother, Andrew, in Houston county, where they lived for one year and then moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where Tollef Hoff and two sons took up a homestead in Tordenskjold township. Later Tollef Hoff sold his homestead and moved to Ashby where he died in January. 1897. Gunor Hoff preceded her husband in death thirteen years, dying in the year T8S4.

Marie Ilshing was the daughter of Ole and Guri fishing, who were born in Norway ami came to America in the year 1865 and settled at Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Ole fishing followed his trade as a mason, until the year [868, when he. with his family, moved to Otter Tail county, and took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, in section 32, where Henry George Hoff, the subject of this sketch, now lives. After some years, during which time Ole Ilshing cleared his land and improved it. he sold his farm to John T. Hoff. following which he moved to St. Olaf township, and purchased a farm which later lie sold ami then hought another farm, which after a time he sold. Then Ole Ilshing became a merchant at Dalton.

.Minnesota, a business in which he continued until four or five years later, when he died, his wife, Guri, having preceded him in death, in the year 1886. Ole and Guri Ilshing were the parents of three children: Marie, mother of the subject of this sketch; Hans, who died as a boy, in Norway; llaiisiiKi, who married Halbert Parker and lives at Junction City, Oregon.

John T. and Mary Hoff were married in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, after which they established a home on the claim of John T. in section 7, of Tordenskjold township, a place where they lived for four years and then bought out the place of Ole Ilshing, a farm of two hundred acres in section 32. John T. and Mary Hoff lived on this farm until 1907 when Mr. Hoff sold his place to his son, Henry George, and retired. John T. Hoff was one of the founders of the Lutheran Free church of Minnesota. Mary Hoff lived as the faithful wife of John T. Hoff until her death in the year 1900. To the marriage of John T. and Mary Hoff were born six children : Oscar Theodore, who lives on a farm in Tordenskjold township. Minnesota; Gena Gurina, who married Edward K. Johnson and lives in Tordeskjold township; Alma Helena; Henry George, the subject of this sketch; Manda Georgia, a stenographer, who lives in the state of [daho, and Borghild Julia.

Henry George Hoff was educated in the schools of district No. 20, of Tordenskjold township, and then he worked on his fathers farm for a time after which he attended the agricultural college of the state of Minnesota. during the year 190 1 -2, and then returned to the farm and aided his father until 1907, when he bought his father's place and engaged himself in the pursuit of general farming and stock raising.

On June 23, 1909, George Henry Hoff was married to Mary Weiby, who was born in Dalton. the daughter of Clement Weiby and wife. To this marriage two children have been born : Jean, who was born on March 13, 10.10, and Allen, who was born on May 18, 1913.

Nathan T. Finn

Born in Chase county, Kansas, December 4, 1870, Nathan ]. Finn, of Oak Valley township, is a prosperous farmer. Mr. Finn is the son oJ Jasper and Yilctte (Packard) linn, the latter of whom was a native of Illinois. They were married in [owa and later settled in Kansas in an early day. .Mr. Finn's father died in Kansas, November 11, [901. His widow, however, is still living. Mr. Finn knows very little about his parents, how ever, as he was reared by his maternal grandparents, Nathan FT. and I. no Packard. They came to Otter Tail county in June. [875, and settled on section 2. of Oak Valley township. Mr. Finn's maternal grandfather died in iNoi and his grandmother in 1893.

and has since resided in this county. He remained with his grandparents until their deaths and, after this, the farm was sold. He purchased one hundred and twenty acres in sections 2$ and 25, of Oak Valley township. In 1912 Mr. Finn built a large barn, thirty-two by forty-four feet. He also has improved the farm in various other ways.

In 1893, after the death of his grandmother, Nathan J. Finn was married to Hattie Smith, who was born in 1873, in Chicago, and who is the daughter of Charles and Sarah (Naylor) Smith. They came to Oak Valley township in 1876 and took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in section 26. Mrs. Finn's father died in October, 1913. Her mother is now living in Hewitt. Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Finn have two children. Lee. born on July 2. 1910, and Leona, born on March 22, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Finn also have tun adopted children. Naomia, who is seventeen years old, and Ralph, who is fourteen.

Mr. Finn is a member of the township board at the present time and is treasurer of the school board, a position which he has filled creditably for several years. He is well known and well liked in the community where he lives and where the people have had an opportunity to know his character and his worth as a man.

Andrew Isakson

Andrew Isakson, an enterprising farmer of Inman township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was horn in Sweden on December 16, 1872, the son of Isaac and Betsey Johnson.

Mr. Isakson's parents were both natives of Sweden. They immigrated to America and settled at Henning, Otter Tail county, in 1892. Mr. Isakson's father died in Henning in 1896 at the age of fifty-six years and his mother in iqn at the age of seventy-eight. They were the parents of six children, John. Christine (who lives in Sweden), Berg, Nels (deceased), Andrew and Olaf.

Andrew Isakson was educated in Sweden and. in 1892. came to America and settled at Henning, purchasing forty acres in section 17, of Henning township. Later Mr. Isakson sold this farm and in 1900 purchased eighty acres in section 12, of Inman township. He has cleared his farm and erected good buildings on it. Mr. Isakson is not only a good farmer and stock man, but he is a carpenter by trade and has worked at this trade almost continuously during the past two years. Nevertheless, Mr. Isakson has kept a very close oversight on his farm and has supervised the work on the farm.

Mr. Isakson is now serving his second term as supervisor of Inman township. Mr. and Mrs. Isakson are members of the Swedish Lutheran church. They are not only prominent in religious affairs but likewise prominent in civic affairs of this township. They have a host of friends in the neighborhood where thev live.

John S. Torgersen

Among the pioneer citizens of Tordenskjold township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and among its successful farmers and business men, is John S. Torgersen, who was born near Talvake, in Sopnes, Norway, September 12, 1849. Mr. Torgersen is the son of Michael and Kari (Thompson) Torgersen.

Michael Torgersen was born at Raroaas, Norway, and his wife in Tapluft, near Talvake, Norway, the former in 1815 and the latter about 1825. They were married in Norway and lived near Sopnes, where, for twentyfive years. Michael Torgersen taught school. After the death of his wife, in April, 1866, Michael Torgersen came to America with his family. The voyage to America was made on a steamship and on their arrival in America, the family spent on winter in Winneshiek county. Iowa. After moving to St. Paul, Minnesota, Michael Torgersen left three daughters in that city, and, with three sons and two daughters, came to Otter Tail county. The journey from St. Paul to St. Cloud was made by rail and from St. Cloud to Otter Tail county by wagon. Upon arriving in Otter Tail county, Mr. Torgersen homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in Tordenskjold township on the west shores of Stalker lake. A cabin built on the shore of the lake was destroyed bv fire in 1868. For some time Mr. Torgersen had no horses and only two cows. Subsequently, he built another log house on a hill just north of the first and there lived until late in life, when he built a little house near the home of his son, Jens. He died there in i8qX. After coming to Otter Tail county, he had married Ellen Haldorson. He also taught school here for some years and, for some time, sang in the choir of his church. He was a prominent member of the Synod Lutheran church. Of his twelve children, four died early in life in Norway, Salvine married Robert Karsman. and, having returned to Sweden, now lives in Stockholm; Magdalena married Thomas Dwyer and died in Minneapolis; John S. is the subject of this sketch; Lena married Andrew Burg and lives in Grand Island, Nebraska; Dora is the widow of Knut Foss and lives in Butte. Montana; fins is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Bert lives at Tentpole,

John S. Torgersen was educated in the public schools of Norway and spent about one month in the schools of America, after which he engaged in farming. In 1871 Mr. Torgersen homestead ed one hundred and fortynine acres in Tordenskjold township, adjoining his father's farm. Here he erected a shanty and began clearing the land. After a time, he bought forty acres from the railroad just north of his first farm. He now has a good modern house, barn and other outbuildings, all of which are kept in a splendid state of repair. Mr. Torgersen is a general farmer and stockman and is a stockholder in the local telephone company and in the Dalton elevator.