Otter Tail County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 7 of 28)

In 1874 John S. Torgersen was married to Johanna Nelson, a native of Norway and the daughter of Nels Langrjovold, who died in his native land. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. John S. Torgersen. Kari. who married Olaf Tue and lives in Carlton county, Minnesota; Annie, who married Spencer Folkedal and lives in Dalton; Martin, who lives in Moose Jaw, Canada; Emma, who died in infancy; Nels. John and Christine. who live at home; Emma, who married Andrew Utne and lives in Dane Prairie township, and Olga, who married Richard Sjordal and lives in Montana.

John Doll

John Doll, farmer and widely known citizen of Rush Lake township. < Hter Tail county. Minnesota, was born in Mercer county. Ohio, on May -'<>, [839, the son of Anton and Mary Ann ( [barter 1 Doll, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany, the former born in iSto. the latter in 1S10 \11ton Doll was the son of Joseph Doll and wife. Joseph Doll, after the death of his wife, in German), coming to America in 1830, and settling in Perry comity, Ohio, where be lived for five years ami then moved to Mercer comity, where lie died in 1838. Joseph Doll and wife were the parents of tin following children; \nton. father of the subject of this sketch. John. Wentler, Francis and Mary Ann. \nton Doll received his education in Germany and then came to America, with his father, in [830, ami located in Ohio, where he lived until 1N07. and then moved to Otter Tail comity, Minnesota, Inlying four hundred and seventy acres ,>t land in Rush Lake township, a place which be cultivated and improved and made his home until his death in 1881. Mary \nn. the wife of \ 1 n -i 1 Dol, died on the home place, in the year 1<)T_>. aged ninety-three years. Anton and Mary

John Doll was educated in the public schools of Mercer county, Ohio, after which, in 1866. he moved to Rush Lake township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 12. Later, Mr. Doll added to his original farm until he is now the owner of five hundred and forty acres of well improved and highly cultivated land, where he lived as an active farmer until iSoo, when he retired.

On January 30, r866, John Doll was married, in Mercer county, Ohio, td Catherine Weis, who was born in Mercer county, on March 31. 1841, the daughter of Joachim and Barbara (Studer) Weis, natives of Baden, Germany. John and Katherine Doll are active members of St. Lawrence church, of Otto township.

Joachim Weis was the son of John and Mary Ann (Algeier) Weis. who came to Ohio, from their home in Germany, during the year 1823, and located in Mercer county, where John Weis died in 1867, his wife, Mary Ann, having died in 1868. Barbara Weis was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann Studer. who after a short residence in Columbus, Ohio, following their arrival in America, moved to Mercer county, where Joseph Studer died about i860, his wife surviving him unt;G >;i,mc years later.

Jacob Jung

Jacob Jung, well-known farmer of Rush Lake township, Otter Tail countw Minnesota, was born in Sheboygan county. Wisconsin, on March 27, [849, the sun of John and Katherine (Silbernagel) Jung, the former born in Germany in 1826, and the latter in the same country in 1824. John Jung came to America in 1847. with bis parents, John Jung, Sr.. and wife, and located in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, where John Jung. Sr., died in [851 : his wife died in 1847. Katherine Silbernagel came to America and located at Racine. Wisconsin, where she was married to John Jung. Jr., after which they moved to Sheboygan county, and in 1881 came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota. After living in Perham, Minnesota, until 1899, John Jung moved to Macon. Georgia, where he lived until his death in January, 1002. he being survived by his wife, who died on March 25, [915. John and Katherine Jung were the parents of the following children, Jacob. John. Peter, ("hrist. Richard. Blandina and Anna Marie, all of whom are now living.

facob Jung was educated in the public school-, of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, after which he went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for a shorl time and then to Brainard, Minnesota, where he lived until February, 1873. and then returned to Minneapolis, In November, 1873, Jacob Jung went to Wiscon- sin, where he lived two years and then he came to his farm in Rush Lake township, a place which lie improved extensively and where he is now engaged in general farming and in the dairy business. The farm of Jacob Jung is known as "Rush Lake Dairy Farm."

On November r6, 1876, Jacob Jung was married to Mary Ottilia Fuchs, who was born in Stearns county, Minnesota, the daughter of Balthasar and Ottillia 1 Esser) Fuchs, who came front the state of Ohio to Stearns county. Balthasar Fuchs died on December 22, 1014, in Saskatchewan, Canada: and his wife had preceded her husband in death by twenty-one years. To the marriage of Jacob and Alary Jung have been born the following children: John Arthur, who married Elizabeth Sheideker and to whom have been born four children. Robert, Louisa, Edward and Albert: Annie K.. who married John L. Doll, of Rush Lake township, and to whom have been born eight children. Barbara. Raymond, Louisa, Alois. Arthur, Vincent, Robert and Christ. Jacob Jung and all of his family are active members of St. Joseph's church.

Jacob Jung has served his community in various public offices, among which are the offices of township clerk, assessor, supervisor and treasurer. For ten years Mr. Jung has been chairman of the board of supervisors. hi business life Jacob Jung ijs.no less prominently affiliated, he being president of the Farmer's Mutual Insurance Company, an office which he has occupied for fifteen years. Mr. Jung is president of the Farmer's Creamery Companv. of Perham, and is a member of the Farmer's Shipping Association, an organization which he assisted in organizing. Jacob Jung is president of the Perham Rural Telephone Company, and has been a member of the school board for many years, having served for six years as clerk of the hoard and for five years as treasurer.

Thorvald L. Torud

Farmer of Henning township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is the son of Lars and Chestena Jorud, who were natives of Norway, They came to Fillmore county, Minnesota, in 1869 and the next year moved to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, settling in Eagle Lake township, where they homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres ,.1" land. There Mr, Jorud's father died in 1000. at the age of eighty-four years. His mother died in 1010. also at the age of eighty-four. They were the parents of the following children: Amelia. Thorvald !... Hans. Thea, Thea and Ole. The first child named Thea is deceased.

to this country and settled with them in Fillmore county, Minnesota. \\ hen Mr. Jorud was old enough, he took up farming on the old homestead. In 1878 he took a homestead in Henning township. Having begun with one hundred and sixty acre-; of land, he has added to this original tract until he now owhs four hundred acres in Henning township. He has made general farming and stock raising his business since coming to this county and has erected substantial buildings on his farm.

In January, 1891, Thorvald L. Jorud was married to Paulina Peterson, who was born in Norway, in 1873, the daughter of Peter and Chestena Peterson, who now live in South Dakota. Airs. Jorud's father is eighty-five years old and her mother about the same age. By his marriage to Paulina Peterson. Thorvald L. Jorud is the father of seven children. Charles, Marlow, Palmer, Cornelius, Edgar, Joseph and Chester. These children all live at home with their parents.

Air. and Airs. Jorud and family are members of the United Lutheran church. Air. Jorud has devoted himself almost exclusively to farming. Me has never taken any considerable interest in politics, but is well known in the township and popular in the neighborhood where he resides.

Gustav Hanson

Rorn in Norway, May i_\ [864, Gustav Hanson is a son of Hans and Sophia Hanson, both of whom were also natives of the same country, and who, in 1869, emigrated to Dane county, Wisconsin, and took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of land. There Air. Hanson's father died in 1874. at the age of forty-three years. His mother died in 1875. Hans Hanson ami wife were the parents of four children, of whom Martha, the youngest, is deceased. The living children arc Gustav, Ilaldan and Hannah

Gustav Hanson, who is a prosperous farmer of Gerard township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, was educated in the schools of Dane county, Wisconsin. He took up farming early in life, and after working as a farmer and thresherman for a number of years, came to Minnesota in 18S8. Men In- rented land in Yellow Medicine county. Minnesota. Subsequently he purchased eighty acres of land, hut in 1903 -old that farm and purchased two hundred and sixty-three acres in section |. of Gerard township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, A lake near Air. Hanson's farm is now known as Hanson's lake. Mr. Hanson has sold eighty acres of this farm to hi- son, Henry, lie is now well known as a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Chester White hogs. In 101 4 Air. Hanson built a new and attractive residence, ami all of his farm buildings are kept painted and in the besl possible state of repair. Eightv acres of the farm have been cleared and are under culti-

On November 29, [888, Gustav Hanson was married in Yellow .Medicine county, Minnesota, in ^ndrine Obrekke, who was born in Norway in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson are the parents of the eight children. Henry. Hannah. John, Julius, George, Vnton, Julia and Gusta, all of whom are living with the exception of John.

Mr. Hanson has always been prominent in local politics. He has served as treasurer of the township for eighl years, and as clerk of the school hoard tor nine years, discharging well the duties of both offices. Mr. Hanson is well known and highly respected throughout the township where he

J. Howard Walbridge

J. Howard Walbridge, a successful farmer of Oak Valley township, < >tter Tail county. Minnesota, was horn in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, October t2, [857, and is the son of Julius and Lucretia (Bull) Walbridge. Mr. Walbridge's' father was a native of Vermont, where he was horn in 1817, and his mother also a native of Vermont, born there in 1832.

In an early day, the Walbridge family immigrated to St. Lawrence county, New York, and after their marriage there, Julia and Lucretia (Bull) Walbridge immigrated to Wisconsin in [854. Still later they moved to Dakota county, Minnesota, and, for a number of years, kept a hotel at Lewiston. In [882 Mr. and Mrs. Julia Walbridge moved to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, where Mr. Walbridge died in September, [900. His widow is still living and 1- now eighty-three years old. They were the parents of -even children, Llhanan, J. Howard, Alberta (deceased), Judson, Irene. Lillian and Lionel.

Mr. Walbridge's paternal grandfather, Frank Walbridge, was a native of Vermont, who moved to St. Lawrence county, Xew York, and in 1854 located in the state of Wisconsin, where he died. I lis wife, who before her marriage was Temperence Austin, was also a native of Vermont and she died at St. (loud. Minnesota, at the age of ninetx two years,

Mr. Walbridge's father, the late Julius Walbridge, was a farmer by occupation and a hotel keener. For a number of years lie had a hotel on Bismarck avenue, Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

acres of land in section 11. where he now lives. Since that time he has added one hundred and twenty acres in sections 2 and 10, and now owns

On October 16, 1879, J. Howard Walbridge was married to Margaretta Branch, who was born on December 29, 1859, in Pennsylvania, and who is the daughter of Adam and Margaretta (May) Branch, both of whom were natives of Germany. They immigrated to America and settled first near Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1862 or 1863, they moved to Dakota county, Minnesota, and located on a farm near Hastings. About 1877 they came to Oak Valley township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where they subsequently acquired three hundred and twenty acres of land. Mrs. Walbridge's father died in 1885 and her mother in 1889. There were nine children in the family, of whom five, Catherine, Lewis, Adam, Charles and Benjamin, are deceased. The living children are, George. Margaretta, Lena and Frank.

Mr. and Mrs. 1. Howard have been the parents of seven children, Lloyd, Chester. Llewellyn, Zi, Mable and Lelah, all of whom are living, and Raymond, who died in infancy.

In politics, Mr. Walbridge is identified with the Democratic party. He served three year- on the township board and also served as assessor for many years. For twenty years he was treasurer of his school district and still holds this position, lie is an enterprising farmer, a successful business man and popular among the people of Oak Valley township.

One of the well-known farmers of Inman township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, who owns two hundred acres of land free of all encumbrances, and who is a progressive, up-to-date farmer, is Edward Parks, who was born on Big Creek, five miles west of Sparta, in Monroe county, Wisconsin, July 2, [868,

Mr. Parks is a son of George and Harriet (Hodgskins) Parks, both of whom were natives of New York state. In pioneer times the family emigrated from New York and settled in Wisconsin, and on June 7. 1871. removed from the latter -late to Parker- Prairie. Minnesota, homesteading one hundred and sixty acre- of land. It was there that George Parks died in November, [900, at the age of sixty-five wars. Hi- widow is still living and i- now seventy-two years old.

Edward Park- was reared on the farm and received his education in the public schools of Parkers Prairie. When old enough he engaged in farming for himself, in which he has been very successful, now owning two hundred acre- of splendid fanning land in Inman township. In 1883 he purchased eighty acres in section [6, and ha- gradualh added to this original purchase from time to time until he now ha- the acreage above referred to.

Mr. Parks has made many material and substantial improvements upon his farm, and keeps his farm buildings and fences in a good state of repair. Besides general farming, he is also engaged in the breeding of purebred stuck, and has specialized in Shorthorn cattle and Percheron horses. He is an expert bee-keeper, and ordinarily keeps from thirty to forty hives of bees, and makes and sells quantities of bees-wax. He also raises sugar cane and engages in the manufacture of sorghum during the season. Mr. Parks is a stockholder in the Henning Shipping Association, and also in the Henning Creamery Company, lie is a well-known sportsman of the county, and is an extensive breeder of fox hounds, and of Single Comb White Leghorn chickens.

In 18N4, Edward Parks was married to Fannie Mason, who was born at Sparta, Wisconsin, April 17. 1866. and who is a daughter of William Talmage and Harriet Elizabeth (Sessuns) Mason. Mrs. Parks' parents emigrated from Wisconsin to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, in 1871, and settled at Parkers Prairie. William T. Mason died in North Dakota, in iqoo, at the age of seventy-two years, while Harriet Elizabeth Mason died in Washington, September 13. 1912, at the age of eighty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Parks are the parents of four children, Cleon, Glen, Eva and Dee, all of whom are living.

For more than twenty-five years Edward Parks has been treasurer of Inman township, and is now serving in this position. He is also treasurer uf the school board, and has served as supervisor of [nman township. Mr. Parks' father, who began with one hundred and sixty acres of land, was the owner uf two hundred acres at the tune uf his death. Other members of this family have been equally successful, and all are rated among the substantial and influential citizens of this county.

< >ne of the well-to-do farmers of Henning township. Otter Tail county. Minnesota, who has made a large success of his chosen vocation because he has followed modern methods in farming, is Charles Peppling, a native if Sweden, where he was born on October 13. 1862.

Mr. Peppling is the son of Andrew and Charlotte (Rask) Peppling, both ->! whom wen- natives "i Sweden. In [883 they came to America and settled in Otter Tail county, where they lived with their son, Charles, until their deaths. Mr. Pepling's father died in July, [913, at the age of eightytwo, and hi- mother in rQo8, at the age of seventy-three. They were the parents uf seven children, uf whom four are deceased. The names of the children, in the order uf their births, are: Alfred, deceased: Charles. Hulda,

Charles Peppling was educated in the public schools of his native land and in r88i came to Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Mr. Peppling walked to Pelican Rapids, Otter Tail count}-, and. for some time, worked on neighboring farms. In 1887 he moved to Henning township and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of school land. Three years later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in section 25, where he now lives. All of the buildings which are now standing upon this farm Mr. Peppling erected. He built a good residence in 1908. Altogether he now owns four hundred and forty acres of land in Henning township and twenty acres of timber in Inman township. He is a general farmer and stockman.

Mr. Peppling has heen prominent as a citizen for many years. He served as supervisor for fifteen years. He is a stockholder in the Henning Farmers' Shipping Association and in the Henning Creamery Association. He is also a stockholder in the farmers elevator at Henning. Mr. Peppling is a member of the Swedish Baptist church, of Henning. He is unmarried.

William J. Henderson

Born in Canada, April 13, 1864. William J. Henderson, a prosperous farmer of Inman township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is the son of Frank and Sarah (McKnight) Henderson. Mr. Henderson's father was a native of Ireland and his mother of New York state, born at Albany. The former came to Canada from Ireland and after his marriage in Canada. moved to Blue Earth. Minnesota, in 1865, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land. In 1879 he came to Otter Tail county and settled in Elmo township, taking a homestead in section 30. He died on this old homestead farm in 1004, at the age of sixty-five. His wife died about 1900, at the age of fifty-five. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom are living, Jennie, William. .Marietta and Marion (twins). Frank, Sarah. Anna and David.

William J. Henderson was reared on a farm in Blue Earth county, Minnesota. Tie was educated in the public schools of that county and accompanied his parents in [879 to Otter Tail county, where he has since been engaged in fanning. In [896 Mr. Henderson purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 21, of Inman township. lie is a general farmer and stockman and has heen very successful.

In 1891 William I. Henderson was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Mason, who was born in Wisconsin and who is the daughter of George and Harriet (Hodgson) Park. They came to Parkers Prairie. Minnesota, June 7. [871. Mrs. Henderson's father died in 1000, but her mother is still living, at the age oi seventy-two years. Mr and Mrs. Wiliam J. Henderson have nine children, all of whom arc living, Alice, Frank, William. John, Sidney, Olando, Reuben, Nellie and Guy.

Mr. Henderson has served as township clerk of Innian township for nineteen years. He was also clerk of the school board for twenty years The Hendersons arc members of the Methodist church.

The late Lars Olson Tommeraas, who was a prominent farmer and well-known educator of Trondhjem township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota. was born in Norway, in the year [826, and following his education in the public schools of his native country, became a school teacher, a profession which he pursued until [877, when, having married. Lars Olson Tommeraas came to America and located in Otter Tail comity, Minnesota. For one year after reaching Otter Tail county, Lars Olson Tommeraas continued in his \\orl< as a school teacher and then preferring farm life, he bought one hundred and -i\p acres of land in section 30, Trondhjem township, a place to which he added eight} acres, subsequently, and then followed general agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1906.

During the year [876 Lars Olson Tommeraas was married to Julia Gunderson, who was horn in Norway on July 31. 1X4(1. the daughter of well-known people of her native locality. Lars Olson and Julia Tommeraas were the parents of die following children: Olaf, who married Matilda Rudh and now lives on the home farm with six children. Cyrus, Bernice, Bertram, Evelyn, Edna and Curtis; Gilbert and Gustov, who arc deceased; Christina, who married, Harry Ranger, to whom have been horn four children, Elizabeth, Alois, Orpha and Joyce; Lewis, cashier of the Kent, Minnesota, hank, who married \ mlet Ranger, and to whom has been born one child, Lois; Gilbert, who is a school teacher; Oscar and Enevold, who are twins, the former who was married to Merticc Stearns, of Detroit. Minnesota, in 1812, is assistanl cashier of the Kent. Minnesota, bank, and the latter proprietor of a pool room and candy store at McVille, North Dakota: Alma, who i- a school teacher; Effie was married in 1015 to Benjamin A. Helland, assistant cashier of the hank at Perley, Minnesota; Minnie, who is a school teacher.

I ars I Hson [ommeraas was a man who lived a most active and useful life, he, while a resident of hi- native country, having served his community not only as a notably efficient teacher in the public schools of that country, hut he was a leader in public and official circles of bis locality, serving in various offices and as a member of organizations and societies having for theii objeel the promotion of the general welfare. As a pioneer school teacher in Otter Tail count}-, Minnesota, Lars Olson Tommeraas performed inestimable service to his locality and the county in general, giving of his time and experience for the upbuilding of the public school system and the training of the children of his township and the vicinity. In the death of Lars Olson Tommeraas. Trondhjem township and Otter Tail county lost one of its most valued citizens.

Ole Lyksett

The list of Otter Tail county agriculturists would be incomplete were the name of Ole Lyksett omitted from these pages. He has set an example "i steadfast integrity, and stands today as one of the representative men in his line, holding the confidence of his community, and giving honest measure in return for all he receives.

Ole Lyksett, farmer. Elizabeth township, was horn on February 28, t86i, in Wisconsin, and received his education at the public schools of that state. Alter his marriage he located firsl in Waseca county, where he bought one hundred and sixt) acres and followed farming until two years ago. when he moved to this township. In religion. Mr. Lyksett belongs to the Lutheran church, in the work of winch he has always taken an active part and has been a Sunday school teacher for many years. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and has held some of the township offices, among them being that of school board trustee, and is the present school treasurer, lie came to this county because of the encouraging prospects, and has done well in a financial way.

Ole Lyksett, father of the subject of tins sketch, was horn in Norway, and was united in marriage with Alline Erikson, also a native of that coun try. Vfter their marriage they came to America about 1N50. and settled 111 Wisconsin, where he followed fanning on a tract of eighty acres, located near Kewaunee, where Mr. Lyksetl died in May. [881. This union was blest with four children: Lars, deceased: Lars, Edward, deceased, and Ole. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Lyksett was married to Ole Christianson, by whom she had three children: (diaries, Mattic and Lena Christenson. Mrs. Christenson died in ioi_\ The parents of Ole Lyksett were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and his stepfather was a sol dier in the Civil War. serving about -i\ months during the latter part.

Ole Lyksett was united in marriage, November 17. [890, with Sarah Vieg, daughter of Syvert Vieg. She was horn in Norway and came with her parents to America. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyksett have been horn six children- Helen, Sylvan, Harold. Eva, Alice and Melvin. Helen is the only married one of this family of children. She became the wife of Walter Lloyd and has one child. Thc\ reside at ^rgyle, Minnesota.

Mr. Lyksett bears a reputation in his community that would do credit to any man of honest principles. He is quiet and unassuming in manner, and among those who know him he is held in high esteem.

Martin Benson

Martin Benson, a well-known citizen of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and one of the leading business men of this city, who is engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, has achieved success largely because of his strict attention to business, of which he is a profound student.

Mr. Benson is a native of Sweden, where he was born on June 9, i860. He is the son of John and Olive 1 ( >kkerholm) Benson, the former of whom was a painter by trade and the latter passed the greater part of her life in her native land. Mr. Benson's uncle was a captain in the Swedish army and, after the death of John Benson, he assumed the place of a parent to young Martin, who at the time was but seven years old. The mother's family has furnished many professional men to her native land.

In 1878 Martin Benson came to America, being but eighteen years old at the time. He came direct to Otter Tail county, obtaining his first employment in Pelican Rapids with O. E. Blyberg, with whom he remained for six or seven months. Realizing the advantage of an education, he attended the public schools and acquired a good education. He afterward learned the trade of a flour-miller, which occupation he followed for twenty-two years, during which time he was head miller of several different mills. In 1888, being then at Red Lake Falls, he was called by Joe Featherstone, who knew his ability as a miller, to come to Fergus Falls to take charge of the old Red River null, which .Mr. Featherstone hail rented. Mr. Benson came to Fergus Falls, remodeled the mill and conducted it for one year. when, being offered tin- po head miller of the new Otter Tail mill, which was

In May, [898, VIr. Benson desired to engage in the furniture and undertaking business, confident that there was an opening for such business, and his wonderful success has proved the wisdom of the course he pursued, rle opened a store in a small way on the north side of Lincoln avenue and his business increased 50 rapidly that six months later he secured a larger building in the Ulen and Cuttler block on Lincoln avenue west. In [903, he purchased a block on Hi. cornet of Lincoln ami Court street, where he is at present engaged in the same line of business, which ha- grown to such an extent thai hi' occupies the entire block from the main street back to the alley, three stories high He carries one oi the largest and best selected stocks of furniture, carpets, rugs, draperies, linoleums and undertaking supplies anywhere in the Northwest. Mr. Benson is one of the first state licensed embalmers in the Northwest and is considered one of the foremost and most progressive funeral directors in the state.

In 1914, Air. Benson added to his already large establishment a new and up-to-date funeral chapel with a seating capacity of at least one hundred and fifty, which is absolutely free to patrons wishing to make use of it for funeral occasions. In connection with the chapel, the upper floor is the casket show room, where such goods can be found from the cheapest to the best. In another department in the same building is contained the embalming room, dressing room, etc., equipped with all modern improvements and appliances. The building is steam-heated, electric-lighted, has water and sew er connections and no expense has been spared in making this establishment the best of its knid in the Northwest.

Mr. Benson has held many important offices in the Minnesota State Funeral Directors Association and has had the honor to attend a great many national conventions as state delegate, which has been both instructive and enjoyable.

Always interested in the welfare and prosperity of the city of Fergus Falls, Mr. Benson has contributed both time and money to that end and was once a member of the city council. Mr. Benson is also interested in many different enterprises in the city and is one of the directors in the new Farmers and Merchants State Bank and is in possession of a good deal of property, otherwise including a handsome new home just completed.

.Mr. Benson is an active member in the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Daughters of Rebekah, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Royal Arcanum, the Modern Woodmen, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Chippewa Club.

A I r. Benson was married at Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, in 1882, to Julia Moe, a native of Norway, who came to America with her mother, sisters and brothers when she was but seven years old, her father having died in Norway. They were among the early settlers of Otter Tail county. Mr. and Mrs. Benson are the parents of f<>ur children, as follow: Otto D.. Mary A., Bennie \. and Annie R. Of these children. Otto married Effie Carsten and has one son, Donald. Annie married Robert Vedeen, of Detroit, Minnesota, and has one son, < )ttis. Otto and Bennie are employed in their father's establishment. Mary is a school teacher. All of the children are graduates of the Fergus Falls high school.

Mr. and Mrs. Benson and family are devoted members of the Norwegian Lutheran Synodical church, to which they have belonged for thirt.3 fi-h> years and where their children have all been baptized and confirmed. They arc all enjoying high esteem and respect in the church as well as in the entire community.

Ole Andrew Olsen Bonlie

Among the well-known and successful men of Otter Tail county is Ole Andrew Olsen Bonlie, who is a native of Norway, having been born in that country on April 19, 1850, being the son of Hansold and Kare Olsen, both of whom were born in Norway. The Olsens came to the United States in [856, at first locating at Black Earth, Dane count)', Wisconsin. In 1858 they removed to Iowa county, where they remained for four years, after which they took up their residence in McLeod county, Minnesota, in 1862, and in 1877 they moved to Clay county, this state, where the mother died in 188S; the father died at Fargo. North Dakota, in 1901.

Ole Andrew Olsen Bonlie was educated in the common schools of Dane county, Wisconsin, and in the schools of Iowa comity. After completing his education, he became a carpenter and engineer, which occupations he followed for many years. Mr. Bonlie also devoted much of his time to farming, in which he has been successful. His first farm was a homestead, which he entered in 1877, in Clay county, Minnesota. He was located in Morehead at this time and worked at his trades. Although not active in the cultivation of his farm, he was always interested in agriculture.

After a residence of some years in Morehead, Mr. Bonlie sold his farm near there and in 1880 came to Otter Tail county, where he purchased eight}- acres of land in section 9, Candor township. By close application and diligent work he has improved the tract until today he has one of the besl developed farms in the township, with good buildings and fences. Mr. Bonlie practices general farming and devotes much of his time to the raising of much stock, both of which receives his most careful attention.

Ole \. O Bonlie was married, in 1873, to Bertha Frederickson, who was horn in Norway, July _'5. [853, where she grew to womanhood and received her education. Her mother, Ellen Frederickson, died the same year that Mrs. Bonlie was born, and her father. Frederick Frederickson, died when she was a mere child. She remained in her native country until she was nineteen years oi age, al which time she came to^Arnerica and settled in Minnesota.

Mr. and Mrs. Bonlie are the parents of the following children: Carolina, Anton Herman, Edward, Hattie, Anton, Charles, Fred. Anna and Bertha, all of whom are alive with the exception of Carolina. Anton Herman and Charles.

John Nordgaard

A well-known and prosperous farmer of Trondhjem township, Otter Tail count}-, Minnesota, is John Nordgaard, who was born in Norway, March 28, 1864, he being the son of Staius and Mana Nordgaard, who were natives of Norway. Staius Nordgaard came to America in 1867, and settled in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he lived for four years and then moved to Otter Tail county and homesteaded eighty acres of land in Trondhjem township, section 9, a place to which the elder Nordgaard added eighty acres, at a later time, and where he now lives in retirement. Mana, the wife of Staius Nordgaard, died in 1876. Staius and Mana Nordgaard were the parents of two children. Staal and John.

Following his education in the schools of Fillmore and Otter Tail counties, Minnesota, John Nordgaard became a farmer, taking possession of Lhe home farm, a place to which Mr. Nordgaard added eighty acres and where he now lives and cultivated his choice farm of two hundred and forty acres. In addition to his general farming, John Nordgaard engages in the raising of considerable good grade live stock.

During the year iSqq John Nordgaard was married to Dena Rynes, a native of Otter Tail county, and the daughter of Bernt and Ellena Rynes, who came from Norway to America in 1870, and located in Otter Tail county, where Bernt Rynes now lives a retired life. John and Dena Nordgaard are the parents of the following children: Ella and Mabel (twins), Selmer, Ehvena and Bertha. In the year 1908 Dena, the wife of John Nordgaard. died, after which, in the year IQ12, Mr. Nordgaard was married, secondly, to Mar)- Watternoe, of Trondhjem township. To this marriage no children have been born.

William C. Krueger

Among the well-known farmers of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, the proprietor of one hundred and sixty acres in section 2, of Bluffton township, and an active dairyman in this community is the man whose name heads this biographical sketch.

William C. Krueger was horn in Dodge county, Wisconsin, on April 28, [862, the son of William and Wilhelmina (NelD Krueger, both natives of Germany, the former born in 1838 and the latter about 1840. The paternal grandfather. Christian Krueger, came to America about 1842 and settled in Jefferson county, near \\ atertown, Wisconsin, where he lived until his death. He was the father of live children, Fred. John. August, William and a daughter.

b) his parents to America at the tender age of four years, and. the family having settled in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, was reared to manhood in that county. Wilhelmina Nell came to America with other members of her family when a girl of fifteen years of age and settled in Woodland, Wisconsin. She met her future husband, William Krueger, in Dodge count}', Wisconsin, and was married to him in that county. William Krueger had been a farmer and merchant at Hustis Fort, Wisconsin, but removed from thai place in the spring of 1X76 to Good Thunder, Blue Earth county. Minnesota, where he engaged in the mercantile business for one year. After selling oui his business interests in Good Thunder, he removed to Henderson, Minnesota, where he bought a farm comprising two hundred acres of partially improved land in Sibley county, where he lived until the fall of 1913. He then sold this farm and removed to a farm about one and onehalf miles from St. Peter, adjoining the farm of the asylum, where he died on August 1. mil Mis beloved wife survived him and is still living at a very mature age.

I<> William and Wilhelmina (Nell) Krueger were born nine children. as follow: Frank, a fanner living near Drake. North Dakota; William C. the subject of this sketch; Fred, who died at the age of thirty years at Henderson; Julius, a traveling salesman living at Flasher, North Dakota; Peter, a farmer residing at Bemidji; Flora, who married Adolphus Boden, and died quite earl) m life; Anna, the wife of Paul Carpenter, who lives at St. Peter, Minnesota : Philip, who lives at New Salem. North Dakota. and Albert, who farms the home farm near St. Peter.

William C. Krueger received his elementary education in the evening schools of St. Paul, where be had gone as a young man to make his way in the world. Alter working in various wholesale houses in St. Paul for about fifteen years, he removed to Buffalo Lake. Renville county. Minnesota, where he engaged in the saloon business for a period of six years. While working in St. Paul he had invested his savings in railroad land situated 111 1 liter Tail and Wadena counties. Consequently, in 1905, upon (putting the saloon business in Buffalo Fake, he moved to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 2, of Bluffton township, which he had but recently purchased. This land had been homesteaded, and, aside from a few log buildings, contained no further improvements. Determined to improve the farm, Mr. Krueger began to clear the land, to build fences and to erect a frame house. Later he enlarged his house and, in the fall of iou. erected .1 new and modern barn, thirty by ninelv feel, with two additions, fourteen silo and in fact is up-to-date and modern in every detail. In addition to his home farm, he still possesses the railroad land comprising one hundred and sixty acres.

On September 2, 1891, William C. Krueger was married to Mary Zeigo, a native of Grafton, Ozaukee county. Wisconsin, the daughter of Charles Zeigo, an old settler of that state. Charles Zeigo was a soldier in the Civil War, having served in Company C, Thirty-fourth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He died at Winona, Minnesota, at the home of his son, Herman, on March 23. 191 5. at the age of ninety-three years. His remains were interred in Fergus Falls, beside those of his wife, who died on October 24, 1897. To Mr. and Mrs. Krueger have been born three children, namely: William A., born on July 18. 1892; Arthur H., November 26, 181)7, and Louis E. (Pat). May 6, 1901.

William C. Krueger has been prominent in the political circles of Bluffton township, and, as a Republican, has served as both school treasurer and a- justice of the peace. Both he and his beloved wife are devoted members of the Lutheran church, and he is a member of the Order of the Sons of Herman. He has commanded the respect and esteem of the people of Bluffton township and is well known in the social and agricultural circles of his community.

Charles H. Bowmax

Among the respected and successful agriculturists of Eagle Lake township, ( >tter Tail county, Minnesota. Charles H. Bowman is a worthy citizen. He is a native of St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and his birth occurred on January 17. 1875. He is one of six children born to the union of James H. and Mary L. (Caldwell) Bowman, natives of New York and Ohio, respectively. The names of their children follow, in the order of their birth: John R., Belle. J. P.. Melissa, Charles and Kattie. Jam- II Bowman removed from his native state to Ohio, but shortly after changed hi- location to Wisconsin, where he met and married Mary L. Caldwell. In 1873 they removed to St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and in [875 purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land (under the soldier's right), which was under the direct management of James H. Bowman until his death, on July to, 1909. During the Civil War he enlisted in Company K. Twenty-second Regiment. Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served his country as a brave and loyal soldier for three years. Mary L. Caldwell was a daughter of Robert and Ann Caldwell, who died in the state of Ohio and St. Olaf township, Titter Tail county, Minnesota, respectively. The paternal grandfather of Charles IT. Bowman was James Bowman, a native <>f New York, whose death occurred in that state. His wife died in Iowa.

I harles H. Bowman received his education in the schools of Otter Tail county, .Minnesota, and has always remained on the old home place, where his mother, Alar)- L. (Caldwell) Bowman, also lives. In 1901 Charles H. Bowman was united in marriage to Amanda Edlund, and they are the parents of these children: Lorena, Ernest, Clifford and Vernon.

Charles II. Bowman, his wife and mother are all members of the Presbyterian church, and are actively engaged in the support and advancement of this denomination. Charles H. Bowman is a member of the Sons of \ eterans, and is now serving his fourth year as township assessor. He was clerk of school district No. 114 for seven years, and for the past two years has been secretary and treasurer of the Midway Mutual Telephone Company.

John Duberowski

John Duberowski is a native of Ohio, being born there on May 15, 1872. His parents, William and Wilhelmina (Brockop) Duberowski, were natives of Germany. The father of John Duberowski came to America in 1 87 1 and after his marriage settled in Cleveland, where he worked in a car-shop and lived for ten years. He brought his family to Minnesota in 1880 and bought the farm of one hundred and sixty acres where he and his son, John, now live, and where his wife died. Their children are John, Emma and Ida. By a previous marriage, Mrs. Duberowski was the mother of three children, whose father's name was Schultz. These children are named Gusta, Andrew and Minnie.

John Duberowski had only limited educational advantages. Attending the local schools he was obliged to discontinue his education in order to make a livelihood. Purchasing forty acres about one mile southeast of his present home, he began his independent career as a farmer. He later acquired forty acres more and after eleven years' residence there, he returned to the old home place, where lie has erected all of the buildings excepting the dwelling, lie now owns one hundred and twenty acres and his father IS the owner of fort}' acres.

On December 27, 1898, John Duberowski was married to Anna Brockopp, who was born in German] 1 mi September jo, t88o, and came to America at the age of three with her parents. She is the daughter of Fred and Wilhelmina Brockopp, of Effiington township, this county. They came from Germany in [883. The mother died in 1911, her husband having prelier in January, 1903. lie farmed on eighty acres of land. Mrs. Duberowski ha- three sisters and one brother, nameh : Bertha, Gusta, Otto and Emma, named in the order of their birth, she being the third born. To Mr. and Mrs. Duberowski were horn s,\ children, of whom the eldest son. Tohnie, who was limn on January 22. iqoo. is deceased. The others are:

Paul, born on September 6, 1902; Vivian, November 5, 1906; Lulu, October 9, 1909; Myrtle, May 25, 1911, and Geneva, March 22. 1913. Their parents are members of the German Lutheran church, which was also the religious affiliation of Mrs. Duderowski's family.

Such has been Mr. Duderowski's activity outside of his vocational work that he has retained a keen interest in all that concerns the welfare of the commonwealth in which be lives. A devoted father and husband, a kind, considerate neighbor, a man of broad sympathies, it is not surprising that he has many rinse friends among the residents of this county.

John Bye

John Bye is one of those men who. by diligent effort and honesty, have earned the respect of thejr fellow citizens and a comfortable competency as well. He is a native of Norway and is the son of Nels and Martha (Hansnn 1 live, also natives of Norway, who remained in their native land until their deaths. Nels Bye was a farmer and the father of three sons : Ole, Christian and John, John being the second born.

John Bye emigrated to \merica in 1872, at the age of twenty-three years of age, his birth having occurred on January 1, 1849. Finding the education already received inadequate to the needs of his new life, he attended school for one winter after his arrival in this country. For seven years he engaged in various occupations, mostly in Wisconsin, and in 1879 removed to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. In t88o he was successful in winning the hand of Liza Kjer and, with the new responsibilities of home making, he became interested in operating for himself. With this view in mind, an homestead was purchased consisting of one hundred and twenty-three acres, located in Eagle lake township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and immediate improvements w<re begun. Forty acres have been added to the original property, and it is now well improved. There have been born three children to the union of John Bye and Liza Kjer, namely: Martha, Nels J. and Hans A. Mrs. Bye died "ii February -'. [909. John Byi is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, in which his wife was also an earnest worker.

John Bye has proven hi- worth to the community by his having been appointed to offices of trust, time and again, holding the office of township assessor for a period of seventeen years. He has also served his fellow citizens in the capacity of township clerk and as justice of the peace, also as clerk of the school district, and has been secretary of the church congregation the past thirty-three wars. That be his discharged all duties to the best of his ability and has given conscientious service, denotes him to be of Sterling character and the confidence reposed in him has not been misplaced.

Knut X. Sonmor

Like many of the prosperous and progressive tanners of St. Olaf townhsip, in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, Knut X. Sonmor, of this -ketch, has found time from his busy life to devote a part of his talents and ability to the welfare of the community, as a result of which he is one of those citizens who have won a place of note among the men of the township and county for their efforts and unselfish interest in the development and advancement of their communities. As a result of his success in agricultural pursuits and because of his place in the public life of the locality. Knut X. Sonmor is entitled to a place among the prominent citizens of the community.

Knut X. Sonmor was born on the Sonmor homestead in St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, on October 22, 1869, the son of Nels and I'ettronille Sonmor, both of whom were natives of Norway. Nels Sonmor was a farmer of that country until the year 1866, when he came to America and after a year of residence in the state of Iowa, he came to St. Olaf township, Otter I ail county, Minnesota, and secured one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he built a log cabin for a home, aftet which he broke up the sod of his new possession, cultivating his land successfully and later added to his holdings until he was the owner of three hundred and fifty acres of well-tilled and highly-productive land. From the days when this pioneer farmer came to St. Olaf township, making the trip from St. (loud. Minnesota, by ox team, until later when he was a wellto-do farmer, he was compelled to suffer many privations and hardships, due to the distance from market, where he could sell his produce and bin his supplies; but with a spirit >'i determination and a persevering nature, Nels Sonmor was able to rise above his drawbacks and become one of the more prosperous nun of agricultural life in the community. Xcls Sonmor and his wife were the parents of live children, Jacob Knut. the subjeel of tin- sketch, Martin. Nels and Mary. In church circles Nels Sonmor was a man known to be especially active, giving largely of his time and effort for the work of the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which he was a prominent member. Politically, the elder Sonmor was an ardent Republican,

Knut X Sonmor received his education in the common schools of St. Olaf township, < M ter 'fail county, Minnesota, after which he helped his father on the home farm for some lime. In the year 1N01 he went to Polk county, Minnesota, where be engaged in the restaurant business for three wars, following which he returned to St. Olaf township, Otter Tail county, and rented a farm on which he lived for about two years, [n the year [805, after his marriage, Knut X. Sonmor went to Wadena county, Minnesota, where h< homesteaded eighty acres of land, where he farmed until the year [898, at which time he came hack to Tordenskjold township, this county, and bought eighty acres of land, farming there until the year 1900, when he bought the old home farm of one hundred and ninety-six acre-. where he now lives, engaged in general farming and stock raising.

During the year 1005 Knut X. Sonmor was married to Alary Johnson, who was horn on November jt. [869, the daughter of Ole Jensen and wife, and to this marriage have been born the following' children: Mae. Julia. Ruth, Oscar, (dare, Johnnie and Nellie. Knut X. Sonmor and his familv are members of the Norwegian Lutheian church.

In the public and official life of St. Olaf township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, Knut X. Sonmor has taker, his part willingly, and he is a citizen who for seven years served the office of township assessor and for six years served as treasurer of the school board, with well-known ability and tact. Politically. Mr. Sonmor is independent of party in local affairs, preferring to be of use and service to his community wherever he can. without regard to party or creed.

Claes Alfred Lundberg

Far away Sweden has contributed mam a thrifty farmer and good citizen to this county, none of win mi stands higher than Claes Lundberg, who came here with his parents when he was only fifteen year-- old. He was burn in Sweden, February 17, [856, and is the sun of Johanas and Mary (Anderson) Lundberg, both natives of Sweden. The mother of Claes Lundberg was the second wife of his father, with whom she came to America in [871. 'I hey journeyed from St. Cloud to Parkers Prairie in a primitive wagon drawn by two faithful oxen. It was July 25 or 2~ when they arrived in the littl town which for many years has been their home and thai of their children. Mr. Lundberg, while a carpenter, also acquired one hundred and sixty-acres in Eastern township as a hometsead, and here he died Dii March 21, 1873, leaving a widow and two children, the eldest being the subject of tin-- sketch and the youngest being Fred, who is now a farmer in Plentywood, Montana. The mother lived until October 15, [882. By a previous marriage, Mr. Lundberg was the father of six children, all of whom an' deceased.

Claes A. Lundberg. who was educated in the common schools of Swe den. came to lln^ country in his youth and on March 7. 1N77. took up a homestead of a quarter section where he now lives, in section jo. Eastern township. Here he cleared the laud and built a home and other equipment.

In 1884 Claes V Lundberg was married to Tilda Anderson, who was born in Sweden, where her father. Vndres Anderson, lived and died. Onl) one child, a son, \uguM \lfred. is at In. me. the other child, a daughter, named Mary Alfield, being deceased. Mrs. Tilda Lundberg died on December 26, 1914. Mr. Lundberg has been prominent in this community and has served as supervisor and member of the school board. He is an enterprising and painstaking workman, a loyal citizen, upholding always the good, a devoted husband and father, and a man whose conduct and career have been guided by principles of right and justice.

Lawrence P. Stenstrom

Lawrence P. Stenstrom, who for more than thirty-six years has been an active minister of the Swedish Lutheran church, in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, was born in Sweden on Tune 18. 1843, he being the son of Jacob Peter Stenstrom and Gustava Elizabeth Martinson, both of whom were born in Sweden. Jacob Peter Stenstrom died in 1845. His widow, Gustava Elizabeth Stenstrom, were the parents of two children, John J. and Lawrence Peter, J. P. Stenstrom and his family were active members of the Swedish Lutheran church in their native country.

Lawrence Peter Stenstrom was educated in the public schools of his native country, and after his marriage, in Sweden, he came to .America in 1872 and located in the state of Pennsylvania, near the city of Warren, where Mr. Stenstrom made his home for seven years and then moved to Otter Tail county. Minnesota. On reaching Otter Tail county, Lawrence Peter Stenstrom became the minister of the Elizabeth, Minnesota, Swedish Lutheran church, he since having been in charge of the church at Fergus Falls. Pelican Rapids, Erhardt and Amor. The Reverend Stenstrom is now the minister to the churches at Elizabeth and at Erhardt, Minnesota. Lawrence Peter Stenstrom has been a minister of the Swedish Lutheran church during a term of thirty-six years. Tn addition to his ministerial work, the Reverend Stenstrom cares for the activities on his farm of one hundred and two acres, located in Elizabeth township, Otter Tail county.

Lawrence I '. Stenstrom, on January 21, 1866, was married to Julia Charlotte Stenstrom, and to this marriage have been horn nine children, Svan. Gothold, Samuel, T'oseph, Gabriel, I'.ina. Ruth. Miriam and Nina

Laurits M. Heggen

Laurits M. Heggen, the -on ,,f Martin L. and \1111 lleggen. was born in Fillmore county, this state, on March 28, 1872. The parent- were natives of Norway and came to the United States in [869, landed in the Xew York and moved direct to Fillmore county, where the father worked for others For seme four years. \fier deciding to seek a new location, he walked to Ottei Tail countv, where he purchased eisrhtv acres of land and then returned afoot to his home tor his family. Having them established in their new home he returned with an ox team for the family supplies. He later bought more land. He lived for seven or eight years in Fergus Falls, but returned to the home farm two years ago. where he now lives, the wife having died in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Heggen were the parents of the following children: Ingaborg, Christine, Laurits, Adolph i deceased ) . Anton, Julia, Samuel and Martin.

Laurits M. Heggen received his education in the common schools of Otter Tail county, where he has lived the greater part of his life. On March 9, 1898, he was married to Carrie Rude, who was a native of Norway. They are the parents of five children : Arthur, Myrtle. Mauris, Clarence and Arnold, all of whom are at home.

Mr. Heggen purchased his farm of one hundred and fifty-two acres in Oscar township in 1898. He has improved and developed the place and erected most of the buildings.

Mr Heggen. besides owning his most excellent farm, is the owner of stock in the Farmers Elevator Company at Rothsay and in the Farmers Telephone Company. He is a successful farmer and business man, and one of much influence in his community.

Tohn G. Haggstrom

The present age demands of men who are to attain a position of prominence in the world, self-reliance, industry and an unswerving devotion to duty. All of these elements of character have been exemplified in the life of John G. Haggstrom, who has gained more than ordinary recognition in the agricultural field. He who is the subject of this sketch was born on January 1. 1853. in Sweden, and is the son of Gustav Pearson and Mary M. (Greta) Pearson, both of whom were born in Sweden. The parents of John G Haggstrom never left their native land, where they lived on an old homestead, to come to America as most of their neighbors were doing at that time. They were devout members of the Lutheran church.

John G. Haggstrom came to this country in 1869, at the aye of sixteen years. He landed at Quebec, Canada, practically alone and without friends upon whom he could rely until he was started in the business world. He went first to Detroit, Michigan, and then to Chicago. In Lockport, Illinois, where tin subject of tin-; sketch finally took up his residence, he worked for fourteen years in the stone quarries and as a carpenter of that community. The initial appearance of John G Haggstrom in Otter Tail county was made in December, of the year T882. ^fter remaining ai Pelican Rapids four months he moved, in 1883, to the town of Maine, where he bought fort) acres of land. In [884 he bought thirty-two acres of land and three years later added twenty-seven acres to his possessions. In 1900 he bought twenty-seven acres and seven years later added forty acres to his farm, which now extends over an area of one hundred and sixty acres. The farm is in an excellent state of improvement and the owner continues to keep it supplied with all modern conveniences.

John G Haggstrom was twice married, first to .Mary Johnson, the daughter of Jonas Johnson, on the 27th of June, [882. To this union were horn Amanda, who is a nurse in Moscow, Idaho; five children who died in childhood, and one son, who died at the age of twenty-two years. His first wife passed away on the 3rd of August, 1896. On the 4th of June. 1898, he was united in matrimony to Hannah Honson, the daughter of Hans Pearson, a native of Sweden, who never emigrated to this country. Mr. and Mrs. John (i. Haggstrom have two sons, Conrad and Gustaf Adolph, and are members of the Lutheran church, which they attend regularly, [n political affairs, the subject of this sketch has never taken a prominent part, hut has been content to devote his time to his agricultural interests. In traveling over the rural sections of the county, Mr. Haggstrom finds an automobile an indispensable convenience.

Torkel E. Risbrudt

Torkel K. Risbrudt is generally known throughout this section as a leader in public affairs, and as a citizen he is highly respected. He is the s. m of Engebret and Kari (Ellefson) Tarkelson, both natives of Norway, where his birth occurred on November 6, 1845. Engebret Tarkelson was horn on April _'o. [825, and emigrated to America in 1861. Immediately upon his arrival in this country, he located in Spring Grove Houston county. Minnesota, and the following year removed to Winneshiek county. Iowa. where he remained until [867. lie then removed to Douglas count)', Minnesota where he remained until May -'4. 1868, at which time he squatted mi land which was nut surveyed at the time, located in Si Olaf township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and continued to reside on that place until his death, on October ~. 1907. This home was purchased under the homestead law and consisted of one hundred and sixt) acres. Kari Ellefson was horn on September 24, 1 count v. Iowa-

Torkel E. Risbrudt of his native land and th a young man he squatte Olaf township, adjoining his father's farm, and paid ten dollars for his first sack of flour, which he purchased at Alexandria, Minnesota, and for which he borrowed the money. During the first years of his farming operations he did teaming in connection with his agricultural work and gradually added to his holdings until he owned four hundred and eighty acres of well-improved land. Before he began selling this property to his sons it was devoted to general farming and stock raising.

Forkel E. Risbrudt has seen many changes in this section, his first memory of Fergus Falls being but a lone log cabin in which he spent the night upon his first tr;p to thai town. Among the many offices which he has held are those of constable, assessor, chairman of township supervisors, township clerk and director. lie also served as treasurer of the township for sixteen years. Politically, he votes independently, and his religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church.

On March [8. [873, Torkel E. Risbrudt was united in marriage to Geuine Ellfson, and they are the parents of six children, whose names follow : Edward, Clara. Theodore, Christopher and Helena.

Ole M. Rude

Successful and prosperous as a farmer, alter some years of determined and persevering effort to reach a position of independence in the agricultural circles of Pelican township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, Ole M. Rude is a man who has shown his desirability as a citizen and has demonstrated his possession of those qualities which, used in matters of public welfare and progress for the community, have given him a rank among the appreciated men of Otter Tail county and 1'elican township.

Ole M. Rude was born in Norway. December 20, 1856. the son of Martin O. and Sigeri (Olson) Rude, both of whom spent their entire lives in Norway, where Martin O. Rude was a man engaged in general work,

Ole M. Rude, the subject of this sketch was educated in Norway, after which he came, in the year 1883, to America, landed at Quebec, Canada, and from there came to Otter Tail county, settling at Pelican Rapids, near where he worked for some years as a farm hand, engaged in clearing the land of the early settlers in Pelican township. In the year [88/ Ole M. Rude bought fort) acres of land 111 Pelican township, a place which he cleared of timber and brush, and where he erected the necessary buildings, on land which as yet was bare of any improvement. Since his first investment, Ole M. Rude has added to his land holdings until he now owns one hundred acres of land in Pelican township, and sixty-three acres of valuable land on the east side of Pake Luda. on this land engaging in general farming, together with some stock raising.

who was born 111 Norway, the daughter of Martin Broughten and wife, who were natives of Norway. To the marriage of Ok and Carrie (Martinson) Rude was born one son, Martin. In the year 1885 Ole M. Rude was married, secondly, t.o Carrie Jaeobson, who was a native of Norway, the daughter nf Jacob Haakensen and wife, who were among the early comers to Pelican town-hip. Ole M. and Carrie 1 Jaeobson) Rude are the parents of the following children: Jacob, Simon Henry, Minnie, Amalia, Carl Oscar, Lawrence George, Agnes Sophie, Clara Otthilia and Eddie Norman. Mr. Rude and his family are well-known and respected members of the United Lutheran church of Pelican township.

Politically, < Ik M. Rude has taken no especial part as an office holder or public man, but has served as a good citizen in the ranks, one who is known to be willing to do all in his power for the interests of his community.

Engebret L. Kvernstoen

Engebret L. Kvernstoen is of Norwegian parentage and was born in Norway. January 24, [865, his parents being Lars O. and Ingri CEmbretdatter 1 Kvernstoen, who emigrated to America in the spring of 1869. Upon their arrival in the United States they located in Iowa for one year, and then removed to Goodhue county. Minnesota. Their intentions were to eventually establish' a home in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and after remaining in Goodhue county for one year they began their journey to Tumuli township. Ingri ( F.mbretdatter) Kvernstoen traveling by team, accompanying Carl Steien and family, while the hsuband and children journeyed by rail as far as Benson, where they hired a team to take them to. Tumuli township, where they joined the mother. This was in the spring of 1871 and the} at once entered a homestead of one hundred and twenty acres, on which Engebret L. Kvernstoen now lives. Pars O. and Ingri ( Embretdatter ) Kvernstoen remained on this place until their deaths. Thev were the parents of four children, all of whom are deceased with the exception of Engebrel !.. Kvernstoen.

Engebret P. Kvernstoen received his meager education in the district schools of Tumuli township, Otter Tail county, and after finishing same, assisted his father with the work on the home place and has always remained on the farm. This farm now consists of two hundred acres, eighty acres having been added to the original purchase. General farming is the mode of cultivation, also some stock raising. The names of the brother and sisters of Engebret P. Kvernstoen are as follow: Ole. Anne and Kirsti.

Otto (deceased), Carl, Marie, Laura. Ottelie. Ruth and Otto. Engebret L. Kvernstoen and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. The paternal grandparents of Engebret L. Kvernstoen, Ole and Anna Kvernstoen, were natives of Norway and lived and died in that country, she at the advanced age of more than ninety rears.

Lars O. Ronning

Lars O. Ronning is a highly-respected citizen of Dane Prairie township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota. He has been very successful in his chosen calling, and his native ability, for honesty and worth, has won him many friends. Lars O. Ronning is one of nine children born to the union of Ole Larson Ronning and Ingeborg Anderson, both natives of Norwav. The birth of Lars O. Ronning occurred on December 31, 1845, in Norway, where be was reared to manhood and where all but two weeks of his education was received.

Ole Larson Ronning emigrated to America in t86~. and located in Goodhue county, Minnesota, when- he rented a farm for a period of two years, in the meantime sending for his family, consisting of his wife and nine children, who arrived in [868. They then removed to Chippewa county, Minnesota, where the father and his son, Lars O. Ronning, each entered a claim or homestead. Five years later Ole Larson Ronning sold his land and removed to Dane Prairie township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and purchased a homestead, where both he and his wife died. The youngest daughter still resides on the home place. The names of their children follow : Thor, Lars O., Anna, Mettie, Bertha, Julia. Ole, Christian and Sophia.

Lars O. Ronning is indebted to the schools of his native land for the education which he received. After his arrival in this country he attended school for a period of two weeks, but discontinued his studies for the opportunity of accepting a position as painter in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he remained for six years following his trade. He was united in marriage to Oleva Erickson, while a resident of Minneapolis, the marriage having been solemnized in 1S75. Three years later he removed to Dane Prairie township, Otter Tail count), and purchased eighty acres of homestead land. 111 which he now resides. While engaged in agricultural pursuits he has followed his trade most of the time and is now practically retired from active labor. Most of the improvements on the farm have been made by Lars O. Ronning, who has developed the place into a very productive piece of property. Ilis wife. Oleva (Erickson) Ronning, was born in Norway and emigrated, alone, to the United States, her parents having remained in Norway all of their lives. To the union of Lars O. Ronning and his wife

The members of this family are affiliated with the Norwegian Lutheran church and are actively engaged in the advancement and support of same. Lars O. Ronning was elected to serve in the capacity of supervisor for Dane F'rairie township and also as school director.

Knud C. Hansen

\moiig the prosperous financial institutions of Otter Tail county mention must be made of the First National Bank, of Battle Lake, which is a reorganization of the old Otter Tail County State Bank, and of which Knud C. Hansen is the cashier.

Knud C. Hansen was horn near Christiana. Norway, June 16. 1868, a son of Christopher Hansen Bye and Boel Skatvedt. After his marriage, Mr. Hansen's father dropped the "Bye," and used "Stovern" in its place. Both Mr Hansen's parents were born in Norway and spent their entire lives in that country. The elder Hansen was a farmer and reared a family of seven children, two of whom came to America, Helga, who is unmarried and lives in San Francisco, California, and Knud C, the immediate subject of this sketch.

Knud C. Hansen received his education in the public schools of his native land, and at the age of nineteen years came to America. For seven years he was employed as clerk in a store in Sargent county. North Dakota, hut in [895 removed to Battle Lake, this county, and engaged in business with T. A. Ranstad, under the firm name of Ranstad & Hansen, and was thus engaged in the hardware and implement business until IQ07, a period of twelve years. In 1^07 Mr. Hansen reorganized the old Otter Tail County State Bank into the hirst National Bank of Battle Lake, and was elected cashier of the institution, a position which he now holds.

The First National Bank of Battle Lake has as its president. Charles Keith: vice-president, Henry Olson; cashier, K. ( '. Hansen and assistant cashier, F. J. Rudh. A condensed statement from the report made to the comptroller of the currency on .May 1. 11)15. shows the hank to have total resources of $283,078.17, divided as follows: Loans. $213,613.61; overdraft-. $138.02; United States bonds, $25,000: banking house, $8,000; stock federal reserve hank. SX50.00: cash on hand and due from hanks. $34,226.54; redemption fund with United States treasurer. $1,250.00. The liabilities of the hank, which amount to $228,078. 17. are divided as follows; 1 apital stock, $25,000.00; surplus, $3,500.00; undivided profits. $1,263.03; circulation, $25,000.00; deposits, $228,315.14. The hank makes a specialty of farm loans at the lowest rates, and all matters entrusted to that institu- tion receive prompt, careful and confidential attention. The bank is in a most prosperous condition, due in a large measure to the efficient banking methods of its officers, and the cordial relations between the public and its cashier.

Knucl C. Hansen, since coining to America, has been identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and of the Modern Woodmen of America at Fergus Falls.

Johan A. Melby is a native of ( alniar. Winneshiek county, Iowa, and his birth occurred on February 2. 1869. He is the son of Andrew Johnson and Martha ( Osselson ) Melby. Andrew Johnson Melby was born in 1825, in Ida. Wermeland, Sweden, and emigrated to America when a young man, chosing Chicago as bis location. While a resident of that city he was engaged in various occupations, and while there his first marriage was solemnized. During the great struggle of the Civil War, Andrew Johnson Melby was drafted for service, lint was released because of disabilitv. \bout this time the death of his first wife occurred, and he returned to his native country, where he was employed for a dredging concern. For eight years he was a resident of Norway and Sweden, at the end of which time he returned to America, locating in Winneshiek county, Iowa. Shortlv after bis arrival in Winneshiek county he rented land and engaged in agricultural pursuits for some years, also operating a threshing outfit, of which he was the owner.

Andrew Johnson Melby was united in marriage to' Martha Osselson. a native of Gran, Hadland, Norway, who was born in 1832. She was a widow and the mother of one daughter, who died when very young. To the union of Andrew Johnson and Martha (Osselson) Melby were both these children: Johan. Mary, now Mrs. Guilder Hanson, died in Grant county; Caroline, deceased; Olat. deceased, and Anna, also deceased. In the fall of 1871 tin- family moved to St. Olaf township. Otter Tail countv, Minnesota, and purchased a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres, located in Eagle Lake township. Their home consisted of a "dugout," in which they lived for nine years, at the end of which time a log house was erected, and is still standing on the original site.

Johan A. Melby received bis education in the local schools of Eagle lake township, Otter Tail county. Minnesota, and has always resided on the home place, which he now owns. General farming and the breeding and raisin- of Shorthorn cattle are the principal industries of this farm, which is well improved and well managed. (1 8b)

Michael Vvalz

Among the progressive and influential citizens of Otter Tail county, Minnesota, none are held in greater esteem than Michael Walz, who has been honored with many positions of trust. His birth occurred on October 13, 1852, in Illinois, and lie is the son of Michael and Eva ( Schmidt) Walz, both natives of Germany. They emigrated to America in 1848 and located in Illinois, "/here Michael Walz engaged in agricultural pursuits. In c86o they removed to Stearns county. Minnesota, where a farm was purchased and this became their home until their deaths. They were the parents of fifteen children.

Michael Walz received his education in St. John's College and was graduated from that institution in 1868, after which he taught school for seven years in Stearns county, Minnesota. He then removed to Otter Tail county. Minnesota, locating in the town of 1'erham, where he engaged in the general mercantile business. He continued in this line for nearly fifteen years and then entered the banking business, organizing a private bankknown as the Weber, Kemper & Walz Hank. This bank was operated from 1890 until 1000, at which time Michael Walz sold his interest in the institution and dealt in real estate. In 1912 he organized the Perham Holding Company and became its secretary and manager, which position be occupied until 1915. He served the public as representative from 1903 until 1907.

In 1882 Michael Walz was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ries. and they became the parents of five children, whose names follow: Fred A.. Romeo P., Arthur R., and Katheryn M. and Antoinett M., who are twins. Michael Walz and his wife are devout members of the Catholic church, and Mr. Walz is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Edward L. Jenal

Edward L. Jenal is one of the representative citizens of the community of 1'erham, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and his progressive ideas have been of great benefit to the citizens. He is the son of J. P. and Katherine fGoeden) Jenal. and his birth occurred on November 3, 1879, in Cedar county. Nebraska. J. P. Jenal is a native of Switzerland and his wife is a native of Wisconsin. J. P. Jenal is engaged in the real-estate Imsincs^ and is located in Los Angeles, California.

Edward L. Jenal received his early education in the public schools of Hartington. Nebraska, graduating from the high school in that town. He then attended Creighton University, of Omaha. Nebraska, upon the completion of which he entered St. Vincent College, <>f Los \nge1es. California.

and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1902. Soon after this he became assistant cashier of the Pierce Comity Bank, in Pierce county. Nebraska, and occupied that position for six years. He then became assistant manager of the Chaffee-Miller Milling Company, in Castleton, North Dakota, which position he held for two years. In 191 1 he became manager of the Globe Milling Company, in Perham, Minnesota, and has retained that position until the present time.

In 1906 Edward L. Jena! was united in marriage to Florence Fay Hutton, and they are the parents of one child, Winnefred. Florence Fay (Hutton ) Jenzd is a native of Pierce, Nebraska.

Edward L. Jenal is a supporter of the Republican party and very active in promoting party principles. Both he and his wife are members of the Catholic church. Besides his other interests, Edward L. Jenal is financial secretary for the Perham Council No. 1773, Knights of Columbus, in which order he is a member.

Nils T. Skoglund

Every successful business man, it is said, leaves behind him a trail of accretions to the well-to-do classes. His children start with advantages of education, environment, easy command of capital. Their occupations, their standards of living are on a new plane. This is what Mr. Skoglund has done for his children and his community. He has been for twenty years a resident of this county and for fifteen years the township treasurer. Mr. Skoglund was born in Sweden on December 1, 1864, and is the son of Jens and Anna (Jenson) Jenson.

Jens Jenson, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a farmer by occupation. The maternal grandfather was a soldier in the Danish War. The father of Nils J. Skoglund, who was a laboring man, is still living in his native country of Sweden, but his wife has passed away. They were the parents of six children, namely: Sven, who lives in Sweden; Nils J., Peter and Anna, residents of the United States; Bengta, who lives in Sweden, and John, who died in America.

After finishing his education in his native state, the subject of this sketch did military service for two years. He then came to America in 1 89 1 and for the two following years worked on a railroad near Fargo, North Dakota, which was then his home. In 1895 ne came to this county, where he purchased a farm which is the site of his present home. In Eastern township he now owns two hundred and forty acres, upon which he has built substantial buildings and fences. He is a well-known raiser of Holstein cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. Skoglund's present possessions are an interesting contrast to his store of worldly goods when he arrived on the shores of America, for at that time he had been obliged to borrow the money with which he bought his ticket which was to bring him from the ( lid World.

The marriage which made Air. Skoglund and Elsie Christiana Pehrson man and wife took place in 1803. The bride had come to America with her parents when she was a child, her father, Andrew Fehrson. migrated to Fargo, North Dakota, and after a residence in that state came to this count}-, where he took up the occupation of farming. The children born in this household are: Edwin, Hilden, Telia, Delia, Rhode and Bernard.

Mr. and Mrs. Skoglund are interested in the Swedish Lutheran church, of which they are members. Mr. Skoglund is now occupying the office of township trustee, a position which he has filled with credit for the past fifteen years. He is interested in many business enterprises in Parkers Prairie, being vice-president of the Farmers Equity Association, of which he was one of the organizers and since its beginning a director. He is also a director of the Joy Creamery Company, located at Parkers Prairie. He is also vice-president of the Eastern Telephone Company and was one of its organizers, and has held the office he now holds, namely, the vice-presidency, since the beginning of the organization. The many positions of honor and trust which have been held by the above named gentleman classify him as one of the progressive, wide-awake citizens of Parkers Prairie. His life has been no small contribution to the general welfare of this community, who in return give him their respect and esteem.

When an ambitious youth starts out with no capital except his health and his determination to succeed and middle age finds him a representative of his chosen line of work, no better evidence is recpiired to show that in the beginning he possessed the necessary traits of character. Jens Christianson, a native of Sweden, was born there in July, i8f>6.

Christian Johnson and Anna Christianson, parents of the gentleman whose name appears above, were natives of Sweden, but came to America in r8c)3 to live with their son. Tens. The father was a working man in the old country. Here the) lived until their death.

Jens Christianson, the subject of this sketch, went to school in Sweden and came to America in December, [892. He journeyed to this township, where he has lived ever since. About a year after his arrival he bought eighty acre- and to this later added forty acres more, and again twenty acres. In 1909 he bought one hundred and twenty acres in section 28, of Eastern township, and later erected the buildings in which he and his family have lived and carried on their farm work.

Jens Christiansen was united in marriage to Mrs. Anna (Skoglund) Carlson, and to this union five children have been born, namely: Melvin, Ruth, Stella, Freda and Mildred. Anna Skoglund was first married to August Carlson, to which union were born two children, William and Agnes. Mr. and Mrs. Christianson are affiliated with the Swedish Lutheran church, in which they are active and devout members.

Mr. Christianson, besides his farming interests, is a stockholder in the Joy Creamery Company. He has been gifted with the qualities of perseverance and energy for which his countrymen are noted, and he richly deserves the prosperity which has come as. a result of his active, ambitious career.

William Tanglen

So sharp is modern competition that even the man who inherits an estate and is able to retain it is accredited rightfully with success. William Tanglen, a well-known farmer of Parkers Prairie, deserves mention here not only as a man who has attained recognition by reason of his material prosperity, but because, as a public servant, he has been honorable and upright in the discharge of his duty. William Tanglen, a native of the farm on which he now lives, was born on November 26, 1881, his parents being John and Louise (Peterson) Tanglen. both of whom were natives of Sweden.

The paternal grandfather of Mr. Tanglen was Peter Magnus, who lived and died in Sweden. The maternal grandparents were Peter and Ellen Hawkinson, the latter of whom died in Sweden, and her husband came to America in 1873, dying in Otter Tail county. Louise Peterson came to America in 1871 and lived at Stillwater, Minnesota. Her husband was educated in Sweden and came to the United States about i860, locating in Illinois, where he enlisted in the Fifteenth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer infantry. During the Civil War he was wounded and was in the hospital, but served until the close of the war.

John Tanglen then returned to Illinois for awhile and later came to Stillwater, where he met and married Mrs. Tanglen. After taking up various occupations, in i860 he began farming, homesteading a quarter section, the farm on which his son now lives, remaining there until his death, on June r<), 1902. His widow still lives on the farm. Tt is said that he and frank V>. Saunders were the lirst settlers of this township. Mr. and Mrs. John Tanglen are the parents of twelve children, of whom Minnie, the eldest. 1- deceased. The others are: Hilda. Mary. Matilda, Peter, Anna. William, l.vdia, Albena. Josie. Blanch and Walter. The parents belonged to the Lutheran church

William Tanglen, who has continued to live on the home place, has been a successful farmer, to which fact his well-cultivated and modernequipped farm as well as his beautiful new home, will bear testimony. Although not given to seeking public office or honors, Mr. Tanglen has served his community in an official capacity, and has also aided the movements which in his judgment contributed to the general good of the commonwealth of which he has become a prominent factor.

As a boy denied those things which are part of youthful life and without educational advantage or training; to be thrown upon the world with the necessity of relying on one's resources and, regardless of this handicap, to rise to a place of prominence in the business life of the community and to be given a place of note in the public affairs of the locality of his residence is the record of Andrew Andersen, who is one of the leading citizens of Otter Tail county and of New York Mills.

Andrew Andersen was born in Finland, February 18, 1854, the son of Andrew and Mary Huhtaketa, both of whom were born in Finland, where they lived on one of Andrew Huhtaketa's farms during their entire life. Andrew Huhtaketa and wife were the parents of eight children, of whom was Andrew Andersen, the subject of this sketch.

Andrew Andersen had opportunity for attending school but one day in his life and that when about eighteen years of age, shortly after which time he came to America and went to the state of Ohio, where he was employed on a railroad for some time and then later he engaged in general farm work, after which he went to Ashtabula. Ohio, and was there employed as a dockhand, until the year [879, when he came to Otter Tail county, Minnesota, and bought a farm of one hundred and forty acres of land in Leaf Eake township, land which as yet was uncleared. With a determination to succeed, Andrew Andersen proceeded to clear his newly-acquired land and for a home he built a log cabin, one which is in use to tin's day. During the year 1898 Mr. Andersen bought eighty acres of land located in the village of New York Mills, to which place he moved and became the agent for the Monarch Elevator Company, with which company he was employed until they became a part of the New York Mills Farmers Elevator Company, when he was continued a- the agent of the new proprietors.

During the year t88i Andrew Andersen was married to Mary E Runts, win. was born in Finland, the daughter of Eric Runts and wife, who at an early date emigrated to America and settled in Otter Tail count)-. Minnesota. To the marriage of Andrew and Mary Andersen were born the following children: Emil A., who i- manager of a store at 1 fibbing. Minne- sota; Huldah, a school teacher; John L., a farmer who lives on the home place; Ida, who lives at home; and Alma, George, William, Vernon, and twi i children who died in infancy.

Andrew and Mary Andersen are members of the Lutheran church at New York Mills and take an active part in the work of that congregation. In politics, Mr. Andersen is an ardent Republican.

Andrew Andersen is a man who amid his personal business affairs has found time to work in the interests of community good, and for those things which have had no small part in the development of the town and the county.

Christian Johanesen

A well-known farmer and man who has taken active interest in the affairs of Pelican township, Otter Tail county, Minnesota, is Christian Johanesen. Successful as a farmer and stock raiser, public spirited in his attitude to his community, and a man of force and personality so that he has become an influence among his associates and fellow citizens, he is a man who has a place among the prominent citizens of the township and county.

Christian Johanesen was born in Norway, October 30, 1859, the son of Johanes Hogenson and Martha Christianson, who were natives of Norway, in which country they lived until the year 1880, when they came to America, and located in Pelican township. Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where Johanes Hogenson bought twenty acres of land, which he farmed for the remainder of his days. To the marriage of Johanes Hogenson and Martha Christianson were born eight children. Agnes, Hakon, Christian, Mathias, Karen, Netta. Mathia and Marie.

I hristian Johanesen was educated in the public schools of Norway, after which he became a farmer, later, in the year 1882, coming to America and locating in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where he bought a farm of eighty acres of land, to which he subsequently added until he now has one hundred and sixty-six acres of well improved and highly cultivated land, on which he lives as a farmer and stock raiser.

During the year 1880 Christianson Johanesen was married, in Norway, to Marie Johanesen. daughter of Johanes Mekelsen and Agnets Haagenson. who came to America with their daughter and son-in-law and at their home lived fur fifteen years, after which the elder Mekelson and his wife died.

(hristian and Marie Johanesen are the parents of eleven children, Anna, Edins, Minna. Melvin, Carl, Hans. Alvin, Henry, Joseph and Clara. Mr. fohanesen and bis family are active members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

part, but has preferred to serve his community as a good citizen and as one ready to volunteer his services in those ways or places where he may be of use or benefit. Mr. Johanesen and his family are well and favorably known throughout the township, they being people who are highly respected and esteemed for their part in the life of Pelican township and of Otter Tail county.

August T. Sitz

A man of conspicuous affiliation in business and financial circles of Otter Tail county, one who in public life has served prominently and who has brought honor to his community as a representative in political association, a citizen who in the affairs of local life has been given a place second to none, the name of August J. Sitz takes a leading place in the record of life and event of Otter Tail county, and of the town of Xew York Mills.

August J. Sitz was born in the province of East Poland, near Schneidemuhl, Prussia, Germany, on June _'-|. 1851. the son of August and Dorothy (Utke) Sitz, both of whom were born in Germany, there grew to maturity and were married, after which August Sitz, Si\. took up a position as manager of a large farm in his native country, the duties of which he followed for seven years, and as compensation for which he received fifty dollars per year, bis bouse rent, the use of one cow and the wool from two sheep, this product being spun in the home. In the year [853 August Sitz, Sr., with bis family, came to America and went to the city of Milwaukee. Wisconsin, where lie engaged for some time in general work. Later he rented a farm in Milwaukee county, which be cultivated for four years and -beii be moved to Monroe county, Wisconsin, and bought a farm near the town of Tomah and lived there for about sixteen years, until bis death. which occurred in the year r88o. Dorothy Sitz, bis wife, lived the remainder of her life with her son. August, at New York Mills. Minnesota, she dying during the year r8o8. Kugust and Dorothy Sitz were devout members of the Evangelical Lutheran church. August Sitz, Sr.. was a man of Hunt and retiring disposition, preferring to live as a common citizen, rather than to hold public office or to take part in those things which would bring him before the public

To August and Dorothy Sitz were born three children: Louisa, who married Christopher Liefke. and who died near Tomah. Wisconsin; August, the subject of this sketch, and Augusta, who married ^.ugusl Spangler. and lives near Brainerd, Minnesota, where Mr Spangler is a moulder.

August 1- Sitz. the subjeel of this sketch, was educated in the public schools of Tomah, Wisconsin, and following bis school days be worked on a farm and then bought oul the heirs of bis father's farm and lived there until the year [883, when he came to the state of Minnesota and settled at New York Mills, near where he worked one season as foreman of a ditching gang \\h<> were employed on the construction of the Northern Pacific railway in thai locality. Later in the year August J. Sitz built a store on Front street, of the tow 11 of New York Mills, where he engaged in the sale of implements and general hardware, at first carrying a small stock and later, with the progress of his business, adding to his line until, in the year 1915, Mr. Sitz disposed of his holdings for the sum of twelve thousand dollars, which was more than five times the value of his original stock. During his mercantile experience, August J. Sitz was able to see his business increase to the point where he found it necessary to erect a warehouse and to enlarge his store room to one having a fifty-foot front. When he disposed of his store. Mr. Sitz was the oldest merchant, in poinl of continuous business, in the town of New York Mills.

For the past four or five years August }. Sitz has been the occupant of the office of vice-president of the First State Rank of Xew York Mills, at the same time serving his community in several local offices, among which are those of councilman and village president. During a period of more than twenty-seven years this worthy citizen has served his locality in some of the various offices of honor and of trust, he at the present time being treasurer of the township. In political life. August J. Sitz has represented his district at a number of county and state conventions, where he has at all times been a credit to his constituents and to his county. He was county commissioner for four years.

During the year 187S August J. Sitz was married to Sophia Pankow, who was horn at Watertown, Wisconsin, the daughter of the Rev. Krdman Pankow and wife. The wife of Mr. Sitz died during the month of March. [NXo. and on June 6. 1896, August Sitz was married, secondly, to Anna Pankow, who was a half-sister to the lir-i Mrs. Sitz.

To the marriage of August J. and Sophia Sitz were horn five children: Adolph, a lumber dealer of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; Luella, who lives at home; Rufus B., who lives at Duluth, Minnesota, where he is assistant buyer for the Marshall-Wells Hardware Company; Blandine, a school teacher of Walla Walla, Washington, and Alexander, who is a Lutheran clergyman of Tomahawk. Wisconsin.