Otter Tail County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 1 of 28)

O. P. B. Jacobson

O. P. B. Jacobson, of Fergus Falls. Otter Tail county, was born in Fredriksvarn, Norway, July 2, 1857. He received his schooling at Sandefjord, where his parents moved when he was three years old. After graduating from school, at the age of fifteen, he went to sea as apprentice in a sailing ship. Four years later he graduated from Christiana Navigation Board and got his captain's certificate. After several years of traveling around the world, he came to New York, where he was offered a position at Castle Garden. From there he went to Fergus Falls, Minnesota. At that time it was a growing town. Mr. Jacobson describes Fergus Falls as "a booming Western town" and he soon enrolled himself in the ranks as clerk in a general store. After several years in the store, he went on the road for a wholesale grocery house and afterwards he was traveling representative for the McCormick Harvester Company. His territory was very extensive and the large acquaintanceship which resulted, aided by his knowledge of grain growing and handling, was to serve him well later in his varied career. In 1909 he organized a company that bought the old and wellknown Norwegian paper, Fergus Falls Ugcblad, of which he became the editor and manager. Like his other lines of endeavor, the Ugcblad was soon a success under Mr. Jacobson's management. In 191 1 he retired from active management of the paper, but became its president. He accepted an appointment as a member of the board of grain appeals, tendered to him by Governor Eberhart. Three years later, a vacancy occurring in the state railroad and warehouse commission by reason of the resignation of C. F. Staples, Governor Eberhart named Mr. Jacobson for this place. In 19 14 he was a candidate to succeed himself and was nominated and elected by an overwhelming majority. In recognition of his thorough knowledge of small grains, which are a feature of the agricultural resources of the state, he has continued to look after that part of the business that conies under the commission. The employees of this department pass on every bushel of grain raised in Minnesota and adjoining states and establish grades as fixed by the appeal board, and is known in everv market in the world. (3b)

Mr. [acobson was married in the fall of [885 to Miss Gertrude M. Olson, from Brooklyn, New York. They have had a family of six children, three of whom arc still alive.

Hon. Haldor Boen

The late Eialdor Boen, who was a member of ( ongress from the state of Minnesota during the early nineties and who during his life was prominent in the civic and political life of this county as well as for many years a prominent newspaper owner and publisher, was horn in Sondre Anrdal. Valders, Norway, on January 1. 1850, and died on July 20, [912, at Aurdal, Otter Tail county, .Minnesota.

In [868, in company with his two brothers, Andrew 1*'.. and Erick E., Haldnr Boen emmigrated to the United States and a little later settled at Grand Meadow, .Mower county, Minnesota. There they remained with relatives for a short time, when Haldor went to St. (loud and where he pursued a course in the State Normal school. In 1871 he came to Aurdal, Otter Tail County, and entered a tract of state land, comprising eighty acres. His brother took eighty acres and he built a log house and broke up some of the land. When he was twenty-four years old Mr. Boen was married to Margaret Brekke and, immediately after their marriage, they removed to the homestead which he had previously bought. They remained there until 1888, when they removed to Fergus Falls.

Shortly after removing to Fergus Falls, Mr. Boen purchased a comfortable home on North Union avenue. He served as clerk in the office of the register of deeds at Fergus Falls and was also a clerk in one of the legislative sessions of the eighties, or before he moved to Fergus halls. In [887 he was elected register of deeds of Otter Tail county, succeeding ( ic< irge \\ Bo) ington.

Mr. Boen assisted in organizing the Fa became its secretary, holding the position fo at that time was coming into prominence all The \lliance finally decided to enter into pol party. A big landslide occurred in [889, at whicl swept everything before it in this part of the state, and when Kittel Halvorson was elected to ' ongress, Mr. Boen being our of his prominent supporters and managers. Mr. Halvorson served two years in Congress and in the fall of [892 Mr. Boen was nominated and elected to Congress as Mr. Eialvorson's successor. The prestige of Populistism at this time receded and two years later, in [894, Mr. I'.oen was defeated by Frank M. Eddy for re-election. Afterward Mr. Boen returned to Fergus Falls and purchased the Fergus Globe, which he edited for a number of years or until

Air. and Mrs. Boen had nine children, six of whom are living, namely: Sophia M., Theodora A., Harold, Alvin, Errick and Erwin. Sophia M. is now Mrs. Jacob Oualle and lives near Brooten, Stearns county, and they have two sisters. Theodora A. married Ira Wall, a jeweler, and lives at Washburn. North Dakota, and they have two sons. Harold married Margaret Plowman, and they Live in Wadena. Alvine, Erick and Erwin live at home with their mother. Mrs. Boen, whose maiden name was Margaret Brekke, was born in Tellamaken, Norway, and in 1861 came to America with her father, who was a farmer. The family made the trip to America by way of Quebec. Canada. Subsequently, they settled in Dane county, Minnesota, and lived near Liberty Prairie for twelve years. In 1873 tne family came to Otter Tail county, and settled in Aurdal township, where they homesteaded land and where the father and mother lived until their death, Airs. Boen's father died at the age of eighty-seven and her mother at the age of ninety-three. They were the parents of twelve children, seven of whom are living.

Haldor Boen had a conspicuous part in the political history of this section of the state during his day and generation. He worthily discharged all his duties both public and private, which fell to his lot. He was a member of the Odd Fellows. 1148894

Sigurd M. Skrove

Successful farmer and stock raiser, public spirited citizen, man of public office and leader in the affairs of local life, Sigurd M. Skrove is one without whose record and a review of whose life this volume would be incomplete. Sigurd M. Skrove was born in Norway, on April 22, 1867, the son of Martin E. and Martha (Skrove) Skrove, who were natives of Norway, in which county they lived until the year 1882, when they came to America. Martin E. Skrove is the son of Elling and Sigrid (Kulstad) Larson, who were born in Norway, where Sigrid Larson lived until her death in the year i860, while Elling Larson came to America and lived with a son, dying in the year 1897. Martha Skrove is the daughter of Jonas T. and Martha (Hallan) Skrove, who were farmers in their native land of Norway, in which county they lived their entire lives.

On reaching America, Martin E. and Martha Skrove came to the state of Minnesota and located at Fergus balls. Otter Tail county, where they lived for a time, after which Martin Skrove rented a farm in Douglas county. Minnesota, living there for three years and then moved to Wilkin county, Minnesota, at which place he homesteaded a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of land, where he now lives, having in the meantime accumulated about three hundred acres of land, all of which is well improved and highly cultivated. Martin E. and Martha Skrove are the parents ol -1 children. Sigurd, .Martha, Eline, Ida, Soren and Martin. In church affiliation Martin Skrove and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Sigurd Skrove was educated in the public schools or Norway and for about three months in the common schools of Douglas count}-. Minnesota, after which he tuck up a homestead, during the year 1888, in Wilkin county. Minnesota, where he engaged in general farming and in the digging of wellin the community, until the year 1893, and then he moved to Tumuli township, east of the town of Dalton, in Otter Tail county, where he purchased two hundred and fifteen acres of land, which he improved with a remodeled house and by the addition of modern equipment, where he now engages in general fanning and in the breeding of purebred Holstein cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs.

During the year 1893, Sigurd Skrove was married to Oline Margaret Dahl, who was born in Winneshiek county, Iowa, the daughter of B. C. and Anna (Vick) Dahl, both of whom were natives of Norway, who came to America and settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota, where they homesteaded a farm in Tumuli township, after a short residence in Winneshiek county, Iowa.

To the marriage of Sigurd and Olnie Skrove were born the following children, Martha, Berten, Neola, Sanford and Milda. Sigurd Skrove and his family are interested and faithful members of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Dalton.

In public life and in official circles. Sigurd Skrove is prominently connected, he now serving the community as justice of the peace, and also as treasurer of the school district. For ten years this worthy citizen held the office of township treasurer and in this office, as with all other public measures or projects. Sigurd Skrove served well and with notable efficiency.

George Burdick Wright, known during his lifetime as the first important figure in the early settlement of Fergus Falls, wa- a native of Williston, Vermont, where he was born in 1835, the youngest son of Brigham and Urania ( Murray) Wright. lie received his academic education 111 his native state and was. by profession, a surveyor or civil engineer, having been actively engaged in that profession until r86p. lie located a quarter of a section of land, where the city of Fergus Falls now stands, on the north side of the river, in 1867, U1 company with R. J. Mendenhall, of Minneapolis.

These gentlemen formed a partnership and sent a crew of men to their place under the supervision of Henry Dow, who arrived on the site of Fergus Falls, August 19, 1870. At once they commenced the construction of a dam across the Red river. They also commenced the erection of a saw-mill and the next spring built an addition and put in one run of stone for the manufacture of flour. They platted two hundred acres of land on the north side of the river, Mr. Wright having secured forty acres in addition to his former one hundred and sixty. On the south side Of the river, they platted one hundred and sixty acres of land and commenced building and improving, this work having been the beginning of the town of Fergus Falls. In 1870 and 1871 they sent a crew of men into the pine timber in the region of what is now the town of Corliss and in the spring of 1871, they rafted the logs down the river and had them cut in their saw-mill in Fergus Falls. Mr. Wright became the sole owner of the unsold interest of Mr. Mendenhall in 1879 and, after that time devoted his entire time and all of the money he could command to the building up and improving of the town.

In 1 88 1 Mr. Wright built what is known as the "Beehive" for a manufactory. He was a man of remarkable energy, just such a man as was needed for the trying times of the early settlement of Fergus Falls and vicinity. He had the faculty of seeing ahead clearly and his conclusions rarely were known to be erroneous. He firmly believed the town, in whose interests he was working, would some time become an important city, but he was destined not to live to see the full fruition of his efforts. His death occurred on April 29, 1882, while he was still in the prime of life, lieing then only forty-seven years old.

In i860, George B. Wright married Serena Ames, the adopted daughter of Rev. Charles G. Ames, a distinguished Unitarian clergyman. Mrs. Wright, who is remembered by all her friends for her beautiful character, died in Minneapolis in March, 180S, leaving two young children, Mary and Vernon, the former of whom died in Wilmington, Delaware, in [881, and in February, 1X70. Mr. Wright married, secondly. Mrs. Carrie A. W'hitconib, of California, who brought to their home in Minneapolis, two children of ages corresponding to those of the children of Mr. Wright

Mr. Wright's early life, his wonderful business qualifications and tlic pride lie took in the city, of which he was the founder, have been described in the following words of his intimate friend, W. V Croffut: "But scant justice has been done in the published sketches of George B.

Wright to qualities and abilities which made him known to a public beyond the circle of his acquaintances; or to the gifts which he displayed to the infinite amusement of his friends. In a word. .Mr. Wright was an exceedingly clever man. with a full appreciation of the deliciously ludicrous; a faculty for molding into form those clever conceits which most Americans like to read, and the power to think deeply and well, and to express his thoughts with very pungent English. Thousands of people who never knew the genial man read the emanations of his pen. which he did not hesitate to father, and the large number of contributions which he made under a nom de plume.

"A large part of these emanations of his pen have been preserved in two scrap-books, which the Pioneer Press of St. Paul has obtained from the family for reminiscent reproductions. In the second scrap-book much is preserved that he wrote after 1875. Probably nothing was ever done that called Fergus Falls into more public notice than a series of humorous advertisements which he published. He made them so eccentric that peoplelooked for the periodical changes in them. It was his persistence in causing the phrase, "the coming city of the Northwest," to be linked with Fergus Falls, which has undoubtedly joined the name of this city with that phrase for all time. These advertisements were usually headed. 'George B. Wright's Remarks,' and the character of them may be judged from a few specimens such as the following:

"Bui Mr Wright did not write simpl) nonsense, tar from it. Some of his best renditions were upon election reforms and university rules, of which latter theory he was one .if the principal advocates and put the elements of the cause into such pungent and impressive English that they attracted attention widely ; were commented upon and quoted by the metropolitan press, and provoked general discussion.

"Very many people in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota will treasure memories of the man and none more than those who possessed his intimate friendship and acquaintance."

Hox. Henry G. Page

The late Henry G. 1'age, who for forty years was one of the most respected and prominent citizens of Fergus Falls, was a native of Sandwich, New Hampshire, born on March y. 1832.

The Pages were an old family in New Hampshire, Henry G. Page's grandfather, David C. Page, having resided there and his great-grandfather, Joseph Page, also was horn in that state. In 1855 Hon. George Page, the father of Henry G. Page, after serving in the New Hampshire Legislature and being otherwise honored in his own state, decided to join the Western movement and come West with his family. He settled in Carroll county, Illinois. There were hut two children in the family and Plenry G. Page's only sister died while quite young. Mr. Page's mother died in 1865 and his father in 1867, and he practically was without relatives all the later years of his life, there being no kinsfolk nearer than a cousin.

Before coming West, Henry E. Page attended an academy in his native county and the Northfield Seminary, in Merrimac county, New Hampshire, after which he returned to the farm. Notwithstanding all his other lines of business, he always loved farming and stock raising and found much pleasure in it. In 1867 Mr. Page married Alice Humphrey, who was born in Lewis county. Xew York, the daughter of Horace and Joanna (Stiles) Humphreys, the former of whom was a merchant and farmer. There were four children in the Humphrey family, three of whom are still living, Mrs. Page, Mrs. Emilo Hagey. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and C. H Humphrey, of Fenton, Iowa.

To Henry E. and Alice (Humphrey) Page was born one son, Henry G., who is living in Pelican Rapids, this county, where he is engaged in Unreal-estate business. He married Ruth Kinney and they have three children, Henry George. Marian and Rebecca.

In 1867, the elder Henry G. Page engaged in the banking business at Lanark, Illinois, with his brother-in-law. Mr. VanVechten, and dealt more or less in live stock. In 1S70. his health failing, he went to Minneapolis, seeking the benefit of the Minnesota climate, expecting to return in the fall of the year; but he gained so much in Minnesota that he decided to remain. He became interested in this section of the state through George B. Wright and in 1S70 personally investigated the region about Fergus Falls. He arrived at the river just as Mr. Buse was finishing the pontoon bridge at Union avenue, in "the coming city of the Northwest," and he was the rirst to drive across that causeway.

There was practically nothing here at that time even to mark an outpost of civilization, Hut he bought more or less land in this section, including the farm where the electric light dam at Fergus Falls is now located. In 1872 he personally located in Fergus Falls and organized the First National Hank, James Compton being cashier, while Mr. Page was the president He was a man full of energy and he at once set about doing other things. He bought the power, now known as the Red river mill-power, of Wright and Mendenhall ami, with 1\. 11. Scott, built the first flour-mill in Fergus Falls. Later on Mr. Scott retired and, through James J. Hill, who was building the railroad through here, Andrew ( I. Todd became interested in the milling business with Mr. Page. Then began that period of Scottish activity which caused Fergus Falls to move at a rapid pace, culminating in the building of the Grand hotel and the big boom of 1882 and 1883. The ideas of his associates were a little too rapid for Mr. Rage and he sold out his interest in that mill ami built the mill known as the Big A or Cable mill, because it was run by cable power, which was the common method of power distribution in the early days of Fergus halls. The Red river mill failed, but the table mill proved a big success under Mr. Page's careful management. At that time it was thought Fergus Falls would he a second Minneapolis and become a great milling center, as it had both the power and the wheat. Mr. Page was full of energy and enthusiasm for the city and he joined heartily in the movement to build it up. In [882 he Started to build the dam which is now owned by the city, preparatory to building a big mill. It was this step which resulted in wiping out his entire fortune and ended SO disastrousl) to all concerned.

Mr. Page said, in his quiet way, that he was worth at least one hundred and fifty thousand dollars when he started on tin- enterprise, lie had the choicest investments around here. He controlled the table mill. he was interested in the First National Bank, and had bought control of and became president of the Fergus Falls National Bank, he owned the Schacht comer ami had fifteen hundred acre- of land near the city, besides a large .-1111011111 of other propert) The dam cost far more than its promotel expected. The mill with a capacity of six hundred barrel- and the elevator and the rest of the plant ran above the estimated cost of construction From tin- very outsel the mill had a series of disastrous years. < Inly thai the big mill was operated by the Page Milling Company did it show a profit, as it was impossible to get much wheat from farmers, on account of the location, the grain having to be ground in transit and switched from the Great Northern. The Northern Pacific had not extended verj fai West at that time. The river went down and there was a series of years with low water, during which the proprietors were forced to run the mill by steam. The final blow came on a wheat market very similar to that of 1909. Wheat was very high. Uuyers of dour held oft waiting for a new crop. The mill kept grinding and sending its dour to commission merchants, hoping for a sale; only to have the market slump. More than fifty thousand dollars was lost on the season's milling; it was impossible to hold out longer and an assignment was made to C. D. Wright. These years of adversity in connection with the big mill brought out all of Air. Page's force of character very plainly. There was never any bluster about him, but therewas a quiet determination which few men possessed. Fully determined not to let the mill fail, he hung to it with a bull-dog tenacity. To maintain his credit and meet his obligations, he mortgaged everything, even to the part of the homestead, where the casket factory now stands. Following the assignment, in 1890, came the hard times of the years preceding the panic of 1893 an<^ me choice properties which he had, and which would have helped to pay the obligations, brought practically nothing, compared to what they had previously been considered worth. He lost the bank, the A mill, his farms, his horses, his fancy cattle; in short, everything was swept away and in those hard times, they brought almost nothing to pay the debts. In the midst of his financial troubles he was severely injured in a runaway accident, but left his bed long before he ought to have done so, in order to help straighten out his affairs. While still in the hands of the assignee, the big mill, together with the elevator, was destroyed by tire. As there was but little insurance, this calamity completed the disaster, and the valuable power and dam were sold to the city for almost nothing. Mr. Page never fully recovered from the blow resulting from his failure. Though he did all in his power to help those who bad lost through his failure, to recover what they could, he never got started again himself.

Henry G. Page was not only prominent in business, but he took an active part in politics and public affairs, hi 1S74 be was elected state senator from this district in one of the most memorable campaigns ever carried on here. At that time this senatorial district included all the territory between here and Manitoba and some to the south. The Republican organization, which was largely controlled by Hon. F. E. Corliss, nominated Mr. Jorgens, who was county auditor. The opposition was based upon a reform movement, called, as is usually the case in these latter days, the anti-monopoh, party, and was directed by J. W. Mason, J, P. Williams. George P>. Wrighl hot to print in the Journal were put into a sheet called The Vanguard. Hon. R. L. Frazee, then living in Becker county, was nominated for representative on the ticket with Mr. Page and they were elected. Mr. Page had a good majority, and Mr. Frazee's majority was four, while Soren Listoe, on the opposing ticket, was elected as one of the representatives. 1 he principal issue in those days was to get a railroad for Fergus Falls and Mr. Page's work was largely in helping secure legislation winch finally resulted in the building of the Fergus Falls division of the St. Paul XPacific road. Mr. Page was the second mayor of the city "I Fergus Falls, serving for two or three terms, lie was a member of the hoard of education for many years. in [884 he was named by his party as a delegate to the Republican national convention at Chicago, a convention which finally nominated James ( ',. Blaine for the presidency. Mr. I 'age was not a political leader, hut he was always so fair and so willing to do the right thing that when factions got into a tight they could always agree on him as a compromise candidate. He always had has own views and even after he had ceased to he a prominent financial and industrial factor, he newer failed to gel out and help when there was an issue between right and wrong. Governor Johnson placed him on an important commission to represent Minnesota.

Henry G. Page was a great lover of horses and the first twenty years he was a resident of Otter Tail county, he raised and sold many line driving horses, although never favoring racing. Driving and training his horses was his favorite recreation and he always had a stable full of the most spirited colts in the locality. It was largely this out-of-door life which enabled him to maintain his health while carrying on his large business affairs, lie was one of the first to raise pure-bred cattle and he did much to stimulate the raising of good horses and cattle in this section. Next to having his friends lose through his failure, his greatest grief was to have to give up his stable horses.

Mr. Page was a typical New Englander. He was quiet and unostentatious and always attended strictly to his own business. During the forty years he lived here, no one ever heard of his precipitating or being involved in any trouble, lie was very retiring and reticent and. while friendly with all, he never had any confidential friends. He always kepi his own counsels While not called a religious man. no one ever lived a more moral or temperate life. No better citizen ever lived or died in Fergus halls While common consent gives the late George B. Wright first place as builder of the city, Henry G. Page was a good second and. had not a seemingly unavoidable oine upon him in the very midday of In- activities, he might have been first. In any event, he lived a good life and Fergus Falls will be fortunate, if, in the future, any of its citizens measure up to the standards of Henry G. Page. Air. Page died on June 20, iyoy.

John S. Billings

It is to the credit of Sheriff John S. Billings that after having served a period of ten years as sheriff of Otter Tail county, he was recalled to that important office in 1909, after a lapse of some eight years, and has efficiently filled the office during this second period of tenure. He is popular among the people of Otter Tail county because he is a very vigilant officer and is possessed of great physical strength and courage. Nevertheless, he is very kind and sociable, and has had a most beneficent influence upon criminals. He has found that many of them have a good side, and main- of the criminals who have been under his care attribute their reformation to his counsel and his advice.

Sheriff Billings is a native of Rutland, Vermont, where he was born on March 24, 1852, a son of Leeds and Ann Eliza (Stone) Billings, the former of whom was a farmer and a cattle buyer.

John S. Billings was reared on the home farm in Vermont, and experienced the average routine of the boy born and reared in the country. When he was eighteen years old, he came West to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and for a time worked for his board in Hennepin county. Later he worked on the farm of George B. Wright, who at the time, was engaged in the realestate business. Mr. Billings remained with Mr. Wright for about a year and then joined George Beardsley, a surveyor, and with him went to Dakota, where they remained two seasons. While in Dakota Mr. Billings purchased two horses and brought them to Fergus Falls. He again entered the employ of Mr. Wright, who had become one of the pioneers of Fergus Falls, and who, in fact, then was the proprietor of the town. He continued in the employ of Mr. Wright until, in partnership with two other men, he purchased the lumber yard owned by Mr. Wright. This lumber yard was operated in partnership until Mr. Billings was elected sheriff in 1S91.

After filling the sheriff's office most efficiently for a period of ten years, Mr. Billings declined to be a candidate for re-election. After retiring from office he engaged extensively in the live-stock business, in which he had previously been interested for some time in a small way. Altogether. Mr. Billings followed this business for eight years, but in [909 he was again elected to the office of sheriff of Otter Tail county, and is now serving his fourth term.

On October 11. [876, John S. Billings was united in marriage to Belle l\. Bowman, a native of Wisconsin, a daughter of James and Lerena (Col- well) Bowman, and to this union three children have been born, Leeds, who died in infancy; Jesse T., a farmer living near Fergus Falls, who married Julia Gosch, and has one child, Sheldon John, and Lerena, who lives at home with her parents.

Sheriff Billings is considered one of the most prominent officers in the state of Minnesota. He is bright, alert, and is widely noted for the wonderful power he exerts over men with whom he is compelled to deal. Fraternally, Mr. Billings is prominent in the Masonic circles of Otter Tail county, and is a member of the Ancient Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and of the Knights Templar. He also is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Flks. the Modern Woodmen and the Knights of Pythias.

Hon. Hans T. Hille

The late Hans T. Hille, who was prominent in the business life of Fergus Falls, this county, for a quarter of a century, was born on February 28, 1852, in Bergen. Norway, and emigrated with his family to America in 1865, when he was only thirteen years old. After the family had arrived on the Atlantic seaboard, they came West, to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and later settled in Aurdal, Otter Tail county, where the father carried on farming for a number of years.

In 1889 Hans T. Hille located in Fergus Falls and engaged in the farm implement business under the firm name of Bartelson & Hille. His partnership with Mr. Bartelson was dissolved in 1007, at which time he formed a partnership with Oscar Wagner. They erected a brick warehouse on Cascade street. After Mr. Hille's death, his son, Thomas, succeeded to his father's position in the linn and this arrangement still continues, the firm name being Hille & Wagner.

During his lifetime, II. T. Hille served as a member of the city council for four years and in 1004 was elected to the Legislature, receiving a very heavy vote. His legislative work was highly creditable to him and to his constituents in Otter Tail county. He was also mayor of Fergus Falls for some time and served in this latter capacity with equal credit. lie was eminently successful in everything that he undertook, and was recognized as one of Fergus Falls' most progressive and prosperous business men. lie was a power in local financial circles and for some years served as president of die Scandia Bank,

Mans T. Hille married Karen llallan, wdio, when six years of age, came to America with her parents, who came West to Kenvon, in Goodhue county, Minnesota, and it was there that Mr. and Mrs. Hille met. To this union eleven children were horn, six of whom are still living, namely: Clara, who married C. M. Langeland and has three children, Correne, Morris and Richard; Julia, who married E. L, Grinds ; Thomas A., who succeeded to his father's business at the latter's death, received a common school education and took a commercial course at the Park Region Luther College and the Curtis Business College in Minneapolis; Anna M., who is teaching north of Fergus Falls; Emma, who is teaching school in North Dakota, and Jonas, who is in the employ of Hille & Wagner. During Mr. Hille's latter years he was in poor health, so that the care of his entire business, even before his death, devolved upon his very capable and energetic son, Thomas A. Hille.

The late Hans T. Hille will be long remembered by the people of Fergus Falls and Otter Tail county as an enterprising business man, a most valuable citizen and a most respected and considerate friend and neighbor.

Henry T. Collins

Among the older residents of Fergus Falls, this county, is the present city clerk of that city, Hon. Henry J. Collins, former auditor of Otter Tail county and well known as a business man and citizen.

Henry J. Collins was born on April 29, 1855, in Christianstad, in the southern part of Sweden, on the Baltic sea, son of John and Nellie ( 1'ehersen) Collins, the former of whom was a farmer by occupation during his active life and is still living in his native land at the age of eighty-nine years. His good wife died in 18S2.

Henry J. Collins attended the University of Lund, in his native land, from 1868 to 1874, inclusive, qualifying as an expert mathematician. He came to America in 1875 and, after a journey West, settled at Red Wing. this state, where, however, he remained only a short time. He then moved to River Falls, Wisconsin, and worked on the farm of C. V. Guy for three years. Afterward he went to Minneapolis, where he met an old friend, who obtained employment for him in the Goodrich mill, where he remained until 1880.

On March 13, 1880, Henry J. Collins purchased a railway ticket for Fergus Falls, this county, and. after paying for the ticket, had just five dollars ami twelve cents in his pocket. After arriving at Fergus Falls, Mr. Collins found employment in the saw-mill, where he worked until it closed down. He then entered the employ of O. ( '. Chase, who kept a general store, and was employed there until the spring of [889. lie then deputy county treasurer, a position which he held for four years. So efficiently did he discharge the duties of this important office that in 1 So 1 he was elected auditor of Otter Tail county for a term of two years, and was re-elected for two more terms. He is remembered today as one of the most capable auditors Otter Tail county has ever had. In 1889, after the expiration of his long term of service as county auditor, Mr. Collins was engaged in traveling for the Deering Harvester Company, as a collector. In 1900 he began working for the McCormick Company, in the same capacity, and was thus employed for some three or four years. In about 1904 he accepteil employment as an accountant from Solo Desky, a well-known clothing merchant, and remained with Mr. Desky until November, 1913, when he was elected clerk of Fergus Falls, a position which he still holds.

By his marriage to Mary Gunerius, a native of Christiana, Norway, Mr. Collins has six children, namely: Helma < )., the wife of R. R. Paulson. of Henning, Minnesota, who has two sons, Raymond C. and Howard P.; Ruth P., who married S. F. Bogen and has one daughter, Elna R. ; George A., who is a grain inspector; Carl T., who is deputy city clerk under his father; Olive H., who is attending the State Normal College at Moorhead, and Roy W., who is attending school.

Without any intention whatever to bestow credit where credit is not due, it may truthfully be said that Mr. Collins is one of the well-thought-of men of Fergus I "alls and is known as a good all-around business man and an expert mathematician. Henry J. Collins is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Collins family are members of the United Lutheran church.

Lafayette R. Adley

Lafayette R. Adley, well known in Otter Tail county, as county superintendent of schools, was horn in Maine Prairie township, Stearns county. Minnesota, April i(>, 1865, a son of Roswell and Joanna (Blake) \dle_\. both of whom were natives of the state of Maine. Roswell Adley and wife were the parents of seven children, three of whom were horn in Maine, and four in the state of Minnesota. The family emigrated to Massachusetts in an early day. and from that stale removed to Maine Prairie township. Stearns county, Minnesota, at an early day in the settlement of that section of the state. About 1870 the family came to < Uter Tail county, and located in Maine township.

Lafayette R. Adley attended the districl schools of Maine township, this county, receiving his elementary education in a building made of rough hoards, wainscoted on the inside with rough hoards. \ Iter finishing a course in the elementary schools he attended the State Normal School at St. t I .ud. and was graduated from that institution, elementary course 111 [889, advanced course, 1898. Later he was graduated from the University of Wisconsin and then took a post-graduate course at the same institution and was thus well prepared for educational work. After finishing his education he engaged in teaching at Northhome, .Minnesota, for eighteen months, and in [907 was called to Fergus Falls to act as assistant county superintendent of the schools, under Miss Knudson. In [913 Professor Adley was elected superintendent of the county schools, a position which he now holds. Lafayette R. Adley was married to Elizabeth McClelland, and to this union have been horn two daughters, Doris Elizabeth and Abbie. Professor and Mrs. Adley are prominent in the civic and social life of Fergus halls, and are highly respected throughout the whole community.

Peter A. Anderson

Well known to the people of Otter Tail county and long prominent in the official life of the county, Peter A. Anderson, the register of deeds at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is a natne of Rice county, where he was born on July 8, 1868, the son of Lars and Johanna ( Peterson) Anderson, the former of whom was engaged in farming in Rice county, but who late in life removed to Leaf Lake township, this county, where he purchased land and carried on farming until his death, m January, [912. His widow is nowliving in Henning, this county.

Peter A. Anderson has served as register of deeds in Otter Tail county for eight years and has been connected with this office for almost twenty-one years, a very striking testimonial of his standing in the community and the high regard bestowed upon him by the people of the county where he lives and where he is best known. Mr. Anderson's early education was obtained in Rice and Otter Tail counties. He attended the Wilrnar Seminary, and afterwards taught school in Otter Tail county for two years, after which he became a clerk in the office of the register of deeds, and in 1800 himself was elected to that office. Now, after more than twenty years of continuous service in this office, he is still the genial, capable and efficient public servant who has long been so popular with the people of this county.

By his marriage to Fliza Hanson, a native of Norway, Mr. Anderson has two children, Jennie and Irene, who live at home with their parents: Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are prominent in the social life of Fergus Falls. Fraternally, Mr. Anderson is a member of Corner St. me Lodge No. 99, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, lie also is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, tin' Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order id' Elks.

In the history of Otter Tail county, the name of Charles I). Wright stand.- for all that means success in life. For practically a half century he has been prominent in the commercial and industrial life of Fergus Falls, and has performed every duty as an enterprising citizen and man. After a life of ceaseless activity, he is now living more or less retired in Fergus Falls, devoting his attention and time to his many personal business interest-. The former president of the First National Bank of Fergus Falls, he was one of the organizers of the Fergus Falls Water Company and president of the company for many years. He was also treasurer of the Gas and Mill Company and the Fergus Falls Water Power Company. In 1885 and 1886 he was mayor of Fergus Falls and he also served as city treasurer for several terms. His business and commercial interests are almost as varied as the commercial history of the county 111 which he has lived for so many years.

Charles D. Wright is a native of Addison county, Vermont, lie was horn at Orwell in 1850, the son of Ethan M. and Eliza 1 Bottum) Wright, both natives of Vermont. Ethan M. Wright was engaged in the mercantile business most of his life and was pre-eminently successful, lie was a man of large ideas, socially inclined and careful in all of his dealings with his fellow men. Ethan M. Wright's father was Brigham C. Wright, a substantial farmer of Vermont.

By his marriage to Eliza Bottum. Ethan M. Wright had three sons, one of whom. William 11., now deceased, was a well-known banker of the state of Vermont; George M.. an attorney, is now living retired in New York ( ity, and < harles 1). is the subject of this sketch.

Charles D. Wright spent his early life at home and was educated in the Highland military school, at Worcester, Massachusetts, and at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, of Troy, New York. In [869 Mr. Wright turned his steps westward, coming to Minnesota, where, at Minneapolis, he became associated with his uncle. George B. Wright, in surveying work for the government. In the tall of 1 S71 1 he was appointed chief draughtsman in the United States surveyor-general's office at St, Paul, a position which he retained for a period of seven years. While connected with the government survey, Mr. Wright traveled over a considerable portion of the Northwest in company with Andrew Holes, formerly of Moorhead, Minnesota, now deceased, and George G. Beardsley, now deceased, of Grand Forks, North Dakota. They had a magnificenl opportunity to examine and locate a great deal of land.

On January 1, 1877. ('harles D. Wright located at Fergus Falls, having been elected vice-president of the First National Bank, of that city. At the time the First National Bank was located in Martin's block, with Henry G. Page as president, Mr. Wright continued in the office of vice-president for five years, but in 1882 he was elected to the presidency of the bank, an office which he held continuously until June, 1912. In 1881 a new bank building was erected at the corner of Lincoln and Cascade streets, where the business was continued for three years. On January 1, 1884, the bank moved into a new location on the northeast corner of Lincoln avenue and Mill street. As president of the First National Bank for a period of nearly thirty years, Mr. Wright had an important part in the development of this splendid county.

In 1878 Charles 1). Wright was united in marriage to Lucy G. Barney, of Maiden, Massachusetts, a daughter of George T. Barney. Mrs. Wright, who died in 1903, bore her husband two children, George B. and Murr) S., the former of whom is a graduate of the United States Navy Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, and has been an "Hirer in the United States navy since 1002. He married Margaret Parsons, the daughter of Judge William L. Parsons, of Fergus halls, and they have one sun, William P. Murry S. Wright resides in Fergus Falls.

Charles D. Wright is keenly interested in the history of Otter Tail county. Politically, be is identified with the Republican party. Fraternally, he is identified with the Mason--, the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. In Masonry he has attained to the rank of Knight Templar and is a member of Palestine Commandery at Fergus Falls.

William L. Parsons, judge of the seventh judicial district of Minnesota, was born in Westfield, New York, in 1858. He was educated in Westfield Academy and later attended Hamilton College where he was graduated in 1878. After being admitted to the practice of law in 1882, Judge Parsons came West and settled in Fergus Falls and from then until [913 he followed bis profession in that place. From 1898 to 19 13 he was a federal referee in bankruptcy. In April, 1 9 1 3 . be was appointed judge of the seventh judicial district of Minnesota, and in November, 1914, was elected to that office for a six-year term.

Judge Parsons was married in 1884 to Mary Moorhead McLane, of Westfield, New York, and to this union four children have been born : Margaret, Ruth. Katherine and Marion. Margaret is the wife of George B. Wright, a lieutenant in the United States navy, and has one child, William Parsons. Ruth married Dr. C. C. Burlingame, assistant superintendent of the Fergus Falls state hospital. i41,i

Eugene A. Tewett

Thirty-five years ago Fergus Falls, the county seat of Otter Tail county, was little more than a straggling village on the frontier of the great Northwest. Today it is a thriving city, with its hanks, its department stores, shops, its varied and successful industries and its magnificent array of fine residences The hankers of Fergus Falls have had a most important part in the development of this splendid city and one of the oldest bankers in the city and one who is entitled to a large share of the credit for the development of this section, is Eugene A. Jewett, the present cashier of the First National Bank, of Fergus Falls, president of the Erhard State Bank and of the Melby State Bank, and the vice-president of the First State Bank of Dalton, as well as president of the First State Bank at Underwood.

Mr. Jewett is a native of St. Charles, Winona county, Minnesota. He is the son of Haynes and Lydia ( Sprague ) Jewett, the former of whom was born in Eebanon, New Hampshire, and the latter, at Hingham Centre, Massachusetts. They came West in an early day and, having located near the village of St. Charles. Minnesota, on a farm, continued farming there the remainder of their lives. It was there that Eugene A. Jewett grew to manhood and received his early education.

Although Mr. Jewett was born on the farm, he found his opportunity ' for success in the counting rooms of various banks, in which he worked before establishing a financial institution on his own account. He was first employed as a clerk in the Dover State Bank, of Dover, a private institution, and, after he had worked there for some time, was employed as a clerk in the private bank owned by J. C. Easton at Lanesboro, Minnesota. From Lanesboro. Mr. Jewett moved to Fargo. North Dakota, where he was employed as teller in the First National Bank of that city. This wide and varied experience as a subordinate in varied financial institutions has been the basis of his larger success of recent years. It may be said truthfully that Eugene A. Jewett was thoroughly well prepared for the vocation to which he has devoted his lifetime.

In December. 1881, Mr. Jewett located at Fergus Falls and there, in co-operation with others, organized the Fergus Falls National Bank, which opened for business in January, 1882, as the Merchants State Bank. Six mouths later it was converted into the Fergus Falls National Bank, and Mr. Jewett remained as cashier until 1883. On July 0. of that year, he transferred his services to the First National Bank, of Fergus Falls, as cashier, and still holds that position. His tenure in one position in one hank for a period of more than thirty years, is the most striking testimony of his work a- a banker ami his dependability as a financier, that could be cited

By Eugene A. Jewett's marriage to Ann Basye, who was born in Wisconsin, there has been born one daughter, Helen E. Fraternally, Mr. Jewett is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is treasurer of the lodge. He is also a member of Palestine Commandery No. 14, Knights Templar, and is the treasurer of the commandery.

David A. Tennant

The largest milling interest in Otter Tail county is the Fergus Flour- Mills Company, which owns, besides two plants in this county, a large mill at Fargo, North Dakota. The president of this concern is David A. Tennant, a well-known and public-spirited citizen of Fergus Falls, who was born in Rossie, St. Lawrence count}-. New York, the son of Richard and Ann ( Livingston ) Tennant.

Reared on the farm and educated in the public schools of his native town. David A. Tennant grew to manhood in New York state. He taught school for three winters in New York, or until 1879, when he immigrated to Fairbault, Minnesota. It was at that place that he was introduced to the business which he has since followed so, successfully. After having been engaged in the milling business at Fairbault for ten years, in 1889, Mr. Tennant moved to Northfield. Minnesota, and for five years was engaged in the milling business there on his own account. While living there he also operated a mill at Dundas. Following this he was located for a year at Cannon Falls, Minnesota, as the proprietor of a mill, and in 1899 moved to Fergus Falls, this county, where he purchased the Otter Tail mill, which he operated alone for about nine months, at the end of which time, in company with W. B. Windsor, he consolidated the Otter Tail mill with the Allen mill, the consolidation becoming known as the Fergus Flour-Mills Company. Five years later, Mr. Tennant and Mr. Windsor, the controlling stockholders of the company, purchased a mill in Fargo, North Dakota, and in 1912 they purchased the Globe mill at Perham, this county. The entire business was incorporated in 1901 under the title of the Fergus Flour- Mills Company, the present officers being. David A. Tennant. president and manager; Vernon Wright, vice-president; W. B. Windsor, secretary, and C. D. Wright, treasurer.

Aside from his own personal business. Mr. Tennant is interested in the progress and development of his adopted home town and has always taken a commendable interest in worthy public enterprises. Naturally, Ik- i> well known in this section of Minesota and, as might be expected, his material success in life is founded upon this admirable personal qualities of which he is possessed.

Mr. Tennant was married years ago to Dela Smith, a native of Rochester, Minnesota, who died in 1897, leaving two daughters, Gertrude and Florence A.

The Hon. William H. McBride, former mayor of Fergus Falls, veteran of the Civil War and one of the most respected residents of Otter Tail county, has resided in the city of Fergus Falls since 1901. Mr. McBride's father was Henry B. McBride, a minister of the gospel in the state of < )hio. His mother's name was Christina ( Thursby) McBride.

Born in Summit county. Ohio, where he grew to manhood, William H. McBride was educated in the Greensburg Seminary and, at the beginning of the Civil War, enlisted at Massillon, Ohio, in Company 1, Seventy-sixth Regiment. Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in which he served three years and nine months and received an honorable discharge in Columbus, Ohio, after which he removed to Iowa, where, in several places in that state, he studied law for some year.-. Subsequently, he removed to Kansas, where he was admitted to the liar and where he remained in the practice of his profession during a period of twenty-four years, during which time he served variously as a member of the Legislature, insurance commissioner and director of the penitentiary.

In 1901 Mr. McBride moved to Fergus Falls, thi> count}-, and engaged in the land and farm-loan business, which he still follows. Mr. McBride served as mayor of Fergus Falls for some time. He is a well-known member of tlu- Masonic fraternity. lie was admitted to the order in Chariton. Iowa, in 1866 and demitted to the Council Bluff- lodge. Upon taking up hi- residence at Fergus Falls, he became a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99 Mr. McBride is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Among the many enterprising citizens of Fergus Falls, tin's county, who have risen high in the estimation of their fellow citizens and who have received honors of no mean importance within the gift of their fellow townsmen, 1- Nicolai F. Field, attorney-at-law, referee in bankruptcy and abstractor of titles.

about 1870. The father, Fred N. Field, was a register of deeds in Otter Tail county for six years and is now associated with his son in the abstract business. Nicolai F. Field is the eldest of a family of eleven children.

Mr. Field was reared on the farm and his early education was obtained in the country schools. After his graduation from the common schools, he entered the Fergus Falls high school and was graduated with the class of 1894. During the next three years he served as deputy register of deeds of Otter Tail county, under his father. He was then employed in the bank operated by F. G. Barrows for one year, at the end of which time he concluded to take up the study of law and in 1897 entered the law department of Drake University, at Des Moines, Iowa. After completing a two-years course, he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1899. Admitted to the bar of Minnesota in 1899 with the highest grade received in the examination of any applicant admitted at that time, he opened a law office in the Pickett block in Fergus Falls, in June, 189c). Mr. Field has since moved his offices to the Fergus Falls National Bank building and enjoys an extensive practice.

In September, 1900, Nicolai F. Field was married, in Fergus Falls, to Ida Adams, the daughter of Charles Adams, who, prior to her marriage, was a well-known and successful teacher in Otter Tail county. Mr. and Mrs. Field have three children, Ruth, Cyrus and Margaret.

Fraternally, Mr. Field is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Flks.

Arthur M. Corliss

The Corliss family is a very old family in America, and Arthur M. Corliss, the present chief of police at Fergus Falls, this county, is a scion of this distinguished family.

Arthur M. Corliss was born in Wilkin county, Minnesota, on December 17, 1880, son of Charles M. and Emma O. (Plinkston) Corliss, the former of whom was born in Wisconsin and who emigrated to Minnesota at an early date. Charles M. Corliss was employed in the mill at Balmoral, in this county, where he worked for a time, after which he removed to Battle Lake, where he remained a year and then removed to Wilkin county, where he acquired land and carried mi farming until 1004. when he retired from the farm and removed to Fergus Falls, where he still resides.

('hut Arthur M. Corliss, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the home farm in Wilkin count}, where he attended the district schools. He also attended school in Pelican Falls and at Battle Lake. When Mr. Corliss was twenty years old, lie married and afterward moved to Stulman county, North Dakota, where he engaged in farming for seven years. In 1908 he returned to Otter Tail county and located in Fergus Falls four years after his father had removed to that city. From 1908 until 19 14 Mr. Corliss was engaged in the land business. In 1914 he was appointed chief of police and is now filling that important office with credit to himself and to the community he serves.

To Arthur M. and Lillie (Erickson) Corliss five children were born, Clarence M., Ethel M., Gladys I.. Ruth M. (deceased) and Earl D. Mrs. Lillie (Erickson) Corliss died in 1913, and afterward Mr. Corliss married, secondly, Florence Candaux, to which union one child has been born, James Franklin.

Chief Corliss is one of the most efficient police officers in the history of Fergus Falls. Not only is he efficient in the position which he fills, but he is popular with all classes of people in this city, and is doing a good work. Fraternally. Chief Corliss is a member of Lodge No. 59, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a member of Hazel Lodge No. 31, Daughters of Rebekah, and of Aerie No. 888, Fraternal Order of Eagles.

George H. Gard

Another one of Otter Tail county's prominent citizens who was born and reared on the farm is George H. Gard, who having filled an unexpired term as clerk of the district court, by appointment, was elected to the position in 1912, and has acquitted himself with rare credit in discharging the duties of that important office.

George H. Gard is a native of Elkhart, Logan county, Illinois, and is the son of John W. and Kesiah (Dunn) Gard. John W. Gard was burn in leffersonville, Indiana, and bis wife was a native of the same vicinity. Mr. (lard's parents were farmers by occupation and his father died in Illinois in February, 1 < > 1 1 . his mother having passed away about ten years previously, in September, [901. There were four children in the Gard family, namely: Elizabeth, who married Silas E. Beebe, of Jacksonville, Illinois. and died on fune 5, 1915; Charles \\\. who married an Illinois girl, and lives in Middletown, Illinois; George II.. the subject of this sketch, and Minnie, tin- wife of Edward Barry, of Elkhart, [llinois.

After having spent bis early life on the farm, where he was Ik, 111 and reared. George II. Gard was employed in a general store in Elkhart, \fter attaining maturity, he went to Springfield, Illinois, where for two years he worked in a wholesale crockery store. In 1896 Mr. Card came to Minnesota, locating at Fergus Falls, where he became a clerk in the stew- ard's department of the state hospital. After having been employed at the state hospital for four years, Mr. Gard took up life-insurance work, which he followed for about one year. He was then appointed city clerk and held that office until 1909, after which he became manager of the telephone company at Fergus Falls and continued thus engaged for two years, or until 191 1, when he was appointed to till out an unexpired term as clerk of the district court. So well did he discharge the duties of this office that in 1912 he was elected by the people of Otter Tail county, by a substantial majority, to fill the office for a term of four years.

Not many men in Otter Tail county are better known than George H. Gard and not many men enjoy warmer and more lasting friendship than he. Fraternally, he is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Flks.

By his marriage to Augusta Hendrickson, who died in 1910, Mr. Gard had three children, Donald L., John Russell and Dorothy. On December 20, 1914, Mr. Gard married, secondly, Julia Hall, who was born in North Dakota, a daughter of M. O. Hall, now a well-known resident of Minneapolis.

Levor A. Levorsen

Among the well-known citizens of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is Levor A. Levorsen, deputy clerk of the United States court at Fergus Falls, who is a native of the parish of Rollag, Nummedal, Norway, where he was born on April 5. 1859, the son of Amund and Ingeborg (Helle) Levorsen. The Le-sorsen family emigrated to America in 1868 and, after landing in New York city on July 4, of that year, came West, settling at Clinton Junction, Wisconsin, where they remained for two years. In 1870 the family moved to Pelican Rapids, this county, and there the father homesteaded a quarter of a .section of prairie land. He built a dugout and broke the land. Later a log house was erected and still later a fine frame house, where the family lived until 1902, when the father sold the farm and moved to Williamsburg, Virginia, where he is still living at the age of eighty years. His wife died in 1910, in her seventy-eighth year. While a resident of Otter Tail county, Amund Levorsen took an active part in public affairs. Tic held practically all of the local offices in the town, from the chairman of the board of supervisors to assessor, and was also chairman of the hoard of county commissioners tor several years. As chairman of the hoard of county commissioners, he was largely instrumental in the erection of the county court house, lie is now living in retirement and is a noble specimen of thoroughly ripe American manhood.

Levor A. Levorsen received his early education in the public schools at Pelican Rapids. After growing to manhood, he moved to Fergus Falls and accepted a position as clerk in the office of the county auditor. After the first year, Mr. Levorsen was made deputy auditor and held that office for three years, lie was then appointed deputy clerk of the district court under the administration of C. J. Wright and held that position for five years. When Mr. Wright retired, Ik* succeeded him as clerk, and held the position for four years. Mr. Levorsen then engaged in the abstract business and was Aery successful until the time of his retirement from business, in 1898, when he was elected register of deeds. After having held that position for eight years, he was appointed deputy clerk of the United States court, and this position he now holds.

Levor A. Levorsen married Laura Larson, a native of Wisconsin, who was born near Grantsburg, and to this union have been born four children: Irving, who is now a student in the department of mining engineering at the University of Minnesota; Frances, ECingdon and Richard, who live at home with their parents.

Fred Fa'Frftt Hodgson

Fred Everett Hodgson, a well-known real-estate dealer of Fergus Falls, this county, and the son of the late Thomas C. and Eliza (Clague) Hodgson, was born in Castle Rock, Minnesota, on August 16. 1872. Llis father, as set out in a biographical sketch presented elsewhere in this volume, was a native of the [sle of Man. off the English coast, who emigrated with his parents to America in 1X44.

Fred E. Hodgson located at Herman, Grant count v. Minnesota, with his parents, in 1877. and there received his elementary education. Later he attended the public schools of Fergus Falls, to which city his parents had moved. Growing to manhood in Otter Tail county, he attended the State Agricultural College and spent one year at the University of Minnesota \i'tcr leaving school, he became a collector and a credit man for Dunham & Eastman, wholesale grocers of St. Paul. After being employed by this company for six years, Mr. Hodgson took charge of the business affairs of an uncle. Edward I. Hodgson, of St. Paul, and then removed to Morris, Minnesota, where lie engaged in the real-estate and mortgage-loan business. In tool Mr. Hodgson located in Fergus Falls and established the same I111 i'K'-- in thai city. His business has become large and profitable and he

Fraternally, Mr. Hodgson is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a member of the city charter commission and the citv council, and has contributed much to the welfare of this citv.

Thomas C. Hodgson

The late Thomas C. Hodgson, who was a well-known resident of Otter Tail county, and who was a highly-respected citizen of Fergus Falls at the time of his death, on September 7, 1913, will be long remembered by the people oi both this city and county, as a man of strong intellect and a leader among his fellow citizens. He believed firmly and thoroughly in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, and his career was a fitting example of the humble efforts of a Christian gentleman to live according to the dictates of -his own conscience. It may be said that the keynote of his character was breadth. He was tolerant towards all, charitable of his judgment and courteous in every relation of life. He was possessed of a keen and logical mind and took a deep interest in all public matters.

Born on January 1, 1843, m the Isle of Man, the late Thomas C. Hodgson, in bis long and interesting career, displayed the sterling attributes of the noble men who have come from the well-known isle of his birth. He was but a babe in arms when his parents came to America in 1844. They located in Galena. Illinois, and remained there until 1854, in which year they removed to Dakota county, Minnesota. There the elder Hodgson engaged in farming, and it was there that Thomas C. Hodgson grew to manhood. When he was eighteen years old, the Civil War broke out and on August 15, 1862. he enlisted in the Eighth Regiment. Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. The first service of this regiment was performed in suppressing an Indian insurrection in 1863. After this frontier warfare with the Indians the regiment participated in a number of severe engagements, including the sanguinary battle of ?\lurfreesboro, Tennessee.

At the close of the war Mr. Hodgson returned to Dakota county. Minnesota, where his parents lived. In [868 he was married and after his marriage lived in Castle Rock, where four of his children were born. Nine years later he removed with his family to Herman. Grant county, Minnesota, where he homesteaded a farm and where he taught school. He also served his community as justice of the peace anil for thirteen years was superintendent of the schools in Grant count)', resigning that position to become assistant grain inspector under Governor McGill. In 1800 the family finally removed to Fergus Falls, in order that the Hodgson children might attend school. Two or three years later the family moved to Ham- line, where the children attended college. In 1907. however, they returned to Fergus Falls and there Mr. Hodgson died on September 7. 19 13.

During his long and varied services as a public official and private citizen, Thomas C. Hodgson displayed a keen and logical mind and a deep interest in all public affairs. He was a writer and speaker and rendered valuable assistance to the movements and causes in which he believed. As a country-bred boy, he was studious and naturally craved knowledge. Books interested him very much, and this proved a great source of benefit and comfort to him in his later years. It can be said that to a great extent he was a self-educated and self-made man.

To Thomas C. and Fliza (Clague) Hodgson there were born nine children, namely: Dr. John E., of Spokane, Washington; Fred E.. of Fergus Falls; Rev. William C, of Minneapolis; Frank C. well-known attorney of St. Paul; Isabel C, who married J. P. Anderson: Drusilla M., who married Charles Nelson; Kathryn, who married A. C. Baker; Genevieve, a student of Hamline College, and Mary L., a teacher at Rochester, Minnesota.

As a citizen of his adopted country, as a neighbor among men and as a father and husband, Thomas C. Hodgson was beloved by all. His untimely death was a distinct shock not only to his family, but to a host of friends whose companionship he enjoyed throughout life.

\niong the oldest and best-known lawyers of Fergus Falls, this county, who. besides being a lawyer, is prominent in the industrial and financial circles of Otter Tail county, is James A. Brown, a native of Chautauqua countv, New York. The extent of his industrial and financial interests will appear from a plain statement of facts. He is the president of the Fergus Packing Company, president of the Fergus Falls Iron Works Company, president of the Firsl National Bank, of Deer Creek, and president of the First State Hank, of Powers Lake, North Dakota, lie is also secretary of the lames Land and Mining Company, with property near Brainard. Moreover, he has been prominent in religious circles in Otter Tail county and is one of the substantial members of the Episcopal church in this section of the state.

fames V Brown is the son of Ira P.. and Ursula (Alverson) Brown. Ira I'.. Brown was a native of New York state and a well-known and successful farmer in the Empire state. Tie was of English descent. His wife was of Scottish descent.

lames A. Brown received his early education in the Forestville Academy, at Forestville, New York. Afterward he entered Hamilton College and was. for several years, a student, at that institution, receiving the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and of Master of Arts. From Hamilton College, Mr. Brown went to Oxford, New York, where, for some time, he was principal of the Oxford Academy.

Two years after Mr. Brown's marriage, he came West, locating at Fergus Falls, and three years after settling there was admitted to the practice of law and soon thereafter engaged in the practice with W. L. Parsons as a partner, an arrangement which continued until 191 1, since which time Mr. Brown has been practicing alone.

Since coming to Minnesota, Mr. Brown has taken an active interest in religious affairs. He is a trustee of the Episcopal diocese of Duluth and one of the members of the standing committee. He was also a delegate to the convention of the Episcopal church in Cincinnati in 1910 and to the convention at New York in iqt.S- He is the treasurer and a vestryman of the St. James church of Fergus Falls. His life is, therefore, a well-rounded one and well divided among the various interests which ought to attract the attention and interests of a normal man living in the average American community. His well-rounded conception of life has made him a most valuable citizen of Otter Tail county, where he is highly respected and where he enjoys the esteem of his neighbors and fellow townsmen. In the strictest sense of the word, be is a man of affairs and interested in everything which pertains to the welfare of his home city and county.

Georgf. W. Frankberg

George \Y Frankberg, a successful lawyer, of Fergus Falls, this county, who is rapidly building up a large and lucrative practice in Otter Tail county, is a native of Fergus Falls, having been born there on December 20, 1882, the son of Erick and Louise (Johnson) Frankberg, and the grandson of Andrew and Britta (Johnson) Berg. Mr. Frankberg's father and mother were natives of Sweden, a biographical sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume.

George W. Frankberg obtained his early education in his native city. He was graduated from the high school in 1900 and afterward entered the State University, where he spent one year in the academic department and one year in the department of law. Mr. Frankberg' was admitted to the practice of law in 1904 and, in company with John L. Townley. commenced the practice of his profession in Fergus Falls. This partnership continued during a period of five years, after which the firm was dissolved, since which time Mr. Frankberg has continued the practice alone. He does a good business and his practice is rapidly increasing.

Fraternally. Mr. Frankberg is a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Frankberg is also a prominent member of the Chippewa Club, of Fergus Falls, and is very popular among his hosts of friends hereabout.

George F. Cowing, one of the sturdy pioneers of Fergus Falls and Otter Tail county, a man of absolute integrity and unflinching courage, who died on September 16, 1908, was a member of the bar for twenty-two years and prior to his taking to the practice of law was engaged in the mercantile business. In fact, he was one of the pioneer merchants of Fergus Falls, as well as one of its pioneer lawyers.

The late George F. Cowing was born on February 26, 1S40, at Hexani, England, and was the son of Thomas and Jane (Head) Cowing, the former of whom was a railway superintendent in the old country. In 1850 the Cowing family emigrated to America and, after arriving on the Atlantic seaboard, came West, locating at Sun Prairie. Wisconsin, where the father took up land and carried on farming until about 1S60, when they moved to Holmes City, near Alexandria, in Douglas county. Minnesota. There they were living at the time of the Indian insurrection, when all of the buildings were destroyed by the Indians and the families were compelled to take refuge in St. Cloud. Afterwards they came to Alexandria, where the father operated a hotel and a market garden and where he spent the rest of his life.

George F. Cowing received his very early education in England. In America he attended the Bigford .Academy in Walworth county ami Albion College in Dane county. Wisconsin, where he studied law. I lis studies were interrupted, however, by the breaking out of the Civil War. In 1862 Mr. Cowing enlisted in Company K. Twenty-eighth Regiment. Wisconsin Volunteer [nfantry. He was mustered into the service as an orderly htgeant, and was in many battles, lie was discharged at Milwaukee. Wisconsin, in [865, after the close of the war.

Alter the war, George F (owing returned to Alexandria, which was at thai time a frontier town. Soon afterwards he engaged 111 the saw-mill business with a Mr. Hicks, lie followed this business for a time and then .,.1,1 out and engaged in the mercantile business in Old Chippewa, near the present site of Brandon, Douglas county, Minnesota. Prior to selling out.

however, lie went to Fergus Falls, in 1870, and established a general store. The next year, accompanied by his wife, he moved to Fergus Falls and continued in the mercantile business until 1873, when he was elected superintendent of schools. He held that position for thirteen years, during which time he was also fitting himself for the practice of law. He was soon afterwards admitted to the bar, and in this profession he was engaged during the balance of his life. He built up a large and lucrative practice in Otter Tail county and was a man not only well learned in the law, but also an able counselor and a successful pleader in court.

On December 28, 1868, George F. Cowing was married in Hudson township, Douglas count}-. Minnesota, to Penelope M. Strang, who was born in St. Charles, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Murry) Strang, who moved from Illinois to Minnesota, where her father farmed for many years. Finally he removed to Alexandria, where he lived with his son, George J. Strang, until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Cowing were the parents of four children, Irene J., who married Homer D. Russell, of Chicago, Illinois, and has one child, Wallace C, now twenty-three years old; VIrs. Irene J. Russell, who died in 1906; Dr. Philip G., who lives in Montana, and who married Helena Everson, and Robert M., a resident of Chicago, who married Leona Lochner.

Mr. Cowing was a member of Corner Stone Lodge No. 99, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and rose to the rank of Knight Templar. He was a ready and fluent speaker and a man who was popular, especially at fraternal and public gatherings of all kinds. His untimely death was a distinct shock and was keenly felt by the people of Otter Tail county.

Lewis L. Riley

Lewis L. Riley, a prosperous live-stock dealer of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, was born in the town of Massena, St. Lawrence count)'. New York, on June 15, 1866. He is the son of Plyn and Sophia (Wilson) Riley, both of whom were natives of Ireland and who came to America and settled in New York state in pioneer times.

Lewis L. Riley received his early education in Massena. passing through the usual routine which falls to the lot of the average bo} VIi Riley was reared on the farm, and his parents dying while he was still a mere lad, he was obliged to look out for himself. In 1891 he came to Fergus Falls when he was about twenty-live years old and a1 the time was glad to do anything to make an honesl dollar. The first thing he did was to clip the horse owned by Doctor Duncan. His next employment was as night watchman over \delphet Gohein, who had murdered a woman by the name of Rosa Bray, Mr. Riley next did collecting for W. P. Bayley

After selling out at Henning Mr. Riley removed to Battle Lake, where he engaged in the hotel business for two and one-half years. Upon returning to Fergus Falls, he engaged in the live-stock business with Mr. Billing and was with him altogether for twelve years, at the end of which time he purchased Mr. Billing's interest in the business and has since continued on his own account.

Lewis L. Rile_\- was married to Alice Rutley, who was born on an island in the St. Lawrence river. They have one daughter, Harriet Lucile, who was born on September 12, 1895.

Among his other interests Mr. Riley and wife are prominent in the social life of Fergus Falls, .Mr. Riley being a member of the Chippewa Club. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

John O. Barke

One of the oldest members of the Otter Tail county bar is John O. Barke, who has been a practicing attorney in Fergus Falls for the past thirty-five years. In addition to the law practice. Mr. Barke has given his attention to the sale of city real estate and farm lands. Since its establishment, in 1892, he has been secretary and trustee of the Park Region Lutheran College. John O. Barke was born near the city of Stavangee, Norway, November 12, 1850. His father, Ove J. Barke. was a farmer and contractor in Norway, who emigrated to America in 1870. He came West and settled in Story county, Iowa. Mr. Barke's' paternal grandfather, John O. Barke, served in the Norwegian army during the war between Sweden and Denmark. Mr. Barke's mother, before her marriage, was Ellen Anderson, also a native of Norway, whose people were farmers in their native land.

Reared on the home farm. John O Barke received a common-school education in Norway, and then took a short course in a Latin school at Stavangee. Shortly after completing his education be came to America. and for a time was a student in the Luther College at Decorah, Iowa. Later lie attended the \*<irth Missouri State Normal School, and from time to time he taught school that he might earn enough money to pay the expenses incident to completing his education. During all this time, however, he was giving considerable thought and attention to the study of law. and in 1878 entered the law department of what is now Drake University, at Des Moines, Iowa, and was graduated from that institution in June. [880, with the degree of Bachelor of Law.

T11 1880 Mr. Barke came to Otter Tail count) and opened a law office in Fergus Falls, having been admitted to the practice of his profession in

Minnesota and Iowa the same year. Mr. Barke has followed the active practice of law for thirty-five years, and is now one of the oldest members of the bar in Otter Tail county.

In 1882 John O. Barke was married to Bertha Nelson, a native of Illinois, and the daughter of Seward Nelson, a native of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Barke are the parents of five children, namely: Ellen J., a teacher; Dr. Owen S., a dentist, who died in May, 1914; Arthur R., who is associated with his father in the practice of law; Ralph J. and Bertha G., who live at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Barke and their children constitute a delightful family, and all enjoy a large measure of popularity in Otter Tail county.

Frank H. Gray

One of the early comers to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, who has had a large part in the commercial history of Otter Tail county, and who is descended from a distinguished family, is Frank H. Gray, secretary of the Lamson-Gray Company. Mr. Gray has a medal which was presented to his grandfather, James Gray, by Commodore Perry, for meritorious conduct and bravery in the naval battles on Lake Erie during the War of 1812.

Frank H. Gray was born in Platteville, Wisconsin, in 1846, and is a son of Neely and Adaline (Stark) Gray. His father was a native of Virginia, who came north with his parents to Uniontovvn, Pennsylvania. After growing to manhood in the state of Pennsylvania, Neely Gray emigrated to Platteville, Wisconsin, where he built a flouring-mill, which he himself operated. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention of Wisconsin, and after his removal to Madison, the capital city of the state, he engaged in the coal and grain business there. His death occurred in Madison. Wisconsin, in 1875, while his wife passed away in the same city in 1885. They were the parents of four children, all of whom are deceased except Frank M. The deceased children are Henry L., Ellen J. and Arthur I.

Frank H. Gray received his early educational training in the public schools of Wisconsin, later attending the State University at Madison, and after finishing his education, engaged in the coal business in partnership with a Mr. Conklin, under the firm name of Conklin & Gray. Tin- partnership arrangement continued for fifteen years, until 1881, when Mr. Gray came to Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and in partnership with a Mr. Daley, under the firm name of Daley & Gray, engaged in the shoe business for three or four years. Later Mr. Gray sold out his interests in this business and engaged again in the coal business until ioi_>. when he became associated with Mr. Lamson in the contract building business under the firm name of Lamson-Gray Company.

Frank H. Gray's first wife was Fanny Robbins, who was born in Platteville, Wisconsin. Her father served seven terms in the Wisconsin state Legislature, and was a prominent man in the public life of that state. By his first marriage there were born two children: Xeely H., manager for the Charles Wright Company, married a Miss McConnell, and they have one daughter. Margaret; Roderick, who was the second child of Mr. Gray's first marriage, is deceased. Some years afterward Mr. Gray was the founder of the Fergus Falls Journal. To this union there have been horn four children. Donald U., Franklin H., Jr.. Robert I deceased 1 and Marion.

in fact, is well known to the people of the state of Minnesota, who read newspapers, and this means a large percentage of the population. Harry M. Wheeiock, the editor and proprietor of the paper, and postmaster of Fergus Falls since 1914, is prominent in the public life of Otter Tail county.

Harry M. Wheeiock was horn at Fredonia, Xew York. June 14, 1859, a son of Theodore Bainbridge and Eva (Jennings) Wheeiock, the former of whom, born in Mendon, Worcester county, Massachusetts, is still living at the age of eighty-one years, and the latter born in Connecticut, died 111 1880. at Duluth, Minnesota. Mrs. Wheelock's father was superintendent of a woolen mill at Bridgeport, Connecticut. Theodore B. Wheeiock and wife were the parents of two sons: Harry M., the immediate subject of this review, and Leland L., who is now- a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Harry M. Wheeiock received his education in the normal school at Fredonia, Xew York, and at an early age became a printer's apprentice, and after completing his apprenticeship at Fredonia, worked at his trade in various parts of the East and West. In 1882 he settled at Fergus Falls, this county, to assist in the establishment of the Daily Telegram, and for two years he was connected with that paper. In [884, in partnership with Capt, I. D. Wood, Mr. Wheeiock established the Fergus Falls Democrat. \ fev years later he became connected with the Fergus Falls Journal, as local editor. In 1893 Mr. Wheeiock severed his connection with the Fergus Falls Journal in order to become receiver for a bicycle factory. In [895 Mr. Whet-lock established the weekly newspaper which hears his name, lie I a prize for a suitable title, and for a number of issues, the paper

Mr. Wheelock is widely and favorably known as an active newspaper worker, and one who understands all departments of a modern newspaper. He is rated as one of the best writers and managers in the state, and it can be truthfully said that the pen in his hand is mightier than the sword. In 191 4 Mr. Wheelock became postmaster of Fergus Falls by appointment from President Wilson. Fie is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is first vice-president of the Editorial Association of Minnesota.

Capt. Osmer C. Chase

Among the old-time residents and well-known citizens of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, is the venerable Capt. Osmer C. Chase, steward of the Minnesota state hospital, at Fergus Falls, for the past twenty-six years, having been appointed to the position in 1889. His long tenure of service in this position is a tribute not only to his skill and his ability, but also to the genial personality of which he is possessed and which has made his tenure a most pleasant experience in the official life of this great institution.

A native of Darian, Genesee county, Xew York, Capt. Osmer C. Chase was born in 1838, and is the son of John and Sophia ( Dimock) Chase, the former of whom was a native of Otsego, New York, and the latter of Northampton. Massachusetts. In 1841 the entire Chase family removed to Ohio, where John Chase became a farmer and storekeeper in Geauga county, about twenty-four miles from Cleveland. It was here that Osmer C. Chase was reared. He was a student at Hiram College when the Civil War broke out, and this seriously interfered with the completion of his education. In 1861 he joined the Sixth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry under Wade and Hutchins and saw active service for some time. He was later transferred to Company E, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a company of which he was instrumental in organizing and of which he became captain. He was honorablj discharged in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 7, 1865, and upon this occasion was presented with a beautiful gold watch and chain by the survivors of his company. After living in Ohio for a time, Captain Chase left the state for the oil regions of Pennsylvania and there he remained for a few months. While a soldier in the Union army his parents had removed to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and in the year 1866 Captain Chase also joined his parents (5b)

In 1869 ('apt. Osmer C. (base was married to Delia Potter, and they are the parents of two daughters, Etta May and Alice Catherine. The former is now the wife of Dr. H. J. Lafhtte, and the latter is the wife of E. J. Fairbanks. Mr. and Mrs. Chase are well known in the social and civic life of Fergus halls and Otter Tail county and are popular among all classes of people. Captain Chase is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, having joined this historic order at Flkhorn, Wisconsin, and having later affiliated with Corner Stone Lodge No. 00. of Fergus halls. Minnesota. He is a good man and a good citizen, well known and highly respected in the county which has been his home tor so many years.

William P. Bayley

The world is always willing to honor self-made men, men who, by their own exertion and industry, step by step mount the ladder of success. Among the men well known to Fergus Falls and Otter Fail county. Minnesota, who have succeeded in this way is William P. Bayley, who is engaged in the real-estate, loan and collection business. Mr. Bayley is a native of St. Lawrence county. New York, having been born in Massena, June [O, [857. lie is the son of William M. and Laura M. 1 Felch) Parley.

The paternal great-grandfather of Mr. Bayley was a native of Ireland and a farmer by occupation, who immigrated to America and settled in Vermont in an early day. In 1835 the family moved to New York state. The late William M. Bayley was a farmer by occupation and his wife, a native of Vermont, was of Welsh descent, her father having been a clergyman, who was drowned at sea. William P. Bayley is the fourth child in a family of five children. lie was reared on a farm and received his early education in the district schools of New York state. When Mr. Bayley was sixteen years old he entered the high school at Massena, where he was graduated at the age of twenty. In 1878 he moved to Alexandria, Minnesota, where he was employed for two or three years in the farming imple- nient business. In 1883 he tno.ved to Fargo, North Dakota, and was there employed by the Walter A. Woods Harvester Company. For several years previously, he had been quietly yet persistently equipping himself for the practice of law. In 1886 he located in Fergus Falls, where he continued in the study of law. being admitted to the bar on March 22, 1888. After bis admission to the bar, Mr. Bayley opened a law office in Fergus Falls and engaged in the practice of law, in the real-estate, loan and collection business. He has a large clientage in Otter Tail county and enjoys a large, prosperous and growing business.

On January 31, 1884, William P. Bayley was married to Amanda L. Stearns, a native of New York state, having been born at Louisville, New York. Mrs. Bayley is the daughter of A. C. Stearns, a scion of an old Fnglish family. After her graduation from the high school, Mrs. Bayley attended the Lawrenceville Academy and then taught school in the state of Xew York until the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Bayley have one son, Charles S., who was born on June 12, 1885, at Alexandria, Minnesota.

William P. Bayley is a Democrat in politics and was a member of the city council of Fergus Falls for several years and a delegate to the Kansas City convention, which nominated William J. Bryan for the presidency. In iqoo Mr. Bayley was chairman of the Democratic county central committee of Otter Tail county. He is one of the active and progressive men and citizens of Fergus Falls and is interested in everything which pertains to the development of this great county.

Robert Hannah

The Co-operative Building Association, while not an institution peculiar to America, has served a splendid purpose in the material development of this great country. It has served an especially valuable purpose in the development of the great state of Minnesota and especially Otter Tail county. Among the men who now live in Otter Tail county and who are prominent in the administration of building associations is Robert Hannah, of Fergus Falls, a native of Scotland, who, aside from his interests in various building associations, is personally engaged in the farm loan and mortgage business.

Robert Hannah was born at Ayrshire. Scotland, in i860, and is the son of John and Mary (Miller) Hannah, both of whom are deceased. Mr. Hannah's father was a farmer in Scotland. He was reared on the farm and received his education at the Ayr Academy.

Subsequently, he became inspector of western farm mortgages for the Globe Investment Company, at Boston. During the period of eight or nine years when he was associated with the Globe Investment Company, Air. Hannah also had offices in Kansas City, Missouri, and at other places.

On January 2, 1892, Mr. Hannah came to Fergus Falls and engaged in his present business. He not only handles farm mortgages, but he is secretarv of the Northwestern Building Association, an incorporation organized in 1904. Moreover, he was secretary of the Otter Tail Building and Loan Association, organized in 1895. These concerns have been instrumental in building up many towns in Otter Tail county, and, in fact, in the surrounding country, because they have furnished a liberal supply of money on easy terms to men who were interested in the development of this county.

George O. Welch, M.D.

The state of Minnesota takes great pride in the character of and administration of its public institutions. An important feature of the efficient management of the state institutions of Minnesota consists in the long tenure of its administrative officers, who have proved themselves qualified for the positions they fill. Institutional management in many states has been inefficient merely because capable men have been sacrificed for politics. Fortunately, this is not the case in Minnesota. Dr. George O. Welch, the superintendent of the state hospital at Fergus Falls, was appointed to his present position in 1892. nearly a quarter of a century ago. Having ably discharged the duties of this responsible position, he has since continued in office from year to year regardless of the varying fortunes of politics.