Polk County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 1 of 15)

Biographical sketches

The subject of this sketch has been judge of the District Court for the last seventeen years, having been elected to that position in 1898 and twice since that time without opposition. He ranks among tlie ablest of the district judges in Minnesota. Before becoming judge he was county attorney of Polk county, city attorney of Crookston, a member of its city council twelve years, member of the school boai-d and referee in bankruptcy. He was born June 9, 1850, in Stanley, Huron county, Ontario. His father Matthew Watts, a native of Yorkshire, England, who came to Canada in 1842 and his mother, Hannah (Simpson) Watts of Cumberlandshire, England, who came in 1832 at the age of six years. They settled in the backwoods near the shore of Lake Huron in 1848, enduring the hardships of pioneers who make farms from heavily timbered lands with their own hands, and there they are buried, the father dying in 1854 at the age of thirty-four years and his wife in 1912 at the age of eighty-six.

schools and worked at farming, lumbering and teaching school in Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota until 1875 when he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, graduating therefrom in 1877 with the degree of bachelor of laws, and was admitted to the bar of Michigan. He came to Crookston in January, 1878, and has lived there continuously since that time, making him the first lawyer now living to locate in what is now the Fourteenth Judicial District of Minnesota. He soon became a good trial lawyer and had a fair share of the law business of the region tributary to Crookston while at the bar and has also done considerable farming in the Red River valley.

Judge Watts was united in marriage with Edith E. Webb whose father. Rice Webb was one of the pioneers of Polk county and who is a descendant of John Alden and Priscilla, immortalized in the verse of Longfellow. They have four children, William A., lawyer, residing at Duluth, and Mai*y Ella, Anna M. and Matthew S., at home.

Hugh Thompson

Hugh Thompson, of East Grand Porks, an eminent citizen of Polk county, is widely known as a pioneer, whose career has been significantly associated witli the development of the various important interests of northern Minnesota. He was born in Huntington county, Canada, July 4, 1850, the son of John L. Thompson, a well known farmer of that region, who continued to reside in Huntington county until his death. His son, Hugh Thompson, spent his early youth on the Canadian homestead and came to this country when sixteen years of age, securing a position as a clerk in a store owned by his brothers, at St.

Croix Palls, Wisconsin. Two years later he left St. Croix for Menominee, where he engaged in similar employment. In 1873 he came to Crookston, then in the earliest days of its settlement and has since been actively identified with growth and progress of Polk county. Por a few years he was employed in the store operated by W. D. Bailey but in October, 1875, he embarked upon his independent commercial career, opening a general store at Pisher's Landing. This proved a successful venture and in 1879 he extended his activities to the milling business, erecting a flouring mill which was destroyed by fire some three years later. In 1879 Mr. Thompson organized the Fisher bank as a private banking house and as president, capably directed its affairs during the first years of its operations. This bank became a State bank in 1896 and is one of the mast substantial and prosperous financial institutions of the county. In 1885 I\Ir. Thompson became associated in his various business interests with Marcus Johnson, buying the mercantile business owned by Andrew D. Stephens and erecting a flour mill which they operated for nine years when it was merged with the North Dakota Milling Association, of which Mr. Thompson became president. This corporation had extensive milling interests in North Dakota and Minnesota and Mr. Thompson remained at the head of its Ijoard of directors for se\eral years. During these busy years of commercial enterprise, he found time for active co-operation in public affaire and gave his services in public offices, as county commissioner, and was the first postmaster appointed at Fisher. In 1891 he was appointed registrar of the United States land office at Crookston and during the four years of his incumbency of that position, resided in Crookston. He removed to East Grand Porks in 1896 and since that time has given his attention largely to the direct service of public interests in the various official positions to which the confidence and regard of his fellow citizens have called him. Aside from the local offices which he lias held, Mr. Thompson was also an able member of the State board of Equalization for ten years, being first appointed to the board in 1882. He has been prominently identified with civic affairs as mayor and president of the town council and for four years was county commissioner from the fiftli district. As a pioneer citizen, merchant axid banker, his career has been notably marked with that intelligent and constructive citizenship which lays the foundation for the steady prosperity and rapid development of all commercial and social activity. Mr. Thompson has been twice married, his first union was with Luella May Thompson in 1875. She was born in St. Paul and was a teacher in the first school of Polk county, at Crookston. Three cliildren were born to them, two of whom died in infancy. The death of the mother occurred at Fisher in 1888 and she was survived by one daughter, Luella M., who is the v\-ife of Bert TowTisend. Mr. Thompson's marriage to Lees McMaster, a native of Olmstead county, ilinnesota, and a teacher in the Fisher schools at the time of her marriage was solemnized in 1891 and they have two children, Charlotte H. and June.

Reverend J. B. A. Dale

Reverend J. B. A. Dale, pastor of the United Lutheran church at Mcintosh, was born at Avue Bergen, Stiff, Norway, Jiine 29, 1854. He remained in his native land i;ntil his seventeenth year, coming to the United States in Jime, 1871. For several months he made his home in Columbus, Wisconsin, and then located in Chicago, where he spent three years and then returned to Wisconsin, living for a time in Eau Claire. Being ambitious to secure an education and prepare himself for the ministry, in the fall of 1875 he went to Minneapolis and enrolled in tlie Augsburg Seminary. He completed a four years ' course of study in that institution, meanwhile working during the vacation mouths and finding further employment as a teacher in parochial schools. He then attended the Normal school at AYinona, ]\Iinnesota, during one winter and subsecjuently entered the University at Columbus, Ohio. In 1882 he became a student in the Red Wing Seminary and completed his studies in the following two years, receiving his degree in June, 1884. He was ordained in Lee county, Illinois, and his first pastorate was in Newman Grove, Nebraska, remaining with that congregation for some fourteen years. On leaving he came to Minnesota to accept the charge at Twin Valley in Norman county, where he sei'ved for six yeare. In July, 1904, he removed to Mcintosh, as pastor of the United Lutheran church, with eight churches iu Polk comity in his circuit, wliieh has since been divided into two pastorates, ilr. Dale has devoted his life to his ministei'ial labors and enjoys the high regard of his many warm friends through his faithful service during the many years spent as a leader iu religious interests. He was married at Roland, Iowa, in July, 1882, to Julia Olson, who was born at Leland, Illinois, November 23, 1865. Fourteen children were born to this union, twelve of whom are living. Marcelius A. Dale died at Mcintosh, in his twentieth year and the death of Melviu Dale occurred when he was fourteen years of age. The sui-viving children are, Jeanette, who married E. G. Schlanbusch ; Caspar, Erwin, Christina, the wife of Reverend A. B. Hinderlie, Clara, Elnora, Andora, Ingeborg, Beatrice, Marcellus, Marguerite and Jens.

William J. Rasmussen

William J. Rasmussen, municipal judge at East Grand Porks and one of the leading membere of the Polk county bar, was bom in Duck Creek township, Taylor county, Wisconsin, June 22, 1885, the son of Jacob and Caroline (Olson) Rasmussen, who were natives of Norway. Jacob Rasmussen continues to make his home at Phillips, Wisconsin, where the death of his wife occurred in her sixty-ninth year. William Rasmussen spent his youth in Phillips and there received his early education, later entering the University of Wisconsin. Subsequently he matriculated in the state university of Minnesota and there prepared himself for his professional career, graduating from the law school of that institution in 1909.

He immediately engaged in the practice of law in East Grand Forks and rapidly won recognition 83 one of the able young attorneys of that section. In 1911 he was elected municipal judge and has since given most efficient and zealous service in discharging the responsibilities of his position. As public official or private citizen, Mr. Rasmussen is that type of broad minded and progressive citizen, whose influence is felt in every phase of community development. His political affiliations are with the Republican party. In fraternal orders, he is a well known member of the Masonic fraternity and a Knight Templar.

John J. Vaatveit

John J. Vaatveit, a prominent merchant of Mcintosh and well known citizen of King township, is a native of Norway, born in Village of Vass, on August 13, 1856. He was reared on a pioneer farm home in Dodge county, Minnesota, the family emigrating to the United States in spring of 1857, and spent his early manhood in Dodge county. In 1856 he went to Grand Forks, North Dakota, and began his career in the commercial world as a clerk in a general store. After spending seven years in that employment, he made his first independent venture in the mercantile business and for five years continued his successful operations, establishing a store at Northland, North Dakota, and was appointed the first postmaster at that place. la 1895 he sold his interests, resigned from the office of postmaster and transferred his attention to farming, removing to Polk county and buying a quarter section of land in King township, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for some twelve years. In 1907 he resumed his commercial activities, opening a general store at Mcintosh, where he has since conducted a prosperous and steadily growing trade. During the many years of his residence in King township, Mr. Vaatveit has won the respect and confidence of all his associates through his ability as a business man and his public spirited citizenship. He has been prominently associate with township affairs and has capably discharged the duties of various public offices, as chainnan and member of the township board, a member of the school board of Mcintosh and in several minor offices. He has been further identified with public interests as the president of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, serving for a term of nine years. He was married in Dodge county, Minnesota, to Martha Alrick, who is a native of Norway and they have reared a family of four children, Eng\-old, George, ilinnie, who is the wife of Oliver Henson, and Mabel. Mr. Vaatveit and his family are faithful supporters of the Synod Lutheran church and ;ire actively identified with all its interests.

Emil Jorgenson

Emil Jorgenson, of Mcintosh, local agent for the St. Anthony and Dakota Lumber Company, is a native of Polk county, born in Knute township, June 15, 1885, the son of Marcus and Iledda Jorgenson, natives of Norwaj', who settled in Polk county in 1884; the father becoming a well known farmer of the county, where they continue to make their home. Emil Jorgenson was reared on the Knute township liomestead and received his education in the country schools. He remained on the farm until he was twentytwo years of age and then entered upon his comnicrcial career, his first activity being in the lumber business and with the exception of two yeai*s spent in the employment of a telephone companj^, has continued to devote his attention to the lumber interests, where his ability and successful experience have won him rapid promotion and wide recognition. In July, 1913, he located in Mcintosh, as the local manager for the St. Anthony & Dakota Lumber Co. ilr. Jorgenson is one of the progressive and enterprising business men and citizens of the town in which he lives and is actively interested in matters of public moment and in the promotion of the general welfare and growth. He is a member of the St. Johns Lutheran church.

Jacob P. Soes

One of the leading merchants and the capable and popular postmaster of tlie village of Climax, this county, where he has lived and been well and favorably known by the people for many years, Jacob P. Soes is a very u.seful citizen and is universally esteemed in accordance with his demonstrated merits as a business man, public official and enterpribing and progressive citizen of public spirit and breadth of view.

Mr. Soes is a native of Denmark, where he was lx)m Feb. 14, 1871, and where he lived until he reached the age of seventeen years. lie then emigrated to the United States in May, 1888, and came direct to Crookston. During tlie first two years of his residence in this county he was employed at the Artesian "Water Works, selling the water all over Crookston. But he was frugal and thrifty, and had ambition for a higher sphere in life. So he saved his earnings and applied them in preparing himself for a business career. He attended the Crookston Business college nights, and when he had completed its couree of instruction he entered the employ of A. G. Anderson in the drug business.

Mr. Soes remained Avith Mr. Anderson nine years, and during that period he pursued a course of thorough training at the School of Phannacy in Minneapolis, thereby becoming a registered pharmacist and a complete master of his business. After leaving the employ of Mr. Anderson Mr. Soes made a visit of several months to his native land, and on his return to Minnesota in the fall of 1901 he located at Climax and engaged in the drug business, also serving as'assistiint postmaster under C. Steenerson for about twelve years.

At Christmas, 1914, he was appointed postmaster of Climax, and this office he has held ever since. He has also been president of the village and a justice of the peace for a year. In these positions of trust and responsibility he has been able to put into practical operation the deep and intelligent interest in the welfare of the community which he has always felt and shoAvn by active participation in every undertaking for the good of the people. He was married in Crookston in 1904 to Miss Emma Oieren, who is a native of Minnesota but of Norwegian parentage. They have two children, their daughters Myrtle and Evelyn. lu addition to his business and other holdings in Climax Mr. Soes owns 160 acres of land near the village of Erskine.

Gunner Husby

Gunner Husby, a retired farmer and well known citizen of King township, now residing at Mcintosh, was bom in Nor\\ay, April 13, 1852. He remained in his native land until thirty-one years of age, when he came to the United States and in the spring of 1882 took a homestead claim on section eight of King township in Polk county. He immediately engaged in the developmeut of his land and devoted the efforts and interests of his successful farming career to this farm, building up one of the most prosperous properties of the section. In 1914, after many years of business activity, he sold the homestead and has since made his home at Mcintosh. As one of the early settlers of the township he has been prominently identified with public affairs and has taken an active interest in the promotion of the general welfare. He has capably discharged the duties of various local offices to which he has been elected and has served as a member of the school board and township board. Mr. Husby is a memljer of the St. Johns Luthei-an church. He was married in Norway, to Marit Haaven and they have seven children, Magnhild, Louis, Peter, John, Ingvar, Gertrude and Gottfried.

Odd Eide

During the last fourteen years this prominent and enterprising young business man of Polk eountj^ has been a resident of Fertile and actively engaged in helping to build up and improve the village and minister to the enduring welfare and comfort of its inhabitants. He is now only thirty-two years old, but he has alread.y established himself in the confidence and regard of the community around him as a good business man and a progressive, enterprising and public-spirited citizen with the welfare of the town always foremost in his mind.

Mr. Eide is a native of Nonvay, where his life began Feb. 16, 1883, and where he lived until 1899, when he came to the United States. In 1901 he located at Fertile and began his business career as a clerk for his uncle, Andrew Opheim, with whom he remained until death ended the uncle's labors on April 5, 1915. Mr. Opheim was one of Fertile 's honored pioneers. He was born and reared in Norway and became a resident of the United States in 1871. In 1882 he located in Polk county and opened a drug store one mile east of Fertile, where he remained until 1887, then moved his store to Fertile, forming a partnei-ship in the drug trade and general merchandising with Dr. Arne Nelson, which lasted from 1882 until 1893. When he died Mr. Opheim owned 600 acres of land in Polk county, and throughout his residence here he took an earnest interest and an active part in pushing forward the growth and improvement of the county.

store and the uncle's other business. He was mar- and is a daughter of the late Dr. Arne Nelson. They ried in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, Novenaber 30, have two tliildren, their son Kuute Arne and their 1910. to Jliss Clara Nelson, who was born in Fertile daughter Anna Bessie.

Harvey Chase Misner

Harvey Chase Misner, pioneer business man of the state and for a number of yeare prominently identified with the business interests of Crookston as vice president of the First National bank and president of the Wheeler-Misner Loan company, was a native of Wisconsin, Ijorn near Batavia. January 9, 18.34, the son of Ira P. and Arvilla (Chapin) Misner. The latter was a native of Michigan. His father, Ira P. Misner was born in Pennsylvania, went to Wisconsin in his early manlioi'd and there spent the many years of his active and useful career as a farmer and citizen. In 1861 he enlisted in a Wisconsin i-egiment and gave gallant service in defence of the Union throughout the four years of the great struggle and was thrice wounded. His death occurred in 1905, at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He was survived by the wife of his second marriage and three sons by his first wife. Harvey C. ;\Iisner was reared on the Wisconsin farm and attended the schools at Fond du Lac. After being employed for a time as clerk in a feed store, lie made his first independent business venture and engaged in the tea and coffee business in Fond du Lac. In 1879 he came to Minnesota and located in Euclid where he opened a general store under the firm name of Misner & Lindsley. This business was later I'eorganized as E. Taylor & Company and was still later known as H. C. Misner & Company and was most successfully and profitably conducted by Mr. Misner for a number of years. In 1904 he removed to Crookston and founded one of the important business organizations of the city, the Wheeler-^Misner Loan company and was actively identified with the substantial prosperity of this corporation as secretary and treasurer and for the last two years of his life, as president, having been elected to that position in 1912. He was also prominentlj- associated with the financial interests of the county as vice president and manager of the First National bank, one of the largest banking institutions in this section. From January, 1912, to January, 1914, he was extensively interested in farm lands and in the agricultural development of the northwest. After many j^ears of indefatigable effort and achievement but with a future bright with prospects of larger activities, failing health necessitated his witlulrawal from the business world. This was in January, 1914, and his death occurred on June 1 of that year. He had a long and successful experience in his chasen occupations and in every phase of his bus}' life demonstrated his peculiar adaptation to business and his sterling integrity as a progressive citizen, and enjoyed the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. Mr. Misner was married, June 15, 1881, to Ida Jlay Taylor of Lyons, Iowa, who survives him, retaining her residence in Crookston. She is the daughter of Alfred C. Taylor, one of the early settlers of Iowa, a wortliy pioneer citizen who gave his sen"ices to his country in the war of the rebellion, with an Iowa regiment. Three children were born to ]\Ir. Misner and his wife, two of whom died in infancy. Harvey W. Jlisner, one of the leading young business men of Crookston, has succeeded to his father's interests in the firm of Wheeler & Misner. ^Ir. ]Misuer was a faithful supporter of the principles of the Republican party and took an active part in tlie direction of the political affairs of the state as a member of the county and state central committees. In fraternal orders he was widely known and was a prominent member of the Masonic order, a thirtysecond degree JIason, a member of the Scottish and York Rites, and served in 1908 as the eminent commander of the Crookston conunandery. He was also an Elk and a charter member of the Modern

Woodmen of America. Although not a member of any religious organization, he was interested in the church and its purpose and gave his generous support

Victor H. Hoglund

This enterprising, progressive and broad-minded business man of Fertile is engaged in several undertakings which minister to the service, enjoyment and improvement of the people of his home community and help to make life more tolerable and comfortable for them, as well as to add to their facilities for carrying on their several occupations and pursuing their chosen i)athways of advancement in business or social activity.

Mr. Hoglund is a native and wholly a product of Polk county, having been born on his father's farm in Garfield township July 23, 1885, and having been reared on that farm and educated in the school in the neighborhood. He is a son of Eric and Christi'na (Johnson) Hoglund, natives of Sweden, and residents of this county for thirty-five years. The son remained at home with his parents and worked on the farm until he reached the age of twenty-one years. He then turned his attention to telephone work, in which he was employed for six years. At the end of that period he installed an electric light plant at Fertile, which he began operating March 15, 1910. He erected the building in which the plant is located and he now has in the neighborhood of 100 patrons, and the number is steadily increasing.

For two years Mr. Hoglund was superintendent of the Gordon Valley Telephone company, and his expeidence in that position has been very valuable to him in his own business. He owns 160 acres of well improved land in Columbia township, and is also proprietor of the Picture theater at Fertile. Every branch of his business seems to be in direct line with his tastes and mental trend, and he is making the utmost of his opportunities in each, using every, gain in his progress as a step to something higher and more advanced, for he is enterprising and farseeing, and knows his business thoroughly to date and is always studious of its further possibilities.

Antone M. Gamme

Having come to this country at the age of twentytwo years with no capital but his resolute spirit, strong physique and well-balanced mind, and having won from the soil of Polk county a substantial competence, Antone M. Gamme, a prominent farmer now living retired from active work in the village of Fertile, has shown that he chose wisely when he sought the United States as a land of opportunity in which industry, thrift and good management were bound to win success and prosperity. By his activity in public affairs as a good citizen but not as an office seeker, he has also shown that the country gained in sturdy and sterling manhood when he became a resident of it.

Mr. Gamme was born in Norway April 23, 1861, and remained in his native land until 1883. He was reared on a farm and obtained a common school education. Late in tlie spring of 1883 he emigrated to America, landing at New York and coming direct to Polk county, Minnesota. During the first eight years of his residence in this country he worked as a farm laborer. At the end of that period he preempted eighty acres of land in Godfrey township which he proved up on, owned and improved for a number of years, then sold it.

In the spring of 1891 Mr. Gamme took up a homestead in Rice township and subsequentl.y purchased an additional tract of 160 acres. On this land he had his home and expended his labors, improving it with good buildings and bringing the greater part of it to advanced productiveness, and occupying it until the spring of 1915, when he gave up all active work and moved to Fertile. His land is all in Rice township, and, during the years of his activity, he carried on a general fanning enterprise with vigor, progressiveness and success, making his fann one of the best in the township in fruitfulness and an attractive one in appearance.

also, was bom in Norway, her life beginning on June 23, 1856, and Mas thirteen years old when she came to the United States. In 1882 she became a resident of Polk county, and here her first husband died, passing away at Beltrami when he was at the age of fiftytwo. By her first marriage she had three children, Jlortimer, Amelia and Florence. She and her present husband are the parents of four children, Elmer and Joseph, twins, and Jessie and Orlie. The father and mother are zealous members of tlie Lutheran churcli and devoted to the welfare of the congregation they are in.

Knute Nelson

When Knute Nelson, the present capable and oljliging postmaster at Fertile, this county, whs appointed to that office by President Wilson on August 25, 1914, he was well prepared for the duties he had been selected to perform, for he had already performed similar duties in other places at different times, had served as assistant postmaster at Fertile, and had rendered the public good service in other positions of trust and responsibility. Moreover, he is a man of extensive general intelligence, good judgment and a resourcefulness that makes him e(iual to any requirement.

Mr. Nelson was born in Norway February 28, 1857, the son of Nels A. Nelson, who died in that country May 16, 1915, at the age of eighty-nine years. His son Knute was the fourth of his eight children in the order of birth. He remained in his native land until he reached the age of sixteen, then came to the United States, arriving in 1873. In June of that year he located in Dodge county, Minnesota, and for two years thereafter he devoted himself wholly to hard labor as a farm hand. During the next two years he worked on a farm and attended school, and in 1877 and 1878 he was clerk in a general store in Vernon Dodge county, in which the postofifice was kept, and he al.so acted as assistant postmaster in that town while clerking in the store.

On May 1, 1879, he started driving a "prairie schooner" across the state to the Red river valley and reached Crookston on May 15. He at once took up a homestead in Garfield township, this county, on which he filed on May 19, and at that time he, his bi'other Ener and his uncle, Lai-s Bolstad, were the only white settlers in that township. During the summer and spring of 1879 he worked on his homestead, and in the winter of 1880 began clerking in a store in Crookston, and after doing that for about five months he returned to his claim and went on improving it and making it productive.

By this time ^Ir. Nelson's ability had become known to his neighbors, and they looked upon him as one of the men among them best fitted for public office. In June of that year he was appointed assessor for the townships of Garfield, Gordon, Bear Park and Sundahl, and in the fall he became assistant grain buyer at Edna station, a position which lie filled for two months, after which he again turned his attention to clerking in a store and looked after the Edna postoffice until April, 1881.

Soon afterward he opened a store at a small place named Aldal, and there he was appointed postmaster during President Garfield's administration and served until the office was discontinued in August, 1887. He was also in the lumber business at Fosston and in

Columbia towiiship, Polk county, until 1889, and from then until 1908 he gave his whole attention to his farming operations, which he had continued at intervals all the time. In 1910 and 1911 he kept a store at RindaJ, Polk county, and during the next three years he clerked in a store in Clearwater county. Throughout a large part of this time his family was living at Fertile, and when he was appointed postmaster there he was reunited with it, and he also returned to an old job, for he had been assistant postmaster under his brother. Dr. A. Nelson, who died in 1909, and also under Brown Duckstad from May 1, 1898, to January 15, 1899.

Mr. Nelson was elected county commissioner in the fall of 1882. He has also been a justice of the peace and filled other local of3fices. Always enterprising and progressive, he has been an important factor in building up and improving his township and county, helping to organize the Farmers' Elevator compan}' in

June, 1893, and serving as its secretary for eleven years. In political affiliation he has been a Democrat since 1890, taking an active part in all campaigns and frequently serving as a delegate to county conventions of his party. His religious connection is with the Lutheran Synod church, and he has been zealous and energetic in its service also.

Mr. Nelson was married in Garfield township June 24, 1882, to Miss Martha Brunberg, who was born in Wisconsin March 2, 1863. They have nine children : Norman 0., Richard A., Edd R., Luella, Leonora, Knute M., Olga I., Arthur and Thea L. The parents own a good farm of 160 acres in Gai-field township, on which the father has expended a great deal of labor to good advantage, making it productive and improving it according to present day ideas. The farm is located in Section 16, and was all wild land when he took possession of it. It is wholly the product of his skiU and industrj^, and is highly creditable to him.

Sven Philip Swenson

The late Sven Philip Swenson, a leading farmer of Vineland township for many years, was a pioneer of Polk county, having become a resident of it about 1874. He located on a homestead in section 20 which he took up soon after his arrival in the county, and on which he passed the remainder of his days. When he located in that township it was yet almost wholly a wilderness, and his own land was virgin to the plow and yielding nothing for his sustenance. But he made a good farm of it and added to it until, at the time of his death he owned 340 acres, all of which he had under cultivation.

Mr. Swenson was born in what is now the city of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on November 21, 1845, and came to Houston county, Minnesota, about 1860. A short time after reaching this state he moved on up into the northwestern part of it and for two years was employed on the Red river. In 1874 he became a resident of Polk county, taking up the homestead already mentioned. He worked on his place when he had opportunity and followed other pursuits for a living for several years, but always looked forward to having his home on the farm which he was gradually bringing to productiveness.

On July 3, 1882, Mr. Swenson was married to Miss Elizabeth Aasmork, a native of Norway, and they at once took up their residence on the Vineland township farm. From then until his death, which occurred on April 20, 1903, he continued to improve and cultivate his land, and when he was able put up good buildings on it. He and his wife were the parents of six children all of whom are living. They are Knute, Olianna, Lena, Annie, Ole and Carl. Olianna is the wife of Edward Opsahl and Lena is the wife of Heniy B. Hanson. The father was well esteemed as a sturdy and upright citizen and an industrious and progressive farmer. He took a good citizen's helpful part in local public affairs, although he never sought or desired prominence or influence as an office holder or active partisan politician.

Kntjte Swenson, the oldest son and child of Sven voice in reference to all matters connected with the P. and Elizabeth (Aasmork) Swenson, who is now government of the township. He was bom and reared one of the leading citizens of Climax, and a courteous on his father's farm in Vineland township, and was and companionable gentleman, has followed in his father's footsteps as an active force in the affairs of his township, but in a more direct and energetic way. He has served the public well as a constable and as village recorder, and has had an influential educated at the country school near it. On July 3, 1912, he was united in marriage with Miss Nora Louisa Poulson. They have one child, their son Earl N.

Martin Hoogenson

Martin Hoogenson, of Mcintosh, a well known farmer and real estate dealer, has been a resident of King township since early infancy. He was boni in Otter Tail county, Jlinnesota, July 12, 1883, the son of Lauris and Kjestine (Rudshaugen) Hoogenson, natives of Norway. On coming to the United States, Lauris Hoogenson located in Otter Tail county and later removed to Polk county and took a homestead in King township, where he made his home until his death in 1900. Martin Hoogenson was the eldest of three children and grew to manhood on the farn^ in King township and received his education in the common schools. His interests have always been identified with that township, where he is extensively associated with the farming activities, owning two hundred acres of land. Since 1913 he has resided at Mcintosh and has established a prosperous real estate business at that place. Mr. Hoogenson has always faithfully discharged the duties of citizenship, taking an active interest in township affairs and has given able service in official capacity, as justice of peace and assessor. He is a member and a faithful supporter of the United Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Hoogenson was married in King township, March 1, 1906 to Anne Tronby, the widow of Peter Tronby, and they have three children, Berthur, Melvin and Lillian.

Andrew Steenerson

Revered as a pioneer of Polk county, successful in business and enterprising and broad-minded in regard to public affairs, the late Andrew Steenerson of Climax was esteemed during his life as one of the county's iiseful and progressive citizens, and he is remembered since his death with cordial appreciation as a man of sterling worth, steadfast integrity and a citizenship that was elevated in itself and elevating in its influence on others.

Mr. Steenerson was native to the soil of Minnesota and from it drew the invigorating forces that gave him his stature and his strength. He was born in Houston county February 9, 1855, and became a resident of Polk county in 1875, when he was about twenty years old. Soon after his arrival in this county he took up a homestead of 160 acres near Climax, and this he increased by purchases made later until he became the owner of 480 acres, of which he was the possessor at the time of his death, which occurred in Climax, at the attractive home he had built there, on May 18, 1908. Mr. Steenerson was a brother of Elias Steenerson, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere and in which a full history of the family is given.

After living on his homestead for a number of years Mr. Steenerson moved to Crookston and became a dealer in farm machinery. He adhered to this line of mercantile life for five or six years, then returned to his farm and continued to live on it until

1901, when he changed his residence to Climax, where he passed the remainder of his days. He was always public-spirited and progressive in the affairs of the locality of his home, wherever it was, and among the public positions he held was the office of sheriff of Polk county, which he filled with gi*eat acceptability for two years. His untimely death at the early age of fifty-three, when he was at the height of his vigor and the full measure of his usefulness, was universally lamented.

On October 10, 1881, Mr. Steenersou was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Flang, who was born in Norway and came with her parents to the United States when she was about twelve years of a^e. The family located in Ottertail county, Minnesota, and there Mrs. Steenerson lived ten years, changing her residence to Polk county about 1879. She and her husband became the parents of seven children, four of whom are living: Steener, M'ho is a resident of Crookston ; Arne, who has his home at Climax ; Nora, who is a school teacher, and Oretta, who is still living at home. The other three children died when they were very young. Mi-s. Steenerson is a Lutheran in religious affiliation, and is earnestly interested in church work. She takes an active part in the activities of several of the agencies at work in the community for the good of its people, and is highly respected by all classes of them.

August Lindblad

Beginning life for himself as a blacksmith and working his way up by his native ability, good business capacity and persistent industry and good management to the position of a leading merchant and business man, August Lindblad, one of the wideawake and progressive residents of Climax, this county, furnishes in his successful career a fine illustration of the value of strong personality, determined perseverance and resolute self-reliance in a land of many exactions and keen competition in all the activities of life, but, nevertheless, abundant in opportunities for advancement.

Mr. Lindblad is a native of Sweden, where his life began July 12, 1871, and where he lived until he reached the age of twenty and learned the trade of blacksmith. In 1891 he emigrated to the United States and at once came West, locating at Marquette, Michigan, and there finding employment in building bridges for a railroad company for two years. From Marquette he moved to Norman county, Minnesota, and during the next two years worked at the forge in that county. He became a resident of Polk county in 1895, and for something over a year operated a blacksmith shop on the farm of Christian Steenerson in Vineland township, Polk county.

About the time when he was ready to give up his shop on the farm to seek a better opening he saw one in the village of Climax, and he at once opened a shop there. This shop he continued to conduct until 1905, when he sold it and began handling agricultural implements, a line of trade in which he is still engaged. He is also manager of the Climax Shipping association, which includes live stock and farm produce among the commodities it handles, and has been secretary of the Climax Co-operative Mercantile company from the beginning of its activity in the community.

The public affairs of Climax have always deeply interested Mr. Lindblad, and he has taken an active and serviceable part in helping to administer them wisely, serving for many years as a member of the village council and three terms as mayor. In addition to his other pursuits he assists in superintending the cultivation of 120 acres of land in Vineland township, in which he owns a one-half interest.

Mr. Lindblad was married December 30, 1895, in Ada, the coimty seat of Norman county, to Miss Hilda Kirkevold, a native of Norway. They have six children, Esther, Hardin, Pearl, Alvin, Russell and Ira. The parents are held in the highest esteem by every-

Co.Mpendium Of History And Biography Of Polk County John J. Alrick

John J. Alriek, a well known citizen of Mcintosh, was born at Vernon, Dodge county, Minnesota, September 13, 1872. His parents, John and Mary (Tennefos) Alriek, were natives of Norway and came to this country in the spring of 1872, settling in Dodge county, where they made their home until 1898, when they removed to Mcintosh and have since continued to reside in that place. They reared a family of ten children, of whom John J. Alriek is next to the youngest. He grew to manhood on the homestead in Dodge county and attended the common schools. On removing to Polk county, he located in Winger township aud spent seven years in successful farming activities in that township. Subsequently he engaged in the restaurant business but since 1907, has given his attention chiefly to his service as a rural mail carrier, which position he holds at present. Mr. Alriek has given able service to the public interests as citizen and official and has ever been influential in promoting the best interests of the community. He is a member of the Synod Lutheran church and in fraternal organizations is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Scandinavian Workiugmen of America. Mr. Alriek was married in Dodge county, Minnesota, ]\rarch 3, 1897, to Marj- Thorsness, who is a native of that county. Three children have been born to this union, Landor 0., Milo B., and Eunice N.

Hans Samublson

After passing many years in active pursuit of various kinds in a number of different places, making each occupation minister to his advancement in life by his industry, constant attention to duty and good management, Hans Samuelson, formerly one of the leading farmers of Vineland township, is now living retired from hard labor, maintaining his residence in the village of Climax but still exercising active personal supervision over the management and operation of his fine farm of 160 acres, all of which is under cultivation and yielding good returns for the labor spent upon it.

Mr. Samuelson was born in Norway November 6, 1864, and emigrated to the United States in the summer of 1882. He landed in New York and from there came direct to Minnesota, locating in Grant county and there working at farm labor for two years. He then went to North Dakota and during the summer months found emplojnnent on a large farm in that territory. The following winter he passed working in the lumber woods of Michigan, and when spring came he took up a timber claim in the neighborhood of Bemidji, on which he passed the next three years. Early in the nineties Mr. Samuelson moved to Polk county and bought 160 acres of land in Vineland township. On this land he lived until the Great Northern railroad was built through from Halstad to Crookston. He next kept a hotel and saloon in Climax until 1905, when he sold his business in the village and resumed his farming operations, but continued to live in Climax, where he owns an attractive residence. He has always taken an active interest in the public affairs of Climax and Vineland township, serving as constable in the township and president of the council in the village, filling the latter office three terms. He has also been a member of the boai'd of school directors for some j-ears and is now its chairman. Being a strong advocate of temperance, he has rendered imjjortant service to the cause as a member of the County Option League.

On October 20, 1890, Mr. Samuelsou was married in Polk county to Miss Anne Steenerson, who was bom in Houston county, Minnesota, May 1, 1860. She is the daughter of Steener and Bergit (Rohalt) Knutson, and lived with them in Houston county until the fall of 1876, when she came to Polk county and began a useful career as a school teacher, her first school being in Traill county. North Dakota, which she taught dui-ing the winter of 1876-7. She continued to teach in that state and Minnesota for about five years and was then assistant postmistress at Fisher, this countj-, for three years. After that she attended the University of North Dakota two years and then again taught school in this county five years.

Mr. and Mrs. Samuelsou have two children living, their daughter Bergit and their son Stanley. Bergit is a graduate of the State Normal School at Moorhead, Minnesota, and Stanley is a student in the Crookston High School. Their first bom child, Hans A., died at the age of seventeen, and another son, uamed Stanley B., at the age of two years.

Mads W. Jensen

Mads W. Jensen, postmaster at Mcintosh, has been identified with interests of the region of the Thirteen Towns since 1880, when he settled on land in Garden township. He is a native of Denmark, born August 15, 1854, and came with his parents to Waupaca county, Wisconsin, in 1863. There he attended the country schools and made his home on the Wisconsin farm until 1879 when he went to Goodhue county, Minnesota, and in the spring of the following year, removed to Polk county aud took a homestead in Garden township. He was one of the first settlers in that section and was prominent in the organization of the township and the early administration of its affairs. He remained on the farm until 1889 when he came to Mcintosh and engaged in the milling business, in partnership with Anton Jensen, J. P. Johnson and 0. P. Johnson, under the firm name of M. W. Jensen & Co. After several years of successful operation as a miller, Mr. Jensen sold his interest in the company and has since given his attention to various business activities. For ten years he was employed as a rural mail carrier and in 1915 was appointed postmaster at Mcintosh, an appointment which met the hearty commendation of the citizens of the town. He has given able service in ofiicial capacity as village assessor and has held the office of justice of peace for sixteen years. As a public spirited and progressive citizen, Mr. Jensen has been actively influential in promoting the best interests of the community and has put his interest and service into every project to advance the growth and prosperity of the village. He was married in 1879, at Red Wing, Minnesota, to Hannah Johnson. She is of Norwegian parentage and was bom in Goodhue county, Minnesota. They have a family of three daughter and one son, Marie L., who married A. K. Anderson, Willie A., Florence, the wife of J. H. Espeseth and Mabel. Mr. Jensen is a member of Modem Woodmen of America.

Tom Morris

Tom Morris, mayor of Crookston and a pioneer 1857. He is the son of Mark and Ann C. (Stoddard) business man of that city, is a native of Canada, Morris, the latter a native of Scotland. Mark Morris bom at Goderich, Huron county, Ontario, June 22, was bom in Waltshire, England, and came to Canada in 1831, where he engaged in farming and worked at his trade of millwright, erecting many of the small saw mills in the region where he lived. He died in 1866, the victim of an accidental death by drowning. His wife survived him for many years, living to the age of seventy-seven. Tom Morris spent the early years of his life in his native town and there attended the public schools. In 1873 he came to Waupun, Wis., and as a lad of twelve began to tit himself for an efficient career in the business world, apprenticing himself to the jewelry trade. He remained in Waupun for three years and then removed to Milwaukee. Two years later, in 1878, he came to Crookston and in partnership with Mr. W. W. Houghton established the pioneer jewelry firm of this city. The firm was dissolved the following year, Mr. Morris having owned and conducted the business from that time. Aside from this prosperous enterprise and his private interests, he has been notably associated with public affairs and the history of the development and rapid expansion of Crookston. As a wide-awake citizen and merchant he merits the respect and popularity which is his. It is his pi'ivilege to compare the little hamlet surrounded by the primitive forest with the city of today and to know that his zealous services were freely given to promote its welfare and prosperity. He is particularly identified with organization of the city fire department. His efforts in this part of civic service became statewide and he was made president of the state association and has been elected a life member of that body. It was after the first big fire in Crookston, in 1880, that he instigated the organization of the first fire company. He was chief of the department until 1883, when it was reorganized into its present form. Although the period of his most active service is past, he continues his connection with the department. Several offices of public trust have been conferred upon Mr. Morris by his fellow citizens. In 1881 he was elected alderman and has .served in the office of mayor since 1912. On January 22, 1890, he was married to Nellie Heith, who is a native of Wisconsin. In fraternal orders, Mr. Morris is prominently and widely known throughout the state. He has been affiliated with Masonry since 1883 and has filled all the chairs, occupying that of Master for thirteen years. In 1906 he was elected the Grand Master of Minnesota and is the present Grand Captain General of the Coramandery. He is a charter member of the Elks lodge and was chosen the second Exalted Ruler. He is a member of the Republican party.

Eddy Bolstad

Prominent and successful in business; a man of commanding influence in local public affairs; everywfhere recognized as an upright, progressive and highly serviceable citizen, and a forceful factor in all undertakings for the farther development and improvement of his home town and county, Eddy Bolstad, the present mayor of Fertile, has reached an elevated place in the regard of the people around him, but he richly desei'\'es his standing and has won it wholly by his own efforts and genuine merit.

Mr. Bolstad was born in Dodge county, Minnesota, May 3, 1872, the third child of Knute and Ingeborg (Olsen) Bolstad, natives of Norway. The family moved to Polk county in 1880, when the future mayor was but eight years old, and settled on a homestead which the father entered in Gai-field township and on which he is still living. He and his wife are the parents of twelve children. They are industrious and thrifty farmers and are held in esteem by all classes of the people wherever they are known.

Their son Eddy grew to manhood in Polk county and obtained his education in its schools. At the age of sixteen he left home and began his business career as a clerk in the store of Messrs. Nelson & Opheim at Fertile. When the partnership was dissolved two years later and ]\Ir. Opheim became the sole proprie- tor of the store Mr. Bolstad remaiued in his employ aud continued to clerk for him seven years longer. At the end of that period he became a clerk in the clothing store of Leo Baer, with whom he was associated in that capacity for eight years. In 1907 he bought the business of Mr. Baer, and he has conducted it himself ever since.

Throughout his manhood Mr. Bolstad has taken an earnest interest and an active part in the civil affairs of his community, and has been very helpful to it. He has served as village assessor, and in that office he gave the people sers'ice so entirely satisfactory that in the spring of 1915 he was elected mayor of the village. As the chief village executive he is performing his duties with the same zeal, intelligence and fidelity that he exhibited in the office of assessor and has always shown in the management of his private business and personal affaii-s.

In religious affiliation Mr. Bolstad is connected with the Synod Lutheran church, and in fraternal relations he is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. On August 31, 1895, he was united in marriage with Miss Tina Westad, the marriage being solemnized in Crookston, this county. They have one child, their daughter Edith Thelma. Mrs. Bolstad is a Norwegian by nativity but has been a resident of this state and county for many years.

Lewis M. Hesseldahl

While he has sought nothing of renown or spectacular display in his life to the present time, but has been content to live as a plain, industrious, frugal, upright and useful citizen, Lewis M. Hesseldahl, a retired farmer now residing at Fertile, this county, has, nevertheless, had some exciting experiences in the service of his adopted country and seen the other side of the world from here while rendering that service. He was a United States soldier in the Spanish- American war and as such was assigned to duty in the Philippines during that short but decisive contest.

Mr. Hesseldahl is a native of Denmark, where his life began Februaiy 24, 1874. When he was but one year and a half old his parents brought him to this country and took up their residence in Kendall county, Illinois. Some time afterward they moved to Minnesota and located in Faribault county, and there their son Lewis remained until 1901, when he came to Polk county and located on a farm near Fertile. His farm is in Garfield township and contains 240 acres. It is well improved and by his skill aud industry in cultivating it he has brought it to a high state of productiveness. A few years ago he gave up active work on the farm and moved to Fertile, where he has since had his home, but he has continued to superintend the operations of his farm industry.

On March 4, 1905, Mr. Hes.seldahl was united in marriage with Mrs. Anna (Frandahl) Underdahl, formerly the wife of Reginald Underdahl, who was liorn in Norway. They also moved from Faribault county, Minnesota, to Polk county in 1901, and settled on a faiTn in Garfield township. Mrs. Hesseldahl was bom near Madison, Wisconsin, November 28, 1856, and was married to Mr. Underdahl in Faribault county. She has six children living, the fruits of her first marriage. They are : John, Julius, Ole, Christina, Ada and Eddie.

Joseph Melaas

While he has been a resident of Fertile but five years Joseph Melaas, manager of the Monarch Elevator company, has made his mark on the business activities of the village and established a reputation for good judgment, enterprise and determined persistency in whatever he undertakes and has risen to a high rauk in the estimatiou and regard of the people as a business man and a wide-awake and progressive citizen, keenly alive to the general welfare of the eoraniunity along all wholesome lines of development.

Jlr. Melaas was born and reared on a farm in Winneshiek county, Iowa, one of the younger of the fifteen children of A. John and Grunhild (Blegeberg) Melaas, natives of Norway. He obtained a good common school education iu his native county, and after attaining the age of twenty-one yeare clerked in a store at Ridgeway, in that county, for a period of five years. In 1902 he went to North Dakota and took up a homestead on which he lived until the spring of 1906. He then sold his claim and moved to Clearwater county, Minnesota, where he was occupied iu the livery business for two years, and also served as census enumerator of four townships in Clearwater county, and in addition lie was a member of tlie Shevlin school board and the village council.

for one year. During the next year he was employed by the Thorpe Elevator company at Milnor, North Dakota, and at the end of that period was appointed manager of the ]\Ionarch Elevator company at Fertile, which position he has held continuously since, and since he came to Fertile he has held the office of village assessor here. His farm of 160 acres in Godfrey township, this county, is well improved and nearly all under cultivation. It is verj^ productive and steadily increasing in value, for he gives it intelligent attention and conducts its operations according to the most approved methods of present-day farming.

Mr. Melaas was married June 6, 1903, in "Wild Rice church at Twin Valley, Norman county, Minnesota, to Miss Louise Ask, a native of that county. They have two children living, Beatrice J. and Vera E. The parents are members of Synod Lutheran church and take an active part in all its good works for the improvement of the community, throughout which they are well esteemed as thev richly deseiwe to be.

Steen A. Hofto

Having come to the United States a boy of thirteen years of age and successively worked as farm hand, as a farmer on his own account, as a merchant and again as a farmer, Steen A. Hofto, one of the best known and most highly esteemed residents of the village of Mcintosh, this county, has had a varied experience in life and borne his share of trials and privations. But through every part of his career he has made steady progress financially and in the good will and regard of his fellow men.

Mr. Hofto was born in Vallc, Norway, Febiiiary 13, 1855, and is the son of Arue and Gunnel (Aaki-e) Hofto, who were also natives of Norway. They emigrated to the United States in 1868 and located on a farm in Waseca county, Minnesota, on which they lived about twelve years. In the spring of 1880 the family moved to Grand Forks county. North Dakota, where the father died when he was seventy-three years old. The mother died at the home of her son Steen after she had passed the age of eighty. They were the parents of nine children, of whom Steen A. was the fifth in the order of birth.

He came to this country with his parents iu 1868 and lived with them in Waseca county, IMinnesota, until 1878. He then accompanied them to Grand Forks county, North Dakota, and there took up a homestead of 160 acres and a tree claim of 160 acres in Americus township. He lived on his land until 1891, breaking and cultivating it and putting up good buildings for the shelter of his family and himself and the protection of his crops and his live stock.

In the fall of 1891 Mr. Hofto moved to Polk county and entered the hardware business in Mcintosh in partnei-ship with his brother, Knute Hofto, and during the next five years they conducted the business together under the firm name of Ilofto Bros. At the end of five years he bought his brother's interest in the business and became its sole proprietor. Afterward he again turned his attention to farming and followed that occupation for about ten yeai-s in King township, this county, and at the expiration of that period rented his farm and took up his residence in Mcintosh, where he has since had Ms home. He still owns his farm of 160 acres just east of Mcintosh, which he has improved with commodious and comfortable buildings. He also erected the block just north of the West Hotel in Mcintosh.

While living in North Dakota Mr. Hofto held several township offices, among them that of township assessor, of which he was the first incumbent, and since locating in Polk county he has served as a member of the village council of Mcintosh and township assessor of King township. In the autumn of 1883 he was married in Grand Porks county, North Dakota, to Miss Gyro S. Jora, who was born in Norway August 23, 1863. They have three children, Ame, Samuel and Knute. The parents are active members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Eric J. Erikson

Having come to this country and settled in Polk county in the full maturity of his manhood and with his ambition for his own advancement and the improvement of the land of his adoption in full vigor, and having devoted all his time and energy to the aceomi)lishment of his desires, Eric J. Eriksou, one of the leading business men of Fertile, has proven himself to be a very useful citizen and a productive power for good in the community of his home.

Mr. Erikson was born in Sweden June 28, 1852, and was reared and educated in that country, where he remained imtil he reached the age of twenty-nine, engaged principally in farming. In 1881 he came to the United States and in the autumn of that year took up his residence in Polk county. He entered a claim for 160 acres of land in Bear Park township, and on this tract he lived and made improvements for about ten years. At the end of that period he sold the homestead and bought another farm, which is located in

Garfield township, and also contains 160 acres. This farm was his home and employed his energies for five years. He then sold it and moved into the village of Fertile.

After locating in Fertile Mr. Erikson first engaged in keeping a restaurant, but soon abandoned this line of trade and became a dealer in farm produce. He is now also largely interested in real estate in the village and the surrounding country. He has served several tei-ms as a member of the village council, and in many other ways has contributed to the development, improvement and growth of the town, and has taken an active and helpful interest in the United Lutheran church, of which he has long been a member. He was married in Sweden to Miss Johanna Anderson, a native of that country. They have six children, Hannah, Hulda, Hjalmar, Julia, Lillie and Eugene.

Reverend L. J. Njus

Reverend L. J. Njus, of Mcintosh, pastor of the Synod Lutheran church at that place and a well known clergyman of the county, lias given able services in the ministerial field of Minnesota for the past fourteen years. He was bom in Norway, December 6, 1870 and there received his early education, completing an academic course of study before coming to this country in June, 1888, at the age of eighteen years. For two years he engaged in farm labor in Minnehaha county. South Dakota and was then enabled to pursue his educational ambitions and entered the Lutheran Normal school at Sioux Falls. On leaving this school he secured a position as a teacher iu a parochial school and for three years continued to be occupied in that profession, teaching in southern Wisconsin and in other places and then enrolled in the Luther Theological Seminary at St. Paul where he prepared himself for the clergy. He was graduated in 1901 and received his first pastorate at Lakefield, Minnesota, where he served for over a year and was then transferred to Grove City, Minnesota. In 1905 he was appointed to the Synod Lutheran church at Mcintosh, where his chai'ge includes four Polk county congregations. During the years of his pastoral labors in that vicinity, Mr. Njus has won the respect and esteem of all through his able and sincere service to the community. He has given his influence and active interest freely in the promotion of matters of public betterment and, as a member for several years of the school board and president of that body, has been prominently associated with the educational affairs of the town. Mr. Njus was married in Rock county, "Wisconsin, October, 1892, to Susan Johnson, a native of that state, whose death occurred at Mcintosh, iu January, 1910. His second marriage was solemnized in June, 1912, with Ingeborg Sime, who was bom in Norway. Two children have been born to this union, Ingemar J. and Martha Matilda.

John 0. Buhn

This gentleman, who has contributed a great deal to the enjoyment of a large number of persons for nearly twenty years in a specific way, and at the same time aided in building up and improving the locality in which he lives, is the founder and sole proprietor of the popular Maple Lake summer resort in Woodside township, this countj'^, where he has a completely equipped modern hotel and otlier facilities for the entertainment of patrons and pleasure seekers and lias built up a flourishing, extensive and profitable business.

Mr. Buhn was bom in Norwa}' July 5, 1861, and came to the United States with his parents in 1869. They were Ole and Elsie (Peter.son) Buhn, and both of the same nativity as himself. When they reached this country in 1869 they located in Jackson county, Wisconsin, and there the father died before the end of the year. After the death of her husband the mother took up a homestead in Jackson county, and on this tract of land, which she developed into a fnaitful and valuable farm, she passed the remainder of her days, dying in 1894. Of the five children born in the family John 0. was the youngest.

Orphaned by the death of his father when the son was but eight years old, John 0. Buhn passed his boyhood and youth in hard labor and under severe privations. But he accepted his lot with a resolute spirit and faithfully met the requirements of his duty from the first. He remained at home with his mother until he reached the age of seventeen years, then went to Prescott, Wisconsin, where he lived and worked two or three years. In December, 1881, he came to Crookston and began learning the blacksmith trade under the instruction of his brother George. He finished his apprenticeship of four years but realized before the end of it that the work of his trade was too hard for him and when he completed learning it he abandoned it.

In order to prepare himself for a new career in life ;\Ir. Buhn attended the Northwestern College of Commerce for two seasons, and in the fall of 1887 he located at Mentor and opened the first store at that place and also became its first postmaster. For six yeai^s he continued merchandizing at Mentor, then sold his business and began improving the summer resort of which he is the proprietor. In connection with his enterprise as a resort keeper he ships lai'ge quantities of ice to points in North Dakota during the winter months and has been doing so since 1903. He also owns a quarter section of land in Grove Park township, which he has improved and has under skillful cultivation. He takes an active part iu public town-

On June 24, 1888, Mr. Buhn was married at Mentor to Miss Ella Anderson, a native of Saint Ansgar, Iowa, and the daughter of Thor Anderson, who was a Polk county pioneer and died ou his farm in Godfrey township in 1905. lie took up this farm when it was in the wilderness and made it productive and a valuable home. Mr. aud Mrs. Buhn have eight children. Lillian is the wife of George Kitman. Emma is the wife of Elmer Knutson. The others are Raymond, Arthur, Dora, Elmer, Elba and Claris.

Henry Anderson

Having come to this country fi*om his native land of Noi'way when he was but eight years old, and having met all the requirements of his situation in various places and amid differing surroundings, Henry Anderson, now one of the euterpi-ising and successful farmers of Badger township, this county, has shown himself to be a person of sturdy qualities of head and heart and of sterling worth as a citizen. He was bom August 12, 1852, aud in 1860 accompanied his parents, Andrew and Anna Anderson, to the United States.

They first located in Wisconsin, where they lived for some years, and where the mother died. From Wisconsin the father and his children moved to Norman county, Minnesota, and a short time afterward to Walsh county, North Dakota. In 1888 they came to Polk county and settled in Badger tovsmship, and here the son took up a homestead on which he has ever since made his home. The father died in that township in about 1900 when he was eighty-two years of age.

Henry Anderson's land was all wild aud unbroken to the plow when he took possession of it, and all that it is now in the way of improvement and productiveness he has made it by his enterprise and skillful cultivation. The attractive and comfortable buildings with which it is enriched are also the products of his labor, and in this he has been so successful and managed so judiciously that he has been able to add another 160 acres to his holdings aud put a considerable quantity of the new tract under cultivation also.

On January 19, 1886, Mr. Anderson was married in Walsh county. North Dakota, to Miss Sarah Ameudson, whose life began in Norway June 15, 1854. She came to America at the age of sixteen and grew to womanhood in Wisconsin. She and her husband are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Synod church. They have four children. Aimer, Tillie A., Almon S. and Ingval. Mr. Anderson has been active and helpful in his efforts to build up his township and quicken the development of its resources. While he has never held a public office or taken a verj^ active part in party political affairs, he has been earnest and prudent in his attention to the interests of his locality, and is held in general esteem as one of its progressive and publicspirited citizens.

Herbert B. Sykbs

The subject of this brief review is one of the leading farmers and most public-spirited men in Park Grove township, Polk county, and has reached his position of prominence and influence solely through his own merit and his unaided, individual efforts. He lives on his fine farm near the village of Mentor, but is known throughout the county as one of the

Mr. Sykes was born in Monticello, Wright county, Minnesota, October 9, 1876, the son of William E. and Luzema (Mitchell) Sykes, the former a native of Montreal, Canada, and the latter of Wright county, where they were old settlers. Their son Herbert was the first born of their seven children, and remained at home with them until he reached the age of twentyty-four. He was reared on the farm, and from his boyhood bore his part of the labor of cultivating it, which interfered with the full use of his opportunity to obtain even the limited common school education that was available to him.

On September 20, 1898, Mr. Sykes was married to Miss Lois Canfield, a native of Lyon county, Jlinnesota, and a daughter of Frank L. and Flora (Hall) Canfield. The marriage took place in "Wright county, where Miss Canfield was living at the time. After their marriage they continued to live in that county for two years, Mr. Sykes being engaged in buying and shipping live stock. In 1890 they moved to Itasca county, this state, taking up a homestead 125 miles distant from a railroad. On this tract they located and lived for about seven years, during which I^Ir. Sykes worked at logging during the winters.

In the spring of 1908 the family moved to Polk county. During the two years following his arrival in this county Mr. Sykes lived on land which he rented and farmed in Park Grove township. He then liougbt eighty acres, on whiuh he now has liis home, but ho farms a much more extensive tract, directing the operations on 560 acres in all. His farming is of a general nature in the main, but he makes a specialty of raising potatoes on a large scale, and shipped the first full carload sent out from Mentor.

In the public affaire of his township Mr. Sykes has always taken an earnest interest and an active part. He has served as chairman of the township board and as school clerk. He is now one of the directors of the creamery in Mentor and also a director of the co-operative store at that village. No movement for the good of the township or the benefit of its residents ever goes without his energetic support, and all his efforts in this behalf are guided by good .judgment and public spirit and governed by prudence and enterprise. He is vice president of the Park Fann club and in fraternal relations holds membership in Camp No. 5288, Modern Woodmen of America, in which he has held all the important offices. He and his wife are the pai"ents of six children, Mildred E., Milton F., Hazel L., Mabel M., Roy E. and Earl H.

Ole T. Rovang

Now prosperous and well established as a successful farmer, with a progressively cultivated and highly improved farm of nearly 400 acres in Badger and Knute townships, Ole T. Rovang is one of the leading citizens of his part of Polk county, and enjoys in a marked degree the esteem and good will of its people and all others who know him. He has made a good record for work and good citizenship in several places in the Northwest since he came to the United States in 1876 from his native land of Norway, where he was born September 4, 1854, and where he was reared and educated.

On his arrival in this country at the age of twentyone and one-half years he located in Rock county, Minnesota, and there found employment for one season as a farm hand. He then changed his base of operations to Decorah, Iowa, and until early in tlie eighties he worked out on farms in the neighborhood of that city. From Decorah, Iowa, he came to Polk county and preempted 160 acres of land on Badger creek in Badger township, but two years later lie moved to Sletten township, where he lived for a number of years.

Mr. Rovang 's next home was at Erskine, and there he carried on a hotel and livery business for some years. "While living at Erskine he bought the farm on which he now lives and sold his hotel and livery business. He has improved his farm with good buildings and has on it two flowing wells and a modern well house. These are of great advantage to him in his operations, all of which are conducted according to up-to-date methods and with studious attention

In the mercantile and other business and public affaire of his township and county Mr. Rovaug has always taken an active part. He was one of the founders and is now a director of the State Bank of Erskine and also owns a one-fourth interest in the

Oslo Trading company of Oslo, Minnesota. He was married in 1884 in Badger township to Miss Christina Espeseth, a sister of G. K. Espeseth and the daughter of Knute Espeseth. They have reared four adopted children, Ida O., Peter, Albert and Lydia. The parents are zealous and serviceable members of the United Lutheran church.

Charles L. Conger

Charles L. Conger, cashier of the Citizens State bank at Mcintosh, was born at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, January 17, 1869, the son of William and Susan (Wright) Conger. He is the descendant of revolutionary and colonial stock, the Congers having been soldiers and patriots since the settling of the colonies by England, the residence of the family dating from 1640. In 1667 a John Conger located on land in New Jersey, near Woodbridge, and about a century later, in 1770, Gersham Conger, the greatgrandfather of Charles L. Conger, removed from that state to Vermont. He was one of the followers of the Quaker faith who by their sturdy qualities played such an important part in the building of the nation, but despite his religious belief gave valiant service during the war for independence and died in Vermont In 1835. His son, Asher Conger, was born at Danby, Vermont, in 1799 and his death occurred in 1852, in his native town, which was also the birthplace of his son, William Conger, who was born November 10, 1819. The latter went to Wisconsin in 1867, two years before the birth of his son, Charles Conger, and later removed to Northwood, Iowa, where he died on August 16, 1898. He is survived by his wife, a native of Utica, New York, born May 19, 1835. She now makes her home with J. P. Foote of Crookston, who is her son by a previous marriage. Charles L. Conger was two years of age when the family removed to Northwood, Iowa, and was reared and educated in that place. In September, 1891, he came to Crookston, where his half-brother, Mr. Foote, resided, and in the same month secured the position of assistant cashier in the Citizens State bank at Mcintosh, of which Mr. Foote is president. Mr. Conger has since devoted his business career to the able discharge of his duties as cashier, his successful association with this institution winning him recognition in the financial circles of this section. The position of assistant cashier of the Citizens State bank has fitted a number of the influential bankers of the state for more important positions; among the former occupants of these positions are, Alfred Hoel, now vice president of the Firet National bank at Gilbert ; First National of Biwabik, Minnesota, and State Bank of Arura, Minnesota; Charles Hoel, cashier of the Miners' National bank at Eveleth; A. J. Hoel, assistant cashier of the First National bank at Cass Lake; A. I. Solberg, cashier of the Farmers State bank at Winger, and T. A. Thompson, who was the first assistant cashier appointed in the Mcintosh bank and has held the office of registrar of deeds of Polk county for ten years. Mr. Conger is further identified with the business interests of the county as a landowner and farmer and is the proprietor of two farms, of 240 and 160 acres, and several tracts of land, and has also made investments in timber land in St. Louis and farm lands in Pennington counties. He takes great interest in the management and the direction of the work of improvement of his farms, which are occupied by tenants. He is a member of the Democratic party and is widely known for his services in the political field and is active in conventions and in the direction of party affairs, he has aever sought the honors of office, but has served as mayor for the past seven years and as treasurer for the past fourteen years, and has also served on the school board. He was appointed by Governor Hammond to the board of visitors to the state institutions but recently resigned from his membership in that body. Mr! Conger's favorite recreation is a good game of the national diversion of baseball, which he enjoys from the standpoint of a former player, and he has given his support and influence to the encouragement of local enthusiasm and the home team. In fraternal circles he was one of the organizers of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias and is Past Chancellor and a member of the Grand Lodge. He is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the Elks lodge at Crookston. Mr. Conger was married at Litchfield, to Leona Halvorson, and her death occurred on September 1-t, 1902. His second marriage was solemnized with Louise A. Heiser of Albert Lea, Minnesota, December 8, 1903. He has one child, William L. Conger, who was born in 1901 and is a student in the junior year of the Mcintosh high school.

Mr. Conger is a member of the board of managers of the Minnesota Society of the Sons of the Revolution. He is also a member of the executive council of the State Bankers association from the Ninth congressional district, and has served as president of the Ninth district group of bankers. He also served as vice president and director of the Northern Minnesota Development association and as president of the Commercial club.

Martin Bensen

Having reached a position of substantial wordly comfort and consequence, good social standing and influence in local public affairs wholly through his own efforts and by perseverance and industry and good management, although encountering many difficulties and being called on to endure many privations, Martin Bensen, one of the successful, progressive and prosperous farmers of Knute township, Polk county, is entitled to great credit for his steady advancement in every part of his career, and justly enjoys in full measure the esteem and good will of all who know him.

Mr. Bensen is a native of Norway, where his life began December 28, 1859. He is a son of Bearnt L. and Bertha Mary (Christianson) Bensen, also Norwegians by nativity and parentage. The father came to the United States in 1867 and located in Dakota county, Minnesota. In 1869 the mother brought the children then living in the family over and the residence in Dakota county was maintained until 1883. But in 1882 the father came to Polk county and took a homestead in "Woodside township, and the next spring the family moved to that tract of laud in the wilderness. The parents remained on it until old age compelled their retirement from active pursuits. They then made their home with their children, living awhile with their son Martin and afterward with their daughter, Mrs. M. B. Nelson, in Knute township, where they died, the mother on October 11, 1909, at the age of eighty-five years and the father on September 9, 1912, aged nearly ninety-three.

Martin Bensen was the fifth of the eight children born to his parents. He was reared on the parental homestead and obtained a common school education. Being a farmer's sou he naturally took to the occupation of his father, and to this he has ever since steadfastly adhered. In the spring of 1883 he took up a homestead in section 22, Knute township, and on the 160 acres of good land of which he thereby became possessed he has passed all of his subsequent years. But he has added to his estate as he has made headway, and now owns 600 acres, improved with good buildings and other necessarj^ structures and nearly all under systematic and skillful cultivation. He has taken an active part in the public affairs of his town-

On April 14, 1886, Mr. Bensen was married iu Dakota county to Miss Marj- Sjolie, who was boni in that county December 27, 1865, a daughter of Martin and Engebord Sjolie, natives of Norway who came to this country in 1864 or 1865 and settled in Dakota county, where the father died when he was about fiftyfive years of age. The mother is still living. Mr. and

Mrs. Bensen have had eleven children, ten of whom are living. They are Benjamin, Ida, Guida, Louis, Malton, Minnie, Joseph, Martha, Myrtle and Georgia. The other child, a daughter named Lavine, strayed away from home in the early spring of 1892 and was found frozen to death about a mUe distant. She was two years old at the time. The parents are members of the United Lutheran church and active in all its work for the improvement of the community.

Einar 0. Melsness

Conducting his farming operations and other lines of business with enterprise, vigor and judgment, and rendering the people excellent service as clerk of Badger township, Einar 0. Melsness, whose fine farm of 240 acres near the village of Erskine is almost wholly the product of his own industry, skill and good management, is a highly useful and esteemed resident of Polk county and one of its representative citizens.

Mr. Melsness is a native of Dakota county, Minnesota, where his life began March 23, 1872. He lived there with his parents until he reached the age of twelve, and then passed one year with them in Walsh county, North Dakota. In 1885 the family moved to Polk county and located on a farm in Badger township. The parents. Christian 0. and Olia (Enersdatter) Melsness, were natives of Norway. The mother died at their Badger township home February 9, 1915, aged seventy-five years. The father is still living.

schools and at a private college in Crookstou. For seven years he taught school in Polk county, but his principal occupation in life has been that of farming. During three seasons, however, lie was also occupied in buying and shipping grain, and throughout one summer he was employed in the State Bank at Erskine. He has always taken an earnest interest and an active part in township affairs of a public nature, and has rendered his full share of service in their proper administration, having served during the last fifteen years as township clerk. He was also secretary and manager of the Erskine creamery several years.

On April 10, 1912, Mr. Melsness was united in marriage with Miss Christine Jorgenson, a native of Badger township and a daughter of Peter Jorgenson, of Erskine. They have one child, their son Martin 0. Mr. and Mrs. Melsness stand high in their home locality and well deserve the universal esteem in which they are held.

Gilbert K. Espeseth

Gilbert K. Espeseth, of Erskine, president of the State Bank of Erskine and prominent merchant, has been notably identified with the business activities of that place since the days of its settlement. He was bom in Norway, February 27, 1863, and was reared in his native land. In 1882 he accompanied his parents to this country, and a^ter a short time spent in Grand Forks, North Dakota, removed to Polk county, Minnesota, where his father, Knute Espeseth, took a homestead claim, being one of the pioneer settlers of Badger township. Gilbert Espeseth remained on the farm until 1889, when he embarked upon his commercial career, and in partnership with Henry T. Gilbertson, opened a store on the town site of Erskine, which had been but recently platted, and engaged in the hardware and agricultural implement business. This firm has enjoyed a prosperous and steadily growing patronage and is one of the leading establishments of that region, handling furniture in addition to their original lines. As a business man and citizen, Mr. Espeseth has been widely identified with the gi'owth and success of the various interests of Erskine and has actively promoted every project which would advance its prosperity. Both he and Mr. Gilbertson are shareholders in the Erskine Elevator company and have extensive land interests in Polk county and elsewhere. Their commercial activities include the Oslo Trading company, at Oslo, Marshall county, Minnesota, in which they own a quarter interest each, Mr. Espeseth has been associated with the State Bank of Erskine, one of the flourishing financial institutions of the countj', since 1913 and in 1915, succeeded A. D. Stephens as president of the board of directors. Mr. Espeseth enjoys the confidence and esteem of his associates, his many activities indicating his enterprise and ability in all phases of his successful career. He is a member and an active and faithful supporter of the United Lutheran church. His marriage to Annie Ramseth occurred in 1898. She was born in Norway and has made her home in Polk county since childhood. They have tliree children, Cora, Phillip and Fritjof.

Knute Ryggen

The resolute and heroic mother and the filial, serviceable and praiseworthy son are presented woi'king together in the life story of Knute Ryggen, one of the enterprising, progressive and successful farmers of Badger township, this county. He was bom in Norway Febriiary 3, 1869, and orphaned in his boyhood by the death of his father, Jacob Ryggen, in that country. After the death of her husband the mother, whose maiden name was Engebord Hagden, brought her five children to the United States with the hope of bettering conditions for herself and them in this land of rich promise and abounding opportunities. They came over in 1882, and, after living one year in Grand Forks, North Dakota, moved to Polk county, Minnesota, where the son took up a homestead of 160 acres of government land on which the familj^ has since resided. Mr. Ryggen and his brother Arne worked hard improving this new home in the wilderness, and so well applied have been their labors and so wisely have they managed their afl:'aii-s that they now together owti and have under cultivation 500 acres improved with good buildings and equipped with all the requisites for advanced and systematic fannhig according to the most approved present-day methods. The mother is still living and she, also, still has her home in Badger township, this county. Her fidelity to her children has been rewarded by the realization of all her hopes of good fortune in the New World, and slie furnishes in her career a shining proof that devotion to duty bi'ings its own rewai'd, and sometimes, at least, in a substantial, tangible way that is patent to all observers. All the members of the family belong to the United Lutheran church and take an active part in the affairs of the congi'egation in which they are enrolled.

Martin B. Nelson

This progressive and prosperous Knute township farmer is one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of Polk county, and for thirty-two years he has been active in helping to build up, develop and improve it in a judicious and commendable way, adding to its material wealth and aiding in directing its public affairs along lines of wholesome progress. He is a native of Norway, where his life began

March 30, 1857, and where he lived until 1880, when he determined to seek his fortune in the New World. He landed at Quebec, Canada, but soon afterward came over into "the States" and took up his residence in Wisconsin. About a year later he changed his base of operations to Northfield, Minnesota, and in 1883 he moved to Polk county, Minnesota, and took up a homestead in sections 10 and 15, Kunte township, on which he has since made his home and expended his energies to good purpose.

Mr. Nelson now owns 310 acres of choice land improved witli good buildings and furnished with all the most approved appliances for systematic and advanced farming. His land lies partly in Knute and partly in Badger township, and he has brought it all to a high state of prodvictiveness and made his home attractive in appearance as well as comfortable in equipment and a model in scientific and upto-date tillage.

On December 12, 1883, Mr. Nelson was married in Crookston to Miss Mary Benson, who was born in Norway Februaiy 25, 1865, the daughter of B. L. and Bertha Mary Benson, also natives of Norway. The father came to this country in 1867 and located in Dakota county, Minnesota, and in 1869 the mother came over with her children and joined him. They lived in Dakota county until 1883. In 1882 the father came to Polk county and took up a homestead in AVoodside township to which the family moved the next spring. The parents occupied and improved this homestead until they retired from active work, when they made their home with their daughter, Mrs. Nelson. The mother died on Mr. Nelson's farm October 11, 1909, when she was eightyfive years old, and the father September 9, 1912, in his ninety-third year.

These venerable pioneers were the parents of eight children. Anna M. became the wife of Nels Lillemoe and died in 1907. Louis lived in the village of Erskine. Christian died a number of years ago. Martha is the wife of Julius Bradley. Martin and Bernt are residents of Knute township. Mary is the wife of ]\Ix'. Nelson and Gida died when twelve years of age.

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have ten children, Bernhard, Melvin, Bertha (the wife of Melvin Peterson), Gilbert, Nicalie B., Alfred, Moses, Oscar Robert, Martin L. and Eunice M. The parents are members of the United Lutheran church. They take an active part in all its undertakings and also manifest an earnest and serviceable interest in all good agencies working for the general welfare and happiness of their home community.

Olof Stardig

Having come to Polk county in the early days of its history, while a large part of it was still a wilderness, sparsely settled and almost without the ordinary conveniences of life and destitute of all the advantages brought about by civilization, Olof Stardig, now one of the prosperous and substantial farmei-s of Knute township, saw all the hardships and privations of frontier life and met thetn with the heroic courage of a hardy and resolute pioneer, daunted by no danger and deterred by no difficulty in his determination to win a home and a position of comfort and standing in the New World.

remained in his native land until 1882. In December of that year he emigrated to America and located in Douglas county, Minnesota. In August, 1883, he came to Polk county and filed on 160 acres of land in Knute township, but returned to Douglas county and remained there until January, 1884. At that time he took up his residence on his Polk county claim, after building a log cabin, the logs for which he carried on his shoulder through about three feet of snow. He had left his family in Sweden and, as he had but $3 in money, he was unable to send for his wife and children until spring. In the meantime he worked out at whatever he could get to do, and was thankful for any cmploymeut tliat was given liiiu. He saved his earnings with scrupulous care and in the spring of 1884 was able to bring his family to his new home in the wilds.

From that time until now Mr. Stardig has continued to improve his fann, and liy his .steady and well applied industry he has made it one of the best in his township. The log cabin has been replaced by a comfortable modern dwelling house and other buildings have been erected as need required and the financial progress of the family permitted, and during all the passing years close and studious attention has been given to the cultivation of the land and the application of new discoveries in agricultural science