Redwood County, Minnesota - The whole text, 1916 (part 11 of 13)

Jeremiah O. Mahoney, a prominent farmer of Sheridan township, and son of Jeremiah and Mary (Reagan) Mahoney, was born in Ireland July 24, 1854, and came to America with his parents when a boy. They settled in Olmsted county, Minnesota, where the father bought 160 acres of land and farmed until his death, May 6, 1907, at the age of ninety-two years. His wife died December 16, 1909, at the age of eighty-six years. Their children were: Jeremiah O.; Michael, deceased; John of Olmsted county; Mary, now Mrs. D. O'Connell of Olmsted county; Timothy of Olmsted county, and Andrew, deceased. Jeremiah O. Mahoney in his youth attended the schools of his locality and there acquired the elements of knowledge. He left home at the age of twenty-three and was employed by a railway company for three years. Coming to Redwood county in November, 1887, he rented a farm for three years and then bought 120 acres of land in section 9, Sheridan township. The land was wild and uncultivated, but Mr. Mahoney set to work breaking up the soil and has since made continuous improvements, until he now has one of the finest farms in this locality. He has erected good substan- tial buildings, including a two-story house, a large barn and other needed structures, and has also a fine grove around his home and a small orchard. He carries on general farming, raises grains and breeds swine, cattle and horses for his own use. Mr. Mahoney is an Independent in politics and has held the office of road overseer for seven years and clerk of the school board of district No. 103 for three years. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Mahoney was married January 10, 1884, to Mary Looney, who was born August 4, 1861, at Fond du Lac, Wis. The wedding took place at the home of Lawrence Holton, the oldest settler of Sheridan township, and where many people were married in the early days, as there was no church there at that time and the priest had to come from Birch Cooley. The day of the wedding was typical of the season; one of the old-time blizzards was raging, but the house was full of guests nevertheless, and the wedding dinner was one long to be remembered by those present. The parents of the bride were Timothy and Johannah (Mahoney) Looney. Her father was a farmer of Sheridan township and died March 7, 1901. Her mother died March 9, 1902. There were five children in the family: Mary; John, deceased; Timothy, deceased; Jeremiah, deceased; and Ellen, now Mrs. John Keller of North Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Mahoney have the following children: Ellen, born January 9, 1885; Jeremiah, born September 19, 1887; Mary, born August 20, 1890; Julia, born May 27, 1892; Joseph, born August 18, 1896; and Margaret, born August 3, 1907. Ellen keeps house for her brother Jeremiah, who is a farmer in Sheridan township. Julia, who is a graduate of the Redwood Falls high school, and a teacher, is also a student in the agricultural department of the State University. Mary, Joseph and Margaret are residing at home.

Robert Stewart, a highly prosperous farmer of Redwood Falls township, was born in Wabasha county, Minnesota, October 23, 1867. In the fall of 1871 he came to Minnesota with his parents and resided with them on their homestead in Redwood Falls township, faithfully attending the district schools, and later, entering the Rockford Business College at Rockford, HI. Beginning life for himself on the Thomas Whittet farm of 240 acres in Redwood Falls township, he remained on it three years, after which, in 1901, he purchased the old Stewart homestead of 320 acres in the southeast quarter of section 10, and the northeast quarter of section 15, this being the old home of his father. Now he owns 440 acres of well improved land in Redwood township, all tiled - this being the second job of tiling done in the county - and has erected several up-to-date buildings. In 1911 he built a cattle feeding barn, 36 by 60 feet, two silos, one brick, with a capacity of 150 tons, and one frame with a capacity of

175 tons. In the summer of 1914 he erected buildings on 120 acres in section 11 and built an eight-room brick and concrete house, 28 by 35 by 14 feet. It is equipped with a hot water heating system and an electric light plant in the basement, which furnishes light for all the buildings, and has quarter-sawed oak floors and finishings down stairs and fir upstairs. There is a pressure tank in the basement. Mr. Stewart is now engaged in building a modern barn 36 by 60 feet Mr. Stewart specializes in stock and buys and sells cattle for the market, selling about six cars of cattle and one of swine each year. He has 15 acres of fruit, mostly apples. He has served as clerk of school district No. 4 about two years. Mr. Stewart has been an elder in the Presbyterian church for the last fifteen years and is now a teacher in the Sunday school. September 16, 1903, Mr. Stewart was married to Belle Montgomery, who was born August 12, 1871, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Breckenridge) Montgomery, her parents being natives of Scotland. The father came to Winnebago county, Illinois, with his parents in 1842, and there he later engaged in farming and died in 1907 at the age of seventy-eight years. He was an active worker in the Presbyterian church. His wife, who was a Sunday school teacher and interested in the Missionary Society, died in 1899, at the age of sixty-five years. Mrs. Stewart was graduated from the high school at Rockford, 111., in 1891 and was a teacher in the schools of that city and of the vicinity for twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have three children: Florence M., born April 5, 1905; Eatherine M., born July 23, 1908; and Alice E., born September 29, 1912.

John Lauterbach, an early settler, was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1853, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lauterbach, who in 1854 brought him to Chicago, from which city, after living there four years, they brought him to New Ulm, in Brown county, this state, in 1858. There John Lauterbach was reared, learning, as a youth, the trade of wagonmaker, a trade which he followed there for many years, entering in business for himself in 1875. In 1884 he came to Redwood Palls, where he has since resided. For some ten years he has now been employed as a traveling salesman. Mr. Lauterbach married Mary Henle, a native of Milford township, the first white child born in Brown county. This union has been blessed with a fine family of thirteen children: Grace, Maggie, Michael, Anna, Joseph J., Clemens A., Herbert, John, Susie, Agnes, Mamie, Rose and Anton. Grace is the wife of Andrew Cook, proprietor of a restaurant at St. Peter, Minn. Maggie is the wife of John Kaus, a groceryman of Redwood Falls. Anna is the wife of Chris Schulte, a harnessmaker of Redwood Falls. Michael and Joseph are in the ice cream and confectionery business at Redwood Falls. Herbert lives in Boise City, Idaho. Clemens A. is postmaster at Redwood Falls.

Susie and Mamie are clerks. John is a mail carrier at Redwood Falls. Rose and Anton are still attending school. Mrs. Lauterbach is the oldest of twelve children born to Mr. and Mrs. Athanathius Henle, five of Whom are still living in and about the vicinity of New Ulm. Mr. Henle was one of a small party of Germans who left Chicago in the early fifties to establish a colony in the western wilderness. Ooing to St. Paul by train, they boarded boats that took them up the Minnesota river near where the city of New Ulm is now located. A deserted Indian village served as a refuge for the time being, but the Indians returned from a season's hunt and compelled them to leave these haunts. Traversing up stream they came to a beautiful place in the valley where they erected a big log cabin and later laid the foundation for what is now the city of New Ulm. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lauterbach were residing with their respective parents during the Indian massacre and experienced the hardships of those days. Mr. Lauterbach narrowly escaped death when a bullet from one of the Indian rifles grazed the front of his coat, tearing the buttons from it. Mrs. Lauterbach and the other children were rescued by their mother, who hid with them in the woods for several days until help arrived. During these trying experiences twenty-one relatives of Mrs. Lauterbach fell victims of the cruel savages.

Clemens A. Lauterbach, postmaster of Redwood Falls, and former business manager of the Redwood " Gazette," was born * in the city where he still resides, April 27, 1887, son of John and Mary (Henle) Lauterbach. He acquired his education in the graded and high schools of Redwood Falls, and as a boy of fourteen received his first newspaper and printing experience in the office of Aiken & Schmahl, proprietors of the "Gazette." To journalism and printing, he has since devoted his life, with the exception of two years, 1906-08, when he was in the laundry business in Redwood Falls. For several years he acquired experience in the leading newspaper offices and printing plants in St. Paul and other cities, and thus prepared, returned to Redwood Falls in 1911, and acquired a half interest in the Redwood "Gazette," the paper on which he had worked as a small boy. In the autumn of 1916 he sold to Mrs Bess M. Wilson, the owner of the other half interest. On May 25, 1914, he was appointed postmaster, and entered upon the duties of that office June 11, of that year. In this capacity he has done most efficient service, and has given the best of satisfaction to all the people of the community. Mr. Lauterbach is a member of the Catholic church and affiliates with the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. In politics he is a progressive Democrat.

Michael Lauterbach, of the firm of "Mike & Joe," manufacturers and dealers in ice cream and confectionery at Redwood Falls, was born in the city where he still lives, December 21,

1881, son of John and Mary (Henle) Lauterbach. He was reared on a farm and in the city, and as a young man learned the harness trade. In 1898 he started work in that line at New Ulm, and in 1902 opened a shop of his own in Redwood Falls, taking his brother, Joseph J. as a partner a few years later. In 1906 they disposed of the harness business and bought the confectionery store of the Knowlton Brothers. Under the firm name of "Mike & Joe," they still conduct this establishment, which is the leading store of its kind in the county. They do a large business in confectionery, ice cream, soda water, cut flowers and Columbia Orafonolas. In addition to manufacturing much of their own confectionery, they make ice cream on an extensive scale, wholesaling it to a number of dealers in neighboring towns, as well as retailing it to families throughout the city. Their place is attractive and expensively furnished, and is one of the popular gathering places of Redwood Falls. For some years past, Mr. Lauterbach has been the official government weather observer. Deeply interested in music, Mr. Lauterbach has been president and manager of the Scenic City Band for some fifteen years, and has also done considerable orchestra work. He is the chief ranger of the Catholic Order of Foresters and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Michael Lauterbach was married October 12, 1910, to Rose Olga Schilling, born August 22, 1880, daughter of Louis A. and Cecelia (Ochs) Schilling. Mr. Schilling, a veteran of the Civil war and a carpenter by trade, was for some fifteen years city clerk of New Ulm. Mr. and Mrs. Lauterbach have two children: Mercedes Rose, born October 10, 1912, and Wallace Michael, born March 15, 1916.

Joseph J. Lauterbach, of the firm of "Mike & Joe," was born in Redwood Falls, July 3, 1884, son of John and Mary (Henle) Lauterbach. For a time he was employed as a mill worker, and later engaged in the harness business with his brother Michael, with whom he later established their present business. He has been connected with the Scenic City Band for some fifteen years, and has been its secretary and treasurer for some five years. He has also done considerable orchestra work. For several years he was an active member of Co. L, Second Minnesota, M. N. G., served as corporal and sergeant, and was at one time elected a lieutenant, though in this office he declined to serve. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters, in the local lodge of which latter order, he has been treasurer for many years. Joseph J. Lauterbach was married July 29, 1914, to Alice Russell, daughter of Richard and Alice (Gratz) Russell, the former of whom is the inventor of the Russell Road Grader. Mr. and Mrs. Lauterbach have one son, John Richard, born May 23, 1915, and a daughter Mary Catherine, born October 19, 1916.

Almon E. King, prominent citizen and former postmaster of Redwood Falls, was born in New Hampshire, December 10, 1850, a son of James and Roxalana (Barnard) King. James King, a substantial farmer of New Hampshire, moved in 1854 to Lee county, Illinois, where he attained considerable prominence, serving as county supervisor and in other positions of private trust and public honor. He died in 1895 at the age of seventy-two years. His good wife survived him five years and died in 1900 at the age of seventy-six years. Reared in Lee county, Illinois, Almon E. King lived at home until he was twenty years of age. He started his career as a clerk, after which he engaged in the drygoods business at Mt. Morris, Illinois. Later he spent several years in Minneapolis. In 1880 he came to Redwood Falls, and, with his brother Walter B. King, under the firm name of the King Brothers, engaged in the drygoods and implement business. In this connection he continued for many years, remaining in the drygoods business until 1892, and in the implement and machinery business until 1901. In 1902 he was appointed postmaster, and did most efficient service until his retirement in 1914. Subsequently he purchased from W. B. Clement, the insurance agency established by J. B. Robinson & Co. in 1872. This agency, Mr. King still conducts. His financial affiliation is with the State Bank of Redwood Falls, of which be has been a director for the past eight years. His public services have included nine years of active work as president of the school board. He has also been prominently identified with a number of public movements. Mr. King was married May 20, 1879, to Alice Felker, born December 12, 1852, daughter of Abraham and Katherine (Wingert) Felker. Mr. and Mrs. King have had four children. Two died in infancy. Katherine was born in August, 1886, and died January 8, 1900. Forest V. was born in August, 1889, and is a civil engineer for the Minneapolis Bridge Co. Mrs. King is actively identified with church and social work in Redwood Falls, and is most highly regarded by a large circle of friends.

Joshua H. Sanders, who thirty years ago became one of the heaviest land owners in Redwood county, was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, and was there reared and educated. He came to the Northwest in 1857, and a few years later took up his home in St. Paul, where he became one of that group of sturdy men whose character has so strongly impressed itself upon the life of Minnesota. As the trusted associate of the builders of the great Northwest he was one of the inner council of powerful minds in the years when an Empire was being made. Familiarly known as Captain Sanders, he was intimately connected with the steamboat traffic at a time when the Mississippi river was a great highway of commerce. For a time he was agent for the Northern Packet Line. Later, with a partner, he established the firm of Sanders & Mathews, and transacted business in building supplies on the levee at St. Paul. He was a director of the First National Bank of St. Paul for a long period, and through that institution, about 1885, purchased 16,000 acres of Redwood county land, situated a few miles south of the city of Redwood Falls. The care of this property caused him to make frequent trips to Redwood Falls, and he thus became familiar with a region that he always called the "Garden Spot of America." A large part of the land was subsequently sold off, and at his death the remainder was divided among his family. After a useful life, filled with worthy achievement and successful endeavor, he died September 2, 1899, at the age of seventy years. His widow, a native of Lima, Ind., whose maiden name was Ella Martin, still makes her home in St. Paul.

Howard P. Sanders, manager of the extensive Sanders tract, in Redwood county, and a literary man of considerable note, was born in St. Paul, Minn., August 31, 1874, son of Joshua H. and Ella (Martin) Sanders. After passing through the St. Paul public schools and the Academy at Andover, Mass., he entered Harvard University at Cambridge, Mass., and was duly graduated therefrom. He then spent several years as foreign correspondent for New York, Chicago and St. Paul papers, writing special descriptive articles of various points of interest, including the cities of London, Paris, Rome and Florence. He also traveled extensively in this country, visiting and writing articles concerning many historic, scenic and industrial centers. In addition to this, he has contributed both verse and prose to various leading magazines. In 1911 Mr. Sanders moved to Redwood Falls, for the purpose of being close to his land and to oversee the improvements thereon. He is now making extensive developments, and having divided the estate into quarter sections, which he rents on shares, he is erecting on each a substantial farm home for the tenants. Mr. Sanders was married October 23, 1911, to Mrs. Mary E. Woolley, born October 10, 1874, widow of Earnest A. Woolley, an attorney of Walnut, 111. She was educated at Armour Seminary and is the daughter of David S. Mathias, born January 2, 1844, an official of the United States Steel corporation, who lives at Chicago, and his wife, Tryphena Jones, who was born August 1, 1848. By this first marriage Mrs. Saunders has one child, a son, Parker D. Sanders, who has been adopted by Mr. Sanders. The young man, who is a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon, is a student in the agricultural department of the University of Minnesota, and after his graduation he plans to take up scientific farming as his life work.

natives of Germany who came to America in 1853, locating in Leetz township, Columbia county, Wisconsin, where the father bought 40 acres of land, to which he later added 40 acres more. He died in 1862 and his wife in 1858. Reinhold B. Smith remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he rented a farm for three years. After that he went to Mitchell county, Iowa, where he bought 40 acres of land in Newberg township and farmed there for seventeen years. Then, selling this property, in 1886 he came to Cottonwood county, where he rented a farm for two years. In 1894 he came to Redwood county and located in Morgan township, where he farmed for seven years. In 1901 he made his last change of location, buying the northeastern quarter of section 34 in Eintire township, where he remained till his death, November 26, 1915. During these years he built a house 16 by 24, with a wing 14 by 16 feet, and in 1910 a barn 36 by 60 feet. The farm is now managed by his son, Albert A. Mr. Smith was married Nov. 13, 1866, to Henrietta Kroeling, who was born June 26, 1845, in Germany, daughter of Martin and Dorothy (Wering) Kroeling. Her father was a farmer who served in the German army and died in October, 1846. His wife, Dorothy, a native of Germany, who came to America in 1862 with her mother and brothers, died in 1867 at the age of sixty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have the following children: Minnie, born December 1, 1867, now Mrs. Oliver Johnson, of Twin Lakes, Minn.; Herman, born July 20, 1870, who married Ella Terry and resides at Lake Park, Minn.; Otto, born October 22, 1872, who married Nannie Elliot and lives in Delhi township, Redwood county ; Martha, born June 4, 1874, now Mrs. Benjamin French of Kintire township; Dena, born April 11, 1877, now Mrs. George Johnson, of Kintire township; Reinhold, born January 29, 1884, now of Selfridge, N. D., and Albert, born January 15, 1886 ; Emil, born September 3, 1888, and Agnes, born May 10, 1891, all three of whom reside with their mother on the farm.

Stephen P. Hicks, one of the most extensive land owners of Redwood county, is the proud possessor of four whole sections of valuable land in Gales township. He was born in Devonshire, England, April 4, 1853, son of William and Grace (Palmer) Hicks, who in 1857 brought their family to this country and located in Black Hawk county, Iowa, where they spent the remainder of their days. One of a family of ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity and reared families of their own, Stephen P. spent his youth on his father's farm and thoroughly mastered agricultural pursuits while still in his teens. He left home and went to Chicago, HI., where, with a partner, under the firm name of Hicks & Palmer, he engaged in the coal business. Later he and his brother bought out Mr. Palmer and successfully conducted the business for ten more years. Subsequently Mr. Hicks came to Redwood county, which was to be the scene of his future activities. He acquired 3,200 acres of land and since that time has built up one of the finest stock and grain farms in Redwood county. He now owns in Gales township all of sections 9, 16 and 17 and the west half of section 15. His home, surrounded by beautiful flower dotted, tree decorated lawns, and set off by its splendid complement of barns and out-buildings, is like a nobleman's estate in the old country. In politics, Mr. Hicks is a Republican, having cast his first vote for General Grant for president. He has occupied numerous township and school offices. Mr. Hicks was married in 1883, in Iowa, to Mary Alice McMannus, a native of Illinois, and they have six children: Gertrude G., Ruth, Tracy McMannus, Stephen P. W. (deceased), Naoma and William H.

William Carey Starr, editor and proprietor of the Redwood Palls "Sun," and for many years a prominent factor in journalism and public affairs, was born in Huntington county, Pennsylvania, March 31, 1859, son of Isaac and Ellen (Hanna) Starr. Isaac Starr was born in Pennsylvania, Jan. 30, 1834, learned the carpenters' trade as a youth, and devoted his life to contracting and building. In 1868 he came to this state, lived at Lake City until 1876, went to Lincoln county in 1876, and died at Tyler in February, 1908. Mrs. Ellen (Hanna) Starr was born in County Down, Ireland, came to America at the age of twenty-two years, and died in December, 1913. William C. Starr started out for himself as a youth. For several years he was a trainman. After living in California for a while, he located at Marshall, Mo., where he learned the printers' trade in the employ of the Marshall "Capital." Thus prepared for his career, he went to Winchester, Eans., and edited the Winchester * ' Star. ' ' He came to this county in 1893, and purchased the Lamberton "Star." Since June 10, 1910, he has been owner and editor of his present paper. Mr. Starr is a public spirited man, fearless in his convictions, and his paper exerts a powerful influence in the community. Of a genial temperament and broad experience, he is the friend of every worthy cause, and he is one of those men who may truly be designated as a useful citizen. Fraternally he is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the O. E. S. and the M. W. A. He is also a member of other organizations, and has served on numerous boards and committees. Mrs. Starr has proven an able helpmate in all his undertakings. Aside from occupying a prominent position in church and social affairs, she is an accomplished journalist, and acts as society editor of her husband's paper. The family is remarkable in that all the children, even the youngest, assist in issuing the paper, as typesetters, pressmen, reporters, writers and errand boys. Mr. Starr was married November 15, 1892, to Oma E. Saunders, of Marshall, Mo., born in Newton, Eans., October 5, 1873, daughter of Oscar and Alida (White) Saunders. Mr. and

Mrs. Starr have eight children: Harre Leslie, Edla Oma, Irl Hanna, William Carey, Jr., Harold Von and Howard John (twins) and Willard Isaac and Willis Oscar (twins). Harre Leslie was born December 15, 1893, at Winchester, Eans., was married April 15, 1915, to Anna Ogren, and to them has been born one child, Oma Thora, June 5, 1916. Edla Oma was born September 8, 1896. Irl Hanna was born July 23, 1898. William Carey, Jr., was born February 5, 1901. Harold Von and Howard John were born May 23, 1903. Willard Isaac and Willis Oscar were born September 1, 1909. All except the oldest were born in Lamberton.

Thomas F. Corcoran, deceased, a well known farmer of Sheridan township, was born August 14, 1857, in New York State, son of Patrick and Mary (Pendergast) Corcoran, both of whom were natives of Ireland and married there. All the children, except Thomas, were born in Ireland. The parents came to America and settled in New York in 1855. Not long afterwards the family moved to Waseca county, Minn., and took up a homestead where the father died in 1858. The mother married Patrick Batchford. She died in April, 1901, at the age of eighty-nine years. The children in the family were : Ellen, of the state of Washington ; Delia, deceased; Molley, deceased; Michael, of Medford, Minn., and Thomas, deceased. Thomas F. Corcoran lived with his parents until 1880, when he began working for himself. In 1900 he came to Redwood county and bought 240 acres of land in section 24, Sheridan township. He carried on diversified farming, having 100 acres of wheat, 50 of corn, 40 of oats, and 20 of barley. He also had a fine two-acre orchard of apple and plum trees, raised full blooded Poland China swine and Shorthorn cattle, and raised and sold about twenty-five head of Shropshire sheep each year. Mr. Corcoran was a well informed man and had traveled extensively. He took active interest in farmers' associations and in the affairs of the community. He was a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Seaforth and served as member of the school board for several years in Waseca county. In politics he was a Democrat, and religiously a member of the Catholic church at Seaforth. His death, which occurred April 29, 1914, was deeply regretted. Mrs. Corcoran now conducts the farm with the assistance of her children* Mr. Corcoran was married January 19, 1880, to Elizabeth Dalton, who was born December 14, 1858, in Ogle county, Illinois, daughter of John and Ellen (McGinn) Dalton, both natives of Ireland. The father, who was born in 1825 and came to Illinois in 1845, was engaged in farming there until 1867, when he bought a farm in Waseca county, Minnesota. He was married in New York State and died November 8, 1900. The mother was born March 17, 1831, and died October 27, 1911. They had the following children: Elizabeth and Christ, twins, of Janesville, Minn. ; John, of Janesville ; Thomas, deceased ; Nicholas, deceased ;

Edward, deceased ; Mary, now Mrs. Edwin Von Rohr of Webster, S. D. Mr. and Mrs. Corcoran 's children are : Nellie, born March 10, 1881, now Mrs. Benjamin Hayes of Waseca county, Minnesota ; Clara, born November 3, 1882, now Mrs. Mathew Wendlin, of Seattle, Wash. ; Patrick, born April 19, 1884, a farmer of Sheridan township; Edward, born February 10, 1886, a resident of Seaforth; John, born December 28, 1888, of Redwood Falls; Joseph, born June 5, 1890, residing at home; William, born January 6, 1892, of Montana, and Ambrose, born June 26, 1894; Arthur, March 26, 1896; Eugene, June 6, 1898, and Howard, August 8, 1900, all of whom reside at home.

Jens G. (Jim) Christensen, a very successful farmer of Sheridan township, was born in North Schleswig, Germany, November 17, 1854, son of Nels Christensen, a sailor and soldier, and his wife Annie (Jensen) Christensen, who died in 1859. Jens G. Christensen was reared by his grandparents, Christ Nelson and his wife. At ten years of age he began working out for his board and also attended school. When he was seventeen years old he was employed by his uncle and remained with him a year learning the carpenters' trade. Emigrating to America in 1873, he located in Racine, Wis., where he worked for the Mitchel Lewis Wagon factory for seventeen years. In 1888 he purchased 80 acres of land in section 36, Sheridan township, moving onto it in 1890. By hard work, good judgment and frugality he has increased and developed his farm so that he now owns 120 acres of well improved land, 40 acres of which are set out in clover and timothy. He raises good graded Shorthorn cattle. Mr. Christensen has served as clerk of school district No. 46 for six years and is a stockholder in the Wabasso Creamery. He is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. of Racine, Wis., and has served as its secretary and vice grand. His religious affiliations are with the Danish Lutheran church. Mr. Christensen was married December 18, 1880, to Indiana Jensen, who was born April 12, 1854, daughter of Iver Jensen, a farmer of Wisconsin, who died in 1890 at the age of seventy-five years. Her mother, Maria (Hunstadt) Jensen, who is still living, was born November 3, 1828. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Christensen : Ellen, born Sept. 7, 1881, and died May 6, 1915, wife of Thomas Peterson, a farmer of Mansfield, Wash.; Nels, born April 12, 1883, a farmer now living on the home place and married to Emma Johnson, and Christian, born August 7, 1885, of Mansfield, Wash., with whom Mr. Christensen visited the greater part of a year during 1914-1915.

George A. Rucktaeschel, an extensive land owner in Sheridan township, was born in Germany April 9, 1872, son of Herman and Minnie (Neuman) Rucktaeschel. The father was a native of Germany who emigrated to America in 1874, coming to Sauk county, Wisconsin, where he remained for one year. Then he operated a store in Birch Cooley township, Renville county, until 1882, when he engaged in farming in Sherman township, this county. After four years he moved to the Gilfillan farm in Paxton township, where he remained for seven years, and then moved to Redwood Palls township, where he died April 1, 1901, at the age of seventynine years. His wife lives at Delhi, Minn., Qeorge A. Rucktaeschel grew to manhood on the home farm. In time he bought 320 acres of land in section 35, Sheridan township, and in 1900 he rebuilt the house and remodeled it into a nice feomfortable sevenroom structure. In 1904 he built a barn 30 by 56 by 12 feet and in 1906 another barn, 20 by 38 by 12 feet. He has one and a half acres in fruit, 65 acres in clover and timothy and 105 acres in corn. He raises full blooded Shorthorn cattle and makes a specialty of feeding cattle for the market, shipping one car of swine a year and two carloads of cattle. He also raises Shropshire sheep, having about 100 head. In addition to his land holdings in Redwood county, Mr. Rucktaeschel also owns 240 acres in Beltrami county. He is stockholder in the Farmers Hardware Store, the Elevator Company at Wabasso, the Wabasso Creamery and the Redwood County Rural Telephone Company. As school director of district No. 75, he has rendered good service for eight years. Mr. Rucktaeschel was married February 18, 1896, to Mary Ost, who was born in Germany, June 10, 1875, daughter of Albert and Johanna (Marquardt) Ost. Her father was a native of Germany who came to America in 1881, and lived for two years at Mankato, Minn. Then, in 1886, he moved to Redwood county and was subsequently engaged in farming in Three Lakes township until his death, July 14, 1899. Her mother died in 1907 at the age of seventy-three years. Mr. and Mrs. Rucktaeschel 's family consists of the following children: Katherine, born December 21, 1896; Marie, April 2, 1898 ; Clarence, September 3, 1899 ; Lydia, October 29, 1900; Elizabeth, March 26, 1906; Edith, September 30, 1910, and Douglas December 18, 1912.

Lars Sogaard was born in Denmark, Oct. 28, 1869, son of Nels and Trekie (Miokelsen) Sogaard. His parents were farming people, the father born February 24, 1821, and the mother May 20, 1844. Lars Sogaard came to the United States February 25, 1891, locating first in Centerville, Iowa. He had about $15 when he landed. He found employment on the Rock Island railroad and later in the coal mines, after which he came to Minnesota and worked out on the farm. In 1893 he bought 160 acres of land in section 8, Sundown township, Redwood county, where he now lives. This land was partly broken. He built a barn, 24 by 26, which he also used for a dwelling. His first crop was a failure, but his next one was good and he has since prospered. He bought a small house which he moved onto his place and which he lived in until 1911, when he built a nice seven-room residence. In 1901 he built a barn 24 by 46 feet. As township assessor and as a member of the school board he has rendered his fellow citizens good service. He is a shareholder in the Wanda Creamery. Mr. Sogaard was married to Hannah Hansen, who died July 2, 1907, leaving three children, Lilly, Albert and Arthur. He was married again in 1908, to Caroline Petersen, who was born January 1, 1870, in Denmark, and came to the United States when thirty-six years old. They have one child, Roy.

Ole H. Oroff, a well known farmer of Sundown township, was born in Norway, December 23, 1872, son of Halvor Groff, born in Norway in 1817, and his wife, Ouri (Skyugurgaarden) Groff, born in 1836. Halvor Groff was a farmer by occupation. His wife came to the United States in 1893, going to Iowa. After a year she moved to Cass county, Minn., where she died in 1907. Ole H. Groff came to the United States in 1892, locating in Decorah, Iowa, where he remained one year. He then went to Lyon county, Iowa, where he hired out for $100 a year the first year and then received $21 a month. In 1897 he removed to Cass county, Minnesota, and took a homestead of 160 acres. He built a log house, 16 by 24 feet, and a barn of logs, and lived there seven years. Then coming to Redwood county, he rented a farm of 160 acres. In 1911 he bought 80 acres in Sundown township, locating in section 14, and 40 acres in section 23. The first year he raised 300 acres of corn, which he kept for feed. Each year conditions improved and he is now one of the successful farmers of this locality. Mr. Groff was married in 1900 to Mary Skow, born in Denmark in 1882, who came to the United States the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Groff 's children are: Christen, Halvor, Nels, Olga, Rangval, Gunda, Christena, Mabel, Milton, and Annie. The family are members of the Scandinavian Lutheran church.

Ferdinand Frederick Kettner, a prosperous farmer of Sundown township, was born in Pomerania, Germany, October 14, 1861, son of Ludwig and Dorothea (Hosala) Kettner. The father was an overseer on a large farm in charge of about 200 men. His wife, mother of Ferdinand, died in Germany about 1879, at the age of forty-six years. There were eight children in the family : Gusta, Wilhelm, Ferdinand F., Tena, Ludwig, Marie, August and Emma. Ferdinand received his schooling in Germany and at the age of twenty-one came to the United States, going to live with his uncle, Wilhelm Kettner, a pioneer of Nicollet county, Minnesota, for whom he worked two years, receiving $140 per year. In 1883 he came to Redwood county and bought 160 acres in section 28, Sundown township. This was known as the "Old Guile Place," where the first town meeting was held. There were about a dozen trees on the place, a small house 16 by 24 and a barn made of clay. To begin with, he had a team of horses, two cows and a calf. In the fall of 1883 his father and the rest of the family, except Wilhelm, who remained in Germany, joined him in Sundown township. The father made his home with him until his death in 1891 at the age of sixty-two, and his sisters kept house for him until his marriage. He set out a fine grove, built a house and barn and has since been prosperous. He raises good stock and has added 80 acres more to his farm. Aside from this he is a shareholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company and store at Springfield. His religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church. Mr. Eettner was married March 1, 1889, to Minnie Stolt, who was born in Nicollet, county, May 31, 1870, daughter of Chris and Johanna (Otto) Stolt, both natives of Germany. Chris Stolt came to Illinois with his parents in 1858. When he was about eighteen years old, he enlisted in the Second Illinois Cavalry, and was wounded in the lung at Hollow Spring. His parents, Chris and Mary Stolt, drove by oxen from Illinois to Nicollet county, Minnesota, being three weeks on the trip. Here Chris, Jr., also located, securing a homestead. His wife died at the age of twenty-two leaving two children, Minnie and Emma, and he subsequently married Augusta Seymour of Germany, of which union twelve children were born. Mr. and Mrs. Eettner ys children are : George, of St. Paul; Wilhelm, of Canada ; Charles, of Canada ; Dora, Theodore, Louisa, Lydia, Lena, Emil, Herman, Arthur, and Marie.

Ola Nelson, a successful farmer of Swedes Forest township, was born March 12, 1866, in Norway, son of Nels and Mary (Olson) Nelson. The father was born in Norway and there died. The mother was born in Norway in 1841, came to America in 1888, locating in Swedes Forest township, Redwood county, Minnesota, and is now living with her son, Carl Boklep, in Kintire township. Ole Nelson came to America in 1871 with his grandparents. The grandfather, Ole Olson, born in Norway in 1821, and came to the United States and in 1871 settled in Beloit, Wis., where he rented a farm and engaged in farming. After remaining there until 1887, he moved to Swedes Forest, this county, and lived with his son, Chris Olson, until* his death in 1891. His wife, Martha (Olson) Olson, was born in 1824 and died in 1910. Ole Nelson purchased the Nels Hanson homestead in 1902 and began improving and developing it, erecting new buildings and remodeling the old ones. In 1903 he rebuilt the house, and in 1906 a barn was built, 32 by 58 feet. Tool sheds and a blacksmith shop were also put up, and here Mr. Nelson has farmed successfully up to the present time. He is a director of the Farmers State Bank at Belview and a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator of Belview. Mr. Nelson was married June 4, 1899, to Clara Hanson, who was born October 13, 1875, daughter of Nels Hanson and Karen Andrea Augustinson. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have had four children: Carl 0., born June 14, 1900; Morris C, born June 7, 1902; Francis N., born October 8, 1905, who died February 4, 1913 ; and Nora, born May 6, 1907. The family are members of the Rockdale Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church.

Albert L. Dahlgren, an enterprising farmer of Gales township, was born in section 26, this township, May 10, 1886, son of Charles L. and Charlotte (Swanson) Dahlgren. The father, who settled on this farm in 1885 and made many improvements on it, now lives with his son Albert. Albert L. Dahlgren has a farm of 160 acres and has continued the improvements started by his father. He raises considerable grain and keeps Shorthorn cattle, Duroc Jersey swine and a mixed breed of horses. He has built a ninety-Jon silo and a barn 34 by 66 feet, and has various other good and necessary farm buildings. He has also an artesian flowing well 237 feet deep. Mr. Dahlgren is a stockholder and director of the Springdale Telephone Company and Farmers'. Elevator Company, the latter being located at Walnut Grove. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Dahlgren was united in marriage, June 22, 1911, to Anna C. Lund, who was born December 18, 1885, in Johnsonville township, Redwood county, Minnesota, daughter of Charles B. and Lotta (Swanson) Lund, both natives of Sweden, who came to Redwood county early in the? seventies and settled in Johnsonville township. In 1915 they retired from farm work and are now living in Walnut Grove. There are eight children in the family: Esther B., now Mrs. Gus. Nicolayson of Revere, Minn.; Laura, widow of Nels E. Pierson of Tracy; Hannah, Mrs. Otto Dahlgren of Walnut Grove'; Anna (Mrs. A. L. Dahlgren) ; John E. L., a farmer of Johnsonville township ; Minnie ; Hattie ; and Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Dahlgren have had three children: Donald L., born October 4, 1912, who died October 26, 1912 ; Kathryn, born January 13, 1914, and Elwood, born February 16, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Dahlgren are members of the Swedish Lutheran church.

Erie Wilson, long a prominent farmer of Walnut Grove, who died January 9, 1916, was born January 11, 1852, in Sweden, son of John (Soderstrom) and Elin (Esbjorn) Wilson. His father was a potter by trade. Besides Eric, there were two children, Karl and August, both now deceased. Eric came to America April 22, 1873, and secured a homestead in Gales township, Redwood county, Minnesota, where he was joined by his parents in 1878. They made their home with him until their death, the father dying January 1, 1881, and the mother September 10, 1901. Eric Wilson began farming with 80 acres of land and a one-room board house, 12 by 16. He made improvements as his means permitted and in 1880 built a substantial dwelling. He subsequently added to his holdings so that at one time he owned 400 acres in one piece and still owned 320 acres at the time of his death, including the original homestead. A tireless and industrious worker, he continued his farm work until 1906, when he retired to Walnut Grove, leaving the farm to the care of his son J. Harry, who operated it until 1913, when he moved to Montana. Mr. Wilson was president of the Walnut Grove Building and Loan Association. Prom 1897 to 1910 he was county commissioner, in 1909 was again elected to this office, and was serving in it at the time of his death. He was a member of the school board of district No. 62 from the time of its organization until 1906. Mr. Wilson was married May 24, 1880, to Marie Johnson, who was born Dec. 26, 1856, in Sweden, daughter of Johannes (Latt) and Britta (Larson) Johnson, who came to America in 1878. Their daughter Marie came in 1880. Her parents settled in North Hero township, where they engaged in farming and where the father died in 1897 and the mother in 1895. There .were six children in the family: Carl, deceased; August, of New York city; Christine, deceased; Johanna, widow of A. S. Carlson of Walnut Grove ; Marie ; and Anna, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have four children: J. Harry, born November 16, 1881; Ellen A., born October 28, 1883; Anna M., born May 6, 1890 ; and Olga N., born March 23, 1892. J. Harry was married September 5, 1906, to Maude Gilbert, and they have one child, Eric Bradford, born December 28, 1907. Ellen A. was married June 27, 1902, to Edward B. Mondale of Bricelyn, Minn., born March 18, 1883, and they have four children; Lyle, born January 15, 1903 ; Ruth, born August 30, 1905; Walter, born July 26, 1907, and Frederick W., born June 2, 1916. Anna M. is residing at home, and Olga N. in Denton, Mont.

Mrs. Edward Billiet, widow of Edward Billiet, living on section 31, Gale township, Redwood county, was born August 3, 1871, in Belgium. Her maiden name was Mary Debout and she is the daughter of John and Theresa L. Debout. Her father, a native of Belgium, settled at Annawan, Henry county, Illinois, when he was twenty-one years of age, and, buying 320 acres of land, engaged in farming. He made many improvements, erected good buildings and resided there until his death, March 25, 1909. There were five children in the family: Peter, who died July 10, 1901; at the age of thirty-six years; John, who is connected with the Rock Island Plow Works, at Rock Island, I1L; Mary, who married Edward Billiet; Charles, residing on the home farm in Illinois ; and Leo, who is with the Rock Island Plow Company, Rock Island, 111. Mary Debout was married to Edward Billiet, February 23, 1889, and they had the following children: William, born November 7, 1891, now a farmer in Wisconsin; Benjamin, born February 27, 1897 ; John, born November 30, 1899;

Emily, born June 10, 1901; Theresa, born November 19, 1902; Andrew, born June 12, 1906; Anna, born March 20, 1909; Rosie, born April 29, 1911 ; and Paul, born December 30, 1913. Edward Billiet was born in Belgium, October 1, 1864. There were five children in the Billiet family : Peter, a farmer in Henry county, Illinois; Jacob, formerly a farmer of Henry county, Illinois, who died March 1, 1909 ; Louise, now Mrs. D. Decker, of Henry county, Illinois ; Antony, now a farmer of Graceville, Minn. ; and Edward, deceased. Edward came to America in 1878 with his father, locating in Annawan, Henry county, Illinois, where he rented a farm of Henry Renter for fourteen years. In 1902 he came to Redwood county and bought 345 acres in the western half of section 31, Oales township. Here he carried on general farming and raised graded Hereford cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. He died April 25, 1913.

William Russell, a thrifty farmer of Kintire township, was born March 28, 1872, in Ontario, Canada, son of John and Isabella (Alexander) Russell. The father was a farmer, born in 1842 in Ireland, who died in 1890 in Canada. His wife Isabella, born November 3, 1845 in Scotland, came to Canada in 1848, and later to United States, locating in Kintire township, where she still lives. William Russell remained at home until nineteen years of age, and then, in 1891, the year after his father's death, came to Kintire township, Redwood county, Minnesota, where his mother bought the southwest quarter of section 26, the purchase being made in the following year, 1892. To this property has since been added the southeast quarter of section 27. In the same year, 1892, Mr. Russell built a house 20 by 24 feet, with a wing 14 by 16 feet, and a barn 24 by 58 feet, also setting out a fine grove. There were seven children in the family: Matilda, William, Isabelle, Carrie, Margaret, John and George. For the first few years they all had to put up with some hardships and discouragements, but conditions gradually improved until a fair measure of comfort and prosperity was attained, and which has never since left them. Mr. Russell was married October 14, 1908, to Alma Wolverton, who was born December 22, 1884, in New Avon township, Redwood county, daughter of John and Alice (McCormack) Wolverton. Her father was born in 1860, in Illinois, and came to Minnesota, where he located a homestead of 160 acres. He retired from farming in 1912, moving to Redwood Palls, where he still lives. His wife was born in 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have the following children: Verna, born September 10, 1909; Howard, born November 13, 1911; Edna, born September 6, 1914 ; and Douglass, born September 28, 1915. Mr. Russell is interested in the Farmers' Elevator at Delhi and belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, at Belview.

Charles O. Nelson, a successful farmer of Gales township, was born April 20, 1865, in Nicollet county, Minnesota, son of C. J. and Emily E. C. (Peterson) Nelson, both natives of Sweden. There were eleven children in the family: Jennie Z., Henry R., Chas. F. (deceased), Julia S., Chas. G., Emily A. (deceased), Phillip A., John L. (deceased), Lydia L., Leonard F. and Laura E. Charles G. Nelson grew up on the home farm and when his parents died took charge of the homestead on which he now lives. He has 160 acres in section 28, also 160 acres in section 10, Gales township, and has done much to improve the farm. He is a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and also raises a large acreage of corn and small grain. He and his brother Henry have been engaged in the threshing business in Gales township for the past twenty-nine years and he has been closely associated with his brother in all business activities. He has been active in local politics and is a progressive Republican. He is now serving on the school board of district No. 35.

Hakon Nelson was born in Sweden, October 4, 1859, son of Nels Johnson and Eathryn (Matson) Johnson, farming people who lived and died in Sweden. Hakon Nelson came to America in 1883, locating in Boston, Mass., where he staid for a short time. In 1886 he homesteaded 160 acres of land in section 34, Gales township, Redwood county, Minnesota, and engaged in farming. He built a small frame house which was later enlarged and remodeled into the present comfortable home. He also built good barns and outbuildings, and set out a grove which has now become a beautiful small wood, and he has also an orchard. During the first years he raised considerable flax and wheat, but now raises grains of all kinds. A great part of the land is set aside for pasture and meadow. Mr. Nelson has a good herd of Duroe Jersey swine and Hereford cattle. In politics he is Republican and has served as road overseer for several years. Mr. Nelson was united in marriage September 11, 1886, to Emma Hendrickson, who was born in September, 1860, in Sweden, daughter of Johan and Marie (Peterson) Hendrickson. There are the following children in the family: Ellen (Mrs. Hjalmer Wahlin, of Garvin), George, Minnie, Franz and Hilma. The family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church.

Charles Filkins, a successful farmer of Gales township, was born March 3, 1871, in Waterloo, Iowa, son of Theodore and Elizabeth (Trowbridge) Filkins, both natives of New York State. Theodore Filkins came to Iowa when eighteen years of age and was there married. His wife died October 2, 1905. There were eight children in the family : John, of Tracy ; William, of Tracy ; Neil, of Tacoma, Wasfc. ; Charles (near Tracy) ; Addie, now Mrs. Fred Glazier, of Hudson, Iowa ; Emma, now Mrs. Henry Brown, of Tracy ; Ida, now Mrs. Archie Campbell, of Hudson, Iowa, and

Ralph, deceased. Charles Filkins came to Redwood county, Minn., March 2, 1898, and bought a farm near his present property. He bought his present farm of 280 acres in section 8, Gales township, in 1903, and now has one of the best improved farms in the township. There is a modern ten-room house, equipped with electric lights, two fine barns, 40 by 52, and other good buildings. He keeps Duroc Jersey swine, Hereford cattle and Percheron horses. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Filkins was married January 3, 1895, to Hattie - Lhtengood, who was born in Pennsylvania, August 22, 1872, daughter of Peter and Ellen (Kelso) Livengood, whose children were as follows : Hattie, now Mrs. Chas. Filkins ; Frank, deceased; Harry, residing in Illinois; Howard, at Los Angeles, Calif. ; Ross, at Los Angeles, Calif ; Lucy, now Mrs. Chas. Davis, of Elk Lick, Pa., and Esther. Mr. and Mrs. Filkins have the following children : Earl, born October 9, 1895 ; Lou, November 1, 1897; Elizabeth, February 14, 1901; Theodore, August 3, 1904; Charles A., February 3, 1911, and Emma, January 1, 1913. The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Anton Weidemann, a retired farmer of Belview, was born in Norway, January 4, 1852, son of Andrew and Christena (Jonsrud) Weidemann. Andrew Weidemann was born in Norway, July 30, 1827, and came to Rock county, Wisconsin, in 1869, buying 90 acres of timber land in Newark township. He grubbed out the land and engaged in farming, living there for eighteen years* Then he sold out and went to Morgan county, Tennesee, where he died in 1905. His wife was born in 1834 and died December 10, 1910. Anton grew up on the farm and came to Kintire township, Redwood county, Minnesota, in 1881, buying 80 acres of land in section 3. He improved the farm and subsequently added 120 acres in sections 3 and 4. In 1913 he retired to Belview. Mr. Weidemann served as treasurer of the school board for 20 years, and as township supervisor for three years. He was a director of the State Bank at Belview for ten years, and stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company. Mr. Weidemann was married October 23, 1880, to Johanna Schjenken, who was born in Norway, December 4, 1850, and came to America in 1880. Her father, Jacob Schjenken, was born in 1827 and died in Norway in 1900. His wife, whose maiden name was Agnes Hanson, was born in 1825 and died in 1893, also in Norway. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Weidemann are as follows : Adolph, born August 26, 1881, residing at home ; Christina, born November 26, 1882, who married Swen Anderson of Kintire township and has one child, Sylvia; Jacob, born May 17, 1884, of Tolna, N. D., unmarried; Axel, born October 30, 1885, now living in Swedes Forest township; Frederick, born May 21, 1889, who married Emjna Danielson and lives on the old homestead; Isaac, born March 21, 1892, who married Elsie Abraham, resides in Swedes Forest township and has one

Anton Weidemann And Family

John J. Johnson, a progressive farmer of Gales township, was born in Norway, March 24, 1863, son of Jacob Johnessen and Barbara (Peterson) Johnessen. The father, Jacob Johnessen, was born in, Bergen, Norway, October 1, 1823. His wife was born in Norway, December 24, 1840. They came to America in July, 1871, and located in Harden county, Iowa. In 1873 they came to Rechyood county and homesteaded land in section 32, Gales township. Building a good dugout and sod house, they began farming with two teams of oxen, which were used on the farm for several years. The father died on the homestead February 16, 1893, and his wife died in Tracy, September 17, 1907. Their children were: John J., subject of this sketch; Johnie, born August 13, 1865, who is a farmer in Springdale township; Peter H., born June 15, 1868, now a farmer in Springdale township ; Martin, born March 1, 1870, who is also a farmer in Springdale township; Engvold, who was born July 26, 1872 and died August 9, 1896; Isabelle, born April 17, 1875, who died February 26, 1904; Albert, born April 6, 1877, who died July 6, 1901; James, born March 30, 1879, who died in infancy; Jennie, born April 4, 1880, who died November 18, 1902 ; Annie, born July 28, 1882, who was drowned June 12, 1892; Caroline, born March 27, 1885, who is now Mrs. Oscar Nordgren of Walnut Grove. By his first marriage Mr. Johnessen had two children : Nels Maxwell, born July 25, 1853, and Jacob, born September 9, 1855, now of Aberdeen, S. D. John J. Johnson, when starting in for himself bought 160 acres in section 30, Gales township and plunged into work with enthusiasm. He labored hard, and successfully surmounted the various difficulties that arose. At the present time he has not only a well improved farm in section 30 but also owns 400 acres in Gales township in sections 19, 29, 31 and 32. He is an extensive raiser of grain and also raises Duroc Jersey swine and Shorthorn cattle, having several milch cows and Percheron horses. In politics a Republican, he has taken great interest in the public affairs of the town and has been chairman of the Gales township board for ten years. He is director and treasurer of and a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Tracy. He was administrator of both his father's and mother's estate, and showed business ability in looking after their affairs. Mr. Johnson was married December 29, 1892, to Caroline Tofting, who was born in 1869 in Norway and came to America in 1880 with her parents. The Toftings settled in Gales township, Redwood county, where her father engaged in farming. He died May 7, 1894 ; his wife died November 19, 1912. yheir family of six children was as follows : Caroline, who married Mr. Johnson; Jake, a farmer of Gales township; Ida, who is now deceased; Ole and Andrew, also deceased, and

!elen, now Mrs. John Mattison, residing in Minneapolis. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had seven children: Millie, born September 11, 1894; Hjelmar, born August 29, 1896; Ernest, born April 17, 1898; Esther, born January 7, 1900, who is now attending school in Tracy; a child born February 23, 1901, who died in June the same year; Irene, born December 2, 1904, and Florence, born November 15, 1909. All the children reside at home.

John Lindquist, a retired farmer until recently residing in Wanda but now in Mankato, was born in Sweden October 2r 1863, son of John Lindquist. His mother died when he was eight days old and his father subsequently contracted a second marriage. John Lindquist was reared by his grandparents, John and Elizabeth Lundquist, and attended public school in Sweden. When he was fifteen years of age he emigrated to America to join his father, who had come to this country ten years previously and - secured a homestead in section 12, Springdale township, Redwood county, Minn. Here John stayed one year and then went to Lamberton, where he worked on the farms of Mr. Bennet and Mr. Skelton. A year later he began work for Mr. Keller in Lamberton township, where he remained for a number of years. Next he bought 160 acres of partly improved land and soon added to it 160 acres more. On this farm he made his home for the next twenty-eight years, erecting new buildings and improving the place in every way. In 1911 Mr. Lindquist retired from active work and moved to Wanda, where he* resided until his recent removal to Mankato. Mr. Lindquist has been prominent in local affairs. He served as township assessor for ten years and was also clerk of the school board. He also held office on the village board, serving as president of the board for one year. He was connected with the Bingham Bros. Elevator for two years and is a shareholder in the Lamberton Farmers Elevator Co. Mr. Lindquist was married May 24, 1885, to Anna Nelson, who was born in Denmark, Sept. 19, 1860, daughter of Peter and Sophia (Meyer) Nelson. The family, in which there were eight children, emigrated to the United States and located in Redwood county. The father died in 1913 at the age of seventy-five and the mother in 1895 at the age of fifty-five. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lindquist: William, Sophia, Hattie, John and Julia. The family are all members of the Scandinavian Lutheran church.

George I. Davis, one of the prominent men of New Avon township, was born in Kirtland, Ohio, April 1, 1848, son of Benjamin C. and Abigail (Finkle) Davis. The father, who was a minister of the Church of Latter Day Saints, came to Stillwater in 1853, where he also worked as a mechanic until 1870, and then moved with his son George to Redwood Falls. He died in 1888, and his wife died in 1892. December 24, 1864, George I. Davis enlisted in Company E, Second Minnesota Cavalry and was discharged April 21, 1867. In 1869 he homesteaded 160 acres in section 8, New Avon township, where he now lives and owns 280 acres. His first house, 14 by 18 feet, was of frame with sod walls on the outside. He had a yoke of oxen and a wagon, but had no tools. At that time there was only one house in the township, and in 1870 there were five. In the winter of 1873 Mr. Davis made a trip to the Redwood River, a distance of fifteen miles, with his ox team, to get some wood, and the trip took four days on account of the snow and storms. He was one of the organizers of New Avon township and served as township supervisor for ten years, and was also township clerk and treasurer for a number of years. He was director and treasurer of school district No. 14, for twenty years. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative store, elevator and creamery, all of Wabasso, and also of the Redwood County Rural Telephone Co. Mr. Davis was married December 24, 1872, to Ellen Winslow, who was born August 15, 1852, in Maine, daughter of Elias and Sarah (Polsom) Winslow, the latter of whom died in 1882. Elias Winslow was a farmer of Maine, and later of Wisconsin, who came to Minnesota in 1871 and homesteaded in New Avon township, Redwood county. In 1873 he moved to Beaver City, Neb., where he remained until his death in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had twelve children: Benjamin, a farmer of Montana; Bessie, wife of Robert Rathburn, a conductor on the Great Northern Railroad, of Havre, Mont. ; Cora, wife of Manley Simning, a farmer of Redwood Palls township; Nettie, now Mrs. George Lawrence, Vancouver, B. C. ; Wesley, a farmer of Paxton township; Mattie, who married Albert Clark, owner of a fruit ranch in Colorado, and died December, 1911; Philip, a farmer on the home place; Nellie, wife of George Parsons, proprietor of a garage in Montana ; Orrin, a farmer on the home place ; Edward, on a ranch in Montana; Andrew, on a ranch in Montana, and Edith, now Mrs. Samuel Robinson of Wabasso. In a recent communication Mr. Davis narrates some interesting reminiscences of his early career, as follows: "In 1871 I had to leave home and go somewhere to earn a little money to keep me and father through the winter, so I left father on the homestead and started for Mankato - I and a young man by the name of Daniel McPhee. We walked all the way to Mankato. It took us nearly three days to make the distance, but we were not long before we had a job. We hired out to a man by the name of Cornell, a retired minister, but his son was working the farm. They lived twentytwo miles south of Mankato in Blue Earth county. I earned some $85 and then I came back home, feeling quite good with that little money in my pocket. We pulled through the winter all right, but when spring came I was up against a hard problem to get my seed for the ground which I had broken the year before, for my cash had nearly all disappeared. But I got it just the same and I never saw such a crop as I raised that year. I had 11 acres of wheat and got 335 bushels off of that 11 acres, and my oats went fifty-five bushels to the acre ; but I did not get the threshing done until the following spring, on account of a heavy fall of snow. Some thirty-six inches of snow fell about the 21st of October and it stayed until the next spring. There was no market for wheat here, only for some which I sold to two of my neighbors, so the balance I hauled to Mankato to market. I had no horse team, only a yoke of oxen. I don't remember how long it took to make the trip, but I think it was nearly a week before I got back home again. In 1872 we had pretty good crops and I thought I had struck it big, so I got married in the winter, December 24, 1872. In 1873, about the 20th of July, the grasshoppers came and took nearly everything - all of .my crop of grain, but left my potatoes, and before they went away they laid their eggs in the ground ; so the next spring was a hard spring for me, but I sowed my field. But when the grain came up the hoppers began to hatch, so I had a task on my hands to get rid of them. The State sent out what they called 'Hopper Dosers,' which were sheet iron pans about eight feet long and three feet wide and eight inches deep, and some coal tar to put in the pan. I used to hitch my team to it and haul it through and around my field, and you can just bet I got a whole lot of the hoppers. Everyone that went in was a sure 'goner,' for the tar killed them. Well, I did save some of my grain, probably one-third, but the hoppers stayed about five years with us, and when they left for good I was ready to go too; but I did not have any means to go, so I just stayed, and went to work with a strong desire to fight it out as long as I could. But just when I thought I had made good a hail storm came and took all of my crop - did not leave much of anything; so I had to leave my family and go to hunt work again. I did not have to go so far this time as I did before ; but since the time I was hailed out I have been quite successful in all of my business. I am still living on the old homestead which I took in 1869, and am the only man except one now living in this town of New Avon that came here before 1879. I expect soon to leave the farm with my boys and move to Wabasso." The above account, given in Mr. Davis's own words, is a graphic description of what the settlers in this part of the Northwest had to contend with in pioneer days, and it is greatly to their credit that so many of them endured their misfortunes with a courageous spirit and "stuck it out" until better times came to reward them for their perseverance - a reward which they certainly earned.

and Esther (Ccrllins) Somerville. The father was born in Virginia and came to Illinois in 1862, locating in Livingston county, where he engaged in farming and died July 5, 1907, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife died January 18, 1909, at the age of eighty years. In 1871 Robert H. Somerville began farming in Illinois, where he rented a farm for ten years. Then he bought land in Livingston county, Illinois, and carried on general farming and also engaged in the real estate business. In 1904 he moved to Pairbury, 111., and was engaged in the real estate business until 1910. He then sold out and came to Redwood Falls, Minn., where he' continued in the same business. He also owns 160 acres of land in section 18, Three Lakes township, which is all fenced and well improved, and is operated by his son-in-law, C. W. Ruhl. He has a nice modern home in Redwood Falls. Mr. Somerville was married August 11, 1872, to Mary Jones, who was born Sept. 26, 1857, daughter of Robert Jones, a farmer in Michigan, who died in 1908 at the age of eighty years, and his wife Eliza (Ash) Jones, who died July 31, 1870, at the age of thirty-seven. Mr. and Mrs. Somerville have three children : Annie, born in 1874, who died at the age of seven ; Josephine, born in 1877, now the wife of Clement W. Ruhl, a farmer of Three Lakes township, and who has nine children - Albert, Geneva, Helen, Melton, Agnes, Lorene, Dorothy, May and Clinton; and Louis, who died in 1879 at the age of five months.

Edwin Wells, a well known farmer of Delhi township, was born March 30, 1875, in Orangeville, 111., son of Fred and Ellen (Kline) Wells. The father was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, Sept. 16, 1838, and died April 29, 1910, at Monroe, Wis. He was a progressive farmer and a man of education, well versed in various branches of knowledge. His wife was born in Pennsylvania, Oct. 5, 1843, and died at Monroe, Wis. There were five children in the family : Sivilla, now Mrs. L. E. Rote, of Redwood county; Jennie, wife of Charles Neusch wander, of Redwood county; Edwin; Bessie, now Mrs. Frank Bechtold, of Redwood county, and Byron, her twin brother, of Stephenson county, Illinois. Edwin Wells completed his education at Orangeville, HI., and at the age of twenty-one rented his father's farm, where he lived for eleven years. Then he came to Redwood county and bought 120 acres of partially improved land in section 35, Delhi township. He has built silos, fences and outbuildings and has one of the best improved farms in the vicinity. He carries on diversified farming and keeps on an average of 25 cows for dairy purposes. His principal crops are wheat, corn, oats and barley, and he has 6 acres of alfalfa. In politics Mr. Wells is a Republican. Mr. Wells was married Sept. 9, 1896, to Anna Hugelshafer, who was born Jan. 20, 1879, at Orangeville, 111., where they were married. Her parents, Henry and Elizabeth (Knoble) Hugel- shafer, were born in Switzerland, but met and were married i& Wisconsin. Her father, who was born in 1849, and who was in the cheese manufacturing business at Orangeville for many years, died in Orangeville, HI., in 1897 ; her mother, born in 1845, is also deceased. There were six children in the family: Lizzie, deceased; Mary, now Mrs. Peter Baer, living in North Dakota; Anna, wife of Edwin Wells; Henry, of Stephenson county, HI.; Maude, wife of John Baer, of Orangeville, HI.; and Jennie, now Mrs. John Enoble, of Menomonie, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Well '8 children are: Lawrence, Grace and Ruth.

Frank L. Petrie, a well known farmer of Granite Rock township, was born March 31, 1876, at Cannon Falls, Goodhue county, Minn., son of Owen L. and Eliza (Adams) Petrie. Owen L. Petrie was born in 1842, in New York State and came west to Dodge county, Wis., where he bought 40 acres of land. In 1875 he sold it and came on to Minnesota, where he rented farms till 1893. In 1883 he moved to Redwood county and in 1893 bought 120 acres of raw prairie land in section 33, Granite Rock township. He began breaking the land and planted a grove, also building a rude house and barns, and in time he improved his farm. His death occurred March 8, 1906. He was married in Wisconsin to Eliza Adams, who was born in Vermont in 1835, and died in 1888. There were seven children in the family : Veloris, a farmer in California; Henry, now a farmer in Paxton township, Redwood county; Frank L.; Cecelia, wife of Tom Miller, a farmer in Colorado ; Eva, who is single and lives with her brother Frank ; Pet, born in 1863, who died in 1887 ; and Helen, born in 1878, who died in 1894. Frank L. Petrie remained at home and assisted in carrying on the home farm, on which he has since made various improvements. In 1899 he built a large barn and machine shed, and in 1911 rebuilt the house. He carries on general farming, raising a considerable quantity of grain. He has been a member of the school board for fifteen years.

Peter Drees, of the Lucan Hardware Company, was born in Germany, October 9, 1878, son of Mathias and Katherine (Jenniges) Drees. Mathias Drees was born in 1835 in Germany and came to America in 1894, locating in Willow Lake township, Redwood county, where he engaged in farming. He died March 23, 1898. There were eight children in the family: Marguerite, now living in Germany; John, a farmer of Gales township; Mathias, a farmer of Wanda ; Helen, now Mrs. Lambert Ravertz, of Thief River Falls ; Nicholas, of Red Lake Falls, who is engaged in driving wells ; Peter, subject of this sketch ; Barbara, who married Louis Olson of Wanda; and Hilarius. Peter Drees grew up on the home farm and in 1898 began working out as a farm hand. In 1900 he began tending bar in a saloon at Wanda and in 1905 bought a saloon at Clements. Selling out in 1906, he returned to Wanda, and bought a saloon there. In 1909 he took a trip to Germany, remaining seven months, and upon his return engaged in his former business, buying a saloon at Lucan. In 191X he entered into partnership with A. R. Wegner, son of F. C. Wegner, in buying and selling farm lands. After being thus engaged until 1914, he then bought the hardware business of William Schoenenbach and entered into partnership with Fred C. Wegner under the firm name of Luean Hardware Co. In this business he has since remained, and is now numbered among the thriving business men of Lucan.

Michael M. Morley, a well known agriculturist of Redwood township, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, February 2, 1856, son of Miles Morley, a stone mason, and his wife, Bridget (Jennings) Morley, both natives of the Green Isle. Michael Morley was reared much as other Irish boys of his time. He started out as a youth to seek his fortune in England, and for a time he worked in Staffordshire. But he longed for wider opportunities, and in 1881 set out for America. For a few months after arriving here he lived in Newark, N. J., and for four months in St. Paul, Minn., coming to Redwood Falls in the fall of 1882. For a time he worked on the railroad, but in the meanwhile, in 1883, he purchased the southwest quarter of section 19, in Redwood township. Still continuing to work on the railroad, he rented this farm until 1894, since which date he has occupied it, now having a large, well improved farm in sections 19 and 30, on which he very successfully conducts general farming and stock raising. For some years he specialized in wheat, but has now turned to diversified agriculture, having some 160 acres in clover, and 200 acres in corn. He makes a specialty of feeding cattle for the market, shipping each year a carload of cattle and a carload of swine. During his years of farm life Mr. Morley has made many improvements on his place, and has a splendid looking estate, with a good house, commodious barns and outbuildings, and an excellent equipment of tools and machinery. In addition to his farm interests he holds stock in the Redwood Rural Telephone Co., in the elevator at Redwood Falls, and in the hardware store, elevator and creamery at Wabasso. Taking, as he does, an active interest in the affairs of the community, he has served on the school board of district 46 some twenty-five years, part of the time as director and part of the time as treasurer. Mr. Morley was married February 21, 1881, to Annie Coleman, who was born May 1, 1858, daughter of Michael and Mary (Ruane) Coleman. To this union have been born nine children: James, Margaret, Michael, Mary, John, Ann, Joseph, Austin and Jane, whose record in brief is as fallows: James, born December 18, 1883, is residing at home; Margaret, born September 25, 1885, married Edward Nelson, a farmer of Redwood Falls township; Michael,

1889, is the wife of Marion A. Washburn of Milaca, Minn., and has one child, Elenora Gertrude ; John, born May 14, 1891, is residing at home ; Ann, born September 7, 1893, is the wife of William Hanson, a farmer of Redwood Falls township ; Joseph, born January 2, 1896, is a student in the agricultural department of the State University; Austin, born November 23, 1897, resides at home; Jane, born July 12, 1900, is a member of the senior class of the Redwood Falls high school.

1890, son of Albert Clipson, a farmer and stockbuyer of Vermilion county, Illinois, and his wife, Ethlen (Sanford) Clipson. There were four children in the family: Homer, Lela, Russell and Pauline. At the age of twenty-one years Homer A. Clipson began renting his father's farm in Illinois. Two years later he rented the farm of his father-in-law, E. E. Mosier, in New Avon township, Redwood county, Minn. After a year, in September, 1913, he bought 160 acres of land in section 33, Redwood Falls township, where he now has a well improved farm. Five acres of his land are set out in alfalfa, and 55 in clover and timothy. Mr. Clipson was married Jan. 25, 1911, to Effie Mosier, born Sept. 16, 1893, daughter of E. E. Mosier, a farmer of New Avon township and his wife, Electa (Neal) Mosier. There were three children in the family: Opal, wife of Herbert Winn, a farmer of Redwood Falls township; Bruce, who died in 1892, at the age of three years; and Effie.

Otto Lindeman, a prosperous farmer of New Avon township, was born in Henry ville township, Renville county, Minn., March 11, 1886, son of Herman and Martha (Schoemaker) Lindeman. Herman Lindeman was born in LeSeuer county, Minn., and lived iii Renville county for a time, later operating a lumber yard at North Redwood from 1892 to 1900. He then organized a lumber yard at Danube and resided there until his death in 1901 at the age of forty-eight years. His wife now lives at North Redwood with her children, of whom there were eight in the family, namely : Otto, Esther, wife of Louis Garttner, a baker of Pueblo, Colo.; Ella, a teacher at Olivia; August, a rural mail carrier of North Redwood; Arthur, a student at the State University; and Paul, Dewey and Minnie, residing at home. Otto Lindeman was graduated from the Mankato Commercial College in 1906 and became bookkeeper at the Hubbard Milling Company at Mankato, being thus occupied one year. Then he attended the State Agricultural College and was graduated in 1910. For one year he was statistician for the State and Federal Governments at Marshall, Minn. For a year and a half he was farm manager at Albert, Canada. Then in 1913 he rented his mother's farm of 320 acres, the north half of section 25, New Avon township, where he now is. The farm is well improved and fenced with woven wire. There is a barn, 36 by 70 by 16 feet. Fifty acres of his land are set out in clover and timothy. He makes a specialty of feeding stock for the market and ships two carloads of cattle and one carload of Duroc Jersey hogs every year. Fraternally he is#affiliated with the I. 0. 0. F. of Redwood Falls. Mr. Lindeman was married August 27, 1913, to Julia Ash, daughter of James Ash, a pioneer farmer of Grant county, Minnesota, and his wife, Mary (Marple) Ash, who died in 1910 at the age of sixty-two years. Mrs. Lindeman was a graduate of the State Agricultural College in 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Lindeman have one child, Raymond L., born July 24, 1915. The family faith is that of the Church of the Evangelical Association of Redwood Falls.

Fred J. Carity, one of the proprietors of the Redwood Falls Steam Laundry, was born in Rice county, Minnesota, February 14, 1892, son of August and Louise (Beucler) Carity. The father is a retired farmer of Redwood Falls, who came to Minnesota in 1878 and to Redwood county in 1900. Fred J. Carity attended Brown's Business College, at Marshall, Minn., in the spring of 1911 and later worked for the Farmers' Elevator and Lumber Company at Redwood Falls for a year and a half. He then bought one-half interest in the Redwood Falls Steam Laundry with C. F. Martin. After a time he bought Mr. Martin's share and operated the plant a year by himself, subsequently taking Joseph Houle as partner. The plant which cost about $6,500 and is run by electric power, is one of the most modern and best equipped in the state. It giveg employment to six people. Recently over $3,000 worth of the latest kinds of machinery and equipment were added. The firm has a fine business from the surrounding towns which they justly deserve. They ship baskets to Madison, Dawson, Wood Lake, Belview, Delhi, Morton, Fairfax, Gibbon, Sleepy Eye, Wabasso, Franklin, Lucan . and Vesta. Mr. Carity is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and of the Catholic church. He was married October 27, 1914, to Edna Shippee, born April 21, 1892, daughter of Blucher Shippee, a farmer of Illinois who died May, 1911, at the age of forty-two years and his wife, Laura (Cole) Shippee, who now lives at Redwood Falls.

Harry George, a rising young farmer of Morgan township has spent his life on the farm which he now so ably conducts. As a boy he assisted his father in its operation, and as a young man, first in partnership with his brother, Willie, then with his brothers, Arthur and Elmer, successively, and later alone, has conducted the home place. He carries on general farming and makes a specialty of raising shorthorn cattle and Chester

White swine. His interest in the affairs of his neighborhood is shown by excellent service as clerk of school district No. 51. Born April 13, 1893, son of Lars and Mary (Johnson) George he is still a young man and his friends predict for him an unusually successful future. Mr. George was married February 18, 1914, to Nora Axland, who was born April 12, 1894, daughter of Nels and Helen (Molness) Axland, well known residents of Morgan. Mr. and Mrs. George have one child: Helen Marian, born April 3, 1915.

Lars George, one of the earliest settlers of Morgan township, was born in Denmark, April 9, 1848, and there grew to manhood. In 1871 he came to America, found his way to Minnesota and located in Brown county. It was in 1876 that he came to Morgan township, acquired 160 acres of land in section 26 and engaged in general farming and stock raising. His affairs were attended with prosperity and in time he increased his holdings to 684 acres of land on which he raised large herds of cattle, big flocks of sheep and much grain. As a public spirited citizen he served as town supervisor for ten years, as justice of the peace for a considerable period and as treasurer of school district No. 51 for many years. His fraternal affiliations were with the Modern Brotherhood and the United Workmen. After a life filled in busy labor, Mr. George died August 14, 1914, and his death was sincerely mourned by the entire community. Lars George was first married in 1872 to Maggie Peterson of Brown county, Minnesota, who died in childbirth and was laid to rest in the Prairieville cemetery. January 8, 1876, he married at Riceland, Minn., for his second wife, Mary Johnson, who was born in Denmark, February 27, 1859, daughter of Andrew and Ellen Johnson, and who came to this country with her parents in 1868, when nine years old, they settling in Riceland, where she lived until her marriage. Her parents are now deceased. Mrs. George is still living with her sons on the home farm. She bore, to her husband seven children: William, Ida, Arthur, Harry, Elmer, Minnie and Elef. William, who is a farmer in Granite Rock township, this county, was born June 21, 1877. He married Mary Kragh of Evan, and has one child, Leona, who was born December 19, 1909. Ida, who was born December 11, 1879, is the wife of James Jensen, a farmer of Three Lakes township, and has had seven children: Elmer, Alfred, Anna, Myrtle (died in the hospital at Redwood Palls, July 26, 1916), Sadie, Sophie and Leonard. Arthur, born April 24, 1888, is a farmer of Granite Rock township. He married Emma Larsen but has no children. His wife, who was born January 5, 1893, was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Lars George from the Orphan's Home at Owatonna. She lived with them eight years before being married to their son, Arthur. Henry, born April 13, 1892, conducts the home farm. Elmer, born July 14, 1897, lives on the home farm with his mother and brother. Minnie, born November 26, 1881, married George Hansen, a farmer of Brown county, Minnesota, and died August 6, 1902. Elef , born July 1, 1886, died at the age of two years, eight months and four days.

Oust Zarbock, of Brookville township, was born in Germany, February 1, 1867, son of Frednon and Gusta (Roda) Zarbock. His father was born in 1830 and his mother in 1831, both natives of Germany. There were six children : Robert, Emil, Gust, Emma, Albert, and Hulda, all of whom are living. Gust Zarbock came to the United States in 1892 by steamer, being thirteen days on the ocean. He landed in New York and then came to Tracy, Minn., going to work on a farm near there at $180 per year. He worked at this place for seven years. Then he bought a farm. In 1914 he moved with his family to his present location in section 21, Brookville township. Mr. Zarbock was married to Lena Schlismer. Five children were born to this union : Jennie, Lydia, Emma, Robert, and Viola.

Edward J. Volk was born in Nicollet county, Minnesota, April 14, 1870, son of Christ and Susan (Schuetz) Volk. Christ Volk was born in Germany and came to America in 1853, locating at Cincinnati. In 1868 he moved to Nicollet county, Minnesota, where he resided until his death in 1903 at the age of seventyone years. During the Civil War he served for three years in an Ohio regiment and was wounded. His wife died December, 1892, at the age of fifty-six. Edward J. Volk remained at home until twenty-two years of age when he bought 160 acres in section 16, Three Lakes township, and lived there until March, 1915, when he moved to Clements. He served on the township board for three years and was treasurer of school district No. 106 for three years. Mr. Volk was married Dec. 12, 1893, to Annie Block, who was born Oct. 7, 1876, daughter of Andrew Block, a retired farmer, living near Morton, Minn., and his wife, Minnie (Tats) Block, who died in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Volk have had eight children: Ida, wife of Emil Strieker, a farmer in Three Lakes township; Mary, now Mrs. Albert Strieker, of Clements; Meta and William, residing at home; Arthur, deceased; Edward, deceased; Raymond and Bernice. The family are members of the German Lutheran church of Clements.

Peter Wenisch, a young farmer of Brookville township, was born on his father's farm, in Brookville township, May 5, 1891, son of Martin and Mary (Goulden) Wenisch. His father was born in Germany, and when about fifteen years old came to the United States, locating at New Ulm, Minn., just before the Indian outbreak. He did farm work, and went to Illinois for about two years and then spent three years in Kansas. He returned to New Ulm and was married. Two years later he came to Brook- vflle township, this county, by horse team and located in section 30, where he rented a farm. For four years, the grasshoppers destroyed his -crops. Then he bought 160 acres in section 28> at $10 per acre. He built a farm house and set out groves. He used a team of oxen to break up tile ground. The nearest milling places we*e at Iberia, New Ulm and Golden Gate, and he went as far as New Ulm for wood. In time he added 240 acres more land to his holdings. He held township office and served as road overseer. He was a director of the school board for twenty years. He was a director of the Farmers' Creamery and also a stockholder in the State Bank at Springfield* He moved to Springfield, October 24, 1911, and is still living there. He has had the following children: Peter (deceased), Nick, Prank, Peter, Louie, Mary, CeKa (deceased), Veronica, and one who died in infancy. The family faith is that of the Catholic church. He helped build the old church at St. Raphael. Peter Wenisch took charge of the farm in 1911, when his father moved to Springfield, and carries on diversified farming. He raises pure Poland China hogs, shorthorn cattle and graded Percheron horses. He was married to Bertha Wurnstein, born at New Ulm. They have two children : Brwin and Vincent.

William A. Hauck, a progressive merchant of Seaforth, was born in St. Paul, Minn., October 17, 1873, son of Jacob S. and Mary E, (Shue) Hauck. Jacob S. was born in Germany, May 18, 1832, and with his parents moved to Canada when about eight years of age. He was married to Mary E. Shue, April 27, 1856, and the same year they moved to St. Paul, where he worked as a carpenter until 1862. He enlisted August 14, 1862, in Co. E., Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and was honorably discharged May 10, 1865. He was with his regiment in the campaign against the Indians in Minnesota Valley and during the campaign in Arkansas and Alabama. He was later engaged in the grocery business in St. Paul, and in 1900 became interested in the general merchandise business with his oldest son, J. P., at Wood Lake, Minn. Although not active in the store business, he looked after his affairs in St. Paul until his death, which occurred July 20, 1908, at the old home on Olmsted street, St. Paul. His wife was born in Germany, March 24, 1834, and now lives with her son Fred, a poultry man at Spokane, Wash. William A. Hauck received a common school education, having attended the Washington and Franklin schools at St. Paul and the Curtiss Business College. He lived at home until 1889, when he became clerk for his brother, J. P., and his father in a general store at Wood Lake, and was so occupied until about 1897. He was then employed by Francois & Schmahl at Redwood Falls until 1900. He next became manager of their branch store atWabasso, Minn., and in 1903 became manager of their branch store at Seaforth, Minn. In

1904 he bought this in partnership with R. E. Burbridge of Minneapolis, and operated it under the firm name of W. A. Hanck & Co. He purchased his partner's interest in 1911 and now operates the store under the name of W. A. Hauck. He has been a member of the village council for two years and served as village recorder since 1911. For six years he has been clerk of the school district No. 104. Mr. Hauck was married at Clarion, Iowa, December 14, 1898, to Olive Lutz, born May 31, 1874, daughter of J. S. Lutz, of Sioux Falls, S. D., and Mary Doris Lutz, who died in 1913 at Sioux Falls, S. D., at the age of fifty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Hauck have two sons: William Clare, born November 18, 1901, and Dean Burton, born February 24, 1905. Mr. Hauck was entered as a charter member of Florence Lodge, U. D., A. F. & A. M., April 26, 1895, at Wood Lake, Minn., later chartered as Florence Lodge No. 216, A. F. & A. M. He became interested in the organization of Wabasso Lodge No. 245, A. F. & A. M., was Master several terms and became D. D. G. M. while a member there. At present he is a member of Antiquity Lodge No. 91, A. F. & A. M., and Redwood Chapter No. 34, R. A. M. ; is Past Grand in Seaforth Lodge No. 259, I. 0. O. F. ; Past Master in Seaf orth Lodge No. 254, A. O. TJ. W. ; a charter member of Court Redwood No. 3797, 1. O. F., and a member of Florence Chapter No. 117, O. B. S., in which Mrs. Hauck holds membership; also Seaforth Lodge, D. of H.