Redwood County, Minnesota - The whole text, 1916 (part 2 of 13)

HoHridge Adsit, now deceased, for many years an honored knd respected citizen of Redwood county, was born at Sand Lake, in Dutchess county, New York, June 22, 1823, the son of John and Olive (Emmons) Adsit, substantial residents of that state. He was reared to farm pursuits, receiving a thorough education in the district schools of his neighborhood. Some years after his marriage he decided to seek for his family the wider opportunities of the newer West, and accordingly moved to Wisconsin, where he became a representative farmer of Manchester township, in Green Lake county. It was in 1890 that he came to Redwood county and located in Kintire township, on a farm he had purchased in 1885. Here he set at work with the same energy that had characterized his efforts in New York and Wisconsin. His long experience enabled him to direct his efforts along the most efficient lines, and his labor brought him success and prosperity. By judicious purchases he acquired different tracts of land until he owned 640 acres in section 28 and 160 acres in section 27. After a useful life, filled with hj^rdkwork and worthy endeavor, he retired on Sept. 12, 1904, to Belview, where he died Nov. 19, 1904, sincerely mourned by all whp him. Mr. Adsit was married Nov. 17, 1846, to Jane Ann Wilson, born June 19, 1823, and died Jan. 28, 1868. The following children were born to this marriage: Stanford W., born Jan. 1, 1849, became a carpenter at Belview, Minnesota, and married Dec. 7, 1873, Ina Child. They have three boys and two girls, one of whom, a son, Frank, of Minneapolis, is the inventor of the Adsit Telephone Lock Out, for use on party lines. Rosalie, born July 10, 1851, married Chauncey Childs, July 23, 1872, and they had three girls and one boy. Mr. Childs died Aug. 23, 1879, and his widow, November, 1883, married William Gamble, a farmer near Waupun, Wis. Martha J., born Oct. 11, 1852, was married, Jan. 22, 1874, to Eugene Leatherman, a pioneer in Redwood county, now farming in California, and they have one boy and two girls. Wilson J., born Sept. 19, 1858, a dentist of Indiana Harbor, Ind., was married April 27, 1885, to Ellen Folsom, and they have three boys and one girl. Edith, born Aug. 2, 1860, was married J$n. 1, 1880, to Horace Straight, a dentist of Markesan, Wis., and they have two boys and one girl. Grant E., manufacturer of the Adsijt Telephone Lock Out at Minneapolis, was born May 11, 1864, and was married Nov. 22, 1885, to Lizzie Rickell. Holdridge Adsit was married a second time in Wisconsin, June 14, 1868, to Deborah Tickner, born Sept. 24, 1847, daughter of David Tickner, a farmer in New York, and his wife, Diantha (Pierce) Tickner. By the second marriage there were the following children: Holdridge, commonly known as "Deck," was born April 27, 1869, lives with his mother in Redwood Falls, and devotes his life to farming. Cora is also with her mother at Redwood Palls. She is one of the successful teachers of Redwood county. John H., born Oct. 2, 1881, is living at Minatare, Nebraska. Amy, born May 19, 1885, was married to Lyle Peterson, a farmer of Redwood county, Aug. 10, 1905, and they have four boys. Mabel, born October, 1888, is at home. The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Daniel L. Orimmins, auctioneer and land dealer, was born in Sterling, Mass., May 6, 1870, son of Daniel L. Crimmins. The father was born in the north of Ireland and came to America and engaged in the stock business until his death in 1900 at the age of seventy-eight years. The mother, Mary (Hart) Crimmins, died in 1905 at the age of eighty-five years. Daniel L. Crimmins remained at home until he was seventeen years of age. Then he engaged in the meat business in St. Paul and after two years became buyer of cattle for Swift & Co., in Chicago. Three years were spent in this Work and three years in the produce business in Gaylord, Minnesota, where his property burned. Then he moved to Morton, Minnesota, where he was auctioneer and land dealer for four years, after which he engaged in the mercantile business in Olivia. In 1905 he came to Redwood county. He now owns 2,400 acres of land in Redwood county and feeds cattle and swine for the market. He 4 4 cries" large sales in Redwood, Renville, Brown, and Yellow Medicine counties, as well as other counties, and also deals extensively in land through this region, having many large farms on his list and a large number of wellsatisfied customers. Fraternally, Mr. Crimmins is affiliated with the L 0. 0. F. and has held all of the chairs. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Crimmins was married Jan. 1, 1896, to Charlotte Colt, born April 17, 1870. Three children have been born to them : Ella, Sept. 21, 1900 ; Gladys, May 25, 1904, and Charlotte, Dec. 3, 1905.

George W. Clark, a retired farmer of Redwood Falls, was born in Bethany, Michigan, March 26, 1858, son of Alfred and Elizabeth (Rooks) Clark. The father was born in Scott, Cortland county, New York, and came to Michigan in 1857, where he farmed until 1868. Then he homesteaded in Redwood county in the northwest quarter of section 24, Sheridan township, and lived there until 1888, when he retired from farming and moved to Redwood Falls, where he died Jan. 11, 1890, at the age of sixty-eight years. The mother died in 1887 at the age of sixtysix years. George W. Clark remained at home assisting his father until 1887. Then after working as a miller in St Louis, Michigan, for one year, he came back to Minnesota and took charge of his father's homestead. In 1890 he bought the northeast quarter of section 23, Sheridan township, and in 1893 moved onto it, remaining there until 1914. He now resides with Robert Moorhead. Besides being a farmer, he is also a carpenter and has been engaged as a thresher every season since 1892. He has served as township supervisor of Sheridan township and as director of the school board of district No. 46. Mr. Clark was married May 14, 1885, to Belle Fields, who died Sept. 18, 1893, at the age of twentyeight years, leaving the following children : Lisle, born May 7, 1887, who assists his father, and Grace, born May 18, 1892, now Mrs. Harry Wahl, of Oakland, California.

William O. M. Smith, one of the successful young insurance men of Redwood Falls, was born in Thurso, Scotland, Aug; 3, 1883. The father, Alexander Milne, brought his family to America in 1885 and lived at Redwood Falls for ten years. Then he went to Butte City, Montana, where he engaged in the carpenter trade, afterward locating in Rochester, Minnesota, in 1915. The mother died in 1886 at the age of thirty-eight years. In 1888 William G. Milne was adopted by Isabella Smith, of Redwood Falls, and he was given the surname of Smith. He attended the public schools of Redwood Falls and graduated from the high school in 1907. He then accepted the position of city recorder and at the same time entered the insurance business. During 1911 and 1912 he was partner with W. R. Barnes, under the name of Barnes ft Smith, in the insurance and land business. Jan. 1, 1913, he bought Mr. Barnes' share and incorporated as The William M. Smith Company. The company does a general insurance business, and has been successful in conducting an important district agency for the N. W. Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee. Mr. Smith is a director of the First National Bank of Redwood Falls. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and secretary of the Commandery. Mr. Smith was married July 12, 1913, to Rose Hunter, who is the daughter of N. V. R. Hunter, a pioneer insurance man of Redwood county, who died in 1912 at the age of forty-five years. His wife, Laura E. (Belt) Hunter, is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one child, Margaret Ruth, born Nov. 3, 1914.

Frederick W. Zander, cashier of the First National Bank of Redwood Falls, was born in Olmsted county, Minnesota, Oct. 12, 1881, son of Otto and Ida (Beyer) Zander. The father was born Oct. 25, 1859, in Germany and came to America in 1869 with his parents. He became a farmer and remained in Olmsted county until 1907, when he went to California and died there in November, 1911. The mother was married a second time in 1913 to John Pommerenke, a retired farmer, who lived at Long Beach, California. Frederick W. Zander remained at home until he was twenty years of age, and thfen began working in Cook's Hotel at Rochester, Minnesota, where he remained one and a half years. The next five years were spent at Plainview, Minnesota, as clerk, cashier and bookkeeper in a general merchandise store. Then he became assistant cashier in the Clark County National Bank, Clark county, South Dakota, for the next five years. Six months were spent as cashier of the Farmers' Bank at Garden City, South Dakota, and then he became assistant cashier of the People's State Bank at Bradley, South Dakota. March 7, 1913, he became assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Redwood Falls, was appbinted cashier the following year, and still retains that position. Mr. Zander waB married Dec. 25, 1912, to Tryphena E. Heubach, born Sept. 1, 1888, at St. Charles, Minnesota. She was a trained nurse and a graduate of the Winona Training School for Nurses. They have one child, a

Thomas Hosken, agriculturist, producer, man-of-affairs and village executive, is not only one of the leading citizens of North Redwood, but is likewise at the head of the county's most important manufacturing enterprise. Living on the old J. S. G. Honner homestead, he has developed that place into one of the best farms in the county, he has exploited an extensive granite industry and has helped to make North Redwood one of the thriving little business centers of the county. Thomas Hosken was born in Cornwall, England, March 20, 1863, coming of the long line of sturdy forebears. John Hosken, the father of Thomas, was a stonecutter. He married Mary Bone and came to America in 1867, subsequently working for many years in the quarries at Niantic, Connecticut. After a long and useful life, he died in 1909 at the age of seventy-three, his good wife having died in 1900 at the age of sixty-nine. Thomas Hosken was reared in England and was taught his father's trade as a stonecutter. He did not accompany the family to America, but continued to work in England until 1878, when he joined his parents in Connecticut. After extensive experience in various quarries of the Eastern States, he came to Minnesota in 1886 as a stonecutter for the Frasier Stone Company at St. Cloud. As an employe of this company he came to North Redwood in 1687, and from a granite deposit on the old Honner homestead quarried the monument %hieh now marks the last resting place of the pioneer, J. S. G. Honner, in the Redwood Falls cemetery. In this employ he Remained until 1897, when he and Fred Honner took charge of the quarry in partnership. In 1897 Mr. Hosken bought out his partner's interest and has since continued the business. Outside of the agricultural activities of Redwood county, and the occupations incident thereto, Mr. Hosken has the most important industry in the county. He employs a number of men, quarries and jthishes all kinds of building and monumental stone and ships his jtroducts extensively to adjoining counties and to the Twin (Sties, In 1901 Mr. Hosken purchased from Howard Honner the tld J. 8. G. Honner farm, which is one of the old landmarks of the upper Minnesota Valley. Situated on the north bank of the beautiful Minnesota and south of the village of North Redwood (which village is located on a part of the original homestead), the farm is a most sightly one. Its location makes it particularly well adapted to corn raising, and taking advantage of this fact, Mr. Hosken raises about 100 acres of that product each year, Specializing in Minnesota No. 13, the seed of which is eagerly sought by the farmers throughout a wide area. He tests every bushel before selling and his customers are assured of the best in the market. In 1913 and 1914, Mr. Hosken took the first prizes for corn at the Redwood county fair and in 1915 was awarded second prize. He has also taken other awards at many other fairs and corn shows. In 1915 he made eight entries at the famous Steele county fair at Owatonna and out of the eight entries brought home six prizes. In addition to his quarrying and corn raising, Mr. Hosken is widely known for his interest in blooded poultry; He has thoroughbred buff leghorns, black minorcas and brown leghorns, to all of which he has given the utmost care. He likewise has a large flock of bronze turkeys and Toulouse geese. He has exhibited fowls at many exhibitions and has brought away many prizes. Through interest in the civic progress of the county, Mr. Hosken has done much for the village of North Redwood, of which he has served as president for the last eleven years. His services on the town board, of which he has been a member ten years and chairman six years, have been highly valued, Mr. Hosken was married July 7, 1888, to Mary Schwinfurter, who was born in Germany, Feb. 14, 1867, daughter of Joseph Schwinfurter, her family being the pioneer family of Beaver Falls, Renville county. Mr. and Mrs. Hosken have been blessed with five children : William, Mary, Anna, Margaret, and Thomas. William was born Oct. 25, 1889, and married Esther Suelter. Like his father before him, he is an energetic business man and is managing the Farmers Elevator at North Redwood. Mary was born Dec. 20, 1890; Anna, July 11, 1893; Margaret, April 7, 1899, and Thomas, Jr., Oct. 11, 1905.

William Preston Rice, a well-known contractor of Redwood Falls, was born in Martinsburg, Iowa, Sept. 3, 1875. The father, Joseph Rice, was born in Indiana and was a traveling salesman of Lincoln, Nebraska, and died in 1887 at the age of thirty-nine years. The mother, Mary (Reynolds) Rice, is now Mrs. John McCurry, of Lincoln, Nebraska. William Preston Rice remained at home until 3ixteen years of age, when he learned the carpenter trade and after engaging in that work for a few years, in July, 1900, went to Franklin, Minnesota, where he worked two years for Carson Brothers. Then he began contract work on his own responsibility. In September, 1910, he moved to Redwood Falls, where he has since maintained his headquarters. Since coming to Redwood county he has erected over three hundred buildings. He assisted in building the Redwood Falls Armory. His home, now being erected in a location overlooking beautiful Lake Redwood, has a valuation of some $4,500, and will be one of the pleasant residences of the city. Mr. Rice's fraternal affiliations are with the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Rice was united in marriage to Luella Biggs, April 2, 1895. She was born Nov. 29, 1874, and is the daughter of Thomas Biggs, a retired farmer of Plata, Missouri, and his wife Mary (Hampton) Biggs. Mr. Biggs served four years in Company H, Second Divi- non, 123rd Indiana Infantry, and spent nine months in Anderson ville. He came to Iowa in 1866, locating near Keokuk, and moved to Missouri in 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have the following children: Bernard, born Feb. 22, 1896, who graduated from the Redwood high school, June 4, 1915; Violet, born Aug. 1, 1898; Evelyn, born Aug. 20, 1905, and Wilma, born Oct. 24, 1910. Bernard works with his father. He was married May 11, 1916.

Jay L. Knapp, of Redwood Falls, manager of the Redwood office of The Straus Brothers Company, real estate dealers, was born in Cromwell, Indiana, Nov. 27, 1886, son of W. B. Knapp and his wife, Zilla (Neal) Knapp. His father was a farmer in Cromwell and an active member of the Christian church, espeially devoting much of his time to the Sunday school work, being president of the County and Township Sunday-school conventions and local Sunday-school superintendent for thirty-five years. Jay L. Knapp left his hftme in 1904 and became chauffeur for the Strauss Brothers Land Company at Adrian, Mich. After three years with them at that place he was employed by them in the s^me capacity at Lisbon, North Dakota. In 1909 he became one of their land salesmen and for a year continued in this position at Lisbon, next coming to Redwood Falls, in July, 1910, to have the same position here. After two years he became manager of the local office, which is in the. C. D. Thompson Building, just west of the Armory on Second street. He is doing excellent work for his company, and has proved a most excellent salesman. He is especially well informed as to land values and farm property not only in this region but throughout the Northwest. Mr. Knapp was married Dec. 19, 1911, to Ida Billing, born April 18, 1888, daughter of Ernest and Mary (Bach) Billing. Her father is a farmer in Lisbon, North Dakota, owning 2,500 acres of land, and has lived there twenty-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have one child, Harriet Louise, born May 8, 1916.

William Rosendahl, an implement dealer of Redwood Falls, was born in Sweden, Feb. 24, 1873, son of Jens N. and Elsie Rosendahl. Jens N. Rosendahl came to America in 1892, locating in Delhi, Redwood county, where he engaged as a blacksmith until 1909, when he retired from active work. He now makes his home with his son William, his wife having died in 1880 at the age of forty. William Rosendahl came to America in 1894, locating at Delhi, and secured work on the farms in the neighborhood for three y6ars. Then he enlisted in the Third United States Infantry and served eleven months, part of the time at Tampa, Florida, and part of the time in the campaign against the Indians at Leech Lake, Minn. After his discharge for disability he moved to Echo, Minnesota, where he worked at the blacksmith trade. Later he came to Redwood Falls and bought an interest in the shop of J. E. Moon. A year later he bought out Mr. Moon and operated the shop for three and a half years more. He then sold and went west for about eight months. Upon his return he started an omnibus and transfer line, which he soon sold. In 1911, after having again been engaged at the blacksmith trade for a while, he entered the implement and automobile business with C. D. Thompson. In 1913 he bought Mr. Thompson's interest and is now the sole proprietor. The same year he erected a brick building, 30 by 120 feet, with a full basement. Mr. Rosendahi was married June 22, 1905, to Laura M. Baker, daughter of Henry C. Baker, a retired farmer of Redwood county, and his wife, Mary (Brown) Baker.

Charles Fleischer, the second oldest settler in North Redwood, was born in Saxony, Germany, Jan. 22, 1848, son of A. W. and Dorothy E. (Winkel) Fleischer. The father came to America in 1850 with his family and located at Plymouth, Wisconsin. There he engaged in farming until 1868, when he removed to North Redwood and died in 1896 at the age of eighty-five years. Charles Fleischer left his home at the age of fourteen to learn the miller's trade, which he followed until 1880. He then became grain buyer and flour salesman for a mill in Appleton, Wis. In 1882, on one of his trips to Redwood county, he bought eighty acres of land in section 29, Honner township, locating there in 1883. The present village of North Redwood is located on the site of this farm. Mr. Fleischer now owns considerable real estate, including 400 acres of land, the building which he erected for the Security State Bank, and a number of other buildings, all in North Redwood. In 1910 he began raising Holstein cattle and carried on dairying. He had 32 head of cattle, of which 20 were registered, all of them being of the Hengeveld stock. Mr. Fleischer was the first mayor of North Redwood, serving one year. He has served as township clerk for 24 years and also as justice of the peace for 24 years. For three years he was chairman of the township board. He was also local manager of the H. E. Walker Lumber Company for 12 years and for four years was owner of the North Redwood mill. He now lives retired at North Redwood. Mr. Fleischer was married in 1869 to Delia Duncan, who died in 1900 at the age of 50. He was married a second time, Dec. 25, 1901, to Addie Stevens, born in Rich Valley, Dakota county, April 20, 1868, and by this marriage there is one child, William, born Aug. 6, 1904.

Ernest W. Currier, cashier of the Security State Bank of North Redwood, was born in Nicollet, Nicollet county, Minnesota, June 15, 1883. His father, John Q. Currier, born July 19, 1857, was the first white child born in Granby township, that county. He grew to manhood there, became a farmer and held many township offices. In 1908 he moved to the village of Nicollet and engaged in the implement business. His wife, Martha

Charles Fleischer And Family

(Meisner) Currier, died March 14, 1907, at the age of fifty-one. Ernest W. Currier acquired his early education in the schools of his locality and graduated from the Mankato Commercial College in 1901. He spent one year in the insurance office of F. M. Payne at Pipestone, after which, from 1904 to 1907, he remained at home on the farm. Then he became assistant cashier of the Nicollet State Bank. In 1912 he became cashier of the Security State Bank of North Redwood, where he is at present. He is a member of the I. 0. O. F. and of the A. P. & A. M. at Redwood Falls.

Frederick Hagen, for many years a soldier in the German army, was born in Germany, June 7, 1840, and was there reared and educated. As a youth, he joined the German army and so served in three different conflicts - the Russian Rebellion of 1863, the Austrian-German War of 1866, and the Franco and Prussian War of 1870-1871. When not serving his country iji the field he was engaged as a farmer. As a young man he married Fredericka Rehf eld, who was born in Germany, July 3, 1841. In 1888, with his wife and his children, August C, Wilhelmina, William and Annie - the oldest child, Helmuth, having come two mid onehalf years before - he came to America and located in Redwood Falls. A year later he moved to the northwest quarter of section 33, Kintire township. There they endured all the hardships of pioneer life. Three years *fter their arrival in Kintire they moved to section 5, Sheridan township, and took up their home in a granary, where they lived for a year. As the year passed they built up a splendid farm and erected, in time, a sightly home and citable barns. On this farm the good wife died Sept. 2, 1905, and there Mr. Hagen now makes his home with his son, August C. Of the nine children in the family there are now living four: Helmuth, August C, Wilhelmina, and Annie.

Carl Zuehladorf was born in Germany and there married Wilhelmina Schmidt. In 1889 he brought his family to America, found his way to this county and located in section 3, where he j* now a prosperous farmer. Of the eleven children in the family there are now living nine : Ida, Annie, Emelio, Herman, August, Emil, Martha, Minnie, and Ervin.

Augipt 0. Hagen, a substantial and respected farmer oC Sheridan township, was born in Germany, July 24, 1869, son of Frederick and Frederica (Rehfeld) Hagen. He was reared and educated in Germany and in the spring of 1888 came to America with his parents and located in Redwood Falls. Four yearn later, in company with his father, he bought his present plftce. At that time it was but little developed, seventy-five e&v$§ h*d heen broken and a little shanty of 10 by 12 feet had been erected. On this farm Mr. Hagen began his farming operations. Jn 1895 he built a five-room home, 16 by 24 feet. In 1899 he adcfed four rooms, making a very suitable and commodious farm residence. As necessity required, he erected a good barn 36 by 56 feet, a granary 16 by 24 feet, a corn crib, tool sheds, and other farm buildings. Soon after purchasing the place, he planted large groves on the north and west of the house, so that he now has many large trees over twenty years old. He also has a good orchard and a productive berry patch. In addition to the home farm, he has 160 acres of land in section 28, Kintire township. On his splendid developed farms he carries on general agricultural operations and raises each year about one hundred and five acres of wheat, seventy-five acres of corn and thirty acres of oats. Mr. Hagen is a good citizen, a good farmer and a thorough believer in education. Mr. Hagen was married May 19, 1899, to Anna Zeuhlsdorf r who was born in Germany, July 7, 1880, daughter of Carl and Wilhelmina (Schmidt) Zuehlsdorf. Mr. and Mrs. Hagen have been blessed with ten children: Reinhardt, born March 12, 1900; Alvina, June 27, 1901; Alma, Aug. 28, 1903; Walter, Jan. 20, 1905; Lena, July 12, 1907; Emil, Oct. 18, 1908; Rudolph, Jan. 5, 1909; Harold, April 25, 1912; Ervin, Feb. 2, 1914, and Adelina, Oct. 25, 1915. All the children of school age are attending the district school of their neighborhood. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran church.

Hugh F. Swalm was born in Toronto, Canada, October 3, 1882, son of John C. and Jennie (Davis) Swalm. John C. Swalm, M. D., came from Canada to Chicago in 1885, where he lived until his death Feb. 14, 1914, at the age of sixty-seven. His wife died March 14, 1914, at the age of sixty-five. For four years Hugh F. Swalm was assistant foreman of the shoe factory of C. M. Henderson at Dixon, 111. Then he was in the train service on the C, R. I. & P. railroad for a number of years. After that he drove racing cars for four years, and then engaged in the automobile business in Chicago and in Minneapolis for about eight years. In 1910 he opened a garage in Redwood Falls and is agent for the Buick machine. Mr. Swalm was married April 20, 1907, to Emma Dauvenel, of Minneapolis. They have two children : Frederick and Louise.

Hiram D. Thorp, photographer, of Redwood Falls, was born in New York state, Jan. 2, 1878, son of Jacob Thorp, a farmer of New York, who died at the age of sixty-four in 1900, and his wife, Mary Thorp, who died in 1885 at the age of twenty-eight. The early part of Hiram Thorp's life was spent on a New York farm, working summers, going to school a very short time each winter. At the age of nineteen he went to Buffalo to learn the photograph trade. In 1900 he purchased a studio and after operating this for four years sold it, traveling in the interest of his trade until 1909, when he located in Redwood Falls, his studio being a "photo car" 10 by 20 feet. In 1910, Hiram D. Thorp was married to Effie M. McDaniels, daughter of A. G. McDaniels, a farmer residing south of Redwood, and his wife, Nancy Ellen (Roswell) McDaniels. Mrs. Effie Thorp was one of Redwood county's efficient teachers from 1908 to 1913. In 1911 Mr. and Mrs. Thorp purchased a double lot on the corner of Second and Mill street, erecting the Scenic City Studio. Starting with more "sand" than money, Mr. Thorp did studio work daytime, making concrete blocks nights. Mrs. Thorp taught for two terms a rural school, five miles out, driving back and forth, making pictures at night. After several months of hard toil Mr. Thorp succeeded in making 3,600 concrete blocks, and erected the studio, a building 22 by 40, two story, with full basement. This soon became too small to accommodate their rapidly growing business, so in 1915 an addition 24 by 40 was added to the north side, making a building 46 by 40, two story, with full basement. This is one of the most modern studios in the Northwest, equipped with the best that money can buy - moving picture camera, cirkut, graflex and special lenses. Mr. Thorp makes a specialty of convention and outdoor work, leaving the studio work in charge of his wife, Effie M. Thorp, who was a student of the Illinois College of Photography in 1914. In 1916 Hiram Thorp was appointed official photographer of the Minnesota State Sunday School convention, held at Austin, Minn.

Finley A. Gray, municipal judge and prominent citizen of Redwood Falls, was born in Canton, New York, June 16, 1863, son of Francis A. and Alice A. (Baker) Gray. At the age of twelve years he took up his home with his uncle, W. E. Baker, at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. This uncle in 1879 brought him to Redwood Falls, where W. E. Baker engaged in the lumber business. In the fall of 1879 Mr. Gray became clerk in the Bank of Redwood Falls, serving until 1886. In that year he became assistant postmaster. In 1889 he went to Fairfax and with Dr. J. A. Beard, also of Redwood Falls, established the Bank of Fairfax. In 1893 he returned to Redwood Falls and engaged in the collection business, which aside from his public duties has since occupied the larger part of his attention. From 1900 to 1905 he was city recorder and in 1911 he assumed the duties of his present position.

Frederick Holt, war veteran, pioneer, and highly honored and respected citizen, now deceased, led a long life of usefulness in which he served well his adopted country in military life, and his state, county and community in civil life. He was born in Prussia, Germany, Feb. 24, 1836, and was there reared and educated. It was in 1854 that he came to America, locating in Indiana, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. Imbibing thoroughly the patriotism of this* free country, he responded early to the call of President Abraham Lincoln for volunteers to defend the Union, and enlisted as a private in the Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry. During his three years of service he proved his valor in many battles, marches and skirmishes, including the Battle of Lookout Mountain, the Battle of the Wilderness, and Sherman's famous March to the Sea. He was taken prisoner three times and wounded once. Having been honorably discharged at the close of the war, he returned to Indiana and was a resident of that state until 1866. Then coming to Minnesota, he secured employment as a farm hand at Northfield, Rice county. In was in 1869, only five years after the first permanent settlers had located at Redwood Falls, that he came to this county and located on section 26, Swedes Forest township, where he obtained the north half of the southeast quarter of the section ; also the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 26, and the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 25. For a month he lived in the wagon in which he had arrived, after which he built a log cabin. In the meanwhile he had broken the land and started general farming. Together he and his good wife endured the hardships of pioneer life, made slow but steady progress, and finally were numbered among the leading people of the community. The farm was increased to 320 acres, and the improvements on the place kept pace with the growing prosperity of its owners. This happiness and success were brought to a sad conclusion on July 8, 1883, when Mr. Holt was killed by a horse kicking him in the side. He was laid to rest with the regret of his neighbors, and his memory has never ceased to be revered by his family and associates. Mr. Holt was married May 23, 1869, to Mrs. Henrietta Evert Miller. Henrietta Evert, as she was then called, was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, April 27, 1841, and there received the usual training of the girls of her time and country. In 1860 she married Joachim Miller, and to him bore four children - John, Louisa, Minnie, and Sophia. The family came to America in 1868 and located in Northfield, Minnesota. June 8th of that year, Mr. Miller died as the result of a sunstroke. Thus left with four small children, she bravely faced life, and started in with courage to sustain herself and educate her children. Later, as noted, she married Frederick Holt. To him she bore six children - Edward A., Sarah A., Bertha E., Frederick C, Mary E., and Harry 6. To her family Mrs. Holt has given a lifelong devotion. Left a second time a widow with many children, she again took up the battle of life with fortitude. By hard work, sound management and shrewd business sense she has succeeded in giving all her children a good education, and has seen them all well established in life and respected and substantial members of society. Now, one of the oldest settlers in th# county, ripe in years and wisdom, she is spending the evening of life surrounded by the love, care and affection of her family, and the respect of the entire community. The record of her children is, in brief, as follows: John Miller graduated from the Mankato State Normal School, and after teaching two years entered Hamline University and was there graduated. Then after teaching seven years more, he entered the employ of the State Bank of Bertha, in Todd county, Minn. When that institution was reorganized as the First National Bank of Bertha, he became cashier, a position in which he is still serving with much credit. Louisa Miller is the wife of Prank Sleight of Mankato, this state, and has one daughter, Beatrice. Mr. Sleight is general manager of a Mankato branch of the Gamble & Robinson Wholesale Fruit Co. of Minneapolis, of which he is likewise one of the stockholders. Minnie Miller is the wife of John Gebhard, of Hamline, treasurer of the Bankers' and Merchants ' Insurance Company, of Minneapolis, and has two children, Elmer and Lillian. Sophia Miller is a modiste in Minneapolis. Edward A. Holt, born June 20, 1872, was graduated from the Agricultural Department of the University of Minnesota. Then, after two years at home, he went to Isabel, Ziebach county, South Dakota, where he took a claim, and remained two yeaip, finally proving up his claim and returning to Redwood county. Here he has served as township mpervisor, and as clerk and director of school district No. 55. Sarah A. Holt was born June 20, 1872, twin sister to Edward A. She and her sister, Bertha E., graduated the same year from the school of District No. 55, being a member of the first class to receive diplomas from that school. Later she graduated from the Mankato State Normal School, and became a teacher. She js now Mrs. William Beckman, of Bowman, North Dakota, and is the mother of two children, Bertha and Eveline. Bertha E. Holt was born Feb. 6, 1874. Like her sister, Sarah H., she was a member of the first class to receive diplomas from the school of District No. 55. Later she graduated from the Mankato State Normal School, taught school for a while, and now lives at home, looking after the wants of the other members of the family. Frederick C. Holt, born Dec. 25, 1876, took a course in bookkeeping at the Minnesota School of Business, Minneapolis. Mary E. Holt, born August 25, 1879, attended for one year the Northwestern Conservatory of Music at Minneapolis, married M. E. Lewis, a real estate dealer in Minneapolis, and has three children, Louisa, John and Theodore. Harry G. Holt was born August 18, 1882. He attended the German Methodist Episcopal School (now the Hamline Preparatory School) at St. Paul Park, and then took the three-year course in the agricultural department of the University of Minnesota from which he was graduated. He is treasurer of school district No. 55. The Holt farm is still owned by Mrs. Holt, and is operated by Edward A. and Harry G,, the daughter, Bertha E., assisting in the home. The farm is one of the best in the neighborhood and is situated in the magnificent forest* of oak, elm and basswood which has given the township its name. The improvements so worthily started by the father, have been continued by the mother and children. In 1886, a barn, 60 by 62 feet was built. In 1894, the present home, a large eight-room house, 24 by 26 feet, with a 16 by 24 feet ell was erected. Later, as necessity required, other buildings, such as granary, garage, blacksmith shop, sheds and the like have been constructed. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church at Echo, Minn., of which all the Holts are loyal supporters.

Nels Hanson, a pioneer, was born in Norway in 1833, and was there reared and educated. In 1862 he came to America and engaged in farming near Rio, Columbia county, Wis. In 1872 he came to Redwood county and purchased 120 acres in the northwest quarter of section 35, Swedes Forest township. Here he successfully farmed for some quarter of a century, retiring in 1902. After seven years of rest from the strenuous work of farm management he died in 1909, deeply mourned and lamented. His good wife, Karen Andrea Augustinsen, was born in Norway in 1839 and died in 1908. This union has been blessed with ten children: Karen, now Mrs. Christen Knutson, of Swedes Forest; Hans, of Belview; Rosena, now Mrs. G. F. Rahn, of Belview; Ole, of Montana; Clara, now Mrs. Ole Nelson, of Swedes Forest; Jorgen, of Canada; Annie, who married A. Anderson and was killed in a runaway ; and three who died in infancy.

Christen Knutson, a thrifty and prosperous farmer of Swedes Forest township, was born in Trondhjem, Norway, April 5, 1860, son of Knute and Anna (Roe) Knutson, Norwegian farmers, the former of whom died in 1876 at the age of 45 years and the latter in 1870 at the age of 41. Christen Knutson was reared in Norway, and grew to manhood in his parents' home. After attending the parish and normal school, he taught school for a while. In 1881 he came to America and located in Redwood county, working as a farm hand for several years. It was in 1885 that he bought 80 acres in the southwest quarter of section 27, Swedes Forest township. To his farm, and to educational work, he has since devoted his time and attention. By hard work and intelligent management, he has established one of the finest farms in the neighborhood, having added to the original tract 120 acres more, making 200 acres in all. In 1897 Mr. Knutson rebuilt and remodelled his home, so that it is now a comfortable ten-room building, 26 by 16 feet with a 20 by 26 ell. In 1909 further improvements were made when a barn 32 by 44 feet, and a granary 26 by 26 feet were built. On this modern place, Mr. Knutson carries on general farming and stock raising. In addition to looking after the interests of his farm, he has served for some years as clerk of the township. His business holdings include stock in the State Bank of Belview, of which he is the vice president. As a church worker he has also been active, and since his first arrival here he has served as secretary of the Rock Dale Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church, which was the first religious congregation organized in Swedes Forest township. From soon after his arrival until 1914 he was clerk of the school board of his district. During the entire period of his residence here he has taught parochial school from one to three months during the summer and fall of each year, a duty for which his early training in the old country has most admirably fitted him. Mr. Enutson was married November 13, 1884, to Karen Kistine Hanson, who was born near Rio, Columbia county, Wis., April 16, 1864, daughter of Nels and Karen Andrea (Augustinsen) Hanson. This union has been blessed with seven children: Cora A., Nettie C, Carl S., Anna B., Nora M., Walter B. and Gerhard E. Cora A., who was born May 27, 1886, graduated from the Sioux Falls State Normal School and taught school seven years, married Otto Flom, of Swedes Forest township, and has two children, Kathlene S. and Otto C. Nettie C, born August 6, 1888, graduated from the Sioux Falls State Normal School, and the Bed Wing Ladies' Seminary, and has taught school for the past five years. She was married August 23, 1916, to Rev. J. A. Peterson. Carl S., born August 8, 1891, graduated from the Redwood Falls High School and from Luther College at Decorah Iowa. He was principal of the public schools at Bode, Iowa, two years and is now principal of the Delhi public schools. Anna B. was born July 23, 1895, graduated from the Redwood Falls High School, and is now a student in the Northwestern Conservatory of Music at Minneapolis. Nora M. was born Aug. 24, 1901 ; Walter B., May 1, 1905 ; and Gerhard R, Sept. 7, 1907.

Andrew Hjeldness, a pioneer farmer of Swedes Forest township, was born in 1838 in Norway, and came to America in 1863, settling in Freeborn county, Minn., where he bought 80 acres of land and farmed for six years. In 1869 he sold this land and came to Swedes Forest township, Redwood county, where he bought 80 acres of wild prairie land in the north west quarter of section 34. Here he began farming, breaking up the land with his ox team and after the harvest, hauling his grain to Willmar, which was the nearest market, the trip taking about one week. Later Bedwood became the market. Here he lived until his death in 1903, adding to his land from time to time until he owned 200 acres. He assisted his neighbors to build their log houses and the log honse which he built on his own farm in the early days

(twins) ; Jens, proprietor of the restaurant and pool rpom at Belview; Anna, Ole and Mina. John Hjeldness grew to manhood on the home farm, where he has ever since resided. He has improved and developed the farm and brought it to a high state of cultivation. In 1892 he built a comfortable house, 32 by 32 feet, and in 1895 a barn, 24 by 32 feet. He has served on the town and school boards. He is married and has the following children: Arthur, born August 20, 1899 ; Alma, born March 30, 1904 ; Irene, born April 28, 1908, and Evelyn, born Feb. 25, 1912.

Evan Sampson, the pioneer, was a prominent factor in Redwood county agricultural life for many years. Coming here in 1876, he established a splendid farm, was active in church work, reared a large family, and became one of the substantial men of the community. He was born in Norway in 1845, and was there reared and educated and there grew to manhood. In 1870 he came to America, worked for a while in the plow works at Waupun, Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin. Later he farmed in Columbia county in the same state. When in 1876 he came to Redwood county, he bought 240 acres of land in section 28, and here he farmed until his death in 1908, giving his mind to his work and not seeking public office. He was a devout member of the Rock Dale Norwegian Lutheran Evangelical church, and helped to erect the edifice which now houses that congregation. Evan Sampson was married in Wisconsin, shortly after his arrival in this country, to Esther Hanson, who was born in Norway in 1847, and died in Swedes Forest in 1909. In the family there were eight children: Tena, Hans, Samuel, George, Gustave, Rahn, Anna and Halvor. The farm is now conducted by the sons, George and Halvor. George born March 5, 1875, is now treasurer of school district No. 10 ; also a stockholder in the Farmers ' elevator at Belview. He married Martha Bekke, who was born in 1878 in Swedes Forest, this county, daughter of Hans A. and Emma (Christopherson) Bekke, and their union has been blessed with one child, Ion*. Halvor, born October 8, 1885, w*sm married in 1911 to Alga Fleming, who was born in 1893, in Wisconsin, a daughter of Olof Fleming. He has two. children, Ernest and Helen.

Mathiaa Monson was born in Norway, December 29, 1858, son of Mons and Anna (Vassenden) Gimmestad Monson. The father, born in Norway, in 1823, died there at the age of fifty-five years, in 1878. His wife, who was born in Norway, in 1823, came to Ameriea and died in Swedes Forest, Redwood county, Minn., June 9, 1905. Mathias Monson came to America in 1879 and in Jtme of the same year to Swedes Forest, where he pre-empted 40 totes of land, in the northeast quarter of section 36, building a dugout and a rude shack for a barn. Later he bought 160 acres of land in the southwest quarter of section 31, Delhi township, besides other land, so that now he has 360 acres. In 1897 he built a barn 55 by 80 feet, and in 1902 a good, comfortable house, 18 by 32 feet, with a wing 18 by 18 feet. He has served for ten years as a member of the township board, and is also a member of the school board, having been treasurer of it for twelve years. He is a member of the Rock Dale Norwegian Lutheran church, of which he was one of the organizers. In 1883 Mr. Monson returned to Norway to be married, the ceremony, which united him to Ester Jacobs, taking place March 31, 1883. His wife was born September 16, 1848. They have had children as follows : Martin, born in December, 1883; Albert, born in 1884; George, born in 1885 ; David, born February 4, 1887 ; Mary, born in October, 1889 ; and Edwin, born August 6, 1891. All reside at home except George, who lives in Minneapolis, and Mary, who died September 17, 1915.

Knute Monson, who has been one of the prosperous farmers of Swedes Forest township for some thirty-seven years, has one of the best rural places in the county. His home situated in the midst of a rich prairie, is surrounded by beautiful, large and wellkept lawns, dotted here and there with shrubbery and flower-beds, and stretching away in velvety sweeps to the fine hardwood groves on the north and west and the evergreen grove on the southeast. Well graded paths lead to the sightly home, substantial and pleasing to the eye on the exterior, and furnished with every comfort on the interior, making a habitation of which any man might well be proud. Supplementing this structure are the commodious barns and other farm buildings, housing the splendid stock, the large crops and the excellent farm implements and machinery. In fact, everything throughout the 400 acres bespeaks the thrift, good judgment, public spirit and hard work of the owner. Knute Monson was bom near Bergen, Norway, August 22, 1857, son of Mons and Anna (Vasenden) Oimmestad. There he was educated and reared to farm pursuits. His father, who was born in 1825, died in 1878, and the mother, who was born in 1823 and died in 1905, came to America with Knute in 1879. Upon his arrival in this eduntry, Knute at once came to Redwood county aiid secured employment as a farm hand in Swedes Forest township. By hard work, self-denial and saving habits he was enabled in 1883 to purchase 160 acres in the southwest quarter of section 33, which was the beginning of his present splendid farm. He at once started to develop it, planted groves, erected a small frame house, and worked early and late, ever looking forward to his present prosperity. The original frame house is still standing as a part of his present modern structure. In building up his farm, and achieving his unusual success, Mr. Monson has not forgotten his public dirties. For eleven years he did good service as a member of tbe township board of supervisors, five years of which he served as chairman. His business holdings include stock in the State Bank of Belview, in which he is one of the directors. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Belview and a member of the Hawk Creek Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Co. The Rockdale Norwegian Lutheran church has found him an active worker; he helped to build the present edifice, and for the past five years has served in his present, capacity as vice president of that congregation. Mr. Monson was married Sept. 13, 1883, to Marie Davidson, who was born in Norway October 4, 1860, and came to this country in 1879. She was the daughter of David and Anna (Gimmestad) Arnestad, who spent their years in the old country. Mr. and Mrs. Monson have been blessed with five children : Alfred, David, Amelia (deceased), Martin and Inga. Alfred was born November 29, 1884, and is now on a homestead in Scobey, Mont. David, born August 13, 1886, is also on a homestead in Scobey. Amelia, born February 4, 1888, died June 3, 1902. Martin, born January 24, 1892, is at home. Inga, born January 30, 1892, and now at home, took the two-year domestic science course at the Red Wing Ladies' Seminary and studied one season at Gale College, Galesville, Wis.

John A. Malecek, at one time manager of the North Redwood Farmers' Elevator Company, was born in Le Sueur county, Minn., December 24, 1873, son of Mathias and Katherine (Sokolik) Malecek. The father was a farmer born in Bohemia, who came to America in 1866 and to Le Sueur county in 1881, moving subsequently to Henryville township, Renville county, where he resided until his death, February 9, 1901, at the age of 63 years. His wife now lives at Hopkins, Minn. John A. Malecek remained at home until he was 28 years of age. He then bought the home farm of 160 acres in section 21, southwest quarter, Henryville township, and farcied there until April 1, 1912, when he moved to North Redwood. August 24, 1914, he became manager of the North Redwood Farmers' Elevator Company, which he had organized in June of that year, in company with Joseph R. Keefe, Chas. Fleischer and John Schweinfttrter. It started with a capital of $10,000, the half of which was paid in, a frame building being erected during the summer of 1914 at a cost of $6,200, having a capacity of 30,000 bushels. During the first y$ar they had a business of 100,000 bushels and sold 16 carloads of coal. The first officers were : ' Frank Neuenberg, president ; William Zumwinkle, vice president ; W. C. Maun, secretary, and Thomas Hosken, treasurer. The second officers were: John Schweinfurter, president ; Henry Amberg, vice president ; Charles Fleischer, secretary ; Thomas Hosken, treasurer. Mr. Malecek held public office both in Renville and Redwood counties. While in Renville county he was the township supervisor for Henryville township for six years and township clerk seven years. He served on the village council of North Redwood from the spring of 1913 until his death. A member of the Catholic church of Bechyn, he was its treasurer from 1907. He also belonged to the M. B. A. John A. Malecek died July 24, 1916, and is buried in St. Mary's cemetery, Bechyn, Minn. Mr. Malecek was married May 26, 1903, to Mary Novy, who was born April 9, 1885, daughter of Joseph Novy, a farmer

Andrew Anderson, of Kintire township, was born in Sweden, February 9, 1868, the son of Olof Anderson, who was born in 8weden, April 12, 1842. Olof was married in 1867 to Johanna Monson, who was born in that country, April 17, 1843. In 1887 he came to America and located in Warren county, Illinois, his wife following him to this country in 1890. Andrew was one of two children, the other, Emily, having been born March 6, 1871. Andrew came to America in 1886, one year before his father, at the age of eighteen years, and located in Boseville, HI. In 1887 he went to South Dakota, and was engaged several months in railroad construction near Lake Preston, after which he was employed in Minneapolis for a while. In the fall of 1888 he came to Kintire township and bought eighty acres of land in the southwest quarter of section 31, to which he later added another 160 acres in the same section. Busy as he has been with his many farm duties, he has likewise found time for efficient public service, and his fourteen years on the town board and three years on the school board have been of much value to his fellow citizens. Mr. Anderson was married November 25, 1896, to Augusta Monson, who was born in Sweden, July 2, 1875. Her father, Ben Monson, came to America in 1891 and located in Vesta township, this county, where he is still living. His wife, Engried Monson, who came three years later, died in 1894 at the age of 40 years. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have been blessed with five children : Anna, born May 10, 1898 ; Albin, born May 25, 1900 (died June 10, 1907) ; Selma, born March 13, 1902; Ellen, born August 2, 1904; and Albin (second) born October 13^ 1907.

Kdward H. Marks, a farmer of Underwood township, was born Feb. 20, 1875, in Wabasha county, Minn., son of William and Minnie (Dunning) Marks. William Marks, born in 1842, in West Prussia, Germany, came to America about 1856, locating in Wisconsin. He enlisted in 1862 in the Second Regiment of the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served three years. He accompanied General Sherman to the sea, was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison four months until the close of the war. Honorably discharged at Madison, Wis., June, 1865, he remained in that state and worked as a farm hand, well driver and machin- krt until 1877, when he eame to Clifton township, Lyon county r Minn., and homesteaded 160 acres in section 2. He built rude shacks, broke the land and later improved it with good buildings. In 1894 he returned to Wisconsin, retiring on a pension and died August 2, 1914. His wife was born in Germany and came to America with her parents. The children of William and Minnie Marks were: Emma, now Mrs. Daniel Pitzsimons, of Marshall, Minn. ; Herman, a farmer of Clifton township, Lyon county ; Frederick, a farmer of Bowbells, Ward county, North Dakota ; Charles, a coal miner, in Illinois; Edward H.; Lena, deceased; Matilda, deceased ; Arthur, a farmer in section 6, Westline township, this county; Minnie, wife of Henry Ludwig, a farmed of Westline township ; Rosie wife of Hugh McCain, a farmer of Montana ; and Prank, on the old farm in Clifton township, Lyon county. Edward H. Marks attended the common school of his locality until 19 years of age. June 11, 1894, he enlisted in the Twelfth U. S. Regiment of infantry and did garrison duty at Fort Sully, South Dakota, and Niobrara, Neb. In 1898, at the beginning of the Spanish-American War, he went to Santiago, Cuba, with the Fifth Army Corps under General Shafter, and was engaged in the siege of Santiago and the battle, July 10 and 11. After remaining there until the close of the war, he was returned to Long Island, New York, and thence sent to Jefferson Barracks, Mo. Then he was sent to Manila, Philippine Islands, where he remained two months, being honorably discharged there, June 10, 1899. He returned home to Marshall, Minn., and rented eighty acres of land in Clifton township for three years. Then he moved to Westline township and rented 320 acres in section 6 for six years. August, 1908, he bought 80 acres of improved land in section 30. Underwood township, to which he has since added 152 acres in section 31. He raises graded cattle and makes a specialty of shipping dattle and swine. Mr. Marks was married Dec. 10, 1902, to Emma Fligge, who was born Feb. 12, 1880, in Posen township, Yellow Medicine county this state, daughter of Frederick H., and Louise (Keener) Fligge. The father, a native of Germany, is now a retired farmer of Marshall and owner of 240 acres of land in sections 3 and 10, Clifton township, Lyon county, Minn. His wife, Louise (Kecher) Fligge, a native of Philadelphia, Pa., died June 8, 1900 at the age of forty -two years. Their children were : Emma; John, a salesman at Minneapolis; William, a farmer of South Dakota; Clara; Frederick, farming the old homestead; Frank, with his brother William, in South Dakota ; Alice, deceased, and Louise, a student at Hamline University. Mr. and Mrs. Marks have the following children: Laura, born July 17, 1904; Boy, March 7, 1907; Roger, Sept. 15, 1908; Grace, May 18, 1910; Alice, Dec. 2, 1911, and Bertha, July 11, 1914. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

Oscar Exstrom And Family

Oscar Ezstrom represents a splendid type of modern farmer. Coming here a poor boy from Sweden, he has worked his way, has educated himself, has studied the latest approved methods of farming and equipped himself with the latest forms of implements and machinery, and has become one of the leading men of his community, a man after whom the younger generations may well pattern. He was born in Sweden, September 27, 1854, the fifth child of Gord P. and Anna Exstrom, the other children in the family being Peter, who died in Sweden ; Catherine, the wife of Jankletus Jacobson, of Sweden; Christina Cerafvia, of Sweden; Selma, of Sweden; Olaf, who died in 1903 at Pullman, 111., and Anna, wife of John Johnson, of Florence, Wis. The subject of this sketch was reared in the old country, came to America in 1881, lived in Chicago for a while, and then secured employment in the machinery department of the Pullman car shops, Pullman, HI. In 1886, while still in Illinois, he bought 80 acres of raw land in section 9, Underwood township, Redwood county. To this tract he eame in 1891, but he at once sold out and bought 120 acres in section 7 in the same township. On this wild prairie he built a shack, planted groves and started to develop a farm. Since then his prosperity has kept pace with the years, and his shrewdness and hard work are everywhere apparent throughout his possessions. In 1905 and 1906 he erected a splendid set of buildings, and in 1909 built the present modern home. In 1915 he constructed a fine stave silo, 16 by 30 feet, with a capacity of 120 tons. Mr. Exstrom carries on general farming and makes a specialty of Hereford cattle and Duroc- Jersey swine. The farm, which now consists of 462 acres, is a model one in every particular.. The barns are well kept and the house is surrounded with a beautiful lawn, decorated with flowers and shrubbery. An orchard of apple, plum and cherry trees enhances the value of the farm and the pleasure of the family. Although busy from morn till night with farm duties, Mr. Exstrom has taken interest in public affairs, and has done good service as a member of the township board and of the school board. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Exstrom was married February 7, 1885, in Pullman, I1L, to Mary Timgren, who was born May 4, 1862. After the death of the father, the mother, Christina (Hogren) Timgren, with her three children, Mary, August and Hjelmer, came to America in 1884 and located in Pullman, 111. The mother now lives in Cottonwood, Minn., while the brother, August, and his stepbrother, Hjelmer, are both farmers of Underwood township. Mr. and Mrs. Exstrom have eight children,. Hulda, O. Henry, Alice, Frederick, Arthur, Mabel, Laura and Harry. Hulda was born November 11, 1885, and lives with her brothers, O. Henry and Frederick, in Montana. O. Henry was born August 23, 1887, and farms in Montana. He married Sadie Wilson and they have one child, Alton. Alice, born June 25, 1890, is the wife of Oscar Pierson, of Minneapolis, and has two children, Floyd and Gordon. Fred was born July 17, 1892, and farms in Montana. Arthur, born May 11, 1895 ; Mabel, October 6, 1897 ; Laura, March 18, 1900, and Harry, September 16, 1902, all live at home. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian church.

Peter Erickson, a well-known farmer of Underwood township, was born September 11, 1862, in Norway. In 1884 he came to Granite Falls, Minn., and worked as a farm hand and also worked with the railroad construction crew on the M. & St. L. railway at Echo and Windom. In 1895 he bought 160 acres of land in section 4, Underwood township, which he rented. In 1901 he moved onto this land, which had been broken. A few rude shacks had been put up, which were gradually replaced by better buildings. He carries on general farming and has a fine orchard of apples, plums and small fruits. In 1913 he built a fine home of seven rooms. Mr. Erickson was married, October 14, 1891, to Betsy Erickson, a native of Norway, who died in 1898 at the age of 33 years. Her parents were Ole Erickson, now a farmer in Windom, Cottonwood county and his wife, Gurina (Broback) Erickson, who died in 1912 at the age of sixty-eight years. They had four children: Lars of Norway; Betsy, first wife of Peter Erickson; Gurina, and Lena, second wife of Mr. Erickson. By the first wife there were two children : Edwin, born May 30, 1891, and Clara, born August 20, 1895, both living at home ; and by the second wife there were three children : Benjamin, born April 28, 1901; Gena, born May 16, 1904; and Pearl, born October 3, 1909.

Andrew 0. Hansen, an industrious farmer of Underwood township, was born June 6, 1870, in Denmark, son of Jens C. and Christina Hansen. Jens C. Hansen was born in Denmark and came to America in 1879, locating at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, where he began working on the railroad. After two years he bought 80 acres of land in Brockway township, Stearns county, and in 1881 he moved to this land taking a shanty with him from Sleepy Eye. He broke the prairie land, set out a grove and engaged in farming. His health failing, he had to undergo many hardships and privations, but he remained happy and contented. As means permitted, improvements were made and buildings erected. He lived there until his death, May 1911, at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife still lives on the old farm. Their children were: Christian, who died in 1900; Andrew C; Peter, a farmer of Brown county; Robert, on the old farm in Stearns county; Adolph, on the old farm in Stearns county; Margaret, wife of Hendrick Newman, owner of a general store at Springfield, Minn.; Bertha, wife of Nels Nelson, a grain buyer of Milroy; Lydia, wife of Prank Peterson, a grain buyer of Saskatchewan,

Canada; Lena, wife of Hans Rassmussen, a farmer of Brown county; and Laura, wife of Fred Caney, who is in the cement business at Sleepy Eye. Andrew C. remained at home a short time, herded cattle on the prairie, and then worked as a farm hand until 1895, when he came to Redwood county with an ox team. He bought 157 acres of partly improved land in section 35, Underwood township, and here he set to work to till the soil and found a home. The nearest market was at Marshall, which was also the nearest place at which he could obtain fuel in the winter time. Warm clothing was a luxury not to be indulged in and frozen feet were a common occurrence. By sacrifice and selfdenial success became possible and as time passed he broke the balance of the land and erected suitable buildings from time to time. In addition to the usual farm machinery, he owns a threshing outfit with a traction engine. He carries on general farming and raises good stock. Mr. Hansen was married at Sleepy Eye to Sena Hansen, who was born in 1870, daughter of Hans Hansen. Her father, born in 1839, and his wife, Mary Hansen, were both natives of Denmark. Hans Hansen came to America and homesteaded 160 acres in Brown county, to which he has since made ad - ditions, so that he now owns 320 acres of well improved land. They had the following children: Sena; Hannah, who died in 1907; Laurena, who died in 1905; Christina; John, a farmer of Brown county; Andrew, a farmer of Sundown township; and Charles, on the old home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew C. Hansen have the following children: Arthur, born January 28, 1897; Rudolph, born March 9, 1900; Edna, born July 1, 1902; and Elmer, born October 12, 1904. All are residing at home.

Anton Johnson, an enterprising young farmer of Underwood township, was born December 7, 1880, on the farm where he now lives, son of Henry and Carrie (Bertelsen) Johnson. The father, Henry Johnson, was born in Denmark in 1847. He left home at the age of sixteen, going to sea, where he remained several years ; after which he came to America and enlisted in the United States army, serving three years, most of which time was spent in Washington territory. In 1869 he came to Richwood, Becker county, Minn., and pre-empted 160 acres. Breaking land, he made some improvements ; and after living there six years, sold it and in 1875 moved to Underwood township, Redwood county, Minn., where he homesteaded 160 acres and secured a tree claim of 80 acres in section 34. Here he set out a grove, built a house and barn and engaged in farming. He died Oct. 2, 1889. He was married July 20, 1874, to Carrie Bertelsen, who was born Dec. 22, 1855, in Denmark, and now makes her home with her son Anton. Her father, Madis Bertelsen, was born in Denmark in 1823 and came to America with his wife, Anna Dorothy (Nelson) Bertelsen, in 1863, locating in Columbus, Wis., where he worked as a farm hand for two years. Then he went to Dodge county, Minn., and rented a farm for two years. Next he went to Sleepy Eye, Minn., and in 1867 bought 80 acres in Eden township, Brown county, where he remained for five years. He next sold this and in 1872 came to Swedes Forest, Redwood county, where he bought 160 acres, to which he later added land until he had 280 acres. In 1880 he sold and moved to Underwood township, where he homesteaded 160 acres and secured a tree claim of 80 acres. Later he sold this and moved to Texas, where he bought 160 acres of land. After six years he sold out and came back to Underwood township, where he bought 200 acres in section 35 and lived there two years. He sold again and retired to Tracy, Minn., and after the death of his wife, in Tracy, he returned to Denmark, where he died in 1907. The children of Henry and Carrie Johnson are: Nels, now a farmer of Canada; Johanna M. C, now Mrs. A. Culver, of International Falls, Minn.; Anton; Anna, who died June 21, 1909, at the age of twenty-seven ; Hans, a farmer of Westline township; Matilda, wife of Henry Eremin, of Underwood township; and Henrietta who died April 25, 1910. Anton Johnson attended the common school of his neighborhood and grew to manhood on the home farm. In 1900 the buildings on his farm were destroyed by fire and were replaced by modern structures. He now owns the home farm of 160 acres in section 34 and follows general diversified farming. He also owns stock in the Farmers' Elevator of Milroy.

Mr. Johnson was married January 10, 1910, to Mary Dirnberger, born March 22, 1890, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Hoffman) Dirnberger. Her father, Joseph, was born in Germany and tame to America, locating in Sleepy Eye, Minn., where he worked in a flour mill for some time. Then he rented a farm in Brown county. In 1898 he moved to Redwood county, where he bought 160 acres of land in Granite Rock township. Selling this in 1905, he bought 80 acres in Vesta township, which he also sold, and in 1913 rented the farm of Jos. Troske of Vail township, where he now lives. His wife died in 1892. Their children were: Joseph, now a farmer in Westline township; and Mary, wife of Anton Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one child, Lester, born December 2, 1910. They are affiliated religiously with the Lutheran church.

Herman Kremin, a progressive farmer of Underwood township, was born in Germany August 24, 1871, son of William Kremin, born September 2, 1835, and his wife, Augusta (Ealone) Kremin, born May 3, 1843, both natives of Germany. They were married in Germany November 25, 1863, and came to America in 1884, located first at New Ulm, Minn., and then bought 104 acres of land in section 9, Eden township, Brown county, which Mr. Kremin improved and farmed until 1902 when he sold and moved to Red- wood county. With his sob Herman he bought 640 acres of partly improved land in section 20, Underwood township. There were fhe following children : Alvena, now deceased ; Qustave, a farmer in section 17, Underwood township ; Emil, a farmer in section 20, Underwood township; Amanda, deceased; Herman; Theodore, deceased ; Augusta, wife of Herman Penke, a farmer of Renville county ; Hulda, wife of J. S. Johnson, a hardware dealer in Lidgerwood, North Dakota; Emma, wife of Ed Orunert, a farmer of Renville county; Ida, wife of August Jens, a farmer of Renville county; William, a farmer on section 20, Underwood township, who died July 28, 1915, and Henry, a farmer in section 20, Underwood township. Herman grew up on the home farm in Eden township and in 1893 bought 120 acres in section 19, that township, where he farmed until 1902. fie then came, with his father, to Underwood township, Redwood county, and bought land in section 20. In 1903 the land was divided, his father taking the north half of section 20, where he still lives, and Herman taking the southeast half, and Emil the southwest quarter. The farm was well improved when he took it and he has made many other improvements upon it. The buildings were destroyed by fire and have been replaced by larger and more modern structures. A fine grove and orchard have also been added. He has served on the township board for a period of four years and on the school board for the past eight years. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Milroy.

Mr. Kremin was married May 8, 1899, to Augusta Marotzke. She was born December 11, 1872, in Germany and came to America in 1897 with her brother Julius and sister Willimena, who is now the wife of H. Ott, a farmer in Morgan, Redwood county. Mr. and Mrs. Kremin have one child, Martha B., born October 14, 1900, who is studying music at the Bethany Ladies' College at Mankato.

Peter Scott, a modern farmer of Underwood township, was born December 2, 1867, in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, of Danish parentage. His father, Hans Scott, came to America in 1884 and located in Redwood county, Minnesota, buying 80 acres of partially improved land in section 28, Underwood township. He erected good buildings and lived there until his death December 14, 1913, at the age of 80 years. He was married in Germany to Mary Gaasvig, who died in 1872 at the age of 33 years. Their children were Peter and Jens, who now farm 160 acres in section 27. Peter Scott came to America in 1883 and located near Marshall, Minn., where he worked as a farm hand until 1892. Then he bought 80 acres of railroad land in section 29, Underwood townahip. It was wild prairie, which he broke, and here he planted a grove and built a house, 16x24 feet, and a barn, 28x44 feet, also setting out an orchard of apple trees. He served as deputy sheriff of Redwood county for two years and was a member of the school board for several years. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Milroy. Peter Scott was married January 14, 1892, to Ella Morgan, born December 12, 1870, at Lodi, HI., daughter of Albert H. and Mary Morgan. Albert H. Morgan was born October 29, 1833, in Connecticut He engaged in farming and moved to Illinois, where he entered into the general merchandise business at Lodi. In 1872 he moved to Minnesota and homesteaded 160 acres in section 30, Underwood town* ship, where he built rude shacks and broke the land. Later he pre-empted 160 acres in section 30, and bought 120 acres in section 29. He made many improvements, erected good buildings and lived there until his death, January, 1902. He was married in Illinois to Mrs. Mary Odell, widow of John Odell, a Civil War veteran. She still lives on the old farm in Underwood. They had lour children: Ella; Albert, a farmer in section 29, Underwood township; Walter, engaged in the real estate business in Grand Forks, North Dakota ; and John, a farmer on the old home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have four children: Millie, born October 28, 1893; Irene, born January 7, 1896; Helen, born September 26, 1901, and James, born April 9, 1913. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian church. All reside at home.

William P. Cahoon, a well-to-do-farmer of Underwood township, was born February 23, 1852, in Lake Geneva township, Wal- »worth county, Wisconsin, son of William and Eliza (Brewster) Cahoon. William Cahoon, the father, was born March 17, 1826, in Dover township, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and in 1843 moved to Wisconsin with his father, Amos Cahoon. The journey was made by wagon and three cows were also brought along. Amos bought 150 acres of timber land in Lake Geneva township, the land was grubbed and farming began, improvements being made from time to time. A fine grade of stock and horses was raised. Here Amos lived until his death in 1860. William Cahoon, Sr., owned 59 acres of the old place, which he sold in 1865 and rented 160 acres. After a year he came to Rochester, Minn., jolting over the scarcely defined trails with an ox team and two wagons. In 1867 he rented a half section in Haverhill township, Olmsted county, Minnesota, and in 1868 bought 160 acres of partly improved land in this county. In 1870 he lost his farm and in 1871 again rented 160 acres. In 1872 he moved to Wabasha county, where he rented 80 acres and in 1873 moved to Redwood county, where he homesteaded 160 acres in section 10, Underwood township, and also took a tree claim of 160 acres in the same section. It was all raw prairie which he broke and improved. He first built a dugout, 12x20 feet, in which the family lived for fifteen winters. He then built a fine frame house and barn and here he farmed until his death, May 17, 1905. He was married December 25, 1847, to Eliza Brewster, born June 28, 1828, in Rutland, Vt, who came to Ohio at 11 years of age. She died January 28, 1909. There were the following children: Mariah, who died in 1885; William P.; Charles, who died in 1907, and Ida, now Mrs. C. 0. Borg, of Redwood Falls. William P., in his youth, attended the common school and worked on the farm. When he grew to manhood he engaged in farming on section 10, Underwood township, and from time to time built suitable buildings. For a time he raised and shipped swine for the market. He also raised a good grade of Percheron horses. He has served as a member of the township board for ten years and has been a member of the school board since its organization, thirty years ago. Mr. Cahoon was married April 19, 1894, to Emma B. Long, who was born July 21, 1869, in Wetzel county, West Virginia, daughter of Samuel J., born in 1842,. and Mary (Morgan) Long, born in 1844, both natives of and still living on the farm in Wetzel county. Their children are : Francis, Emma B., Morgan, Elizabeth, Samuel, Achilles, Ruth, Lillian, Raymond and Jerry. Mr. and Mrs. Cahoon have the following children : Ida Ruth, born March 21, 1895; Forrest GL, born October 10, 1896; Harry F., born August 16, 1898; Mary B., born July 29, 1902; Mabel C, born April 12, 1904.

Swan F. Peterson, a successful farmer of Eintire township, was born August 21, 1864, in Sweden, son of Peter and Inger (Hawkenson) Peterson.* Peter Peterson was born February 5, 1825, in Sweden, and came to America in 1882, locating at Galesburg, 111., where he rented a farm for five years. In 1887 he moved to Eintire township, Redwood county, where he conducted a farm until 1910. He then retired and moved to Burnside, Iowa, where he died August 12, 1913. He is buried at Redwood Falls. His wife Inger, who was born September 30, 1835, died August 21, 1891. Swan F. Peterson remained at home until 17 years of age, and then worked as a farm hand until 1887. He then came to Eintire township and bought 160 acres of land in the northeast quarter of section 31, to which he later made additions, purchasing the northwest quarter of section 31 and the southern half of section 30, also 360 acres in Redwood Falls township, and 70 acres in Delhi township. He has made extensive improvements on his land and in 1887 built a house 20x30 feet, in 1909 a barn 56x60 feet, in 1910 a barn 40x60 feet, with a stone foundation 11 feet deep, and in 1912 two silos 16x35 feet and 16x30 feet, respectively. He raises Poland China swine and ships 100 a year and feeds and ships 80 steers a year. Mr. Peterson has held local offices and has been township treasurer for ten years. He is president of the Farmers' State Bank at Belview and a stockholder of the Farmers' Elevator Company- Mr. Peterson was married June 6, 1896, to Sadey Bergqniety who was born June 6, 1867, in Sweden, daughter of Clans M. Irindholm and Mary (Peterson) Lindholm, both natives of Sweden. Mr. Lindholm died in Sweden at the age of 70 and his wife died in 1897 at the age of 64 years. Mr. and Mrs. Swan F. Peterson have five children, born as follows: Gertrude I., June 16, 1897; Ruth E., March 4, 1900 ; Edith R., February 17, 1903; Allen W., October 14, 1905, and Clifford F., November 10, 1910. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran church of Belview, of which Mr. Peterson is treasurer and one of the trustees.

Swan Peterson, for many years a venerable and honored figure in Redwood county life, but now deceased, was born in' Sweden March 7, 1832, being a descendant of a long line of sturdy Swedish stock. He attended such schools as the time afforded, and grew to manhood in his native land. In 1869 he came to America, locating in Warren county, Illinois. Many years later, or in March, 1887, he made his appearance in Redwood county, Minnesota. Here he purchased 240 acres of wild prairie land in section 29, Kintire township, and set at work with a will to break the land, erect suitable buildings, construct fences, and bring the place to the high stage of development, which, -under his care and attention, it finally reached. By hard work, skilful farming and shrewd good judgment, he increased his holdings until he owned 800 acres of land, partly in Kintire township and partly in Yellow Medicine county. After a long life filled with worthy deeds he retired in 1903 to Belviewy where he died April 3, 1904. Mr. Peterson was married in Sweden July 25, 1862, to Elizabeth Pierson, who was born December 22, 1841, and who, after sharing in her husband's labors and successes, now resides in a sightly and comfortable modern home. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson had seven children : Nellie, Peter, Emma, Annette, William, Roy and Clara. The two oldest were born in Sweden, the rest in Warren county, Illinois. Nellie, born August 27, 1863, lives at home. Peter, who was born December 4, 1865, married Mina Jeffers, has two daughters, Ruth and Evelyn, and farms in Douglass county, this 'state. Emma, born May 29, 1871, married Henry Hawkinson, of Oalesburg, 111., and has three children, Henry, Newton and Hildegaard. Annette, who was born January 6, 1874, married Nels Olson, of Wilmot, S. D., and has six children, Irene, Leland, Alice, Natalie, Wallace and La Verna. William, who was born August 12, 1876, married Anna Rovik, and has one child, Marion E. Roy was born July 27, 1879, and is a physician at Vesta. He married Evelyn Hoffstedt, and has three children, Kenneth and Dorothy and Dorris (twins). Clara was born February 25, 1882, and resides at home. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran church.

William Peterson, a well-known stock-raiser and eminent citizen of Kintire township, was born in Warren county, Illinois, August 12, 1876, son of Swan and Elizabeth (Pierson) Peterson, who brought him to this county nearly thirty years ago. He was reared to farm pursuits and received his early education in the district schools, supplementing this with two terms at the Willmar

Seminary at Willmar, Minn. Gradually he took over the management of the home place. His farm consists of 200 acres of wellcultivated land in section 29, Kintire, and everything about the place bespeaks the thrift, hard work, taste and good judgment of the owner. The comfortable home was erected in 1887, the substantial barn in 1902 and the granary in 1890. Other buildings, sheds and the like have been erected as occasion has required. The place is well drained and tiled and highly improved.

Mr. Peterson carries on general farming, giving special attention to stock raising, feeding and shipping. His chief specialties are Aberdeen-Angus cattle and good swine, of which he ships some five cars of steers and two cars of swine each year. His operations have been very successful, and being yet a young man, friends predict for him a still more prosperous future.

Mr. Peterson was married June 18, 1914, to Anna Rovik, who was born in Minneapolis March 29, 1888> and to this union has been born one child, Marion E., April 7, 1915. Mrs. Peterson is the daughter of John and Mary Charlotte (Samuelson) Rovik.

John Rovik was born in Romsdalen, Norway, November 10, 1858, was there reared and grew to manhood. In 1882 he came to America and located in Minneapolis, where he devoted his life to lumber scaling. His wife, Mary Charlotte Samuelson, was born in Sweden on April 29, 1859, came to America in 1886, and still lives in Minneapolis. In the family there are five children ; Anna, wife of William Peterson of Kintire township ; John S., a Minneapolis florist; J. Charlotte, a Minneapolis stenographer; Arthur, a theater scenic artist ; and Louis E., who died May 23, 1916.

Frederick Muetzel, one of the pioneers of Nicollet, Brown and Redwood counties, was born in Germany and there married Prederieka Neumann. Together they came to America in 1868 and located on a homestead in Nicollet county, this state. Later they moved to Brown county. In 1876 they came to Sheridan township in this county and took a claim in section 2. There they nnderwent the hardships of pioneer life. For provisions they had to go to New Ulm, sometimes with oxen and sometimes on foot. Gradually, however, their property increased. As the years passed they were numbered among the most prosperous, and successful citizens in the community. Mr. Muetzel died in 1904 and his widow still makes her home on the farm, which, from 56 acres, she and her good husband increased to 240 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Muetzel were the parents of ten children, Herman, Bertha, Fred, Amelia, Otto, Annie, Tracy, William, Martha and Gustav.

Herman Muetzel, energetic and successful agriculturist of Sheridan township, was born in Germany, February 10, 1868, son of Frederick and Fredericka (Neumann) Muetzel, who brought jjljn to this country the year of his birth and with whom he lived in Nicollet, Brown and Redwood counties. At the age of 24 fat bought 160 acres of his father's farm and started out for himself. This farm, located in section 5, Sheridan township, he has developed into one of the best in the county. He has erected a good house, sightly buildings, has improved the lawns and constructed a granary, corn crib, tool shed and the like. In carrying on general farming he harvests about forty acres of corn, forty acres of wheat, forty acres of oats and ten acres of barley. His successful orchard contains some excellent apple and plum trees and he has also a few grapes and some summer fruit. His cattle are of excellent grade and he ships some splendid milk and cream, which commands the highest prices in Minneapolis. A lover of horses, he was for several years the owner of a splendid Percheron stallion, Rosier by name, valued at $4,000. He has also interested himself in swine raising to a considerable extent. Successful in his business and a thorough believer in the future progress of the community, he has taken stock in the Farmers' Elevator at Seaforth, of which he is one of the trustees; the Farmers' Rural Telephone Company of Redwood Falls, and the Farmers' State Bank of Belview. Busy though he is with his other duties he has found time to give of his ability to public service. He has been one of the supervisors of the township since 1896 and a member of the school board of district 70 since 1904.

Helmuth F. Hagen, a progressive farmer of Kintire township, was born August 6, 1867, in Germany, son of Frederick and Fredreka (Rehfeld) Hagen. The father was born in Germany, August 7, 1840, and came to America in 1888, locating in Redwood Falls and later in Sheridan township, where he is still living on his farm. His wife was born July 3, 1842, in Germany, and died September 2, 1907, in Sheridan township.

Helmuth F. Hagen came to America in 1885, and located near Redwood Falls, where he found work as a farm hand and continued as such for seven years. In 1888 he bought a farm of 160 acres in the southeast quarter of section 33, Kintire township, and later made additions to it in sections 28 and 33, so that he now owns 400 acres. In 1889 Mr. Hagen built a house 24x26 feet, with a wing 16x16; in 1900 a barn, 34x46, with a stone basement; in 1915 a granary, 30x40 feet, and a chicken house, 14x40. and in

Mr. Hagen lias held local office and has been a chairman of the township board for ten years, lie is a director of the State Bank of Belview and is a director and was one of the organizers of the Farmers ' Elevator Company at Belview. He has also been a trustee of the German Lutheran church for twenty years.

November 15, 1895, Mr. Hagen married Minnie Jessie, who was born in Germany May 26, 1871, a daughter of Carl and Hannah (Kros) Jessie. Mrs. Hagen 's father was born in 1842, and her mother (in Germany) in 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Jessie came to America in 1881, locating in Nicollet county, Minnesota, where they rented a farm until 1897. They then moved to Morgan, Redwood county, and farmed in that vicinity on 160 acres of land, which they sold in 1911 when Mr. Jessie retired from farming. He died January 18, 1915, and his wife August 20, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Hagen have a large family of children, born as follows : Otto, October 15, 1896 ; Ella, December 27, 1898 ; Carl, May 20, 1900 ; Franz, July 18, 1901 ; Alfred, October 8, 1903 ; Esther, May 30, 1905 ; Helmuth, February 10, 1906 ; Gertrude, April 24, 1909 ; Irene, July 3, 1912; Hertha, December 30, 1915.

Aaron O. TradeweU, for the past twenty-nine years manager of the Pacific Elevator Company of North Redwood, was born in Waupun, Wis., August 31, 1860, son of George B. Tradewell, who died in 1903 at the age of seventy-five, and his wife, Maria (Payne) Tradewell, who died in 1907 at the age of eighty-three years. His father came to Wisconsin in his youth and lived there until 1891, when he moved to Boyd, Minn., where he engaged in farming. Aaron G. Tradewell remained at home and helped his parents until he was twenty-one years old, when he rented the home farm and operated it for three years. In 1886 he came to North Redwood and for the past twenty-nine years has been manager and local buyer for the Pacific Elevator Company. During this time he has not lost a day of work or had a vacation. The present building of this company was erected at North Redwood in 1893, costing $5,000 and has a capacity of 25,000 bushels of grain, about 100,000 bushels being handled during the year. Mr. Tradewell has taken interest in the affairs of the community and with the exception of one year has served on the village council since the village was incorporated in 1903 and has been school elerk for two years. Mr. Tradewell was united in marriage November 8, 1881, to Mary Grout, who was born March, 1861, daughter of Samuel Grout, a farmer in Wisconsin, and his wife, Lorinda (Bacon) Grout. Mr. and Mrs. Tradewell have the following children : Warren, living at Havre, Montana ; Thomas, a farmer of Renville county; Otis, a bridge builder; Esther, who resides in Minneapolis ; and Mary, and Elsie, living at home.

Frauds Shoemaker, one of the earliest pioneers of Renville county, also one of the first county commissioners of that county, and for many years the leading resident of Flora township, just aeross the river from Redwood county, was born in Holstein, Germany, December 22, 1817. At the age of fourteen years he set out as a sailor and continued as such for about fifteen years, touching at many important ports in various parts of the world. For a time he was first mate of the vessel, "Northerner." Attracted to the mining camps of California, he became a gold digger, and spent six years in that land of adventure and opportunity. He then went to New York by way of Cape Horn, and from there came to Minnesota, where he obtained a pre-emption claim, two and a half miles east of what is now known as Le Sueur Center, walking to the place from Faribault. Knowing nothing about farming, he went back to Germany to get some of his relatives to come and help him, and brought back with him twenty-two people, most of whom were his relatives. Among the number was his future wife, whom he married at Buffalo, New York. The Civil war breaking out about that time, a number of the party enlisted in the Union army. Francis Shoemaker built a log cabin near Niagara Falls, cleared 40 acres, and there farmed for several years. In 1865 he came to Renville county, and secured 160 acres in sections 1 and 2, Flora township, taking it first as a pre-emption and later as a homestead. After choosing his land he built a rude shack, and then went after his family, who arrived in the summer of the following year. The party, consisting of himself, his wife, a step-son, John Schlueter and five children, Francis M., Herman W., Celia, Martha and Elsby (Henry M. and Minnie W. being born later), drove from Le Sueur with a horse team and moved into the shack. That summer he built a log cabin, 16 by 22 feet, with an unplaned board floor and crude clapboard roof. From this beginning he developed a good farm, from time to time erecting suitable buildings, so that when in 1890 he retired and moved to North Redwood, he had a good farm of 400 acres, equipped with a good set of buildings. Mr. Shoemaker was greatly interested in public affairs, and held many public offices, being one of the organizers of the county, township and school district, serving as one of the first county commissioners and being a member of the township and school boards for many years. He was also one of the organizers of Flora Grange, and was for many years a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Redwood Falls. The family faith is that of the Flora Evangelical Association church, which he helped to organize. Mr. Shoemaker died at North Redwood at the age of seventy-four years, two months and four days. His wife is still living at North Redwood at the age of eighty-three years. Mrs. Shoemaker was born in Germany, March 13, 1833, her maiden name being Rebecca Fitz. From 1866 to 1899 she prac- tieed in Renville county as an accoucheuse, often in the early days visiting her patients by ox-team or even on foot. John Schlueter, * son by her first marriage, is a farmer in Flora township, Renville county. Of the seven Shoemaker children, Francis M. is a farmer in Flora township; Henry W. a merchant at Danube in Renville eounty ; Herman W. a merchant at North Redwood ; Celia, the widow of Herman Page and Anton Page, lives at North Redwood ; Minnie, the first wife of Anton Page, died in 1900 at the age of twenty-six; Martha is now Mrs. Herman Lindeman, of North Redwood, and Elsby is now Mrs. Jacob Neuenburg, of Wabasso, Minn. The family name was originally Schumacher but was Americanized to its present form.