Renville County, Minnesota - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 1 of those read), 1916 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 1 of those read)

Importance of the Press - First Paper in County - Present Papers - Discontinued Papers - Story of the Week-by- Week Chronicles of the County - Edited by -lames R. Landy ' 1368

Banks And Banking

Pioneer Financial Institutions - Past and Present Banks - Story of the Foundation Upon Which the Financial Stability of the County Is Established - History, Officers and Official Statements - Biography.

The first effort of the pioneer was to secure his location and to there erect a habitation. The question of livelihood was one of immediate importance, and no sooner was the pioneer and his family provided with a place in which to live, however poor or temporary, than he began to break the ground for crops. But even in the most primitive community, money is a vital need. The money lenders followed fast in the footsteps of the pioneer. Before long it became apparent that there must be some sort of an institution of financial exchange. Private banks were usually established as an adjunct of some other business by lawyers, real estate agents, grain dealers and others. Some continued for a few years only, but others gradually assumed the importance of national or state institutions. This, to a large extent, is true of the early history of Renville county. Today the county is on a sound financial basis, and the prosperity of the community is shown by the financial statements of the various banks which handle the money of the people at large. The county now lias eighteen banks - three of these national banks, and fifteen state banks.

The national banks are : The First National Bank of Renville, The Peoples First National Bank of Olivia, and The First National Bank of Fairfax.

The State Banks are : State Bank of Buffalo Lake ; Farmers State Bank of Buffalo Lake; State Bank of Bird Island; Renville County State Bank of Bird Island; Danube State Bank; State Bank of Fairfax ; Citizens State Bank of Fairfax ; State Bank of Franklin ; Citizens State Bank of Franklin ; State Bank of Hector; Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Hector; State Bank of Morton; New State Rank of Morton; Olivia State Bank; Farmers State Bank of Olivia; Renville State Bank; O'Connor Brothers State Bank of Renville; State Bank of Sacred Heart; Farmers State Bank of Sacred Heart. ") 675

The first bank in Renville county was a private bank, started at Beaver Falls, by Hans Gronnerud, and continued for many years. Donahue & Paine started a bank in Beaver Falls in 1878. They moved it to Bird Island, and in 1880 it was organized as the Renville County State Bank. This is still in existence and is the oldest bank in the county. The next banks in the county were the O'Connor Brothers, Bankers, of Renville mow known as the Renville State Bank), and the State Bank of Hector, both started in 1887. Edward O'Connor started a private bank at Sacred Heart in 1888. It is now the Farmers State Bank of Sacred Heart. In 1889, Peter W. Heins started the People's Bank at Olivia. This is now the Peoples First National Bank of Olivia. In 1889, a bank was started at Fairfax, with Dr. J. A. Beard, of Redwood Falls, as president, and V. A. Gray, as cashier. It failed in 1892.

There have been but two bank failures in Renville county. the failure of Hans Gronnerud's private bank at Beaver Falls. and the failure of the bank of Beard & Cray at Fairfax.

The Renville County State Bank of Bird Island is the oldest in the county. It was organized in 1878 at Beaver Falls as the private banking house of Donohue & Paine. In 1880 it was moved to Bird Island. In 1890 it was incorporated as the Renville County State Bank, by Mathew Donohue, Axel Richardson ; C. L. Lorrain, Fred Hodgdon, F. Borchert, Frank Posely and -T. W. Donohue, the capital stock being $25,000.00. The first officers were: Mathew Donohue. president; -1. YV. Donohue, cashier. March 20, 1895, A. T. Dell became cashier and -I. W. Donohue. president. .May 2(>, 1904. Henry L. Simons became president ; A. -I. Richardson, vice-president; Amund Dahl, cashier: and H. W. Mielke, assistant cashier. January, 1906. Amund Dahl hecame president, Henry L. Simons and A. J. Richardson, vicepresidents and II. \V. Mielke, cashier. In 1913 Henry L. Simons became president: A. .1. Richardson, vice-president: II. \V. .Mielke cashier, and W. H. Fewer and J. ('. Desmond, assistant cashiers. The bank has a surplus of $15,000, giving resources of over quarter of a million. The present hank was built in 1902. The bank conducts a liberal conservative banking business and well merits the high confidence with which it is regarded throughout the county. As the oldest financial institution in the county it well upholds its traditions of honor and stability.

Herman W. Mielke, prominent banker and citizen of Bird Island, was born in Glencoe, this state, Oct. 17, 1873, son of John and Caroline (Ettrich) Mielke, the pioneers. He attended the schools of his native place and at the age of fifteen started his career by securing employment on a farm. At the age of twenty- one he entered mercantile life as clerk for a clothing store in Glencoe. It was in 1904 that he came to Bird Island as assistant cashier of the Renville County State Bank, a position In- held until Jan 1, 1906, when he was made cashier. Mr. Mielke is one of the leading men of Bird Island, and an enthusiastic friend of every progressive movement. He has taken his part in many phases of public life and is regarded as a substantial, useful citizen in every way. His administration of the affairs of the oldest bank in Renville county has won him wide praise. Mr. Mielke is an officer of the Bird Island Commercial Club, and for five years was chairman of the park board. He is likewise an official of the local lodges of the Masonic and Modern Woodmen fraternities. His religious allegiance is paid to the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Mielke was married July 3, 1900, to Clara Knutson, born April 7, 1877, daughter of Amund and Carrie (Ekle) Knutson. John Mielke, born May 29, 1818, in Germany, died April 8, 1885. He married Caroline Ettrieh, born Dec. 11, 1831; she died Feb. 17, 1915. They came to America May 30, 1862, and homesteaded in Sumter township, McLeod county, Minn., where they remained until his death. Amund Knutson married Carrie Ekle, who died June 7, 1915. her husband having died in 1895. He was one of the pioneers of Palmyra township, where he devoted his time to farming.

The Renville State Bank of Renville was established in 1887. The bank was incorporated December 23, 1889. It opened for business as a state bank January 1. 1S90. In 1907 S. SI. Serkland and <). A. Stensvad acquired a controlling interest. The bank owns its building which was erected in 1892, and is a solid brick, two-story structure, the second story being used for an opera house. The present board is constituted as follows: ( ). A. Stensvad, president; L. Ahrenholz, vice-president; S. M. Serkland, cashier; F. H. Berning, assistant cashier, and R. W. Serkland. stenographer and clerk. Directors - 0. A. Stensvad. S. M. Serkland, L. Ahrenholz, L. E. Lien, J. C. Jepson, all of Renville, .Minn.

The Renville State Bank renewed its certificate of corporation November 17, 1914, at Renville, the following shareholders voting for the resolution: S. M. Serkland, <>. A. Stensvad. J. C. Jepson, L. Ahrenholz. L. E. Lien, F. Berning, R. \V. Serkland, Rudolph Stensvad, and A. S. Johnson.

Ole A. Stensvad, president of the Renville State Bank, was born in Waseca county. Minnesota. January 17. 1876. His father, Andrew Stensvad, and his mother, Ingerbord Stensvad, were born in Norway, and emigrated to America and settled in Waseca county, Minnesota, as some of the first settlers, in the year of 1849. where they farmed extensively for over forty years. They raised a family of nine children. Ole A. Stensvad received his education in the country school and later attended school at New Richland, Minnesota. Upon leaving school, at the age of 18 years, lie was employed as assistant buttermaker at Hartland, Minnesota, and the following winter completed a buttermaker 's course at the Minnesota State Dairy School at St. Paul, Minnesota, and then was employed as buttermaker at the Smith's Mills, Minnesota. In the year 1895, together with two brothers, he purchased a line of several creameries in Sioux county, Iowa, and was engaged very extensively in the dairy and creamery business until the year of 1902. He then disposed of his entire creamery holdings and intended to retire from further business, but not being contented, he accepted a position with the De Laval Cream Separator Company as Minnesota representative, which position he held until the fall of 1907 when, with his associates, he purchased the Renville State Bank, and located at Renville, Minnesota, where he is an active officer, in addition to his extensive farming interests in Renville county. In 1900 he was married to Mabel E. Dodds, of Rock Valley, Iowa. Four children have blessed their union. He is a prominent member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church and is identified with local politics.

Siver M. Serkland, cashier of the Renville State Bank, was born in Juneau county. Wisconsin. September 5, 1866. His father, Peter P. Serkland was born near the village of Skien, Norway, and came to America with his wife Helene (Sigurdson) Serkland, in the year 1865, after eleven weeks of storms and hardships on a small sailing vessel, locating in Juneau county, Wisconsin. Two years afterwards he removed to Watonwan county, Minnesota, making the entire journey with oxen, and was one of the early pioneers of that county. He died several years ago, but the mother of our subject still lives at St. James, Minnesota. S. M. Serkland was brought to Watonwan county when less than two years old, where he was raised on a homestead near the river Watonwan. He spent his early boyhood on the farm, attending

Lubbert Ahrenholz And Family

At the age of 21 he tired of farm work and accepted a position as weighmaster for the grain firm of W. P. Rempel & Brothers, who at that time owned a line of elevators along the Omaha division of the Northwestern Railroad, continuing the occupation with credit to himself and success to his employer for a period of three years, after which he accepted a position as cashier of the Old Bank of St. James, Minnesota, and conducted the bank successfully for a term of four years. In the campaign of 1894 the Republican party elected him to the office of register of deeds of Watonwan county, Minnesota, to which position he was reelected for five successive terms. On May 18, 1891, he Avas united in marriage with Christine Bratrude, born and reared in Fillmore county, Minnesota, a daughter of Thor and Kjersti (Peterson) Bratrude, who still resides at Fountain, in Fillmore county, Minnesota. To this union have been born two sons and one daughter, Reuben Willard, now bookkeeper and stenographer with the Renville State Bank; Walter Thomas, a high school student at Renville, and Alta Margurette Christine, a pupil in the Renville schools. In the winter of 1905, S. M. Serkland and wife was sightseeing in the southern states, spending a portion of the winter in Havana, Cuba. In the fall of 1907 he moved to Renville, Minnesota, and purchased a large interest in the Renville State Bank, and chose the position as cashier of the bank, which has thrived and prospered under his careful management. S. M. Serkland and family are all Lutherans, and members of the Norwegian Lutheran Synod Church at Renville, Minnesota.

Socially, Mr. Serkland is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. and M. W. A. ; his politics is Republican. Besides banking, he finds time to operate several fine farms, in which he is largely interested. He stands well in the community and has held the office of city treasurer since the spring of 1908.

Lubbert Ahrenholz, a well known citizen of Renville, was born in Germany, December 1, 1851, son of Arnt and Elska (Simmerman) Ahrenholz. His parents were farmers, who lived and died in Germany. There were eight children in the family: Henry. Bye, George (deceased), Haren, Lubbert, George, Foke and Herman (deceased). Lubbert and Henry were the only ones to come to United States, leaving in 1868, and coming to New- York. They had received their early education in Germany and left with the purpose of establishing new homes for themselves. They had intended to come to Stevenson county, Illinois, where they had an uncle, who had sent them money for the trip. They worked out on the farms of the neighbors and after five years Lubbert left for Iowa, where lie located on a farm in Butler county. He rented this farm for about twelve years and then moved to Minnesota, going to Renville county and locating in Crooks township, section 5, on a tract of 160 acres of wild prairie haul. They built a frame house, 14 by 22 feet, and a small barn, the posts being set into the ground and boards nailed around them. He owned a team of horses. Here he lived until 1!)10. when he moved to Renville. During this time he increased his farm until he had 760 acres and built a modern house and barn. He kept good stock and raised some fruit. Mr. Ahrenholz was road overseer for three or four years and also supervisor for six years. He served as treasurer of the school district twenty-three years. He helped organize the new school district known as No. 10"), and helped build the schoolhouse. He is a member of the Farmers' Elevator Company of Renville, holding the office of director. He is a shareholder of the Renville State Bank and is its vice president. He is also a member of the Christian Reformed church and was one of its organizers and officers. Mr. Ahrenholz was married in 1874 to Elska Ahrenholz, born in Germany and died at the age of sixty-two years. Seven children were born to this union: George, the oldest boy, who is now farming on the old home place, married Gertrude Hoogerman and they have a daughter, Ella. Arnt married Anna Sejyer. They have two children : Lubbert and Fred. Fritz married Reka Sehultz. They have a daughter, Anna. Elzena married Michael Groote and has two children : Freda and Ella. Enalena, now deceased, married John Korthuse. They have had five children: George, Ella, Mary, Dena and Lubbert, Ella married Edward Devries and has two children, Etta and Ella.

George S. Eichmiller, the popular cashier of the State Bank of Hector, was born in a log cabin in Carver county. Minnesota. He first saw the light of day on August 16, 1858, and is the son of Michael and Lena (Utz) Eichmiller. He attended the country district school, and later the Franklin public school at St. Paul, Minn., and completed his education at the St. Paul Business College. In the spring of 1879 he began his business career, his first position being that of bookkeeper in the hardware store of Muldoon Bros., at Hammond, Wisconsin, where he remained until January, 1880, when he entered the employ of J. Preiss & Son, of Glencoe, Minn. For two years he kept the books for this firm, when he severed his connection with the firm and opened a general merchandise store at Glencoe, under his own name. Four years later he sold this business and went to Lake City, Minn., for a short time in 1886. Returning to Glencoe he worked for others until 1891, when he came to Hector. Minn., began work for Peterson Lunder & Co., as bookkeeper. He remained with this firm until January 1, 1893, when he accepted the position of assistant cashier of the State Bank of Hector, becoming cashier a year later. He is a stockholder in the State Bank of Hector, treasurer and stockholder in the Hector Elevator Co., treasurer and stockholder of the Hector Telephone Exchange, stockholder in the Twin City Fire Insurance Co., of Minneapolis, .Minn., he was president of the village council of Hector for seven years. He votes the Republican ticket. On September 9, 1885, Mr. Eichmiller was married to Alice M. Dean, daughter of Franklin B. and Yerlinda (Smith) Dean. Their first daughter, Grace Elinor, was born June 24, 1886, and died August 14, 1886. Their second daughter, Yerlinda May, was born March 11. 1889. She is a graduate of the Hector High school, of Carlton College, Northfield, Minn., and of the domestic, science department of the Uni-

Michael Eichmiller was born in Germany and married Lena TJtz, born in Germany. They came to America in a sailing vessel in 1851, their voyage taking sixty-two days. For a short time they lived in Cincinnati, Ohio, leaving there for Carver county, Minnesota, where Mr. Eichmiller took up a homestead in the timber, cleared part of it and built a log cabin. The cabin was a small one, and was shingled with the bark from the trees, and it was here that his son George was born. Mr. Eichmiller was killed in December, 1S57, by a tree falling on him, while clearing his land, so George never saw his father. They had one other child in addition to George, a daughter, Margaret, born January 4, 1856, now Mrs. Kloos, who lives in Grant county, Minnesota, where her husband is a prosperous farmer.

Henry L. Torbenson, assistant cashier of the State Bank of Hector, was born October 30, 1874, in McLeod county, Minnesota, son of Thomas and Caroline (Olson) Torbenson. He completed the work in the public school and attended the seminary at Willmar. Minn. After that he came to Hector and for three years taught school in the winter and farmed in the summer. Then he worked with the Johnson Hardware Company, of Hector, for two years. The next two years he was bookkeeper in the Hector State Bank after which he assumed the duties of his present position. In politics he is a Republican and for the past ten years has been the village treasurer. In 1914 he was made a member of the school board and is still serving. He is doing efficient work as secretary of the local telephone company. Fraternally he is a member of the Hector Lodge, No. 158, A. F. & A. M. He is also a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Torbenson was united in marriage July 2, 1907, to Eva Griffith, born January 17. 1SS6, at Beaver Falls, Minn., daughter of William D. and Alberta Griffith, and to this union one child, Lyle, was born February 18, 1912.

The Farmers' State Bank of Sacred Heart was established by Ed. O'Connor. He opened for business Nov. 28, 188S, in Mc- Gregor's lumber office on the railroad right of way. This building has been moved and is now used as a cobbler's shop by former Sheriff Hans Field. The bank was later moved to lot B, block 11, before it was taken to its present location. F. G. Nellermoe was the first cashier. After him came Mary O'Connor, who served some fourteen years. The first depositor in the bank was Karenus 0. Agre. The institution was incorporated as a state bank, March 13, 1905, by the following: Edward O'Connor, John L. Johnson. Randolph Arnold, Timothy O'Connor. Nelson L. Johnson. Herman 0. Skalbeck, Andrew II. Anderson, John S. Olson, Martin J. Larson. Erie Dosseth, Edward Paulson. Carl G. Hillard. Jerome

H. Titus, Haagen 0. Agre, Lars Milsten, Anton 0. Skrukrud, Martin E. Doeken, Harold C. Omholt, Albert E. Doeken, Renholt H. Nelson, Osmund K. Osmundson, John I. Johnson, Ole C. Sparstad, Helge J. Svein, Gunerius 0. Bergan, Mary Asher, Mary 0 'Conner, Ole P. Sveiven, and Ole P. Skeggeby. The bank began with a capital of $25,000. The first board of directors were Edward O'Connor, Anton 0. Skrukrud, Haagen 0. Agre, Carl G. Hillard, Herman 0. Skalbeck. The board at present is constituted as follows: Edward O'Connor, president; Timothy O'Connor, vice president; Oscar Olufson, cashier; C. M. Olufson. assistant cashier. Directors - Edward O'Connor. Sacred Heart, .Minn.: Wm. O'Connor. T. O'Connor, Renville, Minn.: II. (). Agre. A. I >. Skrukrud, Sacred Heart, Minn.

A recent publication has said: "The Faimiers' State Bank was started in 188S by Ed. O'Connor, and has been under his personal supervision ever since, barring a five-year period, from 1905 to 1910, when he went to North Dakota to put through some big land colonization deals, which took his entire time. The Farmers' State Bank has withstood all the changes of time in the past twenty-seven years, has passed through the panicky times of 1893 and again in 1907. remaining in the best financial condition through it all, and coming out, figuratively speaking, with drums beating and colors Hying. Today its stockholders aggregate a personal responsibility of over $2,000,000. Many of our best and most prosperous and wealthy farmers are shareholders in this bank, adding much to its popularity. It is now the largest and strongest bank in Renville county and frequently carries upwards of $500,000 in deposits. It, therefore, at all times has ample funds to accommodate all patrons and to finance all their legitimate undertakings. Not only is Ed. O'Connor himself and his brothers, Timothy and William, of Renville, who are associated with him in this institution, all thorough bankers and constitute, with H. 0. Agre and A. 0. Shrukrud, a board of directors that actually directs, but they have called in and put in charge of their bank two brothers, Oscar Olufson, cashier, and <'. M. Olufson, assistant cashier, who are carefully trained, energetic, and practical bankers, with whom it is a pleasure to deal. They have had many years of experience in the banking business and are now well acquainted with local conditions, the cashier having worked in this bank since 1911. A dominant civic spirit runs through the doings of this institution. They are leaders in community work and every good enterprise and undertaking has at once and without question their moral and material support. Nor is any unfortunate or needy individual of the community ever turned away without cheerful and generous assistance."

Edward O'Connor, banker, man-of -affairs, and leading citizen, was born in Dane county. Wisconsin, September 11, 1861, son of -lames and Elizabeth (Eriekson) O'Connor. He was taken to Forest City, Iowa, at the age of six years and there received his school training. It was in the fall of 1880 that he came to Sacred Heart and soon after started his career here as a grain buyer. Since 1884 his interests have been largely identical with those of the O'Connor Brothers, bankers and land owners. Mr. O'Connor is now president of the Farmers State Bank of Sacred Heart, the McGrath State Bank of McGrath, Minnesota, and the Devils Lake State Bank of Devils Lake, North Dakota. In spite of his busy life, Mr. O'Connor has found time for public service for fifteen years as president of the village of Sacred Heart. Fraternally he affiliates with the Odd Fellows at Renville, the United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen at Sacred Heart, and the Knights of Columbus at Minneapolis. In politics he is a Democrat. A recent publication has said: "Ed O'Connor came a poor boy from Iowa in 1880. He started as a well driller and has worked in various businesses since, but whatsoever he has taken hold of it has prospered and he has made' a success of it. Failure is unknown to him. He is energetic and a hard worker and still personally looks after his own affairs as he always has done in the past. He has built up a remarkable record of achievement from small beginnings, until he together with his brothers now exceed in real estate holdings and in amount of taxes paid on same any other firm in Renville county. Most of his money has been made in real estate, and he has, perhaps, done more than any single pi rson to advance the prices of our lands from $20 per acre to $100. For all his opulence, Ed O'Connor is the same unspoiled man today that he was before he made his wealth. Simple in tastes and democratic in ideal and spirit, he associates freely and on equal footing with farmer, merchant or laborer that comes to his bank. He believes in fair and square dealing only, and his boast is that he never did business with a man but that he could do business with him again." Mr. O'Connor was married October 27, 1879, to Minnie Blowers, born at Forest City, Iowa, April 28, 1865, daughter of John and Sarah (Belt) Blowers. Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor have been blessed with seven children: Birdie, Mary, William, Pearl, Wallace, Delilah and Margaret. Birdie was born February 25, 1881. She married T. O. Ramsland, now of Lemmon, South Dakota, and has four children : Evert, Norman (deceased), Otis and .lames. Mary was born November 21, 1882, and married Albert Brennon, of Chicago. William was bom October 21, 1885, farms in Hawk Creek township, married Iva Lawrence, and has three children, Maurice, Pearl and Virgil. Pearl was born February 3, 1889, and married Herman Tnfft, of Hawk Creek township. Wallace was born July 22, 1894, farms in Hawk Creek township, married Jeanette Dunlevy, and has one child, Ruth Ann. Delilah, born January 28, 1898, is a student at St. Catherine's College at St. Paul. Margaret, horn February 7, 1905, attends the Sacred Heart schools. Tin- family faith is that of the Catholic church, the services of that denomination since the earliest <lays having been held at the O'Connor residence. John Blowers was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and devoted his life to farming ami to the practice of veterinary surgery. He died Septemher 16, 1885. His wife, Sarah Belt, born in Indiana, is still living, now making her home in Iowa. In the Blowers family there were eight children: Polly, Robert, Minnie, Olive and Nettie, who are living, and George, Thomas ami Charles, who are dead.

The Peoples First National Bank of Olivia dates from 1889, when a private hank was started under the name of the Peoples Bank, with P. W. Heins as president and ( !. W. MeMindes as cashier, these two being the sole owners. It was thus conducted until the state law compelled all private banks to organize. The Peoples First National Bank was accordingly incorporated, March 3, 1908, by C. A. Heins, Warren II. Heins, B. F. Byers, W. J. Heaney and E. G. Heins. who also became the first board of directors. The first officers were: C. A. Heins, president: Warren II. Heins, vice president: E. G. Heins, cashier; and A. X. Nelson, assistant cashier. January 1. 1914, P.. P. Byers succeeded Warren H. Heins as vice president, he in turn succeeding E. G. Heins as cashier. A. N. Nelson was elected a director. January 1, 1915, Warren II. Heins resigned and was succeeded by A. N. Nelson as cashier, and Albert Paulson became assistant cashier. John Mehlhouse became a director. The present officers are: C. A. Heins, president; B. F. Byers, vice president; A. N. Nelson, cashier, and A. Paulson, assistant cashier ; C. A. Heins, B. F. Byers, A. N. Nelson, W. J. Heaney, John Mehlhouse. directors. The bank believes in honest dealings to all and in treating all patrons alike. This institution, one of the oldest in the county, has done much for the development of the county and is taking an active part in every move for the progress of the community. C. A. Heins. the owner of the controlling interest, and the present president, is the oldest son of P. W. Heins. the founder of the institution, and he has taken pride in preserving the spirit so long maintained by his honored forebear.

Peter W. Heins, for many years a leader in Renville county life, was born near Hamburg, Germany, December 3, 1846, son of Christian Heins, who brought the family to America in 1851, locating at Iowa. There were five boys in the family who all located in Louisa county, Iowa, Chris, Henry, Peter, Ferdinand and John, the last two named being veterans of the Civil war. Peter grew to manhood and taught school. He also worked in the saw mills at Minneapolis for a short period. In the spring of 1870 he came to Beaver Falls, Renville county, and with his brother John built a general store for hardware, groceries and crockery. This was afterwards changed to a hardware store exclusively. In 1878 Peter W. started a hardware store in Olivia. In 1880 he brought his family to Olivia and took Gustavus McClure into partnership, in the Beaver Falls business. He also had a store at Renville, under the name of Heins & Company, and one at Morton under the name of Keefe, Heins & McClure. In 1889 B. F. Byers bought half interest in the Olivia store and it became Heins & Byers. Mr. Heins was among the first to settle in Olivia. He platted an addition to the village and held many leading offices. In 1889 the Peoples Bank, a private institution, was organized and Mr. Heins became the president with C. W. McMindes as cashier In March, 1908, the Peoples Bank was merged into the Peoples First National Bank with ('. A. Heins as president. Peter W. Heins was one of the organizers of the Melbourne State Bank, Florida, which was later removed to Fort Pierce, Florida, and is now the Bank of Fort Pierce. He was a stockholder in this bank at the time of his death. Mr. Heins was chairman of the county seat committee for twenty-five years. The purpose of this committee was to get the court house removed from Beaver Falls to Olivia, which was accomplished. The overwhelming responsibilities and worry connected with this position affected Mr. Heins to such an extent that it caused him to fail in health, and possibly shortened his life. He was a member of the Olivia Lodge No. 220, A. F. & A. M. He was a communicant of the Methodist Episcopal church and helped establish the early church. He was greatly interested in school work. Mr. Heins was united in marriage December 29, 1842, to Margaret Jane Patterson of Indiana, third child of William and

A9Tok. Lknox And Tildkn Tounqations

Mary Jane (Campbell) Patterson. Mrs. Patterson was a great church worker and before her marriage was a school teacher. She died in 1904 at the age of fifty-six. Mr. Heins died in May, 1902. in his fifty-sixth year. Six children were born to these parents, Charles A., Elva (deceased), Walter (deceased), Minnie (deceased), Warren H., and one unnamed who died in infancy. Charles A. is president of the Peoples First National Bank of Olivia. Warren H. is in the hardware business and a member of the firm of Heins & Byers.

Charles A. Heins, business man and banker of Olivia, was born at Beaver Falls, this county, October 22, 1873, and was educated in the public schools, Hamline University at Midway, and the Curtis Business College at Minneapolis. In 1897 he entered his father's bank as bookkeeper and three years later became the vice president, a position he held until 1904, when he became president. He was also connected with the hardware business until 1915. In 1904 he organized and became the president of the Canning Factory at Olivia. He has been a member of the State militia since 1897, and for eleven years, from 1901 to 1912, served as first lieutenant. During the Spanish-American war he enlisted as a private in the Fourteenth Minnesota Volunteers and was promoted to quartermaster sergeant. For three years he served on the village council. He is a member of the Olivia Lodge No. 220, A. F. & A. M., of Olivia, St. Paul Chapter No. 1, R. A. M., of St. Paul, Osman Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of St. Paul, and the Damaskus Commandery No. 1, K. T., of St. Paul. Mr. Heins was united in marriage April 22, 1901, to Verna Cole, of St. Paul, Minnesota, daughter of Frank and Caroline (Farley) Cole, of Blue Earth county. Mr. Cole was born in England. Mrs. Cole's father was a Virginian of English descent and her mother was of Norwegian parentage. Mr. and Mrs. Heins have one child, Charles, born October 6, 1908. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

The State Bank of Fairfax was incorporated November 16, 1891. The incorporators were: Carl Hornburg, Luther H. Nichols, E. F. Sell and L. T. Grady. The first officers were: President. Carl Hornburg; vice-president, E. F. Sell; cashier, L. T. Grady. The bank opened for business November 16, 1891, in the building which it built that year. In 1909 the building was enlarged by adding a room in the rear and in 1911 an extra story was built. The present officers are : President, J. W. Schramm ; vice-president, Charles Lammers; cashier, A. E. Carver, and assistant cashier, B. J. Schramm. The Security Bank of Fairfax was absorbed February 1, 1895.

Following is a statement of the condition of the bank at the close of business on June 23, 1915: Resources - loans and discounts. $168,814.21: overdrafts. $1,088.73; banking house, fur-

Julius W. Schramm, a Leading banker of Fairfax, was born in Germany December 5. 1855, son of Karl G. and Johanna (Fenseke)' Schramm. The family came to America in 1856 and in 1857 Karl (i. Schramm started a general store in New Ulm in company with his brother-in-law, Henry Schalk, which they operated for only a short time. After selling out his interest in this store Karl <;. Schramm bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Milford township. Brown county, to which he moved and win-re he lived until 1875. In 1871 he opened a general store in New Tim with Michael Redman, under the firm name of Redman & Schramm. Each partner was to furnish a man in the store and Julius W. Schramm took his father's place in the store and managed his father's interest until 1879. In the meantime tin' lather in 1875 moved from the farm to New rim. where he lived until about 1891, when he moved to Fairfax, where he remained until his death. August 29, 1899. at the age of sixtyseven. Mrs. Johanna (Fenseke) Schramm died January 1. 1913. Tn 1879 Julius W. Schramm bought his father's interest in the store and remained there with Mr. Redman until the store was destroyed by the cyclone which demolished a part of the city in 1881. Mr. Schramm was severely injured in this storm. After his recovery he worked as a clerk in a general store in Albert Lea until 1886, after which he spent four years in a general store in St. Paul. .Mi-. Schramm came to Fairfax in 1891 and bought a half interest in the general store of Emil F. Sell, where he remained until 190(1. at which time he became president of the State Bank of Fairfax, which position he still holds. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen id' America. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they take an active part. Mr. Schramm was married on October 19. 1881, to Minnie Redman, a daughter of Michael and Henrietta (Breitkreutz) Redman. Mr. Redman was a pioneer merchant of New Ulm, tin' one who has been mentioned as being connected with the Sehr; ns in the general mercantile business at that place. He died in 1881 at the age id' fifty-six years. I lis widow is still living at the age of eighty-five years and makes her home with her daughter Anna. Mrs Charles Ferke, at Sleepy Eye, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Schramm have four children. The eldest, Estella J., is married to Frank Hopkins, of Fairfax, a prominent attorney of Renville county. They have three chil- dren: Ora, Lois and Wayne. The second child, Edna J]., is a teacher in the Fairfax public schools. She is a graduate of the Fairfax High school and of the Winona State'Normal school. The third child, Minnie J., is a graduate of the Fairfax High school and of the Swedish Hospital of Minneapolis and is now a visiting- uurse for the city of Minneapolis. The fourth child, and the youngest, Benjamin J., is a graduate of the Fairfax High school and of the Minneapolis Business college, and has been assistant cashier in the State Bank of Fairfax since July, 1913.

Albert E. Carver, a prominent hanker and business man of Fairfax, was horn in Walworth county. Wisconsin, August 19, 1868, son of Thomas ('. and Lucretia (Foote) Carver. His father was a farmer and died in August, 1911, at the age of sixty-eight years. His mother is still living at the age of sixty-five years at Ft. Dodge, Iowa. At the age of thirteen Albert E. Carver went to work in a blacksmith shop. After two years of this kind of work he became a clerk in a general store at Kalo, Iowa. where he remained for two years. He attended a business college at Ft. Dodge and graduated in 1887, becoming bookkeeper for Anton Rank, the bookbinder in Ft. Dodge. During this tinehe studied shorthand by himself and became a stenographer. For two years he assisted A. E. Clark, attorney in Ft. Dodge, coming to Minneapolis with him in 1889, when he became the general attorney for the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad. After serving in the law offices of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad for two years he resigned ami opened a public stenographer's office in Minneapolis, which he operated for two years. In 1893 Mr. Carver came to Fairfax and started the Security Hank, of which he became cashier. In 1895 this was consolidated with the State Hank of Fairfax and he became the assistant cashier,

Carver has been village recorder for ten years and member of the village school board for fifteen years. He is a member of Fairfax Lodge No. 261, A. F. & A. M., and has passed through all the chairs. He is now treasurer and senior steward. April 26, 1894. Mr. Carver was married to Mary O'Hara, daughter of James and Johanna (Ganey) O'Hara, Mi-. O'Hara being a pioneer farmer. Six children have been born to this marriage: Raymond, born March 27, 1895; Harold, born February :!. 1897, ami .lied in 1904: Esther, born March 20, 1898; Eunice, horn October 10, 1900: Lucretia, born October 20. 190::. and Lyall born October 12. 1905.

The Security Bank of Renville was incorporated on September 1, 1892, and opened for business in the Lee block, now occupied by the F. A. Schafer furniture store. The first officers were: President, W. D. Spaulding: vice president, L. E. Lien: cashier.

The First National Bank of Renville took the place of the Security Bank, January 17, 1903. At that time the officers were : President, II. N. Stabeck; vice presidents, F. O. Gold and H. J. Dale ; cashier, A. A. Bennett ; directors, H. N. Stabeck, II. J. Dale, W II. Gold, F. 0. Gold and G. J. Lee. In 1905, A. A. Bennett succeeded G. J. Lee as a director. F. O. Gold succeeded H. N. Stabeck as president in 1907. The next year, H. J. Dale became president and J. PI. Dale vice president. A. A. Bennett continued as cashier. The directors were these three gentlemen with M. C. Dale and A C. Bennett. Since then there has been no change in the officers.

H. J. Dale, president of the First National Bank of Renville, was born in Lyster, Norway, November 16, 1849, son of Jorgen P. and Martha L. (Larson) Dale, who brought him to Vernon county, Wisconsin, in 1860. In 1868 he went to Sparta, Wisconsin, where he clerked in a store and attended school. In 1S74 he came to Willmar in this state, and witli P. H. Rose engaged in the general mercantile business, continuing in this line for some twenty years. In 1885 he became interested in J. H. Dale & Co. of Renville, and in 1894 sold out his interests at Willmar and moved here. A year later he became interested in the Security State Bank, which is

J. H. Dale Ii. J. Dale

J. H. Dale, vice president of the First National Bank of Renville, was born in Vernon county, Wisconsin. February 8, 1862, son of Christopher and Guerie (Dalen) Dale. He was reared on a farm, and secured his education by attending school during- the winter terms. At the age of eighteen he commenced clerking for the firm of Dale & Rpise of Willmar, this state, with whom he remained for three years. Then he engaged in business for himself at Grafton, North Dakota, for a year. Returning to Willmar he purchased the drug and grocery department of the store in which he had previously been employed. It was in 1885 that he came to Renville and established the firm of J. II. Dale & Co. This firm for a while conducted a general store in the O'Connor block, but in 1896 moved to the quarters now occupied by the firm of Bottege & Hassinger, the firm of J. II. Dale «& Co. having erected the block. At the same time the Security Bank moved into the same block. For a number of years J. II. and H. J. Dale were the principal members of the firm of Dale & Co. Later P. J. Bottege entered the firm. Still later M. L. Hassinger acquired an interest. Several years ago the Dale interests were sold to Bottege & Hassinger. J. II. Dale was connected with the old Security Bank and with its successor, the present First National Bank, in various capacities before assuming his present position. He has been chairman of the Republican county committee, has served on the council and on the school board and has done other public service.

A. A. Bennett, cashier of the First National Bank of Renville, was born January 31, 1870, in Glencoe, this state, son of C. A. and Margaret (Lee) Bennett. The father, for many years a prominent man of this vicinity and a leading newspaper editor at Granite Falls, this state, is still a resident of that village. A. A. Bennett was educated in Granite Falls and for many years engaged in newspaper work with his father at that place. For two years he was assistant secretary of the Republican National League, and for three years he was a clerk in the postoffiee of the House of Representatives at Washington, D. C. In 1900 he came to Renville as a bookkeeper in the old Security Bank. He assumed the duties of his present position in 1902.

The Bank of Miles was started as a private bank with William O'Connor as president; Timothy O'Connor as vice president : and Halvor J. Lee as cashier. In 1900 a controlling interest was sold to Hans Gronnerud. January 9, 1902, the institution was incorporated as the Danube State Bank, those interested being : Timothy O'Connor, William O'Connor, Halvor J. Lee, F. A. Schroeder, F. G. Nellermoe, W. H. Cheney and Fred W. Orth.

which opened its doors for business September 1. 1893, and was a private bank with Ed. O'Connor as president, T. O'Connor as vice-president and F. G. Nellermoe as cashier. In January, 1895, F. G. Nellermoe purchased the interest of O'Connor brothers and was the sole owner of the Bank of Buffalo Lake until January 18, 1901. Then it was converted into a state bank under the name of State Bank of Buffalo Lake, the charter bearing the date of January 18, 1901, with a capital of $15,000. The incorporators of the bank were as follows : D. W. Topliff, George Haag, Richard Fischer, William Quandt, J. C. Nagel. John Quast, Herman Manthei, Joseph Flor, F. G. Nellermoe, J. A. Sodercpiist, Fred Woelpern, Peter Olson, August Ahlbrecht, Nels Olson and P. A. Burgstahler. The first officers were : D. W. Topliff, president ; J. C. Nagel, vice-president, and F. G. Nellermoe, cashier. The directors were as follows: D. W. Topliff, F. G. Nellermoe, August Ahlbrecht, Peter Olson, J. C. Nagel, John Quast and George Haag. The bank owns its building, erected in 1910, and has one of the most commodious and up-to-date two-story vaults, a safety box department, for the convenience of its patrons, and the American Bankers' Electric Burglar Alarm System of the latest pattern. Mr. Nellermoe was cashier of the bank when it first started in 1893, during the time of the great panic, and has held that position up to the present time. The capital stock has increased from $15,000 to $25,000 and built up a surplus of $5,000, all earned, under his management. The bank is strictly a country bank, and deals in improved farms in the home locality, and is ready and willing to help build up its town and community, as well as to lend its aid in building of silos, sowing alfalfa and to better in a general way the conditions of its territory. For many years it has loaned money to farmers at cut rates, for the purpose of tiling and drainage, thereby encouraging tile drainage and the betterment of the lands to the benefit of its farmer patrons.

Following is a statement of the condition of the bank at the close of business on June 23, 1915. Resources - loans and discounts. $194,668.34; overdrafts, $148.34; bonds and securities. $3,000; banking house, furniture and fixtures, $6,600; other real estate, $8,400; due from banks. $39,382.71; cash on hand. $9,255.57; total cash assets, $48,638.28; total, $261,454.96. Liabilities - capital stock and surplus, $30,000; undivided profits, net, $1,989.16; notes rediscounted and bills payable, including certificates for money borrowed, none; deposits, $229,465.80: other liabilities, none; total. $261,454.96. Amount of reserve on hand, $48,638.28. Amount of reserve required by law, $14,708.68.

Public L1Brar Tilde

Frantz G. Nellermoe, banker at Buffalo Lake, Miuu.. was born in the northern part of Norway, known as Korgen, in the Hemnaes precinct of Hegeland, on September 5, 1860. He lived with his parents on a small farm and when six years old was sent out to herd cattle in the mountainous regions which surround that neighborhood, receiving as wages $5 in cash, together with his board and washing. This occupation kept him busy six months every summer until he reached the age of thirteen. During the winter he attended school and received a good education, taking the average country hoy's training of that time as a standard and considering the fact that only nine weeks of school were offered. In the fall of 1873 his father's brother, John K. Christofferson. came home from the United States, giving glorious accounts of America and of his 160-acre farm in the township of Hawk Creek, Renville county, Minnesota. Frantz had four brothers and two sisters, making a large family to rear in the barren country of northern Norway. During the long winter months of 1873-74 the future of these- children was discussed and as a result of these family couneils. Frantz and Theodore were to immigrate to America with their uncle, who planned to return in the spring. Accordingly the two boys left the old homestead in March, 1874. The snow was then about eight feet deep on level ground and winter showed no signs of relaxing. The storms and tribulations and the dense coal dust of Liverpool, England, have not to this day been forgotten by these two brothers. The passage across the Atlantic was exceedingly cold and stormy, and the cold April winds were almost too much for the heavy home spun coats. On May '2 the much-ta.lked-of "land of the free" came into sight and on May 3, 1874, Frantz with other emigrants landed in New York City and was herded into the old Castle Garden, retained there two or three days with the other emigrants and finally sent west on the Erie railroad, reaching St. Paul. Minn., on the ninth of May. There the uncle visited friends and the boys made themselves at home at the depot during their stay. Mr. Nellermoe remembers how they had to walk on planks through mud puddles to reach the depot and how the frogs kept them awake with their incessant croaking. At that time there were no railroads in Renville county, so the only way to reach their farm in Hawk Creek was to travel by rail to Willmar and then across country by wagon road. They arrived at "Willmar May 10. and two days later began their long tramp on foot from Willmar to Hawk Creek. It took them some time to become accustomed to their new home and the new customs and language, and they found the mosquitoes the hardest of all to become accustomed to. When fall came they attended school in an unchinked, unplastered log school house, the school term being three months. It was possible for this reason to attend more than one school, as the teacher taught in two or three schools during the year. At first it was very difficult for the hoys to get along because their first teacher, Nellie Ennestvedt, now Mrs. Peder Kittelsland, of South Sacred Heart, would not permit any Norwegian spoken in the school room. However, they were aided by other Norwegian speaking pupils, who translated the rules and assignment of lessons. The next important event in the life of Frantz Nellermoe came with the disastrous arrival of the grasshoppers, sweeping over the country in great clouds and devastating all grain and hay crops that year and the next and then disappearing as suddenly as they appeared. The hard times following the raid made it necessary for Mr. Nellermoe to hire out elsewhere. He walked all the way to the Red River Valley and found work with farmers in Richland and Cass counties in North Dakota. He had resolved to save $100 every year, and that year exceeded his own expectations by coming home with $150. He was only a boy of sixteen and considered himself very fortunate-. Soon after this Mr. Nellermoe's father died in Norway, and in 1878 his mother, accompanied by his brothers, Jacob and Nels. and his sisters. Ellen and Anna, came to this country and resided on a 120-acre farm purchased by Frantz. Later his mother purchased forty acres of land adjoining her son's farm. Besides farming he also operated a separator for seven seasons of threshing, and in this way was able to meet the obligations incurred by the purchase of his farm. Realizing thai he was not as completely prepared as he would wish to compete with other men of better education he sold his farm and invested the proceeds in the securing of an education, spending two years at St. Olaf's college at Northfield and one year at the Archibald Business college at Minneapolis, then located on the third floor of the building on the corner of First avenue south and Third street. He graduated from this institution May 1, 1885, just eleven years from the day he tirst landed in this country. After an unsuccessful attempt to secure work in the city he returned home and obtained a position in the general store of Stenson & Ramsland, of Sacred Heart, as clerk and general assistant. Later he accepted a position with J. S. Johnson, of Granite falls, selling farm implements. Next he entered the general merchandise business with his brother Theodore, of Sacred Heart. After four years spent in the mercantile business he formed a. partnership with Ed O 'Conner and bought grain at Sacred Heart in the Farmers' Warehouse of that place for two years. Leaving that business Air. Nellermoe, together with John and Ed O'Conner, established the Farmers' Bank, of Sac-red Heart. Mr. Nellermoe being chosen cashier. He held this position until 1893, when he with Tim and Ed O'Conner established the Bank of Buffalo Lake, with F. (i. Nellermoe as its cashier and manager. He later purchased the interest of the O'Conner brothers in the bank and became the sole owner, manager and cashier until it was incorporated January 18, 1901. as the State Hank of Buffalo Lake. Mr. Nellermoe was elected cashier by the board of directors and has held that position up to the present time. At the time that the Bank of Buffalo Lake was established the village had a population of about 125 people. Mr. Nellermoe was one of the first organizers of the Farmers' Elevator Co. at Sacred Heart, which was the first organization of that kind in Renville county. He acted as secretary. He also has been instrumental in organizing two other companies of this kind in Buffalo Lake and two creameries. .Mr. Nellermoe is \rvy much interested in tin' general advancement and progress of his community and has done many things for the betterment of Buffalo Lake. He is credited with having spent $2,000 in building and improving public roads leading to Buffalo Lake. He maintains a standing offer to all land owners near Buffalo Lake to supply them with money at a reduced rate of interest for the purpose of tiling their lands, the building of silos and purchase of good live stock. He has held a number of minor local offices, beginning with the clerkship of school district No. 41 in Hawk Creek and then in the following succession the offices of president, councilman, village recorder and clerk of school board, of Sacred Heart. Later at Buffalo Lake he has held the offices of village recorder, village president and clerk of the village school board. He has now retired from official life with the exception of the office of secretary of the Renville County obi Settlers' Association. Mr. Nellermoe is an influential and respected man and has acquired his present independent position in life by means of hard work and self-denial. His motto is: "The drone will starve owning a gold mine and the hustler will prosper on a barren island." He has seen Renville county when it was practically a wilderness with dugouts as the best buildings the farmers could afford, and he has seen the same farmers erect palatial dwellings and modern barns and acquire the latest conveniences. He lias seen railroads built across the northern and southern portions of Renville county and was one of the many who helped remove the sand in the building of the Milwaukee Railroad. He has assisted in the building up of two villages in the county, and while he is now over fifty-five years of age he still appears capable of accomplishing much good for his village and county, and is by no means ready or willing to be counted on the retired list. Owning four improved farms near Buffalo Lake, one of which has 2.000 rods of woven wire fence and nine and one-half miles of tiled ditches, he has something to look after in hours when not occu- pied at the bank, and lie needs energy and push to keep his affairs intact, therefore he has no thought of retirement until he is forced to by nature. Mr. Nellermoe was married June 5, 1894, to Julia C. Hanson, of Woodville, Wis. She was born June 5, 1ST:;, the oldest daughter of Peter and Martha Hanson, natives of Hemnaes, Nordland, Norway, who came to America by sailing vessel in 1864 and located on a farm in the pine forest of St. Croix county, Wisconsin, where they made their home till 1914, when they sold their farm and retired from active farming and now reside in the village of Woodville. Two sons have been born to bless this union : Joy <>., now a student in the College of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, and Piatt M., a graduate of the 1915 class of the Hector High school.

The Olivia State Bank was incorporated January 1, 1895, being state bank No. 218. The following persons formed this association for incorporation : M. J. Dowling, Ed. 0 'Connor, T. O'Connor and Jesse T. Brooks, all of Renville; M. J. Glen, T. H. McGinty, W. J. Heany. Fred M. Byrne, James E. Davenport, John Miller. P. H. Kirwan. William Windhorst, J. M. Peckinpaugh, Marie Erna Pfeiffer and C. E. Peterson, all of Olivia: J. S. Coughlin, James Curtin and Mrs. Mattie Coughlin, all of Minneapolis ; T. H. Collyer, of Beaver Falls, and George W. Sommerville, of Sleepy Eye. The amount of capital stock was $25,000. The first officers were: Ed. O'Connor, president; William Windhorst, vice-president; P. H. Kirwan, cashier; E. L. DePue, assistant cashier. The first certificate of stock issued by the bank was the one issued to M. J. Dowling. The bank opened for business January 1, 1895, in its own building, which was erected by the building committee during the fall of 1894. It still occupies this building.

January 14, 1896, D. W. Cheney became president and Hans Gronnerud cashier. January 9, 1900, Hans Gronnerud became president and E. L. DePue cashier. H. A. Reed succeeded as cashier July 10, 1900. D. W. Cheney succeeded Hans Gronnerud as president May 2s. 11)01, and he in turn was succeeded by George Welsh, as president. August 26. 1902. The present incumbent is M. J. Dowling, who took office October 21. 1902. Hattie S. Bordewich, on August 1, 1903, succeeded H. A. Reed as cashier. William Windhorst was succeeded as vice-president by J. M. h'n email. January 10, 1905. D. D. Cheney, Jr., was appointed assistant cashier January 9, 1906, and was succeeded by the present assisl;ml cashier, Harold Bordewich. February 1, 1908. Harold Griffith was appointed as an additional cashier August 1, 1915. The present officers are: M. J. Dowling, president; J. M. Freeman, vice-president: Hattie S. Bordewich. cashier; Harold Bordewich, assistant cashier, and Harold Griffith, assistant cashier.

The policy of the bank is, with a conservative regard for the interest of its stockholders, to do the most good in the best manner for the patrons and the community.

M. J. Dowling, president of the Olivia State Bank, was born in Huntington, Massachusetts, February 17, 18G6, son of John Jerome Dowling and Honora Barry Dowling, both of whom are deceased. He came to Minnesota in 1877, and; except for intervals of temporary residence elsewhere, has lived in Minnesota continuously since that time. He has lived in only six counties during these years, Olmsted, Lincoln, Lyon, Yellow Medicine, Chippewa, and Renville. He was married October 2, 1895, to Jennie L. Bordewicli. and they have three daughters, Dorothy, Marjorie and Kathleen. He was assistant clerk and chief clerk of the Minnesota House of Representatives for several sessions and was speaker of the House during the regular session of 1900 and the extra session of 1901, was secretary of the National Republican League for three years, covering a period of the beginning of the MeKiuley campaign and for a year and a half after McKinley's election. He has been in the banking business in Olivia since October 19, 1902.

The State Bank of Morton opened for business November 30, 181)1, under the name of Bank of Morton. The first officers were: Hans Gronnerud, president; R. B. Henton, Sr., vice-president; F. "W. Orth, cashier, and Henry Beckman, assistant cashier. In 1898 Mr. Gronnerud sold his interest in the bank and in 1908 the bank was incorporated as a state bank with a capital of $25,000 and $5,000 surplus. The surplus has been increased out of the earnings to $10,000. The incorporators were F. W. Orth, R. B. Henton. Henry Beckman, Fred Aufderheide, Mary A. F. Gloden, John Cheney, Louis Zinne and Charles H. Orth. The present officers of the bank are: F. W. Orth, president; R, B. Henton, vice-president; Henry Beckman, cashier, and Clinton G. Orth, assistant cashier.

Henry Beckman, a progi'essive citizen of Morton, was born August 12, 1871, in Jordan, Minnesota. His father, Prank Beckman, a farmer, came to Minnesota in 1856. He was a member of Company I, of the Fifth Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and fought in the battles of Corinth and Yicksburg. He died March, 1911, at the age of eighty years. His mother, Mary (Loeiine) Beckman, aged seventy, is still living at Jordan. Mr. Beckman attended the country schools and later the Lakeview Academy at Sauk Centre. At the age of 18 he began as an apprentice in the Scott County Bank at Jordan. This was in May, 1889. Here he remained for two years. Next he worked in the general store of R H Kempton at Morton for six months, and later worked for three months in the harvest fields. When the State Bank of Morton was started on November 30. 1891, he was given the position of assistant cashier, and on March 2, 1908, became the cashier, which position he still holds. Mr. Beckman is the secretary of the Morton Telephone Company, recording secretary of the C. O. F., and holds the fourth degree of membership in the Knights of Columbus. He is also a member of the Catholic church. .May 27. 1896, Mr. Beckman was married to Nellie Brown, daughter of James and Mary Ann (Goggin) Brown. Her father, a fanner who came from Quebec, Canada, to Renville county in 1864, where he took up a homestead in Norfolk township on section 25, died in 1884 at the age of fifty. Her mother is still living, at the age of seventy-two, in the village of Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Beckman have six children, Sophie, 18; Edith. 16: Margaret, 13; Helen, 9; Francis, 4 ; ( lharlotte, 1.

Fred W. Orth, an influential banker of this county, was horn in New 1'lm, Minn.. May 21, 1866, son of Frederick and Anna (Scharf) Orth. His lather came to Brown county in 1864, and is at present making his home at New Ulm, being seventy-four years of age. His mother died in 1914, at the age of sixty-three. Mr. Orth started a general store in Morton with H. M. Noack, in 1887. In 1896 he and Fred Aufderheide started a brickyard called the Morton Brick & Tile Company. After operating this for twelve years he sold his share and in 1892 started the bank of Morton with Hans Gronnerud. of Beaver Falls, Mr. Orth being appointed the cashier. He continued as such until March 2.

1908, when the Lank was reorganized as the State Bank of Morton, with the subject of this sketch as president. He is still located at .Morton. In company with his brother, Charles II.. he also owns a stock and grain farm near Olivia, of 800 acres, 300 acres being used for the raising of corn. They feed about 100 cattle, 100 sheep and 200 hogs per year. Mr. Orth has been an efficient and trusted man in public affairs and holds the position of village treasurer. He lias also been a member of the school board for the last twenty-five years. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and has been the secretary for twenty-five years of the I. O. O. F. Hay 121, 1891, Mr. Orth was united in marriage to Sarah E. Graham, daughter of Alexander Graham, a farmer near Green Bay, Wis. Five children have been born to this union: Clinton G., assistant cashier of the State Bank, at Morton; Ruby A., now a second year student of the University of Minnesota, and Fred R., Frank W.. and Helen M., who are at home.

The Security Bank of Fairfax was organized in the spring of 1893. A. E. Clark was the president and A. E. Carver the cashier. It was absorbed by the State Bank of Fairfax February 1. 1895.

The Farmers & Merchants State Bank, of Hector, was incorporated September 3, 189S, with a capital of $10,000. The following were the incorporators : W. B. Strom, W. Smalley, A. E. Schroeder, W. D. Griffith. A. M. Ericson, E. M. Ericson. George Johnson, Henry L. Simons, C. L. Foster and C. II. Freeman. The first officers and directors were: \Y. Smalley, president; W. B. Strom, vice-president; C. II. Freeman, cashier; W. D. Griffith, assistant cashier; Henry L. Simons, A. E. Schroeder and E. M. Ericson. The bank opened for business December 19, 1898, in the building which it has occupied ever since. In 1903 A. E. Schroeder was elected president to succeed W. Smalley. In 1905 C. H. Freeman was elected vice-president, which office he held until 1908, when he was succeeded by W. B. Strom. In 1901 S. W. Anderson was appointed to succeed W. I). Griffith, who resigned to take the office of county treasurer. In 1906 S. W. Anderson was appointed cashier to succeed C. II. Freeman. The present board is constituted of the following; S. W. Anderson, cashier, and A. B. Dahlgren, assistant cashier. In 1907 the capital stock was increased to $20,000, the additional $10,000 being converted from the surplus account, which had all been earned. The bank has maintained a consistent policy of service to the community.

The following is the latest financial statement: Resources - loans and discounts, $205,144.14; overdrafts, $157.62; banking house, furniture and fixtures, $5,675.00: cash and due from banks. $20,403.33; total, $231,380.09. Liabilities - capital stock and sur-

Albert E. Schroeder, president of the Farmers' and Merchants' State Bank of Hector, treasurer of the Hector board of education, and secretary and treasurer of the Johnson Hardware Co., of that place, was born at Randolph, Wisconsin, June 27, 1860. and was brought to Fillmore county, this state, by bis parents in lsfl-l. He was reared on a farm near Spring Valley, attended the district schools and the Spring Valley schools, and remained at home until 1881. when lie came to Renville county and started the first store at Buffalo Lake. A year and a half later lie bought a farm of eighty acres in section 23. Hector township, and engaged in farming, lie developed a splendid place, elected a good residence and suitable barns and sheds ami had added to it until he now owns 280 acres. Three years after purchasing tlic farm he engaged for a year in the hotel business in Hector. In 1902 he became interested in the hardware business at Hector, and identified himself with what is now the Johnson Hardware Co. The company was organized in 1897. was incorporated in 1901 and lias the following officers: President, (ieorge Johnson: vice-president. Leo Johnson; secretary and treasurer, A. E. Schroeder. In March, 1915, the building and stock was .lest roved by tire. The company has now completed and opened the finest store in Hector. The building occupies a commanding position, is of brick, fireproof throughout, and is modern in every particular. The company carries a complete line of furniture, hardware, farm machinery and equipment, and acts as agent for the Ford automobile. Aii undertaking establishment is also conducted. Mr. Schroeder was one of the organizers of the bank, of which he is now president, and has been a member of the board id' education tor sixteen years. He is a shrewd and cautious business man. and an influential citizen, taking an interest in everything that has for its purpose the good and betterment of the community, and contributing liberally to every worthy cause. .Air. Schroeder was married May 27. 1889, to Ella Freeman, and this union has been blessed with five children: Mildred, Myrtle, Neva, Stanley and Donald. Mildred was born April 2, 1890, graduated from the Hector High school in 1908 and from Carleton college at Northfield in 1912. since which time she has been a teacher at New Ulm. Myrtle was born June 20, 1892, graduated from the Hector High school, and was married August 25. 1914, to John Butler, son of E. J. Butler, of Martinsburg township. John Butler is now connected with the Johnson Hardware Co. Neva was horn December 14. 1894. graduated from the Hector High school and is now a student in the University of Minnesota. Stanley, born March 10. 1901. and Donald, born February 14. 1903. are both students in the public schools. Frederick Schroeder and las good wife Paulina (Ynnker) Schroeder, parents of Albert E. .Schroeder, were born in Germany, came to America early in life, were married in Wisconsin, and in 1864 came to this state and Located on a farm near Spring Valley in Fillmore county. Frederick Schroeder died in 1909 and his wife in 1901.

Swante W. Anderson, cashier of the Farmers' & Merchants' State Lank, of Hector, was born October 24, 1879, at Red Wing, Minn., son of Swante and Charlotte (Johnson) Anderson. After graduating from the Red Wing High school he spent a year at the commercial college at St. Peter. In 1898 he became bookkeeper for the Johnson Hardware Co., of Hector, and in 1900 was made assistant cashier of the bank, of which he is now cashier, having held that position of trust since 1905. when he succeeded C. H. Freeman. He is a Republican and a member of Hector Lodge No. 158, A. F. & A. M. He was president of the village council in 1913 and prior to that time served several terms as a village councilman. He is also president of the local telephone company. June 14, 1912, Mi-. Anderson was married to Lora Hoffman, born at Rochester September 28, 1884, daughter of Louis and Christina (Stephens) Hoffman. Swante Anderson, born June 10, 1841. in Sweden, came to America in the early seventies and settled in Red Wing, where he was in the grocery business for several years. lie then entered the mail service and .lied July 12, 1908, at Randolph, Minn. He was married November 30, 1876. to Charlotte Johnson, born May 26, 1861, in Pepin county, Wisconsin. She is now living in Hector. There were two children: Swante W., born October 24, 1879, and Esther, bom October 13, 1877, now Mrs. S. D. Morrill, of Hector. Louis Hoffman has devoted his life to farming and now lives in retirement at Rochester, in this state. He and his wife had three children: Edward, of Bird Island: Bertha, the widow of Theodore Adler; Lora, the wife of Swante W. Anderson.

The State Bank of Franklin was originally established by D. W. Cheney, of Sparta, Wis. ; Fred W. Orth, of Morton, and Hans Gronnerud, of Beaver Falls, in the year 1898. H. A. Reed, of Hector, was placed in charge, as cashier. In the month of July, 1900, Andrew J. Olin purchased the bank from Messrs. Cheney, Orth and Gronnerud, and continued the bank as a private banking institution until December, 1900, when the bank was reorganized and established as a state bank. The incorporators were Andrew J. Olin, Anthony Poss, C. W. Parson, A. S. Erickson. George Forsyth, Hans West and Fred Jensen, of Franklin, and Peter Manderfeld, Ferdinand Grone and Dr. J. L. Schoch, of New Ulm.

At the time of the establishment of the bank as a state institution the capital was placed at $15,000. The deposits at this time were $28,000. Since then the surplus has steadily been increased, until the year 1911 it was raised to $15,000, the same as the capital. The deposits in the meantime had increased from $28,000 to $230,000, which latter figure was the amount shown in tlie last published statement.

The first officers and directors of the State Bank were: Anthony Poss, president ; C. W. Parson, vice-president ; Andrew J. Olin, cashier; Peter Manderfeld and A. S. Erickson being the two other directors. A few years later when C. W. Parsons moved to Minneapolis, A. S. Erickson was elected vice-president in tbe place of Mr. Parsons. With this exception there has been no change in the officers or directors. O. A. Olson was elected assistant cashier in the year 1902. resigning his position as station agent for the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway Co.. and has continued in that position ever since. In 1913 John L. Peterson, who bad been bookkeeper with the bank for five years, was promoted to second assistant cashier, which position he now holds.

The bank owns the one-story brick building it has always occupied, the same being built in the year 1898 when the bank was first established. The building is of solid brick, Morton granite foundation and trimmings, and cost $5,000. The bank has at all times endeavored to promote the interests of the territory it serves, believing that the local bank should take the lead in every public improvement and enterprise.

Andrew J. Olin, a prominent banker of Franklin, was born in Sweden, October 24. 1866. He came to America in 1882 and located at New Ulm, Minn., where be worked for bis board and attended school. In 1886 lie graduated from the Curtiss Business College in Minneapolis, and became bookkeeper for the S. D. Peterson Implement Co. at New Ulm, where he remained for three years. For two years he was private secretary for Congressman John Lind in Washington, D. C. During the next nine years he was in the United States Department of Agriculture as acting chief of the Miscellaneous Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry. During this time the employees of the Department of Agriculture increased from 150 in number to over 2,000. and the appropriation of money grew from $250,000 to over $2,000,000. During the time that Mr. Olin was in Washington he attended night school and graduated from the National University Law School there in 1876. In 1900 Mr. Olin obtained a Leave of absence and came to Franklin, where he in company with Peter Manderfeld, president of the Ramsey County State Bank, of St. Paul; Anthony Poss, of Franklin; A. S. Eriekson, of Franklin, and C. W. Parsons, a real estate man of St. Paul, organized the State Bank of Franklin. Mr. Olin became the cashier and is still holding that position. When his leave of absence expired he resigned from the Department of Agriculture and lias since made his home in Franklin. Mr. Olin is the secretary of the Franklin Local & Rural Telephone Co. He is a stockholder in the Citizens' State Lank, of Gaylord, ami in the Citizens' state Bank, of Fori Rice, X. I>. .Mr. olin has been the village treasurer for fourteen years. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. at .Morton. His faith is that of the .Methodist Episcopal church. January 12. 1901, Mr. olin was married to Flora Peterson, of New [Tim, who was horn March 8, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Olin have three children: Jennie, born November 19. 19(14: Ida. horn June 23, 1907. and Mildred, born June 25, 1909.

The State Bank of Bird Island was incorporated March 2, 1908, and succeeded the Lank of Bird Island. The incorporators were: F. L. Puffer, Nicholas Bruels, Nickolas Leach, L. L. Tinnes, II. -I. Jungclaus, P. W. Winnegge, Alfred Jury, Charles Glesener and Charles R. Wolff. The first officers were F. L. Puffer, president; Nickolas Leach, vice-president; Alfred Jury, caslnrr: II. A. Puffer, assistant cashier. The directors were: F. L. Puffer, Nickolas Leach. P. \V. Winnegge, II. J. Jungclaus, Charles Glesener, <'. R. Wolff. X. Bruels, Alfred Jury and L. L. Tinnes. The hank opened for business March 2. 1908, with a capita] of +1.7.000. The institution owns its own building, which was erected in 1901. Januarj 4. 1901. Alfred Jury resigned as cashier and II. A. Puffer was .elected to succeed him and Edward Anderson was elected as assistant cashier. The present staff are: F. L. Puffer, president; Nickolas Leach, vice-president; H. A. Puffer, cashier, and Edward Anderson, assistant cashier. The directors are: Charles Glesener, Nickolas Leach, Frank Murray, P. W. Winnegge, C. R. Wolff, L. L. Tinnes. II. .1. Jungclaus, F. L. Puffer and H. A. Puffer. It has been the policy of the hank to grant every accommodation and courtesy consistent with sound banking methods and help build up Bird Island and the surrounding country.

Following is a statement of the condition of the bank at the Close of business September 2, 191.7: Resources - loans and discounts, +1 (if), .741. OS ; overdrafts. $543.02; bonds and securities, $2,350; banking house, furniture and fixtures, $6,700; other real estate. $4, .700; due from hanks and cash on hand. $10,813.63; total, $194,447.73. Liabilities - capital stock and surplus, +21,000:

The bank of Bird Island, which this bank succeeded, was organized in 1899 by practically the same persons who incorporated the State Bank of Bird Island in 1908.

The Citizens' State Bank of Fairfax was incorporated September 4, 1901. by Peter Manderfeld, Charles W. Heimaim, Jacob L. Schoch, Conrad H. Dirks, Ferdinand Crone, Jacob Klossner. Jr., George A. Biebl, Theron J. Dansinberg, Frances X. Bajes, Joseph C. Koelfgen, Anton Altmann, John A. Hage and William Dickmeyer. The board was constituted of the following : Joseph C. Koelfgen, president: Peter Manderfeld, vice-president; and ('. W. Ileimann, cashier; John A. Hage, Joseph C. Koelfgen. Peter Manderfeld, Jacob Klossner. Jr.. and Charles W. Heimann.

The bank opened for business September 16, 1901, in a twostory brick and stone building, built in 1901, building and lot being worth $5,500. The bank began with a capital stock of $20,000. January 13, 1903, the board was made up of the following: J. C. Koelfgen, president; Peter Manderfeld, vice-president; C. W. Heimann. cashier, and H. E. Grasmon. assistant cashier; J. < '. Koelfgen, George A. Biebl, Peter Manderfeld, Jacob Klossner, Jr.. and C. W. Ileimann. January 10, 1905, the board consisted of the following: Peter Manderfeld, president; George A. Biebl. vice-president; O. W. Heimann, cashier; H. E. Grasmon, assistant cashier; Peter Manderfeld, Jacob Klossner, Jr.. George A. Biebl, 0. H. Dirks and C. W. Heimann. January 8, 1907. the board consisted of Peter Manderfeld, George A. Biebl. Jacob' Klossner, Jr., Henry (lobes and < '. W. Heimann as directors and the same officers in charge.

Charles W. Heimann, a well known hanker of Fairfax, was born at New Ulm, Minn., September 12, 1S69. son of August and Caroline (Frank) Heimann. The father is a retired farmer, aged eighty-one, living at New Dim. The mother died in 1913 at the age of seventy years. Charles W. Heimann graduated from the Mullikan's Business College in St. Paul in 1889, and became bookkeeper in a hardware store, doing this work for two different firms during the next ten years. Then he became a member of the firm of Runck & Heimann in Springfield. Minn., dialers in hardware and implements, remaining here for the next two years. Iu 1901 with Dr. J. L. Schoch, Jacob Klossner, Jr., and Ferdinand Crone, all of New Ulm, Minn., he organized the Citizens' State Bank of Fairfax, becoming the cashier, which position he still occupies. At present Mr. Heimann is the president of the village council and has held this office for seven years, lie is ;i member of the A. F. & A. M. and lias held all the chairs. He is also secretary of the Modern Woodmen of America, and with his family is a member of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Heimann was united in marriage to Sophia Bacher, of New Ulm, April 13, 1894. Her father, George Bacher, a farmer, died in 1907 at the age of seventy-nine. Her mother, Sophia Bacher. lives in New Ulm and is eighty years old. Mr. and .Mis. Heimann have two children : Esther, born May 23, 1895, and Alpha, born June 16, 1896.

The Danube State Bank, formerly known as the State Bank of Miles, was incorporated June 9. 1902, by the following: Timothy O'Connor, William O'Connor, Halvor -1. Lee, F. A. Schroeder, F. (!. Nellermoe and Fred W. Orth. The first board of directors were: Timothy O'Connor, F. A. Schroeder and Halvor Lee. The officers were: President. Timothy 0 'Conner; vice-president, F. A. Schroeder, and cashier, Halvor .]. Lee. The bank opened for business July 1. 1902, in its own bank building, which was erected in 1902. January, 1903, F. G. Nellermoe became president; F. A. Schroeder, vice-president, and Henry Listerud, cashier. The next change was in July, 1906, when Fred Sausele became vice-president, and F. A. Schroeder cashier. At this time the name of the bank was changed to Danube State Bank. February IS, 1907, Fred Sausele was elected president: Fred Kramin, vice-president; F. A. Schroeder, cashier, and B. G. Schroeder, assistant cashier. March 11, 1908 Fred Kramin became president; Edmund Grander, vice-president: F. A. Schroeder, cashier, and B. G. Sclioeder, assistant cashier. January 8, 1913, F. A. Schroeder became president ; Fred Kramin. vice-president, and II. G. Schroeder, cashier. In 1911 the bank erected a new building. The present staff are: F. A. Schroeder, president; Fred Kramin, vice-president; B. G. Schroeder, cashier, and Fred F. Page, assistant cashier. The directors are F. A. Schroeder, Fred Kramin, J. A. Schroeder. Ed. Grunert and B. G. Schroeder. The policy of the bank is to carry on conservative and efficient banking.

Ferdinand A. Schroeder, a well known banker of Danube, was born November 27, 1853, in Pomerania, Germany, son of Christian and Louisa (Zwempke) Schroeder. The family came to Green Lake county, Wisconsin, in 1857. There were eight children in the family: William. Herman, August, Ferdinand, Julius, Wilhelmina, Matilda and Tena. A log cabin was built on their land and breaking of the land begun, seven yoke of oxen being used. One of the boys, Herman, was a veteran of the Civil War, having father died in 1882, at the age of seventy-three years, and the mother died in Nicollet county in 1893, at the age of seventy-five years. They were members of the Evangelical church. Ferdinand Schroeder grew to manh I on the farm in Wisconsin, receiving his schooling in the district school. He engaged in farming for himself in the same neighborhood. In 188.") the family came to Renville county where he bought a tract of land in Flora township. He lived on this half section until 1901, when he moved to Danube. Li 1902 he became interested in the banking business and was elected vice-president of the Danube State Bank, formerly known as the Bank of Miles. He also held the position of cashier a few years. In 1913 he was elected president of the hank, a position he still maintains. He is also a stockholder in the Peoples Bank id' St. Paul, and in the Farmers' Elevator at 1 tanube. -Mr. Schroeder owns a tract of 300 acres bor dei'ing Danube, known as the Danube Stock farm. Here he raises Holstein cattle. Duroc-Jersey hogs and has built a substantia] stone residence. lie also manufactures cement blocks and tile, being the sole owner and manager of the plant. He owns and conducts the Schroeder Garage, which is housed in the Schroeder block, a large, two-story cement block building, with a faced brick front, which he erected. lie is agent for the Studebaker car. Mr. Schroeder has held several township offices, having been township supervisor of Flora township for several years ami county commissioner for eight years. He served on the board of county commissioners when the county seat was moved from leaver Falls to Olivia and the court house was built at Olivia. He was the first president of the village of Danube, and also holds that position at present. He has also been village recorder for a number of years. Mr. Schroeder was married in IsTo to Wilhelmina Herzberg, a native of Germany, who died in 1,s!»7. in Flora township, at the age of forty-one years, leaving nine children: Herman; Julius; Benjamin, who is cashier in the bank: Fred; Anton; William: Alwin ; Ella, now Mrs. August Black : and Mabel. He married a second time to Martha Krueger. in 1S07. a native of Green Lake, Wisconsin. Five children were

Public Lu

The Citizens' State Bank of Sacred Heart was incorporated January 3, 1908, at Sacred Heart by the following persons : P. C. Brevig, John Hang, Carl Anderson, J. H. Paulson, M. 0. Sveiven, the same persons constituting the first board of directors. The bank began with a capital stock of $15,000 and was later merged into the Farmers' State Bank at Sacred Heart.

A new modern two-story bank building was erected during the summer of 1910. The building is of brick with a granite front, the interior is finished with beamed ceiling and all interior finish is of quarter sawed oak. The fixtures are of Italian marble. The cost of the building is $12,000 and of the fixtures $3,000. The bank opened for actual business on October 1, 1910. The bank has continued under the same board of directors and officers until January 1, 1914, when H. S. Comer and August Paulson moved away and resigned. Otto W. Kiecker and August F. Rieke were elected to fill the vacancies. The same year there was also a change in officers, Albert G. Briese being elected vicepresident in place of H. S. Comer. In January, 1915, after the death of E. F. Sell, another change was made and Mrs. E. F. Sell was elected to the board of directors in place of E. F. Sell, and she was also elected president of the bank. The present staff of officers are : Mrs. E. F. Sell, president : Albert G. Briese, vicepresident ; W. A. Fiss, cashier, and Harvey O. Fullerton, assistant cashier.

The First National Bank enjoyed a rapid growth from the beginning, and was able to pay a substantial dividend each year from the very start. Its resources are now over $200,000. The bank has thirty-six stockholders, all but a few of which live right in Fairfax and the adjoining community. It has not been the policy of the bank to pile up any enormous profits for the stockholders, but to conduct a conservative business which has for its goal the absolute safety of the depositors" money. The healthy rapid growth of the bank is an evidence of the confidence the community has in this its latest banking institution.

Emil F. Sell, banker, pioneer merchant, distinguished citizen and man of affairs, was for many years, since the days of his earliest boyhood, a powerful factor for good and for progress in Renville county. The influence of his strong, vigorous personality had a powerful effect on the community in which he lived and worked, and he is one of those rare souls of whom it may truly be said that the world is the better for his having been in it. His worth is written on the hearts of those whose lives he blessed, and his sterling qualities will not soon be forgotten. Emil F. Sell was born in Boltenhagen, Pommerania, Germany. March 20, 1862, one of the ten children of William and Albertina (Reinke) Sell, who brought their family to America in 1869 and took up a homestead of 160 acres in section 24. Cairo township. this county. The father died in 1S77 at the age of fifty-six and the mother was left with a large family. Two years later, at the age of seventeen, Emil F. Sell started out in life for himself as a clerk in the clothing store of William Salkowske at Sleepy Eye. Next lie went to Springfield and found employment in the general store of Henry Bendixen. It was in 1883 that he came to Fairfax, and with a partner established the mercantile firm of Sell & Nelson, which after a while became the firm of Sell & Sell. When Gustave Sell died his interest was acquired by a brother-in-law, J. W. Schramm, and the firm became Sell & Schramm. In 1900 the firm was succeeded by the Fairfax Department Store, of which Emil F. Sell, R, G. Reinke and A. F. Rieke were the principal owners. The mercantile business, however, was but one of the many lines of endeavor to which Mr. Sell turned his attention. In 1894 he organized the State Bank of Fairfax. Later he became a stockholder in the Farmers and Mei-chants State Bank of Arlington, in the First State Bank of

1911 he organized the Citizens State Bank of Franklin. At the time of his death he Mas president of the First National Bank of Fairfax; of the Citizens State Bank of Franklin, and of the Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Arlington. In August, 1898, he organized the Fairfax Standard Printing Co., and in 1911! he organized the Fairfax Farmers ({rain & Stock Co. As a member of the village council and of the village school hoard he did most efficient work. In Fairfax Lodge No. 261, A. F. & A. M., he was an influential factor. In the Methodist Episcopal church he was likewise active. He joined the church at the age of fourteen, and has been connected with the churches in all the towns where he has resided. He was one of the founders of Unchurch at Fairfax, and served as superintendent of the Sunday school in the early days before the English and German congregations were united. After the union he continued to serve in the same capacity. In 1909 he was chairman of the committee which erected the church, and after it was burned in February, 1914, lie was chairman of the committee which erected the present church. He died strong in the faith of the church he had so long and faithfully served. His death was unexpected. He was taken suddenly ill, was taken to the Bethesda hospital and after an operation died there January 9, 1915. His death was sincerely mourned, and press and public united in glowing tributes to his life and character. Mr. Sell was married November :>. 1SS4, to Emilie Schramm; daughter of Karl 0. and Johanna (Fenscke) Schramm, early pioneers of Brown county, this state. Four children have been born. Erna is the wife of Dr. P. W. Wipperman, of Minneapolis; Gertrude 0. married W. A. Fiss. cashier of the First National Bank of Fairfax; Florence and was held in his own community is admirably expressed in the resolutions- passed by the stockholders of the First National Bank of Fairfax, from which the following quotations are taken ; "The indomitable spirit that gave birth to the First National Bank of Fairfax, and that has for more than four years been its constant champion and leader, has been called. * It is with feelings of the utmost appreciation, respect and admiration that we attempt to measure and comprehend the excellence of the efforts productive of the many enterprises that have been successfully conducted by the dauntless spirit of our late president. Of the many characters who have been active in the affairs of Fairfax and vicinity the personality of the first president of the First National Bank of Fairfax stands out in bold relief. Many and varied have been the projects and institutions he originated and organized. The influence of his resourceful and enterprising mind lias reached and stimulated practically every commendable movement and business in this his home town. He has been a leader among men; a leader who has ever chosen to elevate the moral, intellectual and religious forces of our community above those interests which are solely sordid and mercenary. The many and varied interests which were aided by the unfailing industry of his noble zeal, compassed all the better forces and influences of our community. Zealous in the church, fearlessly and bitterly opposed to corruption in civic and political life, a power and a genius in business and financial affairs, with a helping hand ever ready for those in affliction or distress, his was a friendship to lie prized, a leadership to be desired, and a power for right and square dealing which may well serve as a Laudable example for his co-laborers to emulate. His memory ami business precepts will live until memory fades in the minds and hearts of all his friends and associates, a never failing source of guidance and inspiration."

William A. Fiss, an influential citizen of Fairfax, was born in Charles City, Iowa, December 12, 1879. His father, Henry, a farmer, died in 1908 at the age of seventy-six. His mother, Anna (Achenbach), died in 1902 at the age of sixty-five. William Fiss received his early education in the country schools in Iowa. In 1901 he graduated from the Charles City College Commercial Department. For one year he was assistant professor in the head of the Commercial Department of St. Paul College, St. Paul, for three years. For two years lie was bookkeeper for the Everett Aughenbaugh & < !o., millers, at Waseca, Minn. Three years were spent as assistant manager of the Claro Milling Co., Lakeville, Minn. In 1910 he became cashier of the First National Bank at Fairfax, and helped organize that bank, of which he is at present a large stockholder. He is a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church. May 4, 1910, Mr. Fiss was married to Gertrude Sell, daughter of Emil F. and Emilie (Schramm) Sell, of Fairfax. Two children were born to this marriage: Kenneth, born April 2. 1913, died January 22, 1914, and Corwin, born August 21, 1914.

Albert G. Briese, vice-president of the First National Bank, of Fairfax, was born in Princeton, Wis., June 27, 1880, son of Gust and Mary (Fenske) Briese. Gust Briese was born on the ocean on a ship bound from Germany to America. He lived near Princeton, Wis., until 1892, and then came to Sibley county, this state. He now lives at Gibbon, in this state. Albert G. Briese remained with his parents until fifteen years of age. Then for three years he worked in Wellington and Cairo townships as a farm hand. In 1898 he began work for the Dickmeyer Implement Co.. of Fairfax, and in 1907 became its manager. January

1, 1913, he was elected vice-president of the First National Bank, and January 20, 1915, upon the death of E. F. Sell, the president, he went into the bank as active manager. Mr. Briese was married June 6, 1906, to Sophia Dickmeyer, who was born August 18, 1887, daughter of Fred C. and Mary (Stark) Dickmeyer, retired farmers now living in Fairfax. Mr. and Mrs. Briese have a son, Walter. Another child died in infancy. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran church.

The Citi2ens State Bank of Franklin was incorporated February 6, 1911. E. F. Sell, of Fairfax, was the first one who took hold of organizing said bank. The incorporators were E. F. Sell, B. M. Weisberg and Gilbert Peterson, of Fairfax; R, B. Henton, of Morton ; George Enger, John B. Tweet, Henry Halverson, F. E. Tower, John Ford, Martin Johnson and Otto Erickson, of Franklin. The first directors were George Enger, B. M. Weisberg, John Ford, E. F. Sell, John B. Tweet, Otto Erickson, Martin Johnson. R. B. Henton, Henry Halverson and F. E. Tower. The officers were : E. F. Sell, president ; George Enger, vicepresident ; Gilbert Peterson, cashier, and Otto Erickson. assistant cashier.

The bank opened up for business May 1, 1911, in a rented building known as Kvam building, with a paid up capital of $17,000. Soon after organizing they awarded a contract to -1. M. Hindermann, of Fairfax, for a substantial and up-to-date bank building, which building was completed in August that year and by September 1 the bank had removed into their new permanent, banking building. Gilbert Peterson remained as cashier until the fall of 1912, when he resigned and Otto Erickson was elected to succeed him as cashier and N. M. Mahlum was elected to fill the position of assistant cashier vacated by Mr. Erickson, and they are still occupying their respective positions.