Renville County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (1 of 2 so headed), 1916 (part 10 of 10)

August W. Rice, one of the early settlers of Sacred Heart township, was born in Toten, Norway, June 12, 1841, son of Wilhelm Rice, who, like his ancestors before him, was a farmer in that country. The children in the family were August W., David, Mathias, John, Olena, Tealena, Clara and Carrie. Clara and Tealena are the only ones living. August W., Johan and Tealena and Carrie are the only ones who came to the United States. August W. Rice, the subject of this sketch, was reared in his native country and there married his first wife. Josephena, who died less than two years later, leaving one child, Sophia Wilhelmina, now Mrs. P. L. Colton, now living in Steele county, North Dakota. In 1868 Mr. Rice set sail for America, and landed after .1 voyage of some four weeks. He located in St. Peter, this state, worked on the railroad for a while, in 1S69 located his homestead, then married Rondena Swenson in 1870. Rondena Swenson was born in Norway, March 16, 1835, came to America in 1869, aboard a sailing vessel, landing after a voyage of nine weeks. Then she came to St. Peter, where she was married. In 1870 Mr. and .Mrs. Rice came to Sacred Heart township, and located on a homestead of eighty acres in section 22, where they started life as pioneers. They drove here with an ox team, and aside from household goods and provisions brought one cow. For a while they lived in a small log cabin. The null was at New Ulm, many miles away, and the nearest town was Willmar, thirty-five miles distant. When money was an absolute necessity. Mr. Rice would walk to New Ulm, work there for a while to earn a little, and then walk baek and improve his farm. The grasshoppers came to retard his progress and there were many other drawbacks. But the family in time prospered, erected good buildings, and added to their holdings until they owned 280 acres. Mr. Rice was respected in his community, was supervisor of the township and a member of the school board, and was active in the Sacred Heart church, the services of which were often held in the school house on his place. He died on the home place, Feb. 1, 1906. His good wife died April 23, 1914. She had borne him three children: John A., Ole (deceased) and Minnie, now Mrs. P. O. Melsness.

John A. Rice, a well-to-do farmer of Sacred Heart township, was born in a log house on section 22, Feb. 1, 1872, son of August W. and Rodena (Swenson I Rice. He attended the district schools of his neighborhood and the graded schools of Renville, and was reared to farm pursuits by his father. March 24, 1896, he purchased his present place on section 24, Sacred Heart township. The buildings were poor and the farm was not well developed. Mr. Rice has erected a modern home and has made many other improvements. He successfully carries on general farming and makes a specialty of Holstein cattle and full-blooded Duroe-Jersey swine. Mr. Rice is one of the originators of the Sacred Heart Farmers' Telephone Co., secretary of the Renville Shippers' Association, and a stockholder in the Renville Farmers' Co-operative Elevator. For nine years he has served on the school board of his district. He is an active member of the Norwegian Lutheran church of Renville and is at present serving as one of its trustees. Mr. Rice was married Nov. 5. 1896, to Ingeborg Samuelson, a native id' Sacred Heart township, and they have five children: Walter Cornelius, Dora Adeline,' George Alfred, Inez Josephine and Mildred Cornelia Rice.

There were eight children in the family: Lena, Otto, Gorgen, Carl, Hogen, Julia, Martin (deceased), and Ole. Otto was the first one of the children to come to America, coming to Minneapolis in 1872, where he worked for a lumber company for five years. Then he went to Willmar and later to Granite Falls, where he worked on the Milwaukee railroad. The next year he bought 80 acres of land in Sacred Heart township. Some improvements had already been made upon this land. Here he began farming with a yoke of oxen, two cows and a steer, and lived here two years, when he moved to his present place in section 13 in South Sacred Heart township, where he pre-empted a homestead of 80 acres and also bought 80 acres of railroad land. No improvements had been made upon any of this land and he built a claim shanty, where he lived for four years before building the present home. He has improved his farm and lias built a fine barn 32 by 52 feet and keeps a good grade of stock. He has also owned land outside of the county, having owned land in Dakota which he has since sold. Mr. Westby has served as clerk of the school district and is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Updahl. In 1878 Mr. Westby was married in Minnesota, to Andrena 0. Gilbertson, of Norway, daughter of Gilbert 0. Gilbertson. who brought his family to Dane county. Wisconsin, and later located in Fillmore county, Minnesota, and still later moved to Renville county, where he died. Eight children were born to these parents : Gilbert, Cornelius, John, Clara, Martin. Alfred, Elvin and Olga. Mrs. Westby died in 1893 at the age of forty-one years. Mr. Westby was married the second time to Christina Christopherson, born in Norway in 1869. She came to America at the age of two years with her parents. Jens and Elsie Christopherson, who first located in Illinois in 1871. They stayed there five years and then moved to Minnesota, locating on a farm in Sacred Heart township. Her parents are both dead. Five children were born to this second marriage : Ella, Oscar. Hilda, Amanda and Arthur.

Lornts J. Romo, one of the earliest pioneers of Wang township, was born in Norway. Jan. 8, 1837, taking his name, with a slight change of spelling from Romoe. the farm where his family had lived for many generations. He was there reared, grew to sturdy manhood, and, on Nov. 15, 1860, married Mallena Dahl, who was born in Norway, May 1-1, 1837. There also were born their two oldest children, Jens and Sarah, the latter of whom, better known as Sigri, is now dead. This family set sail on an old-fashioned schooner in 1865, and, after seven weeks on the ocean, landed, and found their way to Minnesota, where they took up their home in Goodhue county. In 1869 they set out with their three children and located in section 30, Wang township, securing a tree claim of eighty acres and a homestead of eighty acres more. Although arriving in November after the winter had set in. Mr. Romo constructed a dug-out and the family was made fairly comfortable. Food, however, was of the plainest and prices were high. Mr. Romo often brought flour on his back from the mill many miles away, but so high was the price of flour that even $10 worth was not a great burden. Many stories could be told of the pioneer experiences of this family. The trip from Goodhue county was made with an ox team, and took two weeks. With them the family brought their household goods, a few provisions, and some cows. Privations were many in their new home. One year the crop was destroyed by grasshoppers. They suffered in many of the early storms, and on one or two ocasions when storms overtook Mr. Romo it was only by the greatest effort that he managed to reach a place of safety. Thus the years passed by. The dug-out was replaced two years later with a log cabin, one of the first in the neighborhood. Later a frame house was built, and this, remodeled and improved by the son. John, is still standing on the home place. The original farm was increased until it consisted of some 240 acres, and the family became leading people in the community. In church work, Mr. Romo was especially active; he was one of the tirst members of the Hawk Creek church, and held therein such positions as that of deacon. Though he is now retired from the active duties of life he still retains his interest in everything that has for its object the good of the community, and his opinions are always received with respectful attention. The good wife died in the spring of 1904. The children in the family are: Jens. Sigri (deceased), Emily, of Pine City, now wife of (lust Nelson; John (deceased ). Martin (deceased). John, Henry, of Hawk Creek township, Julia, Albert, of Sisseton. South Dakota; and Julius ( deceased).

John Romo, one of the prosperous and energetic farmers of Wane' township, was born in a dug-out. on the place in section :!(). where he still resides. Dec. 27. 1870. lie was reared to agricultural pursuits by his father, attended the district school and the Willmar Seminary, and some eleven years ago took charge of the home place. He successfully carries on general farming and makes a specialty of raising good stock. Like his father before him, he is interested in church matters, and has served the Hawk Creek church as secretary for the past fifteen years. He is a stockholder in the Granite Falls Telephone Co. and the Farmers' State Paid; of Sacred Heart. Mr. Romo married Clara Docken, daughter of Ingebret Docken, and they have two children, Gladys Alvine Marion and Eveline Leonora.

Peter Gerardy, for many years a substantial and respected farmer, was born in "Wisconsin, Sept. 16, 1859, and died in Cairo township, this county. May 27. 1912. His parents, Christopher

160 acres in section !». Cairo township. In 1896 he boughl eighty acres in the same section. On this farm he successfully farmed until his death. Since thai sad evenl his widow has owned and managed the place. In 1896 the house was rebuilt and is now a two-story frame building, Hi by 30 feet, with a 14 by 24 addition, a full basement under all. In 1914 a barn was built. 34 by 66, with 14-foot posts, hip roof, and with a capacity of 100 tons of hay, and room for twelve horses and twenty-six cattle, the total eost being $1,800. On the farm are about twenty-four Hoistein cattle and seventy-five Duroc-Jcrsey hogs and also a large tlock of Rhode Island Bed chickens. Mr. Gerardy was township clerk for two years and also served on the school board. He was a member of the Sons of Herman. .May 25, 1881, Mr. Gerardy was married to .Mary Bovey, daughter of John and Lucy Bovey, farmers m Scott county, Mrs. Gerardy was born Oct. 16. 1865. Twelve children have been born to this couple, all of whom are boys and two girls. Agnes, born Sept. ti, L888, is at home. Barbara, horn April Li. 1889, is Mrs. Frank Hager, of Fairfax. The remaining children are all at home. They are Frances, born March 9, 1891; .Matthew P., born May Li 1893; Susan, horn April 27, 1895; John, born August 11, 1897; Peter. born November 7, LS99 ; William, born September 6, 1903; Esther, horn August 25, 1905; Raymond, born May 14. 1907; Ambrose, born July 25, 1912. The family faith is that of the Catholic church.

John William Anderson, a prosperous business man. was born Dee. 25, 1886. His father was born in Sweden. \)fr. 9, 1856, and came lo America April 28, 1881, working in the quarries for a time and later becoming prominent in the making of monuments. His wife was Annie Johnson, of Sweden. At the age of twenty, Mr. Anderson started a restauranl in Morton, calling it the "0. K." Here lie remained until the spring of 1907. Then he started selling monuments for his father and brothers of the "Anderson Granite Company," with whom he is still employed. He also operates a music store in company with his brother. Fred, under the name of Anderson Brothers. They started this music store in March. 1914, and have sold to date. $15,000 in goods. They sell the P. S. Wick pianos, sewing machines, musical merchandise and Alter automobiles. Mr. Anderson married Cina Mathillie Peterson, born May 28, 1886. Her father, Andrew Peterson, was a well-known pioneer of Lac Qui Parle county, who died May 2:1, 1898, at the age of sixty-two years. Her mother, Randi Peterson, died September, 1908, at the age of sixty-two rears. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have one child, Clifford

William Fallon, a progressive farmer of Boon Lake township, was born in McLeod county, Minnesota, Sept. 11, 1869, son of John and Agnes Fallon. William Fallon attended the district school and took up farming near Brainerd on a farm of 80 acres, twenty of which were broke. There were no buildings on the place and Mr. Fallon made extensive improvements and then sold this land and rented a farm in the neighborhood of Hutchinson. Alter two years he came to Boon Lake township and purchased 160 acres from Hugh Carrigan. This land was not improved. Mr. Fallon has erected a line modern house, large barn, silo and other buildings. His barn was destroyed by fire and was replaced by the present tine structure. He has served as scl I clerk and is a member of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Fallon was married Oct. 27, 1903, to Mary Carrigan, daughter of Hugh Carrigan and the union has been blessed with tour children: Charles, Josephine, Raymond, and Stella.

Emil Thang, manager of the Mille elevator, at Sacred Heart, was born in Minneapolis, Dec. 15, 1889, son of Olaus H. and Mat Ida (Gulbrandson) Thang. The father was born in Norway on Aug. 18, 1847, was married in 1871, came to America in 1872; lived in Menoininie, Wis., about two years employed in a lumber mill; then came to Minneapolis, and worked as a carpenter and in a lumber mill until 1900, when he came to Sacred Heart township, rented a farm, and there lived until 1911, when he retired to Sacred Heart village, where he died .May 7, 1912. The mother was born in Norway, May 3, 1850, and still lives in Sacred Heart. Besides Emil, there was another child in the family. Christian by name, who died in infancy. Emil Thang remained with his parents until 1912, and then became station agent for the C, M. & St. Paul Ry. Co. Li December, 1914, he left that position, and, in January, 1915, took up his present work. Mr. Thang was married April 18, 1914, to Hilda Bagaus, born in Sacred Heart. Feb. 17, 1896, daughter of Halvor and Paulina Bagaus, natives of Norway. The father was born in Norway in 1860, came to America many years ago, engaged in railroad work and now lives in Sacred Heart. In the Bagaus family there are thirteen children: Magnus, Inga, Ole, Henry. Ingvald, Alfred, Hilda, Jennie, Elmer, Agnes, Theodore. Spencer and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Thang have a son, Otis H., born March 11, 1915.

James I. Huff, one of the well-known farmers of Emmet township, was born Jan. 13, 1845, in Prince Edward county, Canada, son of Elisha and Catherine Donahue Huff. Elisha I luff was born in Prince Edward county, Canada, son of Solomon Huff and Sarah (Alger) Huff, and grandson of Paul Huff. Paul Huff was of German descent, and came to New York state before 1776, where he engaged in the occupation of miller. The family moved to Canada at the outbreak of hostilities, leaving Solomon, who went at a later date, when he bought an island of 1,100 acres in the bay of Quinte, which now bears the family name and on which some of the descendants of his family still live. Elisha Huff died at the age of eighty-six in 1882 and his wife, who was born near Dublin, Ireland, and came to Quebec, Canada, at about the age of sixteen, died in 1870 at the age of sixty years.

James I. Huff was educated in Canada and there grew to manhood, remaining on his father's farm until 1872, when he came to Elk River, Minnesota, whore he worked in a lumber camp. The next year he went to Minneapolis, where he remained for seven months and then he went to Wisconsin, where he was engaged in the lumber business for seven years. In 1S80 he again came to Minnesota and bought 320 acres of wild prairie land in section 3 in Emmet township. In 1881 he moved to Renville village and started improvements on his land. After his marriage he moved to the farm, where he had built a frame house and made many other developments. He is now a prosperous farmer of this section and raises a good grade of stock, specializing in Shorthorn cattle. He now has 300 acres, having sold twenty acres of his land to the railroad. Mr. Huff is a member of the Swine Breeders' Association and also of the Farmers' Co-operative Elevator of Renville. He was also a member of the Creamery Association when it was organized, and held stock in the old Pair Association. He is a member of the Modern Brotherhood of Renville. He is a communicant of the Methodist church, being one of the board of trustees, and also belonging to the Bible class. June 25, 1882. Mr. Huff was married to Effie M. Blancher, born in Drumbo. Ontario, Aug. 18, 1856. She was the daughter of Francis and Amanda (Brown) Blancher. Francis Blancher was born in Canada, son of Soley Blancher, and came to "Wisconsin in 1864 and bought a farm. Here he died in 1882 at the age of fifty-one years. His wife, Amanda, was the daughter of Case and Mary Brown. Francis Blancher and wife had six children: Burley, Effie, Barkley, Issa, Philip and Charles. James and Effie Huff had five children: Prank, who is manager of a Farmers' Elevator Company at Buffalo Spring, North Dakota : Mark, who is at home and is a steam engineer: Mabel, who is a teacher ; Mildred, a student of Hamline University, and Effie. who is a student of the local high school. The older children are all high school graduates.

Ole Dale, a pioneer, was born October, 1814, came to America in 1854, farmed in Trempealeau county. Wisconsin, until 1867, lived six years in Pope county, this state, and in the spring of 1873 came to Renville county, where he homesteaded eighty acres in section 23, Camp township, and here remained until his death.

Olaf Dale, a well-known farmer of Camp township, was bom in Trempealeau county, Wisconsin, Sept. 5, 1S59, son of Ole and Betsy (Berge) Dale. He lived with his parents in Pope and Renville counties, and now owns the home place in section 23, where he resides. He is a prominent man, and has been thirty years a member of the town board, and twenty years school clerk.

Olaf Dale was married Feb. 2, 1885, to Mary Gunderson, who was born March 9, 1859. Her father, Peter Gunderson, came to America in 1870, spent three years in Olmsted county, this state, then came to Camp township, this county, and here lived until 1SSS, when he went to Todd comity, this state, where he remained until his death in 1908, -at the age of eighty-three. Her mother, Mary Gunderson, died in 1910, at the age of eightyfour. Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Day are the parents of six children: Ella, Charles F., Annie, Henry, Peter and Mabel. Ella was born Aug. 12, 18S6, married Homer L. Grasmoen, a farmer of section 34, Cairo township, and has one child. Charles F. is a merchant in Fairfax. Annie was born June 5, 1889, married Carl Ruud, a farmer of Cairo township, and has two children. Henry, born Dec 8, 1891; Peter, born March 17. 1894; and Mabel, born May 29, 1896, are at home.

Charles F. Dale was born June 20, 1887, in section 23, Camp township, this county, son of Olaf and Mary (Gunderson) Dale, early settlers. He remained with his parents until 1910. and then worked in the Farmers' Co-operative Store at Fairfax until October, 1913. Then he went to Minneapolis for six months. June 7. 1914. lie and Steven Porter started an ice cream parlor and confectionery store in Fairfax. Oct. 10. 1914. lie bought out his partner, and now operates the place under his own name. Mr. Dale was married April 15. 1914. to Laura Greer, born Jan. 14, 1894, daughter of Richard H. Greer, manager of the Beaufort Hotel, Minneapolis; and of Jennue (Carson) Greer; as well as granddaughter of Hugh Carson, of Fairfax, one of the pioneers of Kenvilli uiity.

Arnt Arntzen, one of the earliest pioneers of Renville county, was horn in Nordland, Norway, Sept. 21, 1836, there received his education, grew to manhood and was married. In 1868 he and his wife and one child, Anna, crossed the ocean, reached America in due time, and located near Red Wing. Goodhue county, this state, for a year. It was in 1869 that he came to Renville county and secured a homestead of eighty acres in section 12, Hawk Creek township. At first the family habitation was a rude dug-out. With this as their home they started life on the treeless prairie, gradually breaking the land ami get- ting in crops. After living in the dug-out for ten years they erected a log house in which the family lived until 1899. The Arntzens experienced all the hardships of pioneer life. Gradually, however, prosperity came to them. Year by year they developed the place, set out trees, built fences, purchased equipment, erected barns and outbuildings, added eighty acres to their land, and in time became prosperous and substantial members of the community. It was in 1899 that the present two-story frame dwelling was erected. Mr. Arntzen did not seek public office but for a time consented to serve on the town hoard. He died March 2, 1908, and since his death his widow has conducted the home farm.

Mr. Arntzen was married in Norway, in October, 1864, to lleilwig Hanson, born in Hemnes, Norway, Jan. 21, 1844. Throughout their married life she proved a most loyal wife, companion and helpmeet, and she has been a loving and faithful mother. Their union was blessed with twelve children: Anna, Johanna]), Randolph. Mary, Halvor, Yeva, George, and Inga, living, and Amelia, Hans. Martin and an unnamed infant, deceased. Anna was born in Norway, -Tune 30, 1S66, married Edward Kaposen, now of Medicine Lake, Montana, and has two children. Alma and Yeva. Johannah was born in Red Wing, Minnesota, Nov. 12. 1868. married John Thorstad, now of Medicine Lake, Montana, and has four children : Harriet, Reuben and Merrill (twins) and Helen. Randolph was born on the old homestead in Hawk Creek, Nov. 9, 1870. He is a leading dentist at Montevideo, Minnesota, married Grete Lowe, and has five children: Loyal, Lillian. Lincoln. Randolph and Millicent. Mary -was born Aug. 10, 1873, is the widow of Frank DeLine, lives at Medicine hake. Montana, and has one son, Franklin. Halvor was born Oct. 17. 1875, and lives in Medicine Lake. Montana. Yeva was born Sept. 6. 1878, married Olaf H. Eliason, and has four children : Alfred, Ray, Roy (deceased) and Stella. George, a twin of Veva, resides at Medicine Lake, Montana. Inga was born April 16, 1883, is now Mrs. Inga Gibson, has one son, Delmar, and lives with her mother on the farm. The family faith is that of the Conference church of Hawdc Creek..

Julius Hanson, one of the leading young fanners of Hawk Creek township, was born on the farm which he now owns and operates, July 3, 1875. son of Christopher and Mary (Hegna) Hanson. He attended the district schools of the neighborhood, grew to manhood in the parental home, and learned the business of successful farming from his father. In 1901 he bought the interests of the other heirs in the old homestead of 160 acres and at once started making extensive improvements. He bought eighty acres more, thus making a splendid tract of 240 acres which he has fenced and developed in many ways. His new barn is his especial pride. Mr. Hanson is energetic, progressive and hard-working, and is one of the coming men of the community. He makes a special study of modern methods and carries on his agricultural operations along the latest approved lines. Aside from his farm interests lie is a stockholder in the Granite Falls Telephone Co. Since 1910 he has ably served the township as a member of the board of supervisors. Julius Hanson was married Jan. 28, 1912, to Mrs. Hilda (Frederickson) Corbel, daughter of Martin Frederickson and the widow of Mr. Corbel, by whom she had one child, Henry, born Sept. 27, 1909.

Christopher Hanson, who, for many years, was one of the influential and highly-regarded citizens of Hawk Creek, was born in Norway, son of Hans Thoroson Hanson. In 1874. with his wife and five children, he set out for America, to which land his parents and other members of the family had previously emigrated. (Ti)iin reaching Renville county he secured a homestead of forty acres in section 18, Hawk Creek township, that being the last homestead land left in the neighborhood. He at once erected a log cabin into which the family moved. Then he started breaking and developing the land. One of his earliest duties being to set out the trees, which now adorn the place. The time of his arrival was an unfortunate one, for the first year the grasshoppers destroyed everything edible, even the hay. Mr. Hanson considered himself fortunate that they left him even a stack of straw, and this straw he planned to preserve with much care. After a while the weeds began to grow up and, after they became dry, in order to keep them from casting their seeds and burs into his prized stack, he decided to destroy them by fire. The result was that the flames spread beyond his control and straw and all was consumed. But in spite of such experiences Mr. Hanson was undaunted and worked with unwavering courage year by year until all the difficulties were overcome. After eighteen years lie erected a frame dwelling for a residence and in time the old sheds were replaced with good buildings for stuck and crops. lie added to his original holdings until he owned a good farm of 160 acres, of which eighty acres was in section 18 were the work of his own hands, for he had inherited considerable dexterity with tools from his father, who had been a carpenter in Norway, and whom in his younger days he had assisted. Mr. Hanson never aspired to public office, but being always interested in the progress and betterment of the community he consented to serve as road overseer, and did good work for many years as director of School District No. 21. He was a man of active church interests, was instrumental in having the Hawk- Creek Norwegian Lutheran church established and spent many days in laboring on the structure, in addition to contributing liberally toward its expenses. In the course of his farm business he became a stockholder in the Farmers' Creamery at Granite Falls. After a long, useful life, Mr. Hanson died Oct. 12, 1901, his good wife having passed away Dec. 27, 1887.

Christopher Hanson was married in Norway to Anna Gulbrandson, who was born in that country, and they had seven children: Hans, Dorothy, Bertha, Gunda and Carrie were born in Norway; Julius and Emma were born in America.

Herman Yunker, dealer in harnesses and shoes. Buffalo Lake, was born in Germany, Oct. 22, 1867, son of Peter J. and Katie Yunker, came to America in 1885, lived in Nebraska and Dakota, and then came to Renville county. He completed his education in Bird Island, in 1SS9, and then spent two years with Anthony Mahawald, of that place, learning the harness trade Then he went to Eureka. S. D., and engaged in business as a grain buyer for Arthur Low. In 1893 lie returned to Bird Island. resumed his work with Mr. Mahawald. and remained until 1896, when he once again went to Eureka, S. D., and there opened a harness shop. A year later he moved his stock to Buffalo Lake, and after renting a place for a while, purchased the building he is now occupying and added a shoe department. His is the only establishment of its kind in Buffalo Lake and lie does a good business. In addition to his store he owns 144 acres of land four miles west of Buffalo Lake which lie rents. He is a leading man in his community, has been a member of the village council ten years and its president two years, has been treasurer of the village since 1913, and treasurer of the Buffalo Lake Commercial Club since 1907. He is a Democrat in politics, and belongs to the Catholic church. Mr. Yunker was married Nov. 28, 1899, to Katie Boehme, born Oct. 5, 1879, live miles south of Bird Island, daughter of Christ and Mary (Engle) Boehme. Mr. and Mrs. Yunker have two children: Christine J., born Sept. 1900: Edward J., born June 22, 1902.

Peter J. Yunker was born in Gin-many. April 18, 1842, and married Katie Veght, who was born April 2. 1s4l\ and died March 3, 1881. Peter J. Yunker came to America in 1885, settled at West Point, Neb., moved a year later to what was then Dakota Territory, took a claim of 160 acres, lived there until 1890, came to Renville county, and took up his home with his daughter, Mrs. Anthony Mahawald, of Eden Valley, Minnesota. He is the father of four children : Elizabeth, now Mrs. Arthur Low. whose husband is a grain buyer living at Orient, South Dakota: Mary, widow of Anthony Mahawald, and now living at Eden Valley, Minnesota; Tracy, now Mrs. B. Herbert, living in Germany; and Herman, the subject of this sketch.

Nels Dahlgren, for many years an enterprising fanner of Brookfield township, was horn in Sweden, Oct. 13, 1852, the son of .Swan Peter and Elna (Rhiland) Dahlgren, who spent the span of their years in the old country. At the age of two years Nels Dahlgren lost his father, hut he was reared to sturdy manhood by Ins mother and instructed in useful pursuits. As a young man he married. In 1881 he came to America and secured work as a farm hand in Meeker county, this state, thus earning enough money to send for his wife and children. Later he rented a farm for a while. In 1891 he purchased 160 acres in section 28, Brookfield township this county. Some of the land had been broken, but no other improvements had been made. He erected a shed for himself and family, a lean-to for his cow. As the years passed by, however, he attained prosperity. Good buildings were erected, the land brought under cultivation ami fences, and implements and equipment purchased. For many years Mr. Dahlgren successfully carried on general farming, making a specialty of stock raising. lie has now turned the management of the place over to his son Christian and has built himself a comfortable home in which be is planning to spend the afternoon years of life in retirement. For a time. Mr. Dahlgren was treasurer of the old creamery. lie helped to organize school district 99, and served as a member of its board for nearly twenty years. He also helped to establish the Swedish Lutheran church at Hector, id' which he is a faithful member. Mr. Dahlgren was married in ls7:J to Pernilla Larson, who was born in Sweden, duly 19, 1848, daughter of Lars and Anna Tuveson, who lived ami died in thai country. Mr. and Mrs. Dahlgren have had nine children, four born in Sweden and five in .Minnesota. Swen Peter died in infancy. August lives in Brookfield township. Emily is the wife of M. P». Amdahl. Carl is dead. Christian died in infancy. Christian (second) operates the home farm. Rika is the wife of MihloLende. Arthur is in the bank at Hector. Pearl is dead. Pere N. Chelin, a well-known farmer of Wang township, was born in Sweden, January 22, 1859, son of Nels and Corine (Peterson i ( Ihelin, who spent the span id' their years in the old country. The children in their family were Pere X.. Mary, Nels and Gustof. Pere N. Chelin was reared in his native land, and there spent his young manhood. In 1880 he came to the United States and located in Want;' township, where he secured employment with Ole Olseherg. In 1890, the two brothers came to this country and joined Pere X. Nels is now in Michigan, but Gustof is a resident of Wane' township. Pere X. Chelin worked about for a while, and then rented for a few years a farm some two miles west id' his present location. Later he purchased a farm of 160 acres in section 26, to which he at once moved. To this he lias since added eighty acres more in the same section. On this splendid farm of 220 acres he now carries on general agricultural operations and stock raising. Year by year he has improved the place, and in every acre it bespeaks the hard work and intelligence of its owner. Mr. Chelin was married July IS, 1891, to Anna Paulson, the adopted daughter of < Me Prykholm. This union lias been blessed with eight children: Pearl, Nels, Olga, Agnes, Edwin, Peter, Edith and Ruth. Mrs. Anna Paulson Chelin, wife of Pere N. Chelin, was born in Sweden, Oct. 19, 1874, daughter of Peter and Ingeborg Paulson, who came to America in 18S2. and located in Minneapolis, where the mother died in 1S83, and where the father is still living. In the Paulson family there were six children, Ingeborg i deceased i. Anna. Elna, Adolph, August and Emil i deceased).

Jacob J. Kromer, for several years a resident of Renville county, was born in.Wurttemberg, < !ermaiiy. came to America as a young man, and located in Massachusetts. There in a linen mill he met Barbara Mutchler, whom he married. After their marriage they came to Peru, Illinois, where Mr. Kromer opened a meat market. Five years later they came to St. Paul, and from there found their way to Credit River township, Scott county, where he took a homestead of eighty acres in section 28. At the same time, her brother, George Mutchler, took the eighty adjoining. Three years later they secured this eighty acres, and on the 160 acre farm thus obtained, farmed for many years. In the spring of 1887 they came to this county, and took up their home with their suns. Henry and Richard, on a farm in Troy township. Two years later they moved to Olivia and erected a large residence. This they afterward sold and built a smaller place, where they lived until Mrs. Kromer 's death, when Mr. Kromer took up his home with his son, Henry, in Norfolk township, where he lived until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Kromer were the parents of ten children: Fred, George, Dora, John, Christine, Emma, Carrie, Celia, Henry and Richard. Fred is dead. George is a hardware merchant in Bird Island. Dora is the wife of Herman Fischer of Bird Island. Christine is the wife of William Schmidt, of Bemidji, .Minn. Emma is the wife of John Mehlhouse, of Olivia. < larrie is now Mrs. Pelske, of Troy township. Celia is the wife of August Felske, of Hutchinson, Minn. Henry is a farmer of Norfolk township. Richard lives in Thief River Falls.

John Kromer, a retired farmer living in Bird Island, was born in Credit River township. Scott county, this state, Aug. 23, 1857, son of Jacob P. and Barbara (Mutchler) Kromer. He received his education in a log schoolhouse in his native township, and was reared to agricultural pursuits on the farm. In 1879 he and his brother George came to Renville county and settled on rail- road land in section 35, Troy township, securing the south half of the section, and the east half of the northwest quarter. Their father purchased for their brother Fred the eighty acres adjoining. The three brothers lived together and came back and forth from their old home in Scott county. The first season they broke eighty-five acres. The second season they got in a crop and erected a house. In the spring of 1880 Jacob drove up from Scott county with an ox team, a horse team and a cow. In the spring of 1881 he located here permanently. Tn 1882 each of the brothers worked his own land. In the spring of 1883, Fred moved onto a rented farm of 160 acres in section 26. John, however, continued to live in the house they first built until 1SS6. and then moved into a house which he erected on his own eighty. In 1890 he moved to Bird Island, purchased a blacksmith shop and a home in 1891. and conducted the shop for several years, his brother George conducting a machine and hardware business. In 1895 Jacob moved onto a farm in Bird Island township, erected a home, barns and outbuildings, and highly developed the place in every way. Then, in the fall of 1899, he moved to Bird Island village once more. At the same time he bought 160 acres in Kingman township, winch he operated from his home in the village. In 1903 he moved onto a quarter section adjoining his own quarter in Kingman township, and started to operate "both places. In 1904 he bought the rented farm, thus making him a splendid farm of a whole half section. In the spring of 1911 he moved to lus present home in Bird Island. He still owns the farm in Kingman township, and in addition to this he owns a large tract of timber in Wisconsin. Mr. Kromer is a prominent man. has taken a deep interest in the affairs of the community, and has been actively identified with political life in various aspects. Mr. Kromer was married Jan. 6. 1885, to Louisa Werder, and they have eight children: Mabel, Edwin, John. Lillian, Elma, Ruth, Warren, Florence. Edwin is marshal of Bird Island. John is manager of a hardware store in Erickson, North Dakota. He married Minnie Sanden. Lillian is a teacher. Elma. a former teacher, is a nurse in the Northwestern Hospital. Minneapolis. Ruth is a senior in the Bird Island High School. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Carl Koshnick and his wife were early settlers in Renville county, following farming fur many years. Mrs. Koshnick died in 1901 and is buried in Olivia. Her husband continued to live on the home place until 1911, when he took a trip to Germany, where lie died. Their daughter, Hannah Koshnick, was deaf and dumb. She married D. O. Johnson, who was likewise a deaf mute. For many years Mr. Johnson was a tailor and shoemaker in Olivia. In spite of his handicap he was of a genial disposition and a general favorite, and is well remembered by Olivia people. He died in 1898. After his death, his widow and young son, Charles, were provided with a home by Mr. and Mrs. Mathias Weichselbaum. After living with them for twelve years, Airs. Johnson married William Jeske, and they now live in Granite Falls. The sun. however, continued to live with the Weichselliauins. lie developed into a bright boy of unusual ability and won the affection of his foster parents until today they cherish him as they would their own flesh and blood. He passed through the graded schools, attended the West high school of Minneapolis,

Joseph Weichselbaum was born in Bavaria. Germany, came to America as a young man. For a time he engaged in blacksmith work at Lakeville, in Dakota county, this stale, and there married Elizabeth Schneider, a native of Luxembourg. From Lakeville, where they were numbered among the pioneers, they went to Minneapolis, and lived for a few years. Then they went back to Dakota county and took up their home in Farmington until 1878, when the family moved to Kranzburg, South Dakota, and took a homestead a mile and a half out of the village, while Mr. Weichselbaum operated a blacksmith shop within the village limits, lb' died mi the farm in 1898. After his death the mother and son George moved to Olivia, Renville county, where they lived for several years. Now at the age of eighty-five, Mrs. Weichselbaum makes her home at Hamilton, Montana, in the Bitter Root valley. Mr. and Mrs. Weichselbaum have six children. Mathias, Mary. John, Joseph, Michael ami George. Mathias lives in .Minneapolis. Mary is the widow of W. Kligle and lives in Hamilton. Montana. John has a small fruit ranch at Hamilton, Montana. Joseph lives in Gemmell, Minn. Michael is dead. George conducts a fruit farm at Hamilton, Montana.

Mathias Weichselbaum, for many years a leading lumber and grain dealer in Renville county, and now engaged extensively in the real estate business in Minneapolis, was born in Lakeville, Dakota county. Minnesota, Sept. 18, 1858, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (S(dmeider) Weichselbaum. He was reared in his native town and there secured his first employment as a clerk in the mercantile establishment of Jerry C. McCarthy. In 1880 he went to South Dakota and took a homestead in Coddington county. There he proved up and remained until 1883. Then he came back to Minnesota and with headquarters at Northfield, ti*aveled for a grain company two years. It was in 1885 that he came to Renville village and bought grain for four months, after which the company sent him to Bigstone City, South Dakota, where he bought grain until August, 1886. They came back to this county and located in Olivia, where he continued in the grain business. Later he and S. E. Fay, with W. H. Gold &

Co., engaged in the lumber business, still remaining however in the grain business as well. Two years later the W. H. Gold Co. sold out. That year the yard of the H. II. Neuenberg Lumber Co. was started, with Mr. Weichselbaum as manager and stockholder. They bought what is now the Farmers' Elevator at Olivia, and later acquired the Lumber yard and elevator at Danube. In the meantime, however, in 1907, Mr. Weichselbaum had become much interested in the land business. He particularized in Canadian lands in southern Alberta, and in addition to still holding large areas of this land, has already sold some 25,000 acres. Mr. Weichselbaum became a prominent man in Olivia, took an active interest in various public movements, and served as village councilman ami as a member of the school board. In 1909 he moved to Minneapolis, where he now resides, and where lie still continued in the land business. Mr. Weichselbaum was married Nov. 15, 1884, to Anna E. Thomas, who was born in Brandon, Vermont, May 30, 1862, a daughter of Harry and Esther (Carr) Thomas, natives of Brandon, Vermont, who came west in 1865. located on a farm just out of Northfield. in Rice county. this state, and there died, he in 1891 and she in 1873, leaving nine children. Olivia, Nathan, Attie. Emma, Frank, Harry, Anna, Alice and Minnie, as well as a daughter, Olive, who had, and also an unnamed infant, 1 n born to .Mrs. Thomas by a previous marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Weichselbaum have a (laughter, Ora Blanche. She graduated from the Olivia High School, took courses at the Minnesota School of Business at Minneapolis, and then started her career. At Olivia she was bookkeeper for the Heins & Beyer hardware store. Then she was in the tax commission office at the state capitol for three years as assistant to Miller Davis. Now she is bookkeeper in Atchinson's department store in Minneapolis. Mr. and Mrs. Weichselbaum adopted two daughters, Eva Irena and Maude Aleen, who died at the ages of six and seven months respectively and are buried at Olivia.

Paul Albrecht, the popular deputy auditor id' Renville county, was born in Nicollet county, this state, Nov. 15. 1867, a son of Charles and Fredericka (Christ) Albrecht, the pioneers, tin' former of whom died in 1891 and the latter ot whom is now living in New Ulm. Before Paul Albrecht had attained his majority, he and his brother, John, rented 240 acres in section 17. Cairo township, which they operated until 1890, when Paul gave up farming and purchased a livery and dray business in Fairfax. Later he engaged in the implement business until 1905. Then resuming farming, he tilled tin1 soil in section 5. Cairo township, until 1909. when he went into the automobile business at Fairfax. .Ian. 1. 1914. he became deputy county auditor. While in Fairfax, Mr. Albrecht held such offices as president and member of the council, member of the school board and deputy sheriff. He was also elected to such offices as vice president of the state Bank of Fairfax, secretary of the Fairfax Co-operative Creamerj Co. and secretary of the Fairfax Co-operative Elevator Co. Mr. Albrecht was married Nov. 23, 1898, to Matilda Grams, daughter of Gustav and Amelia ( Schirmer) Grams, the former of whom lives in Fairfax and the latter of whom died in 1899. Mrs. Albrecht died June 2, 1908, leaving four children: Dewey. Pearl. Emily and Olive.

Raymond E. Noble was born in Iowa, in Howard county, Feb. 28, 1879, son of Fred W. and Viola T. (Clark) Noble. Fred W. Noble was born in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, in 1855. He was married Nov. 23, 1S77. in Cresco, Howard county, Iowa, to Viola T. Clark, born in Winnesheik county, Iowa, in 1859. There were four children in the family, Raymond E., Alva C. and Alta G., born Nov. 29, 1884, in Monroe county, Wisconsin and Lyle 11., born April 1(1. 1898, in Redwood county. Raymond E. was educated in Wisconsin and was about sixteen years of age when the family moved back to Iowa and remained witli his parents when they moved to Minnesota, coming to Redwood Falls. Redwood county. The family came to Boon Lake township, Renville county, 1902, and located on a farm. They purchased Rev. George Potter's farm and took a tree claim. Mr. Noble was married Sept. 25, 1907, to Luella Haddson. The first year they lived at the home of Mr. Haddson. then they moved to Brookfield, township, where they lived for three years, coming to their present place in Boon Lake township, which they rent. The family are members of the Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. Noble have three children: Floyd Raymond, born June 11. 1910; Dorothy Blanche, born Nov. 18, 1911 ; and Marion Viola, born April 30, 1914.

James R. Landy. .lames Richard Landy was born in Marquette county. Michigan, August 13. 1867, the son of John Landy and Mary Reagan Landy. both natives of Ireland. When one year of age he came with his parents to Renville county. Minnesota, the family settling on a homestead claim in section 24, Birch Cooley, in 1868. Here the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, attending the district school and working on his father's far. ii. He attended high school ;it Mankato and later in 1894 pleted the normal school course al that place, teaching eountrj school between times lo raise money with which to pay his way through school. In 1896 he was elected to the principalship of the graded schools at Buffalo Lake, which position he held for four years. On -Ian. 2, 1899, he was married to Estella McKinley, daughter of Robert .McKinley and Agnes Warner McKinley, then residents of Emmett township. Two children were horn to them.

Small ;iinl was editor and publisher of that paper for seven years. In the fall of 1907 he sold the News to E. ('. Clausen and moved to Olivia, the county scat, to take charge of the Olivia Times, which he purchased from II. W. Wilson and which he still publishes. In politics Mr. Landy is an ardent democral and for six years, from 1901 to 1910, he served as oil inspector for Renville. Chippewa and Lac <LMii Parle counties as appointee of Governor Johnson. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace for 12 years and for eight years past has been a member of the Board of Education of the Olivia public schools, lie is a member of the Catholic church, the Knights id' Columbus and Catholic Order of Foresters.

Herbert C. Sherwood, editor of the Bird Island Union, was born in Bird Island, June 26, 1879, son of Charles II. and Hulda A. (Stone) Sherwood. Charles II. Sherwood was born in Illinois, Sept. 21, 1 S47. and came with his parents to Olmsted county. Minnesota, in 1856, coming to Renville county in 1867. He home steaded 80 acres in the southwest quarter of the eastern half of section :il in Norfolk township and plowed the first furrow that was plowed in that township, living there until the spring of 1879, when he moved to Bird Island, where he resided until 1914, when he removed to Minneapolis. Feb. 6, 1865, hi' enlisted in Company M, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and was sent to Chattanooga to help turn back General Hood. He was discharged Sept. 27, 1865. Charles II. Sherwood was married Oct. 12, 1871, to Hulda A. Stone, born Aug. 29, 1852, and died He.-. 26, 1883. Nov. 12, 1885, lie married Albra S. Salter, horn March 2. 1864, daughter of S. T. Salter, a farmer in Kingman township. Herbert < '. Sherwood grew to manhood in Bird Island and at the age of

County Union at Bird Island, where he remained for one year. Then he became manager and editor of the People's Watchman at Sacred Heart, Minn., which he continued for nine months. The next year was spent with the Renville County Union, which he then purchased in company with M. B. Childs and operated under the name of Childs & Sherwood. After a year, Mr. Sherwood sold his interest to Mr. Childs and became a partner in a printing office at Tacoma, Wash., where he remained for two years. Nov. 15, 1903, he bought the Renville County Union and changed the name to Bird Island Union, operating it under the name of the Sherwood Publishing Co. -Ian. 1, 1911, he became sole owTier, proprietor and editor. The present building was erected in 1911 and has all the latest machinery and equipment, the latest addi tion being a fine linotype machine. Mr. Sherwood served as justice of peace for one and a half years, and was chairman for four years and secretary for two years of the Republican county committee, and for four years was deputy state oil inspector.

He was also the first president of the Commercial Club of his city. Herbert C. Sherwood was married June 7, 1904, to Edith A. Allen, born -Inly Hi. 1879, daughter of George W. Allen, who was born in 1844, now a retired farmer in Stockton, Cal., and his wife, Adelaide (Waite) Allen, who died in 1898 at the age of forty-five years. Air. ami Mrs. Sherwood have two children: Louine E., born February 25, 1908, and Francis -I., horn December 2, 191 :!.

William A. Reid, editor of the Renville Star-Farmer, was born at Andover, Mass., Feb. 26, 1850, and came with his parents to Civilian, Wis., when three years of age. He attended the public schools there in winter and worked on the farm in summer. At the age of twenty he entered the office of the Waupun, Wis., Leader as an apprentice, where he remained one year, and then secured a position to complete his apprenticeship in the state printing' office at Madison, Wis. In 1ST? he came to Granite Falls, Minn., and accepted a position with the Journal, remaining a year and a half. Then he returned to Wisconsin anil on Dec. 4, 1ST!), was united in marriage to Nina Vanderhilt, of lirodhead. Wis. In the spring of 1880 he returned to Granite Falls and settled on a farm in that neighborhood, where he remained for thirteen years and where two sons were born, James Melvin and Lionel Floyd. They arc also in the printing and publishing business.

Hurby L. Quist, editor of the Sacred Heart Journal, was born Dec. 12, LS73, in Chisago county, Minnesota, son of Charles and Sophia J. (Glader) Quist. The parents were both natives of Sweden and came to America when children, in 1863-4, and were married in Chisago county, Minnesota. At the age of twenty Charles Quist enlisted in the 3d Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Company C, and served throughout the war and was taken prisoner at Murfreesboro. Tenn. Before reaching prison he was paroled to return to Minnesota to help quell the Indian uprising and was one of the expedition which passed through Renville county by Fort Ridgely and thence on to Wood Lake, where he was in the hottest of that decisive battle. Later he was one of the chain guards at the execution of the thirty-nine Indians hanged Dee. 26, 1862. at Mankato. Later he was exchanged with other prisoners taken at the same time. The parole cancelled, he served until the end of the Civil war. Nine children were born to these parents, of whom five are living: The subject of this sketch, Earnest L., of Pasadena, Cal.; Walter II. and Irving E., of Thief River Falls, Minn., and Mrs. Adolph Johr (May E.), of Hitterdahl, Minn. In 1S78 the family moved to a farm south of Atwater, in Kandijohi County, where they lived until 190:"), when they moved to Thief River Falls, Minn. In 1915 the parents returned to live in the village of Atwater, the father having retired

Ilurliy L. Quist attended public school in his locality and in the village of Atwater, and later attended the Gustavus Adolphus College at St. Peter, .Minn., paying his way through by teaching.

at various places. Then he entered the newspaper work, first, on the staff of the Isanti County Press, Cambridge, Minn., and later with the Black Duck American at Black Duck, Minn., which he founded. Soon after he was called back to take charge of the Isanti County Press, with which be remained three years. Then he went to Brandock, X. D., and took a homestead, farming for five years. Here he taught school and did newspaper work in various places in winter and farmed his homestead during the summer months until 1909, when he went to Thief River Falls, Minn., and took charge of the mechanical department of the Press. Two years later he became managing editor, which position he held for one year. Jan. 1, 1913. he moved to Sacred Heart and bought the Journal, a weekly paper which appears every Friday. In politics Mr. Quist is Independent. He became a member of the school board at Sacred Heart during 1914. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr. Quist was married June 1905, to Judith M. Swanson, born Aug. 24, IMS."), at Boston. Mass., daughter of Nels and Bengta Swanson. Her father died in 1910 and her mother died while she was very young. There were four children in this family, Mrs. Quist being the only one living. Ah', and Mrs. Quist have two children: Carl Gustav Melville, born June 11. 1907. and Eugene Lawrence, born March 7. 1914.

Thomas I. and Robert M. Foster are the sons of Morris B. Poster, who tiled on the first homestead in Hector township. They were born on the old homestead two miles west id' Buffalo Lake and except for short intervals, when away at school, have always lived at home on the farm. Both are graduates of the Hector High School and subsequently attended Hamline University, from which institution Thomas I. is a graduate. Robert M. is managing editor of tin' News, while Thomas I. devotes himself largely to looking after the home farm.

Herbert F. Rubey, a well-known newspaper man, was born in Cincinnati, Iowa. July 31. 1882, son of William S. and Sarah E. (Fisk) Rubey. William S. Rubey was born in Columbus. Ohio, devoted his life to farming, served four years as a private in Company H, 8th Iowa Volunteer Cavalry and died Dec. 25, 1898, at the age of fifty-eight years. Sarah E. (Fisk) Rubey died June 7, 1896, at age of f>4. In 1896 Herbert F. Rubey secured employment with the Shenandoah (Iowa) Sentinel. In 1899, still a boy, he entered the employ of the George A. Miller Printing Co., Des

Moines, Iowa. Nex1 he was foreman of the composing room of the Daily Telegraph, Atlantic, Iowa. From 1901 to 1903 he was foreman for tho (Hidden (Iowa) Graphic. Then lie occupied a similar position with the Dennison i Iowa) Review, owned by -1. P. Connor, M.D. Subsequently lie was superintendent for the Car roll ( Iowa ) Tiincs. In 190(>. under the firm name of Orchard & Kubey, Herbert P. Rubey, and W. R. Orchard (at present editorin-chief of the Council Bluffs (Iowa) Daily Nonpareil, purchased the Glidden (Iowa) Graphic, and Mr. Rubey became the manager. In 1911 he settled on a farm in Redwood county, across the rivei from Morton. In September of that year he purchased the Beaver Creek Banner. This he sold in May, 1912, to Ross & Halloran. On July 15, 1912, he purchased from O. W. Smith the Morton Enterprise, which he has since conducted. Mr. Rubey was married Oct. 9. 1904, to Rosa E. Maee, born Aug. 29, 1884, daughter of La Fayette and Mary (Beach) Mace. Her mother died in 1905 at the age of forty-five.

Ernest W. Nobbs, editor of the Hector Mirror, was born Dee 80. 188(3, in Norwich, Norfolk. England, son of Henry and Annie ( Living) Nobbs. At the age of five years he emigrated to the United States with his parents and lived in Anoka County, Minnesota, for eight years. The next two years were spent in Bigstone County and from there the family moved to Annandale, Minn. While living at Annandale he spent his spare time working in a printing office. After the two years the family moved to Hector and while attending High School he spent his spare time in the office of the Hector Mirror ami learned the essentials of the printing trade under the direction of the editor, Ralph Prescott. Little and editor of the same paper. Leaving Hector at the age of nineteen, he went to Minneapolis and worked as fireman in the Northern Pacific railroad. After a short time on the railroad he accepted a position as foreman in the printing department of the McClellan Paper Company of .Minneapolis, which he held for two years. The next year was spent in college at Minneapolis and then, he became foreman of a three-section farm in Canada. The fol lowing two years were spent in printing offices in Minnesota and South Dakota and after a time came back to Hector. Since con: ing back to Hector he has not only purchased the Hector Mirroi and built up a profitable business, but has also been a potent infiiience in the town, having held several important positions, such as secretary of the ( lommercial < Hub, Junior Deacon in the Masonic order, member of the Fire Department, member of the Official Board of the Methodist church and superintendent of the Methodist Sunday school.

Airs. W. E. Ploof, now of Wykoff, Minn. He came to Renville County in 1903, and since that time has been intimately identified with its life ami progress. For one year he was editor of the Gibbon Gazette. His life story is told in the story of the growth of the Fairfax Standard. Air. Ploof was married, Sept. 14, 1912, to Mabel Johnson, the second daughter of Mrs. Carrie Johnson, of Franklin, Minn. A little son, John Edward, died in infancy. A daughter, Phyllis Marie, was horn Aug. 3. 1915.

Charles A. Heilig, editor of the Danube Review, was born Sept. 22, 1887, in Pipestone County, Minnesota, on the farm of his parents, Charles Heilig and Mina M. Heilig. He received his early education in the country school of his neighborhood and in 1902 moved with his parents to Mille Laes county, where they located on a farm near Milaca. He attended the Milaca High School, graduating in 1906 and was valedictorian of his class. During 190607 he taught country school at Bock. Minn. In the fall of PI07 he entered the college of Science, Literature and the Arts of the University of Minnesota and was graduated in 1912, receiving the degree of B.A. In 1912 he traveled for Northrup, King & ( !o., of Minneapolis. During the year 1913 he was bookkeeper for the Crescent Wooden Box Co. of Minneapolis. He was principal of Danube public school in 1914 and dune 1. 1915, became the lessee of the Danube Review.

Julius L. Jacobs was born Dec. 2, 1883, in Upper Beaver Creek, Franklin township, Jackson County, Wisconsin, son of Anna (Evans) and John S. Jacobs, who were also born in the same locality. Their parents came from Valestrand, near Bergen, Norway, in the late forties and early fifties. Julius L. Jacobs attended country school near his home and later attended the Red Wing Lutheran Seminary at Red Wing, Minn. He engaged in teaching and other pursuits until May 7, 1909, when he moved to Franklin. .Minn., and purchased the printing and publishing business of Daniel Whetstone, owner of the Franklin Tribune. He has been engaged in that work ever since.