Renville County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (1 of 2 so headed), 1916 (part 6 of 10)

ous town and school district offices; was representative in the legislature of 1878, speaker's clerk during the session of 1891, and State Dairy and Food commissioner two years under Governor Lind. Was nominee for Lieutenant-Governor on the ticket with Governor Lind in 1896 and 1898; also for Railroad Commissioner on Democratic State ticket in 1902. As an earnest friend of good government - government of, for and by the people - has always taken a lively interest in politics and never missed an opportunity to vote at elections. Since coming to Minneapolis in 1901 has done some business in real estate and insurance. In 1881 and 1882 was editor of newspaper, the Bird Island Blizzard.

Herman Zumwinkle, an estimable pioneer, was born in Germany, Jan. Hi. 1835, and was there reared. He was a youth of but sixteen years when he came to America and located in Ohio. From there lie went to Rock Island, Illinois. In that state, on Sept. 2, 1857, he married Elizabeth Nelson, who was born in Norway. June 6, 1832, and died Jan. 16, 1911. In 1862 he came to Minnesota, and located in Le Sueur county where he remained for two years. Subsequently he lived in Shakopee and St. Peter, working in these places as a harness maker. In 1870 he came to Renville county and purchased a farm in Flora township. In 1871 he bought 120 acres in section 22, Beaver Falls township, where he successfully carried on general farming until 1897 when he sold his farm to his son, Frank E., and moved to Beaver Falls village. He was a prominent man, served on the township board for many years and had his part in the upbuilding of thij community.

Henry O. Zumwinkle was born in Rock Island county, Illinois, July 23, 1860, son of Herman and Elizabeth Zumwinkle. He was brought to Beaver Falls township by his parents, was here reared, and here attended the district schools. He also attended the Mankato Normal school for a year. In 1882 he purchased from his father the 80 acres in section 22. Beaver Falls, where he now successfully carries on general farming. Like the other members of his family, he has attained considerable prominence in the community.

He has held several township offices, having been assessor for two years, constable for twenty years, deputy sheriff for twelve years and a member of the school board for twelve years, lie is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Morton and has held all the chairs. Mr. Zumwinkle was married Sept. 17, 1882, to Martha Ann Carruth, born June 1, 1864, daughter of James and Mary (Cosens) Carruth. James Carruth was born June 16, 1832, in Belfast, Ireland, and came to America in 1848 and lived in Canada until 1872, when he moved to Renville county and secured a homestead in section 2, Beaver Falls township. Here he remained until 1897 and then moved to Le Sueur county where he still lives. His wife was born April 20, 1838, and they were married Jan. 5, 1859. There were fourteen children in the family, ten of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Zumwinkle have nine children: Mary E., born Aug. 5, 1883, married to B. <i. Brown, a farmer of Beaver Falls township; Carrie B., born Dec. 22, 1884, now .Mrs. II. M. Hale of Beaver Falls township; Evalena, born Jan. 29, 1887, married to William Schablin, a farmer of Beaver Falls township; Edward H., born March 24, 1889, assistant county surveyor of Renville county; William J., born June 16, 1891; Lillian, born July 3, 1893; Maude A, born Feb. 14, 1898; Theodore A., born Dec. 27, 1890; and Blanche L.. horn Nov. 18, 1903.

William C. Zumwinkle, a thrifty farmer and substantial citizen of Beaver Falls, was born in Le Sueur county. .Minnesota, March 24, "1862, son of Herman and Elizabeth (Nelson) Zumwinkle. At the age of twenty-three William C. Zumwinkle started in the harness business at Beaver Falls, where he remained two years. Then he passed the next three years in farming in section 2, in Flora township. In 1888 he bought 80 acres in section 10, Beaver Falls township, where he still lives, and where he owns 240 acres of land. He has a well improved farm and has erected all the buildings since he came upon the place. Mr. Zumwinkle is a member of the I. O. 0. F. of Morton and has filled all the chairs of that lodge. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Cooperative Grain Company of Morton, a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company at North Redwood, and also a stockholder of the New State Bank at Morton. He has held several public positions at Beaver Falls, having been the assessor for ten years, clerk for ten years, justice of peace for ten years, and also treasurer of school district No. 4. He is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Beaver Falls. Nov. 20, 1882, Mr. Zumwinkle was married to Catherine Smith, born Nov. 29, 1861, of the parents John Smith, a farmer, who came to Flora township in 1866, and Julia A. (Falkal) Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Zumwinkle have three children, Harry J., horn Aug. 21. 1883, who is a farmer in Beaver Falls township, Charles 6., born Feb. 27, 1886, who is at home, and Vernon F., born Dec. 17, 1888, who is also at home.

John Smith, one of the earliest pioneers, came to Flora township in 1866, and located in section 2, Flora township. In 1868 he moved to section 12. In 1876 he went to Texas. But in 1880 he came back and settled on the old farm in section 12. He died Sept. 24, 1892, at the age of sixty-seven. His wife, Julia A. Falkal. died June 27, 1895, at the age of fifty. Mr. Smith was a hardworking, reliable man, and was well liked wherever he was known.

George E. Zumwinkle, a leading citizen of Beaver Falls township, was born in St. Peter, this state, Aug. 6, 1S67, son of Herman ami Elizabeth (Nelson) Zumwinkle. He was brought to Beaver Falls township as an infant and was here reared, securing his early education in the district schools. During the winters of 1887-88 he attended the Curtis Business College at Minneapolis. He was only seventeen years of age when he became a clerk in the dry goods store of King Brothers at Redwood Falls. Subsequently he clerked in a grocery store at Minneapolis for live years. Next lie engaged iii the grocery business fur himself in Minneapolis for about two years. For four years he was yard clerk of the ( '. M. & St. P. H. K. at Minneapolis. Then he went tn St. Paul where he held the same position for the Great Northern for two years. During the next two years he was the chief clerk of the same railroad at Gomo Station, then becoming cashier, which office he held four years! For two years he was the correspondence clerk of the G. N. R. R. & G. W. R. R. at the Minnesota Transfer. During the next two years he rented his lather's farm at Beaver Falls township, but at the end of that time went back to clerking, remaining for two and a half years with R. B. Henton of Morton. Then he bought 80 acres of the home farm in section 22, receiving the western half of the northeastern quarter, where he still is. Mr. Zumwinkle is a member of the M. W. A. of St. Paul and is Vice Grand of the I. 0. 0. F. at Morton. While living at Merriam Park the family were members of the Presbyterian church and attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Morton. He was united in marriage May 6, 1891, to Edith Elliott, born Oct. 12, 1867, daughter of Alonzo Elliott, born April 22, 1833, and died Sept. 12. 1901. a farmer and pioneer of Dodge county, and Lucy (Leach), born March 14, 1839, who now lives with her daughter, Mrs. George Post, in Santa Ana, California. Before her marriage Mrs. Zumwinkle attended the Wesleyan Methodist Seminary at Wasioja, Minnesota, and also the Northwestern Conservatory of Music at Minneapolis in 1888-89. Mr. and Mrs. Zumwinkle have two children, Lyle Edwin, born Oct. 6, 1893, now a law student at the University of Minnesota, and Gladys Elizabeth, born May 21, 1895, who is at home.

Frank E. Zumwinkle was born in St. Peter, Minnesota, March 4, 1870, son of Herman and Elizabeth (Nelson) Zumwinkle. He was reared on his father's farm and at the age of twenty-two decided to have a farm of his own, buying 80 acres in section 10, Beaver Falls township, where he farmed for four years. Then he sold this land and bought the home farm from his father in section 22, which he has increased to 200 acres and where he farmed until Oct. 1, 1915, when he retired to Morton village. He has held several township offices. He has been the clerk of the school district No. 5 for one year and a member of the school board for four years, township assessor for two years, and is now secretary of the Farmers' Cooperative Grain Company of Morton. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Zumwinkle was married April 24, 1891, to Margaret Carruth, born Oct. 25, 1871, daughter of .James and Mary {Cosens) Carruth. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Zumwinkle have three children: Bert, born Nov. 20, 1892; Bessie, born Nov. 14, 1895 ; and Helen, born July 24, 1901.

James Carruth was born in Belfast. Ireland, June 16. 1832, and came to America in 1848. He lived in Canada until 1872, and then came to Renville county and secured a homestead in section 2, Beaver Falls township. Here lie remained until 1897, when he removed to Le Sueur county. Eight years later, however, he took up his home in Beaver Falls village. He wTas married Jan. 5, 1859, to Mary Cosens, who was born April 20, 1838. Of the fourteen children in their family, ten are still living.

Morris Bishop Foster, a very successful farmer of Hector township, was born in Van Buren county, Michigan, Jan. 15, 1843, son of Ira and Catherine (Bishop) Foster. Ira Foster was born in Madison county. New York state, of English parents. Catherine Bishop was born in Oneida county, New York. They were married in New York and Ira Foster engaged in farming in .Madison county, New York. He left for Michigan about 1840 and engaged in farming in Van Buren county and cleared up a farm in Keelerville township. He held various offices of the township and was also a school officer and a member of the Methodist church, which he helped organize. There were nine children in tlie family: Newton, Riley, Dwight, Dean, Morris, Irene, Josephine, Olive and Ida.

Morris B. Foster received his education in the early district school of his section and enlisted, in 1861, with Company I). Sixty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Keelerville. Michigan. He took part in the following battles: Ft. Donaldson. Shiloh, Siege of Corinth, battle of Inka, and was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. He was mustered out September. 1864, at Jonesboro, Georgia. He then began preparing himself for college at Decatur, Michigan, and graduated June 3, 1867. Then he entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and graduated in 1870. He was a member of the Adelphi and Philoinathean societies. After graduation he was superintendent of schools at Benton Harbor and Saginaw, spending one year at each place. From there he went to Minnesota in 1872 and became superintendent at Wabasha for four years. While there he homesteaded 160 acres in section 26, Hector township, in LS74. It was all wild land, ami he erected the- first shanty in Hector township. It was 10 by 12 feet. He next became superintendent of schools at Glencoe. and then located permanently on his homestead with his family. Here he built a good house and began farming with a team of horses. His first crop of wheat brought .$1.00 per bushel, being hauled to Glencoe. He now owns 380 acres, has erected good buildings, and raises Shorthorn cattle and Duroc- Jersey hogs. He is connected with the Farmers' Co-operative Elevator at Buffalo Lake, and was one of the directors of the original Farmers' Elevator as long as it was operated. Mr. Foster has held several township positions, having been supervisor, assessor and clerk. He also served as member of the school board, and helped organize District No. 102. Mr. Foster was married at Saginaw to Katherine Louise Folwell, of Kendaia, Seneca county, New York, a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, born May '_!. 1841, daughter of Thomas and Johanna (Bainbridge) Folwell. <ii' English parentage. Mr. Folwell was a farmer of New York. .Mr. and Mrs. Foster have the following children: William B., Adela -I., Thomas and Robert. William B. is a practicing physician in Texas. He married Grace La Selle and they have two children, Morris and .lean. Adela .1. is the wife of Dr. E. ('. Gaines, of Buffalo Lake, this county, and they have two children. William Folwell and Catherine. Thomas 1. and Robert M. are editors of the Buffalo Lake News. Robert M. being the managing editor, while Thomas I. devotes his time largely to looking after the home farm. The mother, Mrs. Katherine (Folwell) Foster, died Dec. 19, 1915.

Ristvedt Brothers, general merchants. Sacred Heart. Thore H. and Hans H. Ristvedt were born in Norway, July 17, 1859, and Nov. 2, 1866, respectively, sons of Halvor T. and Marte T. (Vettestad) Ristvedt. Thore II. came to America in 1880 and located iii Waseca county, Minnesota, working on a farm the first summer. Hans II. came to America in 1886. The two brothers opened a drug and stationery store at Milan. Chippewa county, this state, which they operated for four years. In 1889 they came to Sacred Heart and engaged in the restaurant business for two years. They then sold out their business at Milan and Thore went to St. Paul, where he bought a grocery store on Arlington Hill in company with Christ Skaar, while Hans engaged as typesetter in Minneapolis. Later Thore sold out his business in St. Paul and went to Minneapolis. Together the brothel's bought a stock of groceries, and for two years operated a store at Twentieth avenue and Third street, south. After several other ventures in various places, including a newspaper in Sacred Heart, they opened their present establishment in 1900. They have been successful and enjoy a well-deserved patronage. Both are Republicans and both attend the Hauge Lutheran church Hans H. Ristvedt was married Oct. 2, 1899, to Rachel Johnson, born in Dane county, Wisconsin, Sept. 5, 1863, daughter of Even and .Johanna Johnson, natives of Norway, who came to America

<it an early age, were married in Dane county, and are now both dead, the father having died in 1881 and the mother in 1909. Mr. and .Mrs. Hans 11. Ristvedl have one daughter, Myrtle, born Aug. 6, 1903. llalvor T. Ristvedt was a farmer and spent the span of his years in Norway. He was born Sept. 16, 1815, and died in 1888. His good wife was horn Dee. 29, 1829, and died in 1887. The children in the family were: Anton, Thore H., Kristine, Marie II. and Hans II. Anton II. is a blacksmith and farmer at Hanley Falls, Minn. He married Laura T. Mork and they have three sons and one daughter: Carl, Trygve, Alf and Agnes. Frank R. Olson, an energstic young business man of Sacred Heart, is one of the newcomers in the county, hut has already built up one of the largest land businesses in this part of the state. He has taken his part in the affairs of the village and is a sincere friend of the cause of agricultural development. His methods have already won for him a wide circle of friends, ami he has a long list of satisfied clients. The subject of this mention was born in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, Nov. 18, 1886, son of Rasmus and Antonette (Christophcrson) Olson. Like the other boys of his time and neighborhood, he attended the district and graded schools of his native state, and later supplemented this with a full commercial course in the Estherville Business College, of Estherville, Iowa. A few years later he graduated from the Missouri School of Auctioneering at Kansas City, Missouri. After completing his course in the business college, Mr. Olson continued to farm with his father at Sioux Rapids, Iowa, until 1912. Then he opened a garage at Spencer, Iowa, which he conducted for some four months. Then he entered the real estate business at Spencer. It was on March 17, 1914, that he reached Sacred Heart, where he has since been engaged in the sale of farms and farm land. During that year he sold more farms in Renville county than any other man or firm in the county. He does not, however, confine his attentions to Renville county, but also handles land in other counties in this state and in other states as well. At various times he holds real estate sometimes alone and sometimes in partnership. Mr. Olson has made his success in life entirely by his own efforts, his shrewd judgment, his strict uprightness and his genial temperament being his strong assets. In addition to selling land, he does considerable auctioneering and his services in this capacity are constantly in demand. Being still a young man, his friends predict for him a brilliant future. In the fall of 1914, Mr. Olson conducted a corn show, in which was exhibited some of the best corn ever shown in this part of the state. There were exhibits from about 100 farms in Renville county. Prizes were awarded and all the expenses of the exhibition borne by Mr. Olson himself. Frank E. Balmer. from the University of Minnesota, Judge A. T. Daly, of the District court.

and Dr. G. S. Weaver, of the United States Department of Agriculture delivered addresses. The corn show gave corn-growing in this region a new impetus.

Mr. Olson also took an active part in the West-Central Minnesota Corn and Alfalfa Exposition, held at Benson, Minnesota, November 25, 26 and '21. Be was prominent in the balloting for queen of the exposition, and was himself elected king. At this exposition he did considerable "boosting" for Renville county with excellent results.

A. D. Corey was born in New York state in 1845. moved to Wisconsin with his parents in 1847. On Sept. 12, 1864, when nineteen years of age. he enlisted in Company F, Fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, ami served one year. He was in a number of important battles in the vicinity of Richmond, and also assisted in the capture of Petersburg. He was badly wounded in a battle on April 7, 1865, after fighting almost continually from four o'clock in the morning until two o'clock in the afternoon, having been struck by a piece of shell in the shoulder. He was sent from the field to the hospital, where he was honorably discharged July 1, 1865. Returning to his home he immigrated with his parents to Minnesota. In August, 1865, he located upon a homestead that his father had filed on for him while he was in service. Mr. Corey was married to Martha A. Barkey, December 19, 1867, and passed through all the hardships of pioneer settlers. This union resulted in four girls and two boys, of whom five are living. Mr. and .Mrs. Corey attained the honor of being the oldest couple married in Renville county and still residing there. .Mr. Corey held the offices of town supervisor, county commissioner, boiler inspector under Governor S. R. Van Sant and served as postmaster at Beaver Falls under President William McKinley.

B. C, McEwen was born in St. Lawrence, Rock county. New York, in lsls. and came West in 1855, locating in Rock county, Wisconsin. He came to Minnesota in 1857 with his father (familiarly known as "Uncle Charlie McEwen) and family, and arrived at Hutchinson September 14. The trip was made with an ox team and nine weeks were spent on the road. There were five children in the senior McEwen family, four sons and one daughter.

B. C. McEwen was married in 1877 to Josie Myhoffer, at Gleneoe, Minnesota. They have two children. Dwight M. and Sarah K., the latter being married to M. Ramsland, formerly of Sacred Heart. Mr. McEwen saw Minnesota before it was admitted as a state or had one mile of railroad or a mile of telegraph within its borders. When he first came to the state, every acre of grain raised in McLeod county was sowed by hand, harvested with a cradle and threshed with a flail, cleaned bv throw-

With the exception of the time spent in the south during tin; Civil war, he has lived in McLeod and Renville counties since 1857. He has served in township and county offices.

Michael Dworshak, a successful farmer of Beaver Falls township, was born in Scott county, Minnesota, Feb. 24, 1865, son of Wencel and Rose (Victor) Dworshak. The father was bom in Austria and came to America in 186:2, locating on a homestead in Scott county, where he remained for fourteen years. In 1876 he came to Renville county and purchased 80 acres in section 5, in Beaver Falls township, where he lived until his death, in 1885, being sixty years of age. The mother, aged eighty-six years, died March 18, 1815. Michael Dworshak bought the home farm in 18S9 and still lives there. He now owns 360 acres and has improved the farm, building an eight-room house in 1898, and in 1905 a modern barn, 34 by 60 feet, with a hip roof. Mr. Dworshak is a stockholder and director in the Farmers' Elevator Company at North Redwood, and is a member of the Catholic Workmen and also of the Catholic church in Henryville township. April 30, 1889, .Mi-. Dworshak was united in marriage to Anna Skoblik, born Feb. 3, 1868, in Scott county. Her father, Martin Skoblik, was a farmer of Henryville township, who came to America from Austria in 1860, living for eighteen years in Scott county, coming to Renville county in 1878. He died July 9, 1900, at tinage of seventy years. Her mother, Eva (Manaza) died Sept. 13, 1912, at the age of seventy-three years. Mr. and .Mrs. Dworshak are the parents of six children: Jennie, born May 11. 1890, and married Sept. 30, 1913, to Tony Wertisch, a farmer of Troy township; Mary, born Jan. 20, 1S92, and married John W. Swoboda, a farmer of Kingma-n township; Mathew W., born Jan. 9, 1894; Matilda, born March 30. 1896; Joseph, born July 3, 1899; and Miloyd, born June 6, 1907. The four youngest children are at home with their parents.

John Kuester, an early settler, was born in Germany, and in 1869 married Frederika Zammsow. In 1S77 he came to America and located in Olmsted county, this state, where he tanned four years. Then he moved to the vicinity of Ft. Ridgely, where he managed a farm for four years. Subsequently he bought a farm of 80 acres in section 4, Beaver Falls township, where he lived until his death. May 3. 1902. His wife is still living at Redwood Falls at tin- age of seventy-eight years. Of their seven children, three died in infancy. Gustave died in 1906, at the age of thirtythree; Albert is village marshal at Wabasso, this state; John W. and Richard H. are farmers in Beaver Falls township.

erika (Zammsow) Kuester. He began farming for himself at the age of twenty-seven years and bought 160 acres in Redwood county, where he remained for six years. Then he rented the home farm and is still there. He raises Poland-China and Yorkshire hogs and Durham and Holstein cattle, and carries on general farming. Mr. Kuester is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at North Redwood and also at Wabasso. He is a member of the German Lutheran church. Sept. 15, 1901, he was united in marriage to Matilda Boltz, daughter of Benjamin and Caroline (Rose) Boltz. She was born March 11, 1884. Her father was a merchant at South Bend, Indiana, and died .Jan. 1, 1897. at the age of fifty-six years, and her mother is now living at Minneapolis. Mr. and Mrs. Kuester have two children: Leroy Richard, born May 19, 1905, and Muriel Matilda, horn Aug. 10. 1908.

John W. Kuester, a well-known farmer of Beaver Falls township, was horn in Eyota, Minnesota, July 4, 1877, son of John and Frederika (Zammsow) Kuester. In 190-1 he bought 160 acres in section 4, Beaver Falls township, and carries on general farming, dairying and stock-raising, raising Chester White hogs and Belgian horses, and specializing in Velvet Chaff wheat. He is a stockholder of the Farmers' Elevator Company, at North Redwood, and also of the Redwood Falls Telephone Company. He is a member of the German Lutheran church. Mr. Kuester was married June 15, 1904. to Hattie Breitkreutz, born Dec. 22, 1882, daughter of Emil Breitkreutz, a farmer of Flora township, who came to Renville county in 1875. and Minnie (Sommerfield) Breitkreutz, who were married Jan. 17. 1881, and had eight children, four boys and four girls. Mr. and Mrs. Kuester have three children. Lulu, born April 17. 190."); Erwin, born June 16, 1906, and died Jan. 12. 1907; and Leo, born Dec. 14, 1908.

John Cheney, a popular and successful farmer of Beaver Falls township, was horn in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, May 1, 1869. His father, William H. Cheney, was born Dec. 28, 1834, and came to Renville county in 1885 from Rice county, Minnesota, to engage in farming. He is at present living at Boise, Idaho. His first wife, Isabel (Wood) Cheney, died June, 1914, at the age of seventy-six. John Cheney remained at home on his father's farm on section 15, Beaver Falls township, until his marriage. At present lie owns 320 acres of land in sections 14 and 15, Beaver Falls township. This was his father's old home, which he bought in 1900. It has good buildings, which stand near the road on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 15. He is a progressive farmer, doing diversified farming and making a specialty of feeding and getting live stock ready for market, usually shipping two ears of cattle and one carload of hogs each year. He was clerk of the School District No. 5 a number of years. Mr. Cheney was united in marriage to Mrs. Catherine Leach, Dec. 6, 1893. Mrs. Leach was horn Aug. 29, 1861, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman. Mrs. Hoffman afterward married Jerry Toomey and operated the hotel in Beaver Falls for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Cheney have one child, Gertrude, horn Sept. 1, 1895. She is a graduate of the Olivia high school, having completed her course in 1914, and is now a student at the state university. Mrs. Cheney and her daughter are members of the Catholic church in Morton.

Franz W. Schmidt, who lived in Renville county before the Indian massacre, was horn in Germany, duly 4, 1833, and died March 17, 1914. He came from Germany to America in 1850, remaining one year in Illinois and then coming up the Mississippi river in the steamboat to the mouth of the Minnesota river; went up the Minnesota river to North Redwood, where he worked for the government, putting up buildings and breaking land for the Indians on the south side of Big Stone Lake. After two years of this kind of work he worked in New Ulm for two years and married in 1859 at West Newton. Minnesota. Mrs. Mary Rissor. Ber maiden name was Mary Euehegel and she was born Aug. 24, 1827, and died April 14. 1907. Her first husband was killed by a falling tree. She had one son, Henry, by the first marriage, who is now a farmer of Beaver Falls township. Franz W. Schmidt homesteaded 160 acres in sections 14 and 15 in Beaver Falls township, about Jan. 1, 1860. He left this place at the time of the Sioux uprising and brought his family to Ft. Ridgely ami then to Hastings, Minnesota, where he left them for a year. He came back after a two hours' stop in Hastings and enlisted in Company L, First Minnesota Cavalry, and served one year, fighting the Indians. Then he moved his family to New Ulm, where he lived three years, then coming back to the homestead in Beaver Falls township in 1867, where he lived until his death.

Frederick Wilhelm Schmidt was born Sept. 11, 1864, son of Franz W. and Mary (Rissor) Schmidt. He worked on the home farm until lie was eighteen years of age and then worked out on the neighborhood farms for four years. Next he rented SO acres from William Carr in Birch Cooley township, where he stayed for three years. The next two and a half years were spent on a farm in Henryville township. In 1891 he bought the home farm from his father. Mr. Schmidl was married Feb. 6, 1894, to Mary Ahrendt, born June 1, 1875. daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Lange) Ahrendt. Her father was a farmer of Flora township, coming from Rice county in 1887, and is now living at Brownson. His wife was reared by William Reike of Fairfax. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have six children: Lena, born Dec. 16, 1894, wife of William Ahrens, a farmer of Beaver Falls township : Laura, born Oct. 24, 1896. wife of Max Ilueth, a farmer

Charles Reineke, deceased, a well-known farmer of Beaver Falls township, was born in Germany, Sept. 22, 1832. He came to Renville county about 1882 and bought 160 acres of land in section 26, Beaver Falls township, where he remained until his death on Jan. 15, 1904. He was a member of the I. O. O. F. at Morton. After his death Mrs. Reineke conducted the farm, doing diversified farming, and with the help of her children has been very successful. Mr. Reineke was married Nov. 25, 1882, to Lizzie Bratsch, who was born July 29, 1864. Ten children were born to this couple: Otto, born Oct. 11, 1883, who is now a farmer near Franklin, Minnesota ; Frank, born Jan. 21, 1885, a farmer in Redwood county ; Amanda, wife of Walter Deitzman, a farmer in North Dakota ; Lillian, born July 18, 1890, and Antonia, born Sept. 17, 1891, who are at home; Julia, born June 19, 1895, who is attending the Mankato Commercial College; and Fred, born Oct. 25. 1897; Bessie, born March 21, 1899; George, born Oct. 5, 1900: and Theresa, born Sept. 23, 1902. who arc all at home, assisting their mother on the farm.

George J. Pregler, one of the prosperous young farmers of this county, was born on his father's farm in section 24, in Beaver Falls township, Oct. 14. 1893. His father. John Pregler, came to America from Germany witli his father, Andrew Pregler, in 1865, and a homestead of 120 acres was secured in section 24, Beaver Falls township. In 1891 Andrew Pregler left the farm and moved to Morton, where he lived until Ins death. John Pregler then took charge of the farm and still works upon it. May 10. 1892, John Pregler married Katherine Goblirsch, who was born Dec. 2.">. Is74. Mr. and Mrs. John Pregler have six children: George J.; Annie, now Mrs. Kiern Tracy, of Acequia, Idaho; Bertha, Rosa and Frank. The family are all members of the Catholic church at Morton. The father and George J. operate the farm together and raise O. I. C. hogs and cattle and horses.

Harry M. Hoffman, a xi'vy successful farmer of Beaver Falls township, was horn Feb. 5, 1870, in Pennsylvania. He came to Renville county in 1880. At the age of twenty years he rented 120 acres in section 15, Beaver Falls township, where he remained five years. During the same time he also worked upon 120 acres in section 11, which lie bought in 1891. In 1904 he sold this land and bought 200 acres in section 15 and 120 acres more in 1908. Now he owns the western half of section 15 in Beaver Falls township, and has a very nice, well improved farm. Mr. Hoffman has served as treasurer of School District No. 5. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, of North Redwood, ami is a member of the Catholic church of Morton. Mr. Hoffman was married June 23, 1909, to Lydia M. Roper, born May 10. 1888, daughter of Henry and Anna (Barnholdt) Roper. Mr. Roper was born Jan. 15, 1852, in Cook county, Illinois and came to Minnesota in 1868, locating in Waseca county. He came to Renville county in 1886, and bought 160 acres in section 16, northeast quarter, Beaver Falls township. In 1910 he moved to the eastern half of the southwest quarter of section 16, where he remained until 1913, when he moved to Redwood Falls, where lie died April 29, 1913. His wife was horn Nov. 17, 1862, and still lives in Redwood Kails, They were married in Le Sueur county. Jan. 15, 1880, and had six children. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman have two children, Helen Catherine, born April 3, 1910; and Margaret Anna, born Nov. 10, 1912.

Julius Scheffler, a well-known farmer in Beaver Falls township, was born in Germany, Jan. 17, 1857, and came to America with his parents, Michael and Annie (Stensel) Sheffler. The father first located in Illinois, near Chicago, and came to New Dim, Minnesota, in 1867, and to Renville county iu the spring of 1868. Here he secured a homestead of 80 acres, in section 12, Beaver Falls township, and lived there until his death in July, 1898, at the age of eighty-seven. The mother died Sept. 4, 1886, at the age of seventy-five years. Julius Scheffler remained on the home farm until his marriage, iu 1879, when he bought 80 acres in section 12, Beaver Falls township, where he is still living. He now owns 440 acres in Renville county. In 1901 he rebuilt the house, a nice two-story building, and also built a large barn ami other outbuildings. He does diversified farming. Mr. Sheffler is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Morton and also in the New State Bank at Morton. He has been a member of the township board for seven years and of the school board for twenty years. He is also a member of the .Methodist Episcopal church at Beaver Falls. Mr. Schemer was united iu marriage t . Dorthea Wiehmann, June 19, 1879. She was born Dec. 2. 1855, daughter of Deitrich Wiehmann. Mr. and Mrs. Scheffler have eight children: Molly, born March 4, 1881 ; now married to Harry Zumwinkle, a farmer of Beaver Falls township ; Frederick and Emma, twins, born Sept. 20. 1882, who are at borne; Julius, born Aug. 13. 1884. married Millie Lusenhop. and farming in Birch Cooley township; Lydia, born July 5. 1887, married to William Blume, a farmer of Beaver Falls township ; William, born Nov. 5, 1890; Louise, born Feb. 25. 1893. and Henry, born Feb. 2S, 1895, the three youngest being at home.

Sibon Peterson Dustrud, a pioueer, was born in Norway. He started for the United States when a young man, coming by sailing vessel, and had a long voyage. He first came to Chicago, then a place of only one building, and helped build pontoon bridges across the Chicago river. He next went to Wisconsin and settled in Cane county, near Mt. Horeb, and was instrumental in founding a Norwegian colony at that place. His tirst money there was ten cents per day for splitting rails and after a time he had earned enough to send for his parents. His mother died on the way over and was buried at sea, his father continuing the journey to Mt. Horeb, where he lived the rest of his life. Sibon Dustrud engaged in farming, living a few miles southwest from Mt. Horeb, and built a log cabin and farmed with an ox team. His wagon box was made of rails and the wheels were made from logs. He built another house, which burned, so the family were obliged to move back to the old hut. After a time this farm was sold and he went to Houston county, near Spring Grove, securing a piece of land there and lived there two years; Then, in company with his brother. Herman, and John Johnson, he made a trip to what is now St. Paul and Minneapolis, thence down the Mississippi river to Red Wing, where he purchased 160 acres of government land. He intended to bring his family there but. while on their way to this place, were induced to settle near Preston, Fillmore county, ami he sold his land in Red Wing. He lived in Fillmore county twenty years and then moved to St. Paul, where he purchased a house on the corner of Earl and Maryland streets, and also bought a place in Wisconsin, near Hudson. He spent two years in St. Paul and then came to Renville county, where he died at the age of eighty-three years. His wife, Helena Johnson, died in 1912 in Webster, South Dakota, at the age of ninety-three years. They had four children: Peter, Ellitia, John and Sibb.

Peter P. Dustrud, retired farmer, former county commissioner and prominent citizen, was born in Illinois, April 4, 1843, son of Sibon Peterson Dustrud and Helena Johnson, both of Norway. He grew to manhood in Fillmore county, and took part in the Indian campaign, being one of the Fillmore county men who went to New Ulm and, with 800 horses, went to the relief of Ft. Ridgely. In 1871 he came to Renville county and settled in section 28, Ericson township. The story of his early experiences and his history of the early days of the township are found elsewhere in this work. He drove into Renville county by horse and ox team. There were no buildings on the claim and he made a dugout with three tiers of logs on to]). Basswood bark was used for the roof and the floor was of earth. The nearest market was at St. Peter. Often wheat was ground in the coffee mill for home use. When Mr. Dustrud started farming he had three cows and 160 acres of land, and now has increased the farm to 280 acres. and has built a modern house.

was also school clerk for several years ami treasurer of the school board. While county commissioner, he was instrumental in having the school districts cut down to normal size and secured a bridge across Hawk Creek. He helped organize the township of Ericson and established School District No. 43. Mr. Dustrud is a member of the Synod Norwegian Lutheran church, many of the early services being held at his cabin. He was treasurer for several years and helped organize the church of Sacred Heart village.

Mr. Dustrud was united in marriage to Martha Jacobson, a native of Norway, born Feb. 11, 1859, who came to America at the age of 18 years with her mother, her father, a miller, having died in Norway. Five children were horn to Mr. and Mrs. Dustrud: Julius, John, Helena, Clara and Mina.

Christ Kurtz was horn in Germany, Dee. 19, 1841, son of Christ and Annie (Boetke) Kurtz. The father was born in Germany, Dec. 21, 1812, and came to America in 1S69, spending one year in Indiana. Then he moved to Wabasha county, Minnesota, where he lived for seven years, going next to Renville county and making his home with his son, ( 'hrist. at Beaver Falls township. He died April 6, 1895. The mother was born Sept. 8, 1814; and died Nov. 11, 1912. Christ Kurtz, the son, came to America in 186S and lived in Indiana for one year. Then he spent six years in Wabasha county, Minnesota, farming. Sept. 16, 1879, he purchased 80 acres in section 6, Beaver Falls township, where Instill lives. He now owns 360 acres of land and has improved the farm in various ways. He has erected good farm buildings and a modern seven-room house. He raises a good grade of stock. making a specialty of I hirham cattle, Poland-China hogs, Belgian horses and Shropshire sheep. Mi. Kurtz is a member of the German Lutheran church and is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company of North Redwood. He was married July 4. 1875, to Amelia Dusterhofdt. Her father, Martin Dusterhofdt, came to America from Germany in 1864 and farmed in Marquette county, Wisconsin, where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz have had eight children: Louis, horn April 26. 1876, now a farmer in Crooks township and married to Annie Weigel. They have two children. Wilhelmina, wife of William Wilschnack, a farmer of Alberta, Canada. They have one child. Fred is a farmer in Colorado. Amelia is the wife of Ferdinand Seibert, a farmer of Redwood county, and they have three children. Augusta is the wife of Frank Prodhel, a farmer, and has two children. Christ. August and Annie are at home. Mrs. Kurtz died June 16, 1892.

three years. Then he moved to Le Sueur county ami remained there for eleven years. In 1868 he bought 160 acres of land in section 7. in the northwest quarter of Beaver Falls township, where he remained until the spring of 1894, when he retired from farming and moved to North Redwood. On this farm he built a one and a half story log house, 18 by IS feet, with a shingled roof and board floor, hauling the material from Mankatn. Beginning farming with a plow, harrow and a wagon as his only tools, lie gradually improved his land until, in 1894, he had increased his farm to 560 acres. He died in 1896. His good wife, whose maiden name was Mary Orauke, was burn in Germany, Jan. 6, ls;U ,iinl is now living at North Redwood at the a ge of eighty-four.

Ernest F. Lindeman, one of the modern and progressive farmers of Beaver Falls township, was born in the township where he now resides, -Ian. 31, 1873, son of August and Mary (Grauke) Lindeman. He was reared on the home farm and attended the district schools of the neighborhood. In 1894 he rented a farm in Redwood county, where he remained for four years. Then he became manager for the Great Western Elevator Co. at Delhi, tins state. After two years and a. half in this capacity, he purchased a half interest in the firm of Hoskins & Honor, owners of a granite-working plant at North Redwood, and changed the name to Roskins & Lindeman. In 1902 he moved onto his present farm of 24(1 acres in section 4. Heaver Falls township, which lie purchased in 1896. lie has accomplished some splendid developments, carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of raising and feeding cattle for the market. One of tin- notable features of the farm is a fruit orchard of one and a half acres. The home which Mr. Lindeman erected in 1912 is one of the best rural residences in the county. It is modern in every way, 33 by 44 feet, two stories, with twelve rooms and a full basement. The lower story is finished in oak. attractive features being the open stairway and built-in buffet and book cases. The upper story is finished in pine. The home is equipped with hot water heat and acetylene lights throughout. A porch runs across the front and around on the east side. The house cost some $8,000 and is distinctly a model of its kind. Mr. Lindeman has served as the township assessor and is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company and the Farmers' Telephone Company at Redwood Falls. He is a member of the Independent Order of (hid Fellows and attends tin' Presbyterian church. April 2. 1901, Mr. Lindeman was united in marriage to Amanda L. Schafer, born August 26, 1880, daughter of John and ( 'aroline (Krupp I Schafer. They were married in Faribault. Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Lindeman have three children, Pearl M. and Percy M.. twins, born May 9. 19(12. ami Bonnie I... born June 24. 1903. John Schafer was born in

5, 1837, and now lives in North Redwood, this state. John Schafer had a notable war record. On Sept. 27. 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company G, Second Missouri Artillery, and was promoted for bravery, first to corporal and then to sergeant, serving as such under Captain John Emil. He was discharged by special orders Aug. 24, 1863. In 1867 he came to Renville county and engaged in fanninf"' for the remainder <>r his life.

Lewis J. Lindeman, an eminently successful farmer of Beaver Falls township, was born in that township, Aug. 22, 1870, son of August and Mary (Grauke) Lindeman. In 1894 he rented 320 acres of the home farm in sections 6 and 7, which he operated until 1897 when he bought it. He carries on general farming and raises grain and a good grade of stock, having Belgian horses and Shropshire sheep. In 1905 he built a very tine home, 40 by 50 feet, two story, with twelve rooms and a full basement. It is equipped with furnace heat, and acetylene lights are used, both in the house and in the other buildings. A thousand-gallon pressure tank in the basement furnishes water throughout the house and to all the barns and buildings. The house is finished in oak, with oak floors downstairs and with white pine on the second floor, and has all modern conveniences. It was erected at a cost of some $9,000. For six years Mr. Lindeman operated a complete portable gasoline threshing outfit. For the past three years he has operated a gas tractor outfit for the same purpose, and with this tractor he operates an eight-bottom plow on his farm.

Mr. Lindeman and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Redwood Falls. He is a stockholder and director of the Redwood County Rural Telephone Company and a director of the Farmers' Elevator Company at Redwood Falls, and has been a director of the Flora Mutual Fire Insurance Company for eight years. He has been chairman of the township board for eleven years and treasurer for School District No. 7 for four years.

Feb. 21, 1894, Mr. Lindeman was united in marriage to Rosa Wilschnack, born Jan. 14>, 1S76, daughter of August and Augusta (Miller) Wilschnack. Her father came to Renville county in 1876. Before coming to Minnesota he had lived in Wisconsin and was one of the soldiers of the Civil war, having served nine months in Company E, First Wisconsin Cavalry, in 1864 and 1865, and was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. He died in Markasan, Wisconsin, Aug. 14, 1912, aged sixty-eight years, to which place he moved in 1900. His wife died in 1878, at the age of twenty-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Lindeman have

Edward H. Davis was born Aug. 8, 1872, in Beaver Falls township, son of William Davis, who died in 1904, at the age of fiftysix years, and Hally (Johnson) Davis, who died in 1910, at the age of sixty years. William Davis was born in Illinois and came to Renville county in 1863, where he secured a homestead of 80 acres in section 18, Beaver Falls township, where he remained until his death. He served on the school board for two years. There were six children in the family, five boys and one girl. Edward H. Davis farmed in Redwood county for about one and a half years, then he moved to section 18, in Beaver Falls township, where he remained for on" year. Then he engaged in the blacksmith trade in North Redwood for nine years. Returning to Beaver Falls township he bought. 160 acres of land in section 20, anil has lived there ever since. He has improved the farm. increased it to 240 acres and raises stock for the market. He breeds Durham cattle and feeds and prepares for the market about one carload of cattle and one of hogs every year. One of the features of his farm is a silo, 16 by 30 feet, with a nine-foot pit. It has a triple wall with a capacity of 165 tons. Mr. Davis has served on the village council of North Redwood for three years. He is a stockholder and director of the North Redwood creamery and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of North Redwood. Mr. Davis was married March 6, 1898, to Freda Graffenberger, born April 18, 1879, in Germany. She was adopted by her grand parents at the age of two and a half years and reared by them. Her grandfather, Albert Graffenberger, died in November, 1914, at the age of eighty-six years. He came to America in 1881 and lived in Redwood county until 1901, when he moved to Toledo, Washington, where he died. The grandmother. Wilhelmina Biedemann, died Feb. 6, 1900, at the age of sixty nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have six children: Edith, born Nov. 5, 1899: William, born March 11, 1902; Howard, born dune 7. 1905; Mildred, born Nov. 25, 1908; Alice, born July 7. 191:-!. and Gordon Edward, born July 4. 1915.

Charles C. Buscho, cattle dealer, was born duly 26, 1890, in Beaver Falls township. Renville county, Minnesota, son of William and Minnie Buscho, who came to Renville county in 1869. and now live in .Morton. In 1910 Charles bought the home farm of 549 acres in sections 25, 26, 35 and 36 in Beaver Falls township. In 1911 he built a new barn. 36 by 40 feet. He raises Shorthorn, Hereford and Galloway cattle, good swine and Percheron horses, making a specialty of feeding cattle ami shipping about three carloads of cattle and eighty hogs each year. He also sells about seventy cords of wood in Redwood Falls and Morton each year, having 200 acres of standing timber. Mr. Buscho is the treasurer of the Farmers' Co-operative Grain Company, at Morton, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Morton. He was married June 19, 1912, to Ida Tretbar, born Nov. 13, 1891, daughter of Clemens Tretbar, aged seventy-nine years, a farmer and pioneer of Brown county and a veteran ssldier, having served four years in the army, ami Pauline (Flamme) Tretbar.

Mr. Tretbar had a notable Civil war record. He enlisted May 20, 1861, in Company K, Second New York Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged at New York City, June 20, 1863, by reason of the expiration of his service. Jan. 2, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, New Jersey Volunteer Cavalry, and served until Aug. 1, 1865. He served under Generals George B. McClellan, Ambrose E. Burnside, Joseph Hooker, U. S. Grant and Philip Henry Sheridan, and was in the battle of Bull Run, Shenandoah Valley, Winchester, Cross Keyes, Cedar Mountain, Manassas, Rappahannock, Chancellorsville, battle of the Wilderness, Gello Tavern, two miles from Richmond, and Petersburg. He was wounded at Winchester while on the skirmish line. The history of the charges of his heroic companies is a part of the history of the nation.

Frank M. Serbus, an enterprising farmer of this county, was born Aug. 7, 1864, on boat in quarantine, while his parents were coming to America. The father, John Serbus, was born in Bohemia and settled at Belle Plaine, Minnesota, where he lived until the spring of 1865, when he homesteaded 140 acres in Home township, Brown county, Minnesota. In 1884 he came to Henryville township, this county, and bought 480 acres in section 26, where he remained until the time of his death, in 1897, at the age of sixty-three. The mother, Rosa Bertek. died Aug. 26, 1912, at the age of seventy-three. Frank M. Serbus remained at home until 1888, when he bought 160 acres in section 26, Henry ville township, being part of his father "s farm. He still lives there and now owns 400 acres, two acres of which are set out in fruit and fifty acres in timothy and clover. He raises Red Poll cattle and O. I. C. hogs, feeding one car of stock per year for the market. He has served as clerk of School District No. 12 for twentyseven years and for seven or more years has been a member of tin' township board and for three years chairman of same. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Morton and North Redwood, and also in the New State Bank at Morton. The family are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Serbus was married July 10, 1888, to Mary Zeta, born June 1866, daughter of Frank and Annie Zeta. Her father was born in Bohemia and came to America in 1865, first living at La Crosse, Wisconsin, then in Scott county, Minnesota, later in Henryville, this county, some six years, and finally again in Scott county, where he died Sept. 15, 1907, at the age of eighty-two. His wife died March 11. 1913, at the age of eighty-four. Mr. and Mrs. Serbus have had eight eh ili lieu: Adolph, born July 22, 1899, a farmer in Heuryville township; Kate, born Dec. 31, 1891, married to Martin Tersteeg, a farmer of Bird Island township ; Joseph, born Sept. 25, 1892 ; Lucy, born March 20, 1897; Mary, born March 11, 1898; Frank, horn Aug. 20, 1902; Theodore, born Aug. 19, 1904; Edward, born Feb. 3, 1906. and three others, who died in infancy.

Bernard A. Tersteeg, a well-known farmer of Henryville township, was born in the Netherlands, Nov. 15, 1872, sun of Edward and Katherine Tersteeg, who brought him in the early seventies in Muscatine, Iowa, where the father worked at his trade as a blacksmith, later coming to Renville county and engaging in farming. Bernard A. Tersteeg attended school in Holland and in Iowa, coming to Renville county when he was fifteen years of age. When he was twenty years old he left the parental roof and started out for himself. Iu 1900 he secured a tract of 160 acres in Henryville township. This land was absolutely wild, not even a well having been dug. He erected a small frame house and a shed, began breaking the land, and engaged in cattle-raising. The changes that have since takeu place are remarkable. Seventy-two acres have been added to the original tract. In the spring of 1915 the house was remodelled into a modern dwelling, with such conveniences as a hot air furnace, a bath, running water, and the like. The barn is also modern, and the farm machinery, tools and equipment are modern in every respect. Aside from carrying on general farming, Mr. Tersteeg specializes in stockbreeding, aiming to keep the year around some nine head of horses, some fifty head of cattle, and from 50 to 100 swine. The cattle are of good breed and the swine are of the Duroc-Jersey variety. In everything that tends to increase the prosperity of the agricultural regions of Renville county, Mr. Tersteeg has taken a prominent part. He is president of the Farmers' Elevator at Olivia, a position he has occupied for some seven years past. He is stockholder in the People's Creamery at Olivia, manager of the Farmers' Stock Shipping Association of that place, and a member of the Farmers' and Breeders' Association of Renville county. He has, served on the township hoard and did efficient service. Fraternally, he belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters at Olivia. Mr. Tersteeg was married in Davenport, Iowa, Aug. 4, 1896, to .Mary Gold, daughter of John and Henrietta Gold, and a native of Buffalo, Scott county, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Tersteeg have had six children: John Edward, Bernard Michael, Mary Catherine. Edward George, Louis John and Paul David.

Michael Heaney, a pioneer, was born in Ireland, and came to Canada at the age of seven years. He was there married to Catherine Percy, a native of that Dominion, and they remained there until 1869, when they came to the United States and settled in section 14. Henryville township, this county, taking a homestead of eighty acres and a tree claim of eighty acres. Thej erected a sod house, started to break the land with the assistance of an ox team, underwent all the privations of pioneer life, and became successful and honored members of the community. Their experiences iii the early days were numerous. They suffered from the cold, the mosquitoes and the grasshoppers. Sometimes they scarcely had enough food to eat. The nearest markets were Willmar and New Ulm. But as their prosperity increased, conditions changed. They added to their holdings, until they owned 480 acres, and successfully carried on general farming, making a specialty of stock-breeding. He died June 22, 1902, and she. May 14, 1907.

Mr. and Mrs. Heaney were the parents of ten children : Thomas, a retired miner of Spokane, Wash.; John, of Los Angeles, California ; Sarah, of Henryville township, where she keeps house for her brother. Charles; Edward, a farmer of Vclva. North Dakota; Agnes, deceased ; ( Iharles, a farmer of Henryville township ; Helen, deceased; Henry, now living on the old homestead; and Mary and Michael, who died in infancy. The family faith is that of the Catholic church.

Henry Heaney, a representative farmer of Henryville township, was born on the farm where he now lives. April 2, 1877, son of Michael and Catherine (Percy) Heaney, the pioneers. He attended the schools of his neighborhood, and there grew to manhood. In 1901 In- started tanning for himself on the home farm. He now owns 4S0 acres, located in sections 14 and 23. He made many improvements, including a sightly and commodious barn, but the structure was hit by lightning on the night of Sept. 2, 1914, killing eight horses, destroying all the harnesses and equipment, and burning some eighty tons of hay, entailing in all a loss of some $2,000. Since then he has erected two splendid barns and is now preparing to construct a new house, modern in every particular. About half the farm is under the plow, the remainder is in pasture and meadow. Mr. Heaney carries on general farming and makes a specialty of stock-raising, shipping two carloads of cattle and one carload of swine each year. Mr. Heaney is well known and popular, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Heaney was married Nov. 26. 1912, to Ethel Van Ormim. a native of Norfolk township, daughter of Elbert and Laura Calhoun Van Ornum. They have two children: Harry, born Nov. 24. 1913; and Zelia, born Feb. 23, 1915.

Fred W. Kuglin, successful farmer ami stock-raiser, was born in Germany, April 19, 1872, son of Wilhelm and Augusta (Manthei) Kuglin. Wilhelm Kuglin came to America in 1874, living in Nicollet county for three years and then purchasing 80 acres in section 20, Henryville township, this county, where he remained until his death, Oct. 4, 1905, being fifty-seven years of age. At that time he owned 400 acres of land. Fred Kuglin remained at home until he was twenty-four years of age, then he bought 120 acres in section 24, Flora township. After seven years he sold this and bought 240 acres in section 20, Henryville township, winch was the old home farm. He raises Durham cattle and makes a specialty of feeding cattle for the market, sending about one car of cattle and one-half car of hogs per .year. Mr. Kuglin has been a member of the township board for six years and chairman for two years. He is a member of the German Evangelical church. Mr. Kuglin was married Dec. 9, 1897, to Annie Ahrendt, born July 9, 1875, daughter of John anil Emma (Beurry) Ahrendt. Her father was a native of Germany and came to Flora township, where he was a farmer for thirty years. Then he moved to Todd county, where he lived for twelve years until his death, Nov. 1, 1908, being sixty-two years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Kuglin have seven children: Walter, born Nov. 17, 1898; Lawrence, born June 29. 1901; Silvia, born Dec. 11, 1903; Mabel, bom June 6, 1906; Orville, born Oct. 9, 1908; and Pearl, born Aug. 22, 1910; Vivian, born Sept. .'50, 1915.

Wencel Swoboda, a well-known farmer of Henryville township, was born in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, May 15, 1860, son of Wencel and Annie (Bohaukowa) Swoboda. His father came to America in 1854, settling in Manitowoc county and moving to Henryville township, Renville county, this state, in 1869, where he homesteaded on section 32. Here he lived until his death, in 1890, at the age of eighty years. The mother died in 1901 at the age of eighty years. Wencel Swoboda remained at home, taking charge of the farm after his father's death. He is still living there and now owns 640 acres of well-improved land, three acres of which are set out in fruit. He raises Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. Mr. Swoboda was married Oct. 26, 1889, to Emma Kodet, born Jan. 24, 1872, daughter of Joseph and Theresa Kodet. Her father came to America in 1869, going to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1874, when he moved to Henryville township. Mr. and Mrs. Swoboda have eight children : Katie, born Jan. 30, 1893, married to Thomas Dunsmore, a farmer of Flora township; Emma, born Feb. 28, 1896; Anna, born March 28, 1898; Ella, born April 4, 1900; Mary, bom Oct, 7, 1906; Jennie, born May 17, 1908; Wencel, Jr., born Dec. 11, 1912, and Joseph, born Sept. 20, 1915.

Lloyd C. Trochlil was born on section 2, Henryville township, Jan. 21, 1890, son of Frank and Mary (Kucera) Trochlil. The father, a native of Bohemia, has made his home in Henryville township for twenty-five years and has served on the township board for twelve years. Lloyd C. Trochlil remained at home un- til 1912, when he rented a farm of 160 acres in section 21, known as the old Malecek Farm, where he still lives. He has served as township clerk for three years and is of the Catholic faith. Mr, Trochlil was married March 31, 1913, to Mary Swoboda, born March 9, 1893, daughter of John G., a farmer in Henryville township, for twenty-seven years, and Rose (Malecek) Swoboda. Mr. and Mrs. Trochlil have two children. Cecelia, born May 23, 191 1, and Emil, born June 13, 1915.

Wencel Kodet was born in Bohemia, Nov. 1, 1850, son of Weneel and Veronica ( Koza) Kodet. His father came to America in 1854 and worked in the plow shops at Racine, Wisconsin, for three years, afterwards purchasing 60 acres of land in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, where he lived until his death, in 1889, at the age of eighty-six. The mother died in 1900, at the age of eightysix. Wencel Kodet attended the district schools of Racine county, Wisconsin, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and the public schools at Chicago and, in March, 1883, bought 200 acres in section 25, Henryville township, where he still lives. He now owns 845 acres of well-tilled land in Renville county, and 120 acres in Todd county, Minnesota, a total of 965 acres.

Since making his home in Henryville township, Mr. Kodet has held many important positions. He has been chairman of the township board for one year and treasurer of School District No. 12 for eight years. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at North Redwood and also at Morton, and a stockholder in the New State Bank at Morton. He is a member of the Bachyn Catholic church in Henryville township. Mr. Kodet was married June 25, 1883, to Mary Swoboda, born April 1, 1861, daughter of Wencel and Annie (Bohaukowa) Swoboda. Her father came to America in 1854 and located at Racine, Wisconsin, where he remained three years, next moving to Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1867, when In- settled in Henryville township. lie died in 1890, at the age of eighty years. His wife died in 1901, at the age of eighty. Mr. and Mrs. Kodet have ten children: John A., born May 16, 1884, a farmer in Henryville township ; Annie J., born March 17, 1886, married to John J. Zitah, a farmer in Henryville township ; Mary G., born May 5, 1888, married Frank H. Zitah, a farmer in Henryville township ; Emma C, born March 19, 1890, married to Wencel H. Dolezal, a farmer in Henryville township ; Alois E.. born Feb. 12, 1892; Joseph C, born June 28, 1895; Adolph A., born Nov. 8, 1897; Charles H., born Nov. 30, 1899; Katie L., born Sept. 25, 1902 ; and Ella J., born Nov. 30, 1905. The six youngest children are at home with their parents.

Wencel C. Kodet, a well-known farmer of this county, was born on section 28, Henryville township, Sept. 9, 1883, son of Joseph, a farmer in Henryville township, and Theresa (Swoboda)

Kodet. He remained at home until lie was twenty-four years of age and then bought 160 acres of land in the southeast quarter of section 28, Henryville township, where he still lives. He has been successful and has taken active part in the work of the township. He was treasurer of School District No. 27 for six years and assessor for one year. He is of the Catholic faith. Mr. Kodet was married May 15, 1908, to Josephine Sokolik, widow of Frank Sokolik, a farmer in Henryville township. She was born March 10, 1890, and is the daughter of John Zetah, a retired farmer at Olivia, and Mary, (Budik), who died Dec. 27, 1914, at the age of sixty years. By Mrs. Kodet "s first marriage there were two children, Lillian and Delia Sokolik. Mr. and Mrs. Kodet have one child, Mildred, bom Aug. 13, 1909.

Charles W. Chroup, a prosperous farmer of this county, was born in Germany, Oct. 24, 1862, and came to America with his mother, in April, 1867, coming to Le Sueur county, Minnesota. In 1873 his mother and stepfather, John Schaffer, moved to Flora township, Renville county, and he accompanied them. While in Le Sueur county he worked out five years and bought 80 acres in Lexington township, in 1883, which he sold in 1885, and, in 1887, bought 160 acres in the southeast cpiarter of section 36. Henryville township. He has improved this farm in every way and built a modern eight-room brick house. He has also built a large barn with concrete foundation and has established a good dairy business. He has served as chairman of the township board for three years and has been school treasurer of District No. 101 for two years, having been director of same for fifteen years. Feb. 26, 1889, Mr. Chroup was married to Minnie Geffers, born Feb. 16, 1861, in Germany, daughter of Henry Jeffers, who died in 1865, at the age of forty-six. and Mary Geffers, who died at the age of forty-four in 1867. Besides a step son, George, born June 6, 1SS7, .Mr. ami Mrs. Chroup have five children: William, born March '_':;, 1890; Henry, born Nov. 23, 1893; Laura, born June 8, 1896; Angela, born Aug. 25, 1900: and Raymond, born April 19. 1904.

Frank Goelz, a substantial farmer of Birch Cooley township, was born in Germany, April 7, 1865, son of Leonard Goelz, a farmer of Germany, who died in 1903, at the age of eighty years, and Barbara (Saner) Goelz, who died in 1879, at the age of fifty years. Frank Goelz came to America in 1883 and located at Chicago, where he engaged as a baker, remaining nine years. Then he rented 80 acres of land in section 10, in Birch Cooley township, Renville county. Minnesota, and, in 1895, he bought this land. He is still there and now owns 680 acres. In 1905 he rebuilt the house and in 1912 he built a barn, 30 by 54 by 16. He has two acres of fruit land and a fine grove. He owns about fifty head of cattle, having fifteen milch cows. Mr. Goelz is a member of the Catholic church at Morton and is a member and trustee of the C. 0. F. He was married June 12, 1888, to Anna Gloden, born Dec. 4, 1865, daughter of Michael and Katrina (Siegfried) Gloden. The father was a farmer in Illinois who died in 1908, at the age of seventy-seven years, and the mother died iii 1892, ;it the age of forty-eight years. Mr. and .Mrs. Goelz have the following children: Katrina, born April 7, 1889, and died in July, 1889; Michael, born May 14, 1890; John, born Jan. 21, 1893; August, born April 18, 1895; Josephine, born Nov. S. 1898; and Barbara, born July 30, 1902.

Charles H. Orth, one of the well-known cattle men of this county, was born in Brown county, Minnesota, March 10. 1879. son of Frederick and Anna (Scharf) Orth. His father is still living at New Ulm at the age of seventy-four years. He came to Brown county in 1864. His mother died in 1914, at the age of sixty-three. For four years Charles H. Orth worked in a drug store in Brown county. Then he attended the Northwestern University at Evanston, 111., graduating .from the pharmacy department in 1898. For two years he worked in a drug store in Sleepy Eye, and one year was spent in Minneapolis. In 1901 he bought the drug store in Morton from his brother. Fred "W. Orth. which he operated for six years. Then he sold it to Grover C. Jaehnnings & To. Next he became manager of the telephone company and also manager of the farm of Orth Brothers. With his brother, Fred W., he owns 800 acres of land in Norfolk township, in sections 4 and 5. This was purchased in 1911, and they make a specialty of feeding hogs and cattle for the market. They also raise considerable grain. They hire three men. who. with their families, live on the farm. There are two large barns for the cattle and a large hog house. July 12, 1905, Mr. Orth was married to Eva Mae Foster, who was born .May (1. 1882, daughter of Willard S. and Ella (Wood) Foster. She was a teacher in the public schools at Clarkfield and Morton, and was a graduate of the Litchfield high school in 1901 and of the Winona State Normal school in 1903. Her father is a railroad contractor at Spokane, Washington. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Orth, Eva Bernice, born April 12, 1906, and Donald Foster, born Sept. 21, 191*2. The family are members of the Episcopal church.

Edson Comstock, for several years a successful farmer oi Birch Cooley township, was born in Birch Cooley township on section 19. Nov. 14. 1879. son of Samuel Jerome and Diana (Harrington) Comstock. Samuel Jerome was born in Wayne county. New York, Dec. 22, 1838. and lived in Michigan from 1S44 to 1866, when he came to Birch Cooley township in 1K67 and homesteaded 80 acres in section 30, northeast quarter. He held the positions of township treasurer and clerk. March 12, 1907. he retired from farming and moved to Silverton, Oregon, where he still lives. Feb. 26, 1871, he married Diana Harrington, born in New York, July 20, 1842. She was a teacher in Michigan. They had two children, Edson and a daughter, Mrs. Laura Haevernick, who lives near Silverton, Oregon.

Edson ('oiiistock rented the farm of his parents in 1900. There are fine buildings on the place, standing near the old Birch Cooley battle ground, one and a half miles northeast of Morton. On the place are raised Holstein cattle and Duroe-.Jersey hogs. Seven acres arc planted to alfalfa and five acres to potatoes.

Mr. Comstock is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company at Morton. He has served as school clerk for ten years. He is a member of the .Methodist Episcopal church. He was married Dec. 6, 1906, to Mary Alberta Yederstrom, born Dec. 3, 1891, daughter of Albert and Mary A. (Stout) Yederstrom. Mi . Yederstrom died in St. Paul. Sept. 1895, at the age of thirty years. His wife, born Nov. 9, 1857, is living in Morton. Mr. and Mrs. Comstock have three children: Ruth, born Sept. 11, 1907; Ethel, born April 24, 1909 ; and Roger, born Feb. 20, 1913. Mr. Cornstock removed to Silverton, Oregon, in October, 1915.

Thomas P. Hogan, a farmer of Birch Cooley township, was born in Norfolk township, Dec. 5, 1884, son of Joseph and Sarah (Jones) Hogan. His father died in 1886, at the age of thirtyfive years, being a farmer and homesteader of Norfolk township. His mother is still Living with her brother, John Jones, at Birch Cooley. At the age of fifteen Thomas P. started working out on farms and continued for two years. Then he rented the Jones Farm in Birch Cooley for ten years. Next he rented Dan Middleton's farm in section 9, Birch Cooley township, where he still is living. He is a member of the .Modern Brotherhood of America at .Morton. Mr. Hogan was married June 19, 1912, to Bessie Lorden, born Feb. 12, 1886, daughter of Dennis II. and Hannah (McCarthy) Lorden. Dennis Lorden is a retired farmer, living at Elkton, South Dakota, being a pioneer there. Mrs. Hogan is a graduate of the Mankato State Normal school and has taught seven years. She is also a member of the A. O. H. at Elkton, South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Hogan have two children, Francis Gerald, born March 21, 1913, and Leo Thomas, born August 18, 1914. The family are members of the Catholic church of Birch Cooley township.

Charles H. Gilbert, son of Le Roy A. and Susan (Muhm) Gilbert, was born in Fayette county, Iowa, Nov. 27, 1879. His father is a farmer of Norfolk, Nebraska, still living at the age of sixtyseven years. His mother died in 1908, at the age of forty-nine years. Charles Gilbert farmed in Marshall county for one year and then became city engineer at Minot, North Dakota, for three years. Next he homesteaded in Ward county, North Dakota,

-where he remained for seven years. In 1912 he turned to another line of work and gave up fanning, opening a restaurant at Franklin, Minnesota, where he handles candies, tobacco, cigars, ami lias a news-stand and soda fountain in addition to the serving of meals and lunches. He is also an agent for the Holland pianos. Air. Gilbert is a member of the .Modern Woodmen of America and member and overseer of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is also a member and usher of the Degree of Honor, ami a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a stockholder in the Citizens' Milling Company. Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage Nov. 27, 1902, to Annie E. Erickson, born May 6, 1881, daughter of Peter Erickson, janitor of the public school at Franklin, and Elizabeth (Woodbery) Erickson. To this union were born three children: Neil Robert, born March 13, 1901, and died Feb. 17, 1906; Max V., born May 14, 1907; and Keith V., born Dec. 12, 1910.

Peter L. Gardner, a respected citizen of Morton, was born in Olmsted county, Minnesota, June 8, 1876. His parents were natives of Denmark, his father, Jorgen Gardner, being born there in 1841, coming to this country with his wife. He located in Redwood county, where he lived for thirty-two years, engaged in farming. He has now retired from this work and is at present living at Hutchinson, Minnesota, with his wife. Christina (Lauritzeii) Gardner. Mr. Gardner attended school in Redwood Falls, spending three years at the high school. At the age of twentythree he began teaching winters and farming during the summer. After two years of teaching he rented a farm in Redwood county and for the next two years spent his time in farming. Then he bought 14.") acres in section 33, Morgan township, Redwood county, and worked upon his farm during the next two years. The next four years were spent in Minneapolis with the T. C. R. T. Company and N. W. Consolidated Milling Company. Mr. Gardner now moved to Morton and worked in the creamery for two years, finally buying a half interest in the same. After two years he bought full ownership on March 1, 1913. Mr. Gardner is a member of the Modern Brotherhood of America and is president of the Morton lodge. Sept. 1, 1902, .Air. Gardner was married to Bessie Byington, born June 25, 1S82. daughter of Cornelius H. and Amanda (Abbott) Byington. Mi-. Byington is a retired farmer living at Redwood Falls, and was one of the early pioneers of Redwood county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gardner, Cornelius J., born July 25, 1904; George, wdio died at the age of one year; and Nannie, born Oct. 25, 1910.

Edward Tisdell, a well known farmer of Birch Cooley, was born on section 16, Birch Cooley township, June 7, 1S80, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Connelly) Tisdell. Henry Tisdell was born in Ireland and came to America in 1858, coming to Renville county in 1870 where he homesteaded in section 16, securing 160 acres. Here he remained until 1910 and is now living with his son Edward at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife, Elizabeth (Connelly) died duly, 1913. They were married at St. Louis in 1860. Edward Tisdell remained home until 1910 when he rented the home farm. He is still there and has specialized in Pereheron horses and raises many hogs. He is a member of the Catholic church at Morton. He is also a member of the Farmers' Elevator Company at Morton and of the Loose Line Electric Railroad Company. Mr. Tisdell was married Jan. 10, 1910, to Charlotte Nuens, born May 29, 1892, daughter of Peter and Octavia (Quinette) Nuens. Her father was a farmer and pioneer in Minnesota and lives at New York Mills at the age of seventy-eight years. Her mother is still living at the age of sixty-seven years. They have five boys and three girls, Mrs. Tisdell being next to the youngest child. Mr. Tisdell's parents had six boys and live girls, Mr. Tisdell being also next to the youngest child. Mr. and Mrs. Tisdell have a daughter, Charlotte Mary, born May 29, 1915.

Henry Dreyer, a well-known pioneer, was born in Pomerania, Prussia, Germany, March 11, 1828, son of Jacob and Regina (Fanslow) Dreyer, the other children in the family being Caroline, Louise, Wilhelmina and Ferdinand. Henry Dreyer was reared in his native village served three years as a dragoon in the German cavalry, and learned the trade of wagonmaker and wheelwright. In 1852 he started for America and after a long voyage of fortysix days landed and found Ids way to Wisconsin where he worked at his trade. In 1856 he came to Minnesota and located in Le Sueur county. During the Indian Massacre, he teamed for the government. In 1866 he drove with his family to this county and located in section 35, Flora township, which he secured by buying a soldier's land warrant. The vicinity where he located had been the scene of one of tin' most terrible parts of the Indian Massacre and the Buce family had been killed on that very farm. A daughter. Minnie Buce Carrigan, wife of Owen Carrigan, a well-known early settle]', wrote a book about her experiences during those trying days. When he reached the place, Henry Dreyer built a log house 14 by 16 feet with a shake roof. He underwent with his family many of the privations of pioneer life. For five years his crops were devastated by the grasshoppers. But as the years passed prosperity came, the farm was increased to 240 acres, and some good buildings erected. Mr. Dreyer was a public spirited man and took a. deep interest in school and church. He donated the land for the schoolhouse of district 8, and also for the Evangelical Association church, of which he was one of the founders and trustees. For about sixteen years the services had been held in his log house. One Sunday of the winter of 1870 there were thirty-five people attending the Sunday services held in their cabin. A bad snow storm came up and the thirty-five people were snow bound for three days and had to stay in the little cabin. School was also held for three months in the cabin. After the school district was organized Mrs. Dreyer boarded thirty-three different teachers. Mr. Dreyer was well known for his hospitality and during the first years of his stay in this county his house was an open home to all strangers who came to that section. During the summer of 1S71 two families lived with them all summer till they could build a house, twenty-two in all in that small shanty, and two boarders besides. One winter in the early days Henry Schafer and family lived with' them and used the loft, This was used before that for Mr. Dreyer 's granary and was partitioned off into bins for the wheat. The Schafer family beds were on top of the wheat in the bins.

for twenty-one years Mr. Dreyer served bn the Flora township board, being chairman of the board of supervisors for sixteen years of this time. He was also trustee and treasurer for school district No. 8.

Mr. Dreyer was married in Le Sueur county to Regina (Korth), a widow of Frederick Ross, daughter of John and Louise Mary (Brown) Korth. She was born June 24, 1833, in Pomerania province of Prussia, Germany, coming to this county at the age of nine years, being forty-three days on the water, and then coming to Wisconsin. By her first marriage there were two children: George and Bertha. By her second marriage there were the following children: Rufus, born Nov. 11, 1857; Matilda, born Jan. 20, 1860; Louisa, born Dec. 2S, 1862; Ida, born Feb. 26, 186."); Regina, born April 30, 1867; Henry, bom March 17, 1871, and William, born July 1. 1873.

William Louis Dreyer, a well-known farmer of Flora township, was born in the township where he now resides, July 1, 1873, son of Henry and Regina (Korth) Dreyer, the pioneers. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, attended the district schools, and has become a prosperous and successful man. He owns 240 acres, carries on general farming and makes a specialty of good stock. He is interested in public affairs, has served on the school board and holds stock in the Delhi Cooperative Farmers' Elevator Co., the North Redwood Elevator Co. and the Redwood Falls Elevator Co. Mr. Dreyer was married in 1901, to Margaret Shippman, born in Lexington, Le Sueur county, this state, daughter of Peter Shippman and Anna (Barnholt) Shippman. Mr. and Mrs. Dreyer have two children, Melvin R., born May 10, 1903, and Anna 0. born July 30, 1908.

Peter Shippman, a well-known man of Le Sueur county, this state, was born iu Germany, August 16, 1841, aud as a young man came to this country. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in Co. I, Third Minn. Vol. Inf., and was mustered in at Ft. Snelling Oct. 9, 1861. From Sept. 1, to Dec. 1, 1862, he was on special duty as a scout against the Sioux Indians. Enlisting in Co. I as a private, he was promoted gradually until he attained the rank of captain. At the close of the war he was married in Le Sueur county this state and settled on a farm. In a log house and with but few possessions he and his bride started their married life. The years have brought prosperity and they are now among the leading citizens of their community.

Robert B. Henton, Jr., a prominent man of Morton, was born in Home township, in Brown county, Minnesota, August 10, 1869. His father, Robert B. Henton, Sr., came to Brown county in 1856, and finally located at Morton in 1882, where he died at the age of sixty-four years. His mother, Margaret (Thomas) Henton. is living with her daughter in Minneapolis, at the age of seventy-two. At the age of fourteen Robert B. Henton, Jr., worked on the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway. After a year of this kind of work lie began work in his father's store at Morton. In 1890 he took over his father's interest. After fourteen years he sold his interest in this store and on Sept. 10, 1904, again embarked in the general mercantile business. Recently he has sold out and devotes his time to looking after his various holdings.

Mr. Henton has been the village recorder for five years and has served on the village council, being president of the council for three years. He has also been a member of the village school board for five years. He was postmaster from Aug. 20, 1912, to June 1, 1914. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. Mr. Henton is vice president of the State Bank of Morton, a director of the Citizens' State Bank of Franklin, and for five years was owner with N. W. Orth of the Farmers' Elevator Company, but sold his interest, lie owns 600 acres of farming land in Beaver and Birch Cooley townships.

Mr. Henton was married April 26, 1898, to Maude Beach, of Minneapolis, born May 20, 1871, daughter of A. H. and Mary (Little) Beach, of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Henton have one child. Robert Beach, born August 14, 1900. The family faith is that of the Episcopal church.

Daniel Middleton, a successful farmer of Birch Cooley township, was horn in section 16, Birch Cooley township, Oct. 10, 1869. His father, James Middleton, was born in Ireland and came to America in 1858, coming to Renville county in 1868, where he bought 160 acres in section 16, Birch Cooley township. He remained there till 1901 when he retired from farming and moved to Morton where he is still living at the age of seventy- six years. He has served as school treasurer for twelve years. When he moved to Renville county he came from Columbus, "Wisconsin, walking the whole way and driving his stock. He built a sod house and purchased a team of oxen. He had no farming tools at first and cradled his grain. His wife, Margaret Dunigan, died March 1, 1900, at the age of sixty-five years. Daniel Middleton remained at home until 1900. when he rented the home farm. He purchased 80 acres in section 5, Birch Cooley township in 190.") and bought the home farm in 1914, all of the northern half in section 16, where he is now. He raises Durham cattle and has one acre of alfalfa and twenty acres of timothy. He built a new house in 1914. Mr. Middleton is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Morton. He has served as school clerk for ten years and is a member of the Catholic church and a member of the C. O. F. Mr. Middleton was married Oct. 2. 1900, to Ellen Tracy, born' Jan. 19, 1881. Her father, John Tracy, was a farmer of Birch Cooley township, who came to the county in 1865 and died in 1898 at the age of sixty-five years. His wife, Ann (Bard) Tracy died in 1889. The following children have been born to Mr. and .Mrs. .Middleton: Edward J., born May 22, 1906, and William D, born May 29, 190S.

John Ederer, son of Franz and Annie (Kock) Ederer, was born Jan. 21, 1874, on section 30, Birch Cooley township. The father was born in Germany about 1858 and came to America in 1863. He came to Renville county in 1870 and bought 560 acres in section 30, Birch Cooley township where he remained for two years. Then he sold this land and went to California, where he remained one year. Next he returned to Renville county and purchased 560 acres in Norfolk township, where he lived until his death. The mother is living with her daughter, .Mrs. D. <;. Avery in Norfolk township. John Ederer remained on the home farm until he was twenty and spent two years in the Franciscan Brothers' School at Waconia, Minnesota. Then he rented the place where he now lives. In 1899 he purchased this farm and now owns 300 acres. He feeds and prepares stock for the market, feeding about fifty cattle and sixty hogs every year. He also raises Plymouth Rock chickens. He raises about fifteen acres of potatoes each year and also has some land in alfalfa. Mr. Ederer has served as county commissioner for four years and as township treasurer for three years. He is a member of the Catholic church, being a trustee of the church. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and a charter member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, having held all the chairs. Mr. Ederer is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company at Morton. May 21. 1895, Mr. Ederer was married to Mary Prosser, born March 15, 1877, daughter of Frank Prosser, who was born in Germany, came to America in 1874, lived in Jackson county for seven years and died iii Mankato in 1886 at the age of fifty-two years, and Theresia (Steidl) Prosser, aged seventy-six. who lives in Mankato with her daughter. Mrs. Wendel Denser. Mr. and Mrs. Ederer have the following children: Isabel, born August 16, 1896, a nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Paul, Minnesota; Agnes, born April 28, 1898; Bernard, born Jan. 20, 1900: Charlotte, born Oct. 7. 1901, and died Jan. 31, 1910; Leo, born Jan. 4, 1903; John, born March 9. 1905; Marcella, born Feb. 2, 1908: Genevieve, born Nov. 13, 1910; and Loraine, born Feb. 2. 1913. Before her marriage Mrs. Ederer attended St. Peter's and St. Paul's school at Mankato. Mrs. Ederer belongs to the Women's Catholic Order of Foresters and the Degree of Honor, both orders of which she holds the high office at the present time.

Joseph Chisholm, a progressive farmer of Birch Cooley township, was born in St. Paul, Minnesota. March 20, 1865. His father, George Chisholm, was a bricklayer in St. Paul and died in 1866 at the age of thirty years and his wife, Bessie (Tisdell) Chisholm. died in 1868 at the age of thirty years. Joseph Chisholm was reared by Mrs. Mary A. Quill, a sister of his mother at Cedar Lake, Scott county, Minnesota. At the age of sixteen, he began working out anil continued until he was twenty-three years of age. Then lie bought 80 acres of land in section 21, northern half of the southeast quarter, Norfolk township, where lie remained for three years. Then he farmed near Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, for two years. Then he went back to the old farm in Norfolk township and remained there until 1902 when he bought 160 acres in sections 8 and 9, Birch Cooley township. He is still there and owns 240 acres, making his home in section 8. He. raises Shorthorn cattle, makes a specialty of feeding and preparing cattle for the market, feeding about two ears of cattle and one ear of hogs per year. He has built a fine barn with a cement basement which was completed in 1914, 32 by 100 by 9 feet. Mr. Chisholm bought this farm from George Welsh, who in turn purchased it from Jerry Reagan who bought it from John Costello who homesteaded it. Mr. Chisholm is a member of the Morton Rural Telephone Co. He is also a member of the M. W. A. of Morton. He has been a member of the township board for three years. He has also been clerk for school district No. 19 for nine years. Mr. Chisholm was married Nov. 23, 1886, to Alice McGowan, born March 10, 1867, daughter of Patrick and Cholice (Hall) McGowan. Nine children were born to these parents: Elizabeth, born Jan. 10, 1888. married to John Carr, a farmer in South Dakota; Mary, born August S. 1890, married to Thomas Clancy, a fanner of Norfolk township; Edith, born Feb. 22, 1892, married to Joseph Clancy of St. Paul; Ross, born March 29, 1894; a barber at Lake Wilson, Murray county, Minn., Edgar, born May 27, 1896; Raymond, born June 2, 1900; Marga-

Louis J. Grellong, a well-known dairyman of Minnesota, was born in Le Sueur eounty, Minnesota, Nov. 5, 1881. His father. William Grellong, a farmer and pioneer of Le Sueur county, died in 1910 at the age of fifty-three. His mother, Sophia (Westehoff) Grellong, died in 1883 at the age of twenty-five. At the age of seventeen Louis J. Grellong began working in the creamery at Lester Prairie, .Minnesota, when- he remained for one year. Later he attended the .Minnesota Dairy School, graduating in 1901. Then he worked in the creamery at Paynesville, Minnesota, for four years, and then moved to Pearl Lake where he remained for two years. Then he bought the creamery at South Haven, Minnesota, but after a year's time was obliged to sell it on account of poor health and take a rest. After a rest of six months Mr. Grellong moved to Erhard, Minnesota, where he lived for four and a half years. The next year was spent at Fergus Falls as manager of the Ice Cream Company. During the next live months he worked in the creamery at White Rock, South Dakota, and Oct. 1, 1914, became the manager of the Franklin Farmers' Cooperative Creamery Association. Mr. Grellong has made a good record at the different fairs aud expositions in his butter exhibits, as the following list will show: Minnesota State Fail-, 1905, 97 per cent; Pan-American Exposition,

Mr. Grellong is a member of the Red River Valley Dairymen's Association. He is at present organizing a short course for the farmer boys in dairy feeding.

June 19, 1903, Mr. Grellong was married to Frances H. Nehring who was born Nov. 23, 1882, at Paynesville. Her father, L. F. Nehring, is a retired farmer, aged seventy. They have one child, Arvid La Mont, born May 25, 1906.