Stearns County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 10 of 12)

Henry John Meyer, one of the pioneers of Grove township, and from whom, and other members of his family Meire Grove (originally called Meyer's Grove, then Meire 's Grove and later Myergrove, before assuming its present form) was named was born in Germany, the son of John and Elizabeth Meyer.

John Meyer left the family in the old country in the early fifties, came to America, located in St, Louis, and earned enough to pay the passage of his family. After he had sent the check, he died. In 1853 Henry John set out alone, and after living a while in Kentucky, found his way to Iowa, where he was joined by his mother, Elizabeth, and his brother, Herman. In 1858 the three came to Stearns county, and settled in Grove township, where each secured a claim. Henry John owned 160 acres including the present site of Meire Grove. When they started the three had but $5 in money. On this they lived, and erected a house. Shingle nails were the only things purchased for the structure. Everything else was taken from the forest, even the hinges being made from wood. The building was somewhat more pretentious than some pioneers' houses, for the roof, instead of being thatched, was shingled with shingles split from logs, and hewn into shape. After erecting their habitation they started breaking the land with the assistance of a yoke of oxen. They also kept a cow. The original log house stood about twenty rods south of where the creamery is now located. The three lived together for sixteen years, and the mother continued to live with Henry John until her death in 1877 at the age of seventy-eight years. Some time after settling in Stearns county, Henry John went back to Iowa, married, and brought his wife to his home. In the seventies, a modern house was erected. The barns and outbuildings kept pace with the progress of the times. By adding to his possessions from time to time, he acquired 450 acres, on 140 of this, within a mile north of the village, the son, Henry G., now lives. Henry John Meyer died in 1901 at the age of seventy-two. He had lived in the Catholic faith, had assisted in building the church at Meire Grove, and contributed the five acres of land which the parish still owns. Mr. Meyer married Elizabeth Schulte, daughter of Gerhard and Elizabeth (Mettendorf) Schulte, who came to Iowa in 1854, and later located within a mile southwest of the village of Meire Grove. Mr. and Mrs. Henry John Meyer had ten children : Henry G,. Pauline, Heman H., John C, Clements, Joseph F., Bernard C, Rosa, and two who died in infancy.

Henry Gerhard Meyer was born in Meire Grove, near which village he still lives, February 18, 1865, son of Henry John and Elizabeth (Schulte) Meyer, the pioneers, and the original owners of the site of the village. He was educated in the district schools and in St. John's University at Collegeville, this county. Aside from two winters when he gained practical mercantile experience by working in a store in the village, he has devoted his years to farming. He first began with 140 acres in section 17, within a mile of the village. The land was cultivated, but there were no buildings thereon. He has erected a sightly modern home. His barn, 102 by 36, with patent stanchions and other improvements, is one of the features of the neighborhood. Mr. Meyer was the first to import full-blooded Holstein cattle to this region, and he now has a splendid herd. His large farm of 640 acres is devoted almost exclusively to grain raising and stock breeding. Mr. Meyer was one of the organizers of the Myergrove Co-Operative Creamery, and was its first president. He was also one of the organizers and for several years secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Co., of Meire Grove. He has financial interests in the State Bank of Meire Grove. Mr. Meyer was married in 1889 to Elizabeth Iradieke, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 3, 1871, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Macke) Imdieke, and granddaughter of Gerhard and Catherine Imdieke, who spent the span of their years in Germany, and of Bernard and Adalaide (Poppleman) Macke, who came from Germany to Stearns county in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have had nine children: Henry (deceased), Rosa, Meinulph, August, Albert, Ellenora, Francis, Reinhold and Matilda. Henry Imdieke was born in Germany and came to Cincinnati in 1865. In 1870 he returned to Germany, was married and at once set out on his return to America. In 1878 he again visited Germany. In 1880 he returned to America, and located at Meire Grove in this county. For some years he combined the mercantile business with farming. He is now living in retirement. He and his good wife have had six children : Elizabeth, Wilhelmina, Henry, Rosa (deceased), Bernard and August.

Joseph Nathe, the pioneer, was born in Germany, and in 1859 came to America and located in Stearns county, where he secured a homestead of 160 acres in section 20, Grove township. At about this time he was married to Elizabeth Martho, whose parents, Christof and Gertrude Martho, had come from Germany, and settled where New Munich is now located, they being the first settlers in that village. In the Martho family there were eight children. After his marriage, Mr. Nathe took up his residence on his claim, making a home for his bride in the log cabin which he had constructed. Few people of the present generation realize the hardships and privations of those days. The land was broken with the aid of oxen. The only farm wagon was one made of rough hewn timber, the wheels being slices from a giant oak tree. When Mr. Nathe wished to attend church at New Munich, he was often forced to wade across the river entirely disrobed, carrying his clothes high and dry over his head. Being a carpenter by trade he manufactured many conveniences for the neighborhood, one of his pieces of work being an ingenious, even if crude, threshing machine operated by horse power. He helped to erect the log building, the frame building, and the present brick building of the church at Meire Grove. He also donated $500 for this parish, just before leaving for the south. After leaving Meire Grove, he located on 240 acres of orange land and timberland in St. Joseph, Pacco county, Florida, where he remained until his death. His wife now lives with Bernard Otte, in Grove township.

Bernard Otte, a substantial farmer of Grove toAvnship, was born in Westphalia, Germany, July 3, 1857, son of Frederick and Marie (Troboksen) Otte, who spent the span of their years in Germany. In the family there were five children : William, Henry, Bernard, Mary and Louise. Bernard and Mary were the first to come to America. They came in 1880 and settled in Meire Grove. Three years later they were joined by the other three children. In 1883, Bernard purchased a farm of 160 acres in sections 5 and 8, Grove township. At that time there were a few small buildings on the place. He immediately began to make improvements, and has now brought the place to a high degree of beauty and utility. He has a twelve-room brick home, 28 by 38, equipped with modern conveniences throughout. His barns and other out- buildings are also ample and commodious. Mr. Otte raises the usual crops and breeds a considerable number of cattle, of high grade. He helped to organize the Meire Grove Farmers' Cooperative Creamery and the Meire Grove Farmers' Insurance Co. For eight years he was supervisor of the township, and nearly all that time served as chairman. He has also had a part in the progress and upbuilding of the Catholic Church at Meire Grove. Mr. Otte married Anna Nathe, born September 11, 1864, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Martho) Nathe, the pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Otte have ten children : Joseph, Barney, Mary, Henry, Rosa, Johan, Meinulph, Elizabeth, Julius and Herman.

Gerhard Terhaar was born in Westphalia, Germany, and in 1854 was brought to America by his parents, who settled first in McHenry county, 111., and in 1858 came to this state, and located in Stearns county. He was married in St. Jacob's Church, on Jacob's Prairie, in Wakefield township, to Dianah Rieland, whose parents brought her from Westphalia in 1859 and settled in Oak township. After the marriage, Gerhard Terhaar settled on 160 acres in Grove township, section 26, which he had obtained a year previous. They lived in a log cabin, and did their farming with the help of an ox team. At the time of the Indian troubles they went to Richmond, but soon after returned. In time they acquired 360 acres of land. They helped to build the early Catholic churches in Grove township and at New Munich, and were useful members of the community in every way. Gerhard Terhaar was the first president of the Mutual Fire Insurance Association of New Munich. He died August 15, 1881, at the age of fifty-six. His wife still lives with the subject of this sketch. They were the parents of ten children.

Herman S. Meyer, a leading farmer of Grove township, was born in Meire Grove, in the township where he now resides, November 13, 1869, son of Henry John and Elizabeth (Schulte) Meyer, the pioneers. He received his early education in the schools of the neighborhood, and later studied at St. John's University, at Collegeville, in this county. As a youth he spent his time with his uncle, Herman. In 1897 he purchased his uncle's homestead. On this 320 acres of good land he is engaged in general farming. In addition to the usual crops he makes a specialty of breeding full-blooded Holstein cattle, and his fine herd is the pride of the neighborhood. He was one of the organizers of the Meire Grove Farmers ' Creamery and has been its secretary since it was started. Some idea of the excellence of his diary may be gathered from the fact that his check for the milk and cream from his private herd in 1913 was .$1,719. He helped to incorporate the Meire Grove Farmers' Insurance Co., and until December, 1913, held the office of treasurer. He is also a member of the Meire Grove Farmers' Shippers' Association and of the American Society of Equity. Mr. Meyer married Pauline Nathe, daughter of Casper Nathe, an early settler, who came from Germany, and settled in Grove township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have had eleven children : Aloys, Anna, Josephine, Frank (deceased), Antoin, Apolonia, Herman, Joseph, Caroline, Aggie, and one that died in infancy.

Fortunat Zaczkowski, one of the earliest pioneers, was born near Warsaw, Poland, May 6, 1820, the son of Fortunat Zaczkowski, the elder. The family is a noble one, closely allied to one of the dynasties, whie>i reigned in

Poland during the days of her ancient independence and splendor. The subject of this sketch received an excellent education under private tutors, and then made a tour of the capitals of Europe to complete his training. He was married as a young man to Mary F. Holifer, v^^ho was also of good blood. One child, Ferdinand, was born to them there. But Fortunat Zackowski was not content to live in his native land with her independence gone, and her territory dismembered. So in 1848 he came to the United States, and located at Mount Carroll, 111. In 1856 he came to Stearns county, and with headquarters at Richmond, looked over the land in this vicinity. Then he returned to Illinois, and later in the same spring, started in an ox team for Minnesota. He brought his wife and his two children, Ferdinand and Joseph. At the same time, and in the same caravan, some twenty other families came, all induced to settle here by the glowing reports of Fortunat Zaczkowski. This colony was one of the forerunners of the later settlements which sprang up in various parts of Stearns county. Mr. Zaczkowski secured 160 acres in section 34, Munson township, three miles southwest of Richmond. There he built a log house and started farming. He had brought with him two yoke of oxen, two cows, a pair of pigs and a pair of chickens. He also had provisions to last two years. When the supply of flour was gone, he ground wheat in a coffeemill, and was thus able to furnish material with which his wife could make bread. After living on this place about twelve years, he sold out, and moved to a farm in sections 18 and 19 in the same township. He first secured 160 acres, and later added 120 more. He built a log cabin 30 by 20 feet. All the pieces in the cabin were mortised together firmly, and the cabin was considered one of the best houses in this part of the country. It stood a few rods west of where the present house is located. Two log barns were also erected, one 30 by 20 and one 24 by 18. It is interesting to note, by way of digression, that these rude barns are now replaced by two handsome structures, one 38 by 100 and the other 28 by 45, while the two cows and the two pigs, have been increased to 100 full blooded Holstein cattle and 100 thoroughbred Duroc-Jersey swine. By the time the family settled on sections 18 and 19, they were already well on the road to prosperity. Circumstances too were much better. From the old location they were compelled to drive to St. Paul with an ox team after supplies and to market their produce. The new location was on the line of the Red River trail, and St. Cloud was within comparatively easy distance. Mr. Zackowski was one of the leading Democrats in the county. He served several times as one of the supervisors, and took a particular interest in school matters. He was a devout Catholic, and many of the early mission meetings in this vicinity were held at his home. After a long and useful life, which though lived amid the pioneer conditions of a new country was fully in keeping with the honored traditions of his knightly house, he died January 5, 1910. His wife died January 17, 1882. In addition to the two sons, Ferdinand and Joseph, already mentioned, the children were : Thomas, Mary, Claudius (deceased), Theresa, Barbara and Josephine.

Thomas Zaczkowski, proprietor of Willow Grove Farm, and one of the leading farmers of Munson township, was born on section 34, in the township where he still resides, November 16, 1857, son of Fortunat and Mary F. (Holi- fer) Zaczkowski, and descended from the nobility of Poland. He was brought by his parents to the farm in sections 18 and 19, Munson township, which is a part of his present estate. After attending the public schools he entered the St. John's University, at Collegeville, this county. Later he studied at Cogan College, at Grove Lake, this county. His learning has also been augmented by extended journeys through Europe, especially through that portion of Germany, Russia, Austria, Hungary and France in the history of which his ancestors figured so conspicuously. In visiting these countries he also visited the dismembered provinces of Poland. Mr. Zaczkowski has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, and has been an extensive shipper of stock for the past quarter of a century. He owns 400 acres of good land, and is a successful farmer in every way. He is also something of a horse fancier, having brought to this county the first Percheron horse ever seen here. Perhaps Mr. Zaczkowski is most widely known, especially to the readers of the agricultural magazines, as a breeder of Duroc-Jersey swine. He has some 200 in his herd, and they compare favorably with those in the best herds in Minnesota. At the head of this herd is Col's Inventor, 116,529, a remarkably fine boar, weighing 900 pounds, and perfect in every respect. In connection with his stock breeding, Mr, Zaczkowski is manager of the Roscoe & St. Martin's Shipping Association. Mr. Zaczkowski was married January 14, 1889, at Richmond, to Mary Dreher, who was born in Bavaria, January 28, 1866, daughter of George and Julia (Schmidt) Dreher, who spent the span of their years in the old country. Mr. and Mrs. Zaczkowski have ten children. Zetta was born March 23, 1891, and is now the wife of John Ley, of Munson township. Anton was born October 17, 1892, and is a student in St. John's University at Collegeville. Mary Ann was born July 25, 1894 ; Othmar was bom January 17, 1895; Marcellus was born November 6, 1897; Julitta was born November 2, 1901 ; Fortunat was born February 16, 1903 ; Alexander and Sebastian N, (twins) were born March 3, 1905; Leo Robert was born November 25, 1909, and Caroline Genevieve was born August 4, 1913. Being a deep student and the father of several children, Mr. Zaczkowski has taken an interest in educational matters and has served on the school board of his district. Jacob Weber, county commissioner, residing on his farm in Munson township, was born in Germany, August 3, 1863, son of Mathias and Catherine (Morepacker) "Weber, and grandson of Conrad Weber. Conrad had three sons, Claudius, Mathias and Jacob, all of whom came to America. Claudius came first. The second to come was Mathias. He served in the German war of 1871, and in 1874 came to this county with his wife, and his two children, John and Jacob, the latter of whom is the subject of this sketch. They settled in Munson township, about two miles west of Richmond. Later they moved to the farm in section 32, where they gradually made improvements in the way of developing the land and erecting buildings. Mathias Weber died September 6, 1909, at the age of eighty-one. His wife died in 1906 at the age of eighty-two. Jacob has continued to reside on the home place. He has 200 acres of good land, well improved with buildings, fences and the like. His farm implements and machinery are ample. He successfully conducts diversified farming on an extensive scale, but makes a specialty of his herd of Holstein cattle, in which he takes particular pride. He has served in school and township offices, and is now in his second four-year term as county commissioner.

Mr. Weber was married in 1889, to Josephine Pirz, born on the old homestead of her father, Bartel Pirz. Mr. and Mrs. Weber have four children: Lena, Barbara, Bartel and Joseph.

Charles C. Holifer was born on the old Holifer homestead, near the boundary line between Eden Lake and Munson townships, June 21, 1865, son of Charles and Minnie (Schultz) Holifer. On this farm he still resides. He has made many improvements and is one of the successful men of his neighborhood. Mr. Holifer was married in 1889 to Rachael Scoaleben, born in Munson township in 1867, daughter of John and Amelia (Knable) Scoaleben, early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Holifer have two children, Benjamin and Fred.

John Scoaleben was born in Germany, and came to this country as a young man. He married Amelia Knable, the daughter of Gotlieb and Fredericka Knable. Mr. and Mrs. Scoaleben located on 120 acres of school land in Munson township, and to this they later added 120 more. They built a log cabin, and made their home on the place the remainder of their lives. John Scoaleben died in 1878 at the age of fifty. Their children were : John, Rachael, Moses, Aaron, Amelia, Tillie and Herman.

Gotlieb Knable and his wife, Fredericka, were born in Prussia, and came to America in 1859 with their six children : August, Herman, Gustave, Gotlieb, Amelia and Tillie. They were eight weeks in crossing the ocean. For a year they lived in Wisconsin. In 1860 they came to Stearns county and settled in Munson township, on 160 acres of land, near Roscoe. They built a log cabin, and with two pair of oxen, and two cows started farming. During the Indian troubles they fled to Richmond. When they returned they found a scene of desolation. The cabin was standing. It had been set afire, and a neighbor had extinguished the flames. But the turkeys and the swine had been killed, and the cultivated fields had been laid waste. Undaunted, however, they again set to work, and there spent the remainder of their lives. Gotlieb reached the age of eighty-seven and his wife that of seventyeight.

Clemens Kost, the elder, now deceased, was born in Germany, the son of Benjamin B. Kost. Benjamin B. Kost, at an early day, started for America with his wife and ten children : Felix, Lawrence, Joseph, Susan, Peter, Gracene, Mary, Clemens, Leopold and Catherina. Another child had died in Germany. Upon arriving in America, the family located in Johnstown, Penn., where the father farmed and operated a saw mill. Benjamin B. Kost died in Richmond, Stearns county, July 29, 1873. His wife died March 6, the same year. Clemens was married in 1854 in Pennsylvania, and after living there a few years, they came west in 1860, bringing their three children. The trip was made by railroad to the Mississippi river, and from there by boat to St. Paul. In that city they hired Michael Phillips to bring their goods to Stearns county. The family rode on top of the load of goods. After a three days' trip from St. Paul, they reached the county that was to be their future home.

Clemens Kost

160 acres near Richmond. Here Clemens Kost at once set about to carve his fortunes out of the wilderness. He built a log house 12 by 14, and the bears and the deer sported in the yard. These were hard times. Provisions had to be hauled from St. Paul, a long and hazardous trip. At one time the family had no flour or frying-fat, and their only food was boiled fish, eaten without salt. The Indians came to the cabin and frightened Mrs. Kost by snatching food from the table and throwing their hatchets in the ceiling. But Mr. Kost was always fearless in his dealings with the Indians, and they, who admired bravery, never did him or his any real harm. During the outbreak, however, when the Indians in the rage at the inroads of the whites, forgot all past obligations and friendships, the family fled from the home for a while. But the troubles were soon over and the family prospered. Mr. Kost built the first sawmill at Richmond, and operated the first carding mill there. After some years, he moved his family to what is now the village of Roscoe. On a part of his 160 acres he laid out the village, gave it its name, and donated several acres to the railroad authorities whom he induced to locate a station there. He also assisted in the upbuilding of the Catholic faith in this vicinity. After a busy life, filled with good work, he died in November, 1890, at the age of sixty-five years.

Mr. Kost was married in Pennsylvania, in 1854, to Theresa Scheiber, who was born in Bavaria, August 11, 1836, daughter of John and Margaret Scheiber, who in 1836 brought to Baltimore, Maryland, their tM^o children, Barney and Theresa. Barney served in the Civil War, and died of starvation in a southern prison. After living a while in Baltimore, the Scheiber family moved to Johnstown, Penn. The children born there were : John, Peter and Joseph, the last of whom died when young. Mr. and Mrs. Kost had thirteen children: John, Crecence (deceased), Benjamin (deceased), Margaret, Peter, Gregory, Joseph, Mary (deceased), Kate (deceased), Tracie (deceased), Clemens, Tracie and William (deceased).

Clemens Kost, merchant and man of afi:'airs, president of the village council of Roscoe, was born in Munson township, this county, July 7, 1878, son of Clemens Kost, Sr., the pioneer. He attended the district school of his neighborhood, and later took courses in the St. Cloud Normal School. Thus prepared he began teaching, and for four years did eflicient work in District No. 115. After this he engaged in the general mercantile business in Roscoe. He has enjoyed a good trade, and has a full line of everything that is found in a first-class store of this description. By hard work and strict attention to business he has built up a flourishing establishment. He is popular among the leading men, and when the village was incorporated was unanimously chosen president, a position he has since held with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his fellow men. He has taken an active interest in the affairs of his community, and is ever in favor of every movement which tends to its advancement. In addition to his many other duties, he is leader of the Roscoe Band. It is interesting to note as a matter of history, and as an illustration of how the villages of Minnesota have grown up on the prairies, that Mr. Kost once plowed and cultivated corn on the same land where his store now stands. Mr. Kost was married October 16, 1900, to Catherine

Neutzling, born in Lake Henry township, this county, daughter of Joseph Neutzling. The children are: Arnold, Leo, Fiorina, Urban and Woodrow.

Frederick W. Hilger, a prominent man of Roscoe, now engaged in the real estate, loan, insurance and investment business, was born in Kirchesch, Province of the Rhine, Germany, July 16, 1862, son of Michael and Catherine (Bell) Hilger, and grandson of Peter Joseph and Elizabeth Hilger. Peter Joseph Hilger and his wife spent the span of their years in Germany. Their children were: John, Joseph, Peter, Michael, William and Anna Marie. Michael Hilger made a short visit to America in 1893, but aside from this, he and his wife also spent their years in Germany. Michael's son, John, was the first of the family to come to America. He reached St. Louis in 1882. In 1886, Frederick W., the subject of this sketch, completed his service in the German army and set out for America. He spent three months in St. Louis, and then found his way to St. Martin, in this county, where he worked on a farm a little over a year. Then he worked about the same period in an elevator and lumber yard at Albany. After this work he became manager of a lumber yard there for eight months. His next venture was to form a partnership with his brother-in-law, P. J. Nett, with whom he built the elevator at Roscoe. In 1889, Mr, Hilger started a five and ten cent store in Roscoe. This business grew to such proportions that in 1892, Mr. Hilger built an addition to the store, and put in a full supply of general merchandise. He also started a lumber yard. In the meantime in 1900 he had sold his wheat and elevator interests to the Cargill Elevator Co. In 1900 he sold his store to Roeder & Kost. In 1901 he sold his lumber interests to Thomas Sauer. About this time he made an extended trip in Germany. It was in 1899 that he built a stately modern brick block in Roscoe village. From 1892 to 1896, he was postmaster at Roscoe. In 1901, Mr. Hilger invested heavily in Morrison county lands, and since then he has been engaged in his present business. He was one of the organizers of the First State Bank of Roscoe and for five years served as one of the directors. Mr. Hilger was married in 1888 to Elizabeth Terres, born in St. Martin township, this county, daughter of John Terres, who settled in Stearns county in 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Hilger have had nine children: Catherine (wife of Lucas Knese), Eleanor (known in the church as Sister Mary Inez, of the Order of St. Benedict), Mary, Hilda, Elizabeth, William, James, Julia and Rosa.

Valentine Becker, auctioneer, nurseryman, and office holder, was born at Richmond, Munson township, this county, January 24, 1865, son of John and Susan (Garding) Becker, both natives of Germany. John Becker came to America in 1855 with his two brothers, lived a year in Indiana, near Chicago, and in 1856 came to Stearns county by stage. Each of the brothers secured 160 acres of land. John secured his in section 26, one mile southwest of Richmond in Munson township, on the locality known as the Becker prairie. In 1860, John Becker married Susan Carding, who came from Germany to Wisconsin in 1858, and from Wisconsin to Cold Spring, Stearns county, in 1860, with her parents, Mathias and Margaret Garding. John Becker became chairman of Munson township, and his farming operations brought him prosperity. He died February 26, 1910, at the age of eighty-three. His wife is still living at the age of seventy-six. In the family there were seven children : Gertrude, who died at six months, Margaret, Valentine, Louise, Barbara and Mary (twins), and Nicholas. Valentine was reared on his father's place and attended the district schools. At the age of nineteen he lost both hands in a saw mill which was being operated on his father's place. Four months after the accident he secured a pair of artificial hands. For about three years he was incapable of doing any work, but after a few years' practice he was able to make his own living. "With these hands he can write, care for himself, and do nearly all the work that is performed by the average man. For the past seven years he has been assessor of Munson township. He is a master of the auctioneer's art, and his services in this capacity are much in demand. He also has a nursery which he has built up through seven years of hard work. In this line he does a good business, and is widely known for the honor and integrity with which he deals.

Jacob Englehard, a substantial citizen of Roscoe, was born in Munson township, this county, August 13, 1862, son of Valentine and Barbara (Graf) Englehard; and grandson of Valentine and Catherine (Busch) Englehard, and Philip and Helena Graf ; all pioneers. The father, Valentine, was born in Germany, and was brought to America by his parents in 1846. It was in 1859 that he came to Stearns county. He spent a while on his father's farm, and then secured a place of his own in Munson township, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was assessor some thirty years, and in addition to this served in numerous town and school offices. He was born August 25, 1835, and died February 20, 1887, at the age of fifty-two. The children in his family were ten : John, who died in Ohio ; Kate, who died in Richmond ; Frank, Lena, George, Jacob, Anna, Elizabeth, Trace and Philip. Jacob, the subject of this mention, was reared on his father's farm. As a young man he purchased a farm of 160 acres, one hundred and twenty acres in Lake Henry township, Stearns county, and forty acres lying over the line in Kandiyohi county. Later in life, Mr. Engelhard sold his farm, and opened the Engelhard Hotel in Roscoe village. Some six years later he moved to Richmond. In October, 1912, he returned to Roscoe, where he engaged in his present business. Mr. Engelhard served some thirteen years as assessor in Lake Henry township. He has been a school officer for nine years and a justice of the peace for six years, being the present justice in the village of Roscoe. Jacob Engelhard was married in 1889 to Mary Rossmeisl, born in Germany, the daughter of Antoin Rossmeisl, who brought his family to America in 1863, settled in Trenton, N. J., and thence came to Stearns county and settled in Richmond. Mr. and Mrs. Engelhard have ten children : Anton, Otilia, Irene, Otto, Robert, Lena, Alexander, Elmer, Raymond, and Elizabeth. Another child, Frank, is dead. The family faith is that of the Catholic church.

Jacob Ganzer, an early settler, was born in Germany, and came to America at the age of nineteen. He was an only son, an unusual circumstance in that day of large families. As a youth he learned the basket weaving trade, and this trade stood him in good stead in later life, even after he had become a pioneer. For a while after landing he lived in New York city, and there he was married to Johanna Backes, who was born in Germany, and reached New

York at the age of twenty-two. In 1862 he came to Stearns county, and settled on 160 acres in Wakefield township. This was about the time of the Indian uprising. As he had secured considerable experience in military matters, while a member of the Home Guards in New York state, he was given command, with the title of captain, of the home guard raised at Cold Spring to defend the settlers. In the meantime, however, he was wrestling with the problem of pioneer existence. He broke some of his land, and erected a log cabin for a habitation. Then he started making baskets. These he took to St. Cloud on his back, and when he disposed of some he was enabled to purchase provisions for his home. The demand was soon supplied however, and Mr. Ganzer determined to find a market for his wares in St. Paul. Accordingly on October 16, he set out for St. Paul, with an ox team and thirty dozen baskets. But the weather turned suddenly cold, and on his return journey he found himself in the grip of a chilling frost. After much suffering he finally reached St. Cloud, where he was cared for by Peter Seberger, father of the present mayor, J. P. Seberger, of that city. By this freezing, Mr. Ganzer lost all of his toes except one on his right foot. Later in life, Mr. Ganzer became a successful farmer. He was born in 1819 and died in 1886. His wife was born in 1825 and died in 1908. They had four children : Peter and Kate were born in New York city ; Nick and John were born in Wakefield township.

John Ganzer was born in Cold Spring, Wakefield township, June 30, 1866, son of Jacob and Johanna (Backes) Ganzer. He was reared on the home farm, and secured a good education in the public schools. At the age of twenty-one, he went to Richmond, and learned the wagonmakers' trade. Later he worked at this trade in Duluth. When he returned from Duluth he purchased the shop in which he had learned his trade. This he conducted for fourteen years. After he sold out he came to Roscoe and became grain buyer for the Cargill Elevator Co. for twelve years. Then he engaged in his present business as proprietor of the Roscoe Saloon and Hotel. Mr. Ganzer is an influential man, and is a member of the village council of Roscoe. Mr. Ganzer married Mary Becker, daughter of John and Susan (Garding) Becker, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Ganzer have ten children: John (deceased), Jacob, Louise, Barbara, Kate, Irene, Leona, Susan, Adella and Michael.

Valentine Herman is one of the leading men of Stearns county. For some years he was widely known as traveling representative of the McCormick Harvester Co. He has been president of the village of Holdingford for some thirteen years past, and he is now serving his second term as a commissioner of Stearns county. Through all these years he has successfully engaged in general farming. Mr. Herman belongs to Council 961, Knights of Columbus, and Court 404, of the Foresters, having been a member of the latter order sixteen years. He also belongs to several benefit lodges. Valentine Herman was married October 16, 1894,. to Gertrude Langner, and they have seven children: Mary, Paul, Kate, Sophia, Verna, Aloysius and Anglia. The family faith is that of the Catholic church. The. parents of Valentine Herman were Lorentz and Christina Herman. They were the parents of six children : Valentine, Peter, Mary, Paulina, John and Francesca. Peter married Vic- toria Langner, and they have eight children. Mary married John Hennek and they have eight children, Paulina married Frank Check, and they have seven children. John married Mona Broda, and they have three children. Francisca married Casper Langner.

Thomas Bejach, a retired farmer of Holdingford, son of Lorenz and Anna (Schoenhofifer) Bejach, natives of Germany, the former of whom was born in 1831, and died in 1898, and the latter of whom was born in 1833 and died in 1889. They were married in Wisconsin in 1855, and had ten children, of whom seven grew to adult years. They were : George, Conrad, Thomas, Jacob, John C, Joseph, and Margaret.

Thomas Bejach was married, January 31, 1895, to Theresa Balk, daughter of George and Mary Balk, natives of Germany. Of the nine children born to George Balk, only two, Theresa and Francis, came to America. Mr. and Mrs. Bejach have six children : John, Mary, Joseph, Rosa, Alma and Leo.

Stanley M. Bielejeski, live stock dealer at Holdingford, was born September 7, 1877. He is a prominent man in the community, and is now serving as town clerk. Mr. Bielejeski was married June 15, 1909, to Annie Bias, and they have three children: Arthur, Evelyn H., and Albina. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic church. The parents of Stanley M. Bielejeski were Vincent and Frances Bielejeski, the former of whom is still living at the age of seventy-two years, and the latter of whom died June 4, 1911. They were the parents of fifteen children, of whom there are living twelve : Joseph, Frank, John, Thomas, Stanley, Wanda, Demus, Rosa, Casimir, Annie, William and Vincent. Joseph married Mary Brunda; Frank married Martha Schluss, John married Helen Goranoski ; Thomas married Julia Maliszewski ; Wanda married Peter Koneczng ; Demus married Anna Rochrs ; Rosa married Anton Kossloski; Casimir married Tillie Ketcher; Vincent married Miss Kuffel.

William W. Barron, attorney at law, Albany, was born at Brainerd, Minn., May 21, 1886, son of William and Nora E, (Ryan) Barron, who are still living in that place. William W. attended the graded schools and the high school of his native town and then entered the St. Paul College of Law, from which he was graduated in 1910. For a time he was a legal writer for the Keefe-Davidson Publishing Co. Then he returned to Brainerd, where he practiced law for two years. May 1, 1913, he established himself in Albany, where, even in the short time that has since elapsed he has become an active, prominent and useful citizen. One of his greatest fights has been the effort to secure the removal of the county seat from St. Cloud to a more central location in Albany. He is an active worker in the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America, and other organizations. He is also in good standing in the Stearns County Bar Association. Mr. Barron married Anna L. Carroll, of Stillwater.

Hon. Sebastian Wimmer, retired, for many years a distinguished figure in the engineering history of the United States, was born January 5, 1831, at Thalmassing, near Ratisbone, Bavaria, son of George Wimmers and Theresa (Hahn) Wimmers. His father was a hotel proprietor at Thalmassing, but removed to Munich in 1833, where the son graduated from the Technical and Polytechnical School, having also taken up the four year engineering course at the latter school, 1847-1851. His uncle, the late Arch Abbot Boniface "Wimmer, of America, being on a visit to Europe at that time, urged him to come to America, and so June 2, 1851, he joined his company of students and others he had engaged for his labor in establishing the Benedict Order at St. Vincent, Pennsylvania. They arrived in New York on the United States steamer "Washington" and made their journey on to St. Vincent by way of canal boats and steamers and even part way by walking until they reached there August 12, 1851. He remained with his uncle until September 15, trying to perfect his English, as without it he would have difficulty in getting a position. He spent a short time visiting two of his brothers, who lived twenty-eight miles distant from St. Vincent, and in 1852 he was tutor to the three children of William Huve, a German farmer. In the spring of 1852 he secured the position of roadman with the county surveyors Hastings and Preisser at Pittsburg. Finding life rather rough, and at this time receiving some money from his friends at Munich, he decided to return home. Before doing so, however, he wished to see his brother in New Orleans, so with his brother, George, he started south, and reached Lafayette, a northern suburb of New Orleans, November 27, where he found his brother. After spending the winter there, he started back March 9, reaching Ferdinand, Dubois county, March 21. Here he spent about seven weeks visiting friends, and finally reached St. Vincent, May 19, 1853.

June 10, 1853, he received an appointment as roadman with the Allegheny Valley Railroad, receiving soon afterwards, the position of sub-assistant. Next he was assigned the subdivision from Canal Crossing to Scranton, having twenty-two miles to take care of. In 1856, having a month's vacation he made his first visit to Minnesota, going with an expedition of priests to establish a college in the German settlement near St. Cloud.

In the fall he left the service of the Allegheny Valley Railroad, going to St. Paul. In 1857 he brought his family to Minnesota, they living at Anoka, as his work kept him moving about. He was first engaged on the subdivision Government land near Cambridge. He was occupied a great deal of the time in sketching the location of the townships and different settlements along the Sauk river, making several trips between St. Paul and St. Cloud. June 30, 1858, he was engaged by T. L. Kellet in the department of the Minneapolis and Cedar Valley Railroad, and left for Northfield, later being transferred to the Faribault division of that company. As that company failed he decided to visit his brother in the South and look for work there. He was offered a professorship there and came back to get his family but becoming sick, decided not to go south again.

In 1859-1860 he attended the Iron City Commercial College at Pittsburg, taking up bookkeeping and expecting to act as bookkeeper for the St. Vincent Abbey. However, in 1860 he was appointed roadman of St. Vincent and sent to Garland, Erie county, to make surveys for the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad to Oil City. Next he was transferred to St. Mary's, Pennsylvania, to take charge of the construction of the Luneberg and Erie Railway Company.

In 1865 he received an appointment under Col. T. A. Scott, the assistant secretary of war, and left for Havana to take charge of the Maltrata division of the Imperial Mexico Railroad. He spent 1865-1867 in construction work in Mexico.

On account of trouble in Mexico the whole staff were compelled to leave Mexico, and Mr. "Wimmer took this opportunity of visiting Europe, also seeing the Paris Exposition of 1867. He was then ordered back to Mexico, but soon after his return to the United States was offered the position of building the Allegheny Valley extension from Driftwood to Dubois, so did not go to Mexico. In 1874 he was elected to represent Elk county in the Pennsylvania state legislature. There he served two seasons, was chairman of the railroad committee, secretary of the committee on counties and townships, and a member of the Centennial and Geological committee. In 1877-79 he was chief engineer of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad ; in 1879-82 was located in New York city as the chief engineer of the New York city & Northern Railroad, building the line from High Bridge to Brewsters, N. Y. ; and in August, 1882, he was sent to Mexico by a New York syndicate for the purpose of examining the Mexican Central Railway. During 1882-84 -he was chief engineer on the construction of the Erie & Wyoming Railroad from Pittston and Scranton to Hawley. He then returned to New York, and built the Yonkers Rapid Transit Railroad from Van Cortland Station of New York City & North Erie Railroad to Gettys Square, in Yonkers; reported on the line between Turners on the Erie road and Danbury, Conn. ; and located lines in Elk and Clearfield counties, Pennsylvania, for the Pittsburgh, Shawmut & Northern Railroad. From 1901 to November 1, 1903, Mr. Wimmer was associate chief engineer of the Wabash railway, a distance of 59 miles, comprising the Pittsburgh, Carnegie & Western Railway, from Pittsburgh to the Ohio river; the Pittsburgh, Toledo & Western Railway from the Ohio river to the connection of the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad in Harrison county, Ohio, to Toledo. This was one of the most difficult railroads to build in the United States, having seventeen tunnels, varying in length from 200 to 4,700 feet, and many iron bridges, including two exceptionally long ones over the Monongahela and Ohio rivers at Pittsburgh, and at Mingo Junction, Ohio. From November 1, 1903, to August 10, 1904, he was engaged in surveying about St. Marys and after the death of his wife. May 4, 1904, he soon retired from active life to live on his farm in Minnesota, at Albany. This was a large dairy and stock farm of nearly 600 acres, and a modern house was erected. In 1911 the farm was sold to his nephew, Sebastian P. Wimmer, who had been in charge of it since 1890, but Mr. Wimmer still lives on the place. Here he may be found, surrounded by a large library of books where he devotes much of his time to reading. His profession and his extensive travels have made for him a host of distinguished friends of whom he may well be proud. Mr. Wimmer is a man of distinguished appearance, quiet in manner and of keen intelligence, a gentleman of the old school. At the age of nearly eighty-five he is still well preserved, and at the height of his intellectual abilities. Since March 2, 1881, he has been a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, he is also a member of the International

Mr. Wimmer was married at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1857, to Lavinia H. Blakely, daughter of James Blakely, a prominent real estate man, and three sons were born, Wilfred, at St. Paul, Minn., January ,14, 1858 (now deceased); Ernest J. (deceased), born September 11, 1859, at Pittsburgh; and Sebastian J., July 8, 1862, at Latrobe, Penn. Ernest J. graduated from the law department of Columbia University in 1882, and was admitted to the New York bar. Sebastian J. graduated from the medical department of the Columbia University, and is now a practicing physician in New York.

Henry J. Blenker, successful merchant of Albany, was born in Oak township, this county. May 15, 1883, son of Herman and Katherina (Ballah) Blenker. Herman Blenker was born in Westphalia, Germany, October 25, 1833, and was there reared. In 1861 he came to America and located in McGregor, Iowa. It was in 1866 that he came to Stearns county and located in Oak township, where he followed the occupation of a farmer, until a year before his death. Then he came to Albany village and engaged in the cercantile business. He died June 15, 1904. October 13, 1869, Herman Blenker married Katherina Ballah, who was born in Mosta, Austria, March 27, 1849, and came to America in 1866. Herman Blenker and his wife were the parents of eight children: Gertrude, Anna, John, Herman, Frank, Mary, Henry and Elizabeth. Gertrude died in infancy. Anna married A. J. Swinghamer and they have five children. John married Annie North and they have six children. Herman died November 21, 1907. He married Matilda Shulte and they had four children. Frank married Mary Hiltner and they have four children. Mary is the wife of R. G. Sperd and they have three daughters. Henry J. is the one whose name heads this sketch. Elizabeth lives with her mother in the village of Albany. Mrs. Herman Blenker has adopted a bright boy named Edwin, who makes his home with her. Henry J. Blenker was reared on the home farm in Oak township, and attended school in District No. 33. His first teacher was Joseph Himsl, now a prominent attorney of St. Cloud. After leaving the district schools, Mr. Blenker entered St. John's University at Collegeville, and was graduated from the commercial course September 13, 1901. Immediately after graduation he entered his father's store. August 2, 1903, he became owner and proprietor. He conducts a large and prosperous mercantile establishment, and enjoys the confidence and respect of the community. His agreeable personality has been one of the greatest factors in his success, and his reputation for fair and honest dealing is wide spread. Mr. Blenker is clerk of Albany township, and financial secretary of the local lodge of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Henry J. Blenker was married May 1, 1912, to Matilda Thielman, daughter of Leonard Thielman, and they have one daughter, Mary C, born April 11, 1913.

Joseph. Lehner, who is in charge of the Farmers' Elevator, at Albany, was born in the town of Danesbach, Bavaria, September 13, 1866, son of John and Mary (Swatz) Lehner. He came alone to America, and landed at New York city, March 20, 1881, and imediately came west to Albany. He worked on a farm, and in the hotel, for a short time, and then entered the employ of the flour mill. Some two years later he went to "Wahpeton, N. D., where he remained about two years. Upon his return he worked in the flour mill about six years. After a brief respite during which he worked on a farm in St. Martin township, he resumed his work in the mill, where he was employed ten more years. At the end of that period he was taken ill, as the result of constantly working in a dusty atmosphere, and was disabled for about a year. For the past eight years he has been in his present position, successfully buying and selling grain for the farmers of the community. He is a shrewd buyer, a good seller, and an able judge of conditions. He is president of the village board of Albany, has in times past been on the school board, and has done other public service. He is a member of the St. Joseph Society. Mr. Lehner married Victor, the daughter of Frederick Bier, and they have seven children: Antonia, Andrew M., Maty, Alphonse, Raymond, Annie and Alois.

P. J. Nett was born in Fond du Lac, Wis., in 1847, and was there reared. As a young man he found his way to St. Martin township, in Stearns county, where he engaged in farming. In 1885 he came to Albany village, acquired an elevator, and became a grain dealer. Three years later he engaged in the lumber business. In the meantime he also operated two large farms. He became a very prosperous man, and continued in the lumber business until April 14, 1912, when he died. Mr. Nett married Mary G. Terres, and they have six children: John (deceased) ; Elizabeth, at home; Matthew, who married Julius Fuchs, and has two sons, Ralph and Jerome ; Celia, at home ; John, a lumberman of Albany ; and Peter J., who also lives in Albany.

John Nett, of the firm of Nett & Berger, lumber dealers, at Albany, was born in St. Martin township, this county, September 27, 1884, son of P. J. and Mary G. (Terres) Nett, who brought him to Albany village as an infant. Since he was old enough to be interested in business he has been identified with the lumber trade, and since babyhood, with the exception of one year spent in the West, he has made his home in this village. First he worked for his father. Then, after his father's death, he and his brother, P. J., Jr., carried on the yard for a while. In 1913, P. J., Jr., sold his interest to J. Borgerding & Co., of Melrose, and the present firm was established. The company does a good business, and is one of the important factors in the business life of Albany. Mr. Nett married Mary M, Barker, and they have two children : Rita and Howard. Mary G. Terres, who married P. J. Nett, was born in Barberg, Luxemburg, daughter of John and Katherina (Charlier) Terres, who brought her to America in 1857, After living in Chicago for one winter they came to St. Martin township, this county. Mr. Terres was a tailor by trade and for many years made a greater part of the masculine clothing used in this vicinity. In latter life he devoted much of his attention to farming.

John B. Pallansch, postmaster of Albany village, was born in Belgium, July 28, 1858, son of Adam and Katherina (Zimmermann) Pallansch. He was reared in his native town, and at the age of twenty was induced to come to

America by his brother, John Peter, who was then home on a visit, but who had previously become a successful man in the United States. John B. therefore accompanied his brother, John Peter, to this country, and entered his employ in a flouring mill at Fredonia, Ozaukee county, Wisconsin. In 1882 he came to Stearns county, and for seven years he was a faithful employe in the mill of Edwin Clark, in Melrose. In 1889 he returned to Fredonia, and once more entered the employ of his brother. Five years later he was forced to abandon the milling business, as further continuance therein would have seriously endangered his health. In 1894, he came back to Stearns county, and engaged in the mercantile business at Holdingsford, for eight years. In 1902 he acquired the mill at Freeport, in this county, which he opearted two years. It was in 1904 that he came to Albany village, and operated a general store. In 1909 he was appointed postmaster by President Theodore Roosevelt. Under his care the postal service has been of the best, and has given general satisfaction. Mr. Pallansch is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. He was married, June 17, 1884, in Melrose, by Rev. Father Williams, to Elizabeth Schauble, and they have had six children. Of these, three. Bertha, Eleanor C. and Mary C. are living. Bertha married Dr. Joseph Weyrens. They live in Taylor, N. D., ajid have two children, Raymond and Erma. Eleanor C. lives at home and assists her father in the postoffice. Mary C. has been a teacher for several years past.

John Schwinghammer, the first pioneer of Albany township, now living in retirement in Albany village, was born in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, March 22, 1840, son of John, Sr., and Katherine (Gruber) Schwinghammer. The family came to America in July, 1856, and settled in Watertown, Jefferson county, Wis. Some three and a half years later they moved to a farm near Appleton, in Outagamie county, in the same state. In 1862, John Schwinghammer, the subject of this sketch, then known as John Schwinghammer, Jr., came to Stearns county, looking for a location for the family. In this quest he reached the locality then known as Two Rivers, now called Albany. There was at that time no evidence of previous occupancy in that locality. After deciding upon a few suitable claims, Mr. Schwinghammer went back to his home in Wisconsin. In 1863 the entire family arrived. The father, John, Sr., took a claim in section 22, the son, John, took a claim in section 23, while another son, Joseph, took a claim in section 24. All of this territory was then a part of Brockway township. When Avon was organized in 1866 it included Albany. John Schwinghammer, the subject of this sketch, was elected the first assessor. Albany was organized in 1868. At the first meeting, John Schwinghammer was elected chairman of the board of supervisors, and his brother, Joseph, was elected justice of the peace. The father, John, Sr., had in the meantime died, October 12, 1870, his being the first death in the township. When the family first settled here, they all lived together in a small cabin on section 22. Three years later they built a more commodious log house on section 23. Subsequently the father and the two sons, each occupied their individual claims. When they first arrived, the land was covered with timber, and it took long years of laborious work to render it tillable. In 1866, John Schwinghammer was married, and the young couple started housekeeping in the log cabin on section 23. In 1886 a frame house was built, and in 1892 this was replaced by a larger frame structure. In the meantime, Mr. Schwinghammer had added to his original tract, and had also gradually improved, enlarged and increased his farm buildings and equipment. In 1903, Mr. Schwinghammer retired and moved to the village of Albany, where he has since resided. Mr. Schwinghammer has taken an active interest in the affairs of the community in which he has lived. In addition to the offices already mentioned, he has been clerk of Albany township, and of School District No. 111. He was one of the organizers of the Albany Mutual Fire Insurance Co., that started business June 1, 1895. The original officers, Jacob Krebs, president, and John Schwinghammer, secretary, have since continued to serve. John Schwinghammer was married in 1866, to Annie Pfau. They have had eight children. Kate is now Sister Mary, of the Order of St. Benedict. She teaches in the parochial school at Eden valley. Aloys lives in Canada. He married Anna Blenker and they have five children. Simon also lives in Canada. He married Talma Neiser, and they have seven children. Henry lives on the home farm. He married Mary Fenners, and they have four children : Peter lives in Canada. He married Anna Diedricks, and they have four children. Gregor lives in Albany township. He married Margaret Emel, and they have four children. John lives in Canada. He married Kate Biensfield. Mary has been a teacher for several years, first in Albany village and now in the township.

Nickalaus J. Theisen, implement dealer of Albany village, is one of the pioneers of Stearns county, having been brought here by his parents while scarcely more than an infant. He was born in New Regel, Seneca county, Ohio, April 1, 1854, son of Nickalaus and Anna (Ruppert) Theisen, who ?ame to America in 1848, lived in Ohio for a while, and in 1859 came west to St. Joseph, in this county, where a relative, Nickalaus Hoffman, his father and his brothers, had lived for some years. The father had devoted considerable time to railroad work before reaching Stearns county, but here he became a farmer. Nickalaus J. remained on his father's farm until he was twentysix years of age, and being the oldest in the family, assumed a special interest in the home place. After he started out in life for himself, he operated a threshing machine, and also got out railroad ties. In 1887, Mr. Theisen moved to the village of Albany, where he opened a hardware store, which he has since continued. In addition to this he has been an extensive shipper of stock for the past few years. Mr. Theisen is a quiet, substantial man, and while he has not cared to mingle in public affairs, he can nevertheless be depended upon at all times to do his share in any movement that has for its object the progress of the village or township. He is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Theisen was married in 1888 to Mary Stuhl, born in Ohio. They have four children. Aurelia and Eleanor are teachers. Henry J. and Olevia are at home. Mr. Theisen 's father died in 1901, and his mother about the year 1894.

Michael Thelen, who is engaged in the bottling business in the village of Albany, was born in Farming township, this county, June 11, 1869, son of Mathias and Mariana (Wagner) Thelen. Mathias Thelen, the father, was born February 24, 1832, in the village of Leimbach, Kreis Ardow, Koblenz, Prussia, Germany, and came to America in 1852. He at once found his way to Fond du Lac, Wis., where he secured employment in the pine woods. In 1860 he secured some government land in Farming township, this county, at $1.25 an acre. During the Civil War he was employed in the copper mines of Lake Superior. After the close of the war he took up his residence upon his land in Farming township, where he devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits. He died December 19, 1911. His widow still resides on the old homestead. Michael Thelen received a district school education in the vicinity of his home, and remained on the home farm until he was twenty-seven years of age. Then he went to St. Cloud and purchased a sodawater factory. In 1899 he came to Albany, and opened a similar business here. He has been very successful, and has a large trade covering a large district in all directions. Mr. Thelen is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Michael Thelen married Mary Spoden, the daughter of Nathias Spooden, and a native of Rockville township. They have four children : Andrew M., Mariana, Rose C, Olevia M., and Gero P.

John Braun, a successful farmer of Spring Hill township, was born in Fond du Lac county, Wis., April 16, 1849, son of Mathias and Marion Braun. Mathias Braun came to America ,in 1846. He went back to Germany, married, and in 1848 brought his wife to Wisconsin, settling on eighty acres near Fond du Lac. They lived in a log cabin, and thus started to carve their fortunes. Four children, John, Peter, Elizabeth and Frank, were born in Wisconsin. In 1856 the family came to Minnesota, going by rail to La Crosse, thence by boat up the river to St. Paul, and from St. Paul to St. Cloud by team. From St. Cloud they went west a few miles, and located on 160 acres two miles east of the village of St. Joseph, in the township of that name. Ten acres were under cultivation and a shack stood on the place. Improvements were made as circumstances permitted. Seven children, Mathias, Herbert, Mary, Joseph, Henry, Agnes and Anna, were born in Minnesota. The family assisted in erecting several of the early Catholic churches. John Braun remained with the family until 1874. Then he purchased 160 acres of wild land in Spring Hill township. In 1875 he married, and brought his wife to the place. They set to work with a will, and the years brought success. Mr. Braun now owns 280 acres in the home farm, and 200 acres in Lake Henry township. Beginning with a meagre equipment he now has a modern farm in every particular, with the best of stock, crops, and buildings. His barn, 38 by 120 feet, is a model of its kind. He makes a specialty of stock raising on an extensive scale, and has taken a deep interest in the Spring Hill Creamery, of which he was formerly the president. He has been both a member and chairman of the town board, at different times, for many years, and is one of the active progressive men of the community. Mr. Braim married Anna Minerat, and they "have had eleven children. Of these there are living nine: Josephine, Mary, Mollie, C. A., Elizabeth, John A., Michael, Henry and Elnora.

Joseph Emmel, clerk of Spring Hill township, was born on the homestead in section 22, in the same township, February 7, 1879, son of Henry J. Emmel.

He attended the district schools, and spent one year at the St. Cloud State Normal School, and three years in St. John's University, Collegeville. He has farmed both in Albany and Spring Hill townships. In 1908 he located on his present farm of 240 acres. He is a good farmer, raises good crops and breeds good stock. He has been town clerk since 1911, and treasurer of his school district since 1910. For three years he was secretary of the Spring Hill Creamery Co. Mr. Emmel was married in 1902 to Wilhelmina Watercott, a native of Wisconsin, and they have five children : Rebecca, Albert, Edmund, Mary and Joseph.

Joseph Geris was born in Netherlands, July 18, 1852, son of Nicholas and Gertrude Geris. The father, Nicholas, was a small man in stature, so small that he could stand under his son Joseph's arm. He was, however, strong and courageous, and took his part in the activities of pioneer endeavor. Nicholas Geris left Netherlands in 1862, with his wife, and six children: Lawrence, Henry, Joseph, Martin, Lena and Theodore. After a voyage of sixty-five days they reached New York, and then came to St. Paul. They located in Benton, now called Cologne, in Carver county, and secured forty acres of land. The first flour for the family was a sack of fifty pounds, brought twelve miles by the father on his back. Before the land was ready for crops, the family dug ginseng for which they obtained from seven to fifteen cents a pound. They had been here but a few days when the Indian outbreak occurred. When the news came the family left their food on the table and joined the throng that was fleeing to Carver, for safety. The parents took what household possessions they could. Joseph carried the family coffee mill. The little children carried the dog and cat. After three days, the father and the older children returned to the farm, leaving the mother and younger children at Carver until the scare was over. After Nicholas Geris had been in Benton but fourteen days, he went to the polls and voted. He had no conception of the laws nor of the issues at stake, but voted because his neighbors were voting. As a result his name appeared on the list of citizens and he was drafted for the Civil War. To avoid serving he paid $600 to hire a substitute. This kept him in debt for twenty years. After living a while on the farm, they sold out, and went to Belleplaine, where they operated a brickyard. There the mother died. In 1867 the father and the children started out for Alexandria, Douglas county. The trip was made with an ox team, nineteen days being spent on the road. Upon arriving at their destination, they secured a homestead of 160 acres, erected a log cabin, and started life in the wilderness. In 1872, Joseph took a homestead adjoining that of his father. In 1877 he located on 160 acres in section 28, Spring Hill township, Stearns county. Sixty acres had been broken, and a log cabin stood on the place. He at once set at work to beautify and improve the place. He has added sixty acres, erected a modern home and other buildings, and has been very successful in his operations. His stock is as good as any in the county. Often as Mr. Geris looks over his rich acres with the waving harvests and sleek cattle, with the barns filled with plentifulness, and the house bright with comfort, he thinks of the early days when he lived in a log cabin, and obtained fresh meat for his family by trading rutabagas and garden produce for bear meat brought by the Chippewa Indians. Mr. Geris is a prominent man and has served on the village council of Spring Hill village.

Joseph Geris was married October, 1876, to Margaret Mehr, a daughter of John Mehr. They have had eight children: Susan (deceased), Ava, Joseph Peter, Anna, Kate, Celia, Frank and Olevia. Susan was the first wife of George Winter: Ava is Mrs. Louis Punk; Anna is now Mrs. George Winter; and Celia is now Mrs. Leo Gillitzer.

John J. Salchert was born in Prussia, Germany, son of Rhinehart and Catherine Salchert, who brought him to America at the age of thirteen, and settled at Calvary, Wis., where they spent the remainder of their days. John J. grew to manhood on the farm at Calvary, and married Catherine Geser. In 1858 he brought his wife and two children, Catherine and John, to Minnesota, and settled on 160 acres of land in Spring Hill township. He erected a log cabin, and with two ox teams and an Indian pony starting farming. By hard work he acquired 820 acres of land, and erected the substantial dwelling in which his son, Joseph, now resides. He died in Lake Henry township at the age of eighty-one. His wife died at the age of thirty-four. In the family there were seven children.

Joseph Salchert was next to the youngest of the children. He was born in Spring Hill township, and was reared on the home farm, attending the district schools of his neighborhood and the graded schools of Sauk Centre. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. He owns 400 acres of the old homestead, and successfully carries on general farming. He raises good crops, and breeds some good grade cattle. Of late years he has turned his attention especially to dairying, and is one of the directors of the Spring Hill Creamery, and a stockholder of the Greenwald Bank. He has done good service as assessor for twenty-four years; as constable for sixteen years; and census enumerator for three terms. He has been a successful fire and hail insurance agent for twelve years. Joseph Salchert married Mary Pung, a daughter of Arnold Pung, and they have had seven children: Anna (deceased), Hubert, George, Isabel, Lena, Arnold, and Susie.

John Waldorf, secretary of the Spring Hill Creamery, located in section 28, Spring Hill township, was born in Maine Prairie township, April 7, 1863, son of Peter and Gertrude (Schafer) Waldorf, who were born in Germany, came to America in the early fifties and were here married. For some years they lived in Maine Prairie township, this county, where two of the children, John and Mathias, were born in the old log cabin. It was in 1865 that they came to Spring Hill township, and settled on eighty acres near the town line in section 30. A cabin had already been built on the place. Here the family lived until the grasshopper raids of 1877. Then they moved to 160 acres of wild land in section 32, in the same township. They erected a frame house and other buildings, and successfully engaged in general farming. The father died in 1886 at the age of sixty-four. The mother died in 1888 at the age of sixty-two. They had eight children. One died in infancy leaving five brothers and two sisters. John Waldorf was educated in the schools of the neighborhood, and remained with his parents until 1888, when he located on his present place in section 32. At that time the 160 acres were without improvements. He has developed the place in many ways, and has a fine farm, with good buildings, and modern equipment. He has been a member of the town board continuously since 1896 and was made chairman of the board in the spring of 1913. He has been secretary of the Spring Hill Creamery for six years. In addition to his home place, Mr. Waldorf also owns his father's farm in section 32. John Waldorf married Kate Weller, born in Waseca county, this state. They have had fourteen children : Anna Michael, John, Margaret, Susan, Kate, Mamie, Nicholas, Gerhard, Joseph, Alfred, Otta, Elizabeth, and Gertrude (deceased).

John H. Emmel, a successful young business man of Greenwald, was born in Spring Hill township, this county, August 4, 1885, son of Henry and Appollonia (Miesen) Emmel. He attended the district schools of his neighborhood, and the graded schools of St. Cloud, and started his commercial career as a clerk at Melrose. In the spring of 1911 he came to Greenwald, and opened a general store. He carries a good line of goods, and has the confidence and respect of the people of the village and neighboring rural districts. He has identified himself with the life of his adopted village, and has taken a special interest in the Spring Hill Farmers' Rural Telephone Co., of which he is one of the directors. In October, 1912, he married Kathryn Reiter, of Waite Park, and thej" are the parents of one daughter, Emelinda.

August Ernst, a substantial farmer of Lake Henry township, was born in Pomerania, Germany, June 27, 1851, son of Christ and Johanna Ernst. Christ Ernst died in Germany in 1856, at the age of forty-five. In the family there were three children, William, a girl, who died at the age of fourteen, in Germany, and August. The widowed Johanna Ernst married Christ Luekou, who, in 1870, brought the family to America, living first in Buffalo, N. Y., then in Watertown, Wis., and then coming to Stearns county and locating in Zion township, where they spent the remainder of their days. For a time August worked as a farm hand. In due time he secured 200 acres in section 34, Lake Henry township, the tract at that time being without improvements. He erected a log house, a part of which is still standing. He also built a straw shed. His stock consisted of a horse team and a cow. As the years passed he prospered, improved and developed his farm, and erected suitable buildings. He also added forty acres to the original tract. Mr. Ernst is now a prosperous man of the community and a respected member of the Evangelical church. He married Johanna Wentland, and they have four children : Minnie, Frank, William and Lena.

Frank Ernst is one of the successful young men of Lake Henry township. He was born on the home farm in the township where he still lives; son of August and Johanna (Wentland) Ernst. He was educated in the district schools and reared to agricultural pursuits. His farm consists of 120 acres of the old homestead, on which he has made many improvements. He is clerk of the school district and township constable. Mr. Ernst was married in 1902 to Helen Wartenberg, daughter of Antoin and Amelia (Hein) Wartenberg, who came from Germany and settled in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Ernst have two children. Lillian was born August 21, 1906, and died June 8, 1908. Ada was born June 6, 1908.

William Ernst is a native-born son of Lake Henry township, having first seen the light of day on the home farm, June 19, 1881, son of August and Johanna (Wentland) Ernst. He attended the district schools and was taught farming by his father. He owns 120 acres of the old homestead, and has replaced with a frame structure the crude log cabin in which he was born. Mr. Ernst carries on general farming, and is making a specialty of breeding good stock. He was married May 28, 1901, to Martha Grudzmacher, and they have one child, Matilda, born May 17, 1903. Martha Grudzmacher was born in Lake Henry township, daughter of William and Johanna Grudzmacher, natives of Germany, who after coming to America lived in Wisconsin for a while, later reached Stearns county, settled on 160 acres in Zion township, and finally located in Lake Henry township. They had thirteen children, one born in Germany and twelve in America.

Helmet I. Glenz, an active young farmer of Lake Henry township, was born on the old homestead, just over the line in Roseville township, Kandiyohi county, September 18, 1888. He attended the district schools and was thoroughly taught the business of a farmer. On October, 1912, he married Lydia Marquard, the daughter of August Marquard, and rented the Marquard homestead of 160 acres. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical church.

Ernst Emil Knrth, a farmer of section 36, Lake Henry, was born December 31, 1884, son of Ernst and Amelia (Koler) Kurth. He was born in a log cabin on the home place, and has remained with his father. As a youth he attended district school, and all his interests have been along agricultural lines. In 1907 he took over the active management of the farm. His 200 acres includes the homestead taken by his father. He lives in the house erected by his father. The barn was built by himself. He raises general crops, has a nice little orchard, and makes a specialty of full-blooded Jersey cattle and good grade swine. Mr. Kurth was married June 6, 1907, to Martha Schwartz, daughter of Lewis Schwartz, of Kandiyohi county. They have one child, Verona. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Church.

Ernst Kurth was born in Germany, March 20, 1836, son of Christian and Mary (Krueger) Kurth, who spent the span of their years in Germany. He came to the United States in 1863 and located in Racine, Wis. From that city he came to Stearns county in 1877, and settled on 160 acres of wild land in Lake Henry township. They built a log cabin and a barn with a straw roof, and began farming with an ox team. Like his neighbors, he prospered and became a prominent man. He was married in Wisconsin to Minnie Koler, and they had nine children. She died in 1883. In 1885 he married Amelia Koler, a cousin of his first wife, and by this union there was born one son, Ernst Emil, now operating the home farm. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Church.

Michael Kraemer, a farmer of Lake Henry township, was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 14, 1849, son of Michael, Sr., and Margaret (Searl) Kraemer. Michael Kraemer, Sr., with his wife, and son Michael, left Germany in 1851, on a sailing vessel, the voyage to America consuming two months. For about six months the family lived at St. Louis, Mo., and then located in

Keokuk county, Iowa for two years. Subsequently they came to Minnesota in 1856, and secured a claim of 160 acres in section 14, Lake Henry township. The claim was in the wilderness with no roads and almost no trails. They built a log cabin and a log barn and started farming with a yoke of oxen and a cow. Their wagon was a crude affair with wooden axles. But with the passing of the years they prospered with the community. The father died in 1906 at the age of eighty-eight. The mother died in 1898 at the age of seventy-six. They had four children, Michael, who came here with them, and Margaret, George and Jacob, born in Lake Henry township. Michael remained with his parents until 1882. Then for twelve years he was postmaster and hotel-keeper at Lake Henry village. He now devotes his time to farming. He owns 660 acres of good land, has erected some splendid buildings, and is a successful man in every way. He has various interests in the village of Lake Henry, and is a stockholder in the Lake Henry Farmers' Creamery. Mr. Kraemer was married in 1881 to Hedwig Micholetz, a native of Austria-Hungary, who died in February, 1912, at the age of fifty-seven. In the family there are five children : Jacob, Nicholas, Michael, John and George.

Charles Kruger was born in Prussia, Germany, February 14, 1848, son of William and Johanna (Grouse) Kruger, the former of whom was a wagon maker by trade. In the family there were four children : Louisa, Herman, Charles and Robert. Charles and Herman came to America in 1866, and located in Racine, Wis. Some three years later they made a trip to Minnesota, finally reaching Paynesville, where they spent about a year. Then they went back to Racine. In 1868, the parents and the rest of the family came to Racine. It was about 1871 when Charles again set out for Minnesota. Upon reaching Minnesota, he settled on 220 acres of land in Lake Henry township, this county. Some of this land had been improved, and on it was a log house and a shed. Mr. Kruger devoted most of his time for the next thirty years or so, in developing this farm. His worth was recognized, and he was for two years one of the supervisors of the township. He also took an active part in the affairs of the Grove Evangelical Church. The Farmers' Creamery at Paynesville received his support and encouragement. After bringing his Lake Henry farm to a high stage of improvement he bought land in Roseville, Kandiyohi county, and built a new house and barn thereon. In 1907 they retired and moved to Paynesville, where they still reside. The parents of Charles Kruger came to Stearns county from Racine, Wis., and farmed near Paynesville in Paynesville township. The father died in 1908 at the age of eighty-five. The mother died many years ago at the age of sixty.

Charles Kruger was married in 1871 to Amelia Hemple, who was born in Prussia, Germany, December 2, 1853, daughter of John and Caroline Hemple, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Hemple came to America in 1854, with their three children, William, Charles and Amelia. They located in Racine, Wis., where another child, John, was born. In 1870 they came to Stearns county and located in Lake Henry township. Mr. Hemple died in 1888 at the age of seventy-two. His wife died a few years later at the age of seventy- eight. Charles Kruger and his wife had seven children. Two died in infancy. Edward, William and Albert live in Paynesville. Walter lives on the old homestead in Lake Henry township. Benjamin F. lives with his parents. Walter Kruger is one of the prosperous and progressive men of his township. He was born on the place in Lake Henry township where he still lives, in 1879, was educated in the district schools and was reared to farm pursuits. He was married in 1907 to Helena L. Glenz, of Roseville township, Kandiyohi county, and they have three children, Raymond, Milton and Ethel.

35, Lake Henry township, was born February 17, 1874, on the old homestead in section 30, Zion township, son of Herman Ludwick and Amelia (Ladwig) Manz, the pioneers. He received a good education in the public schools, and learned farming from his father. He now lives on the place which his father purchased many years ago. The hedge which his father planted from seeds imported from Germany of the German forest pine variety is still standing, and the old log cabin which his father erected is still in use. As a residence, however, the cabin has been replaced by a modern frame dwelling; and commodious and well-equipped barns take the place of the original straw shed. Mr. Manz takes great pride in the appearance of his farm, his home, his barn, his granary and his other buildings. He does general farming and makes a specialty of grade Holstein cows, and pure blooded Rhode Island Red poultry. He also makes a specialty of raising Norway poplar trees, evergreens, strawberries, raspberries and gladiolus, both for home and commercial use, and is a pioneer in establishing a large commercial orchard.

Mr. Manz is a director in the Zion-Paynesville Farmers' Telephone Co., and in the Paynesville Farmers' Elevator Co. He is a trustee of the Grove Evangelical Association Congregation, whose church is located in section

36, Lake Henry townsliip. He is also state director of the American Society of Equity, a farmer organization made up of national, state, county and local unions, and stands for the intellectual, the moral and the social uplift and better business side of farming by securing profitable prices for all farm products by closer co-operation between the producer and the consumer. Frederick William Manz was married in 1895 to Anna Schneider, born in Bavaria, Germany, January 13, 1878, daughter of August and Anna Schneider. August Schneider, and his wife, with their two children Charles W. and Anna, came to the United States in 1879. Another child, Walter, was born after their arrival. Upon coming to America the family lived in Frontenac, Minnesota, and later took up their residence in St. Paul. Mr. and Mrs. Manz have four children : Margaret, born August 7, 1906 ; Mareella, born May 18, 1908; Dorothea, born July 25, 1909, and Hildred, born March 8, 1914.

Eniinett E. Nehring, a successful farmer living on section 36, Lake Henry township, was born on the place where he still resides, February 4, 1881, son of William and Bertha T. (Wagner) Nehring. He attended the district schools, and has devoted his mature years to farming. He has taken an interest in the growth of his community, and has served for many years as school clerk of District 112. He married Adelia Hoeft, born in Lake Henry

William Nehring was born in Germany, April 16, 1852. His parents brought him to Wisconsin at the age of three years, and to Stearns county at the age of twelve. He attended the district schools and learned agricultural pursuits from his father. After his marriage, he and his wife located on 120 acres in section 36, Lake Henry township. To this they afterward added eighty acres more. Mr. Nehring held several town and school offices. The creamery, in which he held stock, found him an ardent supporter. He held office in the Grove Evangelical Congregation Church, and was one of its earnest workers. The children born to him and his wife are : Selma (deceased), Emmet E., who operates the home place; Helen M., the wife of E. E. Finger; and Phylis, who lives at home. Oscar, an adopted son, is a graduate of a business college at Minneapolis.

Mr. Nehring married Bertha T. Wagner, born in Otter Tail county, daughter of Charles G. and Bertha (Miller) Wagner, who came from Germany in 1868 with their two children, Oscar and Bertha T., and after living for a short time in Ohio, settled in Otter Tail county, Minnesota.

William C. Wendlandt, a prosperous farmer of Lake Henry township, was born on the old homestead in section 1, Roseville township, Kandiyohi county, Minn., September 28, 1878, son of Christian F. and Gusta (Leibrenz) Wendlandt. At the age of twenty-one, he secured his present farm in section 33, Lake Henry. On this property, in 1905, he erected a modern home, and in 1909 a splendid barn. He carries on general farming along the latest improved lines, and makes a specialty of full blooded Holstein cattle. His horses, swine and poultry are all of good blood. Mr. Wendlandt is a popular man in the community. A Republican in politics, he has been justice of the peace and school officer. He is a stockholder in the Elevator Company, and in the Zion Mutual Telephone Company. He is also an accomplished musician, and has served for some years as secretary of the Poplar Grove Cornet band.

Christian F. Wendlandt was born in Pomerania, Germany, August 15, 1850, son of Michael and Johanna Wendlandt, who brought their two sons, Johan and Christian F., to America in 1866, and after living two months in Wisconsin secured a homestead of 160 acres in Zion township, Stearns county. Christian F. remained with his parents for a while, and later secured a farm over the line in section 1, Roseville township. For a time he was storekeeper and postmaster at Paynesville. He was an office holder in both Kandiyohi and Stearns counties, being a town official in one and a highway official in the other. He married Gusta Leibrenz, who with her brothers and sisters was brought to Stearns county from Germany by her mother. Mr. and Mrs. Christian F. Wendlandt have nine children : William C, Emil Aug., Henry H., John, Edward, Aaron 0., Selma, Lena and Amanda. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Church.

John Ahles, a pioneer farmer, living on section 15, Rockville township, was born in Prussia, Germany, June 7, 1836, son of Mathew and Margaret

Ahles. In the family of Mathew and Margaret Ahles were seven boys and one girl. Mathew, the oldest son, was the first to come to America. The father, Mathew, died in Germany, and the mother, Margaret, brought the remainder of her family to America. She became a respected resident of Rockville, and died at the good old age of eighty. John Ahles was but eighteen years of age when he came to America with his mother in 1854. The voyage was a long, tedious one, made in a sailing vessel. For a time, the subject of this mention lived in Kenosha, Wis. Then he went to Illinois. In 1865 he came to Stearns county and located a farm on section 15, Rockville. A part of his 16 by 24 log house is still standing, and is used as a part of a stable. For fifteen years Mr. Ahles did his work on the farm with the assistance of an ox team. Aside from this ox team, his stock originally consisted of one cow, which he purchased at the price of $50. Mr. Ahles has become a successful man, and has raised a splendid family of children. He is well thought of throughout the community, and his fellow citizens have honored him by electing him to such positions as town clerk and assessor. John Ahles married Lucy Bauer, born in Germany, the daughter of Gottlieb Bauer, the pioneer. She died in July, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. John Ahles have had fifteen children : Gotthard, July 2, 1867 (deceased) ; Margaretha, January 30, 1869 ; Matthias, February 10, 1870 ; Johannes, March 29, 1871 ; Paul, March 26, 1872; Gertrude, September 20, 1873 (deceased); Gotthard, January 3, 1875, Maria, March 4, 1876; Joseph, December 30, 1878; Christopher, March 1, 1880 ; Anna Marie, May 27, 1881 ; Lucy, July 15, 1882 ; Franz Joseph, March 8, 1884 (deceased); Peter, June 3, 1885; Nicholas, March 23, 1887. The mother, Mrs. Lucy Bauer Ahles, came to Stearns county in 1857. She remembers when St. Cloud was a small village, and tells of the days of the Indian massacre, when the people took refuge in the various stockades.

John Clark, managing partner of the firm of Clark & McCormaek, granite workers of Rockville, was born in Scotland, October 17, 1859, son of Alexander and Isabella (Hendry) Clark. Alexander Clark, the father, was born in Scotland. In 1854 he came to Canada, and was employed as a bridgebuilder. In 1856 he went back to Scotland, where he remained until 1881. In fhat year, Alexander Clark, with two of his children, John and Eliza, came to the United States. After landing at New York, the two men worked as stone-cutters at Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio. Then they again returned to Scotland. Upon once more reaching the United States, the father, Alexander, and the son, John, worked again for a while at Cleveland and Youngstown, Ohio, and then went to Stratford, Ontario, Canada. There the family located on fifty acres of land, while the men worked in various places. John, the subject of this mention, while still at home, worked as a stone-cutter in Detroit, Cleveland, and other places, and from his earnings was enabled to add 100 acres to the home place. In 1886 he secured a situation as assistant foreman for Matthew Breen, at St. Paul. In this position he assisted in getting out the stone for many important buildings in St. Paul and Minneapolis. After the death of Mr. Breen he opened up what are now the Benzie & Campbell quarries in St. Cloud. During this period he got out stone for many St. Paul buildings, including the postoffice. In the spring of 1903 he became vice-president of the P. M. Hennessy Construction Co. While with this company he assisted in building the United States fort located at Bismarck, North Dakota. April 13, 1907, he and John B. McCormack withdrew from the firm and the partnership of Clark & McCormack was formed. The company opened quarries in Rockville, and has been the most important factor in the upbuilding of the village. Offices are maintained at 138 East Sixth street, St. Paul, and the partners own three different quarries, making in all over 100 acres. The plant at Rockville is 350 by 40 feet, and about 100 men are employed there. The company also has a large two-story hotel for the accommodation of their employees. Over these extensive interests, Mr. Clark has a watchful eye. For twenty-seven years before engaging in business for himself he was employed by but two concerns. His long experience has made him a master of the granite-working industry and he has made a most decided success of life. Rockville counts him as one of its most useful citizens. He has been chairman of the school board for some three years and in this as in everything else, he has done good service.

Mr. Clark married Mary Alice Hamilton, and they have seven children: Alexander, John Gordon, Helen, Isabella, Donald Grant, Thomas, and an unnamed deceased infant. The family faith is that of the Central Presbyterian Church at St. Paul.

William Hansen, a prominent and progressive farmer, residing in section 7, Rockville township, was born on the place where he still resides, the son of Matthew and Katherine (Fuchs) Hansen. He was reared on the home place, received a good education in the public schools, and became a successful farmer. He owns 240 acres of land and carries on general farming and dairying along the latest approved lines. Among the many improvements on his place may be mentioned a new barn, 32 by 72, constructed with a cement floor, and equipped with patent stanchions. Mr. Hansen married Magdalena Statz and has five children: Matthew, Frank, William, Nicholas and Aloysius.

Mathew Hansen was born in Prussia, Germany, and as a young man came to Rockville township in the fifties. He took up 160 acres of land, broke the ground, erected a log cabin, and started to hew his fortunes out of the wilderness. Assisted by a team of oxen, he developed the i^lace into a modern farm. In his latter years he delighted in telling stories of the early days when the Indians were still here, and when the pioneers must travel to St. Paul for provisions. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted, and served throughout the conflict. A devout Catholic in religion, he was one of those who assisted in the building of St. James Church on Jacob's Prairie. For two years he lived in Cold Spring. In Februarj^, 1898, he died at the old homestead at the age of sixty-eight. His wife died in 1889 at the age of forty-five. They had twelve children.

Frank Herzog, teacher and organist in the village of Rockville, Stearns county, was born November 24, 1891, fourth son of Frank H. Herzog and Elisabeth Blommel. Both his father and mother were born at Damme, Oldenburg, emigrating to this country when they were married. They purchased a farm in section 17, township of Millwood, which they still occupy. Frank