Stearns County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 2 of 12)

Daniel Kuhl, an influential resident of St. Martin township, was born on the Kuhl homestead, in the township where he still resides, July 4, 1866, son of Peter, Sr., and Anna (Kirst) Kuhl. He received a good district school education and was reared to agricultural pursuits. For many years he was associated with his brother, Mathias. He and Mathias operated the home place together, and also owned a threshing machine outfit. Daniel later sold out his threshing machine interest to Nicholas Blonigan. Daniel and Mathias Kuhl purchased 240 acres in section 26, and for many years operated the property jointly. At that time there was an old residence on the place, but no barns. The brothers brought the farm to a high stage of cultivation and erected some excellent buildings. Daniel Kuhl bought out his brother's interest. He now owns 400 acres and has one of the best farms in the township, having been successful in every way.

Mr. Kuhl married Emma Arceneau, born at Cold Spring, this county, daughter of John B, Arceneau, a native of Montreal, Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhl have six children: Peter, John, Mary and Lucy (twins), Andrew and Anna, all at home.

Peter Kuhl, Sr., was one of the earliest settlers of St. Martin township. He was born in Prussia, Germany, in September, 1831, and was reared in his native kingdom. In 1856 he and his wife started for America, the voyage occupying forty days. They came at once to Minnesota, and located on Jacob's prairie in Wakefield township, this county. A year later they secured a fine tract of land on section 26, St. Martin township, lying mostly on the right bank of the Sauk river. They were among the very first families to locate here. They erected a log cabin and a log barn, and started farming with one cow. They had no tools and no wagon, and their furniture was of the most primitive kind. Gradually they secured the various necessities of farm life. During the Indian troubles they fled several times to Cold Spring. Flour and other provisions were brought from St. Paul. But as time passed they became prosperous and successful. They were devout people, and helped to build the old original log building for St. Martin's church. Mr. Kuhl held all the principal township offices, and his opinions were held in high respect. Peter Kuhl was married in 1856 to Anna Kirst, also of Prussia. They had seven children: Susan (deceased), Peter, Mathias, Valentine (deceased), Margaret (deceased), Catherine (deceased) and Daniel. Peter Kuhl died in November, 1865. His wife died in 1898 at the age of seventy.

Mathias Kuhl, an extensive land-owner of St. Martin township, was born on the old Kuhl homestead, December 26, 1859, son of Peter, Sr., and Anna (Kirst) Kuhl. He attended the schools of his neighborhood and early became a farmer. For a time he was associated with his brother, Daniel, both in operating the home place, and in managing the place now owned by his brother. For many years he was associated with Daniel in the threshing business, but now Nicholas Blonigan has taken Daniel's place as a partner in the outfit.

Mathias Kuhl now owns over 600 acres in sections 12, 18, 19, 22 and 26, which includes the old homestead where he was born. He has a full equipment of everything needed to successfully carry on general farming, and his operations have been most profitable. He has been town supervisor, town treasurer, and school officer, secretary of the Sauk Valley Farmers' Co-Operative Creamery, and a director in the Paynesville-Zion Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

Mr. Kuhl was married in 1886 to Lucy Diedrich, of St. Martin township, daughter of Pankratz and Christana Diedrich, the former of whom came to Wisconsin as a young man in 1844, and the latter of whom was brought there by her parents at the age of nine. The Diedrichs were married in Wisconsin, and in 1856 came to Minnesota, locating on 160 acres in section 36, St. Martin township. They experienced all the hardships of pioneer life, and like the other settlers, drove first to St. Paul and later to St. Cloud, after provisions. In their latter years they retired and moved to Richmond village. In their family there were ten children. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhl have had thirteen children: Robert, Mathias, John, Susan, Bernard, Leo, Katie, Louisa, Lizzie, Matilda, Elenora, Joseph and Ida.

Peter Kuhl, a substantial citizen of St. Martin township, was born in the township in which he still lives, September 4, 1858, son of Peter, Sr., and Anna (Kirst) Kuhl. He received a good English and German education, attending both the district schools and the St. Cloud State Normal School. For eight years he taught school in this part of the country. Since then he has assisted his brother, Mathias, on the farm. He is a popular man, and has been clerk of the township since 1894. He has also been assessor four years. While he is a Democrat in politics he is independent in thought, and votes for the man and the issue rather than for the party.

Henry Loosbroek, pioneer merchant and woodworker, of St. Martin, was born in Holland, February 13, 1889. The original form -of the name was Van Loosbroek. The parents were John and Ella Loosbroek, and in the family there were three children, Heni^, John and Ella. At the age of twelve years he was apprenticed to a wood worker, and thoroughly learned the trades of carpentry and cabinet making. In 1859 he came to America, and located at Dubuque, Iowa. In the fall of 1867 he came to Stearns county, and after looking about for a while secured a lot in the suburbs of the village of St. Martin. He followed his trade as a woodworker, and also engaged in several other lines of business. In 1880 he erected a large building in the village, and here opened a general store, hotel and boarding house. He was appointed postmaster by President Rutherford B. Hayes and served for twenty-five years. He has also been constable and has served on the school board.

Mr. Loosbroek was married at Fair Play, Wisconsin, to Margaret Heisler, now deceased. There were twelve children born. For his second wife Mr. Loosbroek married Julia leeward.

John Mondloch, merchant of St. Martin, was born in Belgium, Ozaukee county, Wisconsin, February 25, 1861, son of John B. and Magdalene Mondloch, and grandson of Nicholas Mondloch. John B. came to America from Germany, and settled on the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin, about thirty-five miles south of Milwaukee. He erected a log cabin, broke roads to his claim, and started farming with an ox team. He married in Wisconsin, and with his wife started to wrest a living from the wilderness. Success came to him, and he became a town official and a substantial citizen. A devout follower of the Catholic faith, he was an officer and one of the builders of the Lake Church, at Belgium, Wis. He and his wife died several years apart, each at the age of seventy. They had eleven children : Katherine, Elizabeth, Peter, John, Paul, Nicholas, John B., Jr., Mary, Anna, Theodore and Michael. John Mondloch received his early education and training on the home farm in Wisconsin. At the age of twenty-one he came to Minnesota, and secured employment in Albany, this county. After his marriage in 1887 he settled on a farm of 160 acres, which he rented in section 2, Zion township. Two years later, however, his health failed and he moved to the village of St. Martin, where he opened a small hardware store. From this beginning he has built up a large establishment and a large trade, handling a full line of general hardware and farm implements. He has been both member and president of the village council, and constable of the township. By his marriage to Margaret Haehn, Mr. Mondloch has had twelve children.

Michael Murray, a typical Irish gentleman, and true Minnesota pioneer, was born in County Cork, Ireland, son of Patrick and Johanna (Ryan) Murray. The parents came to America in the early fifties, leaving their two children, Michael and Mary, in Ireland, and settled at Belleplaine, Scott county, Minnesota. Michael joined his parents there at tlie age of twelve. Soon after that the father died, and the mother married Michael Mellett. In 1861, when the country was filled with the alarms of war, Michael attempted to enlist, but he was under age, and his mother would not give the necessary consent. However, as a civilian, he gave his country material aid. During the troubled days of the Indian uprising he drove three yokes of oxen and three teams of mules over the Red River trail, carrying provisions, ammunition and relief to Ft. Abercrombie, Ft. Ripley and Ft. Ridgley. He was in the midst of the terrors of the massacre, and had many narrow escapes. After the war was over and the forts were abandoned, Mr. Murray became a riverman, working on steamboats and rafts plying the upper Mississippi. In 1869 he secured a homestead in section 13, St. Martin township. The land was wild, no buildings had been erected on it, and no roads had been cut to it. He built a log cabin, and a log barn, and started farming with a yoke of oxen. He was given a cow as a wedding present. In the years that have passed since then he has become one of the leading men of the community. Of kindly instincts he makes many friends, and he and his wife delight in keeping open house, their hospitality being widely known and appreciated. He is a good farmer, a desirable citizen, and a considerate husband, as well as a loyal friend.

Mr. Murray was married in 1872 to Margaret Sullivan, of Belleplaine, Minn. She died at the age of thirty, leaving seven children, Patrick, Mary, Daniel, Hannah, Elizabeth, Margaret and Michael. September 28, 1888, Mr. Murray married Rosanna McCaffery, daughter of Patrick McCaffery, and widow of another Patrick McCaffery. Patrick McCaffery, the husband, came to America as a young man from County Tryon, Ireland, and settled in Lowell, Mass., where he was married. He was drowned in the Merrimac river, August 14,

1881, leaving one child, Thomas P., born July 5, 1880. The widow and child came to Minnesota in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Murray have adopted a little girl, Madaline, born July 22, 1898. She is bright and intelligent and gladdens the affectionate atmosphere of the home.

Martin Noll was born on the home place, where he still resides in St. Martin township, July 17, 1863, son of John C. and Anna (Faust) Noll. John C. Noll was born in Bavaria, and came to America at the age of thirty-two. He was married at Fond du Lac, Wis., to Anna Faust, who came to America with her parents at the age of twenty-six. In 1857 they came to St. Martin township with the first colony of settlers. They secured 160 acres and to this added by purchase forty acres of school land. They erected a log cabin and a log barn, and with an ox team began to clear the land. During the Indian troubles they went to Richmond for a while. John C. Noll was the first assessor of the township and later held other offices. In politics he was a Democrat. A devout Catholic in religion, he assisted in erecting several early churches. He died in 1899 at the age of seventy-six. His wife died in 1903 at the age of seventy. There were five children in the family : Joseph, Mary, Anna, Anna Marie, and Martin and Apollonia, twins.

Martin Noll has always remained on the old homestead. He has 250 acres of good land, and has been very successful at general farming. He has held office in the village council, in the Sauk Valley Creamery and in the St. Martins Church. He was married January 15, 1888, to Katie Baumhofer, a native of Scott county, Minnesota, daughter of Frank and Louisa (Starkenkemper) Baumhofer, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Noll have ten children : John, Joseph, Peter, Frank, Norbert, Albert, Clara, Verena, Coletta and Hildegard.

Martin Shay, a pioneer, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, and as a young man went to Liverpool, England, from which city he found his way to the United States, landing at New York. Working westward he finally acquired a farm in Rosemont, Dakota county, this state. He there married Catherine Hayes, who was born in Ireland, and came to the United States with her parents. He started out with his wife and seven children, and with an ox team and a lumber wagon drove to Stearns county, where he secured a homestead of 160 acres in St. Martin township. He erected a log cabin and started farming in what was then an undeveloped country. He experienced the usual vicissitudes of pioneer life, driving to Paynesville and St. Cloud for provisions. Later they erected a larger cabin, and there ended their days. Two of their children, David and Hannah were born in St. Martin township. The family contributed toward building the church at New Munich.

David Shay, a sucessful farmer of St. Martin township, was born on the place where he still lives, son of Martin and Catherine (Hayes) Shay, the pioneers. He has always remained at home. His excellent farm of 280 acres is highly improved, and his farm buildings are models of their kind. The barn is especially notable, 36 by 80 in dimensions, thoroughly modern in every way, equipped with a ventilator system, and possessing a basement lined throughout. The rafters are ten feet, and eight by eight timber was used in the construction. The mow is 36 by 80 feet, and extends to the roof, having a capacity of about 100 tons. A specialty is made of stock breeding. Mr. Shay is well known in the community and was one of the school officers of District No, 48. He was married in 1889 to Nora McGowan, and they have nine children.

Daniel Spanier, for many years a farmer in Farming township, was born in Prussia, Germany, and there married Kate Eve. In 1852 they came to America, and settled in Fond du Lac, Wis. In 1857 they came to Stearns county and located in the north part of the township of Rockville, several miles from the village of St. Joseph. There they built a cabin, and started farming. During the Indian uprising Mr. Spanier helped to bury the dead, for having seen four years' service in the German army, he was well equipped to brave the dangers of the Indian country. In 1863 he moved to 100 acres in section 31, Farming township. He erected a log cabin, started farming with an ox team, prospered as time passed. In 1874 he bought 100 acres of school land in section 36, St. Martin township, now the village of St. Martin. Here he died January 25, 1893. His wife lived then with her son, Christopher, and died May 14, 1908. Both were buried at the St. Martin Cemetery. Daniel Spanier served on the town and school board, and took his part in public affairs. He also had his share in the building of the Church of St. Martin in St. Martin village. In the family there were ten children: Anna, Katie, a deceased infant, Mathias, Mary, Josephine, Veronica, Christopher, Susie and John.

Christopher Spanier, the eighth child in this family, was born on the home farm in Farming township, October 29, 1870, and has always lived at home. He owns 360 acres in section 31, Farming township, and section 36, St. Martin village, and carries on general farming on an extensive scale. He has erected a barn and granary and takes particular pride in his good graded stock. He is clerk of School District No. 22, and president of the Sauk Valley Creamery Co. Christopher Spanier married Susie Mehr, who was born in Zion township, the daughter of Mathias Mehr. They have eight children: Mathias, James, John M., Hilda, Veronica, Michael, Leo and Aloise.

Peter J. Terres, a leading farmer of section 14, St. Martin township, was born in the township where he now lives, February 2, 1861, son of John B. and Catherine Terres. The parents were born in Germany, where they were married, and there had two children, Mathias and Mary. In 1857 they came to America, and located for a while in Chicago, where one child, Bertie, was born. In 1858 they came to Stearns county and secured 160 acres of land in section 25, St. Martin township. They built a small log cabin, and with an ox team began to break the wild land. For the first six weeks they lived on corn ground into meal in the hand coffee mill. During the Indian uprising they lived a short time in St. Cloud, but soon returned to their farm. In 1862 they erected a larger cabin. Though the father was a tailor by trade, he prospered as a farmer, and in time added to his possessions until he owned a half a section of land. He was treasurer of the township. He was a devout member of the Catholic Church, helped to build the old Church of St. Michael, and sang in the church choir. He died in 1903 at the age of seventy-two. His wife died at the age of seventy-six. The children born in St. Martin township were Veronica, Peter J., Elizabeth, Catherine and Susanna. Peter J. was educated in the district schools of his neighborhood, learned farming from his father, and for a time rented the old homestead. Then he purchased 120 acres. To this he has added from time to time until he now owns 600 acres of good land, upon which he raises some excellent crops. He has ample buildings and a splendid farm equipment. Mr. Terres married March Lucy Doll, born on Jacob's Prairie, this county, daughter of John Doll. At her death she left five children : John D., Peter D., Michael M., Veronica and Anna. The present Mrs. Terres was Mary M. Schaffer, daughter of August Schaffer, a Chicago business man. To this marriage there have been born ten children : August (deceased), Catherine, Nicholas, Frank, Mathias, Marie, Elizabeth, Helen, Rosa and Barbara.

Frank Reaser, Sr., was born on the boundary line between Luxemburg and France, September 28, 1825, son of Henry and Mary Reaser. The mother died in the old country, and the father came to America and settled in Reading, Penn., bringing his two children, Frank and Caroline. Frank became a farmer in Berks county, Pennsylvania. He married Barbara Grell, who was born in Alsace, Germany, December 10, 1825, daughter of Antoin and Anna (Buser) Grell. Antoin Grell came to America and after living here ten years died. Then his widow and three children, Barbara, Elizabeth and Lena came, and settled in Carbon county, Pennsylvania. Later the widow came to St. Cloud, and died at the age of eighty-four. Frank Reaser and his family came to Minnesota in 1878, and located on the farm of his uncle, Peter Brady. Finally they rented a farm a short distance north of St. Martin township, and still later purchased one in Farming township. Then for some twenty years they lived in St. Cloud. In 1910 they took up their home with their son, Frank, Jr., in St. Martin township. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Reaser, Sr., were the parents of ten children.

Frank Reaser, Jr., a prosperous farmer of St. Martin township, was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania. As a boy he worked in the coal mines of his native state. In 1878 he was brought to this county by his parents. He has had a busy life, and has been a farmer, a mechanic and a business man. He now lives in the village of St. Martin. He has been a member of the village board for several years past, and has served in other public capacities.

Frank Reaser, Jr., married Katie Linster, who was born in Zion township, this county, daughter of Paul and Dora (Miller) Linster. Mr. and Mrs. Reaser, Jr., have six children: Edward, Tracie, Rosa, Clara, Alfonse and Frank.

George A. Hanna, journalist, useful citizen and retired clergyman, was born in Corning, Iowa, August 30, 1875, son of Robert Wesley and Louise (Butterfield) Hanna. He attended the graded and high schools of Lu Verne, Iowa, and subsequently worked his own way through a college course, attending Cornell College, Iowa, from 1895 to 1898, and Morningside College, at Sioux City, Iowa, from 1898 to 1900. He then started preaching, occupying pulpits in Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota. After preaching several years he was ordained at Waseca, Minn., as a minister in the Methodist Episcopal faith. In 1910 he became editor of the Annandale ''Advocate" in Wright county. May 1, 1912, he purchased the Paynesville "Leader-Press," and the job and printing business of W. W. Holmes, and consolidated the two as the Paynesville "Press." The newspaper is an influential journal, and has a good circulation.

It always stands for progress and for the best interests of the community in every way, maintaining at all times the highest ideals of civic ethics. He has a large job printing establishment, fully equipped to turn out any kind of printing work except binding. The work is of the highest standard, and every detail is most carefully looked after with conscientious attention. Mr. Hanna still maintains his interest in Christian work, and has been superintendent of the Methodist Sunday school since coming to Paynesville. He was married at Lu Verne, Iowa, Nov. 23, 1900, to Regula Figi, of that place, and they have two bright sons, Paul R., born June 31, 1902, and Russell G., born December 12, 1907.

Christian Adam, mason and contractor, was born in Saxony, Germany, May 4, 1856, a son of Christian and Mary (Schmitt) Adam, who spent the span of their years in Germany. Christian Adam, Sr., had seven children : three, Sophia, Marie and Christian, were by the first wife, and four, Gotfried, Teresa, Minnie and Anna, by his second wife. Christian Adam, the subject of this sketch, received a good education in Germany, and served three years, from 1877 to 1880 in the Germany army. When scarcely more than a youth he was married in Germany to Anna Krambush, by whom he had two sons, Albert and Paul, the former of whom was born Jan. 2, 1882. In 1884, Christian Adam came to America, accompanied by his young son, Albert. He reached Columbus, Ohio, March 7, 1884, and there learned the trade of mason. In 1892 he came to Paynesville as a contracting mason. Since then he has been continuously engaged in this work. Among his more notable contracts may be mentioned the Paynesville High school, and the plants of the North American Cold Storage Co., at Paynesville, and at Alexandria, Minn. In Paynesville, Mr. Adam married Wilhelmina Trappa, a native of Germany, daughter of Chris. Trappa, who came to America from Germany, and located in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Adam's son, Albert, whom he brought from Germany, is also a mason. He is well known as a ball player, and in 1913 played on the team of the North Dakota league. Christian Adam, the subject of this sketch, is an influential and popular man. He is an enthusiastic fraternity, and is the present grand master of Paynesville lodge, No. 131.

Joseph C. Peters, general land agent and investor, with headquarters at Paynesville, was born in Swede Grove township. Meeker county, Minn., 1873, son of Alfred George and Fidelia (Pickle) Peters. Alfred was born in England, and was descended from the family that gave the British Empire, Lord John Russels, premier of England. Alfred came to Canada as a young man, and was a volunteer in Her Majesty's troops during the Fenian rebellion. His wife, Fidelia Pickle, was born in Vermont, the daughter of Church and Harriet (Harrington) Pickle. Church Pickle was of Holland descent. His wife, Harriet Harrington, was of Scotch and English descent. Her ancestors came over in the Mayflower, and their family name appears signed to the famous Mayflower compact. Mr. and Mrs. Peters lived for a time in Brome county. Province of Quebec, Canada, and there their oldest daughter. Rose, was born. About 1865, the family came to Meeker county, this state, and settled on eighty acres of land in Swede Grove township. This was eventually increased to 240 acres, lying in Swede Grove and Harvey townships. Joseph C, the subject of this sketch, was, as already mentioned, born in Swede Grove township, while the other brother, Henry, was born a short distance away in Harvey township. The family became very prominent in the affairs of the community. Alfred Peters was an enthusiastic church worker and became Sunday school superintendent in the Methodist Episcopal church at Union Grove. His wife was one of the pioneer teachers in Swede Grove township. The daughter, Rose, taught in Harvey township for a period of about fourteen years, and is one of the oldest teachers, in regard to years of service, in that vicinity. Alfred Peters died in 1905 at the age of 65. His wife died in 1896 at the age of sixty. They had moved to Union Grove about 1883. In this family of exceptional ancestry, character, culture and refinement, Joseph C. Peters was reared. He attended the schools of Forest City, Litchfield and Union Grove, all in Meeker county, and also received considerable instruction at home. He engaged in farming on the home place in Union Grove township until the death of his father in 1905. Then he went to Ward county, now Moutrail county, North Dakota. There he proved up on 160 acres of land. Then he worked in the Twin Cities as an engineer. In this connection it is interesting to note that he had studied engineering while still a youth at home, and at one time was the youngest licensed engineer in Meeker county. After leaving the Twin Cities, he came to Stearns county as representative for the International Correspondence Schools. Later he traveled through Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois as a representative of the Melby Real Estate Co., of Atwater, Minn. In 1900 he once more came to Stearns county. Here, with George J. Andrews as a partner, he organized the Paynesville Land Co. In this capacity, Mr. Peters enjoyed the distinction of selling the first piece of land ever sold by a land company in Paynesville. Elmer A. Schmitt became a partner, and later, Mr. Peters sold him his interest in the company. May 1, 1913, Joseph C. Peters and H. H. Holifer, cashier of the First State Bank, of Paynesville, became interested in selling lands in Kandiyohi, Stearns and Meeker counties. This concern gives promise of becoming one of the most important in this part of the county. Mr. Peters is one of the rising men of the county. Fraternally he associates with Paynesville lodge, No. 196, I. 0. 0. F, and with Unity Rebecca lodge, No. 129, I. 0. 0. F.

Frank Brown, senior member of the firm of Frank Brown & Son, nurserymen, located in section 22, Paynesville township, was born in Wayland, Steuben county. New York, Sept. 27, 1857, son of Justus J. and Alisso (Trembley) Brown, who lived and died in Steuben county, New York, and grandson of the Methodist clergyman Stephen Trembley, and Ruth, his wife, who settled in Stearns county in 1863. From the days of his earliest boyhood, he was interested in farm work. In 1879 he was married in Bolivar, New York, to Lavinda McCutcheon, daughter of Robert McCutcheon and widow of C. C. Wilson. In 1879, Mr. Brown came to Paynesville, and for a time rented land in this vicinity. It was about 1882 when he purchased the first eighty of his present farm. He now owns 220 acres in sections twenty-one and twenty-two. His present home, to which he moved some year ago is in section 22. From the early days of his farming to the present time, Mr. Brown has been much interested in all branches of nursery work. This branch of his work now takes fifty acres of his farm. He propagates fruit, shade and ornamental trees and shrubs from the seed, and also pays especial attention to flowers. He has shipped as many as 178,000 trees in one spring, and the Elmwood Farm and Nursery are widely known, A general nursery business is now carried on and the appreciation of the public is shown by an ever increasing list of patrons,

Mr, Brown is superintendent of the Minnesota State Experiment Station, located at Paynesville, Mr, and Mrs, Brown have four children: Jennie, Edwin, Charles and Inez, In the family is also Mrs. Brown's son, Robert Wilson,

Aaron Nehring, a prominent agricultural implement dealer in Paynesville, was born March 18, 1870, in Zion township, this county, in the home of his parents, L, F, and Lena (Helmer) Nehring, He received his preliminary education in the district schools of his neighborhood, and then entered the St, Cloud State Normal school, from which he was graduated in 1893, Subsequently he taught school for six years. Then he worked as a clerk in a mercantile establishment in Paynesville, After this he again entered the St. Cloud State Normal school, and took a post-graduate course. Later he taught school again for two years. With Edward Kruger, he entered the agricultural implement business in Paynesville. Later he bought out Mr. Kruger, and is now the sole owner and proprietor. Mr. Nehring carries a full line of farm implements, engines, power machinery and the like, and has been very successful in building up a large trade. He is a member of the board of education. The family faith is that of the Evangelical church. Mr. Nehring was married June 14, 1898, to Lizzie Behr, and they have four children, Millard, Kenneth, Elsworth and Arnold.

George J. Andrews, president of the Paynesville Land Co., was born in Burbank township, Kandiyohi county, this state, Jan. 24, 1885, son of John S. and Emma (Dougherty) Andrews, and grandson of John Q. Andrews. John Q. Andrews came to Minnesota from Defiance, Ohio, in 1865, bringing his family with him. With four other families they located in Burbank township, and there established a neighborhood settlement. Like so many pioneers they started with an ox team, and with but crude equipment. John Q. Andrews was a deep thinker, and took an active part in the various granger and people 's movements in this state. At one time he was a candidate for a seat in the legislature on the People's ticket. His wife was an able helper and sympathizer in all his undertakings. In such a family, John S. Andrews was reared. He was a man of broad and liberal thought, very progressive in his ideas. In education, religion, politics and fraternal life he was both useful and prominent. For two terms he was county superintendent of schools in Kandiyohi county, for some years he was a justice of the peace, and his membership in the Modern Woodmen of America was highly valued. His wife, Emma Dougherty was born in Ohio, her parents who were born in Pennsylvania being of English and German origin. Possessed of ancestors who had lived nobly and thought deeply, it was natural that George J. Andrews should be given the best education within his reach. He attended the district schools of Burbank township, the graded schools of New London, and the High school of Glenwood. Then he graduated from the Paynesville high school. With this preparation he entered the University of Minnesota, completing the course in the law depart- ment of that institution in the spring of 1911. The Paynesville Land Co. was at once organized with Mr. Andrews as president, an office which he has since retained, and in which he has been very successful. He is a member of the Woodmen and the Yoemen.

Albert E. Bugbee, closely identified with the history of Paynesville for nearly fifty years, has lived on the site of Old Paynesville for some thirty-seven years on lots which he purchased from Clarke & McClure, which were formerly owned by Edwin E. Payne, the founder of the village. He was born in Holyoke, Mass., Oct. 6, 1849, a son of Elbridge Gerry and Amanda (Bumstead) Bugbee, and grandson of Calvin Bugbee. As a boy of seventeen, Alfred E. came to Paynesville, and was joined soon thereafter by his widowed mother. For some time he made his home with his uncle and aunt. Dr. and Mrs. Robert Hoover. In 1867 he acquired a farm of 160 acres. On this farm, ten acres of land had been broken. He continued the work of breaking until he had twenty-five acres under cultivation. After he sold this farm, he devoted several years to teaching, part of the time in Paynesville, and part of the time in Roseville. Then he again turned his attention to farming, and purchased eighty acres, on a part of which stands the new Paynesville High school. He has also two other farms, one in Lyon county and one in Kandiyohi county, in this state. Mr. Bugbee has been clerk of Paynesville township for fortythree years. Probably this record has not been exceeded in Minnesota. He is thoroughly conversant with the workings of township government and has been a most valuable man in the position. For a time he was treasurer of the school board of his district. He has been secretary of Paynesville lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M., for twenty-eight years. His wife is active in the Eastern Star. Mr. Bugbee was married at Paynesville, October, 1873, to Janet Haines, who came to Paynesville in 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Bugbee have six children: William G., of Paynesville ; Bertha J., wife of R. F. Schwartz, of Paynesville ; Frank E., New York City; Everett (deceased), Guy C, of Paynesville; and Lura, who lives at home.

Julius Behr, deceased, was born in Saxony, Germany, July 1, 1829, and was there reared. He came to the United States as a young man, and located in Wisconsin. October 20, 1864, he enlisted from Green county. Wis., in Co. H., Eighth Wis. Vol. Inf. With the exception of nine months following the Battle of Memphis, during which he was in a hospital as the result of a bullet wound in the right knee, he followed the fortunes of that regiment until honorably discharged at Demopolis, La., September 5, 1865. This was the regiment which was accompanied by "Old Abe," the famous war-eagle. To mention the campaigns, skirmishes, marches, sieges and battles in which Mr. Behr participated would be to reproduce a part of the history of the Civil War. It is sufficient to say that he showed his valor on many a bloody battlefield, and with the exception noted above participated in all the engagements of his regiment during his period of service. Like all soldiers he had many narrow escapes from death. At one time a bullet passed through the brim of his hat, but left him unscathed. After the war he returned to Wisconsin, but almost immediately came to Stearns county, and secured a homestead of 160 acres in Zion township. Here he built a log cabin. In addition to his yoke of oxen, he had a team of horses, one of a very few at that time in the whole county. After his marriage he brought his bride to this farm. From time to time they made improvements ; and the development of the farm, and the erection of modern buildings, kept pace with the progress of the years. Mr. Behr was a school officer. Being of devout religious faith, he assisted in erecting the Evangelical church at Salem, Zion township. He died June 17, 1898. Mr. Behr was married October 17, 1873, to Wilhelmina Kruger. This union has been blessed with seven children. Lizzie was born July 24, 1875, and married Aaron Nehring. Charles was born March 6, 1877. Agnes was born January 12, 1879, and married W. G. Schroeder. Frank was born January 11, 1881. Lydia was born April 1, 1887, and married W. H. Weber. Harry was born April 5, 1889. Arleigh was born October 3, 1891. Wilhelmina Kruger was born in Germany, July 8, 1851, daughter of August and Augusta (Schultz) Kruger. The mother died in Germany, and in 1874, August Kruger, the father, started for America with his four children: Ferdinand, Robert, Amelia and Wilhelmina. After three years in Wisconsin, they came to Stearns county, and located in Zion township, where Mr. Kruger farmed and followed his trade as a blacksmith. He is still living at the good old age of ninety-three.

Harry Behr was born in Zion township, this county, and attended the district schools and the Vaths Commercial College at St. Cloud. For a time he engaged in business in Paynesville with Fred Parker as a partner. He is now the proprietor of a delivery system which delivers goods for all the concerns in town which handle groceries. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Arleigh Behr received his educatin in the district schools and in the Paynesville high school. For a time he worked in the general store of E. E. Finger, at Paynesville. Since May 1, 1913, he has been employed in the clothing store of W. S. Johnson, at Paynesville. He is a member of the B. A. Y.

Hugh Blakely, the pioneer, was born in eastern Canada, son of John Blakely, a well-known Canadian surveyor. John Blakely came from a Scotch family which had moved from Scotland to Ireland, and from Ireland to Canada. By his wife, Mary, he had a large family of children. Only one of the children is living. She bears her mother's name, Mary, and lives in eastern Canada. Hugh Blakely was reared in the vicinity in which he was born. As a young man he came to America and found his way to St. Cloud, this county, where, on July 4, 1861, he was married by the Rev. William Phillips, to Justina Wilhelmina Schmidt. After their marriage the young couple took up their residence on 160 acres in Roseville township, Kandiyohi county, which he had previously preempted. The young people had a frame house, and the prospects were of the brightest when the Indian troubles came on. Just at the beginning of these troubles four Indians called at their house one day. They did no harm, but seemed to be ascertaining the resources of the white people. When Hugh Blakely and his wife heard the reports of the massacre, they remembered the fact that there were Indians in the vicinity, and immediately loading their provisions and most valuable goods onto a wagon, they started for the home of John Blakely in Roseville township, Kandiyohi county. There a number of settlers gathered, and the men built a sort of a stockade or fort. A few days later, they made their way to the stockade at Paynesville. During their stay there, their experiences were many and thrilling. On one occasion when the men were out threshing grain in an endeavor to save some of the crops, the Indians spied them, and in the pursuit which followed chased them nearly to the walls of the fort itself. On another occasion when John Blakely and John Boylan went out to investigate a fire which had been started, the Indians surprised them, and Mr. Bojdan was wounded. From the fort at Paynesville, Hugh Blakely and his wife went to Richmond, and still later to St. Joseph. In the latter township they rented a farm two years. Then they returned to their home in Kandiyohi county. Some years later they took up their residence on the farm of August Schmidt, the father of Mrs. Blakely. This farm lies on the line between Roseville township, Kandiyohi, and Paynesville township, Stearns county. Mr. Blakely was an influential man in his community and served as justice of the peace for about a quarter of a century. He was a charter member of Paynesville Lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M., and served as its first Master. He died January 1, 1908. The date of his birth was September 26, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Blakely had ten children : Caroline A., born May 9, 1862 ; Justina M., November 3, 1863 ; Charles H., June 26, 1867 (died November 16, 1897); Mary Jane, June 16, 1869; August Francis, April 12, 1871; Ella Katharine, January 13, 1873 ; John William, February 11, 1876 ; Eliza Emma, January 16, 1878; Canna Estella, May 25, 1880; and George Robert, January 13, 1884. Justina Wilhelmina Schmidt was born in Germany, September 20, 1840, daughter of August and Caroline (Nehring) Schmidt. Caroline (Nehring) Schmidt was born February 20, 1815 and died in 1850. A few years later, August Schmidt, his two children, Carl and Justina Schmidt, and a relative, Amelia Kruger, came to the United States, and found a home in Hoboken, N. Y. Later August Schmidt and his daughter Justina, came to Minnesota. It is interesting to note that they thus lost track of Amelia Kruger. When they finally heard of her, many years afterward, she was living in Racine, Wis. Upon reaching Minnesota, August Schmidt located on a farm in Kandiyohi county, near the line of Paynesville township, in Stearns county. In addition to the 160 acres in Kandiyohi county, he also secured eighty acres across the road in Stearns county. He first erected log buildings, which he later replaced with more modern structures. He married Catherine Lynch, and the two spent a long and happy life together. He died December 17, 1885. His daughter, Justina, when a young lady, found employment with the Rev. William Phillips. This clergyman performed the ceremony when she married, just as he had performed the ceremony for her father before her.

August Francis Blakely, a prosperous farmer living in Paynesville Village, was born in Roseville township, Kandiyohi county, April 12, 1870, son of Hugh and Justina Wilhelmina (Schmidt) Blakely, the pioneers. He received a good education and has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. In addition to the usual stock and crops, he makes a specialty of Shorthorn cattle, and a good grade of swine. Mr, Blakely is a Democrat and a member of Paynesville Lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M., Paynesville. He married Carrie Burr, a native of this part of the state. They have three children : Beatrice Lillian, Bernice Minnie and Margaret B.

Jacob Brick, one of Paynesville 's leading business men, was born in Minneapolis, August 2, 1867, son of Adam and Barbara Brick. Adam and Barbara Brick were born in Germany, and were there married. They came to America with their one child, Catherine, and located in what is now Minneapolis. There Adam cut heavy wood, in localities which have become the busiest sections of Minneapolis. For a while he worked in a sawmill. During the Indian outbreak he was forced to take his pay in flour. At times even that was not forthcoming, and the family lived on corn meal, washed down with coffee made from roasted barley. About the time of these troubles, the family started out for Stearns county, having sold their small property for a wagon, a pair of oxen, and a cow. By that time, six more children, Jacob, Mary, Anna, Margaret, Gertrude and Sever, had been born. Upon reaching Stearns county, the family settled in section 1, Lake Henry township. There they erected a log cabin of poplar logs, with a roof of rough hewn boards. In after years they added forty acres to their original farm, and also erected modern buildings. Adam Brick helped to build the church at Spring Hill. The church is now burned. Adam Brick died at the age of eighty-seven, and his wife at the age of seventy -two. The children born in Lake Henry township were Emma, Peter, Christian and Nicholas. Jacob Brick was brought to Lake Henry township by his parents, and was here reared. His first venture away from home was with a threshing machine outfit. Then for some years he was in the refreshment business in Spring Hill, and later in Sauk Centre. For some years past he has been in business in Paynesville. Jacob Brick was married June 21, 1897, to Catherine Hogan, and this union has been blessed with three children : Archibald (deceased), Esther and Elmer. Catherine Hogan was born in Spring Hill, this county, daughter of Capt. Michael James and Johannah (Meyer) Hogan. Capt. Hogan was born in Prince Edward Island, son of James Hogan, also a native of that island. Capt. Hogan went to sea at the age of seventeen, and followed a sea-faring life until forty years of age, working his way up from cabin-boy to captain. Four times he sailed around the globe. Finally his ship, loaded with tea, was sunk in New York harbor. After abandoning a sailor's career he traveled for a while. Then he came to Sauk Centre and married, after which he went to Spring Hill, where he opened a store, and became postmaster and justice of the peace. He was also town clerk. He died at Spring Hill at the age of sixty-eight. His wife is still living at the age of sixty-nine. The children are : Edward, Anna, Catherine, John, Mary, Josephine (deceased), Henry and James D.

John White Darby, early merchant, postmaster and official of Paynesville, and veteran of the Civil war, was born at White Creek, New York, August 18, 1835, youngest of the seven children of Leonard and Elizabeth (Weir) Darby. He attended the schools of his native town and later took courses at Poultney, Vermont. He learned the trade of machinist from his father, and worked at his trade in Lawrence, Worcester and Pittsfield, Mass., before entering the works of the Woods Mowing-Machine Co., at Hoosick Falls, New York. On July 11, 1863, he enlisted in Co. K, 22nd Mass. Vol. Inf., was transferred later to Co. M, 32nd Mass. Vol. Inf., and followed the fortunes of that company until after the surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865. Later he was taken ill, sent to the Campbell hospital at Washington, D. C, and honorably discharged for disability May 3, 1865. He had taken part in many an important battle, skirmish and campaign, and his health never fully recovered from the exposures and hardships which he underwent. In 1867 he came to Paynesville, and in 1868 engaged in the general mercantile business on the old townsite. For some years he also conducted the only drug store in the village. He was appointed postmaster by President U. S. Grant, and though a Republican was not deposed by President Grover Cleveland, his term continuing some twenty years. He was also a justice of the peace and a notary public. In the Eugene M. Wilson Post, No. 188, G. A. R., he was a prominent member, and served for a time as its commander. The G. A. R. lot at Paynesville, which in time is to descend to the Sons of Veterans, was his gift. His wife was a member of the Relief Corps. He was a charter member of Paynesville lodge. No. 71, A. F. & A. M., organized February 6, 1869, and his wife was a charter member of the Eastern Star here. Both were active workers in the Methodist Episcopal church. He died February 2, 1908. Mr. Darby was married January 25, 1870, to Emma Elliott, born in Pennsylvania January 26, 1851, daughter of C. S. and Marie Elliott, natives of that state who came to Paynesville in 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Darby have two sons. Bennett L. is a photographer of St. Louis, Mo. Thomas L. lives in Paynesville. He married Josephine Hoiseth, who was born in Stearns county, the daughter of Peter Hoiseth.

Ferdinand Frank, a farmer of Paynesville township, was born in Prussia, Germany, November 3, 1860, son of Christ and Anna (Nehring) Frank. The parents came to the United States from Germany in 1871, bringing their children, William, Charles, Ferdinand and Augusta, the last named of whom is now Mrs. Frank Heitke. Upon reaching Stearns county they located on 120 acres in Zion township. There were no buildings on the property, so they erected a log shanty, 16 by 24, with a straw roof. There was little to eat and soon the winter set in upon them. At one period, when a blizzard was raging, they kept their cow and calf in the cabin for three days, to save the animals from freezing in the intense cold. When the next spring came, the cijops were started in a primitive way, the wheat being sown by hand. Both Christ Frank and his good wife, Anna, lived long lives. He died in 1900 at the age of seventy-six. She died in 1908 at the age of eighty-three. At the age of eleven years, Ferdinand started his career by securing employment with a neighbor. The brother, Charles, remained at home and eventually came into possession of the home farm. Ferdinand worked out until about twenty-one years of age, when he acquired 160 acres of wild land in Zion township. He erected thereon a frame house, and made many other improvements. Later, however, he and his wife engaged in the creamery business for about two years. After that he returned to farming in Zion township. Some fifteen years later, he sold out and acquired a farm in section 5, Paynesville township. He has since sold twenty-five acres of this, but retains 160 acres, and, assisted by his oldest son, carries on general farming. He raises thoroughbred Holstein cattle, pure blooded Poland China hogs, and high grade Norman and Belgian horses. Mr. Frank is a member of the Evangelical church located in Paynesville Village. He has in the past, done good service as its trustee and Sunday school superintendent. In the early eighties, Mr. Frank married Augusta Heitke, daughter of Gotfried Heitke. She died at the age of thirty-two, leaving two children, Laurence and Daisy. For his second wife he married Elizabeth Werner, a native of Germany. Two children have been born, Elsie and Samuel.

Ernest E. Finger, proprietor of the "Big Store," Paynesville, was born in Juneau, Dodge county, Wis., June 22, 1876, son of Ernest Henry and Amelia (Koehler) Finger. He lost his father in 1878, and his mother brought him to Popular Grove, Lake Henry township, this county. Here he was reared to farm pursuits. In 1900 he and his brothers, J. H. and A. H. Finger, engaged in the general mercantile business at Paynesville. A few years ago, A. H. Finger withdrew from the concern, and on January 1, 1911, J. H. likewise retired. Ernest E. Finger, the subject of this mention, is now the sole proprietor. He conducts the establishment under the name of "The Big Store, E. E. Finger." The store carries a full line of clothing, shoes, dry goods and groceries. The service is courteous and considerate, and the customers feel that their interests are being fully looked after. It is this well-founded feeling of confidence that has built up the store to its present proportions. Aside from his admirable work in his business he is doing good service as a member of the school board. Mr. Finger was married July 5, 1905, to Helen Nehring, born in Lake Henry township, daughter of William Nehring, a pioneer. They have one child : Earl Ernest. The family faith is that of the Evangelical church.

Ernest Henry Finger, now deceased, was born in Germany, the son of Michael and Elizabeth Finger. The parents spent the span of their years in the old country. In the family were seven children. Ernest Henry Finger came to the United States in 1865, and located in Lomira, Wis., where he worked as a farm hand for a while, and later rented land on his own responsibility. Mr. Finger died in Wisconsin in 1878 at the age of thirty-seven. He was a devout member of the Evangelical Methodist church. He and his good wife, Amelia Koehler, whom he married in 1867, had five children : J. H. ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Charles Sclick; Helen, who first married Jacob Haglen, and then Charles Quinn ; August H., and Ernest. Amelia Koehler was born in Germany, February 28, 1843, daughter of Carl and Mary (Schoeneman) Koehler. The Koehler family, consisting then of the father and mother, Amelia, Fred and August, came from Germany to Wisconsin in 1865. It was in Wisconsin that Amelia married Ernest Henry Finger, whom she had previously known in Germany.

Rev. Theodore C. Hudson, rector of St. Stephens' church, Protestant Episcopal, at Paynesville, was born in Janesville, Wis., July 28, 1852, son of Sanford A. and Sarah D. (Canfield) Hudson. He received his early training in Janesville, Wis., and took theology at the Seabury School, Faribault, Minn., then under the immediate supervision of its founder, Right Rev. Henry B. Whipple, Bishop of Minnesota. He was ordained in 1877 by Bishop Whipple at Faribault, Minn. His first parish was at Sauk Centre, in this county. Subsequently he had parishes at Mankato and at Fairmont in this state. He came to Paynesville in 1895. He has been prominent in mission work, and is an ideal village rector. Kindly in precept, diligent in work, faithful in piety, he is an influence for good in the community in which he works. In 1880, he was married at Sauk Centre, to Evelyn Boobar, daughter of Henry A. Boobar, of Sauk Centre. She died in 1899 at the age of forty-three. There were five children : Sanford, Mary, Phoebe, Theodore and Charles (deceased) . In 1902 he married Helen Henke, of Wisconsin. There are two children: William Canfield and Robert Durlin. Sanford A. Hudson was born in New York state, son of Amos Hudson, of Oxford, Mass. He became a prominent attorney of Janesville, Wis. He was later judge of the Supreme court, of Dakota territory, with residence at Fargo. He died in 1905 at the age of eighty-seven years. His wife died in 1877 at the age of fifty-five years. They had five children : Francis L., Rev. Theodore C, Hattie J., and Henry and Sarah (twins).

John Gotlieb Knable was born in Pomerania, Germany, August 3, 1849, the son of John Gotlieb Knable, Sr., and Fredericka Knable, his wife. In 1859 he was one of a party which set sail from Germany, bound for the new country. The party consisted of the Knables and the Schroeders. John Gotlieb, Sr., and Fredericka Knable brought their four children, John, Gustave, Amelia and Matilda. Two of their sons, Herman, and August, the latter of whom became an Evangelical preacher, were already in America. Frederick and Sophia Schroeder brought their children, William, Amelia, Augustina, Herman and Wilhelmina. Two more Schroeder children : Lena and Albert, who was killed by the falling of a tree, were born in America. After a voyage of eight weeks, they reached America. All of them eventually settled in Paynesville and Zion townships, this county, and experienced the usual discomforts of pioneer life. A short time after their arrival, John Gotlieb Knable, the subject of this mention, married Augusta Schroeder, born in Pomerania, Germany, February 11, 1851, daughter of Frederick and Sophia (Neuman) Schroeder, the former of whom was born in 1819 and died in 1905, and the latter of whom was born in 1821 and died in 1874. The Schroeders were members of the party of pioneers just mentioned. An interesting part of their pioneer experiences was a drive from Green county, Wisconsin. The subject of this sketch and his young bride took up their residence in Munson township, on the same place where their son, Adolph, now lives. The farming operations prospered. The original log cabin was replaced with modern farm buildings, and the wild land became a well-cultivated farm. Mr. Knable was made president of the Farmers' Insurance Co., and became a substantial man in the community. He was an active member of the Evangelical church. After his death, September 19, 1902, his widow moved to the village of Paynesvile, where she still resides. There were four children: Adolph Otto, who lives on the home farm; William, Avho is dead ; Helen, who lives with her mother ; and Herman, who died as an infant.

Tidman T. Lund, a general merchant at Paynesville for the past quarter of a century, was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, June 4, 1853, son of Torkel and Crete (Berg) Lund, who brought him to Fillmore county this state in 1855 and to Waseca county in 1858. Tidman T. spent his youth with his parents. In 1887 he came to Paynesville,. and with John M. Malmin as a partner, engaged in the general mercantile business under the firm name of Malmin & Lund. Four years later, the partnership was dissolved. Since that time Mr. Lund has built up a successful business by honest dealings and commercial ability.

In addition to this he is associated with his brother, Martin Lund, in the lumber business at Barrett, Grant county, Minn. Mr. Lund is one of the leading men of the village. He has served on the village council, and has been village treasurer for many years. He attends the Lutheran church.

William McKinstry was born in Vermont, June 15, 1795, and died in Becker county in 1882. He was of Scotch blood, and one of his grandfathers was a brave soldier in the War of 1812. After attaining the years of manhood he became, first a class leader, and then a local preacher, in the Methodist Episcopal church. He was married in New York state, to Sallie Marie Cole, a native of that state. She was born January 15, 1813, the daughter of David Cole, and died in Becker county in 1899. After their marriage they lived in Allegheny county. New York, where Mr. McKinstry occupied various pulpits in the absence of the regular preachers. It was in 1867 that he came to Paynesville, where he made his home for about two years, moving thence to Minneapolis and thence to Becker county. In the family there were six children : Mary E. (deceased), Amelia D. (deceased), Hannah M., of Pasadena, Cal., Harriet A., "William P. (deceased), and Lester C, of Detroit, Minn.

Horace Fuller Sheldon was born in Canada, and came to Minnesota in the spring of 1868. Being a blacksmith by trade he worked for a while in Paynesville village. Then he purchased eighty acres that is a part of his present place in Paynesville township. He and his wife now own 200 acres of good land. The land is well developed, and improved with a splendid house and modern outbuildings. The family stands well in the community and is noted for its hospitality and progressiveness. Mr. Sheldon was married in 1870 to Harriet A. McKinstry, daughter of William and Sallie Marie (Cole) McKinstry. She was born in Allegheny county, New York, October 7, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon have seven children: Edith, Cora, William A., Merton L., James L., Horace F. and Lester H. Edith M. was for some years a school teacher. She was born May 10, 1871, married A. E. Nunn, and lives on a farm in the state of Delaware. They have had five children : Dorathea, Horace, Margaret and Mildred (twins), and Edith. Mildred is dead. Cora A, was also a teacher for several years. She was born July 22, 1873, and is now the wife of R. W. Deichen, of Newport, near St. Paul. They have two children, Howard and Ruth. William A. was born July 8, 1872, and married Fannie Herter. They live in Woburn, North Dakota, and have four children : Arthur, Marie, Herbert and Dorothea Fern. Merton L. was born September 23, 1876, and lives in Grandin, North Dakota. He married Anna Parsey, and they have three children, Dorothea, Merton and Florence. James L. was born July 9, 1878, and resides in Waseca, Minn. He married Augusta Wood and they have four children : Hazel, Alice, Helen and Lois. Horace F. was born April 23, 1880, and lives on the home farm. Lester H. was born July 22, 1883, and lives in Nashua, Montana. He married Edith Fetter and they had one son, Warren (deceased).

Herman Ludwick Manz, a pioneer, was born June 9, 1838, and died March 28, 1904, He came to Stearns county shortly after the close of the Civil war, and secured a homestead of 160 acres of wild land in section 30, Zion township. He built a log cabin and started his life here under primitive conditions. For the shelter of his ox team, and his one cow, he erected a log barn, and roofed it over with straw. He broke the land, put in the seeds, and waited his first crop. From year to year his hard work brought him success, and he became one of the most prosperous men in the community. Progressive in every way, he early foresaw the necessity of some of the movements which today are of so much benefit to the farmers. For one thing he helped organize the Farmers' Insurance Co., of Zion and Paynesville townships. He was one of the advocates of diversified farming, at a time when most of the farmers were raising but one principal crop. His Shorthorn and Holstein cattle, his Clydesdale horses, and his good sheep and hogs were his especial pride. Realizing that his sons, as they grew older, would desire land to live on, he purchased land in section 35, Lake Henry township, and also developed that. He put up, on this Lake Henry property, a log house 14 by 12 feet, with shingled roof, and the building is still standing. Around his Lake Henry property he also set out a splendid evergreen hedge, from seed that came from Germany. The hedge is now one of the sights of that township, and all the trees of that variety in the county have sprung from this one hedge. Aside from his farms in Lake Henry and Zion townships, Mr. Manz had real estate holdings in Paynesville. Herman Ludwick Manz was married in Wisconsin, Fon du Lac county, July 23, 1865, to Amelia Ludwig. The ceremony was performed by Rev. William Horn, now the Rt. Rey. Bishop Horn, of the Evangelical church. There were six children. Emma Amelia was born September 12, 1866, and married Robert Helmer. Ida Marie was born May 31, 1870, and married August Bohland. Anna Sophia was born February 11, 1872, and married W. F. Moede. Frederick William was born February 17, 1874, and resides on the place which the father developed in Lake Henry township. Herman J. was born July 22, 1876, and lives on the home place in Zion township. Matilda Helena was born March 15, 1879, and was a teacher in the Haskell College, the Indian school at Lawrence, Kansas. She now teaches at Paynesville. For his second wife, Herman Ludwick Manz was married on January 22, 1880, to Louise Rien, the daughter of Christ and Caroline (Sunder) Rein. By this union there were three children. Wilhelmina Augusta, the oldest of the three, is now Mrs. Herman Kanable, and has two sons, Lorin and Kermit. She was born December 1, 1880. Bertha Elvina was born June 7, 1884. She married Max Nagel and they live in Paynesville with her mother, Lydia is dead.

Christ Rien, an early settler, was born in Germany, and there married Caroline Sunder. In the fifties they brought their family to Canada, where they lived several years. Later they came to Paynesville, and took up 160 acres of wild land. They were true pioneers. Their log cabin was a substantial structure, 14 by 18 feet, with floor and roofing made of split logs. To assist them in their farm work, they had an ox team. Their wagon was a primitive affair, with wheels made of slices of logs. In this vehicle, and drawn by the oxen, Mr. Rien was accustomed to drive to St. Cloud for supplies. Times were very hard. In the evening after a hard day's work in the forest or the field, Mr. Rien would grind corn in the coffee mill, in order that the family might have corn bread in the morning. Often their only ration at noon was a soup, made by mixing flour and water with certain weeds plucked in the garden.

Pivtatoes were so scarce, that instead of planting the tubers themselves, the family planted the parings, and thus obtained their first potato crop. The children were playmates of the Indians. They also had a deer which they trained as a household pet, but the deer finally wandered off and was killed. During the Indian troubles, the family took refuge at Richmond. Prosperity came with the years, and the family obtained success. Christ Rien died in 1868 at the age of 45. His wife died in 1905 at the age of eighty-two. The information for this sketch is furnished by one of the daughters, Louisa, now the widow of Herman Ludwick Manz. She was born in Canada, January 30, 1856, and came to Paynesville with her parents. Mrs. Manz has many interesting stories to tell of the early years. She remembers clearly all the incidents of pioneer life, and enjoys talking of those times. Sometimes as she watches a large shipment of flour come to some Paynesville store, she tells of the days when grain was threshed with flails or tramped out by oxen, and then spread to dry on sheets which also did service on the beds.

John G. Nehring, mayor of Paynesville, was born in Oniki, Stevens county, 111., December 23, 1863, a son of Samuel and Anna Dorathea (Butt) Nehring, who in 1865 brought him from Illinois to a homestead of 160 acres in Zion township, this county. He attended the district schools and at the age of seventeen started to learn the trade of painting and decorating. For a time he worked in Wisconsin. In 1882 he took up his residence in Paynesville. Here he operated a paint and wall-paper store. He now gives his attention to high class painting, and interior and exterior decoration. In this capacity he has done excellent work on the principal public and private buildings in Paynesville and vicinity. He has been a member of the Paynesville council for nine years, and is now mayor. He is also court officer and deputy sheriff under B. E. Schoener. Like his father before him, he is an energetic worker in the Evangelical church.

Mr. Nehring was married June 25, 1893, to Wilhelmina Henneman, of Trevor, Wis. In 1907, Mr. and Mrs. Nehring took a trip to Europe, and visited the land of their parentage. From New York, they made the trip on the steamer, "President Lincoln." They visited such places as London, England, and Amsterdam, Holland, but spent the larger part of their time in Germany. They were much surprised to find that the roads and streets were in better condition than those of America. The intensive farming in Germany attracted their particular attention. They found that under this method, though their machinery is not so good as that in the United States, nevertheless they secure much better results in quantity and quality of crops. In returning they took the steamer, "President Grant," and made the trip in eleven days. It had taken his grandmother thirty days to make the same trip. Wilhelmina Henneman, now Mrs. John C. Nehring, was born in Germany, the daughter of Christ and Augusta (Luck) Henneman. The father died in the old country and the mother, with her eight children, came from Germany to Wisconsin, where she married Gotfried Henneman, a brother of her deceased husband.

Erwin Herman Nehring was born on the family homestead in Paynesville township. May 16, 1888, son of Julius and Augusta (Plantikow) Nehring. He attended the district schools of his neighborhood and the Paynesville High school. Then he entered the Northwestern Commercial College, graduating in 1907. For two years he worked in the office of the North American Cold Storage Co., at Paynesville. Then for some years he was employed by Samuel Kroonblawd, and by his successor, W. S. Johnson, October 1, 1912, Mr. Nehring became identified with F. R. Naftalin, as a partner in a line of clothing establishments known as the Model Clothing Stores, and conducted under the name of the Model Clothing Co. For a time Mr. Nehring assisted at Elbow Lake, Minn. Now he has charge of the store at Pajmesville. He has been very successful, and carries a full line of clothing, furnishings, hats and shoes. Mr. Nehring is a member of Paynesville Ijodge, No. 4174, Brotherhood of American Yeomen.

Julius Nehring was born in Monroe county, Wis., May 18, 1860, son of Samuel Nehring. He was brought to Stearns county at the age of seven years, and was reared on a farm in Zion township. As a youth he attended the district schools, and remained at home until his marriage in June, 1885, to Augusta Plantikow. After their marriage they settled on 160 acres of land in Paynesville township. By frugal lives and hard work, they achieved success, and in time increased their holdings to 240 acres. Both are active workers. In 1904, Mr. and Mrs. Nehring retired and moved to Paynesville village where they now reside. In the family are four children: Erwin Herman, Rhoda and Liliah (twins), and Orlando. Rhoda is a teacher.

Michael F. Plantikow was born in Blumberg, Germany, and was married in that country. The oldest child, August, died there. Thus bereaved, Mr. and Mrs. Plantikow came to America alone.. For a time they lived on a farm in Monroe county, "Wis., and there two more children, Frank and Wilhelmina, were born. With this family of two children, Mr. and Mrs. Plantikow came to Stearns county, and secured 160 acres in Zion township. They put up a log shanty, and like many of the pioneers, used an ox team for work and for transportation. They arrived just before the Indian outbreak, and like the other settlers, sought refuge at one time in the stockade at Paynesville. For many years Mr. Plantikow lived on the farm in Zion township. To his original tract he added eighty acres of tillable land and eighty acres of timberland. He also in time erected modern buildings to take the place of the log structures. When the Salem Evangelical Church was erected he was one of those who helped in its construction. In his latter years he retired, and moved to Paynesville, where he died.

The Paynesville Hospital. Representing the enthusiasm and altruism of its able founder and reflecting the public spirit of the leading citizens of this vicinity the Paynesville Hospital has become a most decided asset to the prosperity of the city and has spread wide its gospel of health and healing. The hospital began with a vacation of Dr. P. C. Pilon, then a physician at Rockville. Spending an outing at Lake Koronis in June, 1897, he became so impressed with the surroundings of Paynesville that he moved here and opened an office the following month. In September of the same year he purchased a small house and opened a small hospital for the more thorough care of his patients. This house has for several years past been used as quarters for the employes. In the summer of 1898 he purchased another building, enlarged and remodeled it to be used as a hospital. It was formally opened under his management in the fall of 1898, Since that date over 6,000 operations including the clinic operations have been performed in that hospital, covering the entire field of surgery. As time passed, the facilities of the old hospital became inadequate to accommodate all those who came seeking help. Consequently a new building was planned. Ground was broken, August 18, 1913, and a structure was erected at a cost of $25,000. The hospital was formally opened August 16, 17 and 18, 1914. On the afternoon of Sunday, August 16, a religious service was held at the hospital attended by 250 people, at which the various clergymen of the city delivered addresses. On the following evening a banquet was given at the high school building, the guests being the business men, and the speakers those distinguished in local affairs. Susannah Benton, of Harwich, was the first superintendent-nurse and held that position for four years, after which Florence Thompson, the present superintendent, took charge. For three years she was away, and during that time, Charlotte Smith, now nurse in the Philippine Islands, and Hulda Conrad, now superintendent of a hospital in Portland, Oregon, were in charge of the hospital.

The hospital records show that there have been patients from Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, "Washington, Oregon, Montana and Minnesota, in the United States, and from Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan, in Canada. In the early history of the hospital. Dr. J. J. Donavan, then of Eden Valley, now of Litchfield, was the assistant surgeon. In 1906, Dr. Harry E. Sutton, now of Cold Spring, came to Paynesville, and became associated with the hospital until 1908, in which year. Dr. George E. Putney took his place. In 1911 came Dr. Theodore Sattersmoen, now of Park Rapids, who was associated with the hospital one year. In December, 1912, Dr. George D. Rice came here from Pipestone, and became associated with Doctors Pilon and Putney, in the work of the hospital. The hospital has an ideal location in the city of Paynesville. Its grounds are spacious and sightly, and spreading lawns, shaded with trees and graced with shrubbery, interspersed with picturesque walks, give ample opportunity for outdoor recreation. The building itself is of stucco, 36 by 70 feet, four stories high. The latest modern equipment has been installed throughout. The heat is furnished by a hot water plant, with an evaporation attachment which insures correct humidity, while absolute purity of air is secured by admirable ventilating apparatus. A duel lighting system of gas and electricity has been installed, and the construction of the building with its sun parlors on every floor, its ample halls, and its large windows, gives plenty of natural sunshine and brightness during the hours of the day. The fire protection is much more ample than is required by law. A special feature is the fact that the beds are of the latest approved chair pattern, and the doors in the building are all wide enough so that the patients may be taken to any part of the building without being removed from bed. Upon entering the main portal, one is at once ushered into an atmosphere of quiet, rest and healing. One of the features of the main floor is the recreation room, which is fitted with billiard tables and other forms of amusement. On this floor is the dining room. Here are also found the kitchen, the laundry, and various store rooms, work rooms, and power rooms.

necessary to the routine up-keep of the institution. On the second floor are the offices, the reception rooms, the laboratory and X-ray roms, and the baths for massage and clinical work. On this floor there are also a number of private rooms, with baths, for patients. The third floor contains private rooms of a similar nature. Here by various contrivances of construction, the walls have been rendered sound proof. Here also is the operating room, equipped with an auxiliary heating plant, and with large ceiling lights in addition to the splendid provision that is made for the admission of the sunlight. On this floor too are the linen closets, the dressing rooms, and the sterilizing rooms, where the sterilizing is done by gas and electricity. The wards, likewise located on this floor, are each equipped with two beds. The fourth floor is devoted to the use of the employes. The hospital staff is composed as follows : Chief surgeon, P. C. Pileon, M. D. (E. M. C. M., Montreal, 1886), for two years a student of post-graduate work in Europe ; surgeon and laboratory supervisor, 6. E. Putney, M. D. (Medical College of Harvard University, Cambridge, 1876) ; surgeon, G. D. Rice, M. D. (Medical College, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 1903) ; head nurse, Florence M. Thompson (graduated from St. Barnabas Hospital at Minneapolis) assistant head nurse, Amy Anderson.

Robert Hoover, physician and clergyman, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1828, son of Jonas and Hetty (Zimmerman) Hoover. He received his advanced education at Allegheny College, Meadville, Penn., and was ordained to the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Subsequently he occupied various pulpits in Illinois and Minnesota, finally reaching Paynesville. Here he preached and farmed and practiced medicine. He died at California, July 6, 1891. For his first wife. Dr. Hoover married Sarah Bumstad. For his second wife he married Fannie Montgomery. This union was blessed with two children: Lulu, wife of Robert Sherill, of California; and Hattie, wife of Mr. Beck, of California. Jonas Hoover was born in the Allegheny mountains, in 1800, and in early youth became foreman of the ore mines in Pennsylvania. For about four years he lived near Peru, 111. In the fifties he located in Faribault, Minnesota. Near that village he obtained 160 acres of wild land, and there resided until his death at the age of sixty-nine. His widow died at the age of eighty-six. He was the father of fifteen children. By his first wife, Mary Peters, he had two children, John and Mary. The thirteen children by his second wife, Esther Zimmerman, were : Robert, Henry, Joseph, Eliza, Marjory, Ezekiel, Catherine, Rebecca, Susan, William, Esther, Isabella and Melvin H.

Samuel P. Roach was born in St. Ives, Cornwall, April 14, 1836, son of John Roach. The father and mother and five children : John, Mary, Samuel, Bridget and Thomas, came to America in 1842, and located in Dodge county, Wisconsin. The father, John, turned his attention to carpenter work, while the boys engaged in farming. Samuel P. was reared in Wisconsin. In 1861 he came to Minnesota and secured 160 acres of land on the line between Kandiyohi and Stearns county. About a year later he was married. During the Indian uprising the family had many thrilling adventures. Part of the time the family lived in the stockade at Paynesville, while Mr, Roach went each day to his work on the farm. There was also a period when Mrs. Roach stood guard with a gun, while Mr. Roach worked in the field. For one year Mr. Roach served as a private in the Third Minnesota Voluntary Infantry. But the years of the war and of the Indian troubles passed, a period of settled peace ensued. As the years passed, Mr. Roach became successful and prosperous. After nineteen years he moved to the village of Paynesville, still, however, retaining his interest in the farm. Mr. Roach was a strong influence for righteousness in the community. He was a staunch Methodist, and though he had obtained no theological training except that received from reading, he nevertheless often occupied Methodist pulpits, and frequently preached funeral sermons. He was a Democrat in politics, and by that party was elected to be justice of the peace and a member of the school board. Often urged to accept higher offices, he always pleaded his home and religious duties as an excuse, and refused to become a candidate. He died August 10, 1913. Mr. Roach was married January 25, 1862, to Susan Hoover, born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1840, daughter of Janas and Hettie (Zimmerman) Hoover. Mr. and Mrs. Roach had nine children : Albert Edson was born January 8, 1865 ; John Adelbert Was born September 22, 1866 ; Charles Henry was born May 26, 1868, and died April 4, 1897 ; Mary Alice was born September 11, 1869 ; William Robert was born September 26, 1871 ; Esther Blanche was born April 14, 1873; Eva Estella was born December 10, 1880; Susan Sophia was born March 2, 1882 ; Samuel Z. was born December 19, 1883.

Elmer A. Schmitt, secretary and treasurer of the Paynesville Land Co., was born July 3, 1887, at Roscoe, in Stearns county, a son of Anton and Anna M. (Logman) Schmitt. He was the eldest of seven children. As a youth he attended school at Roscoe. Later he studied at the St. Cloud State Normal School, and still later, in 1904, completed a course in the Vaths Business College, at St. Cloud. After graduating from this institution he devoted himself to assisting his father in farming and in the grain business. His first experience in the banking business was with Boylan & Carlock, as assistant cashier. When this firm was incorporated as the Security State Bank he remained in the same position until he became treasurer of the Paynesville Land Co., then composed of himself, Joseph C. Peters and George Andrews. March 1, 1913, Mr. Schmitt purchased Mr. Peters' interest, and became secretary and treasurer. The company deals in land in Kandiyohi, Meeker and Stearns counties, and also has interests in more remote localities. Mr. Schmitt is an independent thinker, and consequently has allied himself with no political party. He thoroughly studies the issues and principles of each campaign, and votes for ideas in government and management, rather than for the platform of any particular organization. He is a member of the Paynesville lodges of the B. A. Y., and the M. W. A., being clerk of the latter order. He married Anna L. Applegren, daughter of John Applegren.

Michael F. SchiUtz was born in Germany, October 24, 1847, a son of Michael and Minnie Schultz, who brought the family of four, August F., Minnie, Michael F., and Lena to America in 1856, the voyage on the sailing vessel occupying five weeks and three days. After living a while in Green county, Wisconsin, they drove to Minnesota with an ox team, and located on eighty acres of wild land in section 35, Zion township, this county. Later they added eighty acres more. A log cabin which was erected, later gave place to a ^odern dwelling, and the farm became one of the best in the neighborhood. The parents died in 1891, six weeks apart, the mother first at the age of seventy-three, and the father at the age of seventy-eight. Michael F. grew to manhood on his father's place, and finally purchased a farm of 100 acres in Zion township. He lived there something like twelve or fifteen years. Then he secured a tract of 160 acres in sections 11 and 12, Paynesville township. There he lived about thirty years. He became a prominent man, served on the town and school boards for many years, and was an active worker in the Evangelical church. In 1905 he retired and moved to Paynesville, where he and his wife still reside. He has many interesting stories to tell of the early days, especially of the time of the Indian troubles, when he and his wife fled first to the fort at Paynesville and then to Richmond, where they remained until the coming of the troops. Mr. Schultz was married June 17, 1870, to Augusta Gedosch, who was born in Germany, August 10, 1850, daughter of August and Christina Gedosch, who came to America in 1860, landing after a voyage of seven weeks, with their three children, Augusta, Fred and Louisa. They spent seven weeks in Green county, Wisconsin, and then drove with an ox team and a horse team to Stearns county, where they secured a tract of 198 acres in section 1, Paynesville. They first built a log cabin and then prospered with the country. August Gedosch died in 1898 at the age of seventyfive and his wife in 1891 at the age of sixty-three. They were members of the Evangelical church. Mr. and Mrs. Schultz have eight children : William E., who is in the bank at Paynesville ; Matilda, deceased ; Otelia, Caroline, Michael, Mandy, Aloina (deceased), and Fred.

Fred Schultz, who resides on the old homestead of 160 acres in section 12, Paynesville township, was born on the place where he still resides, March 11, 1890, son of Michael Schultz, the pioneer. He attended first the district schools, and then the Paynesville High School. In 1912 he took charge of the home farm. He has an excellent stock farm, understands his business thoroughly, and in addition to the usual crops he raises a fine grade of Holstein cattle. One of the features of the farm is a barn 38 by 100 feet. Mr. Schultz was married in August, 1911, to Carrie Buckman, of Dodge county, Minnesota.

Antoin Wartenberg, deceased, was born in Prussia, Germany, May 4, 1832, son of David and Anna Wartenberg. There were three older children in the family, Dorethea, Minnie, and Christian. For a second wife, David Wartenberg married Elizabeth Yust, and brought her to America. Antoin Wartenberg came to America from Germany in 1854, and lived for a while in Illinois. Next he settled in Monroe, Green county, Wisconsin. He was there married. After the marriage, he and his wife went to Stevenson county, Illinois. Although he was a cobbler by trade he devoted a portion of his time to farming. In 1860 he determined to devote his time entirely to farming. Accordingly he and his wife joined a party in which there were also six other families and on May 7, started for Minnesota. Thus riding in covered wagons drawn by ox teams, and leading their cows, the party reached Stearns county, and were welcomed by John Baitinger, who had a cabin in section 6, Eden Lake township. The date of this arrival was June 3, 1860. After looking about for a while.

Mr. Wartenberg took a claim of 160 acres in section 14, Paynesville township. Here he erected a cabin 14 by 20 feet. He had more ready funds than some of his neighbors, he owned two pairs of oxen, and three cows. He started in with vigor and courage and the prospects seemed of the brightest. But then the Indian troubles came on. One day, John Boylan, severely wounded by the Indians, came to their cabin, and had his wounds bound with curtains torn from the windows. Then they all fled, taking their cattle, but leaving everything else. The Indians came along on a raid, and finding Mr. Boylan 's blood on the floor, reached the conclusion that an Indian had been slain there. Consequently, in revenge, they burned the cabin, and also set fire to four stacks of grain upon which the family was depending for winter food. Shortly after this Antoin Wartenberg enlisted in Company D, First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, October 20, 1862, and served until November 3, 1863. He entered the service as a private and was promoted to corporal. During his absence his wife lived in St. Cloud. After the war was over they returned to their claim. This time they erected a cabin in section 11. To this he added until at the time of his death, in 1879, he owned 600 acres of land. He was a prominent worker in the Evangelical church, and acted for some years as a Sunday school teacher. After her husband's death, Mrs. Wartenberg successfully operated the farm. She erected a modern house and made many other improvements. She still lives on the home place with her son, Antoin, Jr. Antoin Wartenberg and Amelia Heim were married in 1859. She was born in Prussia, Germany, October 15, 1838, daughter of Martin and Louisa (Lest) Heim. The children in the Heim family were : Augustine, William, Berndt, Herman, Albert, Amelia, Florentine and Caroline. Of this family, Florentine, and Amelia who was afterward Mrs. Wartenberg, came to America in 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Wartenberg have nine children living : Flora, born November 3, 1859 ; Augusta, born October 5, 1864 ; Amelia, February 20, 1867 ; Antoin, December 19, 1869 ; Matilda, February 13, 1872; Helena, January 19, 1876; Anna, August 29, 1879. One son, Albert, died at the age of four years. Antoin Wartenberg, Jr., is one of the leading farmers of Paynesville township. He was born on the home farm, attended the district schools, and now owns the homestead of 370 acres. He is president of the Co-operative Creamery, president of the Zion-Paynesville Fire Insurance Co., and supervisor of Paynesville township. He was married June 14, 1892, to Helena Koepp, daughter of Ludwig Koepp, and they have six children.

Conrad P. Winther, leading dentist and representative citizen of Paynesville, was born in the township of Paynesville, March 26, 1885, son of 0. N. and Johanna (Paulson) Winther, natives of Norway, and grandson of Hans Paulson, the early pioneer. 0. N. Winther and his wife came to America in June, 1883, and located on a farm in section 31, Paynesville, owned by Hans Paulson, the father of Mrs. Wintlier. Mrs. Winther died October 4, 1913, and Mr. Winther still lives on the place.

Conrad P. Winther received his preliminary education in the district schools of his neighborhood, in the Minneapolis High School, and in the Augsburg Seminary at Minneapolis. In 1903 he entered the dental department of the University of Minnesota, and was graduated in 1906. Immediately after his graduation he opened an office at Paynesville, where he has built up a large practice. His reputation for skill has extended wide, and his patients come from many miles in the country as well as from the village. He is well liked, and is a splendid type of an honorable young man. January 2, 1912, his well-equipped office was totally destroyed by fire, but, undaunted, he at once purchased new and modern machinery and equipment, and fitted up a suite of splendidly furnished offices in the First State Bank Building. He is a member of Paynesville Lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M., of Minneapolis Consistory, No. 2, Scottish Rites, and Zurah Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., of Minneapolis. Dr. Winther was married July 5, 1910, to Elsie Hand, who was born in Aurora, 111., in 1886. Mrs. Winther is a graduate of the Iowa State University at Iowa City, and before her marriage was a successful educator. She came to Paynesville as instructor in Latin in the Paynesville High School.

Ferdinand Heimerdinger, miller of Paynesville, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, September 30, 1850, son of John and Regina Heimerdinger, who were married in Germany in 1840, and in 1854 brought their six children to the United States. From Baltimore, Maryland, they went to Cleveland, and from there in 1856 they came to Minnesota. John Heimerdinger assisted C. Turner in erecting the first steam flour mill in New Ulm. He erected the first flour mill in Home, Minn. During the Indian uprising of 1862 he served among the volunteers. Ferdinand Heimerdinger, prior to coming to Paynesville, was in the milling business at Redwood Falls, Minn., and at Golden Gate, Minn. He came to Paynesville in May, 1903, and purchased the flour mill at this place and has operated same ever since. Ferdinand Heimerdinger was married in 1879 to Anna Hoffman, who was born in New Ulm, Minn., February 8, 1861, daughter of those substantial German people, Henry and Margaret Hoffman, the former of whom was born in Germany, May 9, 1830, came to the United States at the age of seventeen, and devoted his adult years to his work as a blacksmith. Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Heimerdinger have six children : Agonia, Harold, Walter, Maro and Marion (twins), and Willard.

Harold Heimerdinger, joint partner with his father, Ferdinand, in the Paynesville Flour Mills, was born at Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, November 12, 1887, son of Ferdinand and Anna (Hoffman) Heimerdinger. He received a district school and business college education and learned the milling business from his father. The present firm was established in the fall of 1910. It turns out a good product, and has an excellent reputation. The two best known brands are the "White Lily" and "Korona." Mr. Heimerdinger is a member of Paynesville Lodge, No. 196, I. 0. 0. F., and of Paynesville Lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M. On May 15, 1912, Mr. Heimerdinger married Florence Phipps, a native of Paynesville. One child, Audrey May Heimerdinger, was born to them in May, 1913.

Edward D. Gale was born December 28, 1844, in Skaneatles, Onondaga county, New York, son of Gillis V. and Fannie (Darby) Gale. Gillis V. was born in Dutchess county. New York, of colonial English blood. He had five children : John, James, Frank, Charles and Edward D. Edward D. remained at home until after reaching his majority. In 1868 he started out for Minnesota. Upon reaching Stearns county, he located on forty acres which included the present site of the Paynesville High School. This land was then entirely wild. Mr. Gale erected a log cabin about half a block from the present site of the schoolhonse, and started farming with an ox-team and a second hand wagon. A short time after locating on this land he was married. Later he sold the forty acres and purchased the southwest quarter of section 9, Paynesville township. On this farm was a log cabin, and some fifteen or twenty acres of the land had been improved. On this farm Mr. Gale lived for forty years. He made many improvements, erected comfortable buildings, raised good crops and kept some high grade cattle. In 1913 he built a home on a part of the farm which he had platted into lots, and resides there at present. He was treasurer of his township in the early days, and served on the school board for some thirty years. He and his family worship at the Presbyterian Church. In 1870, Mr. Gale married Mary E. Boylan, and this union has been blessed with four children : Fannie died at the age of one year ; Victoria has been a school teacher and now lives at home ; Edward travels from the North American Storage Co., and makes his headquarters in Paynesville. Frank is on the home farm in Paynesville township.