Stearns County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 3 of 12)

William Henry Blasdell, the pioneer, was born at Stanstead Plains, Upper Canada, October 18, 1814, son of William Blasdell, a native of France, who reached America from his native land, after a hazardous trip during which his beloved brother was lost off the island of Jamaica, and never afterward heard from. William Henry was reared on the home farm in Canada. In 1833 he went to Ohio, where for one year he served as store clerk in a country village. Then he became purchasing agent for the Huron Iron Works, at Vermillion, Ohio. He later went South for a time, but in 1838 returned to Ohio and settled on a farm near Brownsville. In 1842 he moved to Frankfort, Illinois, where he resided for twenty years and for four years was sheriff of Will county. During this time, he was engaged in the farming, lumbering and hotel business. In 1862 he started for Minnesota in a covered wagon of the type known as "prairie schooners." After a trip of six weeks he reached Paynesville, in this county. He found that the Indians had risen against the whites, and that the people of Paynesville were in a constant state of apprehension. Accordingly he went to St. Cloud for a year. Then he returned to Paynesville, and located on 150 acres of land. He erected a log building 18 by 24 feet, with a shed 12 by 12 feet, and in this edifice opened a tavern which he called the "Western Hotel." Later the building was remodeled and rebuilt, and new conveniences installed. Mr. Blasdell kept the "Western Hotel" open to the public for twenty-five years. In the meantime he devoted much attention to general farming and stock raising. He increased his original claim of wild prairie to 420 acres of well cultivated land, and on this farm he erected a barn 36 by 40 feet, the first frame barn in the county. He also in time constructed other buildings, and the farm became a model place in every way. For thirty years, Mr. Blasdell was a justice of the peace. He was an honored man in the community, and his death, April 24, 1888, was sincerely mourned. William Henry Blasdell was married November 16, 1838, to Harriet Beardsley, who was born October 24, 1818, and died September 19, 1842. To this union three children were born.

Mary Jane was born November 2, 1839, was married November 6, 1859, and died in June, 1879. Sarah Ellen was born October 16, 1841, and died September 2, 1842. Harriet E. was born September 11, 1842, and died. For his second wife, Mr. Blasdell married Sarah Abby, who was born in Clinton county, New York, July 2, 1831, and died November 6, 1911. She was the daughter of Samuel and Anna Abby, who spent nearly all their lives in Canada. By this union, Mr. Blasdell had seven children : Irene, born November 23, 1851; Anna L., born October 14, 1853; Geneva, born November 11, 1855; Theda, born November 1, 1857; Ida M., born January 30, 1860; William P., April 23, 1862; and George A., born January 11, 1865.

George A. Blasdell, a well-known agriculturist of Paynesville township, was born on the homestead where he still resides, January 11, 1865, son of William Henry and Sarah (Abby) Blasdell, the pioneers. He was reared to agricultural pursuits by his father, received good training in the schools of the neighborhood, and has attained great success. Throughout the county his name is well known as that of a skilled stock breeder. He is also highly esteemed in Paynesville Lodge, No. 196, I. 0. 0. F. The modern residence in which Mr. Blasdell makes his home, still contains the timbers out of which his father's original cabin was made, and is thus the oldest building in the township. Mr. Blasdell was married November 17, 1908, to Mrs. Mary Scales Braden. The ceremony was performed by Father Leo M. Winter, 0. S. B. Mary Scales was born in Ontario, Canada, April 9, 1881, daughter of John and Bridget (Mullen) Scales, and granddaughter of Joseph and Mary (Lynch) Scales, and Peter and Mary (Welsch) Mullen. Bridget Mullen was born in Toronto, Canada; Mary Welsch was born in England; the others mentioned were born in Ireland. John Scales came with his parents from Ireland to Canada, at the age of three years. It was about 1888 when he came to Stearns county and secured a farm of eighty acres in Eden Lake township. Subsequently he returned to Western Canada, where he died at the age of sixtyfour, in 1902. His widow is still living at the age of fifty-eight. The Scale children were: William, Glen, John, Peter, Mary and Patrick (twins), James, Rosella (deceased), and Michael and Sarah (twins). Mary Scales came to the United States with her parents. She married Henry Braden, a native of Luxemburg, Germany. He was smothered in a grain chute, in Eden Valley, June 1, 1903. Henry Braden and his wife had three children. Edward was born December 16, 1900, and was drowned in the Crow river, June 18, 1907 ; William was born April 19, 1901 ; Henrietta was born May 30, 1903.

William Page Blasdell, a successful farmer of Paynesville township, was born in Kankakee, 111., April 23, 1862, son of William Henry and Sarah (Abby) Blasdell, the pioneers. He worked on the home farm until attaining his majority, and then became baggage master for the Northern Pacific railroad at Miles City, Mont. He was there married, and subsequently returned to Paynesville township, where he located on 160 acres of his father's farm. He has now lived on the place some twenty years. He has been prosperous in his undertakings, and is well liked throughout the community. He is affiliated with the Masons and the Woodmen at Paynesville. Mr. Blasdell was married, July 23, 1888, at Miles City, Montana, to Nora Holloran, a native of Eng- land, and the daughter of Daniel Holloran, She was brought to America by her family at the age of one year, and as a young lady went to Montana with her two sisters. Mr. and Mrs. Blasdell have had two children. Daniel was born in 1896 and died six months later. Earl was born in 1898, and is now attending the public schools.

Charles Pemble, one of the respected and honored citizens of Roseville township, was born in West Milton, Saratoga county, New York, August 25, 1886, son of Stephen and Philadelphia (Whitney) Pemble, who had been born in England, and had come to the United States with their two oldest children, John and William. The other three children, Stephen, Charles and David, were born in this country. The family lived for a while in Saratoga county, New York, then moved to Illinois, and from there went to Green county, Iowa, where the parents died. It was about 1872 when Charles Pemble came to Stearns county from his home in Illinois. He worked for a time as a farm hand, and met, wooed and won Geneva Blasdell, a daughter of William Henry Blasdell. They were married September 1, 1875. For five years they lived on a rented tract of land, and then moved onto sixty acres, their present place, which he had acquired sometime previous. On this farm they have attained a splendid prosperity and success. The old log schoolhouse, 16 by 18 feet, then known as the Blakely schoolhouse, in which they first lived when they purchased the place, has been replaced by a modern home, furnished with all the comforts of modern life. The old log stable built by Robert Blakely has been replaced with a large barn, and a full complement of farm buildings. The ox-team with which they started farming has been replaced with a fine stable of horses and stock, and a complete equipment of farm implements and machinery. The farm now embraces 215 acres, and includes a large orchard which yields good results. Mrs. Pemble has been her husband's able helpmeet in all his undertakings. Especially she has been interested in education, and has been treasurer of the school district for some thirty years. The children in the family are Adelphia, Mabel, Ray, Chester, Maude, Lee, Elsie, Milton (deceased), Bertha, Blanche, Hazel and Edith.

Michael F. Plantikow was born in Blumberg, G«|rmany, 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 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.

Dennis F. Kelly, a prominent farmer of section 30, Paynesville township, was born in Illinois, November 2, 1855, son of John and Mary (Nooman) Kelly, who brought him to Paynesville in 1865. He remained with his parents until 1877, when he went to North Dakota, and took a claim. In 1883 he brought his wife back to Stearns county, and for two years lived on a rented farm. Subsequently they lived in Green Lake, until 1892, and then in Burbank, until 1896. It was in that year that he settled on the old homestead where he still resides. He operates 240 acres, and makes a specialty of raising Duroc- Jersey hogs, Hamilton Clyde and Percheron horses, and grade Holstein cattle. Mr. Kelly was married, November 13, 1882, to Catherine Tucker, daughter of Hugh Tucker. Hugh Tucker was born in Ireland, settled in Newburgh, New York, went from there to Whitewater, Wis., and from there came to Melrose, in this county, where he spent the remainder of his days. His widow makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Dennis F. Kelly. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly have six children : John B., Hugh F., Catherine, Edward (deceased), Margaret and Ethel V.

John Kelly, a pioneer, was born in County Gallaway, Ireland, and was there reared. As a young man he went to England, where he entered the employ of a breeder of fast horses. His thoughts, however, turned toward America, and finally he secured permission from his employer to accompany a shipment of stock to this country and remain here. He did railroad and canal work in New York for a while, and then moved to Ohio. There he was employed in building stone fences which are still standing. From Ohio he went to Will county, Illinois, where he farmed for about ten years. In the early sixties, when the Civil War broke out, he determined to come to Minnesota. He was deterred for some years, however, by the reports of the Indian troubles. Consequently he did not locate in Stearns county until the spring of 1865. Then with his wife, Mary Nooman, and his children, Edward, Dennis F., Paul, Henry, Thomas and Anna, he drove to Minnesota. Upon reaching Paynesville, he stopped at the tavern of his old friend, William H. Blasdell. To live once more within four walls was a great pleasure after having been on the road for four weeks. Mr. Blasdell drove Mr. Kelly about the township, and finally helped him select a claim of 160 acres in Paynesville township. Here Mr. Kelly erected a log cabin, 16 by 24 feet, and into it the family moved. This original cabin stood a few rods east of the present location of the splendid new barn which now adorns the place. As time passed a log house, 16 by 40 was built, and other log buildings were also constructed. A serious setback was encountered when the log barn burned, with all the valuable farm implements and machinery. After this mishap, Mr. Kelly sold his horses, and for some time carried on his farming with oxen. Hard work, however, soon resulted in prosperity. In 1878 a brick house was built, and from time to time other buildings were erected. Eighty acres were added to the original farm. John Kelly was a Democrat of the old school, and never ran for office. He was an active worker in the Catholic church. He died November 2, 1900, at the age of ninety-four. His next birthday would have been on June 24. His wife died August 2, 1896, at the age of seventy-eight. In addition to the children already mentioned, two, Joseph and Margaret, were born in Stearns county.

William P. Haines was born in Canada, March 2, 1845, son of William and Jane Haines and grandson of Philip and Ann Haines. Philip Haines was born in Canada, and served in the American Revolution. At one time he held a claim of 400 acres, a part of which is now included in the present city of Toronto, Canada. He and his wife, Ann, who was born in Scotland, had five children: James, William, George, Robert and Ann, William Haines remained in Canada until 1863. He was a cabinet maker and painter by trade, but in addition to this he was versed in general woodworking. For a time he was the owner of a sawmill at Darlington. From that place he came to the United States, and located in Kankakee, 111., where the family lived from 1863 to 1869. In the latter year they came to Paynesville, and located across the river from what was then the village, in what is now known as the North town. Some time later, they purchased eighty acres of land in the same township. William Haines died in 1899, his wife having passed away in 1871. They had eight children : James, Angus, William P., John, George, Jeannette, Maria and Ellen. The latter died at the age of four years. William P. has continued to live on the old homestead, now owning the eighty acres purchased by his parents, in addition to 200 acres which he has himself acquired. He is well known in the township, and has been road overseer for thirty years. William P. Haines was married December 18, 1882, to Clara E. Pipps, daughter of John Pipps. She was born in Illinois in 1858 and died in California, December 9, 1905. She left two children, Frank Philip and Edith. Frank Philip married Nellie Agnes Barrie, the daughter of Thomas J. and Nellie (Kingsley) Barrie. Their son, Philip Thomas, was born September 18, 1912. Edith, the second child of William P. and Clara E. (Pipps) Haines, died in California.

Thomas J. Barrie was born in Canada, July 20, 1860, son of Thomas and Agnes (Lett) Barrie, the former of whom was brought to Canada from Scotland as a boy, and the latter of whom was born in Canada. In the family there were four children, Agnes, James, Thomas J. and Anna. After the death of Thomas Barrie, his wife married James Nichols, and this union resulted in one son, John. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas brought the five children to the United States and located in Union Grove, Meeker county, this state. Later they moved to Paynesville, and still later to California. Thomas J. Barrie devoted his early years to farming. At about the age of thirty he became a barber. First he worked at Bird Island, Renville county, this state, and later at Paynesville. He has done good service as a member of the school board, and belongs to the Masonic Order, the Woodmen and the Modern Brotherhood. Mr. Barrie married Nellie Kingsley, daughter of Quartus Kingsley, and their children are Fred, Nellie, Alice, Howard and Etta. Quartus Kingsley was born at Staten Island, New York, December 6, 1828, son of Quartus and Sally Mary (Miller) Kingsley, and grandson of Seth and Sarah Kingsley. Seth Kingsley came either from Ireland or England. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. His wife Sarah was of Scottish birth. Quartus, the elder, was born in Hatfield, Mass. He and his good wift; both died in Williamsburg, Mass. Two of the seven children were older than Quartus, the younger, who had a twin sister, Mary. Quartus, the younger, became an iron and brass moulder.

For his first wife he married Almira Shippey, of Massachusetts, who died in 1894, leaving three children, Effie, Walter and Nellie. For his second wife he married Jane Van Etten, a native of Pennsylvania.

Max W. Nagel was born in Germany, June 30, 1881, a son of William and Wilhelmina Nagel, who brought him to Stearns county in 1883. He was reared on a farm in Lake Henry township, and received his education in the district schools and in a business college at St. Cloud. He learned the barber business at Belgrade, in Stearns county, and operated a shop for a while. Then he opened a place in Paynesville, where, with the exception of four years spent in North and South Dakota, he has since been in business. Mr. Nagel was married in June, 1913, to Bertha Manz, daughter of Herman Manz, pioneer of this county. William Nagel was born in Brandenburg, March 19, 1835, son of Gotlieb and Louise Nagel, and descended from a long line of shepherds. He was married November 14, 1867, to Wilhelmina Oilbrey, born October 12, 1850, daughter of Christian and Wilhelmina Dora Oilbrey. William and his wife with their two children, Paul and Max, came to America in 1883. After living for a while at Roscoe, in Zion township, they moved to a farm in Lake Henry township, where they established their family home. William Nagel died in Lake Henry township, January 20, 1910. In the family there were four children: Max was born June 30, 1881; Paul was born May 20, 1878 and died August 9, 1884; Otto was born November 5, 1885; and Margaret was born January 13, 1889.

John R. Theel, an energetic business man of Paynesville, was born in Germany, June 22, 1878, son of Carl F. and Minnie (Frank) Theel, who brought him to Stearns county in 1882. At the age of sixteen he left home and became a harness maker, a business which he followed for some fourteen years. He was frugal and shrewd, and acquired more property than is usually possessed by a man of his age. Being thoroughly abreast of the times, he early foresaw that the farmer was to become one of the heaviest purchasers of automobiles, but that the machines must be both strong and cheap. Accordingly he became agent for the Ford machine, and opened a local office and garage under the firm name of John Theel Co. Mr. Theel is a member of Minneapolis Lodge, No. 4, K. P.

Carl F. Theel was born in Pomerania, Germany, September 7, 1840, son of Fred and Mary (Black) Theel, who spent the span of their years in Germany. The children in the family were : Caroline, Christina, Carl F., Augusta and Marie. Of these Carl F. was the only one to come to America. He was married in 1872 in Germany, to Minnie Frank, and in 1882 brought his wife and four children Eliza, Anna, Otto and John, to this country, coming at once to Stearns county. He had been a wagon maker by trade, but upon coming here he became a farmer. For a while he rented land. In 1892 he purchased 160 acres, twenty acres of it being timber land. Later he bought an additional twenty acres of meadow land. He now carries on general farming, and is highly regarded in his community. The children born in Stearns county are Martin and Rheuben.

John Baitinger, one of the pioneers of Stearns county, was born in Fauerbach, o]a Wuertemberg, Germany, son of Tobias and Dorethea (Lang) Bait- inger. The mother died in Germany. In the latter part of November, 1854, John Baitinger, the subject of this sketch, set sail for America. After a long voyage on a sailing vessel, he reached New York city, January 7, 1854. From there he found his way to Wayne county. New York, where he was joined by his father, in 1855, and where, also, he was married. On March 17, 1856, John Baitinger and his wife started for Iowa. At Galena, 111., however, they encountered a party of people bound for Minnesota, and they induced the young people to change their destination. Many glowing stories were told of the Northwest, it even being said that St. Cloud was in such a flourishing condition that it had two postoffices. As soon as news came that the ice was out of Lake Pepin, the party started up the Mississippi river in boats. They landed at St. Paul, took wagons to St. Anthony, now a part of Minneapolis, and at St. Anthony took another boat for St. Cloud, in which hamlet they arrived the latter part of April. A few scattering cabins of rather squalid aspect were all that marked the present site of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Baitinger bought two lots, and secured a span of mules, then the only means of transportation in the hamlet, to cart their goods to their new location. After looking about for a farm, they finally located on 160 acres in section 6, Eden Lake township. To this another 160 was afterward added. Mr. Baitinger erected a log cabin, and started to live a pioneer life in the wilderness. Bear and deer were plentiful and sometimes dangerous. Mr. and Mrs. Baitinger suffiered many discomforts and privations, especially the first winter. Flour was high and scarce. Pancakes which for a time were their only food, were made by grinding buckwheat in a cofi'ee mill, mixing the meal with a little water, and cooking it over the hot coals. During the Indian outbreak, all their buildings were burned and their crops destroyed. The family fled to St. Cloud. After the danger had passed, they returned to their farm. They made the trip from St. Cloud to Cold Spring, a distance of over seventeen miles, on foot, he carrying the provisions and she the baby. Starting in life anew they attained success and prosperity. They developed with the country, and as the years passed their farm became an excellent place, well cultivated, and ornamented with sightly modern buildings. Ever alive to the best interests of the community, he early became a conspicuous figure in its afl^airs. He served as member and as chairman of the board of supervisors, and for some time was town assessor. He was instrumental in securing the establishment of a post office at Zions, now discontinued, and was its postmaster from December 9, 1869, to the latter part of 1885. About 1890, he retired from active life, since which time he has made his residence in Paynesville village. In the family there were fourteen children. Of these there were seven, Jennie, Caroline, Kate, George, John, Mary and Henry, who lived to adult years. Jennie married Adam Stanger and they live in Paynesville. Caroline married Henry Ulrick, and they live in McLead county. Kate is the wife of Benjamin Bardson, of St. Cloud. Her first husband was Christ Stanger, now deceased. George lives in Hutchinson. John lives in St. Paul. Mary is the wife of Ferdinand Schultz, of Paynesville township. Henry lives in Seattle, Washington. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Association. Fredericka Jaeger, to whom John Baitinger was married at Wayne county. New York,

August 28, 1855, was born in Germany, January 28, 1836, and reached Wayne county, April 2, 1854, after a journey of thirty-seven days. She was the daughter of Andrew and Barbara (Weber) Jaeger, both of whom spent the span of their years in Germany.

Charles Holifer, an early pioneer of Munson township, now a retired resident of Paynesville, was born in Germany, February 11, 1834, son of Gottlieb and Mena Holifer, who in 1853 brought their eight children, Minnie, Gotlieb, Grace, Fredericka, Charles, Johanna, Ernst and Amelia, from Germany to Illinois. In 1856, Charles came to Stearns county, and located in Munson and Eden Lake townships. The rest of the family came a year later. They erected a log cabin, broke the wild land, and for some time subsisted on wild game, and crude flour made from flour which they manufactured by grinding wheat in a coffee mill. During the Indian troubles the family home was burned. In 1874, Charles Holifer moved to Eden Lake township, where he lived until June, 1912, when he retired and moved to the village of Paynesville where he has lived since. He is a prominent man, and while in Eden Lake served as town supervisor and as a member of the school board.

Charles Holifer was married in 1862 to Minnie Schultz, who died April 25, 1904, at the age of sixty-one. In the family there were seven children: Charles, Ernslena, Hulda, Henry, August, Minnie and Amelia (deceased). Charles lives in Munson township. Ernslena is the wife of Henry Koeler, of Lake Henry township. Hulda is the wife of Henry Stanger, of St. Joseph township. Henry is a banker. August lives in Zion township. Minnie is the wife of Herman Wendt, of Alberta, Canada. The family faith is that of the Evangelical Church.

James H. Boylan, retired farmer and banker, was born in Allegany county. New York, May 13, 1834, son of Firman and Laura (Hulbert) Boylan, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Massachusetts. In the family there were eight children : Vandervent, James H., Edwin Hulbert, Samuel, Alonzo, Lenora and Victoria (twins) and Mary. James H. received his early training on a farm in New York. At the age of twenty-one he left his native state, and located in Morris, 111. Then he came to Minnesota, lived a short time at Anoka, and freighted on the road with an ox-team. He came to Paynesville in the fall of 1857, and secured 160 acres of land in section 16, a part of which tract is included within the present limits of the village of Paynesville. After abandoning this tract, he located on a farm of 320 acres, one mile east of Paynesville. He built a log cabin, and lived the usual life of the pioneers of this neighborhood. In 1859 he was married. In 1861 he took his family back to New York state, where they remained through the years of the Civil War. Thus they avoided the disasters of the Indian uprising. In 1866 they returned to the farm in Paynesville township. By hard work they prospered. From time to time they erected buildings as necessity required, and also added to their real estate holdings until they owned 580 acres. In 1890 the family moved to the village of Paynesville. In 1888, Mr. Boylan became interested in the banking firm of Boylan, Brackett & Co., of which he became president. After about fourteen years Mr. Boylan disposed of his interest to the Security State Bank. Mr. Boylan has given many years of his life to public service. For thirty-two years he was supervisor of Paynesville township, serving thirty of these years as chairman. He was also member of the schoolboarcl in his district. Since moving to Paynesville he has been a member of the schoolboarcl of the village for twenty-one years. He has also been postmaster of Paynesville at two different times. Being of a fraternal nature he has allied himself with Paynesville Lodge, No. 71, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been treasurer for over twenty-five years. He is also Past Worshipful Master of this lodge. Mr. Boylan was married at Paynesville, in 1859, to Canarissa Richardson, the daughter of William Richardson. She was born in Wisconsin, August 31, 1838, and died in Paynesville, Minn., March 2, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Boylan have had eight children: Arthur (deceased) ; Firman, of Carrington, North Dakota, engaged in the implement business; James H., Jr., auditor of the Midland Lumber Co., of Minneapolis; Reuben Richardson (deceased) ; John, accountant for a wholesale grocery company in Seattle, Wash.; Dana, who is in the grain business in Weyburn, Canada; Minnie, wife of Edgar Phipps, of Paynesville; and Anna, wife of Charles L. Cushing, of Kendallvalle, Ind.

John Peter Appelgren, a pioneer miller of Paynesville, was born in Sweden, December 18, 1812, and there learned the miller's trade under competent masters. In 1869 he came to America, and after working in mills in various places, he came to Paynesville, and purchased a grist mill. He converted this into a flour mill, and manufactured the well-known "Paynesville Roller Flour," which was a great favorite with housewives. In 1893 Mr. Appelgren suffered a stroke of paralysis, and retired from the mill. It is now a crumbling mass of ruins. Although from the time of his earliest arrival, he continued to make his home in Paynesville, he nevertheless took great interest in his farm of 160 acres in Kandiyohi county, just across the line from Stearns county. He broke and improved the wild land and brought it to a high stage of cultivation. Mr. Appelgren died in 1900. He was a member of the Masonic order.

Ina Nelson was born in Sweden, May 28, 1844. She was one of a family of twelve children, who, with three other sisters came to America in the year 1870. In 1872 she was married to John Peter Appelgren. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Applegren : Josephine, a teacher ; Hilda, who was married to Mason Evans; Henry, who manages the home farm; Anna, who married Elmer Schmitt ; Iva, who is at home; and one who died in infancy.

Ferdinand F. Schultz, a prominent and progressive farmer of Paynesville township, was born in Brandenburg, Germany, son of Ludwig John and Christina Schultz. Of the children born to this family, Henrietta, now Mrs. Charles Knadel, was the first to come to America. A year later, in June, 1888, the parents came, with three more of the children, Ferdinand, Augusta and Wilhelmina. Another son, August, came in 1890, and still another son, Herman, came in 1898. Three more sons, William, Ludwig, Jr., and Carl are still in Germany. Ludwig Schultz, the father, came to Stearns county, and farmed in Zion and Munson townships. He spent his last days with his son, Ferdinand F., in Paynesville township. He died in 1912 at the age of eighty-two years and five days. His wife is still living at the age of seventy-nine. Fer- dinand F. worked out as a farm hand in Lake Henry township for several summers. Then he rented a farm in Munson township. Since his marriage he has lived on the Baitinger homestead in section 1, Paynesville township. He has increased the original 200 acres to 260 acres, and is in every way a successful man. He has large crops, owns a good grade of Shorthorn cattle, and takes particular pride in his fine drove of full blooded Poland-China swine. His hobby has been the raising of poultry, and his chicken house is built along the most modern lines. With all of his busy life, Mr. Schultz has found time to take an active interest in religious affairs. He is a trustee of the Zion Evangelical Church, and his services as Sunday school superintendent in that body for the past seven or eight years have been highly valued. Mr. Schultz married Mary Baitinger, daughter of John Baitinger, the sturdy old pioneer who settled in Eden Lake township in 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Schultz have four children : Florence, Harvey, Caroline and Malinda.

James Linley Gray, an early settler, was born in Maine, and was reared to farm pursuits. As a youth he also learned the trade of a cooper. In 1867 he brought his family to Minnesota, and located on 160 acres of land which he had purchased from Captain Asa Libby in Brockway, Stearns county. On this place he carried on general farming, and was also extensively engaged in bee culture, few bee keepers in the state at that time exceeding him in the number of colonies kept. About 1880 he disposed of the farm to his sons, Charles H. and Frank "W. and moved to St. Cloud, where he died October 11, 1909. Mr. Gray was married October 28, 1857, in Maine, to Ann M. Smart, who died September 29, 1877, leaving two sons, Charles H. and Frank W. Charles H. is a prominent resident of Sartell. Frank "W. lives in Superior, Wis. He married Hattie Fletcher, and they have two daughters, Olive and Hattie. James L. Gray was married October 29, 1881, to Randina C. Moren, a native of Norway, and to this union have been born two children, Mary Emma and Herbert L. Mary Emma is dead. Herbert L. is engaged in the electrical business.

Charles H. Gray, a well-known citizen, living in the village of Sartell, was born November 6, 1858, in Dixmont, Penobscot county, Maine, son of James L. and Anna (Smart) Gray. He attended the district school of No. 7, and the Union School in St. Cloud, and spent his boyhood on his father's farm, in Brockway township. In 1880 he and his brother, Frank W., purchased the home farm from their father. Two years later, Charles H, purchased his brother's interest, and has since been the sole owner. He remained on the farm about thirty years thereafter, becoming one of the most prosperous and progressive men in the township. For twenty years he was clerk of his school district, and also served in other positions of public trust and private responsibility. It was in March, 1913, when he retired and moved to the village of Sartell, where he has a pleasant home, and just enough land to keep him pleasantly occupied. He has been a successful man, has raised a good family and is highly respected by all who know him. In 1878, Mr. Gray married Sarah K. Anderson, born January 7, 1861, in Pittsburgh, Penn,, daughter of George Anderson. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have had six children : Edith A., Frank H., Robert J., Lillian E., Blanche E. and Eunice I. (deceased). Edith A. mar-

Mr. And Mrs. Gkorge W. Smitten

Samuel Cox Johnston was born in Onondaga county, New York, March 23, 1826, and was reared on the farm, receiving such education as the schools of his neighborhood afforded. As a boy he was employed on the Erie canal, and as he grew older he was given charge of a barge operating on that canal and the Hudson river. In 1855 he came to Stearns county and settled on section 5, Le Sauk township, where he spent the remainder of his life. In August, 1862, he enlisted as sergeant in Company I, Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and followed the fortunes of that company against the Indians in the Northwest and against the Confederates in the South. He was discharged at Ft. Snelling, in August, 1865. Upon his return he resumed his labors on his farm. He became one of the leading men of the community and served in such offices as chairman, treasurer and justice of the peace. Mr. Johnston was married in April, 1847, to Fatima M. Hay, who was born in New York State, and there received an academic education. Mr. Johnston died in 1890, his wife having passed away the year previous.

John S. Johnston, a pioneer and leading man of Le Sauk, was born in Jackson, Will county, Illinois, January 25, 1839, son of Smith and Harriet (Palmer) Johnston. He came to Le Sauk in 1855, with his father's half brother, Samuel Cox Johnston, and settled on a piece of land which he secured through the assistance of Joel Bailey, the pioneer. In 1869 he came into possession of the property where he now resides. He now owns in all 381 acres, including a large tract in section 5, and a pretty piece of property in Lake Watab in section 8. He has a pleasant home and good outbuildings, and has been very successful in his operations. He is a progressive, deep-thinking man, highly esteemed and respected by his neighbors.

Ralph Winslow Perry, a prosperous merchant of Sartell, was born on the old homestead in section 32, town of Brockway, March 7, 1880, son of John Nelson and Mary Elizabeth (Getchell) Perry, the pioneers. He received a good education in the district schools. For many years he and his brother, Melvin N., operated the old homestead most successfully. In 1913 he sold out to his brother and purchased his present store in Sartell. He carries a full line of cigars confectionery and general merchandise, and does a flourishing business. His affable manners, his square dealing, and his ability as a business man have won him the esteem and confidence of the entire community. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Sauk Rapids and of the M. W. A. at Rice, in which latter organization he held the office of escort for three years. He is connected with the New York Life Insurance Company, and the Continental Casualty Company. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Perry was married October 13, 1901, to May E. Lambert, of Royalton, Minn., and they are the proud and happy parents of two sons and two daughters. They are : Ina, Lloyd, Grace and Leonard.

George W. Smitten was born in England, descended from an ancient yeomen family the original rendering of whose name was Smeaton. George W. was but seven years old when his parents brought him to America. The father, a stone mason by trade, found it a difficult task to support his large family, and young George W. was "put out" as it was called, with a family named Miller, in New York state. In 1855 he started for Minnesota, and after stopping at various river points, finally reached Sauk Eapids. There he was employed for several years, part of the time as an assistant in the Day House, one of the primitive taverns of the time. Subsequently he secured a farm in St. George township, Nicollet county, this state. Later he exchanged it for a farm in Le Sauk township, this county, where he spent the remainder of his days. They had two children, Abraham L. and George A. Abraham L. lives on the Collins farm in Le Sauk township. George A. died in 1903, leaving a wife and three chlidren, John W., Nellie and Ralph.

Philip Miner Woodward, official reporter for the District Court, Seventh Judicial District, was born at Portland, Oregon, January 1, 1880, son of Charles Henry and Martha Carolina (Officer) Woodward, both of distinguished Colonial ancestry. After attending the Bishop Scott Academy and the public schools at Portland, Oregon, Philip Miner Woodward graduated from the classical course at Portland Academy, in June, 1896. For a year he was in the office of the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Company, under President E. McNeill. In the fall of 1897 he came to St. Paul, and after studying shorthand, was in the employ of the West Publishing Company for eighteen months. Then, after a short period in a railroad office in Fargo, he took up his present duties in St. Cloud, November 1, 1899. He has done good service under Judges D. B. Searle, M. D. Tajdor and John A. Roeser. On January 1, 1903, Mr. Woodward married Daisy Maude SarteU, granddaughter of Joseph B. Sartell, an early settler in Le Sauk township, from whom the present village of Sartell is named. On her mother's side Mrs. Woodward's grandfather was David Oilman, keeper of the hospitable inn at Watab, in the days of the famous Red River ox carts. Mr. and Mrs. Wodward have seven children : Virginia Louise, born January 1, 1904 ; Philip Miner, Jr., born May 3, 1905 ; Martha Carolina, born December 16, 1906; Helen Frances, born August 24, 1908; Harvey Officer, born March 22, 1910; Gail Lucinda, born February 23, 1912; and Marjorie Izatys, born September 5, 1913.

Charles Henry Woodward was born in Seneca Falls, N. Y., June 6, 1854, son of Rev. Charles Woodward, an Episcopal clergyman, and a direct descendant of Major Benjamin Woodward, who commanded a division in Cromwell's army at the time the English King, Charles I, was deposed. In 1857 Rev. Charles Woodward moved with his family to Rochester, Minn., where he founded the first Episcopal Church, and later on account of ill health retired to a nearby farm, Charles Henry worked on the farm until sixteen years of age when he entered Shattuck Military School, at Faribault, and after completing the course there, he studied law at St. Paul, in the office of Harvey Officer, whose daughter he afterwards married. At the age of twenty-one he was admitted to the Bar of Minnesota, and then removed to Portland, Oregon, where he practiced law from 1875 to 1896, a period of twenty-one years. Since his death, which occurred December 31, 1896, his widow has joined the Episcopal sisterhood, located at Peekskill, N, Y. They had two children, Philip Miner and Ruth. On September 1, 1910, Ruth .married Edward A, Macdonald; they

Harvey Officer, maternal grandfather of Philip Miner Woodward, was born in Natchez, Miss., February 18, 1834, of old German and Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry. He was admitted to the Bar, and in 1855 located in St, Paul, where he was continuously a resident until his death in 1913. He was reporter of the Supreme Court from 1857 to 1865, and as a captain of artiller;y served in the closing months of the Civil War. In 1859 Mr. Officer married Louise Gorman, daughter of ex-territorial Governor Willis A. Gorman, who at the outbreak of the Civil War, was the first colonel of the famous First Minnesota. They had one daughter, Martha Carolina, who was the wife of Charles Henry and mother of Philip Miner Woodward.

John W. Wolter, for many years a respected resident of St. Cloud, was born in Guttenburg, Iowa, December 17, 1855, son of John Wolter, who was born in Baiern, Bavaria, Germany, came to America as a boy, lived for a time in Illinois, and finally located in Guttenburg, Iowa, where he married reared his family, and earned his livelihood as a custom maker of boots and shoes. John W. attended school in his native town, and took college courses in Dubuque, Iowa. In his early life he was engaged in various undertakings. He finally joined with John Lambert in conducting a general store at Rice Station, Llinn., where he was made postmaster, and held various town offices. Before there was a church, services of the Catholic faith were held at his home. After a time the partnership between him and Mr. Lambert was dissolved, and Mr. Wolter erected a new store in which he carried on business until 1892. In that year, he came to St. Cloud, bought out Tony Pfeefer, and carried on a boot and shoe business until May, 1901, when he opened a real estate and loan office. In the meantime he engaged in the manufacture of bob sleds. He died March 25, 1905. Mr. Walter married Elizabeth M. Berns, born in Clayton county, Iowa, daughter of Henry and Mary (Knufer) Berns, the former of whom was a farmer by occupation, but who served for some years as a soldier and sailor in the service of the Emperor of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Wolter were the parents of nine children : John, Edward, Arthur, Sophia, Philippine, Estella, Amadious, Lucile and Delphine. John is engaged in the real estate and insurance business in St. Cloud. He married Mary Goedker and they have two children, Rene and Loren. Edward married Mary Hollenhorst and they have two children. Marguerite and Zeril. Arthur is dead. Sophia married Edward Lentz, and they have one child, Elizabeth. Philippine and Estella are teachers of vocal music, Philippine in Baker, Montana, and Estella in Woonsocket, S. D.

Charles L. West, engaged in the real estate and loan business in St, Cloud, was born in Kankakee, 111., January 1, 1879, son of John W. P. and Terressa (Edwards) West. The father was born in England in 1829, learned the printers' trade, was one of the founders of the New York Observer, and is now a venerable citizen of Kankakee, 111. Charles L. was reared on the home farm, and attended the district schools. At the age of nineteen he was filled with a desire to see the world. He came to Little Falls, Minn., for the purpose of taking up land, and then found his way westward to Wellington, Cascade

Tunnel and Seattle, In the latter city lie worked in the lumber camps, as he did at Olequa, Washington. Next he went to Alaska, visiting places of interest, and looking about for a location. But finding nothing to his liking, he returned, and went to Arizona, where he lived in Yuma for a time. After making short stays in California and Nebraska, he went to Idaho, and secured employment on the railroad then being constructed from Bonner's Ferry to Port Hill, the former in Idaho and the latter in British Columbia. Subsequently he visited his old home in Kankakee, and then went to Iowa, where he rented a farm for two years. On November 23, 1902, he reached Stearns county, and located on a farm in section 22, Fair Haven township. Since 1904 he has been engaged in his present business in St. Cloud, Mr, West is one of the active, progressive young business men of the city, and is serving well his day and generation, his wide experience with humanity in many places being a valuable factor in his success. He belongs to the Elks and the Modern Woodmen, He married Alta McDowell, born in Illinois, the daughter of John McDowell, They have three children: Irene, Mirth and Lloyd,

Frank M. Wright, manufacturer, was born in Middlefield, Ohio, April 14, 1861, son of Dewitte C, and Almira (Newman) Wright; grandson of William Wright, who came from England ; and great grandson of William Wright, one of Washington's aids, at the time of the Revolution. Frank M. Wright was reared on the home farm, attended the district schools, and took courses in the Western Reserve Seminary at Farmington, Ohio. After finishing his education, he learned the carpenters' trade. In 1881 he came to St, Cloud and became interested in the building business, working at different times for various contractors, and for a period being employed in building stations for the Minneapolis & Pacific Railway. Then he became a building contractor. Such structures as the Episcopal Church and parsonage, and the Troutman, R. L, Gale, George Reynolds, C. L. Atwood, and other residences, stand to his credit. After a few years of the contracting business, in the year of 1896 he engaged in the manufacture of sashes, doors and inside finishings. For a time horse-power was used, then steam-power and now electricity. From a small beginning the business has grown in importance until it is now a large and prosperous concern, known as the F. M. Wright Sash & Door Factory. It is situated on Seventh avenue. North, Mr, Wright is a member of the city council and of the school board. He is a director of the Commercial Club, Frank M. Wright was married in 1887, to Julia A., daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Breen) Delaney, and they have two children: Albert D., born September 2, 1888, and Myra, born October 31, 1894. Mr. Delaney, an old soldier, makes his home in St. Cloud. Mrs. Delaney died April 10, 1889. Mrs. Wright, as Julia A. Delaney, was born and reared in St. Cloud, and attended the graded schools and the St. Cloud State Normal School. She had charge of the intermediate schools at Princeton, Minn., three years, and was later employed by R. C. Junk, of St. Cloud. She is interested in her husband's manufacturing business, and makes a great success of dealing in real estate, being one of St, Cloud's most capable women,

Park, was born in Plainview, Wabasha county, Minn., June 12, 1862, son of Henry and Caroline (Knute) Lindt. He lived in several places in southeastern Minnesota, attended country and village schools, and also took a course in Winona. As a young man he worked on farms in Winona county. It was in 1888 that he became interested in railroad work. For a time he was in the rail mill of the Chicago Northwestern at Winona, Minn. After this be became a machinist's helper. Then for a time he was with the Duluth & Iron Range Co. Later he was in the employ of the Minneapolis Trust Co., at Minneapolis. In March, 1890, he entered the employ of the Great Northern. He came to St. Cloud for that company September 11, 1891, was stationary fireman two years, air-brake foreman for a while, and then became assistant car foreman. In August, 1906, he was promoted to his present position, the highest in the shops. He has six hundred men under him and shoulders heavy responsibilities. He is a born leader, and having been promoted from a humble position has a full understanding of the needs and conditions of the men under him. Faithful always to the interests of his company, he at the same time has the esteem of the men in the shops, and has proved an ideal man for the place. In the Masonic order he belongs to the Blue Lodge, the Chapter, the Commandery and the Shrine. He also belongs to the United Workmen and the Commercial Club. On October 25, 1899, Mr. Lindt married Rosa B. Christian, daughter of James and Martha (Lea) Christian.

Henry Lindt, the father of Frederick C. Lindt, married Caroline Knute, and came to this country in 1853. His original name was Lint, but like many of his countrymen, his name became modified after he reached America. For a time he worked as a brewmeister in Milwaukee. In 1855 he located in Plainview, Wabasha county, this state. In 1870 he moved to St. Charles, in Winona county, this state. In 1887 he again took up life on a farm. He died in 1889. His wife died in 1865.

Joseph E. Wing was born in Vassalboro, Maine, in 1808; his ancestors came from England in 1632 and settled near the place now known as Sandwich, Mass., on Cape Cod. While in Maine he was engaged in the hotel business, and afterward in the shoe business. He came west in 1863, bought land in the town of Brockway, this county, on what was then called Winnebago Prairie. He lived there with his sons, James E. and Henry C, and daughter. Alma, for about three years, then came to St. Cloud with his son, James E. He was toll collector at the St. Germain street bridge for many years. He was a member of the Masonic Order, being past master of Vassalboro Lodge, No. 54, of North Vassalboro, Maine, and was tyler of North Star Lodge, No. 23, of St. Cloud, for several years. He died in June, 1889.

James Edwin Wing, son of Joseph E. Wing, was born in Vassalboro, Maine, May 15, 1832. He was married in November, 1855, to Susan E. Carey, who was born at Northport, Maine, October 12, 1835. In June, 1863, he came west with his family, lived with his father in Brockway township, this county, where they operated a large farm for about three years, then moved to St. Cloud. In 1870 he went to Ottertail City, a place in Ottertail county, this state, located on the lake of the same name, and operated a saw mill there in company with R. L. Frazee. About one year later he returned to St. Cloud, and with Lewis Clark as a partner, engaged in the flour and feed business. In 1874 he started to sell agricultural implements and deal in grain. In 1885 he disposed of his business to his son, Theodore C. Wing, and Alexander Smart. He was for many years a member of the board of education of St. Cloud. He was a member, and past master of North Star Lodge, No. 23, A. F. & A. M. He died September 20, 1898.

Theodore Carey Wing, engaged in the life insurance business in St. Cloud, was born in Vassalboro, Kennebec county, Maine, September 14, 1858, son of James Edwin and Susan (Carey) Wing. He was brought to this county by his parents in June, 1863. He attended school at Winnebago Prairie, in Brockway township. After moving to St. Cloud he attended the Episcopal Parish School, the private school conducted by the Rev. E. V. Campbell, the Union School, and the first term of the St. Cloud State Normal School, under the first president, Ira Moore. After leaving school he worked for his father and Lewis Clark in their feed store, afterward in the United States Land Office; in 1880 and 1881 was deputy county auditor under Barney Vossberg. He then associated himself with his father in the agricultural implement business. In 1885 he, in company with Alexander Smart, bought the business of his father, which they conducted under the firm name of Wing & Smart, until November, 1890, when he disposed of his interests in the business to Mr. Smart, and engaged in the life insurance business, and continues in that occupation at the present time ; having as an associate in the business, his son, Russell T. He is a member of the Masonic order, being a past master of North Star Lodge, No. 23, of St. Cloud. Mr. Wing married Arabella G. Dodge, of Week's Mills, Kennebec county, Maine, on February 17, 1881. Mrs. Wing was a graduate of the St. Cloud State Normal School. They have seven children: Theobel A., Alma J., Edwin P., Helen F., Russell T., Dorothy C. and Marguerite A. Theobel A. was engaged in teaching school for a while, is now the wife of Rev. Thomas R. AUeeson, of Chehalis, Wash. They have a son, Donald ; Alma J. is now teaching in the St. Cloud city schools ; Helen F. is teaching in the state of Washington ; Russell T. is in the life insurance business with his father ; Dorothy C. and Marguerite A. are still in school. The mother of this family passed away October 25, 1910. In October, 1912, Mr. Wing married Mrs. Harriet C. McPike, a native of Streator, 111.

Andrew A. Wright, secretary and treasurer of The Farmers' Loan & Investment Co., St. Cloud, was born March 12, 1860, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, son of William and Elizabeth (Harriman) Wright. Being one of thirteen children, he early in life, started out for himself, and found employment in the stone mill of Fish & Sons, in Columbus, Ohio, where he worked for some time. In the interim his family moved to Iowa. Learning of his father's illness, he joined them there. Then he went to Faribault, in this state, and worked for George Tileston, in a flouring mill. In 1889 he came to St. Cloud in the same employ. Since 1899 he has been successfully engaged in the real estate, insurance and loan business. He is also secretary and manager of the Granite City Tablet Co. Mr. Wright is of that type of a man that is known as a "live wire," and he takes an active interest in the things which have a tendency to upbuild his adopted city and county. In the Masonic order, Mr. Wright is as- sociated with North Star Lodge, No. 23, A. F. & A. M.; St. Cloud Chapter, No. 46 R A. M.; Nazerine Commandery, No. 24, Knights Templar; and Osman Temple, A. A. O'., N. M. S., of St. Paul. He is also a member of St Cloud Lodge No 516 B. P. 0. E., and of the St. Cloud Commercial Club. Mr. Wright was married November 24, 1887, to Mary A. Parsnau, of River Falls Wis and to this union there were born two daughters. Magnolia E. and Florence E. Magnolia E. was born February 1, 1890, and died August 10, 1891 Florence E. was born November 9, 1893. After attending the public schools she entered the St. Cloud State Normal School, and was graduated from a five-years' advanced English course, at the age of nineteen. She is now teaching in the city schools of Bemidji, Minn. Mrs. Mary A. (Parsnau) Wright died May 21, 1895. On June 29, 1898, Mr. Wright was united m marriage to Harriet Cole Smith, of Rochester, Minn. The family residence is located at 501 Second avenue. South, St. Cloud.

Frank X. Wegler, Sr., was born in Gelding, Freising, Bavaria, Germany, in 1841 and came to America in 1870, with Joseph Overmeyer, and his daughter Johanna Overmeyer, who afterward became his wife. After living m Alexandria, Mo., for three months, they came to St. Paul, where the young people were married. Mr. Wegler worked for brewing companies m St. Paul, Faribault, Red Wing and Caledonia, Minn., and Milwaukee, Wis. He came to St Cloud in 1883, worked for several breweries here, manufactured cigars for a while, and finally engaged in the refreshment business about seven years. In his later days he looked after Central Park for the city. He died May 7, 1912 Mr. Wegler was a member of the Red Men. In the family were three children : Frank X., Jr., and Joseph are engaged in the manufacture of cigars ; Jennie A. married William Jahn, February 5, 1914.

Joseph Wegler, cigar manufacturer, of St. Cloud, was born m Minneapolis December 4, 1874, son of Frank X., Sr., and Johanna (Overmeyer) Wegler He obtained a good public and parochial school education. He learned the cigar making trade from Marks & Wire, in St. Cloud, and then went with his father, whose place was located at 829 Ninth avenue. North. Later the establishment was moved to 815 St. Germain street, and in 1900 the subject of this mention became sole proprietor. His brands are Le Flora, De Wegler, the Eagle, City Cousin, La Vina, Comrade, El Domar, Town Boast, Purity Seal and Rose Bud. Mr. Wegler takes an active interest in the political and educational afl'airs of St. Cloud. He has been on the city council and the school board. He is well known as a musician. He has played a cornet for the past twenty-five years, and was the cornetist at the Davidson Opera House from the time it was built until it was burned in February, 1913. He directed the St Cloud City Band for fifteen years and also had charge of the Sauk Rapids Band, of Sauk Rapids, and the Ronneby Band, of Ronneby. He is now director of the Waite Park Band. He belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters the Red Men, the United Commercial Travelers and the Cigar Makers' Union. Mr. Wegler married Mary V. Thienes, and they have two children, Loraine and Juletta. ^ ^or,^ e Frank X. Wegler, Jr., was born in Red Wing, November 5, 1872, son of Frank X., Sr., and Johanna (Overmeyer) Wegler. He attended the public and parochial schools of St. Cloud, and worked for a time as a physician's assistant. He learned the cigarmaking trade from Marks & Wire, later worked for his father, and is now with his brother, Joseph, in the same business. He is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Cigar Makers' Union. Mr. Wegler married Tressa Frey, a native of Bavaria, and they have five children : Lucetta, Adelaide, Edward, Herbert and Lawrence.

Philip Waldorf, one of the pioneers, was born in Ines, Germany, March 27, 1833, son of John and Margaret (Guihecker) Waldorf. In 1851 he came to America with his brother, Peter, and located in Detroit, Mich,, where he worked at his trade as a tailor for four years. Then he moved to St. Paul. He there entered the employ of J, W. Metzroth, who brought him to St. Cloud in 1857. In all he worked for Mr. Metzroth twenty years. Later he was in the refreshment business for some years. For nineteen years he was switchlight tender for the Great Northern road. At the present writing in 1913 he is in his eighty-first year. He has led an active life, and is wonderfully well preserved. His memory is clear and he has many interesting stories to tell of life in the early days, Philip Waldorf married Theresa, the daughter of Nathaniel and Anna Rotter, She was born in Bavaria, came to America with her parents in 1852, lived in Milwaukee for a while, and in 1858 came to St. Cloud and became a member of the household of General Lowry, Mr, and Mrs, Waldorf have had ten children, of whom six are living : Mary, Elvena, Frank, Henry, Elizabeth and Paul. Mary married Philip McDonald. Elvena married Joseph Smith and they have three children, Leonard, Francis and Helen. Frank is in the lumber business in Montana. Henry lives at home. Elizabeth lives in Portland, Oregon. Paul P. is foreman for the Great Northern, is married and has four children. The saddest event in the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Waldorf was the loss of their son John, who was six years old when he was killed, at the time their house was destroyed by the cyclone,

Michael Theisen, one of the early pioneers, was born in Luxemburg, Europe, in May, 1835, In 1852 he and his brother, Nicholas, came to America, and lived for a time in Iowa and Ohio, In 1855 they came to Collegeville, in this county, and secured two claims near each other in St. Wendel township. Later their parents came and took up their residence with Michael. In 1881, Michael Theisen moved his family from St. Wendel township to Le Sauk township. He died January 24, 1912. His agricultural operations were successful, and he became a substantial citizen. His widow now makes her home in St. Cloud. Mr. Theisen was married, April 23, 1861, to Elizabeth Reinhert, the daughter of John and Annie (Elents) Reinhert, who brought her from Germany and settled on land near Collegeville, where they farmed for many years. Mr. and Mrs, Theisen have had thirteen children, of whom there are living nine: Annie, John, Michael, Angeline, Joseph, Louise, Peter J,, Henry and Valentine, Nicholas died at the age of 20, Annie married Garrett Doetkopp. They live at New Munich, in this county, and have six children. John and Joseph are living on the home farm in Le Sauk, where their father spent his latter years, Michael also lives in Le Sauk, He married Mary Firschweiler, and they have three children. Angeline is the wife of Henry P, Weyrauch, They have four children one of whom is adopted and live in St. Cloud. Joseph married Mary Hirschfeld and they have two children. Louise married Mathias Lahr, town treasurer of Le Sauk, and they have seven children. Peter J. is a cigar merchant of St. Cloud. He married Sophia Schwartz, and they have two sons. Henry N. is engaged in the manufacture of brooms in St. Cloud. He was born in 1880 in St. Wendel township, went with his parents to Le Sauk, and about four years ago engaged in the broom business in St. Cloud. Valentine was born in Le Sauk, married Sophia C. Dahintan and has two children. He keeps a confectionery store and amusement parlor on Fifth avenue, St. Cloud. Mrs. Elizabeth Theisen has recently adopted an interesting little boy whose name is Henry O'Neill.

Josepha Marshall Litzinger, of Waite Park, was born in Brockway, January 17, 1878, daughter of George A. and Annie Mary (Guck) Marshall. Her father was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, July 19, 1838, and her mother was born in Bavaria. They were married November 9, 1866. Her grandfather, Conrad, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1808, and her grandmother, Margaret Smith Marshall, was born February 7, 1805. The grandparents immigrated to America in February, 1854, with their children, George A., Kunigunda and Conrad. After landing they went to Utica, N. Y., where they lived fourteen months. Then they came west to Galena, 111., and in the spring of 1855 came by boat to St. Paul, making the trip to St. Joseph by team, and arriving June 19, 1855. The grandfather, Conrad, preempted 160 acres in section 15, St. Joseph, built a log shanty and later a frame house, where he lived until his death. May 10, 1881, at the age of seventy-three years. His wife, Margaret, died in 1888 at the age of eighty-three years. George A., the father of Mrs. Litzinger, has always lived on the homle farm with the exception of a few years spent in Brockway township. He is the father of ten children, eight of whom are living. One of these eight is Josepha who married Albert Litzinger. Mr. and Mrs. Litzinger have five children : Conrad, Frederick, Helen, Isabel and James. Albert Litzinger was born in Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, September 10, 1852, and came to St. Paul at the age of twenty-one. There he did various work, being employed for some years by the Great Northern Railroad. In 1891 he came to Waite Park, and entered the employ of the shops here. He has been continuously in the employ of the same company for the past thirty-four years. Mr. Litzinger's first wife was Maggie Qviill, who died in 1896, leaving four children. Charlotte is the wife of Joseph Eller and they have three children. Thomas E. married Frances E. Brennan, and they have four children. Mary is the wife of Lewis L. Johnson, a wholesale merchant of Devil's Lake, North Dakota, and they have three children. Joseph Raymond lives in Waite Park. William is in the employ of the Great Northern Railway at Minneapolis.

Fred Schroeder, a retired farmer living in the village of St. Joseph, was born in Heusweiler, Prussia, Germany, March 15, 1839, son of Fred and Barbara (Kramer) Schroeder, who brought their family to Newark, N. J., in 1854, and to St. Joseph township in 1856. The subject of this mention was raised on the home farm in section 20, St. Joseph township, and in 1870 became the owner of the homestead. He was a good farmer, and a successful man, and a leader in his community. He served in various school and town offices, was county commissioner six years, and a member of the lower house of the Minnesota Legislature for two terms. In 1899 he moved to the village. For a time he was interested in the milling business, but in 1910 he sold out to his sons, and practically retired. He resides in a comfortable home which he erected in 1902, and still retains enough land to occupy his attention and give him exercise during the summer months.

On May 30, 1865, Fred Schroeder married Agatha Mutschler, and they have four children: Fred J., John, Martin and Barbara. Fred J. married Julia Blommer and has four children. In addition to managing the flouring mill, he imports Percheron and Belgian stallions and colts. John married Elizabeth Stahlboerger and they have five children. Martin married Annie Wernert and they have nine children. Barbara is the wife of Michael Gans. and they have two children. The family are members of the Catholic Church.

Nicholas Rassier, a pioneer of Stearns county, and one of the first settlers of St. Joseph, was born in Losheim, Germany, January 19, 1828. He spent his youth on his father's farm, and then came to America in 1852. After two years in Detroit, Michigan, he journeyed through Indiana and finally reached Chicago. He arrived in what is now Stearns county, November 9, 1854, and settled on section 14, St. Joseph township, among a colony of Germans that arrived about the same time. With this beginning he grew up with the country, prospering exceedingly as the years passed by. When the township was organized he became the first tax collector, and as time passed he was elected to other positions until he had served in nearly all the important offices in the township. In whatever place to which he was called, he unfailingly discharged his duties with much native ability. He died in March, 1906.

Mr. Rassier was married, June 4, 1857, to Susan Flesch, of Wisconsin. This union resulted in eight children, four of whom are living. Those living are Joseph, John, Catherine and Susan, Those deceased are Mary, Robert, Lena and Johanna. For his second wife, Mr. Rassier married Rosina Street, by whom he had two children : Edward and Amelia. Joseph married Anna Willing, and they have four children. Mary married Edward Hoffman, and at her death left one child, Susan. Catherine is the wife of Charles Kelley, of Minneapolis. Susan, the widow of Joseph Muller, a native of Northfield, Minn., was born on the home farm, in St. Joseph township, and was educated in the parochial schools. In 1897 she was appointed assistant to F. E. Davis, postmaster, at St. Joseph, and since 1902 she has been postmistress. Her daughter, Esther C, is a graduate of St. Benedict's College and of the department of music.

Milton E. Merrill, a well-known farmer of St. Joseph township, was born in Troy, Waldo county, Maine, April 15, 1856, son of Amaziah and Susan (Sprague) Merrill. Amaziah Merrill married for his first wife Susan Sprague, and they had four children. For his second wife, he married Jane Bartlett, and they had two children. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-sixth Maine Volunteer Infantry, and served about a year. He first came to Rockville, in Stearns county, in 1874. Milton E. attended the schools of his native town, and v/as brought to Roekville township, this county. Here he also ob- tained a part of his schooling. In 1874 he came to St. Joseph township, and stayed a few days with James Staples. It was then arranged that Mr. Merrill should go to Meeker county and look after the farm of Charles Staples, while Charles came to St. Joseph township and built an addition on James Staples' house. After this work was completed, Mr. Merrill returned to Rockville, and spent that winter attending school. Then for a while he was employed by various farmers. Subsecpiently he and his brother, Charles A. Merrill, purchased a tract of land in Meeker county which they worked for a while. His next venture was in Goodhue county, where he worked three years. After selling his interest in Meeker county, Minn., to his brother, he came back to Rockville, and worked about two years for John Davis, one of the men with whom he had previously been employed. At this period he married. He and his wife lived on a rented farm for two years, and then bought a farm in Rockville township. In 1899, Mr. Merrill moved his family to section 34, St. Joseph township, where he now owns 124 acres. He raises the usual crops, and makes a specialty of Guernsey cattle and Jersey swine. He sends his milk and cream to the Rockville Farmers' Creamery. The school board of his district has found him a valued member, and he is also popular in the Modern Woodmen of America.

For his first wife, Mr. Merrill married Mary W. Longley, daughter of James and Emma (Davis) Longley. This union was blessed with four children : Olive G., Alverna C, Murvele and James. Mrs. Mary W. Merrill died December 14, 1905. Olive G., one of the daughters mentioned above, married Guy Cotter. They live in Kellogg, Idaho, and have one child. Alverna, now deceased, was the wife of Michael Lorenz. The present Mrs. Merrill was Mrs. Emma Larsen, who was born in Norway in 1881, came to the United States in 1907. She has one son, Thorbjorn Larsen, born in Norway in 1901,

Frank C. Payne, a progressive young farmer of St. Joseph township, was born in Buckman township, Morrison county, February 26, 1884, son of Julius and Phoebe (Bosworth) Payne, grandson of John and Mary E. (Staples) Payne, and great-grandson of Benjamin Payne. He was brought to St. Joseph township by his parents and has since spent his life here. His education was received in the district schools of St. Joseph, the graded schools of AVaite Park, the High School of St. Cloud, and the Vath Business College, of St. Cloud. Under his care the home farm in section 24, St. Joseph township, is in a flourishing condition, and Mr. Payne is one of the coming men of this vicinity. From his New England ancestors on both sides of his house, he has inherited the sturdy intelligence which has given to the sons of the puritans so prominent a place in the world's affairs. Frank C. Payne married Olga M. Laerwer, a native of St. Cloud, and they have two bright boys, Donald C. and Wesley F.

Julius Payne, president of the Old Settlers ' Association of Stearns county, was born on the old Payne homestead in section 22, St. Joseph township, this county, son of John and Mary E. (Staples) Payne. In 1879, Julius Payne married Phoebe Bosworth, a native of Michigan. That year they went to Buckman, in Morrison county, where they remained for several years, a greater part of which time he was clerk of the township. Subsequently he returned to liis farm in section 24, St. Joseph township, where he lived until 1913, when he moved to Waite Park, Mr. Payne is now engaged in the real estate business for A. G. Whitney of St Cloud. Mr. and Mrs. Payne have three children : Alice E., born February 3, 1882, and died January 29, 1911 ; Frank C, born February 26, 1884 ; and Ira C, born July 13, 1886, and died December 11, 1891.

John Payne, a pioneer, was born in Hartford county, Maryland, December 22, 1826, and died in Stearns county, Minn., August 22, 1899. The span of his life thus briefly indicated was filled with successful endeavor and widest helpfulness. In 1846, at the age of twenty years he moved with his parents to Daviess county, Kentucky, and upon attaining his majority he engaged in the wood and iron working business, conducting a foundry and a mill, and turning out castings, sash, doors, blinds, and interior finishings. In 1855 his health began to fail, and he came north to Minnesota, hoping that the climatic change might work a change for the better in his physical condition. After spending the summer in Sauk Rapids, in what is now Benton county, he took a claim on the Sauk river in section 22, St. Joseph township, Stearns county, the farm now being the property of Ignatius Bechtold. He was married in 1856, and shortly after the close of the Civil war, he moved to St. Cloud, where he engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds. Later he moved his family to a farm of 160 acres, located near the line between Rockville and St. Joseph townships. He prospered in his endeavors, and was enabled in time to increase his holdings to 400 acres, the property lying in both townships. He was esteemed by his fellow men, and was elected to many prominent positions, including that of the chairman of the board of supervisors of Rockville township. He was one of the organizers of the Old Settlers' Association of Stearns country and its first president.

Mary E. Staples, who in 1856, became Mrs. John Payne, was the daughter of Jacob C. and Elizabeth (Small) Staples, the pioneers of St. Joseph township, this county. Mrs. Payne was a pioneer teacher, and for two years before her marriage kept school in one end of an old bakery at Watab village in what is now Benton county. Watab was an important point in the early days, and at the time Mrs. Payne taught there it was a flourishing pioneer village. Through all the years that have passed since then, Mrs. Payne has kept her keen interest in education. Descended from proud New England stock, possessed of inherited intelligence and inate refinement, broadened with culture of a splendid education, wide experience, close observation and much reading, she has been a powerful influence in this part of the state, and has left the impress of her character on the worthy lives of her children. She is a writer of much ability, and especially in the Stearns County Old Settlers' Association, have her services been highly valued. As she looks back over her past life, she remembers with much pleasure the fact that most of her education in Maine was secured under the tuition of Thomas C. McClure, who afterward became one of the leading men of St. Cloud. Mr. and Mrs. Payne had seven children : Julius, Mary E., Frank S., Martha E., Henry H., Edwin L. and John E. Julius, man of affairs, and president of the Stearns County Old Settlers' Association, now living in St. Cloud, married Phoebe Bosworth, and they have had three children: Frank C, Alice E. and Ira C. The last two named are deceased. Mary E. is the wife of William E. Bosworth of St. Cloud. They have three children : Edna M., Ella L. and Otis W. Frank S. married Nora B. Hadden. They live at Wood Lake, Yellow Medicine county, Minn., and have seven children. Inez M., Harry F., John H., Frank O., Alma, Millard E. and Leah M. Martha E. is now Mrs. Freeman Davis, of St. Cloud. Henry H. married Hannah Docken. They live in Idaho and have four children: Elmer, Ethel, Leslie B. and Henry John. Edwin L. married Mary Alice O'Ryan. They live in Omaha, Nebraska, and have seven children: Inez M., Theresa E., John Stuart, Dean S., Lee S., Lillian E. and Neil F. John E. died February 9, 1911. He was twice married. First he married Amelia Minde, who died March 14, 1899, leaving one child. Myrtle L. Mr. Payne then married Ovedia Minde, a sister of his first wife, and by this marriage four children were born : Mildred A., Erwin C, Harold M. and Howard E. Harold and Howard are twins.

Jacob C. Staples, the pioneer, was born in Limmington, York county, Maine, March 6, 1801. As a young man he was connected with the clothing trade. He found indoor work detrimental to his health, however, and for several years he devoted his time to work as a farmer and carpenter. In 1839 he moved to Waldo county, in the same state. There he divided his time between farming and ship carpentering at Belfast. In 1854 his sons, James and Ivory, came to the West, locating in Wisconsin. James was accompanied by his wife. In October, of that year, the three were joined at Janesville by Jacob C, and the four came on to St. Joseph, Stearns county, where they secured claims in sections 26 and 27. They built a log cabin for themselves, and a log stable for their cattle, and started pioneer life in the wilderness. In the spring of 1855, the wife of Jacob C, the daughter, and the rest of the boys came. Thus there was established in this township one of the leading families in the county. Mr. Staples became a well-known citizen, and was respected by all who kncM'' him. He died November 29, 1879. Jacob C. Staples was married March 30, 1828, to Elizabeth Small, and they had nine sons and a daughter: James, Edwin H., Ivory S., William B., Benjamin F., Mary E., Jacob, Charles A., John H. and Nelson P. Those still living in 1913 are as follows. James is now eighty-five years of age. He married Frances A. Merrill, and lives in Litchfield, Meeker county, Minn. Charles A. lives in St. Paul, He married Anna Hinds, and they have three children. Nelson P. lives in Portland, Oregon. He married Sophronia Lovelace, and they have three children. Mary E. married John Payne, and had seven children. Jacob is a leading citizen of St. Joseph township.

Jacob Staples, farmer and writer, was born in the town of Brooks, Waldo county, Maine, December 6, 1841, the son of Jacob C. and Elizabeth (Small) Staples. He received a good education in his native state, and was brought to St. Joseph township in 1855. He remained on his father's farm until 1864, when he enlisted in the Second Minnesota Battery, Light Artillery. August 16, 1865, he located on a farm in Paynesville, and there became a prominent man. In 1881, however, he returned to the old homestead, where he has since continued to reside. Since his early youth he has been active in public affairs, and has served in numerous town and school offices. Mr. Staples is a man of broad information, and a most interesting conversationalist. His contributions to this present history are important. Mr. Staples married Elizabeth Brinkman, daughter of George Henry and Susan L. (Taylor) Brinkman, and they have had two children. George J. died August 22, 1912. Helen teaches in Appleton, Minn.

Benjamin F. Staples, farmer, warrior and patriot, was born in Cornish, Maine, January 17, 1836, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Small) Staples. He received his education in Maine, one of his teachers being Thomas C. McClure, who afterward became a prominent citizen of St. Cloud, this county. In 1855, Benjamin F. Staples came to Stearns county with the rest of the family. For a while he lived on the home farm in St. Joseph township. In the meantime he took up a claim of 160 acres in section 23, and built a log shanty thereon. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted. May 30, 1861, in Company E, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. The history of this regiment and its heroic charge at Gettysburg is a part of the story of the nation. Mr. Staples took part in nineteen of its twenty important battles, and was wounded at Gettysburg. He was promoted first to corporal and then to sergeant, and throughout his service did his duty as a patriot and soldier, nobly, cheerfully, capably and bravely. He was honorably discharged with the regiment at Fort Snelling, May 5, 1864, and returned to his farm. In 1865 he sold this farm, and took a claim in Union Grove township. Meeker county. He was married the next year, and he and his wife continued to live in Meeker county until 1881, when they sold out there and came back to St. Joseph, where Mr. Staples purchased the farm which he had sold in 1865. In 1891, he disposed of this place, and purchased the James Staples place in the same township. In 1897 he divided the farm between his children. He died December 17, 1907. Benjamin F. Staples was married in May, 1866, to Mary Bosworth, born in Marion, Wayne county. New York, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Colvin) Bosworth, who came to Minnesota in 1857 and took an important part in the development of St. Martin township, in this county. They had three children. One died in infancy. L. D. Staples married Grace Champlin, and they have three children : Eva M., Myra E. and Lois I. John P. Staples, who supplied the information for this family record, was born in Union Grove, Meeker county, April 21, 1878, and received a good education. When the father divided his property, he assisted John P. in erecting the house, and here the father lived until his death. Here the mother still lives, John P. Staples owns 145 acres and carries on general farming, making a specialty of Guernsey cattle and Jersey hogs. He married Marie Wittich, and they have two children. Evelyn A., born August 13, 1908, and Esther I., born November 18, 1913.

After the death of Benjamin F. Staples his friend, H. C. Waite, of St. Cloud, prepared a noteworthy memoir in his honor. The article, in part, follows : "In the death of B. F. Staples this community has suffered a severe loss. In many respects he was a rare man. He was a man of strong and sincere convictions, and pursued them with a distinction of purpose which it was difficult to resist. He unselfishly sacrificed his own personal interests to what he regarded the public welfare, when at the first call to arms in the late Civil war he left his farm implements in the field and fought as long as his services were required. Such men as he, for courage and persistence of purpose, have made the American soldier famous the world over. When the war was over he returned home. His gun was stored away, and the implements of husbandry took its place. He was a hard-working, industrious citizen who did not shun hardships, but met and overcame to the last. He was from stern ancestral stock, such as lasts well, and grows in public appreciation, the longer it is known and the closer observed. The members of Mr. Staples' family were among the first settlers of this county and have always deserved high and honorable mention. They have won respect as the reward of merit and meritorious living. They have never sought official preferment, but have been content to illustrate by their own manner of living the efficiency of our system of government. The pioneers of our western civilization are speedily passing away, and will not return this way again. What they have accomplished through much suffering and long persistence, should not be held in light remembrance. Mr. Staples was one of these, who in a marked manner bore well his part in the difficulties which confronted him. Few men have encountered the vicissitudes of life and overcome them with greater manly courage. He was a hero of that nobler sort who having fully accomplished his mission here on earth, has retired to the fulfillment of still higher designs in the life that has no ending. He was one of those who are known to be worthy of the highest commendation and still have occupied the background of public sentiment to a certain extent, because they did not care to exploit their services for purposes of publicity and self-gratification. Mr. Staples belonged to a class rapidly diminishing in numbers who bore his patriotism and integrity of purpose at the forefront of his daily life, honored and respected by all who knew him."

Menne Stock was born in Holland and came to America with his three brothers in 1848. The trip was made in a sailing vessel, the cholera broke out, and nearly half the passengers died. One brother died after reaching Indiana. From Indiana, Menne Stock came to St. Joseph township, bringing with him his two children by his first wife. For a while he worked in a flouring and feed mill. After his second marriage, he moved onto a farm in section 25, St. Wendel township. Mrs. Stock (Mrs. Galama by her first marriage) came to America with her husband in 1870. They immediately moved to their farm in section 25, St. Wendel township. Six children were born to them when Mr. Galama died, the youngest child being two years old, and the oldest twelve years of age. They remained on the farm, Mrs. Stock herself tilling the soil for two years, at which time she was married to Menne Stock. The names of the Galama children are Mary K., Dominick, Johanna, Gertrude, Theodore P. and Katie A. Of these children, Mary Galama, having been married to Jake Stock, died, leaving five children, Maggie, now Mrs. Joseph Rau ; Lena, now Mrs. Frank Simon ; Joseph and Bertha. Gertrude Galama, now Mrs. Jake Stock, living in section 25, St. Wendel township. Dominick Galama, having been a teacher for eighteen years, now owns a farm in section 19, Le Sauk township. Johanna Galama is single and is a

John Undersander, a substantial farmer of St. Joseph, was born on the old homestead, section 24, in the township where he still resides, November 14, 1857, son of Michael and Gretchen Undersander. Michael Undersander was a pioneer, coming to St. Joseph from Delaware, in 1855, and settling in sections 23 and 26. He died in April, 1910, and his wife in September, 1910. They were the parents of five children. Of these, John, the subject of this mention, and Gertrude, the wife of F. Bisenious, of St. Cloud, are the onlyones living.

John Undersander was reared on the farm in St. Joseph, and spent his boyhood in much the same manner as do other boys in a pioneer community. As a young man he purchased the farm where he now resides, and where he has reared his family. He owns 370 acres, nearly all of which are under cultivation. In 1891 he erected a sightly residence of brick. His barns and other buildings for the accommodation of stock, crops and implements are suitable and commodious. Mr. Undersander has been a school director for thirteen years. He is one of the active men of the community and is highly regarded. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. Undersander married Josephine, the daughter of Henry Schildler, and they have two children, Henry and Joseph.

Andrew Walz, a successful farmer of St. Joseph township, was born in Lee county, 111., September 30, 1856, son of John M. and Eva (Rothlein) Walz. John M. Walz was born in the village of Ratzstadt, Underfranken, Bavaria, Germany, November 22, 1819. He was married April 4, 1848, to Eva Rothlein, and then came to America. For a while he farmed in Lee county. 111., some eighty miles from Chicago. July 4, 1859, the family arrived in St. Joseph township, and bought 147 acres in section 9, previously owned by Martin Feidler. There they lived for many years, John M. Walz dying April 10, 1908, and his wife, December 1, 1871. Andrew Walz has continued to live on the home farm. The original home was burned and Mr. Walz then erected the home where he now lives. He owns 143 acres and is in every way a progressive man. He has been assessor and school director.

Mr. Walz married Sophia Merz, the daughter of Wendelin and Agatha (Witz) Merz. They have eleven children : Caroline teaches at Pearl Lake ; Bertha is now Sister Mary Honoria, O. S. B., and teaches in St. Paul; Theresa married John N. Herter, a merchant of Dent, Ottertail county, Minn., and they have three children ; Katie died at the age of sixteen ; Frances and Elizabeth died in infancy. Ida and Agatha are novices in the St. Benedict Convent at St. Joseph, Minn.; Eugene is a student at St. John's College, Collegeville ; Evelyn is at home ; Rosa attends the St. Benedict Academy at St. Joseph. There is one adopted son, James, who was four years of age August 1, 1914. Mr. Walz has served in the village council of St. Joseph village. Christian Speiser, a genial farmer of St. Joseph township was born in Philadelphia, Penn., September 30, 1855, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Rummer) Speiser. Henry Speiser was born in Germany, located in Philadelphia in 1848 and came to St. Joseph township in 1859. He died here in 1860. The widow later married Frank Speiser, a brother of her first husband, who died in 1883. She died in 1903. By the first marriage there were four children: Christian, of St. Joseph; Charles, of Wahpeton, North Dakota; Kate, of Douglas county, Minn., and Elizabeth, who is deceased. She was married to Charles Bollman. Christian was reared in St. Joseph township, and has always remained on the home farm. He owns 207 acres, where he conducts general farming on a successful scale. He is a genial man, pleasant to meet, and popular with his neighbors and friends. Especially is he well informed on the events of the early days, and his stories of those far distant times are most interesting. He has served on the town board of supervisors. The family are members of the Catholic Church. -

Christian Speiser m^arried Mary Fruth, daughter of M. and Mary (Shean) Fruth. They have had ten children: Frank (deceased); John and Joseph at home ; Rose, wife of Martin Iten, of St. Cloud, and the mother of two children ; Anna, of Breckenridge, Minn. ; Elizabeth and Ida, teachers ; Martin, Peter and Secunda, at home.

Joseph Rassier, a progressive farmer of St. Joseph township, was born August 15, 1860, in section 14, of the township where he still resides, son of Stephen and Margaret (Schneider) Rassier. The father, Stephen, came to America in 1855, and after stopping awhile in Chicago, came to St. Joseph township, where his brother Nicholas had settled the previous year. He secured a homestead of 160 acres, and then went back to Chicago, where he followed his trade as a cabinet maker for two years. In 1857, when he returned to St. Joseph, he found that owing to the fact that he had not remained on his hometead the prescribed time he was entitled to but eighty acres of land. On this eighty acres he erected a log cabin, and lived therein until 1871, when he built the frame house in which now resides his son, Joseph. Stephen Rassier died January 8, 1890; his wife, January 29, 1891. They had ten children : Joseph, who lives on the home farm ; John of Little Falls, Minn. ; Nicholas, who lives in the village of St. Joseph ; Frank, who lives in Minneapolis ; Jennie, the wife of Joseph Boos, of St. Cloud ; Elizabeth, who became Sister Mary Rachael, of the Order of St. Benedict, and is now deceased ; Mary, the wife of Peter Scheuer ; Stephen, living in Wahpeton, N. D. ; and Mathew and Henry, who live in Breckenridge, N. D. Joseph Rassier, the oldest of this family, received his education in the schools of his neighborhood. After his marriage in 1888, he went to Rice, Minn., and there remained ten years. Then he returned to the home farm in St. Joseph, where they have since resided. Mr. Rassier has one of the finest farms in Stearns county. He has a comfortable home, commodious barns, and other suitable buildings for the housing of his stock, produce and farm equipment. He has been very successful in his farm operations, and makes a specialty of Holstein cattle. His character and work have won the respect and confidence of his fellow men, and he has been elected a member of the town board of St. Joseph some six years. He is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Mr. Rassier married Mary, the daughter of Joseph and Susan (Mummch) Long, and they have ten children. Margaret and Leander, are at home ; Susan and Stella teach in Morrison county; Joseph, Lucia, Dorothy, Bernard, John