Stearns County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 4 of 12)

Abraham Lincoln Smitten was born in St. George, Nicollet county, this state, September 29, 1860, son of George W. Smitten. He received his early schooling in Le Sauk township, under William Trout, and later attended the Union School at St. Cloud. At the age of twenty-two he went to South Dakota, where he worked for about six years. Then he returned home, and operated the home farm in Le Sauk township until his mother died. In 1900 he felt that farm life was too strenuous for the good of his health, and accordingly he went to St. Paul and took a course in optical work, in which he received a diploma. He found, however, that the work was too confining, so he returned to agricultural pursuits. In March, 1905, he purchased the Collins farm in section 27, where he now lives. He is decidedly a prosperous man, and a country gentleman in its truest sense. He is well regarded and has held a number of local offices. In addition to his farm interests, he is vice president of the Sartell Lumber Co. Mr. Smitten was married March 1, 1905, to Mrs. Dora Lindsey Sartell, widow of Winslow L. Sartell, and they have four children : Clarence, Louis, Morris and Eugene.

Henry E. Collins, a pioneer of Le Sauk, was born in Springfield, Mass., in May, 1824, son of Elihu and Mary Collins, the former of whom was a Massachusetts farmer. Henry E. Collins came to Minnesota in the spring of 1853, and located in St. Paul. In May, 1855, he came to St. Cloud. He declares that he made the trip in the first steamboat that ever reached this place, and that St. Cloud at that time consisted of one or two stores, and a hotel built of tamarack logs, of which Anton Edelbrock was the proprietor. Mr. Collins was a carpenter and joiner, but upon reaching this county he started farming on 160 acres of land which he obtained in Le Sauk township. He also secured some land in Morrison county. The Red River trail crossed the river at his home, and on the opposite side of the river was located the hotel of the Northwestern Fur Co. Thus under primitive conditions Mr. Collins began the life of a pioneer in a new country. Though he has lived in the state sixty years he is still a well preserved man, of unusual memory, and his stories regarding the early days of Minnesota are most interesting. He makes his home with Abraham L. Smitten, who now owns his place.

William Wallace Conner was born in Illinois, son of Moses Conner, of Holland-Dutch extraction. He was reared in Illinois, and there enlisted in the Civil War. His service, however, was cut short by illness, and he was honorably discharged. In 1865 he came to Stearns county, and purchased the unfulfilled homestead rights to a tract of 120 acres in section 34. He proved up on this claim, and started to live a pioneer life. On the place there stood a log cabin into which he moved. He brought some horses here with him, but was obliged to sell them and purchase oxen. He also had one or two cows. In time he added twenty acres, and erected necessary buildings. A Republican in politics, he served as supervisor and school officer for many years. He was a member of the Christian (Disciple) Church. He died at the age of fifty-one years. Mr. Conner was married in Illinois, to Winnie Swisher, a native of that state, daughter of Samuel Swisher, who afterward settled in Eden Lake town-

Joseph M. Conner was reared on the home farm which he now owns. He follows general farming along the latest approved methods, and makes a specialty of full blooded Shorthorn cattle and pure blooded Duroc-Jersey swine. His barn is a model, with a splendid ventilator system, and patent metal stanchions. Mr. Conner has been a school officer. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He married Mattie E. Mason, a daughter of Joseph Mason, and they have had three children: an infant (deceased), William Mason and Winnie.

Joseph Mason was born in Ireland, November 21, 1834, son of Andrew and Sarah Mason. He came to America in 1854, found his way from New York to Illinois, where he took up farming. During the Civil War he enlisted in Company K, 139th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and there saw considerable hospital service. In 1865 he came to Minnesota and settled in Plainview, Olmsted county, where he farmed until 1870, when he came to Stearns county, and located in Maine Prairie township. A few years ago he located in Kimball village, where he now resides. He was married in 1869 to Athalia H. Shoemaker and they have two children : Mattie E. and Vernon H.

Isaac A. Coleman, veteran of the Civil War, now a respected farmer of Maine Prairie township, was born in Shelby county, Indiana, May 28, 1841, son of William and Sarah (Tinell) Coleman, and grandson of Richard Coleman and Isaac Tinell. The two families came from Kentucky to Indiana, and there William Coleman and Sarah Tinell were married. They farmed in Shelby county, Indiana, for many years. William Coleman died there, but his widow came to Minnesota. They had six children: Isaac A., Mary (deceased), Nancy (deceased), Sarah, Armenta, and Georgetta (deceased). Isaac A. Coleman remained in Indiana until 1866, when he brought his bride to Stearns county, and located on their present farm of 120 acres in Maine Prairie township. They erected a log house and broke twenty acres of land. They also erected a log barn, covered with straw. They were a little more fortunate than some of their neighbors, as they had four horses instead of the usual ox team. There was a store at Fair Haven, but St. Cloud was the nearest town of any importance. Mr. Coleman has increased his farm to 200 acres, and has for many years carried on diversified farming. He is an independent thinker, and while in general he calls himself a Democrat, he nevertheless votes for the best man rather than for political parties. He has filled local offices and has done good service on the school board.

Mr. Coleman's war service dates from 1864 until the close of the hostilities. He was a private in Company D, 148th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and sustained a good reputation as a brave soldier. Mr. Coleman married Lucinda Colee, who died in 1909 at the age of sixty-two. They had six children : Florence, wife of W. H. French ; William, living in Maine Prairie ; Viola, wife of M. F. Greely ; Maude, wife of Edward Newell ; Louis, now on the home farm ; and Elsie, who lives with her father.

Eugene Henry Day, proprietor of the ' ' Pioneer Farm, ' ' in Maine Prairie township, was born in Fair Haven township, this county, June 20, 1857, son of William Henry and Lucy Marie (Scribner) Day. He has the distinction of having been the first white child born in Fair Haven township. William Henry Day was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, and as a young man crossed the international boundary into Maine. There he met Lucy Marie Scribner, of Bangor, whom he wed. For several years he worked as a lumberman, a sailing mate, and a farmer. In 1856 the family set out for Minnesota. It was a long, tedious trip, and two children, Henry and Hannah, died on the way. They finally reached Clearwater, in this county, and with their two children, Didaraa and Cordelia W., started to walk to Fair Haven. With them Avere Aaron Scribner and wife. William Henry Day secured eighty acres of wild land about a mile north of the village of Fair Haven, and built thereon a log cabin. It is interesting to note that a bob-sled, still used by members of the family, was manufactured from the original logs of this old cabin. William Henry Day was a true pioneer, and endured many hardships. Corn meal was the principal article of food, and the only neighbor who had a milch cow was Alvinus Abell. When supplies were needed, Mr. Day was compelled to go to St. Paul, with his ox team. Shortly before the Indian outbreak, the family moved to eighty acres in Maine Prairie township. Two of the successive log cabins they built there were burned to the ground. Here two more children. Freeman and Mary Lucy, were born. William H. Day was a Republican in politics, and was elected town constable for many years. He also served many years on the town board. He belonged to the Christian Church and was active in its affairs. Mr. Day died at the age of seventy-five, his wife at the age of seventy-nine.

Eugene Henry Day was reared on the home farm in Maine Prairie township, and learned farming as a boy. At the age of seven he was proficient as a driver of a pair of oxen. As a young man he secured 40 acres of railroad land in section 1, township 121, range 29, where he still resides. He calls the place the ''Pioneer Farm." He has erected some good buildings, and brought the farm to a high stage of cultivation. Mr. Day practices intensive farming, and has been very successful. In 1905 he secured 320 acres in Saskatchewan, Canada, but this he later disposed of. Mr. Day has never aspired to office. He is a member of the Christian Church. Eugene Henry Day was married October 26, 1876, to Mary Waite, and they have had five children: Elsie, Didama, the wife of Ralph Buctrell, is dead. Clara Louise is the wife of W. H. Metcalf. Frank Henry is in Canada. Justin Luther, is a student in the University of Minnesota. Fannie Hazel is a teacher.

Mary Waite, now Mrs. Eugene Henry Day, was born in Richland county, Wis., January 20, 1856, the daughter of Edward Franklin and Helen Waite, natives of New York. The family reached Stearns county in 1865 and settled on the banks of Lake Koronis, near Paynesville. A year later they secured a homestead in Rockville township. Mr. Waite was a veteran of the Civil War, having served three years in Company B, 18th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He also served in the Mexican War of 1847. He died at the age of 65 years and his wife died at the age of 68 years.

William H. French, who farms in sections 12 and 13, Maine Prairie township, in the neighborhood of the settlement known as Maine Prairie village, was born in the township where he still resides, July 25, 1863, son of John Hiro and Ellen (Young) French, and grandson of John and Bersheba (French) French. John Hiro French was born in New York, and as a young man operated a saw mill there. His next residence was in Illinois. Then he found his way to Maine Prairie, in this county. He was one of the first to come through the swamp, and the first to bring a yoke of oxen onto the prairie. This was in 1856. He located on forty acres in section 6, Maine Prairie, built a log cabin, and started breaking the land. For a time he lived alone, but in 1861 he was married. During the Indian outbreak, the family spent their nights in the stockade in section 13, attending to their regular duties in the day time. In 1872 the family moved to section 13. Here John Hiro French died at the age of seventy-two. His widow now lives in Seattle. In the family there are six children : William H., Charles E., Wheeler D., Joseph D., Ellen (deceased), and Orrin H. William H. grew up on the home farm, and has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. With the exception of a short time when he was in the pump and windmill business, he has lived on his present farm since early youth. He calls his place the "Fair View Farm," and has taken great pride in its development. He raises Percheron horses, Poland- China hogs, and a good grade of cattle. His farming operations have been profitable, and he has acquired stock in the. State Bank of Kimball. In politics he is independent. For some twelve years he has been assessor. Mr. French was married January 19, 1887, to Florence Coleman, daughter of Isaac Coleman, and they have three children: Clara, Edgar C, and Maicie. The daughters are both teachers, and Edgar C. is associated in farming with his father.

Nicholas Gasser, pioneer and Civil War veteran, was born in Switzerland, and there received his schooling. In 1854 he came to this country accompanied by his promised wife, Anna Ernst, and her father Xavier Ernst, and located on a homestead of 160 acres in St. Augusta township, this county. They erected a log cabin, and constructed a dugout covered with hay. During the first year they used a sled for a wagon, attaching it to their yoke of oxen. The next year they cut wheels from oak logs and this manufactured a wagon. The family drove to Clearwater for supplies. Nicholas Gasser was a watchmaker by trade, and did a great deal of repair work for the pioneers and also for the Indians, At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Company G, Ninth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the conflict. While he was away his wife and her father operated the farm. After the war he returned. By hard work he added to his farm until he owned 640 acres. He erected modern buildings and became one of the leading farmers of his neighborhood. Mr. Gasser spent his declining years with his son, Frank, in Maine Prairie township, and died in March, 1907, at the age of eighty-four. In the family there were five children : Frank, born May, 1860, is a member of the firm of Gasser Bros., stock breeders, Kimball Prairie ; Rudolph, born in 1863, lives in St. Cloud; Julius, born in January, 1876, owns the Plum Grove farm in Maine Prairie township ; Adolph, born in 1878, is associated with his brother, Frank, in the firm of Gasser Bros., stock breeders ; Lawrence, born in 1880, lives at Kimball Prairie.

Mrs. Nicholas Gasser, whose name as a girl was Annie Ernst, was born in Switzerland, March 29, 1839, and died on the seventy-fifth anniversary of her birth, in 1914, at St. Mary's Hospital, in Minneapolis. She came to this country in 1854 and was married to Nicholas Gasser in 1856. After her husband's death, she took up her home with her son, Frank, at Kimball. She enjoyed good health until within a short time of her death.

The Gasser Brothers. These young men are among the most active stock raisers in Stearns county, and their efforts have done much toward awakening interest in better breeds and larger production. The father, Nicholas, was an extensive farmer and stock breeder in St. Augusta township. Three of his sons, Frank, Adolph and Julius, purchased a tract in Maine Prairie township, comprising 640 acres. This was formerly known as the Britchman place. They named it the ' ' Prairie View Farm, ' ' and started breeding Shorthorn cattle, Percheron horses and Poland China hogs on an extensive scale. In 1905, one of the brothers, Julius, withdrew, and established the "Plum Grove Stock Farm," in Maine Prairie township. In 1910, Frank and Adolph also sold their interests, and moved to Kimball, where they established the firm of Gasser Brothers, stock breeders.

Joseph J. Kunkel, proprietor of the ' ' Pearl Lake Farm, ' ' of Maine Prairie township, was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, May 1, 1868, son of Killian and Elizabeth (Ehmer) Kunkel, natives of Bavaria, who came to this country before they were married, lived for a time in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Ohio, and ended their days in Haverhill, Iowa. Joseph J. was the sixth of seven children. He attended the common schools, worked on the home farm several years, and then started for himself by renting land in Iowa. March 1, 1900, he brought his family to Stearns county, and purchased the old D. E. Meyer farm in the northern part of Maine Prairie township. He has since added to this until he owns 340 acres in one tract, in sections 3, 4, 9, and 10, on the west shore of Pearl lake, eighty acres in section 16, forty acres in section 21, 160 acres in section 9, and 24 acres in section 2, knovsm as Pearl Lake Park, as well as 200 acres in Millwood township. His especial pride is his sightly residence built from cement brick which he manufactured with his own machine on his own premises. The house is modern throughout, equipped with gas light, hot air furnace, bath, sewerage system, and other improvements. The outbuildings and farm equipment are fully in keeping with the beautiful home. Mr. Kunkel has made great strides since coming to Stearns county, and is a splendid type of a modern farmer. He raises a good grade of Hereford cattle, pure bred chickens, and bronze turkeys. His orchard of 200 apple trees and 200 plum trees with his fine apiary add beauty to the landscape and profit to the owner. While Mr. Kunkel has not cared to mingle in political life he has served as justice of the peace in the township for some ten years. Mr. Kunkel was married May 3, 1892, in Haverhill, Iowa, to Mary E. Mayer, who was born in Johnson county, Iowa, only daughter of John and Walburga Mayer. Mr. and Mrs. Kunkel have had nine children : Leo, John, Joseph, Paul, Albert, Elizabeth (deceased), Ludwig, Marie and George (deceased). There is also an adopted daughter, Anna. Mrs. Kunkel's mother, Walburga Mayer,

Nicholas Klein, a prominent farmer of Maine Prairie township, was born in Uu Page county, Illinois, April 4, 1862, son of George and Theresa (Henchis) Klein, who came from Germany as children and were married in Chicago. George was a shoemaker by trade, but devoted the later years of his life to farming. He died at the age of seventy-two. His wife still lives at the age of eighty-three. In their family there were six children. Nicholas Klein was reared in Du Page county, and secured a good education. About 1885 he went to St. Joseph, Kossuth county, Iowa, and in 1896 opened a general merchandise and implement establishment there. In 1900 he came to Maine Prairie and purchased a farm of 240 acres. This he has since increased to 400 acres. He has made many improvements, has installed a complete equipment of modern implements and machinery, and has one of the show places of the township. Mr. Klein married Margaret Heinz and they have seven children : Mary, Peter, Frank, Aphalonia, Louisa, Jacob and Alvina.

William Loudon, of the "Oak Grove Farm," Maine Prairie, was born in Jefferson township, Washington county, Indiana, November 19, 1839, son of John and Lavina (Lee) Loudon. John Loudon was born in Ireland of Scotch- Irish descent. He came to this country, located in New York state, and there married Lavina Lee, who was a native of Washington county, in that state. There four children, Joseph, Robert, Jane and Alexander, were born. The family came to Washington county, Indiana, and there four more children, James, Sarah, John and William, were born. John Loudon was a progressive farmer, and a prominent man.

In such a home of education and intelligence, William Loudon was reared. Coming of an agricultural family it was natural that he should early turn his attention to farm pursuits. From his native county he moved to Whiteside county, Illinois. He married Mary Nance, daughter of Dr. Clement Nance, a physician. In 1870, Mr. and Mrs. Loudon came to Stearns county, with their two children, Elmer and Clinton. They lived the first winter in St. Cloud. Then they located on a farm one mile west of that city. There the wife died at the early age of thirty-six. Mr. Loudon later married Kate Smith, a daughter of Albert Smith, a pioneer of Stearns county. A few years later they moved onto the present farm in section 6, in the northwestern part of Maine Prairie township. The original farm has been increased to 240 acres, and the place has been wonderfully improved. The farm has been noted for many years for its successful activities. From Illinois, Mr. Loudon brought three famous horses, "Jack," "Gray Eagle," and "Messenger,' and from these horses have been bred some splendid offspring. A specialty has also been made of full blood Shorthorn cattle, Shropshire sheep, and Poland-China swine. In the early days, Mr. Loudon and his wife were members of the Grange at St. Cloud. Mr. Loudon was also one of the owners of the cheese factory and creamery at Maine Prairie, now discontinued. In addition to his many other interests he has also become a skilled veterinary surgeon. In politics a Democrat, he has been justice of the peace and a school official. Mr. Loudon's wife died on the farm at the age of forty-six. By this marriage there were four children : Charles, Carrie, Sadie and Chester. The family faith is that of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Loudon is an affable gentleman of the old school, and his neighborhood has been bettered by his kindly presence.

Michael C. Loesch, a well-known farmer of section 11, in the vicinity of Pearl lake, Maine Prairie township, was born in section 3, across the lake from where he now resides, November 22, 1863, son of Nicholas and Anna Loesch, and grandson of Michael Loesch, all natives of Luxemburg. Nicholas set out for America in 1854. In 1855 he started for the "West with a party of eight young men. They were among the first to pass through the canal at Sault Ste. Marie. Through swamps and woods they pursued their course and finally reached St. Paul. From there Nicholas came to St. Cloud. He first took a homestead in Rockville township, but allowed his right to lapse. His parents obtained a homestead in Rockville township, where they ended their days. Nicholas finally secured a location in section 3, near Pearl lake in Maine Prairie township. Here he erected a log cabin, and with a yoke of oxen and a cow started farming operations. He marketed his produce in St. Paul, making the journey with an ox team, taking six days to complete the round trip. He became a leading man in the community. His particular interest was taken in churches and schools. He helped to build the Catholic Church on Jacob's prairie, and also the church at Luxemburg Postofflce in St. Augusta township. Later he assisted in building the church at Pearl Lake. Nicholas Loesch died March 17, 1913, at eighty years of age. His widow is still living at the good age of seventy-six. Of their fourteen children, Michael C. is the oldest. The others are: Margaret, Kate (deceased), Lena, Nicholas, Henry, Peter (deceased), Casper, Peter, Anna, Mary, Elizabeth, John and an unnamed infant (deceased).

Michael C. Loesch was reared on the home farm, and received a splendid education. For eleven years he taught school in Stearns county. For a while he was clerk for Joseph Walch, at New Paynesville, this county, then for a time he was in the bindery department of the Pioneer Press at St. Paul. "When he was about thirty years of age he located on eighty acres which are included in his present farm. At that time the tract was heavily wooded. Mr. Loesch erected a frame house and other buildings, the lumber of which was secured from timber growing on the land. He has added to the original purchase and now owns 120 acres of good land. He has erected a modern, ventilated barn, and a brick residence, as well as other improved buildings. At first he raised Hereford cattle. Recently, however, he has changed to Holsteins. He has a good grade of horses and red swine. He has also raised some excellent fruit. He has been secretary of the Pearl Lake Creamery since it was organized in 1897, and is the Maine Prairie director for the Mutual Fire Insurance Co., Incorporated, of "Wakefield, as well as a director in the State Bank of Kimball. He has been treasurer of the school district for many years, and has served both as chairman and as a member of the town board. Mr. Loesch was married August 1, 1893, to Margaret Geideman, and they have eight children: Celia, Rose, Frank, Mary, Clara, George, Elma and Lawrence. Margaret Geideman, who became Mrs. Michael C. Loesch, was born in Rockville township, this county, June 12, 1868, daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Grien) Geideman. Joseph Geideman was born in Baaden, and came to America in 1854. He was married in St. Cloud to Catherine Grien, who was born in Belgium, and was brought to Ohio by her parents in 1857. After their marriage, they located on some wild land in Rockville township, erected a log cabin, and started farming with a yoke of oxen. Mrs. Geideman died in 1893 at the age of fifty-five, and after that her husband moved to Maine Prairie township, where he died in 1906 at the age of seventythree. There were nine children in the family: Mary (deceased), Kate, Anna, Margaret, John, Barbara (deceased), Aloysius (deceased), Josephine and Elizabeth.

Rutledge Moss, a progressive farmer of Maine Prairie township, was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, March 24, 1855, son of Thomas and Rachael (Donahue) Moss. The parents were born in Pennsylvania, and were married in Indiana. Thomas Moss was a cooper by trade, but he also devoted many years of his life to farming. At the close of the war he brought his family to Stearns county and secured a homestead of 160 acres in Fair Haven township. In the family were seven children, six of whom came with the parents, and one of whom came soon afterward. They were : John W., Elias D., Thomas, Jennie, Theodore, Rutledge and Anna. Upon their arrival here they erected a log cabin for a residence. They also constructed a log barn covered with hay, for their ox team, their horse and their two cows. The parents ended their days on this farm.

Rutledge Moss received his early education in the district schools of Fair Haven township. At the age of nineteen he started for himself on ninety acres of wild land in Fair Haven township. Here he erected a frame building, and started farming wdth an ox team. About this time he married Cora Dormas, a native of Meeker county. About two years after his marriage he moved to a farm of forty acres in section 35 in Maine Prairie township, where he still resides. When he moved on the place no buildings had been erected, and only five acres had been broken. He built a log house and a board barn, and started in to carve his fortune. He now has a fine home, a model small barn with patent stanchions, and excellent farm equipment. He carries on diversified farming and raises a good grade of stock. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Kimball. Mr. and Mrs. Moss were married in 1879 and have six children : Guy, William, Florence, Cecil, Charles and John.

Ferdinand Mlelke, a prominent farmer of Maine Prairie township, was born in Pomer, Germany, December 13, 1843, son of Frederick and Marie (Lodewick) Mielke, who spent the span of their years on a farm in Germany. Ferdinand, the subject of this sketch, was reared in his native country, and was there married, July 20, 1864, to Amelia Bretzke, who was born in Karlsthal, Germany, October 27, 1844. In 1868 the family came to America. In the party were : Ferdinand Mielke and wife, their two children, William, aged two years, and Emilie, aged seven weeks, as well as Ferdinand Bretzke and family. Twenty-eight days were spent on the water, the trip being made in the sailing vessel, "Schmitt," which was named from its captain.

The party landed at New York, and started for St. Paul. They became separated, and endured many hardships before reaching their destination, inability to speak the English language often making it difficult for them to obtain food and attention. At last they were all united at Carver, in this state. On May 13, 1869, Mr. Mielke came to Stearns county, and was taken through Maine Prairie township by a pioneer. However a trip he had taken through the wild country while living at Carver, when he and his companions suffered severely from cold, rain, snow, weariness and hunger, discouraged him from making another attempt to establish a homestead, so he secured a position on a steamboat at $50.00 a month. In the meantime, the father-inlaw, Frederick Bretzke, had secured a claim in section 14, Maine Prairie, and he induced Frederick Mielke to locate in that vicinity. So with his family and an ox team, Mr. Mielke took up his residence on section 14, Maine Prairie township. There were no buildings on the tract and no roads leading to it. The first home consisted of a hole dug in the ground, with the wagon box for a cover. Later a small log cabin was erected. One pane of glass for the only window, purchased for thirty-five cents, represented the only money expenditure. After living on this place five years the family moved to a tract of 160 acres in section 3, which Mr. Mielke purchased at $6 an acre. Here he erected a story and a half log cabin, with a kitchen in the rear. This was a very substantial structure for those days. Mr. Mielke had no money and went to St. Cloud for the purpose of securing lumber from N. P. Clark on credit. He there met John Zapp, now a leading banker, with whom he established a confidential financial relation which has since continued. Mr. Mielke has continued to reside on the farm in section 3. He has a good place with excellent buildings and well-tilled soil. He has been school treasurer for ten years and has served in other local positions. He and his family are adherents of the Evangelical Church. Mr. and Mrs. Mielke have had twelve children: Otilia (deceased), William, Emil, Helena, Matilda, Theodore, Herman, Ferdinand, Amelia, Julius (deceased), Clara and Arthur.

Sylvanous J. Phillips was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, December 22, 1857, son of A. J. and Nancy (Livingston) Phillips, who were born in Allegany county. New York ; came to Minnesota in 1861, lived a while in Dakota county, and then established their home in Meeker county. Sylvanous J. Phillips was educated in Dakota county, farmed there with his parents, and was also a mail carrier five years in Meeker county. In 1908 he came to Maine Prairie, and purchased a farm of 120 acres near Kimball in section 11. Later he sold that and purchased eighty acres adjoining. There he follows diversified farming. In 1911 he purchased a store at Kimball, which he still conducts.

Mr. Phillips married Lizzie Shoutz, a native of Illinois, daughter of John Shoutz, now of McCloud county, this state, a veteran of the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have six children: A. J., Anna Maude, Frank, Nannie, Sylvanous J., Jr., and Walter. Stella is dead.

Eliel Peck, postmaster at Kimball Prairie, was born in Lebanon, New Hampshire, February 26, 1867, son of Solan A. and Sarah (Hubbard) Peck, natives also of Lebanon, where the sixth generation occupies the Peck home which was built in 1780. Eliel Peck received his education in the graded and high school of Lebanon, and in the agricultural department of Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire. After his graduation in 1875 he became steward in the large hotel, the "Twin Mountain House," in the White Mountains, for five years. In 1880 he came to Minnesota and opened a general store at Kingston, Meeker county. When the "Soo" line came through in 1889, he came to Kimball Prairie, and erected the first store, which has now developed into a large mercantile establishment which he still owns. In the spring of 1890 he was appointed postmaster, and this position he has since occupied with the exception of two years under Grover Cleveland's second administration. He is interested in the progress of the village, and maintains his home here though for the past twenty-five years he has spent his winters in Florida. He is a mem.ber of Plumb Line Lodge, No. 173, A. F. & A. M. Mr. Peck was married February 14, 1881, to Emma A. McLane.

Peter Roth, a farmer of Maine Prairie, was born in St. Charles county, Missouri, June 28, 1855, son of Mathias and Lucy Roth, who were born in Prussia, Germany, came to America, located in Missouri, were married in St. Louis, came to Stearns county in 1867, located in section 6, Maine Prairie township, and lived a pioneer life, erecting a log cabin, breaking the land, prospering with the years, and finally erecting modern buildings, and adding eighty acres to the original farm. The father died in 1906 at the age of eighty-three and the mother in 1905 at the age of seventy-three. Peter Roth came here with his parents, and spent his boyhood amid frontier conditions. He has always remained on the home farm. His place now consists of 240 acres of good land, upon which he successfully conducts general farming, making a specialty of pure blooded Herefords. He is a leading man in the community and has ocupied school office nearly a quarter of a century. Mr. Roth married Katharina Volz, and they have nine children : Leo, Joseph, Elizabeth, Henry, Anne, Mathew, John, Albert and Andrew.

David Bright Stanley, for many years postmaster and storekeeper in Maine Prairie village, was born in Edinburg, Penn., February 23, 1845, son of Thomas and Mary Stanley, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ireland. The original rendering of the name was Standley. From Pennsylvania the family went to Ohio, where the father worked at his trade as a machinist. In 1858 they came to Stearns county, and located on a farm in section 11, near Pearl lake, in Maine Prairie township. Here they erected a log cabin and started farming with an ox team. Later the father sold this place, and went to Dunkirk, Indiana, where he spent his last days. In the family there were six children : David B., Joseph, Plum, Frank, Roger and Bird. David B. Stanley attended the district schools of Maine Prairie, the St. Cloud High School, and the Bryant & Stratton Business College, of Minneapolis. In 1867 he and his brother, Roger, erected a store building in Maine Prairie village, and opened a general merchandise establishment. In 1868 Mr. Stanley was appointed postmaster. A few years later he bought his partner's interest, and then continued in business alone. He served as supervisor and as a member of the school board. He was town clerk for nearly two decades. His fraternal affiliation was with the Masonic Lodge at Kimball. He died March 17, 1911. Mr. Stanley was married August 22, 1868, to Emma

Gene Allen, born in Maine, December 2, 1850, daughter of Barney and Hannah (Wakefield) Allen, who, in 1855, brought their twin children, Alden and Emma Gene to Anoka county, Minnesota; came to Maine Prairie in 1867, and spent their declining years at Kimball village. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley have twelve children : Grace A., born October 26, 1869 ; Ida M., born November 22, 1870 ; Milton P., born February 16, 1872 ; Henry M., born April 14, 1878 ; Kate A., born May 8, 1874; Inez, born January 5, 1882; David B., born April 11, 1887 ; Mary H., born August 27, 1883, and died October 29, 1887 ; George W., born December 31, 1888; Barney A., born September 15, 1890.

Corydon David Shoemaker, a farmer of Maine Prairie township, was born in Lake county, Ohio, April 17, 1854, son of Abram and Ashsah (Waite) Shoemaker. Abram Shoemaker was born March 10, 1816, and died April 29, 1886. His wife, Ashsah Waite, was born January 23, 1823, and died December 28, 1900. They were married June 8, 1846. Their children were : Athalie, born May 4, 1847; Helen, born August 17, 1849; Almon, born April 1, 1853; Corydon, born April 17, 1854; Merritt E., born October 15, 1856; and Waite A., born March 24, 1860. Of these Athalie, Corydon, Merritt E. and Waite A. lived to adult years. In 1863, while the Civil War was raging, Abram Shoemaker and his wife set out for Minnesota. They located in Plainview, in Wabasha county, and there lived until 1871, when they came to Stearns county, and located on the shores of Day's lake, in section 22, Maine Prairie township. Here they spent the remainder of their lives. Abram Shoemaker was a farmer-preacher, being one of the pioneer clergymen of the Christian Church. Corydon D. was but seventeen years of age when the family came to Stearns county. He has devoted his mature years to agricultural pursuits. At the age of twenty-one he started out for himself. His first place embraced eighty acres, forty being a homestead in section 35, Maine Prairie township, and forty being school land in section 36. With the passage of the years, Mr. Shoemaker has became an influential and prosperous man. He has been chairman and director of his school district, has been constable about fifteen years, and assessor for some four or five years. He is also president of the Kimball Creamery Company, at Kimball. Mr. Shoemaker was married in 1875 to Elizabeth Greeley, daughter of Augustus Greeley. She died in May, 1897, at the age of forty. To this union have been born five children : Ernest H., Alvin Leslie, Clara Elizabeth, Edna Myrtle and Ashsah Helen. Mr. Shoemaker was married the second time, in July, 1898, to Anna West, born in Stearns county, October 7, 1869, daughter of William Preston West and Martha Jane Moore West, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Shoemaker have two children : Abram W. and Ward Almon.

Henry Steichen, a prosperous farmer of Maine Prairie township, was born in Luxemburg, January 20, 1860, son of John and Angelica (Roller) Steichen, who brought their three children, Henry, Susan and John from Germany in 1865, and settled on 160 acres in section 34, Rockville township. At this time about forty acres were under cultivation, and a log cabin had been erected. They began farming with an ox team and as the years passed were unusually successful. The farm buildings showed the evidences of their increasing pros- perity, and in time a modern home was built. John Steiehen was a member of the school board for many years. He was also an active member of the church at Luxemburg, which he assisted in erecting. He died in 1882 at the age of seventy-one. His wife died in 1898 at the age of sixty. Four children were born in Stearns county: Mary, Nicholas, Anna (deceased), and Katie. Henry Steiehen has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. He was reared on the home farm, and attended the district schools. In 1889 he moved onto a farm in section 10, Maine Prairie township, which his parents had purchased from D. E. Meyers. At the time of the purchase there was nothing on the place in the way of improvement except a small shack. Mr. Steiehen has erected a brick residence and other sightly buildings. He has made a marked success of general farming, and has added 160 acres to his original place. His specialty is Aberdeen-Angus cattle and Poland-China swine. A Democrat in politics he has served as chairman of the town board for many years, and for four years as town clerk. He is a stockholder in the State Bank of Kimball, and a member of the board of directors of the Cold Spring Co-Operative Insurance Co. Mr. Steiehen was married February 25, 1884, to Anna Kremmer, a native of Luxemburg, and they have ten children : Angelica, Nicholas, Anna, Susan, John N., Katie, Henry, Aloysius, Margaret and Paul.

Freed Scheelar, who carries on general farming in Maine Prairie township, was born in Ohio, January 10, 1853, son of Sacheries Scheelar. The mother died when Freed was but three days old, and the father brought the eight children, five of whom had been born to a former marriage, to Minnesota, and located on 160 acres in section 20. He built a log cabin and started farming with an ox team. Later he sold out. He died when Freed was but eight years old. Thus left an orphan in his tenderest years. Freed Scheelar secured a living as best he could, living with whatever families would supply him with board and lodging in return for such services as he could render. He was still a boy when he secured eighty acres and moved into a log cabin where he lived alone. He married Mary Held and the two started life together. By hard work and frugality they secured a competence. They have erected a modern home and barn and their farm of 120 acres is in a high state of cultivation and improvement. It is a matter of gratification with them that they were among those who assisted in building the Church of St. Holy Cross, R. C, at Maetz. Mr. and Mrs. Scheelar have three children: Julia, Fridolin and Agnes.

Andrew Alstrom, deceased, was born in Sweden, April 18, 1850, descended from a sturdy line of peasant farmers. After learning the carpenters' trade he came to the United States at the age of twenty-one, settled in Illinois, and secured employment at his chosen occupation. He later removed to Hastings, Minnesota, where he was employed at bridge construction on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. He was married at Hastings, in 1880, to Emma Fredeen, a native of Sweden, who came to America in 1878 and located in Cannon Falls, Goodhue county, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Alstrom had two children. Charles A. married Helen Berger, and lives at Haliday, North Dakota. Nettie F. married Ira L. "Williams, and lives in Snohomish, Wash. In 1914, while spending the summer with her mother at her summer home on Lake Linneman, she furnished the material upon which this sketch is based. In 1886, Mr. and Mrs. Alstrom came to St. Cloud, where Mr. Alstrom opened the Bodega Restaurant at 606 St. Germain street, a business he conducted until his retirement in 1910. During the years that Mr. Alstrom lived in St. Cloud he was elected to the city council from the Fourth Ward for several terms, and was at one time vice-president of that body. He was considered one of the substantial citizens of St. Cloud and took a great interest in its development. He had a wide circle of friends and acquaintances, and was a member of the Masonic order, the Red Men, the Eagles, the Sons of Herman and the Gustavus Alolphus Society. He died July 22, 1910, and was buried at Hastings, Minnesota, with Masonic orders.

W. S. Bartholomew, postmaster at Avon, was born September 5, 1860, in Monroe, Butler county, Ohio, son of Samuel K. and Mary (Mellor) Bartholomew. Samuel K. Bartholomew was born in Strasburg, a few miles from Lancaster, Penn., about the year 1827. In the forties he was engaged in transporting freight on the government road over the mountains in that vicinity. In 1879 he brought the family to Waverly, Wright county, and later bought land near Annandale, that county, where he spent the remainder of his days. He died in 1890. His wife died in 1888. Of the ten children in the family, six are living. W. S. Bartholomew obtained his early education at College Hill, Cincinnati, Ohio. He came to Minnesota with his father, and alternated teaching school with work on the farm. In 1885 he went to Dassel, Minn., was there married, and there lived four years. In 1889 he came to St. Cloud. It was in 1890 that he moved to Avon, and became a sawmill operator. In 1899 he was appointed postmaster, a position he still retains, giving general satisfaction to the patrons of the office. He was chairman of the town board for six years, and town clerk eleven years. Being of a fraternal nature he has allied himself with the B. P. 0. E. and the M. W. A., at St. Cloud. Mr. Bartholomew was married in 1885, to Nellie Mann, born in Vermont, daughter of Willard and Elvira (Dudley) Mann. There are two daughters: Nellie A. and Ethel M., both teachers.

Rudolph Grunloh, a retired farmer living in the village of Avon, was born in the grand duchy of Oldenburg, Germany, November 1, 1834, son of Lambert and Elizabeth (Ludica) Grunloh. He was reared in his native land and in 1858 came to America. He spent the winter in New Orleans, and then secured employment with a farmer living near Cincinnati, Ohio. In the fall he went to work for another farmer in the same vicinity, and remained with him for three years. He and his brother, Lambert, then lived in Indianapolis, Ind., for a short period. He was married in 1863, and two years later brought his family to St. Paul. In 1868 he came to Avon, and took a homestead in the northwest quarter of section 6, where he erected a log cabin, broke the land, and started raising grain. Here he reared his family, and here he successfully farmed until 1910, when he and his wife moved to Avon village. For eighteen years he was school treasurer in his district. His wife, whom he married in Cincinnati, in 1863, was the daughter of William and Margaretha (Kramer) Grus. Five of their children are still living. They are : Mary is now Mrs. Lucon, and lives in Albany; Rudolph J., married Augusta

Rudolph J. Gmnloh, a successful farmer, living on the old homestead in section 6, Avon township, was born on the farm, where he still resides, April 25, 1872, son of Rudolph and Margaretha (Grus) Grunloh. As a youth he attended the school of District No. 72, of which his father was the first treasurer, and of which his children are now pupils. He has one of the finest farms in the township, his home is attractive with commodious outbuildings, he is progressive and modern in all his methods, and a true gentleman in every respect. Mr. Grunloh married Augusta Von Wahlde, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and they have six children : Marie, Gertrude, Rudolph, Lonora, Regina and Loretta.

Nicholas Keppers, one of the earliest pioneers of Stearns county, was born in Prussia, Germany, August 31, 1836, son of Adam and Margaret (Kramer) Keppers. Adam Keppers was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1810, was there married, and in 1852 came to America and located in Lafayette, Indiana, where he lost his wife. In 1854 he brought the children to Stearns county, and settled on a claim of 160 acres in St. Joseph township, where he died in 1884. In 1863, Nicholas Keppers was married to Mary Terwey, and they secured 160 acres of land in Avon township. The home was a combination of log cabin and dug-out, covered with bass-wood bark. In 1880 they erected a frame house. There he died in 1897. He was prominent in local affairs, and served for a time as county commissioner. In his family there were sixteen children : Adam, a farmer of Avon ; John, living in Collegeville, this county ; Annie, the wife of Frank Whitman, of Avon ; Joseph, of St. Wendel ; Susie, now Sister Mary Jerome, in the convent at Little Falls ; Elizabeth, the wife of William Roch, of Avon ; Michael, of Avon village ; Bernard J., the principal of the schools at Holdingford, this county.

Adam Keppers, one of these sons, was born on the farm in Avon, September 12, 1865. He attended school in District No. 60, one of his teachers being Mary Scotup. As a young man he was himself a teacher for a short time, and then as a bachelor took up his residence on his farm in section 22, Avon township, where he built a log cabin. Two years later he married and brought his wife to the place. Mr. Keppers carries on general farming and has a splendid place of 200 acres. In 1908 he erected a sightly brick residence, supplied with steam heat and other modern conveniences. Mr. Keppers was the first white child born in the township, has taken a part in its progress, and few men are better informed as to its history. He has been town clerk and assessor, and in 1912 was defeated for the ofiice of county commissioner by only a small majority. He was married in 1894 to Johanna Grunloh, daughter of Rudolph and Margaret (Grus) Grunloh. In the family there are nine children, four boys and five girls. Rudolf, Stella, Philip, Martha, Mari, Nicholaus, Ursella, Margaret and Francis.

Thomas F. Roche, a well-known resident of Avon village, was born in Illinois, October 14, 1858, son of Thomas and Bridget (Collnan) Roche. Thomas Roche was born in County Limerick, Ireland, and in time came to America and located in Illinois. At the beginning of the Civil War he brought his family to St. Paul, and about 1868 he came to Avon, and homesteaded 160 acres in section 10. He died in 1908 and his wife in 1913. Of their eleven children seven are now living. Thomas F. attended school in the neighborhood of his home, and remained for some time with his parents. Then he worked on the railroad for five years. After he married, he rented a farm a year, and then moved to the village of Avon, where he conducted a general mercantile store for a quarter of a century. Under Grover Cleveland he served as postmaster of the village. Since his retirement from the store he has engaged in various lines of endeavor, and now spends his time looking after his numerous interests. He owns 284 acres in the township, stocked with Hereford cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine, well supplied with buildings, and also 110 lots and numerous buildings in the village. He has one of the best residences in the vicinity. Mr. Roche is an active energetic man, and has long labored for the upbuilding of the township and village. He has occupied various offices and is now president of the village. He has been a member of the school board for thirteen years. In 1894 he assisted in organizing the Avon Literary Society, which during its existence of one season had a most beneficial influence upon the life of the community. Mr. Roche married Rose Ellen Randolph, of Anoka, this state, and they have six children living. They are: Alice, Edward, Frank, Dora, Lillian and Grace. Alice married Fred Belleu, of Royalton, Minn., and they have one child, Elvina. Edward married Katie Merkling and lives in Avon. They have one child, Lester.

John Obermiller was born in Germany, and was one of a family of three boys and three girls. Five of them came to America, and located at Aurora, New York, leaving the youngest brother in Germany. The two boys made shingles by hand, and thus supported the family. During the winter, John worked in the pine woods. One day while thus employed he heard the sound of a horn in the distance. He recognized the sound as belonging to a horn which the members of the family had used in Germany, and at once remarked to a companion that he believed his youngest brother was approaching, though at that time he did not know that the brother had reached America, His intuition proved to be true, and thus the six members of the family were reunited. John and one of his brothers came to Wisconsin, and after working a while as farm hands developing forty acres of land, which they broke, cleared, fenced and planted to wheat. The farmer for whom they did this work paid them $100, a sum of money which they greatly needed. Each of the two brothers then bought forty arces of land. About this time his sister married a man named Rass. A few weeks afterward he went away to look for work, and never returned. John Obermiller then cared for her, and became foster father to her son Frank when he was born. Later they sold out and drove to Minnesota with an ox-team, the trip lasting about six weeks. This was in 1858. They secured a homestead in section 2, Collegeville, and were among the very earliest settlers in that vicinity. When they arrived they had seven dollars. Four of this was spent for lumber and three for flour. They started farming in the wilderness and gradually became prosperous. There were a number of maple trees on the place and sometimes the family got as much as one hundred dollars' worth of sugar and syrup in a season.

As circumstances permitted they erected a frame dwelling and a good barn. During all this time John Obermiller made a home for his nephew, Frank Rass, and gave him a father's love and care. This brief mention of his career has been prepared from his own notes. He was an upright, generous man, and true gentleman in every sense, and his life-long example of kindlness will long be remembered in the community he helped to establish.

Frank Rass was born in Wisconsin. His father disappeared a short time before he was born, and he was reared by his mother and by his uncle, John Obermiller. He came to Collegeville, this county, with his mother and uncle in 1858, and lived with them until his marriage. After his marriage he farmed in Collegeville for twenty-nine years. In 1911 he exchanged the farm for a hotel and livery barn in Avon village. He was married in May, 1882, to Margaret Gasperlin, who was born in Germany July 1, 1863. Her parents brought her to America in 1868 and located at St. Anthony, this state, where they ended their days, he at the age of eighty-three and she at the age of sixty. Frank Rass and his wife had a large family of children, twelve of whom are living. Joseph lives in Melrose. Mary married John B. Schmidt, who died in St. Cloud, in 1913. Amelia is the wife of Mr. Roering, who lives near New Munich. Frank lives in St. Cloud. Sebastian and John are in Avon. Elizabeth is the wife of Mr, Mertes, of Bowbells, North Dakota. Anna, Alfred, Leo, Emmanuel and Agatha H. are all at home. John Rass was born in Collegeville township, March 25, 1888. He attended the district schools of his neighborhood, and in 1911, when his parents purchased the hotel and livery at Avon village, he and his brother Sebastian took charge of the livery. He married Flora Emerfall, and they have two children : Genevieve, born May 17, 1912, and Gazella, born October 5, 1913.

Nicholas Schirmers, a respected farmer of Avon township, was born in Sefferweich, district of Trier (Treves), Rhine province, Germany, son of Nicholas, Sr., and Mary (Roths) Schirmers, farmers, who spent the span of their years in the old country. The subject of this mention was reared in his native district, became a farmer, and married. In 1884 they came to America, and after living a short time in St. Michael township, Wright county, this state, purchased a farm in Avon township, where he still lives. The farm consists of 120 acres of fertile land in a high stage of cultivation. By his wife, Katherine Zeimetz, Mr. Schirmers has had nine children : Mary ; Nicholas who married Johanna Blenkush and has two adopted children ; Stephen, of Buckman, who married Mary Schmidt ; Martin of Buckman who married Margaret Smith and has two children ; Jacob who lives at home ; John and Lucy, who died in infancy ; Sebastian a reverend father of the Catholic Church ; and Aloysius M., at home.

John P. Schneider, who is connected with the business interests of Avon, was born December 3, 1880, in section 27, Avon township, son of John and Anna (Baur) Schneider. John Schneider was born in Luxemburg, March 12, 1824, and came to America about 1846, settling in Ohio. In 1849 he followed the gold rush to California. In the middle fifties he arrived in St. Joseph, where he worked as a farm hand for several years. In 1867 he came to Avon, secured a place in section 27, and engaged in general farming. He there reared his family. "With his active interest in public events it was natural that he should take a prominent part in town affairs. For some time he served as town clerk. He died in September, 1907, in his eighty-fourth year. He and his good wife were parents of nine children, of whom there are living five. Barbara married Michael Bach. They live in Grand Forks, N. D., and have nine children. Andrew married Clara Maehren. They live in Cold Spring, and have five children. Margaret married Henry Smith, and they have six children, John P. is a clerk in Avon village. Lena married Michael Lutgen, and they have four children. John P. Schneider received his early education in the school of district 60, and at the age of twenty-three engaged in the stock business. Five years later he entered the employ of J. Borgerding & Co., engaged in the general mercantile, hardware and lumber business in Avon. In this concern he has since remained. He is interested in the general welfare of Avon, and is serving as clerk of the township. He belongs to the St. Joseph Society. John P. Schneider married Anna Brandtner, born in Meire Grove, this county. They have three children, Ida M., Adaline A. and Margaret L.

Barney M. Terwey, a successful farmer of Avon, was born in Burlington, Wis., April 2, 1858, son of John and Gertrude (Liether) Terwey. John Terwey was born in Westphalia, Germany, and there married, and in the early forties brought his family to America. They lived many years in Burlington, Wis., and in May, 1860, came to Stearns county, Minn., and located in Meire Grove. John Terwey died a short time after his arrival here. The family, however, retained the claim. The widow afterward married Henry Kreager, John Terwey and his wife had eight children: Gertrude, Mary, John, Henry, Susan, Christine, Barney M. and Anna. Gertrude married Anton Miller, and they live in Menomonie, Wis. John married Antonette Schweiters, now deceased. Henry lives in White Earth, Becker county, Minn. He married Adaline Terhaar. Susan married Gregger Guck, and lives in Rice, Benton county, this state. Christine married Matthew Rietter, and they live in Chokio, Minn, Barney M. is a farmer of Avon township. Mary was married to Nick Keppers and after her death Nick Keppers was married to Anna.

Barney M. Terwey attended schools in Meire Grove, St. Joseph and Avon. At the age of nine years he went to St. Joseph to live with Nicholas Keppers. Two years later he took up his home with his uncle, Barney Terwey. After a short time with him he again went to Mr. Keppers, with whom he remained until twenty-one years of age. Then for several years he worked for various farmers. His first piece of land was forty acres in section 15, Avon township. Later he sold this and acquired 234 acres in section 8, Avon township, on which he still resides. He built a log house, broke and improved the land, and has since continued to carry on general farming. He married Elizabeth Grunloh, daughter of Rudolph and Margaret (Grues) Grunloh, and they have six children living: Rudolph J., Julian M., George A., Bernard B,, Henry M and Roman J.

Frank Monroe Whitman, successful creamery man of Avon village, was born near Owatonna, Steele county, Minn,, July 29, 1875, son of Monroe D. and Anna (Bryant) Whitman. Monroe D. Whitman was born in Newbury

Center, Vermont, and devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. During the war he was a private in the Thirteenth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, and among other engagements, took part in the Battle of Gettysburg. After the war he came to Steele county, Minn., and farmed until 1910, when he retired and moved to the city of Owatonna. The seven children are : Clarence, a missionary in South Africa ; George M., living in Minneapolis ; Frank M., living in Avon ; Arthur J., living in Good Thunder, Minn. ; Hattie, now wife of Gary Felton, who farms near Owatonna; Charles E., who lives on the home farm near Owatonna; and Lynn who works for Charles. Frank M. received his early education in the district schools of his neighborhood and in the Owatonna High School. Then he attended at St. Anthony Park, the Dairy School, Department of Agriculture, University of Minnesota, and after the customary practical experience, received his diploma. He worked for a while in the Crown Creamery, near Owatonna, Minn. ; the following year went to Rushmore, Minn., and operated a creamery, then went to Amherst, South Dakota, where he put in a creamery and remained four months ; from there going to Kidder, South Dakota for a month ; and from thence to Holdingford, this county, where he put in a creamery for Mathias Wardran, and remained a little over three years. In 1900 he came to Avon, and in company with Frank Schmid, established the creamery which they are still successfully conducting. Mr. Whitman belongs to the Minnesota State Buttermakers' Association, to the Catholic Order of Foresters and to the St. Joseph Society. He is one of the progressive young men of Avon, and is much interested in the prosperity of the village. For ten successive years he served as village recorder. He married Annie G. Keppers, daughter of Nicholas Keppers, one of the pioneers of Avon. They have three children : Ethel A., Irene M. and Lucile E.

Philip Beaupre was one of the early pioneers of Minnesota, and his career constitutes a story of thrilling adventures in a wild country inhabited by Indians, with here and there a trading post of the whites. He was born in Two Rivers, Lower Canada, July 6, 1823, and at the age of seventeen years started out on his incursion into pioneer regions. He was employed in 1840 on the Chicago canal, after which he went to Green Bay, Wis., and spent a year and a half. Then, after a trip to St. Louis and New Orleans, he went into the Yellowstone country, and was for one year in the employ of the American Fur Company. In the summer of 1844 he came to Minnesota, and located at Crow Wing, in the employ of the Indian traders, Morrison and McDonald, with whom he remained one year. Then he worked for Henry M. Rice a year. In 1849 he established a trading post in what is now Morrison county, and was elected one of the county commissioners of Benton county which then took in a large district in this part of Minnesota. In 1850 he came to what is now Sauk Rapids, took a claim, and combined farming with trading. He was made a justice of the peace, and had a number of cases tried before him. In 1852, having married, he went Pembina, then in Dakota territory, and was employed in the United States Custom Ofifice. In 1855 he opened a trading post in Sauk Centre, in Stearns county, and in 1856 he took the contract for transporting government supplies from St. Cloud to Fort Abercrombie. In 1859 he was elected sheriff of Stearns county and served two years. Then he made a trip to Montana, and after his return took up his residence in St. Cloud where he engaged in draying. For two years he was employed by Nathan Myriek, in the construction of Fort Pembina. After this he returned to the old homestead in Sauk Rapids, where he spent the remainder of his days. He died Nov. 7, 1906, at the age of eighty-five years.

Philip Beaupre was married May 6, 1852, in the old log church at St. Paul, to Theresa Denoyer, born in St. Louis, Mo., September 8, 1835, daughter of Louis and Marie (Robert) Denoyer. Mr. and Mrs. Beaupre had sixteen children, thirteen of whom have lived to adult years. They are : William P., Louis G., Emma E., Henry, Mary L., Eulalie, Jeanette, Theresa, Frank, John B., Elizabeth, and Alphonse L. and Andrew (twins). William P. is married and has ten children. He lives in Alberta. Louis G. is on a ranch in Sweet Grass. Emma E. is a painter of more than usual ability. Henry is a dentist in Sweet Grass. He married Josephine Homan, and they have two children. Mary L. is the wife of John H. Homan, a St. Cloud patrolman, and they have five children. Eulalie is a nurse and lives at home. Jeanette married Arthur Hill, and they have four children. They live in Butte, Mont. Theresa married C. Nelson, and they have two children. Frank is married, has four children and lives in Minneapolis. John B. is married, has three children and lives in Butte, Montana. Elizabeth married Albert Dorsh and they have four children. Mrs. Beaupre is now living in Montana. One of her prized possessions is a painting on china of the historic log church in which she was married. She also has many beautiful paintings executed by her daughter Emma E.

Charles E. Bell, now a resident of Sauk Rapids, was born in Pittsburg, Penn., August 11, 1843, son of Roger and Margaret (Scott) Bell. In 1845, the family moved from Deer Creek, a little settlement at which the father had a blacksmith shop, twelve miles from Pittsburg, and located in Port Byron, Rock Island county, Illinois. Charles E. Bell enlisted, July 23, 1861, in Company D, Twelfth Illinois Vounteer Infantry. He re-enlisted January 1, 1864, and served until he received his honorable discharge, July 24, 1865. He saw strenuous active service, and followed the fortunes of his regiment in its historic campaign. To recount the list of his engagements would be to write a history of the regiment. After his return to Port Byron, he worked in his father's store for a while. Later he engaged in railroading on the Northwestern with Clinton, Iowa, as his headquarters. In 1879 he came to Sauk Rapids, where he has since resided. Mr. Bell now conducts an ice cream parlor in Sauk Rapids. He is the manufacturer of Bell's "Wonder Ointment and Liniment," a remedy for all skin disorders which is sold under a guarantee and has met with much favor. Mr. Bell has taken an active interest in the affairs of Sauk Rapids and Benton county. At one time he was county commissioner. He has been president of the village, and for some twenty years has been the justice of the peace. He is also a notary public. He belongs to the Sauk Rapids Lodge, No. 84, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and to McKelvey Post, G. A. R. Mr. Bell married Sophia Bricket, and they have one daughter, Ida.

Joseph A. Coates, for over half a century a resident of Sauk Rapids, was born in Lincolnshire, England, November 30, 1849, and was brought by his parents to America in 1854. After living in Davenport, Iowa, for a while, the family moved to Harmony, Fillmore county, Minn. In the spring of 1861 the family came to Sauk Rapids, and here with the exception of two years in Arkansas, he has since spent his life.

Mr. Coates has taken an active part in the affairs of Sauk Rapids and Benton county. He was sheriff from 1872 to 1874, served as deputy the succeeding four years, was again elected sheriff and served from 1878 to 1880. Then he became judge of probate. He now represents his district in the lower house of the Minnesota Legislature, and has made an excellent record.

Joseph A. Coates was married in 1878 to Mary E., daughter of Erasmus and Jane Cross. To this union four children have been born: Henry, Ada, Frederick and Emma. Henry married Mary Roth, and they have one son, Wilbur. They live on the father's farm. Ada married Jacob Jackson and they have three children, Florence E., Mary and Warren. They live in Alberta, Canada. Frederick is living with his sister in Alberta. Emma is the wife of Walter Mansfield, of Hamilton county, Mont., and they have two children, Mildred and Benard. Mrs. Mary E. (Cross) Coates died and, in 1897, Mr, Coates married Julia, the daughter of Jeremiah and Sophia Russell.

Julia A. has furnished the information for this historical information. She was born in the township of Le Sauk, in Stearns county. She attended the district schools, the St. Cloud State Normal School, and Carleton College, at Northfield, Minn., as well as the Conservatory of Music in Boston, Mass. She taught school in Sauk Rapids, Little Falls, Alberta and Santiago and she also was a proficient music teacher. In 1897 she married Joseph H. Coates, a prominent Benton county official.

Jeremiah Russell, a member of the first territorial legislature of Minnesota, was born in Eaton, Madison county. New York, Feb. 2, 1809, After attending the district schools he entered the Academy at Fredonia. When quite young he learned to set type in the office of the Fredonia Gazette, the first newspaper established in Chautauqua, N. Y. He followed this trade in Geneva, and other places, and clerked in a general store in Palmyra, Mayue county, in the same state for several years. In 1835 he started out on his travels and after wandering about Michigan and Indiana, he reached Chicago, went from there to Milwaukee, and then found his way to the Lake Superior country, where he worked as a mine foreman. In 1837, he associated himself with Franklin Steele and others, and took a claim at St. Croix, Wis. In 1839 he became government blacksmith and farmer, and went among the Indians about Lake Pokegama, and at La Pointe. In 1848 he located in Crow Wing, Minn., as agent for C, N, W, Borup and C. H. Oakes, the fur traders. In the fall of 1849 he was placed in charge of the post of the American Fur Co., about two miles above Sauk Rapids, on the east side of the river. About 1853 he settled in Le Sauk township, in what is now Stearns county. In 1869 he moved across the river to what is now Sauk Rapids in Benton county. There for a while he kept a tavern. He took a deep interest in educational matters and one of the schools at that place now bears his name. His membership in the first law-making body ever assembled in Minnesota has been mentioned. He died in 1888. Mr. Russell was married, September 20, 1843, to Sophia Oakes, the daughter of Charles H. and Sophia Oakes. They had seven children : Albert, Stanley, Mary M., Jeremiah, Julia A., Harriet and Fannie. Albert died in September, 1850, the first white person that passed away in Sauk Rapids. Stanley married Martha A, Hooper, and they have three children : Minnesota, commonly called Minnie, Edward, and Sophia who married Mr. Loucks and died in 1912. Mary M. is the wife of W. M. Newman, and they have two children, Lewis and Ethel. Jeremiah married Charlotte "Ware. Harriet died at the age of seven years and Fannie at the age of five.

David Gilman, a distinguished pioneer, was born April 29, 1812, son of John Gilman, who took the family to Orange county, Vermont, when David was but six months old. In that county David Gilman grew to manhood. In 1836 he went to Kalamazoo, Mich., where he kept a stable and dealt in horses. He was the first city marshal of Kalamazoo, holding that office for six years. He was also one of the original members of the first fire department. In 1848 he entered the employ of the American Fur Company, and in that capacity located with his family at Mendota, Minn. In 1849 he came to Watab, in what is now Benton county, and from Asa White bought out the rights to some 240 acres in what is now section 27. This same year he was appointed sheriff of Benton county by Governor Alexander Ramsey, and soon thereafter was elected to this office. He was county commissioner for a number of years, and chairman of the board a part of that time. In 1850 he represented his district in the Territorial Legislature, and in 1857 he sat in the Constitutional Convention. In the latter body he was noted for his strong advocacy of a proper recognition of the school interests of Minnesota. His home at Watab was the old Watab trading post, and at this place the postoffice was also kept. He was first appointed postmaster in 1853, and he held that office at different times for many years. David Gilman died in 1885 at the age of seventy-three. His wife died at the age of eight-five. Mr. Gilman was married in September, 1844, to Nancy W. Lamb, of Woodstock, Vermont, and of their five children, four grew to adult years. They were Ellen R., Sarah B., John D. L. and Frances E.

John David Lowry Gilman, a farmer of Watab township, Benton county, was born May 26, 1854, in section 27, of the township where he still resides, son of David and Nancy (Lamb) Gilman, the pioneers. He received his early education in Watab and St. Cloud, and was reared on the home farm where he has since continued to reside. Mr. Gilman is known far and wide. He has held all the important offices in his township and is still on the school board. He is a member of the Masons, the Yeomen, the Old Settlers Association and the Pioneer Association. His comfortable home and commodious out buildings are located directly on the bank of the Mississippi river, while his farm consists of 200 acres of the best land. Mr. Gilman married Adelaide F. Mc- Neal, who lived on a farm in Benton county. In the Gilman family there are six children: Minnie M., Ervine D., Alton, LeRoy, Cyren C. and John W. Minnie M. married Robert Burton and they have three children. Ervine D. married Pearl Moore.

Rev. Sherman Hall, a pioneer missionary, was born in Weatherfield, Vermont, April 30, 1800. He attended Exeter Academy at Exeter, N. H., gradu- ated from the academic course at Dartmouth College, Dartmouth, Maine, and completed a three years' course in theology at the Andover Theological Seminary, Andover, Mass. He entered the service of the American Board of Foreign Missions, and for twenty-two years labored among the Chippewa Indians, at La Pointe, on Lake Superior, in Wisconsin. Then he came to Minnesota to take charge of the government schools at Crow Wing. He translated the New Testament into the Chippewa tongue, and had the translation published in New York in the winter of 1843-44, revising it in 1856. He wrote a grammar in the same tongue, but the manuscript disappeared. Next he wrote a Chippewa hymn book, and later two small booklets, "The Peep of Day" and "Lessons from the New Testament." When the government removed the schools to Gull Lake, and took them out of the control of the Congregational denomination. Rev. Hall came to Sauk Rapids, held the first religious services here, and established the Congregational Church. For forty-eight years he labored in the Northwest, and won the respect of the whites and the Indians alike. He was judge of probate of Benton county and served also as county superintendent of schools for a considerable period. He died August 31, 1879, as the result of injuries received in falling from a wagon.

Sherman Hall was married in Cambridgeport, Mass., -June 15, 1831, to Betsey P. Parker, of that place. Three of their children, Edwin S., Harriet P. and Sarah E. lived to adult years. Edwin S. farms in Benton county, and has occupied a number of public positions including that of clerk of the district court. Harriet P. married Calvin Hicks, now deceased, a lawyer who served for a time as treasurer of Benton county. Sarah E. married Richard Cronk, the surveyor.

Richard Cronk, widely known as a practical surveyor, died at his home in Sauk Rapids, in 1897. He was born in upper Canada, January 30, 1838, and spent his early life in the vicinity of his birth place. In 1856 he settled on a farm in Minden township, Benton county, Minnesota, and in 1867 located in Sauk Rapids where he built the home in which his family still resides. For thirty-three years he was a surveyor. During fifteen years he was county surveyor. He surveyed six townships in Crow Wing county, Minn., and also worked in Nebraska, and along the Red River of the North. For two years he was treasurer of Benton county. Mr. Cronk married Sarah E. Hall, who was born in La Pointe, Wis., in 1839. They had two sons, Charles G. (deceased) and Edwin S.

James K. Miller, now living in Sauk Rapids, is the last surviving charter member of North Star Lodge, No. 23, A. F. & A. M. He was born in Ireland, October 16, 1828, son of Alexander and Jennie (King) Miller, who died within a week of each other, when James K. was a small boy. He accordingly went to live with an uncle in New Brunswick, Canada, where he was reared. As he grew, however, he found his uncle's home uncongenial, and therefore started out in life for himself. He learned the blacksmith trade at Oak Bay, New Brunswick, Can., and worked in various towns in that vicinity. In 1857 he came to Watab, this state, established his home and a shop, and for a time did work for the government troops stationed at Fort Ripley. In 1861 he came to St. Cloud and opened a shop on the levee. During a period Thomas

Jones was his partner, the shop then being located on the corner of Fifth avenue and Fourth street. For eighteen months, Mr. Miller served in Company I, Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, participated in the Indian campaign, and was discharged for disability, having been taken ill on the plains. For a time after his return he was again associated with Mr. Jones. Later he built a shop on Seventh street, and continued in business there until 1875, when he opened an establishment in Sauk Rapids. April 14, 1886, his shop was destroyed by a cyclone. Then he engaged in sharpening quarry tools for some eleven years. Later he lived on his farm in Sauk Rapids, which he had acquired in 1867. In 1900 he retired from active life. Mr. Miller is a splendidly preserved man for his years and is in the full possession of his faculties. His memory is excellent and his description of the early days is interesting and instructive. James K. Miller married Sarah Ann Stevenson, daughter of Hugh and Nancy (Leach) Stevenson, and of their six children there are now living five: Jennie, Annie M. (deceased), Frederick C, Edward A., Harrison K. and Belle W. Jennie is the wife of George Bloxon, of Spokane. Annie M. was married, November 22, 1883, to Charles Westlake, of St. Cloud, and died November 22, 1884, on the first anniversary of their wedding. Frederick C. married Anna M. Palmer, has nine children, and lives in Sauk Rapids. Edward A. married Lillian I. Dowsland, lives in Sauk Rapids and has two children. Harrison K. married Emma Stanton, and they have one child. Belle W. lives at home and teaches.

WiUiam Fletcher, a pioneer miller, was born in England, and came to America as a young man. After working in a mill at Genesee Falls, New York, he went to Ohio. From there he moved to Chicago, and thence to Beloit, Wis., still following his trade. It was in 1855 that he came to Minnesota. For two years he rented a mill there, and then, upon being joined by his family, he went to Little Falls, in Morrison county. In 1858 he built a mill there, but after eighteen months the water-power there failed and he moved the machinery to Sauk Rapids, where he opened the Sauk River mill. He died in 1860, but his wife conducted the mill for many years thereafter. Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher had five children.

William H. Fletcher, for many years a leading citizen of Sauk Rapids, and noted far and wide for the interest he has taken in aparian pursuits, was born in Zanesville, Muskingum county, Ohio, February 27, 1842. At an early age he was taken to Chicago, and from there to Beloit, Wis. In 1855 he came with his parents to St. Anthony, Minn., went from there with them to Little Falls, and from there, in 1859, to Sauk Rapids, where he still resides. As a boy he worked in his father's mill for a while. As a young man he learned the trade of wagon maker and in 1868 he and Weslie Carter opened a factory in St. Cloud for the manufacture of vehicles. His business since 1878 has been real estate and insurance. Mr. Fletcher is a prominent man in Benton county. He has been county auditor and county treasurer, and is now county commissioner, having served in the latter capacity for the past fourteen years. He is a member of North Star Lodge, No. 23, A. F. & A. M., at St. Cloud, and also of Sauk Rapids Lodge, No. 84, A. 0. U. W., at Sauk Rapids. He is an active vigorous man to whom the advancing years have brought increasing powers.

Mr. Fletcher was married, in 1879, to Alda M. Everest, daughter of Marshall D. and Martha (Aull) Everest, Mrs. Everest makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher. In spite of her ninety three years she is a woman of unusual abilities. In the full possession of all her faculties, and blessed with a wonderful memory, she is a most entertaining conversationalist, and a most agreeable companion.

Ludwig Robbers, a resident of Sauk Rapids, Benton county, was one of the pioneers of St. Cloud, in Stearns county. He was born in Westphalia, Germany, April 14, 1832, son of John and Mary Robbers, the former of whom lived to be ninety-three and the latter ninety-seven. The family originated in France, the grandfather having gone to Westphalia during Napoleon's time. In France the name was spelled Roberts and pronounced Robear, but the French pronunciation was beyond the German tongue of the Westphalians, and it was modified to its American form. In 1844 the famliy, consisting of John and Mary Robbers, four daughters, and two sons, John and Ludwig, the latter then twelve years of age, came to America, the trip on the ocean taking forty days. After living in New Orleans, the family moved to Evansville, Indiana, where the father secured forty acres of land. Ludwig, however, became dissatisfied with farming, and having in the meantime married he brought his wife and three children to St. Cloud, in 1856, and engaged in the general store business with J. W. Tenvoorde as a partner, on the present site of the First National Bank. Later the two had a place of refreshment, and entertainment on St. Germain street. In 1861 Mr. Robbers erected a business house on Fifth avenue, north, where he likewise engaged in the refreshment business. He also erected a brick residence on the same street. Later he farmed for a while in Benton and Sherburne counties, returned to St. Cloud for a while, went to Little Falls, Minn., and bought a harness shop, and later moved to Royalston, Minn., where he carried on the harness business for four years. Since 1905 he has lived in Sauk Rapids.

Mr. Robbers is one of the best informed men in this part of the state regarding the early days of Stearns and Benton counties, and is often interviewed when such information is desired. At the time of the Indian outbreak, he and Chris. Grandelmeyer carried dispatches by the orders of the governor to the people of Paynesville and Forest City. Henry Z. Mitchell was at that time commissary general of the state. Mr. Robbers was one of those who assisted in superintending the building of the stockade at St. Cloud, and Henry Z. Mitchell performed a similar duty in the Lower-Town, now the southern part of the city of St. Cloud. For a time, Mr. Robbers was deputy sheriff of Stearns county. When the city of St. Cloud was incorporated, he was elected alderman, and is the only member of the original board now living. He served one term in the lower house of the state legislature and was assessor of the city of St. Cloud at different terms. Mr. Robbers married Mary Lansing, a native of Prussia, and of their nine children, there are living three, Henry, William and Frank. For his second wife, he married Esther McAvay by whom he had six children: Louis, Joseph, George, Meinulf C, George A, and Gertrude. Louis married Annie Liilin and has four children, Esther, Gertrude, Ludwig and Meinulf, the latter of whom lives at Index, state of Washington. Meinulf

C, Robbers lives at home with his father. He was born in St. Cloud, October 16, 1869, attended the Union School, at St. Cloud, learned the trade of harness making with his father, and is now the justice of the peace in Sauk Rapids. Joseph is a stone cutter. He married Annie Tenvoorde, and they have three children living, Eugene J., Blanche and Clifford. Gertrude married Jeremiah Sullivan, now of Waburn, Minn., and they have two children, Robea and Hubert.

Thomas Van Etten, soldier and county official, was born in Deer Park, near Port Jervis, Orange county. New York, September 20, 1836, son of Thomas Van Etten, also a native of Deer Park, and Sarah Van Auken, a native of Montague, Sussex county. New York. The founder of the family in America was Jacob Jansen, a native of Etten, Holland, who settled in Kingston, N. Y., and styled himself Jacob Jansen Van Etten. Thomas Van Etten was reared in the home of his parents, and completed his preparatory school work in his native village. Upon coming to Minnesota, he located in St. Paul, and began the study of law with his brother, Isaac Van Etten. At the outbreak of the Civil "War, he enlisted in Company A, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served three months. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, received a commission as second lieutenant, was promoted to first lieutenant, and on January 16, 1865, became captain. During his service in the army, he took part in the battles of Nashville, Tenn., Price's Cross Roads, Jefferson City, Vicksburg, Memphis and Montgomery, aside from minor skirmishes and engagements, and narrowly escaped imprisonment in Andersonville. He was also an active participant in the campaign against the Indians in the Northwest, was at the siege of Fort Ridgley, and was present when the thirty-eight Indians were executed at Mankato. He was released from army service in May, 1865. For several years thereafter he was in poor health as the result of the strenuous campaigns in which he had engaged. These years were spent in visiting his widowed mother in New York state, in completing his law studies, and in taking a trip to the West. Part of the time he was incapacitated from duties of any kind. A particularly interesting feature of these years was his trip with 300 others, overland to the mountains of Montana. For some years he farmed on a claim near Bismarck, North Dakota, where, having been admitted to the bar, he also practiced law. In the fall of 1882, Mr. Van Etten came to Sauk Rapids, where he opened a law office. About a year after his arrival he was elected auditor of Benton county. Later he served as county attorney. For fifteen years he was assessor of Sauk Rapids. Mr. Van Etten was made a Mason in St. Paul in 1862. He was an active member of the G. A. R. and was also prominent in the Benton County Bar Association. He died November 20, 1913. His life was a useful one, his circle of riends was large, he had more than average man's share in the development of Sauk Rapids and Benton county, and his death left a genuine vacancy in the community.

For his first wife, Mr. Van Etten married Georgianna Hughes, whose grandfather was at one time publisher of the Niles Register, in Baltimore. Five of the children born to Mr. Van Etten by this marriage are still living. Blanche married George S. Parker, and they have one child. Burleigh married

Thomas Van Etten

C. W. Wood, now deceased, and has three children. Katherine lives in the state of Washington, Melron is living in Duluth. Hughes is in the lumber business in International Falls, Minn. Mrs. Georgianna (Hughes) Van Etten died about 1882. In 1885, Mr. Van Etten married Tillie R. Krueger, a native of Germany. This union has resulted in five children : Paul who is married and lives in International Falls ; William, who lives in Lima, Minn. ; Otto, who lives in Detroit, Mich. ; Elsie B., living at home ; George, a teacher, living at home ; and Jane, who is still a public school pupil.

Judson A. Stanton, of Sauk Rapids, is a prominent figure in the early history of this state, and his name is intimately associated with the story of the building of the railroads. He was born in Hampden, Mass., November 5, 1834, son of James and Lucia (Stebbins) Stanton, well-known agricultural people of that region. He attended the district schools and the academy of his native place, and prepared himself for college at Carlisle, N. Y. In 1852 he entered Brown University, at Providence, Rhode Island, from which he ;;ffi.as graduated September 5, 1855. In the fall of 1856, the country was engaged in one of its bitterest political conflicts, James Buchanan and John C. Fremont were the candidates for the presidency. Mr. Stanton and his friends worked hard for Fremont, and Mr. Stanton cast his first vote for him. The day after the election the subject of this mention started out for Chicago. In the spring he secured employment with a group of men who were laying out the Racine & Mississippi Railroad, now a part of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul system. In addition to surveying for the road bed, the men had to secure the right of way, and also to induce the farmers to mortgage their farms and purchase stock in order that the project might be financed. But when they had reached Turtle Creek bottoms, a point east of Beloit, Wis., the young men were stricken with malaria. Minnesota was then regarded as possessing an ideal climate for people afflicted with such ailments, and accordingly Mr. Stanton came to this state and located at St. Anthony, now a part of Minneapolis, where for a year he was nursed by friends until he completely recovered. For a while he was employed at his profession in Minneapolis. Then he went to Forest City in Meeker county, this state. He was connected with the United States Land office there and assisted in locating pioneer settlers. He also took a claim for himself, became a citizen of that county, served as first clerk of the district court. Court in that county under state organization. He opened stores at Forest City and Greenleaf, and transported goods by ox-team to the Indian Agency at Yellow Medicine. In 1862 he returned to his native town and married. Upon again reaching Meeker county, however, he found tliat the Indians had risen. Accordingly he sold his goods, and located in Clearwater, in Wright county, where he carried on business for several years. Later he became a member of the firm of Arnold & Stanton, and assisted in operating a mill at the mouth of Sauk river. The partnership was finally dissolved, and Mr. Stanton erected a mill at Sauk Rapids on the Mississippi river. This mill, with an interval when he leased it, he conducted until April 14, 1886, when it was destroyed by cyclone, causing him a loss of $40,000. Thus at middle age, with the earnings of a life-time swept away, he resumed his youthful profession. In this capacity he worked for the Northern Pacific, on the

Yellowstone Division and the Great Northern as construction engineer; the Sauk Centre & Northern, the Duluth, Huron & Denver, and the Chicago, Portage & Superior. In the meantime he became interested in farming in Benton county, and finally he settled down. He is county surveyor of Benton county, and spends his time between his professional duties, his farm in Sauk Rapids township, and his stone residence in Sauk Rapids village.

Mr. Stanton was married, June 24, 1862, to Maria Emeline Smith, daughter of Levi Smith. This union has resulted in three children. John Howard was born April 1, 1863, and died March 30, 1882, at nineteen years of age. Edward S. was born August 10, 1865, and is now head miller for the Russell Miller Milling Co. at Dickinson, N. D. He married Eliza Geer and they have seven children. Ella M. was born August 31, 1867. She married F. M. Lorin of Mandan, North Dakota, and they have one daughter. Mrs. Maria Emeline (Smith) Stanton was born October 1, 1836, and died November 7, 1869. On July 4, 1870, Mr. Stanton married her sister, Lucy 0., who was born January 2, 1839, and died August 8, 1904. This union resulted in four children. Emma L. was born September 13, 1871. She married Harry B. Miller, of Sauk Rapids, and they have one daughter. Ida M. was born Mary 15, 1874. She is a teacher in Minneapolis. Charles J. was born May 19, 1877, and also lives in Minneapolis. May Ethel was born July 14, 1880, and died December 16, 1883.