Stearns County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1915 (part 5 of 12)

James Y. Demeritt, the pioneer, was born in Woodstock, New Hampshire, February 16, 1822, and died in Brockway township, Stearns county, December 22, 1902. He was reared as a farmer and devoted his life to that pursuit. It was in 1855, the year of the first settlement of Brockway township, that he located here. His brother Hiram B. Demeritt had been through here the previous year as one of the construction crew on the old state road north from St. Cloud. This brother, Hiram, a splendid type of the pathfinders in the new country, was born in 1834 and died June 11, 1911. James Y., the subject of this sketch, settled in section 36, on the river. He soon found that he was on school land, but as he secured government script he was enabled to remain in possession. Mr. Demeritt and his friend, William McNeal, who arrived at the same time, crossed the Mississippi to Brockway township, in a canoe, making their stock swim. Thus, isolated from civilization, Mr. Demeritt began his life in a new country. He was one of the organizers of the town. The first postmaster of the North Prairie office was Stephen A. McNeal and Mrs. Demeritt was his assistant. Mr. Demeritt was one of the leading men in public affairs, and occupied many town offices. Mr. Demeritt was married in 1851, at Woodstock, N. H., to Laura J. Gray, born in that place, Dec. 9, 1825, one of the five children of John and Hannah (Dearborn) Gray. Mr. and Mrs. Demeritt had two children : Hannah Isabel, who married Robert L. Russell, and Eva E., who lives at home with her mother. Mr. Demeritt attended the Baptist Church. Mrs. Demeritt and Miss Eva E. are Methodists.

Robert S. Russell, one of the pioneers, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, May 24, 1844, son of Robert Russell. Robert L. and the mother came to America in the fifties, the father, Robert, having arrived some three years previous. The family settled in Benton county. But as the country began to be settled, Robert craved for new adventures, though he was attaining success and achieving honors in Minnesota. So in 1860, he went to Pike's Peak, where he was killed in the mines by a blast. His wife, the mother of Robert L., died in 1877. It was in 1873 that Robert L, moved to Brockway township, where he became a successful farmer.

Mr. Russell was married in 1874 to Hannah Isabel Demeritt, born in New Hampshire in 1856, daughter of James Y. Demeritt, the pioneer. Of their five children two are living. Laura A. married Oscar A. McGee, at present stationed at Ft. Sheridan, near Chicago, 111. He is the grandson of John Mc- Gee, another early pioneer of Brockway township. John A. Russell married Sadie Clepper and has five children : Loren R., born July 11, 1899 ; Erwin A., born May 31, 1901 ; John A., born May 18, 1903 ; Ruth L., born May 21, 1905, and Raymond J., the youngest.

William Gordon, deceased, was one of the oldest settlers in this county and one of the best known. He was one of the prominent men of the town of Brockway, and the earnest stand that he took on a number of public questions won for him wide commendation. He was born at El Creek, Pictau, Nova Scotia, Canada, September 27, 1828, son of Alexander and Margaret (Scott) Gordon, sturdy Scotch people who were married in Glasgow, and subsequently came to Nova Scotia. The father, like most of the residents of Pictau, divided his time between farming and fishing, the income derived from these sources meeting the modest needs of the family. William Gordon was reared in Pictau, and at the age of sixteen came alone to Bangor, Maine, where, as he grew to manhood, he engaged in lumbering. It was in 1854 that he arrived in St. Anthony Falls, in Minnesota. In September, 1855, he came to Stearns county, and settled in Brockway township, where he secured eighty acres in section 29. He cleared this tract, erected primitive buildings which he later replaced with modern structures, and improved and developed the place until it became one of the best known on Winnebago Prairie. Mr. Gordon took a deep interest in the afi^airs of his township. When the town was organized Mr. Gordon was one of the first supervisors, and at the next election he was chosen town clerk, a position he filled for thirty-two years continuously until 1900, when on account of ill health he declined to serve further. The records of his office were regarded as among the various best that were sent to the courthouse, and were displayed as models of what such records should be. He was a school officer for twenty years, and postmaster for a long period. In fact it was said that it seemed as if Mr. Gordon had only to express his willingness to accept any office which was in the gift of the people of the town or under their influence, and it was his so long as he would keep it. While his early educational opportunities were limited, yet by virtue of natural aptitude and general reading he qualified himself for the satisfactory discharge of such business duties and affairs as came to him, and for the intelligent performance of his duties as a citizen. Mr. Gordon was known in Benton and Morrison counties as well as in Stearns. Aside from his farming operations he was employed for a time in carrying supplies to the forts of the Northwest, and during his latter years he spent several winters in the lumber woods. In the early days when Brockway was included in the St. Cloud circuit, Mr. Gordon was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and while not active in membership during his latter years he lived a consistent Christian life. At the time of the organization of the church in 1855, a Sunday school was organized, and of this he was chosen superintendent. This work he kept up until his last sickness, maintaining the school under circumstances which at times were very discouraging. For twelve or fifteen years before his death he had practically given up work on the farm, and for years before his death he was an invalid. When the end came the people felt that they had lost one of their best citizens. Few men in the county were so favorably known, and he died beloved by all who knew him. Mr. Gordon was married in January, 1854, at Bangor, Maine, to Phoebe E. Getchell, who died January 1, 1878, at Broekway. The children were : Adelbert W., Annabel (now Mrs. James W. Porter, of Crow Wing), Hanna May (now deceased, the first wife of James D. Boyd, formerly of St. Cloud), and Lora E. (who was drowned in the Mississippi river at the age of sixteen). September 11, 1881, Mr. Gordon married Mrs. Caroline Hiscock, by whom he had one daughter. Alma M. Mrs. Gordon, who survives her husband, is living with her daughter on the old homestead.

Adelbert W. Gordon, a farmer in Watab, Benton county, was born at St. Anthony Falls, in what is now Minneapolis, December 29, 1854, son of William and Phoebe E. (Getchell) Gordon. He came with his parents to Broekway in 1855, his boyhood was spent on the farm, and his schooling was obtained in the district schools, part of the time under the tuition of Asa Abbott. As a youth he worked on one of the construction crews of the Great Northern between St. Cloud and Sauk Centre, and since then, though he has devoted his time largely to farming he has done considerable railroad work and lumbering. It was in 1880 that he started farming at Watab. He owns 250 acres of good land, nearly all under cultivation. His new modern home which faces the Mississippi river which is but a short distance away, and plainly in view. His former home was struck by lightning and completely destroyed May 25, 1914. Mr. Gordon was school clerk for many years while living in Broekway, and for nearly a quarter of a century he has been school officer in Watab. He is also an active member of the Old Settlers' Association. Mr. Gordon is widely known as a pleasing gentleman to meet, affable and courteous, and is highly respected in the community in which he lives. In 1878, Mr. Gordon married Elizabeth Wyatt, a native of Illinois, and they have four children : Earl I., Warren W., Lois and Ray W. (deceased). Lois is a teacher. Warren W. married Elizabeth Burton, and has two children, Alice T. and Lester R.

Clifton B. Gregory was born in Essex county, Vermont, October 30, 1843, son of Ephraim L. and Abigail (Young) Gregory. In 1856 he came to Minnesota with his mother and settled in Le Sauk township. In 1861 he joined the army, serving three years and one day, after which receiving an honorable discharge. After being married he settled on a farm in Stearns county. Upon the death of his wife the farm was conferred to the eldest son, Daniel C, with whom he still lives at the hale and hearty age of 71 years.

Clifton B. Gregory married Lena 0. Anderson, who was born February 3, 1850, and died June 7, 1910. They had eight children. Daniel C, Benjamin Y., Isabel, May and Lucinda are living, while John A., LeRoy and Eunice are dead. Daniel C. married Lucy Lindsay, who was born in Carroll, Maine, in 1880. They have three children : Fay B., Maybelle and Viola I. Isabel married John A. West, November 7, 1905, living in Hillyard, Wash. They have two children: Gladys G. and Helen. Lncinda was married in August, 1908, to Louis Koch, living in St. Cloud, and they have two children, Donald G. and Evelyn L. May was married May 16, 1914, to Joseph M. Fall, and they live in Brockway.

Ephraim L. Gregory was born in Vermont, Marcli 17, 1797, and died January 16, 1853. He spent the span of his years in Vermont. He was married, July 16, 1828, to Abigail Young, who was born November 25, 1808. They had five children : Charles F., Elizabeth B., Ephraim L., Clifton B. and Abigail A. All except Clifton B. are dead. After the death of Ephraim L. Gregory, his widow came to Minnesota, with her son, Clifton B., and was here married, during the war, to Appleton Webb, who was born January 8, 1798, and died October 25, 1883.

Charles M. Hiscock was born in Wilton, Maine, September 6, 1833, and came to Brockway township, this county, in the early fifties, but did not locate there permanently until after the Civil War. He farmed until he died February 23, 1875. He was married November, 1866, to Caroline E. McGee, daughter of John and Mary (Gallop) McGee. Mr. and Mrs. Hiscock had three children : Mary E. is the wife of John H. Gazett, a merchant in Rice, Benton county, Minn. ; Samuel, a farmer of Brockway township ; and Jennie Leonora, wife of Everett O. Perry, also a farmer of Brockway township. Caroline E. McGee was born near St. John province of New Brunswick, Canada, February 8, 1846, and lived in Canada until brought to Morrison county, Minn., by her parents. She came to Stearns county in 1860. After the death of Mr. Hiscock, she married William Gordon, who died July 15, 1905, in Brockway township. By this union there was one child. Alma M., born September 22, 1885, who is a teacher.

Samuel Hiscock, a well-to-do and substantial farmer of Brockway township, was born in Brockway August 5, 1869, son of Charles M. and Caroline E. (McGee) Hiscock. He was reared on the old homestead, and still makes his residence there. He owns 200 acres in sections 16 and 17, and has brought the place to a high degree of cultivation. Mr. Hiscock was married February 28, 1900, to Edith Gray, who was born January 1, 1879, daughter of Charles H. and Sadie K. (Anderson) Gray. Mr. and Mrs. Hiscock have six children : Charles S., born April 25, 1901 ; Robert F., born May 16, 1902 ; Elmer C, June 17, 1904 ; Leonard L., November 12, 1905 ; Sadie C, June 10, 1909 ; and Gordon J., August 13, 1913.

John N. Long, a progressive farmer of Brockway township, was born in Columbia, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, March 3, 1862, son of Joseph A. and Susan Long, with whom he came to Stearns county in the summer of 1880, and settled in St. Wendel. Mr. Long has devoted nearly all his life to farming. He keeps well abreast of the latest developments in agriculture and is one of the leaders in his community. It was in 1902 that he purchased his present farm. He has a good farm, excellent equipment, pleasant home and suitable outbuildings, all of which he built himself. He is serving his third term as clerk of the township. John N. Long was married November 29, 1892, to Annie Miller, daughter of Frank and Sevilla (Wolf) Miller. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Long are: Esther, Lucy, Frank, Edward, Helen (deceased), Walter (deceased), Mary and John. Lucy married Frank Blaciek, and they live in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Joseph A. Long was born in Baden, Germany, March 28, 1830, and died in St. Cloud, April, 1913. He was married in 1853 to his good wife, Susan, who was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and died April 30, 1901, at the age of seventy-three years. The family came to Stearns county in the summer of 1880, and settled on a farm in St. Wendel, where they remained until 1893, moving that year to St. Cloud, where they made their permanent home. The children were : Elizabeth, John N., Mary, Catherine and Bertha, who are alive; and Frank, Joseph and Fred, who are dead. Elizabeth married Jacob Hirschfelt, of Waite Park, this county. Mary married Joseph Rassier, of St. Joseph, Minn. Catherine married Peter Smith, of Sprague, Washington. Bertha married Frank Boos, of St. Cloud. It is worthy of note that Joseph A. Long lived to see eight children, five grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Frank Miller was born in January, 1827, and died April 13, 1900. His wife, Sevilla Wolf, died November 28, 1912, at the age of seventy-nine years. They had ten children: Frances, Carrie, Lizzie, Mary, Peter (deceased), Barbara, Annie, William (deceased), Esther and Agnes. Frances married M. Wischnewski; had twelve children, and died June 17, 1894. Carrie married John Russell. Both are dead. They had four children. Lizzie married Andrew Kimble. They live at Grand Forks, South Dakota, and have five children. Barbara married Herman Berman. They live at Grand Forks, South Dakota, and have eight children. Annie is the wife of John N. Long, the subject of this sketch. Esther is the wife of Joseph Nierengarten. Agnes married John Pohl, and they live in St. Paul. They have one child.

John Nelson Perry was born in Penobscot county, Maine, March 29, 1836, and was there reared. In 1860 he came to Minnesota. During the Civil War he had charge of one of N. P. Clarke's ox trains, carting goods between Ft. Snelling and Ft. Ripley. He spent the greater part of his life in operating a farm in section 32, Brockway township. He and his family had many thrilling adventures, and endured many hardships. In 1861, they were eye witnesses of the crossing of the prairie by a band of 1,400 Indians. This, however, was before the outbreak, and the Indians were then, outwardly at least, tolerant of the whites. Mr. Perry died February 26, 1910, at the age of seventy-four years. John Nelson Perry married Mary Elizabeth Getchell, who was born April 4, 1840, daughter of Nathaniel and Alma M. (Wing) Getchell. She died in March, 1913, at the age of seventy-three years. They had eight children : Fannie, now Mrs. William Anderson, of Benton county, Minn. ; Everett O., Albert 0., of North Dakota ; Melvin K. and Ralph W., who are living; and Laura Etta, who married Andrew Carter, Nettie, and an unnamed infant, all three of whom are dead.

Melvin N. Perry, a substantial agriculturalist of Brockway, was born on the old homestead in section 32, where he still resides, March 7, 1878, son of John Nelson and Mary Elizabeth (Getchell) Perry. He was thoroughly edu- cated in the public schools, and learned farming from his father. He has a well-kept farm of 180 acres, with good buildings, and all the machinery and implements that are necessary to successful farming. He is a member of the Woodmen, and he and his family worship at the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Perry married Hannah Peterson, May 16, 1898. They have had six children : Floyd E., born August 13, 1899 (deceased) ; Leonard N., November 26, 1900 (deceased) ; Flossie M., born September 15, 1901; Willard N., March 5, 1903; Julia E., June 12, 1904; Cecil lE., born May 15, 1910.

Nathaniel Getchell, the pioneer, was born in Wesley, Maine, November 9, 1828, son of Winslow Getchell, who was also a pioneer. Winslow Getchell and his son, Nathaniel, came to Minnesota prospecting in 1852, and being greatly impressed with the country he returned home after the rest of the family and settled at St. Anthony in 1854. In 1855 they joined a party of pioneers, and settled in Brockway township, on the stretch of land then known as Winnebago Prairie, now called Brockway Prairie. The place where they located is now owned and operated by E. 0. Perry. They and the party with them were the first settlers in the township. In their cabin in section 33, the first school in the township was opened and the first religious services held. When the township was organized Nathaniel Getchell was elected tax collector. In 1857 when the Brockway postoffice was established, he was the first postmaster. Later in life he served in various other offices. In 1862- 63 he served thirteen months against the Indians as a private in the Minnesota Mounted Rangers. Nathaniel Getchell was married May 21, 1864, to Alma M. Wing, of Vasselborough, Kennebec county, Maine. Their children were : Annie M., Carrie A., Ernest A., Herbert W. and Alma M. Mr. Getchell died in September, 1910; his wife died in March, 1883.

Everett 0. Perry, who successfully operates 185 acres in sections 29 and 33, Brockway township, was born in Brockway township, on the old Perry homestead, November 12, 1868, son of John Nelson and Mary Elizabeth (Getchell) Perry. He received a good district school education and has devoted his life to farming. The homestead where he now lives constitutes the original claim taken in 1855 by his grandfather, Winslow Getchell. He is chiefly interested in his home and farm, but being of a fraternal disposition, he has allied himself with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is now serving his twelfth year as director of School District No. 7. Everett 0. Perry was married October 31, 1893, to Jennie Lenora Hiscock, daughter of Charles M. and Caroline E. (McGee) Hiscock. Mr. and Mrs. Perry have seven children living : Samuel E., Harvey Nelson, Mamie L., Nettie A., Laura C, Irma L. and Edna E. Two died in infancy, Charles and one unnamed.

William McNeal (deceased) was born in New Brunswick, on the first day of May, 1830, and came to the United States in 1851, spending several years in the state of Maine, and two or three years in Michigan, from which place he removed to Minnesota. After spending nearly four years in St. Paul and the adjacent country, came to this town with Mr. Demeritt, in 1855, in whose family he lived till his marriage, in 1858, to Harriet Crumb, of Sherburne, New York. Mr. McNeal was with Northrup and Brown at the hanging of the three Indian murderers, near Little Falls, in 1857. He died Sep- tember 11, 1879, leaving his widow a fine rural home. During the Indian excitement of 1862, when all the people fled to St. Cloud for safety, Mrs. McNeal remained at home, and was the only woman in the settlement for two weeks. Bravery usually wins, though it may seem presuming to risk so much.

James L. Gray was born in Whitefield, Maine, elanuary 17, 1829. The family soon after moved to Dexmont, that state, and James L. was disciplined in the hardships of that country and time. He obtained the best education possible in the country schools. He was married in 1851 to Ann M. Smart, sister of H. B. and Edward Smart. They came to Brockway township in 1867, where he was a successful farmer, taking great interest in the schools and public affairs, and served many years in town and school offices. His wife died in 1877, and in October, 1881, he married Randina Moen and they moved to St. Cloud.

Julius Wesler, a scientific and modern farmer of Brockway, was born in Pomerania, Germany, November 18, 1876, son of Julius and Augusta (Teske) Wesler, His parents died when he was eight years of age, and in 1888 he was brought to America by his aunt, Martha Teske, landing in New York, September 13, They came to Minnesota and lived for a while in Silver Creek, "Wright county, where Julius received his early English education. He was still a young boy when he worked a summer in the brickyard at Hasty, near Clearwater. Then for a time he worked for J. H. Baldwin, on his farm in Fair Haven township, this county. A few months after his marriage he came to Brockway, where Mr. Wesler entered the employ of N. P. Clark. With him and with his estate, he has still remained. For seven years he was a teamster. Then Mr, Clark placed him in charge of the "Clyde Maine" farm in Brockway. With the exception of four years when he was manager of the Meadow Lawn Farm, in Le Sauk township, also owned by Mr, Clark, he has remained as manager of "Clyde Maine." He is one of the active and energetic young farmers of the township, and has more than made good with the Clark estate. Some three years ago he purchased eighty acres of the Meadow Lawn Farm, which he is operating for himself. Mr. Wesler is regarded as a useful and substantial citizen. He is a member of Sauk Rapids Lodge, No, 93, A. F. & A. M. Mr. Wesler was married October 5, 1898, to Ida, the daughter of Henry and Emma May Stueck, and they have one daughter, Laura.

Jacob Wolhart, a veteran of the Civil War, now deceased, was born in New York state, April 6, 1818, and being left motherless at an early age, he traveled a great deal, and as a boy saw much of the world. Being of a loyal and adventurous disposition, it was natural that when the war broke out he should enlist in the service of the Union, It was after the war that he came to Sauk Rapids, where, for a while, he was employed by former Lieutenant-Governor C, A, Oilman. After he left the Gilman place he operated his own farm on Rice Prairie for many years. A few years before his death he moved to the village of Rice, where he spent the remainder of his days. He died in 1893. His widow now lives in Paynesville, this county, with her daughter, Mrs. John Adelbert Roach.

Mr, Wolhart was married three times. By his second wife he had two children : Elisha and Almira. Elisha was killed in the battle of Gettysburg. Alniira lives in New York state. It was in 1852, that Mr. Wolhart married the present Mrs. Wolhart. Her maiden name was Mary M. Buell. She was born July 24, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Wolhart had ten children. Celeste is dead ; Henry lives in Oregon ; Emma married C. E. Smart ; Jane married Clarence Crosby ; George E. farms in Brockway township ; Millie married 0. M. Smart ; Eva married Henry Picking ; Anna married John Adelbert Roach ; Elsie married George Rathburn; Nettie is dead.

George E. Wolhart, a leading farmer of Brockway township, was born in Otego, New York, November 1, 1863, son of Jacob and Mary M. (Buell) Wolhart. He came to Sauk Rapids with his parents in 1865, and to Stearns county in 1893. He was reared on a farm in Benton county. He has become one of the most successful men in the community. He owns the old Webster farm, so called, of 200 acres in section 28. He has a well stocked place, fitted with all the latest improvements which he needs, and provided with a pleasant home and comfortable barns. In addition to this farm, he has several other good farms in the "ounty. Mr. Wolhart was married, July 28, 1883, to Emma R. Smart, who was born June 21, 1863. The children are: Vernice (deceased), Effie, Effie's unnamed twin sister (deceased), Alta R., Raymond J., Willard H., George E., Lee A., Reuben L., Estella A., and Leta V. E. H. B. Smart, the father of Mrs. Wolhart, made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Wolhart, after his wife's death. He was born October 14, 1819; died March 7, 1914. His wife was born March 6, 1826, and died May 4, 1906. The children in the Smart family were: Cora E., Charles H. (deceased), Gary E., Ora M,, Emma R. and Edward R.

Edward J. Smart, a veteran of the Civil War, now living in Brockway township, this county, is a typical New England gentleman of the old school. Descended from a long line of New Englanders, he has transplanted their sturdiness and worth to the new environment of this western country. He was born in Plymouth, Maine, May 10, 1841, son of Edward and Meriam (Parsons) Smart, and grandson of Joshua and Hannah (Nickerson) Smart. Edward J. was reared on the home farm in Maine, and there remained until the outbreak of the Civil War. Then he enlisted in Company H, Twentysecond Maine Volunteer Infantry; went into camp at Bangor, and followed the fortunes of his regiment until his discharge at Bangor. In December, 1863, he enlisted in the Second Maine Cavalry, went into camp at Augusta, and from there went south. To detail the fortunes of these two regiments while Mr. Smart was with them would be to tell a portion of the history of the war. It is sufficient to say that he saw active service along the lower Misissippi and the Gulf, and was never found wanting when called upon to prove his valor and his loyalty. His services won his promotion from sergeant to commissary sergeant. He received his final discharge in Florida, in December, 1865. After the war, Mr. Smart came north to Stearns county and visited in Brockway township. After three months spent with his brother, Henry, he returned to Maine. However, a short time later, he located permanently in Brockway township, and secured a homestead in section 20, where he has since engaged in farming. He is a prominent man in the community, and a popular member of the G. A. R. Mr. Smart is a deep reader, and is especially interested in history, both national and local. He has been chairman of Brockway township for about thirty years, and school clerk for about the same time. In 1878, when the Brockway Cemetery Association was organized, he was elected secretary, a position he still holds. He is the only one left of the original members. Edward J. Smart married Agnes, the daughter of Robert and Agnes (Leach) Russell, who was born in Scotland, and was brought to America at the age of three years by her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Smart have eight children living: Marian, John Frank, Wallace E., Jennie, Edith, Hattie, Robert, and Mildred. Marian married William P. Fifield and lives in Canada. They have five children. John Frank married Myrtle Gates. They have three children, and live in Brainerd, Minn. Wallace E. married Ethel Finlason. They live in Crow Wing county, Minn., and have nine children. Jennie is the wife of John Gillespe, living in Illinois. Edith married Elwin Ellithorpe. They live in North Dakota, and have three children. Hattie lives in Salem, Oregon. She is the wife of Christian Christiansen, and the mother of two children. Robert manages and operates the home farm. Mildred lives at home and attends the St. Cloud High School.

H. B. Smart was born about 1818, at Plymouth, Maine, and in 1855 removed to Minnesota, settling in the town of Langola, Benton county. He soon afterwards moved to Brockway township, Stearns county, where he resided up to the time of his death, the oldest resident of Brockway.

Alphonso Barto, at one time lieutenant-governor of the state of Minnesota, was born at Hinesburgh, Chittenden county, Vermont, May 27, 1834, son of William R. and Mary (Gage) Barto. The Barto family is of French descent, the American founder of the family, who spelled his name Barteau, having come to this country before the Revolution, in which contest he participated. The Gage family is of English descent. At the age of three years, Alphonso Barto was taken by his parents to Ferrisburgh, Addison county, Vermont, and there, upon attaining a suitable age, he attended the select school taught by Prof. B. B. Allen. After three or four years under this able instructor, he became a teacher at the age of fifteen, and had charge of winter schools some six years. In 1855 he came west and located at Elgin, in Kane county. 111., and after farming for a while, read law with Mayborne & Brown, of Geneva, in the same state. In August, 1862, Mr. Barto enlisted as a private in Company K, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and by gradual promotions for valor, became captain of that company. He served a little more than three years, participated in sixteen or eighteen engagements, and yet never received a wound. After being mustered out, October 25, 1865, at Rome, Georgia, Captain Barto returned to Elgin, and was soon thereafter elected treasurer of Kane county, for a term of two years. In December, 1869, he settled in Sauk Centre, and took up the practice of law. For some time he was a member of the firm of Miner & Barto ; later of Barto & Calhoun (D. T.), and subsequently of Barto & Barto. Later, his son having been made municipal judge, Mr. Barto formed a partnership with E. M. Keisey, which continued until his removal to St. Cloud. Captain Barto was a member of the lower house of the Minnesota legislature in 1872 and 1873, and in the autumn of 1873 he was elected lieutenant-governor on the ticket with Cushman K. Davis. In this office he presided with dignity over the upper house of the legislature. In 1890 he was appointed register of the land office at St. Cloud, and thereafter made his home there until the time of his death. He was appointed a regent of the University of Minnesota by Gov. David M. Clough, and held that position the remainder of his life. While living in Sauk Centre he held several local positions of trust and honor, such as member of the city council and- of the board of education. In 1894 he was chairman of the Republican state convention which nominated Knute Nelson as governor. He was also a delegate to the National Convention at Chicago, which nominated James G. Blaine for the presidency. He was a friend and associate of all the men, who in his time, were prominent in the history of Minnesota, and he was a man of public spirit. In the days of his vigor, he was active in political affairs, and was one of the most popular campaigners in the Northwest. He filled a large place in the progress of the state, and his decease was mourned by the people in all sections of the Northwest. He was grand commander of the G. A, R., grand master of the Minnesota Grand Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and a prominent member in the local organizations of these bodies. At the time of his death he was vice-president of the Merchants' National Bank, of St. Cloud, and until within a few weeks of that time he was vice-president of the Journal-Press Co., of St. Cloud, He was also a member of the Board of Hospital Trustees, and was for two years its president. He died November 4, 1899. During his public career there was never a suspicion of corruption or malfeasance in office, of any sort, breathed against him even by his fiercest political enemies, and he filled every position, great and small, with fidelity and zeal.

At the time of his death the Sauk Centre Herald said of him : ' ' The quivering voice and the moistened eye tell how deeply he was loved in this community, where the greater part of his life has been spent. His was one of the kindliest of natures, and that sympathy which he ever manifested was reflected back on his dear ones after his death left them so great a sorrow. The story of his life is briefly told, so far as the salient facts are concerned, but that certain other something, intangible and yet permeating his existence and exhaled by his genial nature always and ever, to be felt rather than expressed, no one may adequately describe. His unbounded good will went out to all, high or low, rich or poor, without reserve and without distinction. He was a model husband and father, a true friend, a kind neighbor, a good citizen, and an honest man, and the richest legacy he leaves to his wife and children is an unsullied name."

Mr. Barto was married Octf)ber 13, 1854, to Harriet E. Hitchcock, of Shoreham, Vermont, who died October 11, 1865, Of the three children whom she left, only one, Lyman R. Barto, of Thompson Falls, Montana, is living. October 17, 1866, Mr. Barto married Charlotte A. Allen, of Elgin, 111. This union has been blessed with one son, William Allen Barto, of Thomspon Falls, Montana.

September 9, 1828, son of Charles P. and Angeline (Wright) Bruce. The family history is a most interesting one. The grandfather, William Bruce, came from Scotland, with three brothers and settled in Virginia, afterward locating in Bruceville, Indiana. The father, Charles Bruce, was twice married. By his first wife, Angeline Wright, he had four children, and by his second wife, Nancy Harrison, he had ten children. Samuel Milton Bruce was reared in Indiana, and obtained a good education in the public schools. In 1850 he went to California, but three years later he was called home by the death of his parents. For some years he engaged in the mercantile business, but failing health caused him to seek a home in the Northwest. Accordingly he came to Minnesota in 1857. From Minneapolis he came to Stearns county with an ox team. He took a claim of 160 acres of government land five and a half miles from what is now Sauk Centre, on the Melrose road. He built a small shanty in order to conform with the legal requirements for holding a claim, but his interests were centered in the village of Sauk Centre. On the present site of the town, the Sauk Centre Townsite Co. had platted the outlines of a town, and had made a squatter's shanty by digging a hole in the bluff near the river and propping up the opening with poles. A dam was being built by Alexander Moore and Edward K. Jacques. Mr. Bruce bought an interest in the townsite company, and he and William T. Dingley erected a log cabin, located on Main street, just across the river from the present business sections. This building served as a hotel for many years. At the first meeting of the Sauk Valley Claim Association, held July 16, 1857, Mr. Bruce was elected president. In the summer of 1858, Mr. Bruce succeeded in getting a postoffice established with Moses W. Adley as postmaster. In the fall of 1858 he went back to Indiana, but returned in the following spring. April 28, 1861, at the first school meeting ever held in Sauk Centre, he was elected clerk. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Third Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and by gradual promotions he became lieutenant. To give his war record, in the South, as a prisoner, on parole, and in the Indian campaign in the Northwest, would be to recapitulate the history of the regiment up to the early part of 1863. In that year he was sent up to the Red River and Arkansas country, to recruit among the colored people. The recruits were mustered in as Company A, 112th U. S. Colored Infantry, with Mr. Bruce as captain. After a short service with his company, he spent nine months in the hospital, and was subsequently discharged for disability. Then he returned to his farm near Sauk Centre. It was in 1872 that he became a clerk in the store of C. M. Sprague, in the village. September 22, 1874, he opened a grocery store on the site still occupied by his buildings. Gradually the business increased, until it became the largest general store in this vicinity. In 1878 he erected a two story brick building, and in 1882 he built two more. The triple building is still standing as a monument to his faith in Sauk Centre. Mr. Bruce was a charter member of the local lodge of Odd Fellows, at various times a commander of the B. R. Palmer Post, G. A. R., and also a member of the Masonic body. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank, and was its vice-president until his death. Mr. Bruce died August 1, 1897, being at that time one of the leading citizens in this part of the county. A man of broad experience, he combined the dignity of the old school with the jovial spirits of the modern business man. He was beloved, trusted and honored, and his death was a distinct loss to the community.

S. M. Bruce was married in December, 1862, while still a Confederate prisoner on parole, to Sarah E. Layman, born in Newfield, Thompkins county, New York, August 11, 1840, one of the thirteen children of Martin and Elizabeth Layman, who came from New York state to Peoria county, 111., in 1845, and located in 1854 in Minneapolis, where they both died in 1886, the father at the age of seventy-eight and the mother at the age of seventy-five. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce have two children : Minnehaha A. and Florence B. Minnehaha A. married J. L. Mullen, now deceased. They have two children, Bruce H. and Arab Elizabeth. Bruce H. married Ethel Finney, of Waverly, Iowa, and they have one son, George Letmond. Arab Elizabeth married Earl Rose, of Sauk Centre, and they have two children, Letmond Lavina and Alice Angeline. Florence Belle Bruce married George Fish, of Sauk Centre, and they have four children : Paul Bruce, and George Milton, and Clarence and Harry, deceased, twins.

John Jerome Getty, the first permanent settler in the township that bears his name, was born in Onondaga county. New York, September 15, 1821. When very young he lost his mother, and at the age of eight years he secured employment driving mules on the Erie canal tow path. In 1843 he opened a farm in Peoria county, Illinois, where he remained until 1853, when he came to Minnesota. For a year he worked on the farm of Martin Layman, near Minneapolis. Then he went back to Illinois, and remained there until 1857, when he again came to Minnesota. He and John H. Layman came to what is now Getty township, July 6, 1857. Mr. Layman took land in sections 18, 19 and 20, but did not long remain here. Mr. Getty took land in section 19, in the vicinity since known as Getty's Grove. Through his efforts, the first school in the township was established. He increased his original claim of 160 acres to 320 acres and became a successful farmer. Except for the four years of the Civil "War, the family home was in Getty's Grove until 1891, when Mr. Getty retired and moved to the city of Sauk Centre. While living on the farm he served in numerous town and school offices, and was also a member of the county board for a while. He died in Sauk Centre, November 12, 1895. Mr. Getty married Permelia Jane Layman, in October, 1854. She was born in Bethel, New York, January 23, 1831, and died in Sauk Centre, June 1, 1912. There were three children. Fannie E. is now Mrs. George Duncan, of St. Paul, Minn. Margaret A. is the wife of Dr. C. H. Babcock, of New Rockford, North Dakota. Charles T. died in infancy.

Henry Boobar was born in Maine, and there spent the early years of his life. In the summer of 1855 he came to Minnesota. In 1858, his wife, and his children, Oliver B., Emma, Charles and Evelyn, joined him. In August, 1860, he brought his family from Minneapolis in an ox-cart, and located in Sauk Centre township, on the Sauk river, a mile from what is now the city of Sauk Centre, Another son, John J., was born in the family home on Main street, in Sauk Centre. He has become prominent in the political history of the county. Henry Boobar spent the remainder of his life in this vicinity.

At the time of the Indian uprising, he assisted in building the stockade at Sauk Centre. For many years he was on the school board. He was a worthy man, and a friend of every good cause.

Oliver B. Boobar, postmaster at Sauk Centre, was born in Lee township, Penobscott county, Maine, March 22, 1849, son of Henry and Phoebe (Kent- Bolton) Boobar, the pioneers. He was brought to Minnesota by his mother in 1858, and to Stearns county by his parents in 1860. He received his early education in the schools of his neighborhood, and as a youth clerked in various stores, working also for a time in the express department of the old Burbank Stage Co. For some years he conducted a market, part of the time with Jahue Vicory and later with his father. As manager of the general store of H. G. Harrison he did excellent service. It was in 1895 that he became deputy postmaster under Cleveland for W. 0. P. Hillsdale. September 15, 1900 he was appointed rural carrier, and was carrier for three years. September 3, 1903, he was placed in charge of the Sauk Centre postoffice by the bondsmen of Postmaster C. F. Hendryx, to fill out that gentleman's unexpired term. Mr. Boobar was regularly appointed to the office by President Theodore Roosevelt, December 13, 1903; was reappointed by Roosevelt, January 9, 1908; and by President William Howard Taft, January 15, 1912. He was town clerk of Sauk Centre two years, following Dean Statler, and in 1900 took the United States census in this locality. He has been chaplain of Sauk Centre Lodge, No. 34, I. 0. O. F., for a considerable period. Mr. Boobar was married December 22, 1874, to Ellen M. Fuller, who was born in Stowe, Vermont, December 26, 1842, daughter of James Madison and Altha T. Fuller. The parents brought her to Minneapolis when she was thirteen years of age, making the journey from Dubuque to St. Paul by boat, and from St. Paul to Minneapolis by team. A year and a half later, the Fuller family settled on a claim across the Clearwater river from the village of Clearwater. There they endured all the hardships incident to pioneer life. Opportunities for education were limited, but Ellen M. Fuller, as she was then called, studied first with a clergyman who had settled in the neighborhood, later entered a private academy at Monticello, in "Wright county, and finally, in 1863, became a student at Hamline University, then located in Red Wing, Goodhue county, this state. After seven months there, she and a companion went to Ft. Pickens, Memphis, Tenn., where they were employed in a Freedmen's school. There her experiences were varied and thrilling, and she often had to seek safety on the gunboats. Physically frail, she was compelled to move further north after several months, and taught school at Atlanta, 111. Subsequently she visited relatives in Illinois, and then in 1865 returned to the home of her parents. For some time she alternately taught school and attended the St. Cloud State Normal school. In 1872 she became a teacher in the old two-room school in Sauk Centre as principal of the primary department. It was with pride that in the following years she watched the progress of this school. At the time of her marriage in 1874 she retired from teaching but she never lost her interest in education. In religious matters she was also an active worker. Uniting with the Congregational Church at Clearwater at the age of eighteen, she later transferred her membership to Sauk Centre, where for many years she was a beloved Sunday school teacher. In January, 1893, she was made a life member of the Woman's Board of Missions of the Interior, In this branch of work she never faltered until compelled by failing health to retire from active service. Mrs. Boobar was one of the charter members of the Gradatim club, and was its moving spirit for many years. Although she had no children, there lived with her for many years the wife of L. J. Irish, and the feeling between the two was that of mother and daughter. After a long period of failing health, and four weeks of intense suffering, Mrs. Boobar passed away, December 7, 1913. The newspapers in this vicinity vied with each other in paying respect to her life, character and work. One of the touching tributes offered was as follows: "In her married and home-making life, Mrs. Boobar was particularly happy. No woman ever had a more devoted, unselfish and attentive husband. Although deprived in after life of the privilege of active social intercourse because of frailty and ill health, she never lost interest in all that was going on. Widely read and observant, she always proved a wise counselor and a firm friend to all things pertaining to the advancement of the common good."

George Blaksley is one of the foremost patriots of Stearns county. Himself a veteran of the Civil war, he laid the lives of his three sons upon his country's altar. George Blaksley was born July 16, 1826, in Goram township, Ontario county, New York, a son of William and Maria (De Grau) Blaksley; and grandson of Eben Blaksley. William Blaksley was born in Vermont. He was a cooper and farmer. His wife was a native of New York state. William Blaksley died in Ontario county, New York. Eben Blaksley was born in Vermont, and served in the Colonial navy during the Revolutionary war. He died in Steuben county, New York, and is buried at Plattsburg, in that state. George Blaksley was educated in a log schoolhouse, and became a farmer and lumberman. August 23, 1862, he enlisted in Co. D, 161st New York Vol. Inf. His sons, Abram and George F., had enlisted the day before, and he had them assigned to his company. Mr. Blaksley followed the fortunes of his regiment until sent to the hospital, from which he was discharged for disability, January 23, 1863. September 3, 1864, he enlisted in Co. A, 189th New York Vol. Inf., and served with that regiment until mustered out, May 30, 1865. To give his war record would be to recapitulate the history of his companies during the periods of his enlistment. The son, Abram, was killed aboard the gunboat "Saxon" while his company was being transported. The son, George F., died in a hospital in New Orleans. Another son, Venus P., who enlisted later than the others, in the 161st New York Vol. Inf., also died in a hospital in New Orleans. After the war George Blaksley returned to his home in New York state. In 1877 he came to Minnesota and took a homestead of 80 acres in Raymond township, where he followed farming until 1881, then he sold the farm and retired to Sauk Centre village.

By his first wife, Martha Brown, George Blaksley had five children: Abram, George F., Venus, Sylvester and William. By his second wife, Charlotte Dyken, he had two children: Hattie, the wife of Charles Mellen, of Portland, Oregon; and John, a resident of Jerusalem, Yates county. New

York. By his third wife, George Blaksley had four children: Alice, wife of Frank Hensley, of North Dakota; Bess, widow of David Marshall and wife of George Ferris; Etta, wife of Ed. Bain, of Minneapolis; and Lottie, deceased.

September 4, 1901, George Blaksley married Hanna M. Jones, who was born July 2, 1849, and was married May 19, 1864 to Sidney Neal, who died February 13, 1901.

Sidney Neal and Hanna M. (Jones) Neal had six sons: Frank W., who was born April 30, 1865, was married to Maude A. Newell, September 30, 1891, and was killed in Missouri January 27, 1914 ; Charles A., who was born February 21, 1870, and was married November 24, 1898, to Edna B. Staples; Vernon J., who was born September 5, 1871, and was married September 26, 1897, to Clementine M. Roarman; Bert D., who was born June 25, 1876; Allen G., who was born May 7, 1885; and Sidney, who was born October 5, 1888 and died December 1, 1891. By his marriage with Eliza Stanton, Sidney Neal had one son, James W., born September 13, 1859.

Charles Brown, a substantial citizen of Sauk Centre, was born in Canada, October 11, 1843, and there spent his boyhood. As a young man he came to Minnesota and cast his fortunes with the people of this state. February 27, 1864, he enlisted in Co. I, Ninth Minn. Vol. Inf., and went south with the regiment. He showed his valor as a soldier in several engagements, and on June 12, 1864, was captured at the Battle of Guntown. Then began a period of nine months' imprisonment. From Andersonville he was transferred to Mellen's Station, from there to Florence, South Carolina, and thence to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he was paroled. He was discharged at St. Paul, July 12, 1865. Some thirty years ago Mr. Brown came to Sauk Centre, and devoted some fourteen years to farming. Later he moved to Sauk Centre, where he and his good wife are now engaged in the restaurant and hotel business.

Mr. Brown was married May 28, 1875, to Matilda Moore, of Henderson, Minn., born December 4, 1857. They have five children. Charles A., of Mandan, North Dakota, was born September 8, 1876, and is now in the railroad business; Annie L. was born September 18, 1877, and is now the wife of Harry Hamilton, a railroad engineer located at Melrose. Edward R. was born October 28, 1879. He is a plumber and steamfitter located at Grand Rapids, Michigan. Edna I. was born May 28, 1882. She is the wife of George Butler, of Sauk Centre. Leslie J. was born March 8, 1885. He is a plumber and lives at home.

Joseph Capser, one of the pioneers of Stearns county, was born in Bavaria, March 5, 1831, and came to America in 1846 with his father, who was engaged as a land agent and surveyor. Joseph spent his youth in St. Mary's, Pennsylvania. In 1858 he located on a farm near St. Cloud, in Stearns county, Minnesota, and in 1864 came to Sauk Centre, being the first German settler in the township. He found here a small cluster of houses, protected by the stockade which the settlers had erected as a barricade against the Indians. Solomon Pendergast was selling a little merchandise inside of the stockade but had nothing which could be dignified by the name of a real store, Mr. Capser erected a log building outside of the stockade, and started the first store proper in Sauk Centre. The store was located at about what is now the corner of Birch and Eighth street. About a year and a half later he moved the store to a building which he had erected on the present site of the Merchants' National Bank. Altogether Mr. Capser was in business twenty-eight years. With him was associated C. M. Sprague, first as a clerk and later as a partner. Even as early as January 28, 1869, the Sauk Centre "Herald" contained the following item: "At first Mr. Capser 's sales were small, but by a strict attention of business and a straightforward and honorable course in all his dealings with everyone, rich or poor, he has brought his trade up to a point that is second to none in the same line in this county, his sales the past year having amounted to $59,334.58. In this connection we cannot refrain from saying that Mr. Capser has been prominent in bringing the trade at Sauk Centre to its present high reputation for fair dealing," Commencing $4,000 in debt, he soon found himself with balanced books and in time acquired a competence.

Mr. Capser was prominent in the community along various lines. He served his district in the legislative halls of the state for a number of years. In 1875-76 he was a member of the senate presided over by Lieutenant-Governor Alonzo Barto. He was elected to the lower house of the legislature in 1878 and again in 1891. A Democrat in politics he was seven years chairman of the State Central Committee of that party. He was county commissioner two terms and a member of the Sauk Centre board of health for thirty-three years and was a member of the city council two terms. Mr. Capser and his excellent wife have always been highly respected residents of the community. They have ever stood for everything that was right and honorable and good, and the members of their large family are worthily following in their footsteps. In 1876 Mr. Capser was placed on the Democratic ticket as presidential elector for Samnel P. Tilden. He was one of the original members of the Church of St. Paul at Sauk Centre. The first Catholic meeting in this vicinity was held at his home by Father Mathias, and when the church was built he contributed toward buying the site and was always a heavy donator and contributor toward its support.

Mr. Capser was married May 31, 1864, to Mary E. Ley, daughter of Henry J. Ley, an early settler. She was born in Madison, Wis., and the marriage took place in St. Joseph, Stearns county. In all his undertakings, Mrs. Capser has been her husband's capable helpmeet, a true wife and loyal mother. In the family there are seven children: Henry C, Josephina, Sufronica C, Albert J., Edward A., George W., and Joseph L. Henry C. was born in a snow covered shed in the rear of his father's first store, just outside of the stockade at Sauk Centre, he being the first male child born in Sauk Centre. The present family home was completed in 1881.

On January 1, 1914, Mr. and Mrs. Capser celebrated the Golden Anniversary of their wedding, which was to fall several months later. The early celebration was for the sake of one of the daughters who was to leave for the west. Around the family table gathered the seven children and the numerous grandchildren. In all the family there has never been a death for over half a century, A massed Bavarian band discoursed music, manysongs were sung, and the happy couple received congratulations from all over the state. Among the gifts was a bag of gold coins presented by the children and grandchildren. Henry C. Capser presided as toastmaster and related many incidents of the early days, while Mr. Capser himself also spoke with much feeling of the happiness that his wife and family have meant to him. In writing of the event the Sauk Rapids "Herald" said: "Not many people are privileged to live together for fifty years as man and wife. Still less rear a family of seven, and they in turn rear families, without a single death in half a century. A most remarkable achievement. In talking with the 'Herald' man following the event, Hon. Joseph Capser stated that he and his aged wife fully appreciate the blessings which had been bestowed upon them all these long years. They are proud of their children and thankful for their achievements. The people of Sauk Centre rejoice with Mr. and Mrs. Capser in their having practically reached the half century mark of their married life. That they may be spared to enjoy the society of each other and their children is the wish of the entire community."

John H. Canfield, of Sauk Centre, county commissioner, was born in St. Lawrence county. New York, October 10, 1846, son of Abram and Caroline Canfield, with whom he came to Sauk Centre. At the age of eighteen he enlisted in the Civil War and participated in the Indian campaign. He was mustered out July 11, 1865. For many years he devoted his life to farm work. He did good service as town and school officer, and so won the respect of his fellow men that they elected him one of the county commissioners, a position he has now held for some eleven years. He votes the Republican ticket, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Canfield married Rosetta Richards in 1870, and they have two children: Llewellyn and Iris P. Llewellyn is married and has four children. Iris P. lives at home and teaches music.

Abram Canfield, an early physician, was born in New Jersey, came to Sauk Centre and practiced medicine for many years. He died in 1909 at the age of eighty-six years. " Abram Canfield married for his first wife, Caroline Van Linder, of New York, by whom he had four children : Manning F., John H., Phoebe A., and James M. For his second wife, Abram Canfield married Rosetta Truax, also a native of New York, and to this union there were bom seven children : Dillon, Louisa, Rosetta, Florence, Charles, Hattie and William.

Albert Edwin Erwin, secretary and general manager of the Erwin Elevator Co., was born in St. Lawrence county. New York, May 1, 1849, son of Franklin and Aurilla (Walbridge) Erwin, also natives of the same county. The parents came to Walworth county, Wisconsin, in the fall of 1854. There the father dealt in stock. In 1861 the family came to Minnesota and located in Dakota county, where the - father engaged in agricultural pursuits the remainder of his life. The father died in February, 1890. The mother died in October, 1895. In the family there were nine children: Charlotte, now Mrs. William Church, of Dakota county; Lucia, now Mrs. Elias Scott, of Renville; Cecelia, now Mrs. Nelson Whipple, of Duluth ; Albert E., of Sauk

Alp'.Ebt Edwin Erwin

Centre ; Eliza, now Mrs. D. S. Hassen, of Duluth ; Temperance (deceased) ; O. W., of Little Falls, Minn. ; Mary, now Mrs. Alexander Jamieson, of Sauk Centre, and Cora, now Mrs. J. L. Whitson, of Sauk Centre. Albert Edwin Erwin was brought from New York state to Walworth county. Wis., by his parents in 1854. He there attended the schools of his neighborhood, and also the schools of Milwaukee. In 1861 he came to Dakota county, Minn., with his parents. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age, attending schools winters and working about the farm in the summer time. After he was twenty-one he worked out for various farmers. In 1874 he came to Sauk Centre, and engaged in the grain and elevator business. With this beginning he has achieved a splendid success. He now has elevators located at Sauk Centre, West Union, Long Prairie, Browerville, Round Prairie, Little Sauk, Gray Eagle, Burham and Ward Springs, most of which he erected himself. He is a master of all the details of his business, is highly respected by everybody, and is in every way a straight-forward, strictly honorable business man. For two terms he served on the village council. Fraternally he has passed through the chairs of Sauk Centre Lodge, No. 34, I. 0. 0. F. Mr. Erwin was married June 21, 1882, to Emily Jamieson, of Canton, New York, daughter of Andrew and Annabelle (Cooper) Jamieson. Mr. and Mrs. Erwin have two children, Annabelle and Harriet. Annabelle graduated from the Sauk Centre High School, and attended Carleton College at Northfield. Harriet also graduated from the Sauk Centre High School, received her splendid musical education under private instructors, and is now a proficient teacher of instrumental music.

L. W. Gingery, successful real estate dealer of Sauk Centre, was born in Summit county, Ohio, August 25, 1869, son of Curtiss C. and Valma E. (Wise) Gingery, who took him to Nebraska when he was nine years of age. He was reared and educated in Nebraska, and there remained until 1899. Then he came to Mason City, Iowa, and engaged in the grain and lumber business. In 1901 he came to Sauk Centre, and in company with M. W. Lee, engaged in the grain and elevator business. In 1905 they incorporated with a capital stock of $100,000. Their elevators and lumber yards were at West Union and Sauk Centre. In July, 1914, the company disposed of its interests, and Mr. Gingery is now successfully engaged in the real estate business. He is a public spirited citizen and has served as president of the village council for years. He is a member of the Commercial Club and of Sauk Centre Lodge, No. 34, I. 0. O. F. Mr, Gingery was married August 24, 1893, to Minnie Lee, and they have three children : Carleton, born March 4, 1905 ; Maudie, born November 18, 1906, and Dorris, born October 12, 1901.

Conrad George Herberger, one of the well-known old settlers of the county, and a respected resident of Sauk Centre has prepared for this work the following statement concerning his career :

"I, Conrad George Herberger, was born in Rheinesheim, Baden, June 23, 1834. My father was Michael Herberger, my mother was Catharina Whitmann. To them Avas born twelve children, ten boys and two girls. I was the youngest of the family. Six of the younger boys came to this country; Ignaz and Max came in 1849 ; Carl, Fred and Theobold, in the spring of 1853.

I came to New York, January 6, 1854, went to Buffalo, N. Y., remained there until May, 1854, and then went to Detroit, Mich. I left there in 1855 and went to Waukegan, Lake county, Illinois, and on July 1, 1856, I came to St. Cloud, Minnesota. On October 1, 1857, I was married to Catharine Schurmann. My wife was born in Hoglar, West Falen, November 12, 1837 ; her father was Nicholas Schurmann, and her mother was Leusill Becker. They were the parents of twelve children. My wife and her parents came to this country in 1855 and located at Guttenberg, Iowa, my wife coming to St. Cloud in 1856. To us were born twelve children, of whom only four are now living: Frank J., George F., Edward Herberger, and Rose (Herberger) Johnson. My brothers and sisters are all dead except Theobald who is living in Los Angeles, Cal., eighty-two years of age. My wife has three brothers and two sisters living. When I came to St. Cloud in 1856 I started a blacksmith shop. In 1859 the first stage run from St. Cloud to Georgetown, a distance of 200 miles, and Burbank & Co. hired me to do their horse shoeing. In 1860 my wife and self were stationed at Pomme de Terre to keep the night station on the stage line. I was to shoe the horses used. on the line from Sauk Centre to Georgetown. Pomme de Terre is twenty-two miles this way from Fergus Falls and twelve beyond Evansville. We got along there fairly well until the Indian outbreak, on August 22, 1862. At that time we were forced to return to St. Cloud, where I resumed blacksmithing until 1869 when my brother Fred and myself organized and operated a brewery, known as the Herberger Brothers Brewing Co. We sold out in 1875, and in 1877 I went on a farm in Todd and Douglas counties, three miles from Osakis. I remained on the farm until 1901, when in September of that year I came to Sauk Centre where I have resided ever since."

The Irish Family. The Irish family is one of the old American families, dating back considerable over a century. The original Irish forebear came from England, and settled in New York state. One of the sons in this family was Jonathan Irish, born at Lake George, N. Y., April 9, 1807. His wife, Eliza, was born July 17, 1813. They had seven children. Sydney, born January 22, 1833; Mercy, June 29, 1835; Abner, February 28, 1837; Matthew, February 25, 1839 ; Eber, May 5, 1842 ; Matilda, October 29, 1844 ; Caroline, April 24, 1848. The deaths recorded in the family Bible are as follows : Eber, October 26, 1862; Jonathan (the father), March 24, 1884; Eliza (the mother) ten years later ; Matthew, November 26, 1907 ; Abner, February 8, 1909 ; Sydney, April 2, 1912.

Abner Irish, the third child in this family, was born, as noted, February 28, 1837, in Warren county. New York. As a young man he served through the Civil War. He reached Minnesota May 24, 1864. He lived for many years in Sauk Centre, where he was a prominent citizen. A farmer, carpenter and contractor, he nevertheless found time to devote to public affairs. He was one of the supervisors of. the town, and a justice of the peace. As a member of the board of education he was one of those who were responsible for the establishing of the High School in Sauk Centre, and also freely gave of his time and labor to help establish the First Presbyterian Church of Sauk Centre by hewing the timbers used in its construction. This church later became the home of the First Congregational Church of Sauk Centre, of which Mr. Irish was a faithful member at the time of his death. In politics he was a Republican. He died February 8, 1909, highly respected by all who knew him.

Abner Irish married Rose Spencer, and they had five children : Louis J., Carrie (died May 2, 1905), Hattie E. (died September 8, 1875), Margaret and Carl A. Margaret is a graduate nurse and lives with her mother. Louis J. is a member of the city council of Sauk Centre. He conducts a 'bus and transfer business. He was married June 25, 1902, to Myra E. Clifford, and they have a daughter, Edna Elizabeth. Carl A. is a prosperous rancher in North Dakota, was married to Jennie M. Gray, December 26, 1900, and has four children; Margaret M., Carleton G., Arelyn D. and Marvin S. and besides, two adopted children, Harry M. Shepard, nephew of Mrs. Irish, at the age of 13 months, and Helen R., adopted March 8, 1895, at the age of three months.

Alexander Jainieson, president of the Erwin Elevator Co., with headquarters at Sauk Centre, was born in New York state, December 25, 1846, son of Andrew and Annabelle (Cooper) Jamieson. He came to Minnesota at the age of twenty-one, and for about twenty-five years farmed in Dakota county. In 1896 he purchased an interest in the Erwin Elevator Co., of which he is now the president. Mr. Jamieson is a vestryman and treasurer of the Church of the Good Samaritan, Episcopal, and has taken an active interest in the welfare of that body. He is doing the village good service as an alderman. Alexander Jamieson married Mary Erwin, and they have three children : Gladys J., Edward E. and Vera. Gladys J. married Ray Carpenter, and they have three children: Maxwell, Louisa and Fannie. They live in Alberta, Canada. Andrew Jamieson and Annabelle Cooper, his wife, spent the span of their years in New York state, and are laid to rest in Canton, New York, the former djdng at the age of eighty-two and the latter at the age of seventy-seven. There were nine children in the family : Alexander, George E., John, Emily, Hattie, Sarah, Nettie and Elizabeth.

Michael Hogan. To some villages comes the good fortune to number among their citizens, men of ability, probity, intelligence and worth, who are willing to devote their time, energy, influence and money for the upbuilding of the part of the country in which they have cast their lot. Such a man was Michael Hogan. Coming to Sauk Centre in the prime of life he at once became identified with its progress, attained business success and worthy reputation, served in the most responsible political, social, educational and financial positions, and as a fitting climax to his life secured for the village a permanent literary institution whose influence will be felt for many generations to come.

Michael Hogan was born in Prince Edward Island Province, Canada, was there reared, studied law, and was admitted to the bar. He came to Sauk Centre in 1882 and became clerk in the real estate office of Moore & Bennett. Later he engaged in the real estate business for himself, then had Charles Hendryx for a partner for a while, and subsequently continued alone. As a real estate lawyer he had few if any equals in this part of the state. During his long residence in the village he took an active interest in the city's progress, and in matters of public importance his excellent judgment and thoughful energy had much to do with the substantial upbuilding of Sauk Centre. For four terms he served as mayor and at various other times might have held the office had he not refused to accept the honor. He was also a member of the Sauk Centre board of education and was vice-president of the Merchants' National Bank. He started a correspondence with Andrew Carnegie, as the result of which the Carnegie Library was here erected. No one knew of the matter until Mr. Carnegie's offer had been formally made and the terms of the acceptance stipulated. Mr. Hogan died at St. Luke's Hospital, September 30, 1904. At the hour of his funeral every business house and public school in Sauk Centre was closed. The whole village joined in mourning, for his excellent qualities had endeared him to all. In business as well as in a social way, he was of an unassuming nature, a plain, scholarly gentleman, whose friendship was as high an honor as one could care to win. His place in the community will not soon be filled. Mr. Hogan was married April 19, 1887, to Mary Donahue, of Sauk Centre, daughter of Patrick and Ann Donahue, early settlers of Stearns county. There are two children, Edna, born in 1889, and Archie, born in 1894.

Theron W. Mann was born in Schoharie county. New York, August 11, 1854, attended the excellent public schools of his neighborhood, and obtained a diploma from the State Normal School at Albany, N. Y., and taught two years. For a time he worked as a railroad man with headquarters at Plattsburg, N. Y. Then he came west, and was employed as an operator at the Plymouth, Wis., station for the Wisconsin Central. From there he came to Minnesota, where he worked for the Northern Pacific for a quarter of a century, being operator at Wadena and Clitherall, and agent at Royalton, Sauk Centre and Little Falls. After leaving the railroad business he engaged in business in Minneapolis, and later in South Dakota. Then he came once more to Sauk Centre, where he conducted a music store until his death in December, 1912. The store is now conducted by his sons. His wife is still living. She makes her home in New York state. Mr. Mann was a prominent man in many ways. In addition to his store in Sauk Centre, he owned farms in Pope and Becker counties. He was one of the founders of the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Sauk Centre. Confirmed as a communicant of the Episcopal Church, he was ever an ardent worker in that denomination. At Sauk Centre he was one of the most active members. Mr. Mann had three children : Mrs. L. 0. Kerby, of Hibbing, Minn. ; and Sydney T. and Henry A., merchants of Sauk Centre.

Sidney T. Merryman, manager of the Central Minnesota Power and Milling Co., of Sauk Centre, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., January 15, 1890, son of Egbert S. and Barbara W. (Davidson) Merryman. He received his education in the graded and high .schools of Milwaukee. His first employment was in a clerical capacity. His ambition was to become a sea captain, and with this end in view he secured a situation as watchman and wheelman on a Great Lakes boat. January 1, 1909, he came to Sauk Centre as accountant for the Central Minnesota Power and Milling Co. In February, 1911, he was promoted to his present position. He is a rising young man, is a thorough master of his line of work, and is highly regarded throughout the community. Mr. Merryman is a member of Star in the West Lodge, No. 60, A. F. & A. M., and of Sauk Centre Chapter, No. 49, R. A. M. He was married February 11, 1914, to Marguerite Booth, of Chicago.

David Caughren, of honored memory, was one of that sturdy band of pioneers whose work resulted in the opening up and development of the Northwest. Whether as a youth in Canada, diligently working on the home farm ; as a pioneer in Wright county, bringing the wild land under cultivation and working for the advance of civilization ; or as a freighter in the Black Hills, carrying still further the vanguard of development and settlement ; he ever did his duty as he saw it. He was an influential citizen, and lived long enough to see the early fruits of success crown his privations and toil. David Caughren was born in Fredington, on the St. John's river. Province of New Brunswick, Canada, and married Matilda Ervin, a native of the same place. In 1859 they came to Minnesota, and located on a farm in Brockway township, Stearns county, where they lived for several years. In 1864 they moved to Getty township, where Mr. Caughren purchased 160 acres. He broke and grubbed the land, brought it to a high stage of cultivation, and erected a fine set of buildings. He was a power for good in the community and was apparently permanently settled. But the pioneer strain was in his blood and unwilling to enjoy the established peace of a settled community while others were braving the rigors of pioneer endeavor, he left the community which he had assisted in making, and removed to Bismarck, North Dakota, where he engaged in freighting between Bismarck and the Black Hills. He died at Bismarck, in January, 1881, His widow now lives in Merriam Park, St. Paul, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. Mr. and Mrs. Caughren had seven children: J. A., a leading citizen of Sauk Centre, Stearns county ; Carrie, now Mrs. George Case, of Black Hills ; William, of White Fish, Montana ; Samuel, of Havre, Montana ; Sarah, the deceased wife of E. G. Bloomfield, and Frank and Hattie, who died in infancy.

Henry SpragTie was born in Chenango county, New York, September 22, 1808, and in 1823 was taken by his parents to Oakland county, Michigan. As a youth he learned the trade of a carpenter, and subsequently followed this trade for many years. In 1838 he moved to Will county, Illinois, from which county in 1854, he brought his family to Dakota county, Minn., and settled in Nininger township. While in Dakota county he was county commissioner and justice of the peace for several years. In 1865 he came to Stearns county, and settled on a farm in Sauk Centre township. He married Louise C. Walker, a native of Maine, March 14, 1883, and they had four children : Addison, Cassius, Millard C. and Esther Sprague.

John N. McGibbon, man of affairs, and one of Sauk Centre's most useful citizens, has wide interests and varied accomplishments. He is president of the Stearns County Agricultural Society, is serving his fourth consecutive term as mayor of Sauk Centre, is president of the board of education of Sauk Centre, president of the Sauk Centre Fire Relief Association, and superintendent of the city electric light plant. In addition to this he is successfully engaged in milling and farming. Thus busily engaged he has nevertheless found time for the development of the literary and ethical side of his nature, and his verse is published in many papers throughout the state. He is a member of Star in the West Lodge, No. 60, A. F. & A. M., and Sauk Centre Chapter, No. 49, R. A. M. His wife and he are both members of the Order of the Eastern Star. He is a Democrat in politics, and the members of the family belong to the Presbyterian Church. In whatever movement he takes a part, Mr. McGibbon is at once found at the head. He is genial, affable, unassuming, a hard worker, and a born leader of men. He preaches the doctrine of good fellowship and the brotherhood of man, and he is as agreeable as he is prominent. He and his wife are especially interested in the cause of education, and in the move for better schools throughout the country. Their untiring efforts and encouragement were an important factor in the building of the present sightly school edifice at Sauk Centre. John N. McGibbon was born in Canada, December 21, 1859, there attended the public schools and grew to manhood. He learned the trade of miller from his father and devoted much of his youth to that line of work. He reached Minneapolis at the age of twenty-one and entered the employ of the Minneapolis Flouring Mill. Six months later he came to Sauk Centre and became head miller for T. C. McClure. Later he and Dr. J. D. DuBois bought out the mill which he conducted for three years. Mr. McGibbon was united in marriage, June 9, 1881, to Louise A. E. Crozier, who was born in Canada, February 23, 1862, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Walker) Crozier, natives of Scotland who came to Canada in their 'teens and were there married. Mr, Crozier was a farmer and was very successful in his chosen line of endeavor. He and his good wife both died in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. McGibbon have four children: Lillian L. married Tollef Jacobson, now a prominent banker of Alexandria, Minn.; John R. is secretary of the Northwestern Mortgage and Security Co. at Fargo, North Dakota; Robina H. married Henry Halverson, one of St. Cloud's representative merchants; Everette E. is a rising young dentist of Minneapolis ; James R. is a student in the Sauk Centre High school and lives at home. Alexander McGibbon and Jane (Brow) McGibbon, the parents of John N. McGibbon were of Scottish descent. Alexander McGibbon was a prominent miller in Canada, and owned and conducted a flouring mill for many years. The same mill is now operated by the son, Duncan D. McGibbon. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Gibbon both died in Canada and are buried there.

Joseph Parker, retired farmer of Sauk Centre, was born in Erie county. New York, September 4, 1842, son of William and Ann (Fullam) Parker who brought their family first to Wisconsin and then to Minnesota. As a youth Joseph Parker devoted considerable attention to farming. In 1863, he enlisted in Company A, Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and served two years and four months. This started a series of adventures which extended over many years. After leaving the army, he started work on the old overland freight route between St. Paul and Winnipeg. It was in this employ that he first came to Sauk Centre. Later he accompanied many expeditions to the Northwest, sometimes as a soldier, and sometimes in charge of wagon trains.

Me. And Mrs. David Pangburn

It was in 1873 that Mr. Parker gave up his life as a frontiersman, married, and settled down as a pioneer in Ashley township, this county. Starting with a wild tract of eighty acres, he erected a small log shanty, and began his career as a prosperous farmer. He increased his holdings, until he now owns 240 acres, equipped with modern buildings, and suitable equipment. He was chairman of the board of supervisors sixteen years, and also served in other town positions as well as in school office. He has been a Democrat nearly all his life but for a time was associated with the farmers' movements which flourished under such names as the Grange, the Anti-Monopolists, the Greenbackers and the Populists. He has ably filled the chair as commander of the B. R. Palmer Post, No. 4, G. A. R., of Sauk Centre. Mr. Parker married Ella Stewart, a native of Wisconsin, and a daughter of George Stewart, an early settler of Stearns county. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have five children: Henry, Roscoe, Joseph, Bessie and Orick. Henry is a representative farmer of Sauk Centre township; Roscoe lives in Minneapolis; Bessie is now Mrs. Arthur W. Bierman, of Northfield, Minn. ; Orick is in the Coast Artillery at California, as a soldier in the regular army.

William Parker was born in New Jersey, of English descent. He married Ann Fullam, of Irish blood. After their marriage they settled in New York. Later they went to Florida, where Mr. Parker was engaged in the campaign against the Indians for two years. After the Indian troubles there were over, they returned to New York. In 1861 the family came to Minnesota and located in Rochester, making the trip from the Mississippi by means of a team of horses. William Parker died in 1865, outliving his wife about a year. William Parker was the father of Henrietta, born in Florida; James, Catherine, Henry, Mary and Joseph, born in Wisconsin; and Emma, Harriet, Sylvia and Abslom, born in Minnesota. Henrietta married Henry Home, of Wisconsin, now deceased. She makes her home in Sauk Centre, with her brother, Joseph. James served during the Civil War, in the First Wisconsin Cavalry and in Hancock's Veteran Corps. He is now in the Soldiers' Home, at Milwaukee, Wis. Catherine and her husband, William Barry, both of Sauk Centre, are dead. Henry was killed by a threshing machine. Mary Ann and her husband, Andrew Whitehead, are both dead. Joseph lives in Sauk Centre. Emma is the wife of Lorenzo Bennett, and lives in Rochester, Minn. Harriett is the wife of Clark Case, of Sauk Centre. Sylvia is the wife of James Smith, of Rochester, Minn. Absolom was killed at Spokane Falls, Wash.

David Pangburn, retired brick manufacturer, living in Sauk Centre, was born in Scotland, New York, August 27, 1832, son of James D. and Polly (Houck) Pangburn. He received his education in his native state, and there grew to manhood. It was in 1856 that he came to Minnesota, and located at Nininger, in Dakota county. In 1861 he came to Stearns county, and took a claim in Sauk Centre township. In 1864 he located here permanently, and engaged in farming. Soon afterward, he went into making brick. Later he bought the large farm on which the present plant is located. It is on the shore of Sauk Lake, just over the line in Todd county. Here he has carried on general farming and done a large business in brickmaking. Being on the shore of the lake he has been able to raft his bricks, and then tow the rafts to Sauk Centre with his barge. The bricks, both red and gray are in wide favor, and nearly all the buildings in Sauk Centre and Melrose are constructed from them. Since dividing his farm among his sons, Mr. Pangburn has purchased a home in Sauk Centre, where he will spend his declining years in well deserved rest after a busy life filled with successful endeavor. He has been an active man in everything that had for its object the progress and betterment of the community, and for several years he served as supervisor of Sauk Centre township. Although eight-two years of age he is still hale and hearty. Every fall he goes on hunting expeditions to the pine woods, and never fails to bring home a good bag of game.

James D, Pangburn came to Sauk Centre in 1866 and took a homestead. He lived to see himself the founder of one of the largest families in this vicinity. In 1882, after a long life, filled with useful accomplishments, he died at the good old age of eighty years.

Mr. Pangburn married Polly Houck, a native of New York state. She died in 1898 at the age of ninety years. In the family there are ten children : Margaret, Nicholas, David, Magdalena, Julia, Paulina, Hiram, "William, Henry and Frank S. It is a fact worthy of note that Margaret, the oldest of these children, is still living, at the age of ninety years.

Arthur M. Pangburn was born September 10, 1864, son of David and Hattie P. (Davenport) Pangburn. He is engaged in farming in Todd county, just over the line from Sauk Centre township. Arthur M. Pangburn was first married to Delia Fredinburg. After her death he married Lizzie Knudson.

D. A. Pangburn was born in Sauk Centre township, June 16, 1869, son of David and Hattie P. (Davenport) Pangburn. He is a mason by trade and does general conti'acting and building. Mr. Pangburn married Agnes Diebel, and they have five children : Hazel H., May, Earl, Edith and Marie, all born in Sauk Centre. The family faith is that of the Congregational Church.

William Pangburn, one of the respected citizens of Sauk Centre, was born in New York state. May 12, 1836, and was there reared to young manhood. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he enlisted, and was in the service throughout that bloody conflict, being confined in a southern prison fourteen months of that time. He was discharged at Madison, Wisconsin, after which he came West, reaching Sauk Centre May 12, 1865. He took up a homestead in Sauk Centre township, broke the land, erected suitable buildings, and carried on general farming until 1879, when he moved to the city. He has been a member of the city council for sixteen years, and is now serving another two-year term. For one term he was president of the council. He is treasurer of Palmer Post, No. 40, G. A. R., and a member of the I. 0. O. F. William

Pangburn married Ella Barnard, and they have seven children: Minnie, Frank T., Josie, Maude, Jessie, Ralph and Leon. The parents of William Pangburn were James D. and Polly (Houck) Pangburn.

Georg-e Pangburn was born in St. Paul, December 3, 1856, son of David and Hattie P. (Davenport) Pangburn. He is engaged in farming and brickmaking with his father. George Pangburn married Julia Henderson, of Eagle Bend, Minn. They have five children: Ray, Lucy, Eva, Lester and Alice.

Ray C. Pangburn was born in Sauk Centre, July 24, 1884. After attending school he learned the trade of mason, which he has since followed. He lives over the line in Todd county. Ray C. Pangburn married Mary Knott, and they have three children : Howard, Lawrence and Irene.

Frank T. Pangburn was born in Sauk Centre township, December 14, 1871, son of William and Ella (Barnard) Pangburn. He attended the public schools and also had the advantages of courses in the Pioneer Business School, of Sauk Centre. For some years after attaining the years of maturity, he devoted his life to farming. For a time he was identified with the L. S. Bishop Co. of Sauk Centre. Mr. Pangburn is a great believer in education, and served for a time on the school board (5f one of the rural districts. He is a member of the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen. Frank T. Pangburn married Margaret E. Johnson, of Grove Lake, Minnesota. They have two children.

J. B. Schoenhoff was born in Germany, October 8, 1868, and came to America in the middle of 1885. He lived in Spring Hill township, Meier Grove and Melrose, all in this state, before coming to Sauk Centre. A mason by trade, he has also done considerable farming for seven years. For about five years he was in the restaurant business, and for something like a similar period conducted a laundry. He is at present running a first-class saloon, the best in the state. He belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters, and to the G. R. K. Benevolent Society of Minnesota ; also, for the last ten years local agent for the National Casualty Co., the best sick and accident company in the state of Minnesota. Has lived in the city of Sauk Centre 22 years. He is a live member of the Commercial Club and Stearns County Fair Association.

Mr. Schoenhoff first married Catherine Wulfekuhle, now deceased. No children by first wife. His present wife is Annie Walcher. In the family are five children : Leo, Anthony, Bernard, Richard and Robert. Two girls are dead.

J. A. Schoenhoff was born in Germany in 1875, and has lived in Sauk Centre about twenty-one years. He is a popular man in the community, is secretary of the local lodge of the Catholic Order of Foresters, and is active in the St. Joseph Benevolent Society.

Mr. Schoenhoff married Magdalena Schaefer, of Albany, Minn., and they have three children : Valarian B. and Julia E. and Mary Magdalene. Mrs. Schoenhoff comes of an old Stearns county family. Her father was born in St. Cloud, and is now living in Albany, in this county. By his first wife, Julia Schultz, he had twelve children : Magdaline, Julia, Carl, Thomas, Henry,

Leo, Anton, Otto, Joseph, George, Eoman and Genevieve. By his second wife, Magdaline Marshall, he had six children: Eichard, Celestine, Carl, Edmond, Gertrude and Margaret.

Harry Allen, mason, of Sauk Centre, was born here December 9, 1886. He belongs to the Bricklayers' Union and the Ancient Order of United "Workmen. John Allen, also a mason, the father of Harry Allen, was born in Pennsylvania, July 12, 1851, and came to Minnesota in 1887. He married Maria Sehaefer, and they had five children: Harry, Howard, Kate, Benjamin and Alice.

Isaac Allen, grandfather of Harry Allen, was a mason by trade, and lived in Pennsylvania. He married Hannah Clemmons, and they had eleven children, of whom there are still living four: Garrett, Eebecca, Anna and John.

John Boutell, proprietor of the Palmer House Buffet, Sauk Centre, was born in Woodstock, Canada, December 18, 1862, and came to Sauk Centre from Wapington, North Dakota, in 1890. He is one of the clean-cut, intelligent men of the city, has served on the city council for some time, and belongs to the Eagles, the Eed Men, and the Sauk Centre Commercial Club.

John Boutell married Mary McCarthy, of Benson, Swift county, Minnesota, and they have one son, who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1913.

Alice C. Cawley, who with her two daughters, Marie and Eveline, is conducting the millinery establishment long owned by Mrs. Swift, came to Sauk Centre from Big Stone county, Minnesota, where her husband, Mr. Cawley, died in 1906. Mrs. Cawley 's father was Matthew Smith, and her mother was Marie Loubier. In the family were eight children: May, Lucy, Alice C, Ellen, John, Jean, George and Gilbert.

J. H. Simonton, pioneer journalist, agriculturist and business man, was born in Perry county, Penn., Nov. 15, 1840, son of Dr. Thomas and Elizabeth (Baxter) Simonton. He attended school in his native county, and at the age of twelve years moved with his parents to Wilmington, 111,, where he completed his education. He came to Minnesota in 1857, and learned the printer's trade. He was interested in newspaper work in Sauk Eapids and St. Cloud. In 1866 he sold his interest in the St. Cloud ''Times," to N. F. Barnes and went to St. Paul where he worked in the office of the "Pioneer." In the spring of 1867 he came to Sauk Centre. On June 6, 1867, J. H. Simonton started the Sauk Centre "Herald." This paper was printed on the first press ever brought to Minnesota, formerly the property of James M. Goodhue, who on April 28, 1849, printed, at St. Paul, the "Minnesota Pioneer," the first paper ever printed in the territory. Mr. Simonton was soon joined by his brother, Samuel Simonton, and the paper was published by them jointly until August, 1879, when it was sold to Charles F. Hendryx. When J. H. Simonton retired from newspaper work, he took up farming for a few years. Then he became a groceryman in Sauk Centre, continuing this business for over two decades. The members of the younger generations who were not alive during his newspaper career, remember him best as the genial grocer. Some nine years ago he sold out to McCracken & Burgess and retired. Mr.

Simonton is a prominent man in the community, and for some time was secretary of the Sauk Centre Business Men's Association which is not now in existence. He is a charter member of the Star in the West Lodge, No. 60, A. F. & A. M., of Sauk Centre. A Republican in politics, he was assessor for twenty years. At various time he has also served in other positions of public trust and private honor.

Mr. Simonton was married in 1870 to Jennie M. Stabler, and they have had six children. Benjamin P. lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Frank E. lives in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada ; Mildred E. resides at home ; William A., Alfred and an unnamed infant are deceased.