Wabasha County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 11 of 27)

Herman Miller, a progressive farmer residing in section 4, Plainview Township, where he is a well known and influential citizen, was born in Mil¬ waukee, Wis., in 1861, son of Louis and Mary Miller. He was but a babe when he accompanied his parents to Wabasha County, Minnesota, and many years of his subsequent life were spent on their farm in Zumbro Township, where he was trained in agricultural pursuits, acquiring his education in the district school. On his mother's death in 1904, his father having died in the' previous year, he came into possession of the home farm, which he operated on his own account until the fall of 1911. He then sold it and moved to section 4, Plainview Township, where he bought 138 acres of well improved land on which stood a good barn and residence of eight rooms, besides other buildings. Here he has continued general farming, also raising stock and garden produce, and is doing a very successful business. Formerly he served five years as a member of the board of supervisors of Zumbro Township and he has always taken a public spirited interest in the affairs of the community in which he resides. Mr. Miller was married at Rochester, Minn., in 1899, to Mrs. Otillia Rich, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Ost. She was born in Germany, where her parents died when she was five years old, and at the age of 17 she came alone to America, her only sister having come to this country three years before, settling in Minnesota. Otillia was twice married, her first husband being Robert Rich, of Rochester, Minn., by whom she had four children. Only one of these children is now living, namely, Arthur, who is employed in the C., M. & St. P. railway depot in Minneapolis. In 1917 he enlisted in the United States' service and served one year in France. The other three children died in in¬ fancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Herman Miller six children have been born: Lillie, Adeline, Henry, Elmer, Florence and Janette. Lillie is employed in Plainview village and Henry is working as a farm hand. The others are residing at home with their parents.

William B. Oelkers, one of the leading merchants of Millville, a member of the firm of Oelkers & Frisch, was born in Goodhue County, Minnesota, Octo¬ ber 28, 1883, son of William and Anna (Augustine) Oelkers, who were natives of Germany. The father came to the United States with his parents at the age of 13 years, and was subsequently engaged in farming in Goodhue County until his retirement and removal to Red Wing in November, 1919. He and his wife have had ten children, of whom three, John, August and Anna, are now de¬ ceased. The living are Henry, William B., Edward, George, Albert, Gustav and Alfred. William B. Oelkers was educated in the district schools of Goodhue County, and subsequently worked on his parents' farm, also being employed one year as clerk in a store. Since then he has been engaged continuously in mercantile business., For 13 years he was associated with Satren Brothers and M. H. Satren, of Zumbrota, for six months of that time being engaged in the live stock business. On April 22, 1918, he came to Millville and purchased the interest of Harry I. Engel in the mercantile business of Frisch & Engel, the name of the firm being changed to Oelkers & Frisch. They are conducting an up-to-date general store, including hardware, dry goods and groceries, and also operate a similar store at Elgin, which is known as the Farmers' Store, Mr. Oelkers owning a half interest in both and acting as manager of both stores. As such he has shown good executive ability and made a name for himself in the business world. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Oelkers was married at Zumbrota, Minn., in June, 1907, to Anna Prigge, daugh¬ ter of Peter and Dora Prigge, who were early settlers in Goodhue County. Of this marriage four children have been born, one of whom, Malinda, died at the

Michael H. Wadley, Jr., assistant cashier of the Millville State Bank, and who is also serving as village recorder, was born in Millville, Minn., September 24, 1883, son of Michael H. and Katherine (Wagner) Wadley. The parents were natives of Germany, the father being a stone mason. After coming to the United States many years ago, they resided for awhile in Chicago, where he followed his trade, also continuing to work at it in other places, and in Wabasha County after his arrival here, until he retired in 1912. He and his wife had six children, of whom the four now living are Michael, John, Matt, and Francis, John being a resident of Minneapolis and the others of Millville. Michael H. Wadley, Jr., acquired his education in the graded school of Mill¬ ville, and subsequently worked at the mason's trade with his father for about 12 years. For the next five years he was occupied as rural route mail carrier, at the same time acting as assistant cashier of the Millville State Bank, and for the last four years he has worked full time in the bank, having shown good business capacity, and being popular with its patrons. In March, 1919, he was elected village recorder of Millville. He belongs to the Order of Red Men, is independent in politics, and is a member of the Catholic church. Mr. Wadley was married May 21, 1908, to Tressa McCullough. She was born in Keeegan, Minnesota, daughter of John and Mary Ann McCullough, who came to Wabasha from New York State. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wadley have four children, Michael, Joseph, Frances and Norbert.

William Springer, for many years an active and successful farmer of Oakwood Township, was a native of Germany, where he grew to manhood and married Caroline Becker. They came to the United States about 1865, locating first at Winona, Minn., and then removing to Oakwood Township, Wabasha County, where Mr. Springer bought a farm and engaged in general farming and stock raising. He and his wife remained on that place for the rest of their lives, and both died in the year 1911, Mrs. Springer on February 18, and Mr. Springer in December. They were the parents of eight children: Sophia, wife of John Cour; Louisa, wife of Julius Muckeburg, of Millville; Louis, a farmer in Oakwood Township; Minnie, wife of Fred Sanger, of Bovina, Texas; Dora, wife of Henry Wurst, of Elgin Township; Augusta, wife of Charles Schleicher,

John C. Springer, a representative citizen of the village of Millville, where he is engaged in the implement business, was born on a farm in Oakwood Township, this county, November 10, 1873, son of William and Caroline ( Beckei ) Spiinger. He was educated in the common school and worked on the home farm until 29 years old. Then moving to Millville, he engaged in the meat business, in which he continued here for 13 years. His next two years were spent on the farm and one winter in California. In 1916 he engaged in the lumber and implement business at Millville, and is thus occupied at the present time, carrying a full line of farm machinery, buggies and wagons. He is a stockholder in the Millville State Bank, and one of the enterprising and wellto do citizens of the village, of which he is now president, having formerly held that position for three years, resigning it when he went to California. His present term of office dates from his appointment in November, 1919. His fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen, and he is a member of the oge -1Ca Lutheran church of Millville, and is now serving as its president. Mr. Springer was married, April 5, 1898, to Louisa Schleicher, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Frederick Schleicher, of Millville. He and his wife have six children,' Florence, Lucy, Dorothy, John, Margaret and Charles, all living at home.

/^PiuWaS b°rn ,m Elgin TownshiP> May 17, 1870, son of Herman and Annie (Mathews) Reich. In his boyhood he attended district school in Elgin Town- ship, and also the school in Plainview village. On his parents' farm he thor¬ oughly learned agriculture in its different branches, and continued to work for his father until 1910, in which year he rented a farm in Elgin Township on which he resided until 1912. He then rented his father's farm of 120 acres in section 13, which is known as Lone Pine Farm, and which he is now operating with good financial results, doing general farming and stock raising. He has made a number of improvements on the place, including the erection of a garage and outbuildings. Mr. Reich was married December 14, 1911, to Celia Hostettler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hostettler, who was born July 8, 1881, her parents being .members of the Old Settlers' Association of Plainview. The home circle of Mr. and Mrs. Reich has been enlarged by the birth of two chil¬ dren : Anna M., born October 6, 1916; and James H., born March 29, 1918. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Reich are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Alzis Zebina Putnam, a resident of the village of Minneiska, and who for many years served as probate judge of Wabasha County, was born in the town of Florence, Oneida County, N. Y., October 1, 1829, son of Pliny and Flora (Edgerton) Putnam. He is a descendant in the eighth generation of one of the early settlers of New England, John Putnam, who arrived from England in 1634, and located at Salem, Mass. Of the three sons of John Putnam, one was the ancestor of the subject of this sketch, and another of General Israel Putnam, of Revolutionary fame. Judge Putnam's great grandfather on the paternal side, and also his grandfather, Capt. Joseph Putnam, fought against the British at the battle of Bunker Hill. When the subject of this sketch was six or eight years old, his parents moved to Oswego County, N. Y., where he attended school. Another migration of the family transferred his home to Chautauqua County, where his education was continued, until his parents moved to northern Illinois. In Elgin, that state, he later read law with the firm of Morgan & Joslin, and was there admitted to the bar in 1856. In the fall of the same year he moved to Wabasha County, Minn., and took up his residence in the village of Minneiska, where he has ever since remained. His record as a member of the bar has been long and honorable, and he is now the oldest living member of his profession in the county. In the fall of 1859 he was elected to the office of probate judge, and served four years, his only pred¬ ecessors in that office having been H. P. Wilson, 1856; G. F. Childs, 1857; and B. C. Baldwin, 1858-9. He was again elected to the same office in 1871, and served two terms, and in 1882 he was elected for the third time, after which he held the same office at intervals for a considerable number of years, and he continues to do a little probate business even up to the present time. In addition to his legal practice, Judge Putnam engaged in the insurance busi¬ ness, about 1860, and has since continued in it, though in late years but slightly, as advancing years have led to his practical retirement. In earlier times he took a more or less active part in local affairs of a public character, serving for a number of years as a member and chairman of the board of supervisors of the county, of which he first became a member about 1858; also as village recorder for six or eight years. He was married in Chautauqua County, N. Y., in 1848, to Jane Elizabeth Fuller, a native of that county, who died in Minne¬ iska, Minn., in 1906, at the age of 76 years. Of this marriage there was one child, Flora Eugenia, who was born January 21, 1849, in Arkwright, Chau¬ tauqua County, N. Y. She was married January 12, 1867, to Gustav Edward Kading, a native of Brandenberg, Prussia, Germany, who died January 1, 1870, since which time Mrs. Kading has resided with her father, Judge Put¬ nam, at his comfortable home in Minneiska, commanding a picturesque view of the Mississippi River, and opposite the bluffs of the Wisconsin shore. Judge Putnam and his daughter are among the most highly respected residents of this part of Wabasha County. They are people of refinement and education, Mrs. Kading being well versed in French, German, Spanish and Italian, and their home is well supplied with the best books and magazines. They are mem¬ bers of the Episcopal church, although unable to attend services here, as there is no church of that denomination in the village.

Michael A. Callahan, a well known merchant of Minneiska, who for the last 14 years has also held the office of postmaster, was born in Sandy Creek village, Orleans County, New York, November 23, 1858, son of John and Mary Callahan. The parents, natives of Ireland, came to the United States about 1839 or 1840, and spent the rest of their lives in Orleans County as farmers. The mother was the first to pass away, her death taking place in 1869. She had been twice married, John Callahan being her second husband. He survived her but a short time, dying in 1872. Michael A. Callahan, who was the only child of his mother's second marriage, resided in Orleans County, New York, until reaching the age of 20 years. After attending the local schools, and for a part of the time while thus engaged, he assisted his father on the home farm. He then learned telegraphy and for some years was in the employ of the New York Central Railroad, at Rochester, N. Y. About 1880 he came west to Min¬ nesota and entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Co., from 1881 to 1888 being stationed successively at St. Paul, Winona, and Weaver, Minn. Then going to Montana, he worked for the Great Northern Railroad Co. for a while. Under President Harrison's administration he ob¬ tained a government position in the Indian service, and was thus employed dur¬ ing the rest of that administration, and for eight months under that of Presi¬ dent Cleveland. He then returned to railroad work, but was shortly taken sick, and for the next two years did little, on account of poor health. When he resumed active work again, it was as an employe of the Mississippi Logging Company, and for four years he had charge of their store at West Newton. In 1898 Mr. Callahan came to Minneiska and started his present store, well stocked with boots and shoes, and men's furnishing goods, in which line of trade he has established a reputation as a reliable, merchant. In September, 1906, he be¬ came postmaster and has remained a popular official. The office is located in his store. In 1882 Mr. Callahan was married at Weaver, Minn., to Eliza J. Hitchcock, who was born in Missouri, November 27, 1860, but had lived in Minnesota since she was three years old, and in Weaver, Wabasha County, since she was 18. She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Hitchcock, who settled at an early date in this county. One member of the family is said to have been the first white child born on Greenwood Prairie, near Plainview. To Mr. and Mrs. Callahan were born three daughters; Daisy, September 15, 1883; Ellen Grace, October 20, 1884, and Frances, June 28, 1887. Only one is now living, Daisy having passed away August 4, 1901, and Ellen Grace, August 10, 1886. The surviving daughter, Frances, was married February 18, 1908, to Edward J. Valentine, . and now resides in Rollingstone Township, Winona County. She has six children, namely: Donald, born November 20, 1909; Ruth Elizabeth, August 14, 1911; James Edward, November 29, 1912; Katherine M., February 22, 1914; Frances A., October 22, 1915; and Florence in December, 1918. Mrs. Michael A. Callahan died January 14, 1917, leaving t o her husband the memory of a happy wedded life. He is one of the leading citizens of the picturesque little village of Winneiska, the history of which he has helped to make, and few men in this part of the county are better known or more popular.

John M. Berktold, who holds a high place among the active and successful f armei s of Mt. Pleasant Township, was born on a farm in section 7, this town¬ ship, April 5, 1872, son of Engelbert and Anna (Daniel) Berktold. The father was born in the German Tyrol and the mother in Luxemburg. They came sep¬ arately to the United States, Engelbert Berktold coming in 1858, when single, and Anna Daniel a little later, their marriage taking place in this country! The\ settieu in section 7, Mt. Pleasant Township, where they established a farm, on which their son, John M., worked hard from an early age, though he attended district school during the sessions until he was fifteen. He remained on the home farm until he was 26 years old, and wras then married, June 22, 1898, to Mary Horrigan, daughter of John and Mary Horrigan, of Mt. Pleasant Township. They began home making in section 27, Mt. Pleasant Township, on their present farm of 240 acres, situated seven miles southwest of Lake City. All the land is now under the plow and is very productive, the farm being one of the best in the county. It has a fine set of buildings, the residence being a frame structure, a story and a half in height and containing twelve rooms. The barn measures 42 by 80 by 18 feet, and has a full stone basement; and there are, in addition, a tool shed, 22 by 30 by 12, with a lean-to 18 by 30; a granary 20 by 32 by 16; corn crib 18 by 40 with an 8-foot drive; a poultry house, wash¬ house, garage, work shop, scale house, and a steel windmill with a large reser¬ voir. All the buildings are in fine condition and the farm is beautifully located. Mr. Berktold operated it successfully as a grain and stock farm, having large herds of high grade Shorthorn cattle, Duroc Jersey swine and Shropshire sheep. For each herd he has full-blooded sires. His equipment, besides an adequate amount of modern machinery, includes 15 good work horses. Enterprising and industrious, he is getting results, and is one of the most prosperous citizens of his township. Mr. Berktold and his wife are the parents of six children: Edward Leroy, born April 13, 1899, who is working on the farm with his father; Irene Helen, born August 12, 1900, who is a grad¬ uate of the Lake City High School and the Winona Normal School, and is now engaged in teaching; Harry Mathias, born December 24, 1901; John Bernard, born Maich 7, 1905; Irma Mae, born June 22, 1906; and Frances Margaret, born September 11, 1911. The family are members of the Catholic church, attending St. Mary's at Lake City. In politics Mr. Berktold is a Republican.

David Pugh, one of the pioneers of Wabasha County, now deceased, was born in Wales, April 16, 1839. In 1856, a young man of 17, he accompanied his parents to the United States, the family coming west as far as Milwaukee, where David remained until 1858. He then went to St. Louis, in which city he resided for about four years. In 1862 he came to the river, and, settling at a point near Wabasha village, entered the employ of a steamboat company, being thus occupied until 1867. After that he followed the occupation of raftsman for two years, and then, in 1869, turned his attention to farming. Buying 140 acres in section 2, Greenfield Township, he built a log house, which he occupied for two years until he was able to erect a better residence. He also put up other necessary buildings, and for about 36 years thereafter was engaged in general farming and stock raising, or until his death on June 30, 1905. Mr. Pugh was a man held in high respect by his fellow citizens and neighbors for his sterling personal qualities, and as one of the hardy pioneers of this county who had taken an active part in its development. He was married October 18, 1874, to Josephine Bush, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Bush, her parents being natives of Canada, who came to Wabasha County in 1854, and spent the rest of their lives in Wabasha village. Mr. and Mrs. Pugh had a large family, numbering 11 children, namely: Hugh A., born September 10, 1876; Mary B., May 19, 1878; Susan E., January 6, 1880; Jacob H., November 4, 1882; David W., December 6, 1884; Cora E., December 28, 1886; Della E., January 15, 1890; Anna L., March 15, 1892; James O., May 15, 1894; Margaret M., Septem¬ ber 4, 1897, and Owen F., August 15, 1900. Mary B. became the wife of Joseph Felix, Susan E. the wife of Reed Hovet, and Della E. the wife of Robert Braun. Anna L. died at the age of nearly 19 years on February 28, 1911. Since her husband's death Mrs. Pugh has made valuable improvements on the farm, hav¬ ing erected a fine residence, barn and other buildings. The farm is located on what is known as Pugh's Point, commanding one of the finest views on the Mississippi river, and in the vicinity are some handsome summer homes.

Engelbert Berktold, now living retired in Lake City, is a man well known and highly esteemed throughout the northern part of Wabasha County, of which he was a pioneer settler. He was born in the Austrian Tyrol, May 1, 1845, son of John and Chassens Berktold. His parents were poor and he had but little schooling, notwithstanding which handicap he has played a worthy part in the battle of life. In 1859 the parents, with their family, emigrated to Minnesota, he being then a boy of 14 years. For ten years thereafter he was in the employ of a Mr. Girard at Frontenac, Goodhue County, and during this period, in 1866, he married Anna Daniels, who had come to this section when about seven years old, with her parents, who, like the Berktolds, were in poor circumstances. For two years after his marriage Mr. Berktold remained at Frontenac. Then, in 1868, he bought 80 acres of wild prairie land in section 17, Mt. Pleasant Township. This marked the beginning of his independent career, full of hard labor, but producing results at which he can look back with pride. For his first residence on his property he erected a board shanty, which measured only 12 by 12 feet, but which gave him and his wife enough room to turn around in, and for a few years afforded them sufficient shelter. With an ox team he broke and cultivated his land, being ably assisted by his wife, who, after children came, not only cared for her family during the day, but after supper went out and shocked grain until long after dark, and proved a worthy helpmate in every way. The little 80-acre farm proved only a nucleus for Mr. Berktold's property acquisitions, and insufficient to give scope for his superabundant energies, for, from time to time, he kept buying land until he was the owner of 480 acres, 240 lying in sections 17 and 7 and the other 240 in section 27. Each tract constituted a separate farm, and these two farms he made among the best in Pleasant Township. In September, 1906, Mr. Berktold retired from agricultural work, and bought a nice residence at No. 204 North Prairie Avenue, Lake City, where he and his wife are now enjoying a well earned leisure, provided with all the reasonable comforts of life. In 1914 he sold the old home farm in sections 7 and 17 to his son, Ted. Mr. Berktold has always been a Democrat in politics. He was too busy during his active career to take an active part in governmental affairs, but served seven years as treas¬ urer of the district school board. He and his family are Catholics in religion, and he can remember the time when he drove ten miles to church, sitting on a board laid across his wagon box. During those early years he and his family suffered privations, but endured their lot with fortitude, and made themselves useful as factors in the development of this section. To Mr. and Mrs. Berktold eight children were born: Edward, who is deceased; Catherine, now Mrs. John Mueller, of Goodhue County; John, who is on the home farm in section 27, Mt. Pleasant Township; Frank, deceased; Minnie, now Mrs. George Marchessault, of South Minneapolis; Theodore, a prosperous farmer of Mt. Pleasant Town¬ ship; Mary, who married Edward Gregorie, of North Dakota, and Rose, wife of A. Giles, of Chicago. Though Mr. Berktold had a successful career and accumulated much of this world's goods, he and his wife were not selfish, but weie always ready to help others, and their generosity is remembered by many of the piesent residents of the county, who also had their early struggles, and with timely assistance were enabled to conquer success.

Theodore A. Berktold, a farmer of section 7, Mt. Pleasant Township, comes of a good pioneer family, and in his personal career has emulated his parents* \iitues and is meeting with a similar reward. He was born on the farm on which he now lives, May 4, 1880, son of Engelbert and Anna (Daniels) Berk¬ told, and the scenes of his childhood are those by which he is now surrounded, except that of the old familiar faces some have passed away beyond earthly re¬ call, and others have dispersed and no longer brighten the old home. But in their place new ones have come which are no less dear, and the work of the world must go on and men and women must do it. Among others, Mr. Berk¬ told is doing his share. His mental preparation was made in the district school which he attended up to the age of 15 years. His industrial experience has been more prolonged, and has been in that line of industry which is most neces- sary to mankind, and which has been the chief factor in the development of Wabasha County and the increase of its wealth. Both as boy and man he as¬ sisted his father in the work of the farm, learning something every day and in time becoming a good practical farmer. The farm on which he now lives, con¬ taining 240 acres, formed one half of his parents' estate, and it became his by purchase in 1914. Every foot of ground was familiar and he, himself, had aided largely in bringing it to its present high state of cultivation, all the land being now under the plow, and producing abundant crops of grain and other farm products. The buildings include a good eleven-room frame house; a barn, 40 by 72 by 16 feet, with a full stone basement of nine feet; a granary, 20 by 32 by 10, together with a hog house, shop and tool shed, poultry house,- and ma¬ chine shed, all of adequate dimensions. There is also a good equipment of tools and machinery, including an auto car. Mr. Berktold follows general farming and stockraising, keeping Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine, with fullblooded sires for each herd. With such resources Mr. Berktold is making good, and has taken high rank among the leading farmers of his township. He was married September 26, 1905, to Anna Catherine Giles, who was born in Goodhue County, Minn., November 1, 1883, daughter of George W. and Mary (Guenter) Giles. He and his wife are the parents of one child, Engelbert John, who was born July 29, 1917. Mr. Berktold and his family are members of the Catholic church and of the Belvidere congregation. Politically he is a Democrat, and served as clerk and treasurer of the school board for seven years.

Matt Binner, a prosperous citizen of Greenfield Township, engaged in agri¬ culture, was born in the Duchy of Luxemburg, March 27, 1858, son of Andrew and Anna (Arens) Binner. His parents, who were natives of the same coun¬ try, resided there all their lives. He was there educated and remained until arriving at the age of twenty years, when, in 1878, he came to Minnesota, locat¬ ing in Caledonia, Houston County. After remaining there a year he came to Wabasha County, where he resided two years. He then spent some time in traveling through the West, .finally returning to Wabasha County, and in 1888 he settled down to farming, buying 100 acres in sections 8 and 9, Greenfield Township, which is his present farm. He has erected all the buildings on it and put up fences, and is engaged in mixed farming including the raising of garden truck for the market. In addition, he breeds a high grade of hogs, keep¬ ing a full-blooded sire, and is making satisfactory financial progress. For ten years he has served on the school board of district No. 5. Mr. Binner was mar¬ ried January 28, 1884, to Bridget Weber, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Weber, her parents being natives of Germany who are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Binner have eight children, as follows: Andrew, born December 7, 1885; Bar¬ bara, born February 5, 1888, who is now Mrs. Edward Klug of Caledonia; Michael, born March 25, 1890, now residing in Greenfield Township; John, born March 5, 1892, also of Greenfield; Katherine, born March 15, 189.4, now Mrs. Charles A. Carrels of Wabasha; Millie, born March 27, 1896; Emil, born Octo¬ ber 19, 1897, and Martin, born September 29, 1901. Mr. Binner and his fam¬ ily are members of the Catholic church.

George H. Russell, a prominent farmer of Mt. Pleasant Township, is a na¬ tive of New England, having been born in Windham County, Conn., July 3, 1852, son of Gurley and Marina (Clark) Russell. He was about six years old when he accompanied his parents to Wabasha County, the family settling at Central Point, one mile west of Lake City. In that location they remained about five years, at the end of which time Gurley Russell bought 200 acres of wild government land in Chester Township. Although the land was cheap the purchase must have strained his resources, as he was very poor. For a dwell¬ ing he built a small board shack which had but one room, and which retained the heat so poorly that during the cold days and evenings in winter the family used to extemporize an inner room by hanging blankets at a little distance all around the stove and gather within the inner space to keep from freezing.

However, in time they had better accommodations and developed the farm on which their son George H. now resides. Gurley Russell died in 1894, and his wife in 1904, in Chester Township. George H. Russell when a boy attended dis¬ trict school, but his hours of work soon became longer than those of study or play, and he did his part in helping to develop the parental farm, remaining at home up to the age of 23 years. On September 10, 1874, he married Savilla, daughter of William and Emeline (Heabner) Bundy, who were early settlers on section 32, Mt. Pleasant Township. Soon after his marriage he and his wife went to South Dakota, where he homesteaded 160 acres of land one and a quar¬ ter miles from the present site of Millbank. When the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway was projected through that section, Mr. Russell was one of the men who made up a purse of $3,000 to induce the railroad company to locate a station at Millbank rather than at a point located a few miles west, and the station was built there accordingly. Mr. Russell remained in that locality for 18 years, but finally lost everything owing to drouths. He was of an adven¬ turous disposition, and at the age of 24 had spent one season in the Black Hills, prospecting for gold, but without success. In 1898 he made a still greater venure of the same kind, this time going to Alaska, where many other adventurers were then seeking their fortunes, some of whom met with success, but the great majority with disappointment, and not a few losing their lives. He was there for a year and a half, located successively at Dawson City and at Winder, and though he suffered hard times and much privation, he gained nothing but ex¬ perience. After his long residence in South Dakota, he and his wife returned to Mt. Pleasant Township, Wabasha County, mainly on account of the sickness of his wife s parents, and since then he has been engaged in operating the home farm. His experience has been very thorough, as in early life he was accustomed to pioneer methods, driving oxen, splitting rails, and hauling wood and rails from Mazeppa and beyond. But he has kept pace with modern prog¬ ress, and today his farm is well supplied with all necessary machinery for scientific farming, all branches of which he follows, raising both grain and stock. He keeps both Holstein and Shorthorn cattle, and Hampshire swine, and is doing a prosperous business. His farm contains 160 acres of productive land. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have been the parents of four children: William M., born September 26, 1875, who is now a resident of Tacoma, Wash.; Frank, born May 10, 1877, who is a conductor on the Northern Pacific Railroad and lives in Bellingham, Wash.; Bessie, born August 3, 1880, who is residing at home; and Goldie May, born March 20, 1882, who married Ernest Hostetter of Lake City and died March 16, 1918. Mrs. Russell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while politically Mr. Russell is a Republican.

W illiam M. Bundy, an early settler in Mt. Pleasant Township, was born in State in the second decade of the nineteenth century. He was mari ied in Cleai field County, Pa., to Emeline Heabner, and with his family came west in 1864, to Wabasha County, Minn., locating on land in section 32, Mt. Pleasant Township. There wrere four children, all born in Pennsylvania, namely, Wesley, Savilla, Julia and Francis. During the Civil War period Mr. Bund> was drafted but sent a substitute. His land, when he first took it, was unbroken piairie, and his first dwelling, which he himself erected, a small board s ack. He was poor, but had oxen, which were of great assistance to him in ev e °Pin£ the farm. About 1896, owing to poor health, he retired and moved to ^ke City, where he finally died at the age of 83 years, his wife dying at that ot 74. Their children were all given a common school education. Mr. Bundy was a successful man and a highly respected citizen, industrious and temperate. He and his wife were faithful members of the M. E. church at Lake City

John Tomforde, a respected resident of Lake City whose successful career as a farmer in Mt. Pleasant Township has placed him beyond the need of fur¬ ther toil, was born m Hanover, Germany, February 28, 1862, son of Lawrence and Anna (Popp) Tomforde. He had some schooling in his native land, and at the age of eleven years lost his mother. In 1883, having attained his ma¬ jority, his father being yet living, though now deceased, he came to the United States, locating at Red Wing, Minn., where he found work as a common la¬ borer. On December 25, 1884, he married Mattie Henn who was born in Han¬ over, Germany, August 12, 1858, and who had come in 1881 to this country, where she had brothers. Mr. and Mrs. Tomforde began domestic life in Red Wing, but soon removed to Hay Creek Township, Goodhue County, where they resided two years, later being residents of Burnside Township for. twelve years. During a part of this time Mr. Tomforde worked two years for a Mr. Meyer in the milk business, and eight years in a tannery at Red Wing. In the fall of 1896 he began his independent career as a farmer, buying 280 acres in section 24 and 25, Mt. Pleasant Township, Wabasha County, moving to the farm in the spring of 1897, and he and his family taking up their residence in a frame house which stood on it, which owing to improvements made by himself, is now a comfortable two-story dwelling of nine rooms. His other improvements included the erec¬ tion of a frame barn, 38 by 60 by 18; a granary, 20 by 30 by 12, with a lean-to on both sides for tools; and a steel windmill. Favored with a productive soil, Mr. Tomforde followed general farming very successfully until 1912, getting 240 acres of his land under the plow, when, finding himself in possession of a competence, he transferred the operation of the farm to his son Louis and took up his residence in Lake City, where he and his wife are living in a home of their own, at No. 417 North Prairie avenue, enjoying a period of well-earned leisure. Mr. Tomforde has always been a Republican and served his township as supervisor for four terms, also serving on the school board for many years, his ability as a farmer being matched by his usefulness as a citizen. All that he has was gained through his own efforts, with the assistance of his wife and children, and his record is one to command respect. To Mr. and Mrs. Tomforde six children have been born: Anna, now Mrs. Joseph Fick, of Hyde Park Town¬ ship; Louis, operating the home farm in Mt. Pleasant Township; Minnie, who is the wife of William Wiebush of Belvidere Township, Goodhue County; John, of Lake Township; Mary, now Mrs. Bernard Carlson of Lake City, and Ella, re¬ siding at home with her parents.

Louis W. Tomforde, operator of a fine farm of 280 acres in sections 24 and 25, Mt. Pleasant Township, was born in Burnside Township, Goodhue County, October 16, 1888, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Tomforde. He was educated in the common school, which he attended up to the age of 14 years, after which he was associated with his father in the operation of the home farm, on which he now resides. Since his father's retirement in 1912 he has been the sole man¬ ager and is conducting a good business in general farming and stock raising, keeping Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs, besides sheep. Industrious and enterprising, he is managing the large farm of 280 acres to the best ad¬ vantage and with profitable results. He has a good set of buildings and modern operating equipment, also owning a good auto car. Politically he is a member of the Non-Partisan League. Mr. Tomforde was married September 25, 1912, to Christina, daughter of L. H. Roschen of Mt. Pleasant Township, and who was born in Florence Township, Goodhue County, Minn., May 31, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Tomforde are the parents of two children: Luvonna Mattie Anna, born November 9, 1915; and Henrietta Johanna Anna, born September 9, 1917. Mr. Tomforde and family are members of St. John's congregation of Lake City, and are people held in high esteem in the northern part of Wabasha County.

James Titterington (Sr.), a Minnesota pioneer who passed away a few years ago, was born in County Down, Ireland, March 12, 1842. He came to the United States in 1859, a young man of seventeen, and first located in New York State, where he remained two years. In 1861 he came west to Minnesota, but soon went to Eau Claire, Wis., where he found employment in the lumber camps for some time also working as a raftsman on the river. In 1866 he turned his at¬ tention to farming, buying a tract of 40 acres of land, to which he added subse- quently until he owned 240 acres lying partly in Elgin Township, Wabasha County, and Viola Township, Olmsted County, also eight lots in Elgin Village. He was a member of the Masonic order and belonged also to the Old Settlers' Association of Elgin. His marriage to Mary Bunyon took place November 26, 1868. It lesulted in five children, the first born of whom, Howard, is deceased. Those living are Frank, Ralph, Minnie and James, Jr. Minnie is now the wife of Erwin Cowles. James Titterington (Sr.) died February 18, 1915, and his wife, who survived him, is now living with her son, James A.

James A. Titterington, (Jr.), who is engaged in mixed farming and stock breeding in Elgin Township, of which he is a well known and popular citizen, was born in this township, April 18, 1883, son of James and Mary (Bunyon) Titterington. His education was acquired in the Elgin village school, and for several years thereafter he was employed at manual labor in that vicinity. One v eai was spent in the employ of the telephone company, and he subsequently worked for his father, receiving one half the crop for his pay. When his father died he came into possession of 80 acres of the estate in section 35, which he is now operating, together with 80 more which he rents from his brother Ralph. He keeps high grade stock, with a full-blooded sire at the head of his cattle herd, and also breeds Duroc swine, with good financial results. Mr. Tittering¬ ton was married, January 4, 1911, to Cora B. Tyler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Winfield Tyler, and he and his wife have three children: Mary B., born October 13, 1911; Irene A., November 14, 1914; and Arthur P., September 13, 1916. The family are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Fritz O. Trank, a well-to-do farmer of Oakwood Township, was born in Sweden, May 19, 1873, son of Ola and Anna (Pearson) Trank. The parents vv ei e bom in Sweden, the father during his active career being foreman on the large sugar factory farms. He and his wife are still living there, though he is now retired. Fritz 0. Trank was educated in the public schools of Sweden, and was 19 years old when he came to the United States in 1893, locating in South Dakota. There he was engaged in farm work until 1894. Then coming to Oakwood Township, Wabasha County, Minn., he went to work on his present farm, and was employed on it ten years by its owner, Lars Pearson. At the end of that time Mr. Trank rented it, and has since operated it on his own account, raising grade Shorthorn cattle and grade Chester-White swine, in addition to crops. The farm lies in sections 16 and 17 and contains 160 acres. Mr. Trank also owns a farm of 160 acres in Burle County, S. D., which he rents out, and from the two farms he derives a good income. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church and also of the Modern Woodmen of America.

James R. O'Brien, proprietor of one of the largest and best farms in Mt.. Pleasant Township, which he has himself developed to a large extent, was bcrn m Lake Township, Wabasha County, February 19, 1866, son of John and Hannah (Mahony) O'Brien. The parents were of Irish descent but were both born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. When a boy James R. accompanied them to Lake City, this county, where he attended school. In 1893 he started in for him-

Se 5ia-,SonnrenTTer °n t1he Farre11 farm owned by his father, which he operated until 1899. He then bought 400 acres in sections 21 and 28, Mt. Pleasant Town¬ ship on which were a frame house and tool shed. To improve the place he erected a good set of buildings, including a barn and granaries, and conducted SCU uUra operations successfully and without any bad luck until July 5, 1909, when the farm buildings, except the house, were swept by fire. In the' same a r. O Biien lebuilt the barn, making it a good modern structure 42 by 114 by 18 feet in dimensions, with a full 9-foot basement for horses and cattle; also a granary, 24 by 34 by 20 feet, with elevator; a double corn crib, 18 by 24, with an 8-foot driveway; a poultry house, hog house, steel windmill, and a gaiage for his two autos - a Ford and a Studebaker. The farm is in a high state of cultivation and is very productive, 460 acres being under the plow.

80 to 100 head, also a herd of 75 to 100 Duroc-Jersey hogs, both herds having full-blooded sires. He has also a very complete operating equipment, includ¬ ing an R. B. plow tractor with three plows, having a 12 by 25 drawback power, and a Titan threshing machine. On the farm is a fine orchard bearing winter varieties of fruit. In 1919 Mr. O'Brien bought the William Johns farm of 80 acres, adjoining his own, for his eldest son; and on his own farm he built in 1917 a fine tile silo of 150 tons' capacity. It will thus be seen that he is a man who knows how to do things on a large scale, and his success is the result of good managerial ability, coupled with persistent work and driving power. These qualities he also showed during the recent war as chairman of the Lib¬ erty Loan drives in his township, carrying the first four "over the top" and making a good record in the fifth. In 1894 he was elected town clerk and by successive elections held office until 1918, when he resigned. His friends urged him to run again but Mr. O'Brien considered 24 years in the office long enough. Mr. O'Brien was married November 3, 1892, to Minnie M. Miller, daughter of Frederick W. and Mary H. Miller of Lake Township. Six children are the issue of this union: Richard Harold, born October 15, 1894; Frederick John, December 18, 1897; Mary Genevieve, December 28, 1899; George Sylves¬ ter, January 16, 1902; James Arthur, April 19, 1905, and Francis Ralph, April 13, 1908. Richard Harold, who, as already mentioned, is operating a farm ad¬ joining that of his father, was married October 26, 1918, to Emma Sprick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sprick of Mt. Pleasant Township. The other children are residing on the home farm except Mary Genevieve, who graduated from the Lake City high school and is now engaged in teaching. Mr. O'Brien and his family are members of the Catholic church, attending St. Mary's at Lake City.

Oscar W. Nygren, a prominent citizen of Mt. Pleasant Township, was born in the township where he now resides, April 7, 1876, son of Charles J. and Maria Nygren. He was reared to farm pursuits by his father, attended the common schools of his neighborhood, and has taken two full winter courses in the Minnesota Agricultural College. He operates 120 acres on section 26, Mt. Pleasant Township, a part of the old home farm, and here, on an extensive scale, he carries on general farming and stock raising, aside from the usual crops. Since 1896 he has operated a threshing outfit, and his operations in this line are widely known. His farm is unusually well equipped with imple¬ ments, tools and machinery, including a gang plow of eight plows. In politics Mr. Nygren is a Democrat, although in local affairs he votes for men and im¬ mediate issues rather than for party. He has never sought elective political office, but under Gov. John A. Johnson's last administration he served two years as State Boiler Inspector of Wabasha County. He is popular with his fellow citizens, prosperous in his operations, and a useful member of his com¬ munity. Mr. Nygren was married April 4, 1914, to Christine Bolang, born De¬ cember 1, 1884, in Zumbrota, Goodhue County, daughter of Ole Bolang, of Cen¬ tral Point, Goodhue County, this state. To Mr. and Mrs. Nygren have been born two children: Byron William, November 4, 1917, and died May 7, 1919; Philip Douglas, March 27, 1920. The family faith is that of the Swedish Luth¬ eran church at Lake City.

Carl V. Houghton, proprietor of Oakdale Stock Farm in section 26, Elgin Township, was born in the village of Elgin, Wabasha County, Minn., August 1, 1878, son of David E. and Helen R. (Cameron) Houghton. He acquired his education in the village school, and at the age of 15 did farm labor in the vicinity, continuing to work on farms until 1902. He then obtained a position as clerk in the general store operated by Mrs. H. E. Gates in the village of Elgin, and subsequently followed a mercantile career for 14 years, or until 1916. By that time he found that inside work did not agree with him, and for the sake of his health, which was failing, he concluded to take up some branch of farming. He accordingly bought the Oakdale Stock farm of 240 acres in section 26, where he is now engaged in breeding Shorthorn cattle, high grade hogs, and Percheron horses, with profitable results. Mr. Houghton was mar¬ ried February 12, 1908, to Flora S. Dunn, who was born and reared in her present residence. Mr. and Mrs. Houghton have four children: Herold D., born June 23, 1909; Philip C., May 23, 1911; Helen L., May 10, 1913, and Dunn W., April 13, 1917. The older children are attending school in the village. Mr. Houghton is a member of the Elgin Lodge, No. 115, A. F. & A. M., and both he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star and worship at the Methodist Episcopal church.

David E. Houghton was born in Boston, Mass., in 1845. He was educated in the East, in which section of the country he remained until reaching the age of 20. Then coming West, he made his home for two years on a farm at Beaver Dam, Wis. At the end of that time he came to Elgin village, where he worked at the carpenter's trade until 1867, helping to build most of the business part of the village. At the end of that period he located on a farm of 80 acres in sections 34 and 35, Elgin Township, and for about five years was engaged in agriculture there. He then went back to his trade, which he followed for twenty years thereafter, or until 1902, when he retired and took up his resi¬ dence in Plainview village, where he died in December, 1910. David E. and Helen R. (Cameron) Houghton were the parents of three children: John R., now residing at Grass Lake, Mich.; Walter D., deceased; and Carl V., of Elgin Township.

Clyde F. Harvey, one of the younger farmers of Elgin Township who is making rapid progress on the road to prosperity, was born in this towmship, June 29, 1894, son of John and Hattie (Bigelow) Harvey. As a boy he attended district school in the township, and also the Elgin village school. Brought up on the home farm, he early acquired a practical knowledge of agriculture in its different branches, and was associated with his father, for whom he worked until 1919. In that year his parents retired, and Clyde F. rented the home farm, containing 280 acres in section 29, which he is now operating as a general farmer and stock raiser. The place is well improved, having substantial build¬ ings and a full equipment of modern machinery, and by Mr. Harvey is being worked with good financial results. Mr. Harvey has quite recently assumed the responsibilities of domestic life, having been united in marriage February 21, 1920, with Ava Cunningham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Cunningham. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he is a Mason. He is a man who takes an intelligent and helpful interest in all matters concerning the good of the community. Though he has but lately started out on an independent career, he has the qualities that compel success, and that are bound also to make him a factor in the development and improve¬ ment of this county should he continue his residence here.

William J. Keough, one of the active and prosperous farmers of Oakwood lownship, was born on his present farm of 120 acres in section 17, November 18, 1884, son of John and Ellen (Hollihan) Keough. He was educated in the district school and the public school at Millville, this county, while his agri¬ cultural training was acquired on the home farm. From 1905 to 1909 he wo iked in the geneial store of F. J. Cornwell & Co. at Plainview. Then, on the death of his father, he returned home and bought out the other heirs to' the estate, the home farm thus coming into his possession. He follows diversified f aiming, breeding Shorthorn cattle and Chester-White swine, with both of \\hich kinds of stock he has had good success, and he has further identified himself with agricultural interests by joining the Millville Shipping Associa¬ tion. Aside from his personal business interests, he has devoted some of his time to public affairs, having served as town clerk and assessor, and being the present treasurer of School District No. 89. On November 10, 1914 Mr. Keough was united in marriage with Sarah McGuigan of Millville, who' was born June 24, 1880. He and his wife have one child, Agnes Mary, who was born August 25, 1916. The family are members of the Catholic church.

Henry Meincke, who was for a number of years and up to the time of his death, a prominent and respected citizen and land owner of Mt. Pleasant Town¬ ship, was born in Hanover, Germany, where he grew to manhood and followed the occupation of a laborer. He was married in his native land to Anna Tomforde, and after the birth of their first child, Margaret, they decided to try their fortunes in the United States, to which country they came in 1870. They settled first in Goodhue County, Minnesota, but after a while moved to Mt. Pleasant Township, Wabasha County, where Mr. Meincke engaged in farming, and, as he had some means to begin with, he found little difficulty in making progress, the more so as he was not a man to shun hard work. So well did he get along that in time he found himself the owner of 600 acres of land in the township, which in 1909 he divided among his sons. He was a man of strong and rugged physique, and as a citizen was useful and respected. He died July 15, 1919, having been a widower for somewhat over 14 years, as his wife passed away June 15, 1905. They had in all seven children. The first, Mar¬ garet, who, as already mentioned, was born in Germany, is now the widow of Fred Dose, and resides in Lake City. The other children, all born in this country, and all now living, are: Emma, now Mrs. John Brinkman of Zumbrota, Goodhue County, Minn.; Henry John, a prosperous farmer of Mt. Pleasant Township; Elizabeth, wife of John Vollmer, of Lake City; George, a farmer in Mt. Pleasant Township; Adolph, who is farming in the same township; and Freda, now Mrs. Herman Nibbe, of Gilford Township.

Henry Tiedemann, a respected resident of Lake City, who was formerly engaged in agriculture in Mt. Pleasant Township, was born in Hanover, Ger¬ many, November 4, 1849, son of John and Katie (Offerman) Tiedemann. He remained in his native land until the spring of 1870, when he came to America, locating first in Chicago, where he resided until the fall of that year. He then came to Wabasha County, Minn., and for nine years subsequently worked around as a farm hand, saving what he could of his wages with the view of some day starting in for himself. At the end of that period he rented a farm for a year, and then acquired a farm of his own, buying 80 acres in Mt. Pleas¬ ant Township. Sixty acres of the land had been cleared, but there were no buildings, and Mr. Tiedemann accordingly built a house and some straw sheds. There he resided until 1903, successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, and then retired and took up his residence in Lake City. He now owns 290 acres of land and is in no need of further toil, owning in addition a house in Lake City at the corner of Sixth and Central streets. Mr. Tiedemann was always a hard worker and remained strong and vigorous until about six years ago. He had only a common school education, but made the best of his opportunities and succeeded in life. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. Tiedemann was mar¬ ried August 28, 1881, to Catherine, daughter of Jergen Fick, of Bear Valley, Chester Township, this county. He and his wife have two daughters: Mary C., born September 11, 1882, now the wife of Adolph Meincke, a farmer of Mt. Pleasant Township; and Clara, born May 28, 1888, who is the wife of George Jacobs, of Wabasha. Mr. Tiedemann is a member of the German Lutheran church.

Adolph Meincke, who owns and operates a fine 200-acre farm in section 19, Mt. Pleasant Township, which was a part of his parents' estate, was born in Florence Township, Goodhue County, Minn., June 6, 1881, son of Henry and Anna Meincke. The parents came to this country from Germany at an early day, and in 1889 they settled with their family in section 19, Mt. Pleasant Township, this county, Adolph being then about eight years old. He attended common or district school up to the age of 15, but had to work hard on the farm, following the drag when only nine years old. The father accumulated 600 acres of land all in one tract in Mt. Pleasant Township, which he divided among his three sons, Adolph getting the original home farm of 200 acres. Both his parents died on the farm, the mother being the first to depart, in 1905, and the father, Henry Meincke, on July 15, 1919. The buildings on the place are well constructed and include a good two-story, ten-room frame house; a frame barn, 36 bv 60 by 16 feet in size, with an 8-foot full basement and cement floors, with steel stanchions for cattle and running water; a granary, with elevator 20 by 30 by 18; poultry house 16 by 30 by 10; corn house and garage 20 by 30 by 10; calf barn 20 by 28; machine shed 24 by 32 by 18; ice house, woodshed, summer kitchen and steel windmill. Mr. Meincke has 180 acres of his land under the plow; it is very fertile and produces good crops. His cattle are high grade Shorthorns and Jerseys and pure-blooded Herefords, all of which he raises on a profitable basis, as well as mixed grades of hogs. He has a good modern operating equipment and also owns a Hudson touringcar. A hard worker, he has been very successful and has a beautiful home with fine surroundings. Mr. Meincke was married August 15, 1904, to Mary Catherine Tiedemann, who was born in Mt. Pleasant Township, September 11, 1882, daughter of Henry and Catherine Tiedemann. They have two children: Aranda Henrietta, born March 6, 1905, now a student in the Lake City high school; and Loraine Geraldine, born December 29, 1906, who is also attending the high school. The family are members of the Belvidere congregation of the Lutheran church. Politically Mr. Meincke is a Republican.

Albert L. Kimber, proprietor of the Elgin Hotel in Elgin Village, was born in Rock County, Wis., near Janesville, December 30, 1847, son of William and Rosanna (Brundage) Kimber. William Kimber, the father, was a native of Orange County, New York, born November 20, 1815. In 1845 he moved to Wisconsin, and from that state, in 1854, to Amherst Township, Fillmore County, Minn. There he resided until 1891, when he moved to Burr Oak, Iowa, where his death occurred in 1904. His wife, Rosanna Brundage Kimber, was born October 3, 1820, and died at Burr Oak, Iowa, in 1891. They were the parents of the following named children: Emmit, Harriet, Sarah, Albert L., Isaac L., James, Amos, Ira, Henry and Mary. James, Amos, Emmit, Sarah and Mary are deceased. Albert L. Kimber was educated in a district school in Fillmore County, Minn. On April 4, 1865, he enlisted at Rochester, Minn., in Company H, First Minnesota Battery, and went out to fight for the preservation of the Union. The war, however, was then drawing to a close, so his service was limited. Moreover, he was taken sick and was discharged from the hospital August 3, 1865. In his 26th year he married and for many years thereafter followed the trade of a mechanic. Subsequently he was engaged in farming in Viola Township, Olmsted County, and after that resided for some years in Minneapolis to give his children the benefit of better educational advantages.

In 1916 Mr. Kimber came to Elgin and became proprietor of the Elgin Hotel, which he is now engaged in operating. He keeps a neat and well ordered place and has become well and favorably known to the traveling public. In addition to the hotel he and his wife are conducting a grocery and crockery store ad¬ joining. The marriage of Albert L. Kimber occurred October 30, 1873, uniting him with Cordelia Pratt, who was born near Topsham, Vt., October 30, 1854, daughter of John F. and Elizabeth Ann (Richardson) Pratt. Her parents were both natives of Vermont, the father born February 2, 1820, and the mother July 18, 1830. They were married May 20, 1852, and settled in Wisconsin, from which state they came by wagon in 1862 to Viola Township, Olmsted County, Minn., buying the O. Ferguson farm, where Mr. Pratt was engaged in dairy farming. They had five children: Cora A., born February 6, 1853, who mar¬ ried Niles Blodgett, and died March 1, 1870; Cordelia E., born October 30, 1854, now Mrs. Albert L. Kimber; Clara O., born February 21, 1858, who died December 2 1863; Sarah R., born March 30, 1862, who died September 3, 1878; and Guilford J., born September 28, 1866, now residing in Elgin Village. Mr and Mrs. Kimber are affiliated with the Universalist church, and are among the well known and respected residents of Elgin. Mrs. Kimber is also a mem¬ ber of the Eastern Star Chapter. They have had three children: Alberta

George J. Meincke And Family

Rose, born February 10, 1877, who died March 21, the same year; Jennie Louise, born August 23, 1879, now Mrs. George R. Turner of Minneapolis; and Avis Lulu, born June 17, 1885, now Mrs. Paul Wing, of Elgin Village.

Julius A. Behrns, a well known and respected citizen of Oakwood Township, engaged in general agriculture and stock raising on a farm of 310 acres in section 19, was born on his father's farm in section 30, this township, August 28, 1874. His parents were Hans and Margaret (Schacht) Behrns, natives of Germany, who came to this country when young, the father at the age of 18 years and the mother at that of eight. They were married in Olmsted County, and in 1862 settled on a farm in section 30, Oakwood Township, Wabasha County. The farm contained 160 acres, to which Hans Behrns added until he had 280 acres. He retired in March, 1920, and took up his residence in Min¬ neapolis, where he is now living on Thomas street. Julius A. Behrns acquired his elementary education in the Bremen District School, and later attended the Rochester High School. Until the age of 23 years he remained on his parents' farm, and then went to Lac Qui Parle County, where he bought a farm of 160 acres, which he operated for four years. He then sold it and moved to a farm of 146 acres belonging to his father in section 9, Elgin Township, which he worked for 15 years, or until the fall of 1919, when he took possession of his present farm of 310 acres in section 19, Oakwood Township. He follows gen¬ eral farming, including the raising of sugar beets, and stock breeding, keeping pure-bred Hampshire hogs. He belongs to the Elgin Shipping Association, and his operations are being conducted on a successful basis, redounding to his own benefit and identifying him as a factor in the agricultural development of the county. Mr. Behrns was married January 20, 1892, to Bertha Hein, of Elgin Township, the issue of this marriage being five children, namely: Elenora, born in Lac Qui Parle County, November 4, 1899, who is the wife of Leslie Wood, of Winona; Ezra E., born July 22, 1900; Delbert, March 5, 1902; Sylvia, January 23, 1906, and Arthur, May 19, 1908. The Behrns family are affiliated religiously with the Lutheran church.

John M. Schmeideberg, who is prosperously engaged in general farming and stock raising in Elgin Township, was born in Viola Township, Olmsted County, Minn., September 9, 1880, son of William and Julia Schmeideberg. The parents, who were natives of Germany, are now deceased, William Schmeide¬ berg having died in 1901, and his wife on June 2, 1908. John M. in his boy¬ hood attended district school in Viola Township, Olmsted County, and Elgin Township, Wabash oo.dnys were over, he worked for his father until 1908, and then rented a farm in Plainview Township, where he lived for one year. In 1909 he moved to Elgin Township, to the farm of 120 acres in section 29, known as the Schroeder estate, where he is now carrying cn general farming and stock raising. He has brought the farm into good condition and is doing a successful business. He has also served 11 years as a member of the school board in District No. 77, Elgin Township, thereby show¬ ing his usefulness as a citizen. His religious affiliations and those of his fam¬ ily are with the Lutheran church. Mr. Schmeideberg was married April 29, 1909, to Mrs. Olga Sterich Schroeder, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sterich. His household includes three children of his wife by her first husband, namely: Elmer Schroeder, born May 14, 1903; Ezra Schroeder, born January 27, 1905; and Elvira Schroeder, born February 27, 1907. To Mr. and Mrs. Schmeideberg two children have been born: Erma L., July 19, 1911; and Marguerite, No¬ vember 3, 1914.

George J. Meincke, a practical and successful farmer of Mt. Pleasant Township, residing in section 30, was born in West Florence Township, Goodhue County, Minn., September 1, 1876, son of Henry and Anna (Tomsforde) Meincke. He attended school in his native county and also in Mt. Pleasant Township, Wabasha County, coming here with his parents in 1891. For a number of years he was associated with his father in the development of the farm on which he now resides, and of which he is the present owner. It has an area of 240 acres, all in section 30, and all productive land, of which 200 acres are under the plow. Mr. Meincke is operating it as a grain and stock farm. Keeping Hereford cattle, of which he has from 40 to 50 head, with about the same number of swine. He milks on an average of seven cows and is a patron of the Belvidere creamery. His buildings, all good and substantial, include a twc-story, ten-room, frame-house, gas-lighted; a frame barn 32 by 74 by 16 feet, with an 8-foot stone basement; a granary and elevator 28 by 40 by 12, together witn ^ and wash house. The farm is beautifully situated and is about ten miles from Lake City, while the operat¬ ing equipment, besides the usual machinery, all of modern type, includes a fine Hudson auto car. Mr. Meincke was married November 11, 1903, to Emma Miller, who was born August 3, 1876, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Miller, of Hay Creek Township, Goodhue County. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Maynard J., born October 30, 1904; and Harry H., born June 14, 1909. The family are members of the Lutheran church at Belvidere. Politically Mr. Meincke is a Republican.

Carl Siewart, proprietor of a farm of 305 acres in section 19, Elgin Town¬ ship, was born in Germany, December 27, 1848, a son of John Siewart and wife. Educated in his native land, he came to America in 1890, locating at Ham¬ mond, Wabasha County, Minn. His first three years in this locality were spent working on farms. During that period he practiced economy, saving his money,, and for four years subsequently he followed agriculture on his own account on rented farms. In 1897 he bought his first farm property - a farm of 80 acres near Hammond - on which he lived for nine years. He then sold it and pur¬ chased a farm of 240 acres, 160 of which lie in Elgin Township and 80 in Oakwood Township. On that place he did mixed farming until 1914, when he again sold, buying his present farm of 305 acres in section 19, Elgin Township, which is now managed by his son, Mr. Siewart's health not permitting him to work. Mr. Siewart was married March 18, 1899, to Elizabeth Schucart, and he and his wife have four children: Albert W., born April 9, 1900; Charles A., September 21, 1902; Emil R., July 29, 1904; and Ida A., August 31, 1907.

Julius E. Stage, a prominent representative of the agricultural interests of Elgin Township, was born in Posen, Germany, September 17, 1869, son of Paul and Minnie (Paul) Stage. He was educated in his native land, where he re¬ mained until 1885, when, as a boy of 16, he came to the United States, locating in Wabasha County, Minnesota. For a year he resided near Plainview, and subsequently worked on farms near Plainview and Elgin until 1894. In that year he began farming on his own account, renting 80 acres in Plainview Town¬ ship, which he operated for a year. He then rented a farm of 100 acres in Elgin Township for about two years, and after that for some time lived in Elgin Village, doing farm labor in the vicinity. Then going to Olmsted County, Mr. Stage rented a farm near Eyota, which he operated for five years, and after that for an equal length of time he worked a rented farm near Potsdam. In 1913 he bought his present farm of 200 acres in section 18, Elgin Township, on which he has made substantial improvements, having in 1916 built a good barn, and in 1919 a ten-room modern residence, electrically lighted, as are all the -prin¬ cipal buildings on his place. He is successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising, and as a citizen stands high in the community. Religiously he is a German Lutheran. On January 21, 1894, Mr. Stage was united in mar¬ riage with Minnie Gusa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Gusa of Elgin Vil¬ lage. Eleven children are the issue of this marriage, who were born as fol¬ lows: August R., June 2, 1896; Alvina B., November 8, 1897; Edna E., July 22, 1899; Alma E., February 17, 1900; Lillie L., October 17, 1901; Albert F., April 8, 1904; Nora M., January 24, 1906; Minnie S., March 25, 1907; Reuben G., born March 11, 1909; Leona M., August 30, 1911; and Mildred E., February 9, 1917.

William Schacht, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits on a farm of 160 acres in section 19, Elgin Township, of which township he is a prominent citi- zen, was born in Winona, Minn., July 22, 1859, son of Claus and Anna (Holing) Schacht. He acquired his education in a district school near Potsdam, Olm¬ sted County, and for a number of years thereafter worked for his father. In 1881 he began farming on his own account, buying 160 acres in Elgin Town¬ ship, Wabasha County, on which he built a house, barn and outbuildings, con¬ siderably improving the place during his residence there of 20 years. Selling it in 1901, he then bought his present farm, on which he is profitably carrying on general farming and stock raising. For 19 years he has served as clerk of District School Board No. 77, and has been its treasurer for nine years. Mr. Schacht was married, July 12, 1880, to Minnie Boie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Boie. He and his wife have had 14 children, of whom twelve are now living, the record in brief being as follows: Lydia D., born July 12, 1881, now Mrs. William Witzke; Albert C., born January 23, 1883; Anna E., born Septem¬ ber 2, 1884, now Mrs. William Weick; Herman S., born October 15, 1886, who died January 15, 1887; Benjamin W., born June 3, 1889; Harrison E., born Aug¬ ust 3, 1891; Emma E., born October 11, 1893, now Mrs. Otto Wondrasch ; Alma W., born February 13, 1896; Nora E., born September 3, 1898, now Mrs. Henry Wehrs; Erwin C., born September 30, 1900; Lloyd R., born July 30, 1903; Frank¬ lin, born May 30, 1905, who died June 3, 1906; Vera A., born June 9, 1906, and Rufus R., March 20, 1910.

Prosper St. Jacque, one of the earliest settlers in Wabasha Village, and for many years a farmer in Greenfield Township, where he is still residing a re¬ spected pioneer of this county, was born in Montreal, Canada, July 30, 1837, son of John and Florence (Buche) St. Jacque. He was educated in Canada and remained there until 1856, when, as a young man of nineteen, he came to Wabasha County, Minn., with the vanguard of the pioneers, settling in Wabasha Village. There he worked in a factory for a number of years, afterwards en¬ gaged in contracting for a few years, and later was employed on the river. In the year of his arrival in this county he had bought some land in Greenfield Township, and subsequently at various times he bought other tracts until he owned in all 800 acres. After giving up river work he was employed in farming and stock raising until he retired from active work. He has disposed of nearly all his property, deeding the last 90 acres to his son Woodruff. Mr. St. Jacque has been twice married: first on July 3, 1856, to Hilma La Point, who died Jan¬ uary 12, 1872. By her he had six children, Xavier, Henry, Prosper, Jr., Rose, Helen and Philip, of whom the two last mentioned are now deceased. On March 4, 1878, Mr. St. Jacque married Mary Shank, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Shank of MJnneiska. Of this second marriage also six children were born, Florence, Clara, Benjamin, Charles, Leon and Wbodruff. Florence is now deceased. Woodruff, who is now on the home farm, taking care of his father and mother, was educated in the district school and in the school at Kellogg. When 18 years old he went to Canada, where he remained until 1913. After that he spent a year on the Pacific coast in Washington and Oregon, and then, in 1914, went to South Dakota where he remained until he enlisted in the U. S. army, December 7, 1917, becoming a member of the 495th Aero Squadron. He left for France, March 4, 1918, and was engaged in aero repair work near the front lines until he left France for home January 11, 1919, was discharged Jan¬ uary 25, 1919, at Camp Dodge.

Emil Schwantz, a prominent representative of the agricultural interests of Elgin Township, of which he is a well known and respected citizen, was born in odge County, Wis., September 7, 1864, son of Fred and Augusta Schwantz. He was educated in the schools of his home locality and subsequently worked °r . until 1885. During the next four years he worked on farms in

Elgin Township, Wabasha County, Minn.; but in 1889 he rented a farm and en¬ gaged in agricultural operations on his own account. Later he purchased his present farm of 240 acres in section 15, Elgin Township. On this he has made some valuable improvements, having built two large barns, a large and com- fortable residence and a number of substantial outbuildings. His land is fer¬ tile and produces good crops, and as a stock raiser he is successfully breeding full-blooded Durham cattle and Duroc swine. Mr. Schwantz was united in marriage, December 6, 1888, with Augusta Reiter, who was born November 1, 1866, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Reiter. Of this union eleven children have been born, as follows: Lydia E., born February 21, 1890, who was married, No¬ vember 28, 1918, to William Kurth of Plainview, and has one child, Donald W., born November 26, 1919; Alfred J., born March 19, 1892; Arthur F., born Feb¬ ruary 14, who died December 8, 1912; Leo, born July 25, 1896, who died August 21, 1896; Theodore W., born September 2, 1897, who died October 6, 1919; Leola H., born December 2, 1899; Annette A., born April 12, 1902; Walter G., born January 9, 1905; Reuben E., born April 18, 1908; Lester V., born February 14, 1910; and Elbert E,, born June 1, 1912. As will be seen from the above dates, both Arthur F. and Lester V., were born on St. Valentine's Day.

Alfred J. Schwantz, on May 28, 1918, was drafted for service in the war with Germany. He reported at the court house at Wabasha at 2:00 o'clock P. M., and at 8:00 o'clock A. M. the next day left Wabasha for Camp Lewis, Wash. He rode three days, arrived in camp at 6:00 o'clock, did some drilling at this camp, and on June 19, 1918, left for Camp Kearney, Calif. In his own words: "We rode on the train three and a half days till we arrived in the camp. Here we were assigned to Company C, 160th Infantry; we lived in tents. This was the best camp that I was in. It was fine in California all the time that 1 was there. Here I got considerable training. On July 27, 1918, I left Camp Kearney, Calif., for Camp Mills, N. Y. This was quite a ride across the United States. I saw all kinds of country when riding. It took six and a half days to get to this camp. While riding on the cars some of the boys broke out with measles. Then we were put in the detention camp at New York. Here we stayed for twelve days, and our company went across. August 17, 1918, we left Camp Mills for Camp Merritt to get equipped for overseas duty. August 18, 1918, left Camp Merritt for Camp Mills, N. Y. August 21, 1918, left Camp Mills on the train for Hoboken, N. J., for the ship. Here we were assigned to Company G, 156th Infantry. August 22, 1918, the transport left at 10:30 P. M. for the overseas trip. The ship I went across in was a captured German ship, the second largest ship that they had. This ship was named President Grant. The eats that we got on this ship surely were good. Were on the water twelve days. On the morning of September 3, 1918, could see the coast of France. Left the ship at noon. Hiked out of Brest, France, about two miles and here we camped for a week in dog tents ; here we got some of the first spring wine. September 8, 1918, left Brest, France - this was on a Sunday - in box cars. Here we got all kinds of beans and salmon to eat while riding in the box cars. We rode two and a half days ; then we got off the train and lay outside that night in the rain, near some French village. Next morning we hiked about 30 miles, hiking till ten o clock that night, all tired out and hungry. Here we stayed in a French farm house in the barns from September 11, 1918, to October 17, 1918. Me had to drill every day. Then we left again on box cars on a three days ride. After we got off the train we were transferred to the 32d Division, Co. A, 125th Infantry, and the same evening hiked toward the front, where we were in reserve for several days. November 1 we started to hike and followed up back of the lines as the grounds were gained by us. This was on the Veidun fiont in the woods. In the evening of the 10th we hiked to the front, ay ow that night, supposed to go over the top the next morning. At mid¬ night orders came that we should wait till the next day and see which way the armistice was going; didn't do any fighting, only trying to keep out of the way rom being hit by bullets. After eleven o'cock everything was quiet - seemed like a different world; then we hiked up to the German line, stayed around a few days, and were put into the army of occupation. On November 17, we started to hike to Germany, hiked a few days and came to Lonwy, France, where we rested two days. Then we started to hike and went into Belgium and Luxemburg. Here we stayed and rested up for a week at a farmer's place, sleeping in barns and dog tents during the hikes so far. In Luxemburg we spent Thanksgiving day. December 1st we crossed the German line, hiked to Andernacht, Germany, where we got shoes and clothes and whatever we needed. Some of the boys wore out their shoes and were barefooted for a few days. After we got fixed up we were like new soldiers again. Had a two days' rest here; then we hiked again and crossed the Rhine river, and hiked a few more days till we got to a dorf named Gullishiem (Germany), which finished our hike to December 14, 1918. All we had to do was guard duty, which was good pastime. I was promoted from a private to a first-class private while in Ger¬ many. Stayed in Gullishiem, Germany, till April 20, 1919, on Easter. Then we left for Niederberg in trucks, and loaded into box cars, they putting 21 boys to a cart. Left April 21, 1919, and arrived in Brest, France, April 24, 1919. Here we stayed till May 2, and left for the ship at Brest, homeward bound for America. We came back in five and a half days on the "Great North¬ ern," unloaded on May 9, 1919, in Hoboken, N. J., then went to Camp Mills, N. Y., where we stayed several days. Here we received passes to go and see the City of New York. On May 18, 1919, left Camp Mills for Camp Dodge, la., and on May 21, 1919, I received my discharge."

Henry G. Schroeder, a prominent young farmer of Elgin Township, oper¬ ating 219 acres of land, was born in Waupaca County, Wisconsin, October 11, 1886, son of Emil and Josephine (Brandt) Schroeder. He was educated in the village school of Elgin, Wabasha County, Minn., and became industrially active as a farm laborer, following that occupation in this vicinity until 1916. Then, with a laudable ambition, he started in for himself, renting the Campbell farm in Olmsted County, which he operated for three years. At the end of that time he bought his present farm of 219 acres in sections 26 and 35, Elgin Township, where he is successfully carrying on general farming and stock raising. He keeps good cattle and swine, the latter being of the Chester-White variety, with full-blooded sires at the head of his herds. He has a good house, silo, barns and outbuildings and his farm is well improved. Fraternally Mr. Schroeder is a member of the Masonic order, including the Eastern Star Chapter, while his religious affiliations and those of his family are with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Schroeder was married, February 21, 1907, to Mary E. Dunn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Dunn. He and his wife are the parents of four children: Lincoln D., born February 12, 1909; Wayne A., March 13, 1911; Doris L., October 23, 1913, and Mary E., July 9, 1915. Emil Schroeder, father of Henry G. Schroeder, was born in the State of Wisconsin in 1860, and spent all his life in that state, where he died in 1893. His occupation was that of a farmer. His wife Josephine subsequently married Fred Dosdale and now lives at Hammond, Wis. By her marriage with Mr. Schroeder she had two children, Henry G. and Bertha. The latter is now the wife of Henry T. Swanson of Rochester.

Joseph Henry Schurb, who owns and operates a fine farm of 231 acres in section 33, Minneiska Township, was born on a farm in Iowa, a few miles south of Dubuque, November 29, 1851, son of Matthew Joseph and Elizabeth (Trout) Schurb. The parents, who were natives of Feltzen, Germany, were married in their native land, and came to the United States in 1850, settling at once in Iowa, where an uncle of Mrs. Schurb resided. After remaining there two years, they removed to Minneiska, Wabasha County, Minn., and homesteaded the quarter section of land on which the subject of this sketch now resides (Range 9, Township 109). The land was all wild, and the numerous Indians in the vicinity went about in summer time in a state of nature, having no use what¬ ever for clothing. The Schurb family began operations with no stock but one cow and one or two pigs. From a man named Burns, who lived in Mt. Vernon Township, Winona County, they hired a team of oxen to drag the logs with which to build a small house, erecting it on a piece of table land some distance back from the river, and in the immediate vicinity of a small spring. A num¬ ber of years afterwards, about the time the railroad was in process of con¬ struction, this house burned down, and the family then moved into a granary which they had recently built and in which they made their home for a time, until a new house could be erected. During the early period they possessed no machinery, and all the work, even the hardest, had to be done by hand, in¬ cluding a considerable amount of timber felling and grubbing. Still they made gradual progress, though suffering many hardships unknown to the younger generation, and barns and other buildings were in course of time erected. With the advent of machinery they made better progress, though this advantage cost them something in addition to the money spent, as about 1890 their barns were burned down, being ignited by a spark from a threshingmachine. They were, however, rebuilt, and the house improved and enlarged, and today the farm presents all the appearances of thrift and prosperity. In addition to the house, to which two L's have been added, there is a good cow barn 24 by 50 feet, with 16-foot posts, a basement barn for horses, 24 by 40 feet, with 12-foot posts, a good granary, milk-house, hay shed, machine-shed and corncrib, and a stave silo, built five years ago, 14 by 30 feet. Matthew J. Schurb, the father, who established the place and developed it into a fairly gocd property, died some twenty years ago, being survived by his wife, who passed away about 1907. They had in all nine children, all of whom, however, died young but three, and of these three the subject of this sketch is the only one now living. He, Joseph H. Schurb, now one of the leading farmers of his township, obtained such education as he could in the district school, when he was able to attend it, but his agricultural training was very thorough, and he learned many things which the farmers of the present day are not called upon to perform, and of which the younger generation know. nothing. In course of time he came into possession of the home place, which he has still further im¬ proved, with the help of his wife and children, who are fully endowed with habits of thrift and industry. He is a man who has always fulfiled his obliga¬ tions, and who takes pride in the fact that his word is recognized to be as good as his bond, his verbal promise being taken for all that it implies by those who know him. He was married January 7, 1879, to Dora Heaser, who was born in Trout Valley, Winona County, Minn., April 8, 1860, daughter of Joseph and Anna ( Westline) Heaser, her parents, of German origin, coming to this coun¬ try from Alsace, France, about the middle of the last century. In their fam¬ ily were eight children, of whom four are now living: Anna, residing at Lake City, Minn., who is the widow of Mat Berg, and who has had nine children, one being now deceased; Dora, wife of Joseph H. Schurb; Joseph Frank, residing on the home farm, who married Frances Theis, and has five children; and Theresa, wife of John Siebenaler, and the mother of three sons and one daughter. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Schurb have been born five children: Anna Elizabeth, January 11, 1881; Frank Joseph, September 1, 1882; Theresa Mary, March 4, 1884; Elizabeth Matilda, December 3, 1888, and Olivia, May 2, 1891. Anna Elizabeth, who is single, resides at Mazeppa, Wabasha County. Fiank Joseph, who lives on and now manages the home farm, married Mary Ilgen, of Hammond, Minn., who was born September 17, 1893, daughter of Peter and Mary Ilgen, has one child Bernard P., born August 18, 1919. Theresa Mary manied Peter Marx, of Mazeppa, Minn., now resides in Olmsted County, this state, and has two children, Cecelia Anna and Monica Faviola. Elizabeth Ma¬ tilda is the wife of Louis Welch, of Oak Ridge, Beaver Township, Winona County, and has three children, Dora Elizabeth, Theresa Viola and Beatrice Mary. Olivia married Edward Welch, brother of Louis, and has one child, Annabelle Theresa. Mr. Schurb and his family are members of the Catholic chuich, attending St. Mary s at Minneiska. He belongs to St. Joseph's Society, his wife to that of St. Anne, and their son Frank to the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. As one of the men who have aided largely in developing the agricultural resources of Minneiska Township, Mr. Schurb is widely known and respected, and his record is well worthy of preser¬ vation in a volume devoted to the history of this locality. Though his early advantages with respect to education were limited, he possesses keen intelli¬ gence and easily recognizes the desirability of providing the younger genera¬ tion with better opportunities than he himself enjoyed in his youth.

Bernard Koopman, who settled in Wabasha County in 1882, and in time carved out a good farm from what was practically a tract of wild land in Wabasha Township, was a native of Hanover, Germany, where he grew to man¬ hood and married Caroline Schonoff. He and his wife remained in Germany for some years after their marriage, and then in 1882, with their four chil¬ dren - all they ever had - they emigrated to the United States, arriving in this country July 17, and coming directly to Wabasha County, Minnesota. In Pepin Township they rented the Lager farm on Pepin Hill, and were there four years, after which, for two years, they occupied the George Dickinson farm in Greenfield. But it was not in either of those localities that they made their permanent home, but in Wabasha Township, where in 1889 Bernard Koopman bought 140 acres of land in section 5. But little of the land was broken, and a log house was the only building. With the assistance of his wife and children, Mr. Koopman set to work to develop a farm, a task which he successfully ac¬ complished. When he arrived in Wabasha County from Germany he had just enough money to purchase a cow, but through hard work, perseverance and frugality, he became the owner of a fertile and well stocked farm, on which he and his wife spent the rest of their days. Mr. Koopman became a naturalized American citizen and joined the Democratic party. He died February 21, 1907, and his wife on September 9, 1915. Their four children were: Clemmens, sub¬ ject of this sketch; Joseph, residing in Wabasha; Theresa, now Mrs. Joseph Burrichter, of Greenfield Township, and Bernard, Jr., of Wabasha.

Clemmens Koopman, who is prosperously engaged in agriculture on a farm in section 5, Wabasha Township, which was the home of his parents, was born in Hanover, Germany, May 17, 1866, son of Bernard and Caroline (Schonoff) Koopman. When a boy of 16 years he accompanied his parents to Minnesota, and was able to be of use to his father when the family settled on a farm in Pepin Township, and afterwards on the Lager farm in Greenfield Township, both of which they rented, the former for four years, and the latter for two years. Then Bernard Koopman bought the farm on which his son, Clemmens, now lives, and which the latter helped to develop. After the father's death in February, 1907, he bought the farm, and has since continued its development, having built a comfortable two-story brick house, a good frame barn, corncrib, hoghouse, tool-sheds and silo. The buildings are all good, and the soil fertile. The farm contains 208 acres in section No. 5, and Mr. Koopman is do¬ ing a good general farming business, giving his chief attention to stock rais¬ ing, his farm products being fed to the stock. His cattle are grade Holsteins and his hogs of the Duroc Jersey breed. He has an adequate equipment, in¬ cluding a good auto, and is successful as a farmer and respected as a reliable citizen and good neighbor. He was clerk of School District No. 5 for six years, is stockholder in the Wabasha Creamery and Telephone Company, and a member of the Farmers' Shipping Association. Mr. Koopman was married October 16, 1897, to Lena Margaret Passe, daughter of Albert and Mary Passe, of Glasgow Township, where she was born March 18, 1878. He and his wife are the parents of six children: Albert B., born October 25, 1899; Celia E., November 22, 1901; August J., November 23, 1903; Rosa Margaret, February 10, 1905; Dena Christine, November 5, 1907; and Dorothy Marie, May 2, 1915. All are residing on the home farm. Mr. Koopman and his family are Catholics in religion and members of St. Felix' parish at Wabasha.