Wabasha County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 6 of 27)

Adolph D. Holzer, whose former enterprise as a developer of farm lands secured him an ample competence on which he is now living in the Village of Plainview, was born in Baden, Germany, April 6, 1847, son of Alois and Sophia (Stehle) Holzer. At the age of about nine years he accompanied his parents to the United States, and remained with them on their farms in Watopa and Elgin townships until 1875, his education in the meanwhile having been continued in the district schools. In 1876 he bought a farm in Elgin Township, an im¬ proved tract of 120 acres in section 7, which he still further developed, and finally sold at a profit in 1883. His next farming venture was in section 5, Oakwood Township, where he bought 80 acres, to which he added 120 acres of wild land in Oakwood and 160 in Elgin, uniting all the land into one farm, on which he erected a complete set of substantial buildings, put up fencing, and installed modern machinery. There he engaged in general farming, continuing to de¬ velop the property until 1905, when, finding himself in comfortable circum¬ stances, he retired and bought a comfortable residence in Plainview, where he has since made his home. He rents the farm to his two sons, Clayton and Edgar. It will thus be seen that Mr. Holzer has been the architect and builder of his own fortunes, and that what he has he owes to his own foresight and individual exertions, plus the assistance of his wife and children. His has been the guiding hand, and his the larger part of the actual labor, but the re¬ ward has been commensurate with the exertions put forth. He has always been noted as a good citizen, and though his private concerns made heavy demands upon his time, he served for 13 years in school office. Mr. Holzer was married December 5, 1875, to Chloe A. Marshall, who was born in Elgin Township, this county, November 20, 1857, being the eldest member in a family of sixteen chilrdren. Mr. and Mrs. Holzer have had six children: Clayton L., born September 9, 1876; Mary A., April 27, 1878; Flora E., April 30, 1880; Ella

Mr. And Mrs. A. D. Holzer

D. , September 12, 1881; Edgar R., December 8, 1883; and Harry E., July 30, 1890. As already mentioned, Clayton L. and Edgar R. are now engaged in operating the old home farm. Clayton married Theresa -Simon, and has two children, Kenneth and Franklin. Mary A. is residing with her parents. Flora

E. , who married Albert Koenig, died November 13, 1918. Ella D. is the wife of John Simon and resides with her husband on the old Marshall place in Elgin Township. She has two children, Ward and Mabel. Harry E. is now living in eastern Saskatchewan, Canada, where he is following the occupation of a barber. The family attends the Congregational church, and Mrs. Holzer is a member of the Eastern Star Chapter and of the G. A. R. Circle in Plainview.

William L. Blattner, a representative citizen of Oakwood Township, of which he is one of the officials, was born in Long Creek in this township, Sep¬ tember 16, 1875, son of John Henry and Lena Blattner. He received such edu¬ cation as was afforded by the district schools of his day, and then took up farming at home, where he grew to manhood. At the age of 21 years he branched out for himself, purchasing a farm of 80 acres in section 20, Oakwood Township, on which there were few or no improvements in the shape of build¬ ings. He at once set to work with a stout heart and strong hands, and soon the appearance of the place began to improve with the erection of buildings, and is now an ideal farm, with a fine residence, large and commodious out¬ buildings for the housing of his crops and stock. In addition, he has erected a new, large barn, with a full basement of hollow tile, 36 by 90 feet in dimen¬ sions. Aside from his original 80 acres he has 50 acres more which he rents and works with the rest of his farm. As a general farmer he is meeting with good success, breeding Shorthorn cattle of good grade, Chester-White hogs and Shropshire sheep. As a citizen he is known and respected throughout the township, and in 1919 was elected a member of the Oakwood town board. Twenty-four years ago Mr. Blattner assumed the responsibilities of domestic life, being united in marriage April 8, 1896, with Emma Schuchart, who was born at Millville, Wabasha County, Minn., April 10, 1880, daughter of John and Atillia (Lehman) Schuchart. Her father died January 12, 1912, and her mother is now a resident of Millville. To Mr. and Mrs. Blattner eight children have been born: Walter, March 4, 1898; Frank, April 14, 1901; Clara, February 3, 1903; Andrew, October 28, 1905; Anna, July 19, 1907; Alfred, September 19, 1909; William, Jr., March 8, 1912, and Irene, May 17, 1916. All the children are residing on the home farm. Mr. Blattner and his family attend the Metho¬ dist Episcopal church.

Christian Brueshaber, proprietor of a well-equipped and productive farm in section 2, West Albany Township, and a man well known and respected, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, December 16, 1850, son of Frederick and Louise Brueshaber, the father being owner and operator of a 200-acre farm, on which young Christian was brought up to agricultural work. At the age of 15 he left school. Three years of his subsequent life were spent in the German army, after which he returned to the parental farm. At the age of 25 he was super¬ intendent on a large farm in Germany, where he spent four years. The next four years were spent on the home farm. Then in 1883 he came to America, landing at New York September 12. Near Buffalo resided an uncle of his, Christ Brueshaber, with whom he spent a year and a half. Then coming west, he reached Lake City, Wabasha County, Minn., April 9, 1885. Employment was soon found, and for a year and a half he worked on the farm of Ed Wise in Mt. Pleasant Township, and for John Danckwart in West Albany Township. On September 29, 1886, Mr. Brueshaber married Ida Haase, born September 5, 1865, daughter of John and Minnie (Lange) Haase of West Albany Township, and rented the Gotleib Moechnig farm in West Albany, where he and his wife resided four years. He next rented and moved to the farm on which he still lives in section 2, West Albany, a farm of 120 acres, which he bought after a two or three years' residence on it. It has been improved by him to a consid- erable extent, the improvements including the rebuilding of the house, which is now a good dwelling of eight rooms; the erection of a frame barn, 36 by 60 by 16 feet, with full 8-foot basement; and a machine shed, 22 by 40 feet. The farm has now a good set of buildings, and is pleasantly situated, the surround¬ ings being beautified by evergreens set out by Mr. Brueshaber. It is six and a half miles southeast of Lake City. Mr. Brueshaber raises both stock and grain, his cattle being of the Shorthorn variety. He has been a hard worker, and has accomplished gratifying results; but he has never been robust and owing to his somewhat indifferent health, he now leaves the active operation of the farm to his eldest son Henry, who was born June 15, 1887. The other children are as follows: Laura Wilhelmina, born May 31, 1890, now Mrs. Frank Vomastic of Lake City; Minnie Marietta, born May 31, 1893; Margaret Adeline, born May 18, 1900; Marie Emily, born August 8, 1901. The family are mem¬ bers of St. Johns German Lutheran congregation at Lake City.

Patrick Shields was for many years a familiar figure in Wabasha County life. All who knew this genial old man of Erin's soil were charmed with his lovable personality, and his wont was to scatter sunshine in the dally lives of all with whom he came in contact. He was one of the few remaining pioneers of this section. It is said that when he first came here there were but a few buildings in Plainview, and those small and primitive. During his early life on Greenwood Prairie he endured many hardships. But though he was in no better circumstances than his neighbors, he believed in a full observance of all the amenities of cultured life, and he took pride in presenting a neat and trim appearance. For his was a will full of courage, and he labored incessantly until he had accumulated a competence. No one knew Pat Shields, as he was lovingly called, but to honor and respect him. He was a man among men, honorable in all his dealings, and honest to a fault. Best of all he was of that happy, jovial disposition that spread happiness, and brightness wherever he chanced to be. A true friend who never forgot a kind act or word, ever ready to assist the needy, and do for others in less fortunate circumstances, he could not countenance a wrong. Although he had nearly attained his eighty-seventh birthday; those who were not aware of the fact could not realize his advanced years. Spry, active and buoyant it was his pleasure to announce that he was still young and active. That he is missed by young and old need not be said. There are few who can number more friends than he. He was a devoted member of the Catholic church, independent in politics, thought and deed. He died January 1, 1918. His time had come and he was willing to go, for he had often expressed the desire that when he became feeble he might not linger longer on this earth. Patrick Shields was born in Daylstown, County Galway, Ireland, in 1831, son of Stephen and Bridget (Laylor) Shields, who lived on a small farm. The original family name was Shiel, sev¬ eral of that name having taken a prominent part in the early history of Ireland. Patrick was reared as a farmer. At the age of twenty-two he came to the United States and found employment at the cotton mills of Manchester, N. H. In 1858 he came west to Fox Lake, Wis., where he resumed his former occupa¬ tion as a farmer. At about the outbreak of Civil War he came to Wabasha County, and bought out a squatter on section 30, Highland Township. By strenuous effort and self sacrifice, he developed this farm until four years later when he was enabled to sell it for $2,000 in cash, a very comfortable sum in those days. Then he purchased a farm in section 29, in the same township. To this he later added an eighty-acre tract in sections 20 and 21. With the passage of the years he acquired a competence, and was held in high regard by his neighbors and associates as a man of honesty and uprightness, rich in the possession of an untarnished name. Patrick Shields was married in Manches¬ ter, N. H., to Margaret Beegan, also a native of County Galway. This union has been blessed with five children: Elizabeth, John, Margaret, Hanore and Mary. Elizabeth was born in Manchester, N. H., January 14, 1855, married

Patrick Shields John Welti

Thomas Rodney, and died November 17, 1884; John was born in Fox Lake, Wis., February 5, 1858, and died November 7, 1918. Margaret was born at Fox Lake, Wis., October 12, 1859, and married John Curran, now of Highland Township. Hanore was born in Highland Township, July 30, 1861, and married G. L. Car¬ penter, now of Oakwood Township. Mary was born in Highland Township, September 29, 1867, and is the wife of Philip Welti, of Plainview. Mrs. Shields attended faithfully to the duties of her household, and was her husband's sym¬ pathetic helpmeet in all his undertakings. She was a faithful wife and a dutiful mother, and her death July 9, 1895, was sincerely mourned.

John Welti, pioneer farmer, came to this county in 1855 and spent nearly all of the remainder of his years in Oakwood Township. He was an honest, in¬ dustrious man, a good neighbor and true friend. His word was as good as his bond and he was respected by all who knew him. By hard and persistent ef¬ fort he opened a large farm, and had his part in the upbuilding of the com¬ munity in which he lived. A native of Switzerland, he was born December 9, 1826. In 1855 he came to Minnesota, and engaged in business at Wabasha. From there he moved to a farm in Snake Valley, Watopa Township, this county. About 1858 he secured 120 acres in Oakwood Township, this county, and here spent the remainder of his life. To the original track he added 80 acres, mak¬ ing a good farm of 200 acres, which he developed and improved, and where he attained a competence, bringing it from a wild stretch of prairie to a wellcultivated, well-fenced place, with substantial buildings and good equipment of tools, implements and machinery. After a long and useful life, he died July 12, 1903. Mr. Welti was married at Wabasha, May 28, 1856, to Mary Frank, who was born in Germany in 1830, came to America as a young woman, with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Philip Frank, and lived with them in Watopa Town¬ ship until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Welti had ten children: John, of Oakwood Township; Mary, wife of John Schumann, of Elgin; Christina, now Mrs. Ernest Stoll, of Elgin; Fred, of Winona; Elizabeth, wife of Herman Schmeling, of Winona; Philip and Henry, twins, of Plainview; Emma, living on the home farm; William of Rochester, and Jacob, living on the home farm.

Philip Welti, a well-known resident of Plainview, was born in Oakwood Township, this county, March 4, 1865, son of John and Mary (Frank) Welti. He attended the schools of his neighborhood and assisted on the home farm. As a young man he purchased 80 acres in section 29, Highland Township, this county, and to this he later added another 80 acres not far away. In addition to operating his own place he rented from time to time so that each year he farmed extensively. He carried on general farming successfully, but made a specialty of stock raising. He was a breeder and dealer, raising, buying and selling. He was especially well known for his fine Percheron horses and for his excellent drove of sheep. In the summer of 1919, he sold one farm and moved to Plainview, where he has a beautiful modern home. Mr. Welti is a member of the M. W. A. and the K. of C. He is a prominent member of St. Joachim's Catholic Church. Mr. Welti is a man who is always ready and willing to give comfort and aid to those in less fortunate circumstances. He is well known and liked by old and young, for his kindness, possessing a sterling character and excellent reputation. Mr. Welti was married October 7, 1901, to Mary Shields, born September 29, 1867, daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Beegan) Shields, and this union has been blessed with two children: Mary Evelyn, born December 24, 1902, and Patrick James, born August 24, 1905, both attending school.

Henry J. Wurst, whose farm of 190 acres lies partly in Oakwood and partly in Elgin Township, was born in Oakwood Township, Wabasha County, April 27, 1862. His parents, Vincent and Amalia (Gregor) Wurst, were born in Austria, but married in Wisconsin, and came to Wabasha County, Minn., in 1860, locat¬ ing on the northwest quarter of section 33, Oakwood Township. The land was wild and years of pioneer work and hardship lay before them, but in time they developed a farm, Mr. Wurst erecting a house and outbuildings, and breaking and cultivating his land. His wife died in 1882, and he survived her many years passing away in 1905. They had five children: Henry J., subject of this sketch - Alvena, now Mrs. Herman Plattner of Elgin Township; Matilda, who is deceased; Joseph L., of Rochester, Minn., and Rosa, who married Edward Meiser and lives in Missouri. Henry J. Wurst as a boy attended District School No. 85, Elgin Township. He remained on the home farm until 29 years old, after which for three years he operated a rented farm in Elgin Township. He then returned to the home farm, which he conducted for eleven years. About 1905 he bought his present farm, or rather, 110 acres of it, 70 acres lying in section 2, Elgin, and 40 in section 35, Oakwocd. Later he bought 80 acres adjoining in section 35, Oakwood, thus bringing the area of his farm to 190 acres. His residence and buildings are in Elgin Township. He has remodeled the house, erected a good barn and outbuildings, and made othei impiovements, adding much to the value of his property, and is following general farming with profitable results. He raises Poll Angus cattle, mostly for beef purposes, also Durcc-Jersey hogs, and white leghorn poultry, and is a member of the Farmers Shipping Association. His fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, while in politics he is a Republican. Mr. W urst was united in marriage, April 9, 1890, with Dora Springer, who was born in Oakwood Town¬ ship, this county, June 23, 1870, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Springer. Of this union there are three children, namely: Clarence L., born January 7, 1892, now a farmer in Oakwood Township, who married Vivian La Rocque, and has two children, one son, Maurice O., and daughter, Bertha , Josephine B., born January 16, 1894, "wife of Ole Olson of Oakwood, has one daughtei, Helen Dorothy; and Carold J., born January 19, 1900, who is assisting his father on the home farm. Mr. Wurst and his family are members of the Lutheran church and are socially popular.

Caleb W. Olin, who has taken rank among the successful farmers of Oakwood Township, was born in Jackson County, Minn., December 13, 1873, son of John A. and Mary (Hanson) Olin. The parents were natives of Norway who were married in this country. John A. Olin served three years in the Civil War in a volunteer infantry regiment. After the war he and his wife settled in Jackson County, Minn., wTience he later removed to Belvidere, Goodhue County, and still later, in 1885, to Wabasha County. In sections 21 and 29, Oakwood Township, he bought 160 acres of land, to which he subsequently added 93 acres on Long Creek, in section 28 of the same township. His first wife, Mrs. Mary Olin died about 1876, when her son, Caleb, was about three years old, and John A. Olin subsequently married Mrs. Rosa (Olson) Helgerson, who is still living. He continued farming at the same location until his death, which occurred in March, 1909. By his second wife he had two children: Edna, now residing in Minneapolis; and Phoebe, now Mrs. Carl Poison of Mill¬ ville. Caleb W. Olin acquired his education in District School No. 44, Oakwood Township, this county. After he became industrially active he wTent to Brainerd, Crow Wing County, where he remained for one winter. From there he went to Cass County, Minn., where he took a homestead of 160 acres, work¬ ing on it and improving it for about seven years. His next removal was to Stutsman County, N. D., and there he continued farming for six years. At the end of that time he returned to the home farm in Oakwood Township, Wabasha County, which he rented and operated on his own account until 1914. He then bought the original tract of 160 acres, and later the 93-acre tract, so that he now owns the old home farm, and in addition works 80 acres belonging to his uncle, Bent Olin. He has made a number of improvement on his place, and has made plans for erecting a good modern barn in 1921. As a general farmer and stock raiser he is meeting with good success, breeding Durham cattle and Chester-White swine. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator and in the Shipping Association at Millville, and is also serving as clerk of School Board

Dr. Emery H. Bayley

District No. 44 - the district in which he attended school as a boy. On April 9, 1896, Mr. Olin was united in marriage with Blanche Leeper, of Oakwood, who was born in Fremont, Neb., in 1870. He and his wife are the parents of eight children: Lela, now Mrs. William Poison; Alice, who graduated from the Wabasha high school in the class of 1917, and is now a teacher; Bessie, a grad¬ uate of the same high school in the class of 1920; Arthur, who is assisting his father on the home farm; and John, Bernice, Harold and Hazel Marie. Mr. Olin and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

Emery H. Bayley, M. D., a medical and surgical practicioner of long ex¬ perience and recognized ability who has followed his profession in Lake City for the last 25 years, was born at Vernon, Waukesha County, Wis., November 5, 1865, son of Herbert 0. and Emma A. Bayley. The father, who was born in 1848, became a farmer and is still following that occupation at Lake Beulah, Wis. The mother died December 5, 1865, when her son, Emery, was but one month old. Emery H. Bayley acquired his elementary education in the com¬ mon schools of Vernon, which he attended until the age of 15 years. He then spent one winter at Carroll College, Waukesha, Wis., and afterwards for three years the Greeley high school at Greeley, Colo., graduating in 1886. He then en¬ tered the University of Colorado, from which he was graduated with the B. L. degree in 1890. His graduation from Rush Medical College, Chicago, took place in 1893, and he subsequently served as interne in the Asbury M. E. Hospital at Minneapolis. He then came to Lake City, opened an office, and has since built up a large practice and won a high reputation both as a physician and as a use¬ ful and interested citizen. For a number of years he has been president of the City Board of Health. He is also president of the Wabasha County Board of Health; president of the Wabasha County Tubercular Sanatorium at Wa¬ basha; president of the Lake City Board of Education, and vice president of the Citizens Bank of Lake City, in all of which positions he has proved himself an energetic and capable man of affairs, with an eye for the public good. Po¬ litically he has always been a Republican. In the Masonic order he has ad¬ vanced as far as the Commandery, and belongs also to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and other societies, being ex¬ amining physician for several benefit orders. Dr. Bayley was married, Jan¬ uary 3, 1896, to Catherine Coveil, who was born at Roscoe, Ill., December 27, 1867, daughter of G. W. and Jennie Covell, then of Maquoketa, la. She was a graduate of the Rockford Seminary, at Rockford, Ill., and for 4 years previous to her marriage was principal of the high school at Lake City. Dr. and Mrs. Bayley are the parents of three children: Emery Coveil, born February 13, 1899, who was graduated from the Lake City high school and is now a student of Carleton College, at Northfield, Minn.; Anna Pauline, born May 5, 1902, now a student in the Lake City high school; and Ralph, born April 4, 1905, who is at¬ tending school in Lake City. The family occupy a neat and comfortable resi¬ dence on High street, which the doctor purchased some years ago. They are members of the Congregational church and among its most active workers.

Albert Olson, a prominent representative of the farming interests of Oakwood Township, where he ranks among the well to do citizens, is a native of Wabasha County, born in October, 1859, a son of Ole and Anna Olson. The parents, natives of Norway, were among the earliest settlers in this county, arriving in the United States in 1849, coming west to Minnesota, and settling on Indian Creek, where they in time, by dint of hard work and perseverance, established a good farm. In 1908 they retired and took their residence with their son Albert, at whose home the father died in 1913. The mother died in 1912. Albert Olson's earliest years were passed amid pioneer scenes, which had changed but little by the time he began to attend the rural log schoolhouse. After that followed years of hard work on the home farm, on which he assisted his father, at the same time acquiring a good practcial knowledge of agricul¬ ture, stock raising, and other branches of the industry, at first by means of primitive methods, machinery being only gradually introduced. As a partner with his brother William, he operated the home farm, to the area of which they added until it included 600 acres, and as stock raisers they branched out extensively, keeping as many as 100 head of cattle. In 1894 Albert bought his present farm of 200 acres in sections 22 and 15 - a fine piece of property on which he has built a good residence and barn. He continued actively engaged in its operation until the spring of 1920, when he rented the place to his son Bert, who is proving a capable manager. Poll Angus cattle are raised for beef purposes, and registered Chester-White swine are also bred. Mr. Olson is one of the directors of the State Bank of Millville, and the Farmers' Eleva¬ tor at Millville. As a citizen active in local interests, he has served as a mem¬ ber of the school board of his district. In October, 1892, Mr. Olson was mar¬ ried to Jennie Poison, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emerick Poison. To him and his wife three children have been born: Jonas N., Mary and Bert. The last mentioned married Vida Nelson, who are living on the home place in a new house erected in 1920 for them by his father. The Olson family are affiliated religiously with the Methodist Episcopal church, while politically Mr. Olson is a Republican.

John Gregor, an early settler in Elgin Township, and now residing in Elgin Village, was born in Austria in 1842, son of John and Amalia Gregor. The father dying in Austria, his widow married Adolph Bartosch, and in 1852 John Gregor accompanied his mother and step-father to the United States, the fam¬ ily settling in Jefferson County, Wis., where the mother finally died. At the age of 17 years John Gregor began working out and supporting himself. In 1865 he came to Wabasha County, Minn., locating in Elgin Township, where for awhile he continued to work out. In 1868 he engaged in agriculture for him¬ self, buying 220 acres in the southwest quarter of section 3. There he resided for nearly 40 years, building up a good farm, and retiring to take up his resi¬ dence in the village in 1907. His success was accomplished by hard work, and he was long widely known and recognized as one of the representative farmers of his township. He also served many years as justice of the peace, assessor and town clerk, being closely affiliated with the work of local government. During most of this time he was aided by the companionship and co-operation of a good wife, having been married, January 21, 1867, to Rosa Wurst, who died in 1902. They became the parents of eight children: Joseph, now of Han¬ cock, Minn.; Jay, residing on the home farm; John, of Beardsley, Minn.; James A., of Oakwood Township; William, of Elgin; Jesse, of Browns Valley, Minn.; Ida, now Mrs. Joseph Mareck, of Elkton, S. D.; and Rosa, who resides in Elgin.

James A. Gregor, a prosperous farmer residing in section 16, Oakwood Township, was born in Elgin Township, Wabasha County, Minn., July 15, 1882, son of John and Rose (Wurst) Gregor. His education was acquired in the district school, and he worked on his parents' farm until he was 21 years old. Then he bought his present farm of 230 acres in section 16, Oakwood Township, which he has improved considerably, having put up every building on the place except the house and the barn, which he remodeled, making it 36 by 80 feet, with a full basement. His farm is well stocked with Shorthorn cattle, Duroc- Jersey hogs and a good grade of sheep, and he follows diversified farming with good financial results. He is a member of the Farmers' Shipping Asso¬ ciation, and is affiliated in either a business or fraternal way with the Massa¬ chusetts Mutual Insurance Co., the Equitable Fraternal Union of Wabasha, and the Modern Woodmen of America at Millville. Mr. Gregor was married Feb¬ ruary 23, 1905, to Elizabeth Shade, who was born in Glasgow Township, Wabasha County, June 23, 1884. He and his wife have one child, Beulah R., who was born October 30, 1916. They are affiliated religiously with the Evangelical Lutheran church.

John D. Siem, cashier of the First State Bank of Elgin, Minn., was born on a farm in Elgin Township, Wabasha County, December 9, 1872, son of Claus

Clarence A. Hubbard

H. and Marguerite (Reimers) Siem. The father was a native of Germany and the mother of Blue Island, near Chicago, Ill. They were married in this country and came to Minnesota in 1870. Seven of their children are now living, five sons and two daughters, namely: Lizzie, Emma, John Henry, George, Arthur, Edward R., and John D. Lizzie, who married Frank Richardson, resides in Elgin; Emma is the wife of Byron Rice of South Dakota; George is employed in a general store in Elgin; Arthur is assistant cashier of the Clark County National Bank, in Clark County, S. D.; Edward R., who resides in Elgin, enlisted in the U. S. navy and served 26 months in the World War, being stationed at Bordeaux, France, and was honorably discharged in 1919.

John D. Siem was reared on his parents' farm and educated in the district and public schools of Elgin Township and village. Becoming clerk in a general store in Elgin, he worked there nine months, and was subsequently employed for three months in a clothing store in Rochester. Then returning home, he bought a half interest in a hardware store, which was operated for 13 years under the style of Searles & Siem, and later for four years, owing to a change of partners, under that of Siem & Bortz. Mr. Siem then sold his interest in the business and bought a general store, which he operated for four years, or until 1916, when he took the position as assistant cashier of the First State Bank, becoming cashier in January, 1920. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Odd Fellows, and served one year as president of the village board of Elgin. As a business man and citizen he has made a good reputation, and is an influential member of the community. Mr. Siem was married at Elgin in 1900, to Nellie M., daughter of Walter and Helen Dunn, who were early settlers in Wabasha County, and farmers by occupation. Both her parents are now deceased. They had one son and five daughters, all of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Siem have two sons: Walter, born December 2, 1901, and Wyatt B., born in 1902. Walter is now a clerk in the J. A. Saufal general store, re¬ siding at home, while Wyatt is living on the farm of his uncle, Henry G. Schroeder.

Clarence A. Hubbard, president of the Lake City Bank from 1907 to 1919, and who for half a century had been connected with that institution throughout its various phases, was born in Ingham County, Mich., November 4, 1844, son of John I. and Lucy L. (Smith) Hubbard. The parents, natives of New York state, were descended from old New England stock, and both families had members who figured prominently in the Revolutionary War. In June, 1853, the subject of this sketch accompanied his parents to Winona, Minn., thereby be¬ coming a youthful pioneer of this state. In 1858 he returned to Michigan and for two years was a pupil in a school in Lansing, taking an academic course. In 1860 he was back in Winona, where he entered the normal school. The breaking out of the Civil War put an end to his studies there, as he soon en¬ listed in the Eighth Minnesota Infantry, as a member of which organization he served on the frontier during the Sioux uprising, and was later on the staffs of Generals R. N. McLean and H. H. Sibley. Honorably discharged at the close Of the war, he settled in Lake City, where, until 1869, he was engaged in the grain and commission business. In that year he entered the banking business with C. W. Hackett & Co., as cashier, and on the organization of the Lake City Bank in 1871, an outgrowth of the previous institution, he became one of its directors, and was subsequently connected with its fortunes until his death on April 4, 1919, the last twelve years of his life being spent as its president. His record was clean and honorable, and for many years he was a potent factor in the development of the community in which he made his home. An everready worker, he lent his aid and influence to the furtherance of all practical plans for the benefit of the city, whether moral or material, and his charities were numerous and liberal. He was for many years a consistent member of the Congregational church, and was affiliated fraternally with the Masons and Knights of Pythias. His work had great and permanent results, and he will long be remembered as one of the notable pioneers and upbuilders of this community. Mr. Hubbard was twice married, and by his first wife had one son, William Adelbert, who was long associated with him in business and is now the president of the Lake City Bank of Minnesota. The only child of the second marriage was Florence Blanchard, now residing in California with her mother.

William A. Hubbard, president of the Lake City Bank of Minnesota, was born in Lake City, Minn., August 9, 1867, son of Clarence A. Hubbard. His literary education was acquired chiefly in the public and high schools of this city, and was supplemented by a course at the Hoboken School of Technology at Hoboken, N. J. He then took up the machinist's trade, which he followed for five years at Brooklyn, N. Y., after which he returned to Lake City and entered the employ of the Lake City Bank as clerk. In 1907 he was tendered the position of cashier, which he accepted, and filled efficiently until May 1, 1919, when he was elected president, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his father, Clarence A. Hubbard. He is also interested in several other local enterprises, and is an active member of the Lake City Commercial Club, which he served both as vice-president and treasurer. During this country's partici¬ pation in the World War, he took an active part in all the loan drives and other war work, and was county chairman for the sale of treasury certificates of in¬ debtedness during and since the war. He is also one of the prominent working members of the Congregational church. In short, Mr. Hubbard's career has been one of intense activity along various lines bearing directly on the welfare and progress of the community, and he has accomplished some valuable, and in all probability, permanent results. Fraternally he is a member of Carnelian Lodge, No. 40, A. F. & A. M., of Lake City, of which he is past master; and is also a Knight Templar and thirty-second degree Mason, being past commander and past high priest. In addition to the above mentioned branches of the order, he belongs to Lake City Chapter, No. 75, 0. E. S., of which he is past patron. Mr. Hubbard was married June 9, 1897, to Mabel Schmitz of Winona. He and his wife have had two children: Anna, born May 31, 1910; and Lincoln, who died in infancy.

John Bernard Schmidt, a well known merchant operating a general store at Theilman, was born in Glasgow Township, Wabasha County, Minn., January 19, 1880, son of Charles and Anna (Wolfe) Schmidt. The parents were natives cf Hanover, Germany, and came to Wabasha County, Minn., in 1870. They were married here and engaged in farming in Glasgow Township, where Mrs. Anna Schmidt is still living. Her husband, Charles Schmidt, died in Pepin Township, November 11, 1895. Their family contained nine children: Louise, now Mrs. Frank Passe, of Wabasha City; Christina, wife of Anton Passe, a farmer of Pepin Township; John Bernard, subject of this sketch; Anna, now deceased; Elizabeth, wife of William Goihl, a farmer of West Albany Township; Henry, who is residing on the old home farm with his mother; Mary, wife of Bernard Schmidt, a truck farmer of Wabasha City; Helen, wife of John Ramer, a Pepin Township farmer; and Josephine, who is living on the home farm. John Bernard Schmidt in his boyhood attended public school at Read's Landing up to the age of 14 years. Then, on his father's death, he being the eldest son at home, he left school to work the farm for his mother and remained on it until August 1, 1912. He then opened his present store at Theilman, and is carrying on a successful general mercantile business, occupying a commodious brick building. He is also a stockholder in the Greenfield Farmers Telephone Company. While residing on the farm he served six years as a member of the town board, for two years being chairman. He has also served as a member and treasurer of the school board. Politically he is a Democrat, and in religion a Catholic, being a member of St. Joseph's parish, of which for a time he was a trustee. On August 27, 1912, Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage with Clara Louise, daughter of Nicholas and Anna Reil, of Theilman. She died of

Frederick Sass, an early settler in West Albany Township, who took effec¬ tive part in its agricultural development, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, June 7, 1833. The first thirty years of his life were spent in his native land, and he was there married in the spring of 1863, to Mary Prueter. He and his bride at once came to America, arriving in Wabasha County, Minn., in June the same year, practically destitute of funds. Their object was to found a home, and accordingly, Mr. Sass homesteaded 120 acres of wild prairie land in section 21, West Albany Township. Strict economy was necessary, and even with that it was hard to get along, but progress was gradually made, and both worked together looking forward hopefully to a prosperous future, which in due time was realized. Mr. Sass broke and developed his land, also buying 80 additional acres, and erected a good set of buildings, and he continued to reside here until his death October 4, 1915. His wife is now living with their son, Louis, on the old farm. The other children of Mr. and Mrs. Sass were: Amelia, now Mrs. Peter Schwirtz, her husband being a farmer at Theilman, Wabasha County; Augusta, wife of Charles Struckmyer, a farmer of West Albany Township; Mary, who married F. W. Moechnig of West Albany Town¬ ship, and is now deceased; Edward, a resident of Lake City; Frederick A., a prosperous farmer of section 13, West Albany Township.

Frederick A. Sass, of West Albany Township, who has attained prosperity through enterprising effort in the development of farms, was born in this township April 8, 1870, son of Frederick and Mary (Prueter) Sass. He was educated in the common schools, which he attended up to the age of 15, and outside of school hours he worked for the most part on his parents' farm, remaining at home until 1890. On January 15, that year, he married Amelia Moechnig, daughter of Frederick and Caroline Moechnig of West Albany Town¬ ship. He then rented the Tracy farm in the same township and operated it for two years, afterward moving to the Abbott Smith farm in Gillford Town¬ ship, where he remained until 1901. His next removal was to the Hentze farm in West Albany, which was his home for five years. In 1906 Mr. Sass bought 120 acres of improved land in Glasgow Township and for some time rented it out to a tenant. In 1906 he bought a 160-acre farm in section 13, West Albany, which had fair buildings, and operated this in connection with the farm of 120 acres in Glasgow Township, building on the West Albany farm a good frame barn 36 by 76 by 16 feet, with full 9-foot basement; two machine sheds, 24 by 40, and did diversified farming until the fall of 1918, when he leased the place to his son, Lawrence. This farm is well stocked with grade Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China swine, with full-blooded sires; and in addition has a first-class operating equipment. Mr. Sass owns a five-passenger Dort auto car, and also a nice residence at No. 522 South High street, Lake City. He and his wife have five children: Elsie, born March 3, 1891, now Mrs. Ferdinand Brunkow of Gillford Township; Lawrence E., born March 22, 1894, who is operating the home farm in section 13, Albany Township; Caroline, born No¬ vember 21, 1895, who is the wife of Arnum Zickrick of West Albany Township; Grace, born October 5, 1897, now Mrs. Earl Jones of Weaver, this county; and Esther, born February 4, 1905, who is a student in the high school. Mr. Sass is a Republican in politics and has served six years as a member of the district school board. He is a director of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and he and his family are members of the German M. E. church of West Albany, of which they are liberal supporters. In November, 1919, Mr. Sass moved to Lake City, where he now lives retired.

Lawrence E. Sass, an active and enterprising young farmer who is operat¬ ing his father's farm in section 13, West Albany Township, was born in this township March 22, 1894, son of Frederick A. and Amelia (Moechnig) Sass. He was educated in District School No. 1 in the Scotch Settlement, and has always been associated in agricultural work with his father. On the latter's retirement in 1918, he leased the farm from him, but owns the stock and oper¬ ating equipment. He is carrying on diversified farming very successfully, keeping grade Shorthorn cattle, and has a herd of 30 to 40 swine. In 1917 he was engaged in operating the Christ Fick farm in Lake Township. Mr. Sass was married March 4, 1919, to Odelia Catherine, daughter of John and Eliza¬ beth (Witte) Wallerich, of Glasgow Township. They have one son, Lyle E., born April 5, 1920. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church of Theilman.

Lucas M. Kuehn, an enterprising and well known merchant of Wabasha City, who has also been a factor in local politics, was born near Alma, Buffalo County, Wis., March 27, 1870. His parents were Marcus and Caroline (Kunkel) Kuehn, who came to this country from Germany at an early date, homesteading 160 acres of wild land in the location above mentioned, on which they built a log cabin with a hard clay floor. It was in this cabin that their son, Lucas M., was born. After remaining on the Buffalo County farm until 1879, Marcus Kuehn sold out and moved with his family to Wabasha City, Minn., where, in association with his son, he opened a butcher shop, which he carried on until 1904. He then sold the business and moved to Winona, where he engaged in the meat business on Mankato avenue. About 1907 he retired, and is now living in Winona, on Center street, near the Milwaukee depot. He and his wife had four children: Lucas M., who was the first born; Frank, who is living in Winona; Edith, now Mrs. Edward Kalskopf, of Milwaukee, Wis.; and Mary, now Mrs. Val Stahr of Winona. Lucas M. Kuehn was nine years old when he accompanied his parents to Wabasha. He attended St. Felix' parochial school, passing through the eight grades, and then entered the Wabasha high school, where he was a pupil up to the age of 16 years. With this mental equipment he began industrial life, engaging with the firm of Jewell & Schmidt of Wabasha to learn the tinner's trade. After remaining with them for three years, he entered the employ of the Kuehn Mercantile Co., of Wabasha, delivering goods. Subsequently he spent another three years in the employ of Jewell & Schmidt, and then again returned to the Kuehn Mer¬ cantile Co. On May 10, 1901, Mr. Kuehn entered into the grocery business in Wabasha, in company with Emil Arnes, under the firm name of Kuehn & Arnes. The partnership was continued up to June 7, 1905, when Mr. Kuehn bought his partner's interest in the business, and continued it alone. It developed to such an extent that after a number of years he felt the necessity of expansion, and accordingly, in April, 1919, he purchased the business block on Main street, which he occupied, and also the adjoining block, adding dry goods, shoes, ladies' wear and other lines to his stock. He is enjoying an excellent trade and his business is still growing, as the result of earnest endeavor, industry and fair dealing. Mr. Kuehn is a Republican in politics, and served the city two terms as alderman, showing a quick comprehension of local interests. He is a good musician, a member of the Wabasha Boosters' Band, and for a number of years has been a member of the city fire department. These various inter¬ ests have identified him closely with the development of the city along various lines, in each of which he has proved his worth and ability. In November, 1897, Mr. Kuehn was married to Clara B., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Young, of Wabasha. She was born in Pepin County, Wis., July 3, 1877. The children of this marriage are: Clarence B., born July 13, 1898; Ethel M., born March 20, 1900; and Dorothy^ born September 27, 1913. Clarence is now in business with his father; Ethel M., who was graduated from the Winona Busi¬ ness College in 1918, is now stenographer for the Wabasha County agricultural agent. Mr. Kuehn and his family are Catholics in religion, and members of St. Felix parish of Wabasha.

Henry Sprick, in former years an industrious farmer and esteemed citizen successively of Mt. Pleasant and West Albany townships, was born in Hanover, Germany, where he worked both as a farmer and distiller. About 1881 he came to the United States with his wife, whose maiden name was Adelheid Bramer, and their only son and child, Christopher, then six years old. After arriving at Red Wing, Minn., Mr. Sprick settled with his family in Belvidere Township, Goodhue County, and for a few years worked as a farm hand. By 1885 he had saved up $500, and that year he rented the Wood farm in Mt. Pleasant Town¬ ship, Wabasha County, which he operated up to 1896. He then bought 160 acres in section 7, West Albany Township, this county, on which tract were a few buildings, including a small house. There he labored industriously and continued in agricultural pursuits until his death on October 24, 1905. His wife survived him a few years, passing away on the farm, October 5, 1912. Their son, Christopher, now owns the old home, which he has improved and developed.

Christopher Sprick, proprietor of a productive farm in section '7, West Albany Township, of which he is a substantial and respected citizen, was born in Hanover, Germany, October 9, 1875, son of Henry and Adelheid (Bramer) Sprick. He was six years old when he accompanied his parents to the United States, the family first settling in Belvidere Township, Goodhue County, and after that operating farms in Mt. Pleasant and West Albany townships, Wabasha County. Both are now deceased and he owns and resides on the last farm which they occupied, one of 160 acres, of which he has 110 acres under the plow, the balance being in timber and pasture. Mr. Sprick raises both grain and stock, having a herd of 20 to 30 Shorthorn cattle, including eleven milch cows, and a herd of 20 to 25 Duroc-Jersey sv/ine, with full-blooded sires for both herds. He has a good operating equipment and also owns a Chevrolet five-passenger car. As an enterprising farmer, Mr. Sprick has made some valuable improvements on his place, having remodeled the house, which now contains nine rooms and is gas-lighted; built a barn, 38 by 50 by 20 feet, and a tile silo of 110 tons capacity. Through industry and frugality Mr. Sprick has conquered success and is one of the prosperous and respected citizens of his township. He has served efficiently in the office of school clerk. He was married September 25, 1906, to Margaretta, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Eckoff) Ehlers, of Lake Township, this county. She was born January 14, 1886, in Hay Creek Township, Goodhue County, and her parents are now living near Mazeppa, in Zumbro Township, Wabasha County. Mr. and Mrs. Sprick are the parents of five children, born as follows: Alvin Henry Peter, May 6, 1907; Walter Christopher William, February 19, 1909; Henrietta Wilhelmina Anna, December 8, 1911; Albert John Frederick, June 26, 1913; and Margaretta Alfrida Louise, August 23, 1916. Mr. Sprick and his family are members of the German Lutheran church, worshiping with the Jacksonville congregation in Gillford Township, which Mr. Sprick has served as trustee.

John C. Schmidt, a pioneer of West Albany Township, now deceased, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, September 7, 1833. He grew to manhood in his native land and was there married to Julia Lange, who was born March 5, 1831. For some years after their marriage he and his wife continued to re¬ side in Germany, and there three children were born to them. In 1857 they emigrated to Minnesota, and entering Wabasha County at Read's Landing, pro¬ ceeded to West Albany Township, where they took a claim of 160 acres of wild land. To these adventurous pioneers newly arrived from a highly populous and civilized land, their surroundings must have seemed strange, and at times depressing, or even sinister. The tangled wilderness lay before and around them, to be subdued and tamed to man's use only by long and herculean labor; their white neighbors were few and widely scattered, but the mysterious Red Man, of whom they had heard or read strange and terrible stories, was ever present or not far away; and when the evening shadows lengthened and night cast its mantle o'er glade and forest, the howling of wolves in the timber so close at hand, must have caused them to exchange many an uneasy glance, ac¬ companied perhaps by inward forebodings. Such, doubtless, were their first impressions; but the human spirit is elastic, and men and women, and even children, soon adapt themselves to their environment. Necessity and ambi¬ tion spur them onwards in the healthful stimulus of work and the accom¬ plishment of the daily task. So it was with the Schmidts. They had cut loose from all artificial support, had left their friends behind in a distant land, and were dependent solely upon their own resources. No stronger tonic was neces¬ sary. The children were as yet too young to be any aid, but their very help¬ lessness furnished an additional stimulus to the parents. They had taken their resolution to wring a living from the soil on which they stood, and immediately they went at the task. Their most pressing needs were food and shelter, and Mr. Schmidt erected a shanty, in which task he was doubtless aided by such white neighbors as he may have had, for the pioneers were helpful to one an¬ other, and especially to newcomers. He then began the task of clearing and breaking his land, which was not so quickly done, being the labor of years; but as fast as it was broken crops were sown, and in time the harvest reaped. A hard worker, Mr. Schmidt made gradual progress, and was ably assisted by his wife, and later by his children as they grew to the age of usefulness. On their original claim they remained until 1868, in which year they sold out and bought 160 acres in section 34, Lake Township. This second farm was their home until 1876, in w'hich year they rented it and moved to Lake City, where, having accumulated a competency, they built a comfortable residence. It is no small tribute to their industry that they had been able to accomplish so much in a new country, and in an era of low prices for farm products, within the space of 18 years, and shows them to have been possessed in a high degree of the qualities of courage, self-reliance, industry and frugality. Mrs. Julia Schmidt enjoyed their new life of ease in a settled community for eleven years, and then passed to the world beyond the grave. John C. Schmidt subsequently remarried, and survived his second wife, passing away in Lake City on October 19, 1907, at the age of 73 years. He had well done his part as a builder up of this county, and was a man widely known and respected, enjoying the confi¬ dence of his fellow citizens to the extent that he was elected a county com¬ missioner, in which office he served for ten years. Politically he was aligned with the Democratic party. Of his children but three are now living: John E., born in West Albany Township, July 13, 1864; August G., born in West Albany Township, April 25, 1866; and Julia, born March 30, 1887, in Lake Township, who is the wife of George Mohr, a traveling salesman of Sibley, la. The two sons above mentioned are now engaged in the business in Lake City.

John E. Schmidt, who with his brother, August G., is conducting a pros¬ perous business in Lake City, was born on a farm in West Albany Township, Wabasha County, July 13, 1864, son of John C. and Julia Schmidt. His parents were pioneers of that township, but when he was four years old, moved to Lake Township, and in 1876 retired and took up their residence in Lake City, where John E. attended the common school, and subsequently entered the ranks of industry. In 1884, at the age of twenty, he went to St. Paul, where he learned the plumber's trade, at which he worked there until 1896. In the latter year he returned to Lake City, and, forming a partnership with his father, John C., established the business here which they successfully conducted. On October 10, 1907, Mr. Schmidt became county commissioner to fill out the unexpired term of his father on the latter's death, and he has since continued to serve as a member of the board through election. In politics he is independent. As a business man he has been prosperous and owns a good home on the corner of Center and South Garden streets in Lake City. He wTas reared in the Lutheran faith, to which he still remains attached. Mr. Schmidt was married April 10, 1886, to Augusta B., daughter of Gustaf A. and Augusta Rieman of West Albany Township, she, herself, being born in Germany, February 4, 1863. Her father was an Evangelical Lutheran pastor in Germany, who, on account of his health, came with his family to Wabasha County, Minn., in the early seventies, and took up farming here. After following that occupation for fifteen years he re¬ turned to the ministry. He died at Lake Elmo, Minn., in 1908, being survived by his wife, who passed away at St. Paul, Minn., in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. John E. Schmidt are the parents of two children: Franz W., born September 22, 1886, who is an employee in the U. S. customs office at Baudette, Minn.; and Lillian J., born March 31, 1888, who is the wife of George Eggert and lives in Chicago.

Thomas L. Dwelle, an early settler, was born in Kalamazoo County, Mich., September 12, 1840, son of Abner and Electa C. (Lawrence) Dwelle, with whom he came to this county as a boy in 1854. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in Co. I, 1st Minn. Vol. Inf., and served with the Army of the Potomac. At the Battle of Ball's Bluff he received a bullet wound in the shoulder, from which he was disabled, and as the result of which he wras discharged in Feb¬ ruary 7, 1863. Then he returned and devoted his life to farming. He acquired a good farm, partly in the city limits, and carried on a profitable agricultural and dairy business. Mr. Dwelle was married in October, 1877, to Laura M. Sears, born in Racine Co., Wis., daughter of William Sears. This union has been blessed with two children: Addie Pearl, born April 28, 1880, and Arthur Sears, born August 13, 1885.

Abner Dwelle, one of the honored pioneers of Lake City, was born in Greenwich, New York, January 2, 1805, son of Abner Dwelle, born in Massa¬ chusetts, and Miriam (Martin) Dwelle, born in New York State, and grandson of Abner Dwelle, a sea captain, born in Scituate, Mass. The family comes of a long line of English and Colonial ancestry, the father and grandfather having both been soldiers in the Revolutionary war. The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm, and received such education as the schools of his neighborhood provided. As a youth he learned the wool carding and spinning trade. In 1837 he brought his family from Onondaga County, N. Y., to Kala¬ mazoo County, Mich., where in Texas Township, he cleared a good farm. In 1854 he again set out with his family, this time bound for the newly developing upper Mississippi region. By the laying of half breed scrip, which he had purchased, he secured for himself and his family, three quarter sections on sec¬ tions 4, 8 and 9, Lake Township, moving into a log cabin purchased from a mixed-blood on section 4. Two years later, in 1856, with Samuel Doughty and Abner Tibbetts, he platted the city. About the same time, a short distance from his log cabin, he erected a good frame house. This house, one of the pioneer structures of the county, is still standing, and still occupied by mem¬ bers of the family. Mr. Dwelle remained on his original claim the remainder of his life, devoting most of his attention to farming. He lived to a good age, and saw the village he platted grow into a thriving little city. During his resi¬ dence in Michigan, he was an active worker and deacon in the Congregational church, and retained this title the remainder of his life. In his later years he was a Spiritualist. Before the war he was a Whig and an Abolitionist, but with the organization of the Republican party, gave that party his political alle¬ giance. Mr. Dwelle was married in Onondaga County, January 8, 1829, to Electa C. Lawrence, born June 22, 1810, and by this union had nine children, of whom seven survived. Mrs. Electa Dwelle died in Michigan in 1847. February 17, 1849, Mr. Dwelle married Zilpha Knapp, a native of Chase, N. Y. The seven children were: M. Carrie, Elijah, G. Merrill, Henry, Thomas L., Albert and Helen J. M. Carrie was born March 11, 1831, and now lives in the old home at Lake City. Elijah was born April 30, 1833, and died at Lake City, October 8, 1917. G. Merrill was born March 13, 1835, was an officer in the Civil War, died at Melbourne Beach, Fla., April 9, 1915, and is buried at Lake City. Henry was born May 9, 1837, served in the Civil War, died at Chattanooga, Tenn., March 18, 1903, and is buried at Lake City. Thomas L. was born September 12, 1840, served in the Civil War, has devoted his life to farming, and lives in Lake City. Albert was born December 2, 1842, died at Chicago, February 29, 1912, and is buried at Lake City. Helen J. was born April 26, 1845, and still lives on the old homestead.

Henning E. Utigard, who is numbered among the prosperous farmers of Oakwood Township, was born in Romdalen, Norway, March 15, 1860, son of Eric and Marit Utigard. The parents, also natives of Norway, both died in their native land, the father in 1887, and the mother in 1911 at the age of 91 years. Their son Henning attended school in Norway and remained there until 1873, when at the age of 13 years he came to the United States with a party and relatives bound for the West. His first stopping-place was Omaha, thence he went to Wyoming, and after that to Utah, in which state he remained three years. Then returning east as far as Wabasha County, Minn., he went to work for his uncle, K. K. Utigard, of Oakwood, remaining in his employ for a year. After that he worked two years on the railroad. Being now a well grown and ambitious young man, he turned his attention to farming, and for several years operated a rented farm. On September 13, 1891, he bought his present farm of 76 acres, on which he has erected all the buildings. Here he con¬ tinued actively engaged as a general farmer until 1910, when he retired from active work, renting the farm to William Blattner, though he still continues to reside on it. In his early agricultural experience prices for grain and farm products were low, and he remembers selling barley for twenty cents a bushel. He formerly rendered service as school director, and was road overseer for sev¬ eral years. When he first came to Omaha he was sixty dollars in debt, but from that inauspicious beginning he has risen through hard work to a position of ease and prosperity. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Knute E. Utigard, engaged in agricultural pursuits in the townships of West Albany and Oakwood, was born in Trondhjem, Norway, September 24, 1858, son of Erie and Mary (Therstein) Utigard. The parents were farmers by occupation, and died in their native land, never having come to America. Their son, who is the subject of this sketch, remained with them until arriving at his majority. In 1880 he emigrated to the United States, coming directly to Wabasha County, Minn. Here he entered the employ of the Chicago, Mil¬ waukee & St Paul Railway, and remained with that company for fifteen years, being foreman of a section gang. In 1895 Mr. Utigard resolved to take up farming, and accordingly bought 80 acres of land in Oakwood Township, ad¬ joining West Albany, and has since added 100 acres to his farm, which lies partly in section 35, West Albany Township, wTiere he has his residence. The property was partly improved when he purchased it, having fair buildings. Mr. Utigard keeps grade Red Poll cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs, having fullblooded sires for his herds. He also raises Shropshire sheep, keeping a herd of about 100. He has a good equipment, and 140 acres of his land is under cultivation, the rest being in timber and pasture. The soil is fertile and pro¬ duces good crops, and Mr. Utigard through industry has brought his place into good condition and is doing a prosperous business as a general farmer. He is a Republican politically, though not a strong party man. On November

26, 1893, he wTas united in marriage with Minnie McCracken, who was born in Glasgow Township, May 27, 1862, daughter of William and Johanna Mc¬ Cracken. He and his wife are affiliated religiously with the German Lutheran church of Theilman.

Otto L. Zillgitt, who is operating a farm of 226 acres in West Albany Town¬ ship, is a native of Wabasha County, having been born in Lake Township, April

27, 1888, son of Christ and Wilhelmina (Furst) Zillgitt. The parents were born and married in Germany, and there their two eldest children were born - Lena and Hannah - whom they brought to America with them. On arriving in Wabasha County, Minn., they settled in the close vicinity of Lake City, where the state camp is now located, and the remainder of their lives was spent there, both father and mother passing away about 1903. They had in all ten children, eight being born in this country. Of the two born in Germany, Lena married Clifford Long and lives in Saskatchewan, Canada; and Hannah married George Taylor and lives in California. Those born in this country are: August, a farmer near Oak Center, Wabasha County; Edward, who operates a truck farm in Lake City; Clara, wife of Louis Rolland of Lake City; Albert, a truck farmer of Lake City; Otto L., of West Albany Township; John, a farmer of Lake Township; and George, residing in Lake City. Otto L. Zillgitt resided with his parents as long as they lived, then from 1903 to 1905 he worked as a farm hand, and subsequently rented and operated farms in Lake Township. In the fall of 1917 he came to his present farm - known as the Zwick farm - in section 17, West Albany Township, eight miles south of Lake City, where he is now operating 226 acres of land as a general farmer, and with good financial results. He keeps a good grade of stock, has a good operating equipment, is a hard worker, and is making farming pay. Politically he is independent. Mr. Zillgitt was united in marriage, June 14, 1912, with Rosina Henn, daughter of Henry and Mary Henn. She was born in Goodhue County, July 29, 1890. This union has been blessed by four children, born as follows: Allen Walter, August 2, 1913; Florence Clara, December 6, 1914; Frederick John, September 5, 1916; and Gladys Rosina, January 2, 1920. The family are members of St. John's Lutheran Congregation at Lake City.

Charles J. Nygren, an extensive landowner, now deceased, was known for many years throughout southeastern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin as a large dealer in horses and mules. He was one of those men who came to this county with absolutely nothing, and by hard work, native shrewdness and sterling integrity achieved a respected place among the most prosperous men of the country, and left to his large family the memories of a worthy life, and the heritage of a respected name. He was born in Orobo, Sweden, March 5, 1846, the son of Erick Nygren. Left motherless at an early age, he was reared in his native land, and was thrown on his own resources when but eleven years old. As a young man he married Maria Johanson. In 1869 they came to Amer¬ ica, reached the Mississippi by railroad, came up that stream on a boat, and disembarked at Hastings with practically no worldly possessions. Securing such work as he could, Mr. Nygren made his way through Goodhue County into this county, where he was variously employed, in general labor, as a team¬ ster, and as a farm renter. After awhile he bought a place of his own. Grad¬ ually he added to his possessions until he owned a large tract of good farm land lying in Mt. Pleasant and Gilford Townships. Of this tract, two of the sons, Oscar M. and Charles Elmer now each own a farm of 240 acres in Mt. Pleasant Township, on each of which Mr. Nygren put up a dwelling and a good set of buildings. In addition to the busy cares of operating his broad acres, Mr. Nygren dealt in horses and mules, buying, feeding, breeding and shipping. His principal shipping point was Lake City, and his principal market at St. Louis. It was through this trading, that Mr. Nygren became so widely and favorably known throughout this entire region. In 1903 he moved to Lake City and purchased a home at the corner of Prairie avenue and Dwelle street. He continued from this point in horse dealing and shipping. After a long and useful life filled with worthy accomplishment, he died June 21, 1912, and his death was sincerely mourned. His wife still makes her home in Lake City. Mr. and Mrs. Nygren were the parents of ten children: Carl Herman, Ida M., Carl Sigfred, Huldah, Oscar William, Edla M., John Herman, Charles Elmer, Anna Louisa and Selma Eugenia. Carl Herman was left with relatives in Sweden, and died at the age of four years. Ida M. was born August 17, 1870, and lives at home. Carl Sigfred was born April 3, 1873, and is in the real estate business at Lake City. Huldah Maria was born April 14, 1874, and is now dead. Oscar William was born April 7, 1876, and is a farmer in Mount Pleasant Township. Edla M. was born April 12, 1878, who is now Mrs. Louis Walther, of Waseca, Minn. John Herman was born April 27, 1880, and is a veterinary surgeon at Waverly, la. Charles Elmer was born January 8, 1883, and is now a farmer in Mount Pleasant Township. Anna Louisa was born May 1, 1885, married Oscar Olson, and resides at Brooten, Minn. Selma Eugenia

James W. Nolan, a prominent member of the agricultural community of Oakwood Township, owning and residing on a farm of 280 acres, was born on this farm, August 18, 1867, son of Patrick and Ellen (O'Neil) Nolan. The father was a native of Ireland, and the mother of Pennsylvania, in which state they were married. Immediately, or soon after that event, they came to Wa¬ basha County, Minn., to found a home. It wTas the year 1857, when Read's Landing was the only village in the county. By an almost undiscernable foot¬ path they found their way to their claim of 160 acres in section 9, Oakwood Township, finding the land all wild, a part being covered with timber and the rest prairie. All the elements of a good farm were present, but the farm had to be carved out and developed from the primitive conditions which con¬ fronted the pioneers. To this labor Mr. Nolan immediately addressed him¬ self, assisted by his wife. A log house was first erected, and soon after a few rude outbuildings, while he also commenced the arduous task of clearing and breaking the land, giving his first attention to the prairie land as the easier task. After making some progress, he built a better log house in another lo¬ cation on his property, and kept on making improvements. By 1881 his farm presented a good appearance, and in that year he built a solid stone house, for which he, himself, quarried the stone. From time to time, also, he pur¬ chased more land, so that at the time of his death, which occurred in 1883, he owned 280 acres. His work as a pioneer developer of this county had been well done and has had permanent results. His wife Ellen survived him many years, dying at an advanced age in December, 1917. Their family numbered seven children: Frances, now Mrs. Edward Hyde, of Dubuque, la.; Joseph, of South St. Paul; Ellen, wife of John McClernan of Todd County, Minn.; James W., now owner of the old homestead; Patrick F., of South St. Paul; Thomas, residing in St. Louis County, Minn.; and Josephine, now Mrs. D. L. Cavanaugh of South St. Paul. James W. Nolan made his appearance in the household about ten years after his parents had settled on their claim in this township, and pioneer scenes and events are indelibly impressed on his mind as his child¬ hood recollections. When old enough he was sent to the district school, where he made his first acquaintance with the "three R's," and afterwards to the Zumbro Falls public school. At an early age he began making himself useful on the farm, and within a few years had acquired a good practical knowledge of agriculture. He assisted his father until the latter's death, and after that e\ ent operated the farm for his mother until 1901, in which year he bought it, and it has since remained his property. Every foot of its area of 280 acres is familiar to him, and most of the important improvements now standing have been his own work, as he has rebuilt practically all the buildings, and in 1917 erected a new modern house of nine rooms. The barn is 40 by 64 feet, with a full basement. He also installed an individual electric lighting system, fur¬ nishing light for all the buildings. Up to 1917 Mr. Nolan carried on diversified farming, and for many years was a successful breeder of Herford cattle, hav¬ ing one of the best herds in the county. Though he then retired from active work, renting the farm to a tenant, he still lives on it, and is, as he has been f oi many years, closely identified with the agricultural and other business inteiests of this section. He was one of the organizers and is president of the Milh i lie Farmers Co-operative Co., buyers and shippers of grain and all farm products. He was also one of the organizers and charter members of the Mill¬ ville State Bank, which he is now serving as president; and is financially inteiested in the Rest Island Silver Fox Company, at Lake City, of which he was vice piesident in 1919. Religiously he is a Catholic, and fraternally a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Modern Woodmen of America. On May 10, 1906, James W. Nolan was united in marriage with Catherine Rothgarn, who was born in Hyde Park Township, Wabasha County, Minn., March 2, 1885.

Arthur Schleicher And Foxes

Their union has been blessed with six children, one of whom, Milton Francis, died in infancy. The survivors are: Helen C., born March 16, 1907 ; Francis L., March 25, 1911; Alice M., December 29, 1914; Harriett L., May 12, 1918; and James W., Jr., February 25, 1920.

John August Danckwart, a prominent and well-to-do farmer of West Albany Township, residing in section 4, was born in this township, just across the road from his present residence, on August 14, 1891, son of John and Sophia (Herning) Danckwart. The father, a native of Germany, came to the United States about 1859, and was an early settler in this locality, subsequently de¬ veloping a farm in section 9, West Albany Township, and also the farm on which his son, John A., now lives. This latter, in 1914, he sold to his sons Frank and John August, and moved to Lake City, where he is now living retired. He owned altogether 480 acres of land, 320 being in one farm. His wife Sophia was born in Wabasha County. They are esteemed residents of Lake City and members of St. John's German Lutheran congregation. Their children were Fred, Edward, Ida, Martha, Clara, Frank, William, Louis, John August, Agnes and Harry. All are living except Edward, Ida and Agnes. William and Louis are twins. John August Danckwart in his boyhood attended the district school and was brought up to farm life and labor on his parents' farm, remaining at home until 1914. Since then he has made independent progress in agricultural pursuits, and in time came into possession of his present farm of 280 acres, of which he now has 240 under the plow. He has built a comfortable, 8-room frame house, and also a fine set of buildings, all of modern construction, in¬ cluding a horse barn, 32 by 52 by 16 feet; machine shed, 18 by 50 by 8; stock barn, 34 by 60 by 14, with a 9-foot basement, steel stanchions and stalls, cement floors and running water; besides a granary and cribs. His cattle are of the Shorthorn variety, which he is breeding to a higher grade, using full-blood sires for cattle and hogs, which latter stock are of the Duroc-Jersey breed. Mr. Danckwart's equipment included a five-passenger Chevrolet car, and aside from his direct farming interests he is a member of the Farmers' Shipping Associa¬ tion, and a stockholder in the Farmers elevator at Lake City; and is interested in the new Farmers Milling Co., of Lake City, and operates a threshing rig for himself and neighbors. He is serving as clerk of the school board and is an active and enterprising citizen, interested in everything that pertains to the good of the community in which he resides. Mr. Danckwart was married, June 24, 1918, to Mabel, daughter of William and Lena McCracken, of Glasgow Town¬ ship, this county, and who was born October 24, 1895.

Arthur Schleicher, secretary and manager of the Rest Island Fox farm, and a resident of Lake City, was born in Millville, Wabasha County, Minn., August 31, 1891, son of Charles R. and Augusta (Springer) Schleicher. His elementary education was acquired in the common schools of Millville, and in 1910, after two years' study, he was graduated in the business course from St. Paul's Col¬ lege, at St. Paul, Minn. On his return to Millville he became his father's part¬ ner in the lumber and agricultural implement business, the style of the firm being C. Schleicher & Son. He was thus engaged when, one day in June, 1911, a farmer's boy brought to town some red foxes he had captured. Young Schleicher bought three of them, for which he paid $2.50. To most young men of his age this would have been merely an incident devoid of any noteworthy result, but Mr. Schleicher was thoughtful and ambitious, and into his mind came the idea of possible profit. At that time fox breeding was carried on to some extent in Canada, chiefly on Prince Edward's Island. Young Schleicher read all the books and pamphlets he could get hold of on the subject, but as the breeders' methods were kept as secret as possible, he had to find out many things for himself by experiment. He ascertained that the fur of the silver fox was by far the most valuable, a pair of these animals, owing to their rarity, having sold for as high as $30,000. After absorbing all the information he could obtain, he sold his red foxes at from $12 to $40 each, and bought a few silver foxes, for which he paid from $500 to $1,200, and began scientific ex¬ periments in breeding. By 1915 he was ready to go deeply into the game, and accordingly bought six pairs of registered, standard-bred silver foxes on Prince Edward Island. From that beginning has been developed the present large and growing industry, the site of which was transferred from Millville to Rest Island in 1919. The company now owns about 200 pairs of foxes, valued at more than $150,000. Besides filling the positions of secretary and manager, Mr. Schleicher is a heavy stockholder in the concern. While a resident of Millville he served three or four years on the village board. He is a Scottish Rite Mason, and a noble of the Mystic Shrine, and also belongs to the Red Men, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Elks. Politically he is a Republican. On Jan¬ uary 1, 1913, Mr. Schleicher was united in marriage with Evelyn Scriby, who was born at Zumbro Falls, Minn., September 4, 1893, daughter of Levy E. and Mary E. Scriby. He and his wife began housekeeping at Millville, but on Sep¬ tember 1, 1919, moved to Lake City, where they own a nice, modern residence at No. 518 Lyon avenue. They are the parents of two children: Charlotte Evelyn, born November 8, 1913, and Lois Ellen, born December 28, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Schleicher are members of St. Mark's Episcopal Church of Lake City.

Frank F. Danckwart, proprietor of the old Danckwart farm in section 7, West Albany Township, was born here February 15, 1888, son of John and Sophia Herning Danckwart. He was educated in the district school, and under his father's direction became familiar with all the multifarious details of farm life and work. He came into possession of the farm in sec 4, by pur¬ chase in 1919, and has since been successfully engaged in its operation. It contains 320 acres, all under the plow, and is provided with a fair set of build¬ ings, including a nine-room frame house, barn, granary, tool shed and steel windmill. Mr. Danckwart, who is a hard worker, and has a good equipment, has a productive place and is making good financial progress. He owns a fivepassenger auto, and is a member of and stockholder in the Lake City Farmers Shipping Association, the Farmers Elevator Co. of Lake City, and the Terminal Packing Co. of Newport. On November 6, 1913, Mr. Danckwart was united in marriage with Hilda, daughter of Bernt and Andrena Amundsrud Benson of Rushford, Minn., of which place she is a native, born December 12, 1892. Their marriage took place in Lake City. Mr. and Mrs. Danckwart have two children : Dorothy Lucille, born March 5, 1915, and Agnes Bernice, born August 29, 1917. The family are members of St. Johns congregation, German Lutheran church. In politics Mr. Danckwart is a Republican, and has been clerk of the school board 3 years. A practical agriculturist and a useful and progressive citizen, he is highly regarded in the community, and he and his wife have a large circle of friends.

August Mischke, a farmer in section 36, West Albany Township, who is making good business and financial progress, was born in Schlesien, Germany, April 29, 1861, son of Frank and Mary Mischke. He grew to manhood in his native land, where he was married, May 3, 1892, to Anna Seivert. In the same year he came to Minnesota, and settled at Theilman, Wabasha County, having friends here. For a year after his arrival Mr. Mischke worked out as a farm hand. At the end of that time he took up railroad work, and was for eight years in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway as section hand on the Zumbro branch. He had $1,000 when he came to America, and being industrious and frugal, saved a large part of his earnings, steadily increasing his bank account. In 1901 he gave up railroad work for farming, buying 120 acres in section 36, West Albany Township. The tract was mostly bottom lands and was partly improved, having a fair house and other buildings. In 1906 he bought 80 acres of upland and has worked industriously in improving his place so that he is now well-to-do. He carries on general farming, keeping Red Poll cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs, and improving his stock by the use of fullblooded sires. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Creamery at Theilman. In 1920 Mr. Mischke built a cement block garage at Theilman, 46 by 80 feet, which his sons Frank and Albert are now operating. Mr. Mischke became a fully naturalized American citizen in 1906 and is a Republican in politics, though with independent tendencies. He and his wife have eight children: August, Frank, Mary, Albert, Theresa, Julius, Lena and Paul, all living at home and doing their share in advancing the family fortunes.

Alfred J. McDonough, who is engaged in handling dairy products, and also in the general insurance business, at Theilman, was born in Highland Town¬ ship, Wabasha County, Minn., October 8, 1891, son of Andrew and Mary (Bricher) McDonough. The parents were both born in Highland Township, and were there married. Andrew McDonough is of Irish descent, while his wife's parents came from Luxemburg. Mr. and Mrs. McDonough own a good farm of 120 acres in Highland Township, well improved and with good build¬ ings. The father served the tovvnship many years as a member of the town board. In politics a Democrat. He and his wife have had six children, all now living, namely: Alfred J., of Theilman; Viola, residing at home; Eugene, who is assisting his father on the home farm; Myrtle, Marion and Lloyd, all living on the home farm. Alfred J. McDonough spent his early years on the farm, remaining there until 1909, when he went to Minneapolis, entering the employ of Lydon, Bricher & Co., manufacturers of table pads. For two years he worked for them as traveling salesman and for two years as superintendent of the shipping department. In 1913 he returned to Wabasha County, and locating in Theilman village, opened a station for buying dairy products, a business in which he has since continued. He also does a general insurance business, including fire, life, health, accident, hail and liability insurance, and as sole proprietor is conducting both branches of his business successfully and with profitable results. In addition to this he is also a notary public. Mr. McDonough was married September 24, 1915, to Louise Weigele, who was born at Wabasha, Minn., September 28, 1895, daughter of Charles and Madeline Weigele. He and his wife are the parents of two children: Victor, born April 16, 1917; and Earl, born April 14, 1919. The family are members of the Cath¬ olic church and of St. Joseph's parish at Theilman. Mr. McDonough is one of the stirring business men of the village, and a live factor in its prosperity. He has a wide acquaintance and enjoys a well deserved popularity.

Charles Moechnig, a prosperous farmer in section 35, Lake Township, was born in West Albany Township, this county, November 4, 1896, son of Gotleib and Mary (Fick) Moechnig. The parents were born in Germany, the father in 1849, and were married in this country, to which Gotleib Moechnig had come when ten years old. After their marriage they settled in West Albany Town¬ ship on a tract of wild land, building a log shack for their first residence-. Both parents are still living. They had eight children: Herman, now living in Oakwood Township, this county; Fred, of Lake Township; Lena, wife of Louis Sass, a farmer of West Albany Township; John, a farmer in West Albany Township; Emma and Elsie, living with their parents; Charles, the subject of this sketch; and Harry, residing at home. Charles Moechnig was educated in the district school and received a good agricultural training on his parents' farm. He began farming for himself on section 34, renting 160 acres of his father, and has since made good progress, being engaged in general farming, breeding Shorthorn cattle, Chester-White and Duroc Red swine, and keeping good horses. He has a good equipment, and is active and enterprising. In politics he is a Republican, while he and his family attend the M. E. church in West Albany. Mr. Moechnig was married, December 14, 1916, to Lillian Dahling, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Dahling of Lake Township. Their family circle has been enlarged and brightened by the birth of two children: Ethel and Orlin.

Michael L. Klatt, who for the last 19 years has carried on agricultural oper¬ ations in Oakwood Township, of which he is a prominent citizen, was born in

Germany, September 22, 1852, son of Christ and Rosa Klatt. He was reared and educated in his native land, coming to the United States in 1875, when he located at Potsdam, Minn., and a short time afterwards in Plainview, Wabasha County. In 1901 he took his present farm of 160 acres in section 34, Oakwood Township, which at the time was provided with a small house and a straw barn. The house he has rebuilt and remodeled, transforming it into a more commodious and convenient structure, and he has also built a good barn, 36 by 60 feet, with full basement, besides making other improvements, so that his farm is now in excellent condition. He keeps grade cattle and other good stock, and as a general farmer is doing a prosperous business. Mr. Klatt was married in Germany, April 2, 1876, to Mary Ludwitzke, who was born in that country August 15, 1855, and came to America with her husband soon after her marriage. They have had nine children, namely . Gusta, deceased, John, born November, 1880; Edward, born January 3, 1883, Michael, deceased, William, born December 17, 1885; Mary, deceased; George, born February 23, 1891; Arthur, born February 22, 1894; and Ida, born September 21, 1896. The family are members of the Lutheran church.

Henry W. Rheingans, who owns and operates a farm of 160 acres in section 19, Oakwood Township, was born in this township, June 15, 1880, son of Jacob and Margaret (Helz) Rheingans. The parents, natives of Germany, came to America when young, the father at the age of twelve and the mother at that of four years, with their respective families. They were married in Wisconsin and came to Wabasha County, Minnesota, about 1877, locating in Oakwood Township, on 160 acres of land in section 1, where they began farming. Later they purchased additional land until they owned 560 acres. Jacob Rheingans continued actively engaged in agriculture until his death in March, 1901. His wife Margaret is now living in Zumbro Township with her son George. Henry W. Rheingans acquired his education in District No. 41, Oakwood. He worked for his father on the home farm until the latter's death, and after that con¬ ducted the farm for three years in association with his brother Rudolph. For two years subsequently he operated a rented farm, and at the end of that time, in 1907, bought his present farm in section 19. On this he has erected nearly all the good buildings now standing. In 1912 he built a good modern house of eight rooms, installed with a hot water heating system. He has also erected a barn 36 by 80 feet, with a full basement and modern equipment, a windmill and most of his outbuildings, and has put up new fencing on the entire farm wherever needed, thus bringing the place into excellent condition. The farm is well stocked with grade Durham cattle, Chester-White swine and Shropshire sheep, Mr. Rheingans keeping from 18 to 20 head of sheep. In addition to his home farming interests, which are prospering, Mr. Rheingans is a stockholder in the Millville Farmers' Co-operative Co. of Millville. As a good citizen he has devoted some time to public affairs. For several years he was treasurer of School District No. 44, and in 1920 he was elected clerk of Oakwood Town¬ ship. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and in religion his family are Catholics. Mr. Rheingans was married September 20, 1904, to May Harlan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Harlan. He and his wife are the parents of seven children, all residing at home, namely: Lester, Francis, Paul, Lois, Bernard, Glenn and Charles. Politically Mr. Rheingans is affiliated with the Republican party.

Charles Rother, a thrifty and prosperous farmer of West Albany Township, residing in section 35, was born in Schlesien, Germany, December 1, 1873, son of Karl and Caroline (Kuschman) Rother. The family came to the United States in the summer of 1882, proceeding directly west to Wabasha County, Minnesota, and settling in Highland Township, where the father worked as a farm hand until 1891. He then began farming on his own account on a small tract of 15 acres in section 35, West Albany, gradually adding to the area of his farm until he brought it up to 142 acres, its present size. When he bought it, it was cut-over land, all grown to brush, which he cleared away, also having some grubbing to do. He built a comfortable house and other buildings and kept on working and improving his place until his death on December 6, 1916, at the age of 74 years, he having been born July 21, 1842. His wife, who was born March 11, 1849, is still living, and is keeping house for her son Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Karl Rother had eight children, one of whom died in infancy. The three youngest were born in Wabasha County, the others in Germany. The record in brief is as follows: Charles, operating the old home farm; Anna, born April 11, 1875, who died March 30, 1878; Ernest, born September 26, 1878, who died November 28, 1889; Ida, now Mrs. Henry Heil, her husband being a farmer in Oakwood Township; Emma, born October 23, 1883, wife of Charles Johnson, a farmer of Pepin Township; Louisa, born April 22, 1893, now deceased; and Helena, born September 25, 1894, now Mrs. Joseph Ramer of Theilman; and Henry, who is now deceased. Charles Rother attended school for three years in Germany and seven years after coming to this country. In early youth he became associated with his father in the work on the farm, and has since continued to reside on and operate it. He carries on genera farming profitably, keeping a good grade of cattle and hogs, and getting goo( results from his land. He served as clerk of his school district for four years, and was elected town assessor to serve two years, but resigned at the end o t a year, as his farm made full demands on his time. He is a stockholder in the Theilman Dairy Association, and as a citizen and neighbor has the respect anc good will of his fellow townsmen. He and his mother are members of the Evangelical church at Theilman, he occupying the position of president of the church association.