Wabasha County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches, 1920 (part 9 of 27)

Mr. And Mrs. H. G, Richardson

May, Ada Geneva and Iva Myrtle were brought up on the farm and are still living. The six daughters became teachers, a profession which they inherited from their parents who were both teachers before they were married. The only son, George, became associated with his father in mercantile business. Mrs. Richardson was a most wondrful woman, and her influence was felt throughout the village. When her oldest sister died leaving seven children orphans she took three of those children into her home and cared for them as her own until they were able to earn for themselves. A testimony which is worth repeating was that of the late Mr. C. A. Morey, an attorney of Winona, Minnesota, who when he learned that she was the teacher who had taught him his "A B C's" back in Vermont, described her as a most beautiful woman - blue eyes, clear, fair skin, brown, wavy, auburn hair, beautiful color - a perfect picture of womanhood. About ten years after locating on his farm one mile northeast of the village of Elgin, Mr. Richardson bought out the merchant, Robert Jenness, in Elgin, and engaged in mercantile business, at the same time keeping up his interests in the home farm. Later he formed a partnership with his brother, Charles S., under the firm name of H. G. Richardson & Co. and the two brothers were associated together for thirty years, or until Horatio's death. The brothers carried on a large business of farming and general merchandise. In 1878 they established a lumber business and with another brother, Joseph, they built an elevator and engaged in grain buying. During all these years the two brothers were acquiring large tracts of land which at the time of Horatio's death amounted to about 2,000 acres. In 1889 Mr. and Mrs. Richardson moved from the farm into town, where they resided the remainder of their lives. In 1889 Mr. Richardson's only son, George, married Miss Mina E. Waste, daughter of Dr. J. P. Waste of Plainview, Minnesota. They located in Elgin and George became prominently identified with the store business. For a number of years subsequently George had the management of the store, but when his father passed away he decided to purchase a farm at Clark, South Dakota, where he lived till December, 1919. He sold his farm in South Dakota and purchased a new farm at Clear Lake, Minnesota, where he is now engaged in farming. One daughter, Helen Richardson Vogt, of Wolfe Point, Montana, and two sons, Horatio Gates and Marvin Waste Richardson are still living. Mr. Richardson's eldest daughter, Pamelia Ruth, married John W. Bryant who became a very prominent citizen in Elgin, having engaged in grain buying for a number of years. He sold his elevator and organized the First State Bank of Elgin, of which he was president and cashier. About 1905 Mr. Bryant sold his bank and moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he became president of a wholesale grocery under the name of Bryant-Sisson Co. Mr. Bryant passed away in 1913, leaving his wife, and daughter, Mabel Bryant Herron, and his son, Harold John Bryant. Mrs. Pamelia Bryant, together with her daughter and son, have re¬ cently moved to West Point, Miss., where they have purchased a farm of some two hundred acres. The third daughter, Sylvia, married Richard L. Wood, a farmer who lived about two miles east of the village. They have recently sold their farm and are now residing in the old home on Main street. Five children were born to them: Clayton, Gladys, Bernice, Florence and Mildred. Another daughter, Ada, married Charles P. Goodwin of Marshall, Minn., where they lived for about three years. At that time Mr. Goodwin sold out his furniture business and moved to Elmdale, Montana, where he located on a ranch, devoting his time to stock raising. Two children: Fanchon Ruth and Julia Marie are still living. Iva M. married Paul H. Bryant, who now resides in Twin Falls, Idaho. Two children were born to them: Lucile Adeline and Frances Julia. Flora May Richardson and Julia Elnora Richardson were successful teachers for a number of years, but who now are successful Osteopathic physicians and surgeons located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the Leamington Hotel. Horatio Gates Richardson was called to his final rest on Wednesday morning, October 11, 1899, after an illness of but nine days, which was ushered in by an attack of apoplexy. His end was painless as he lay in a comatose condition from the time of his seizure until his death. He was a man universally loved and mourned, a good husband and father, quiet and unobtrusive in his manner, genial and obliging, with a kind word for everyone. His record as a business man was one of unquestionable integrity. He held many offices of trust and responsibility, serving on the board of supervisors of Elgin township, also as town treasurer for twelve years, as postmaster, as president of the board of education for several years and as a member of the village council. Above all, he probably did more than any other one man in advancing the interests and shaping the destiny of Elgin village. In the words of Le Baron Russell Briggs of Harvard University, "He was a man who was 'always there.' "

Henry Boatman, a retired farmer residing in Lake City, was a pioneer of Minnesota and an early settler in Wabasha County, taking part in the develop¬ ment of its agricultural resources. He was born in Germany, August 9, 1845, son of Frederick and Lena Boatman. At the age of nine years, in 1854, he came with his parents to the United States, the family locating first at Ottawa, Ill. There Mrs. Lena Boatman died, and her husband, Frederick, placed his son, Henry, in the care of an American family, Mr. and Mrs. Sylvanus Crook, and came to Minnesota, homesteading 160 acres of land in Hay Creek Township, Goodhue County. Henry remained with the Crooks until the spring of 1865, when he enlisted in the United States' service and was sent to Memphis, Tenn., where he was stationed at the time President Lincoln was assassinated. He was mustered out at Springfield, Ill., in September, 1865, and returned to Ottawa, where he remained until the spring of 1867. He then came to Goodhue County, Minnesota, to visit his father, whom he had not seen for eleven years, and for whom he worked two years, subsequently returning to Ottawa, Ill., wffiere he found a wife in the person of Nellie Elizabeth Mosher, daughter of Merwin and Sophronia Mosher, their marriage being celebrated July 22, 1871. In the fall of 1873 he and his wife located in Stillwater, Minn., where they resided for two years. Then in the fall of 1875 Mr. Boatman bought 80 acres of improved land in section 3, Mt. Pleasant Township, Wabasha County. The only building on the land was a small shanty, in which Mr. and Mrs. Boatman lived for two or three years. In 1878 he bought a second tract of 80 acres adjoining on the west; and in 1881 a third tract of the same size, thus coming into possession of a farm of 240 acres. From the beginning he had been working hard in improving the place, and about 1880 built a sub¬ stantial two-story, ten-room frame house. He also erected a barn and other necessary buildings, and beautified his house, planting his front yard with maple trees, carrying the young trees on his back from Hay Creek, a distance of nine miles, his farm being located four and a half miles west of Lake City. Through industry and economy he conquered success, and having acquired a competence, in 1912 he retired to Lake City, where he bought a nice residence, since occupied by himself and wife and daughter Ella May. On his retirement he leased his farm to his son, Merwin, who in 1918 bought the 120-acre tract on which the buildings stand, and is operating the entire 240 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Boatman have had five children: Wesley, of section 2, Mt. Pleasant Town¬ ship; who was born May 9, 1874; Ella May, born March 19, 1876; Ida S., born July 30, 1879, now Mrs. John Kennedy of Lake Ciy; Merwin Howard, born April 18, 1886; Ray Mosher, born July 23, 1889, a farmer in West Florence Township, Goodhue County; and two children, Carrie and Edwin, who died in childhood. Mr. Boatman and wife are prominent members of the M. E. church at Lake City. Politically he is a Democrat and for a number of years was a member of the school board.

Wesley H. Boatman, who is prosperously engaged in agriculture in section 2, Mt. Pleasant Township, was born in Hay Creek Township, Goodhue County, May 9, 1874, son of Henry and Nellie (Mosher) Boatman. He was only four or five years old when he accompanied his parents to section 2, Wabasha County, and here he subsequently attended the district school up to the age of 14 years. His industrial activities were expended on the home farm, which he helped his father to improve, and they were associated together until 1903. October 10, that year, Mr. Boatman married Lillian Elizabeth Thimijon, daughter of Charles and Minnie Thimijon, of Mt. Pleasant Township, her parents being early immigrants from Germany. Mr. Boatman and wife already had a home prepared, he having bought, in the fall of 1902, the farm on which he and his family are now living. This was known as the Granville Clark farm, and con¬ tained 160 acres, of which 125 were under the plow. It is now one of the best farms of its size in the township, the soil being good and highly cultivated. The house, which Mr. Boatman has improved, is a six-room frame structure, gas-lighted. He has also improved the other buildings, has a good operating equipment, and owns a large touring car. Owing to the difficulty of obtaining satisfactory help on reasonable terms, he operates but one-haif of his farm, renting out the balance, but in spite of this limited activity, is doing a satis¬ factory business. He is a Democrat in politics, and he and his wife attend the M. E. church at Lake City.

Ole H. Olson, a popular business man of Hammond, who has also rendered good service as a public official, was born in Norway in 1860, son of Hover and Anna (Masel) Olson. His parents came to the United States in the year of his birth, settling in Springfield, Ill., where the father found miscellaneous em¬ ployment. After the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted in an Illinois regi¬ ment, with which he served about two years. On his return to his home in Springfield, he traded the city property he owned there for a farm in Jackson County, Wisconsin, to which locality the family removed. Later they came from there to Minnesota, locating in the town of Zumbro, Wabasha County. There were three children in the family, all sons. One died at the age of four years, the two survivors being George, who is a resident of Oronoco, Olmsted County, and Ole H. The latter was educated in the district schools of Wiscon¬ sin and Wabasha County, Minnesota, in Zumbro Township attending school No. 49. He was brought up to farm pursuits and began an independent career by renting a farm in Zumbro Township. In- 1894 he bought the home farm of his wife's father in Zumbro Township, four miles southwest of Hammond, where he successfully carried on general agriculture until 1916. He then rented the farm to a tenant and moved to Hammond village, where he now has charge of the Standard Oil station.' His public service has been varied. He was a mem¬ ber of the Zumbro Town Board 13 years, being chairman for nine years; was township treasurer one year, and trustee of the village board two years. For twenty years he has belonged to the fraternal order of Woodmen. Mr. Olson was married in August, 1883, at Hammond, Minn., to Dora A. York, daughter of Edward M. and Mary (Sinclair) York, her parents being natives of Maine and pioneer settlers of Wabasha County, Minnesota. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Olson, one of whom, Iva Belle, died in 1885. The other is a son, Cleve, now living on the old home farm, who married Mary Paine, of Wabasha, and has a son named James H.

Emil A. Becker, one of the leading business men of Elgin, proprietor of an up-to-date furniture store, undertaker and music dealer, was born at Charles City, Iowa, June 12, 1882, son of Herman and Anna (Lippe) Becker. He ac¬ quired his education in the public schools of Charles City and of Elgin, Minn., to which latter place he came with his parents when 12 years old. At the age of 15 he began his business career as clerk in a store in Elgin, and was thus occupied until 1909. He then went to Appleton, Minn., where he became sales manager in the furniture and undertaking department of the Leader Depart¬ ment Store, holding that position subsequently for five years. \\ ith the experi¬ ence thus gained, he returned in 1914 to Elgin and purchased the furnituie and undertaking business of his father, which he has since conducted with a grati¬ fying measure of success, his stock being large and complete. He is also a partner with his brother, Arthur E., in the Becker Bros. Music Co., havingstores at Elgin and Plainview, he attending to the Elgin branch of the business while his brother looks after that at Plainview. In 1908 he took a course of embalming at the Johnston School of Embalming in Philadelphia. One of the progressive men of the village, he is interested in whatever concerns its pros¬ perity and advancement and is regarded as a reliable and whole-souled citizen. His fraternal society affiliations are with the Masons, Modern Woodmen of America and the Modern Brotherhood of America. Mr. Becker was married June 20, 1906, to Myrtle Connery, who was born in North Dakota, November 20, 1887, daughter of Thomas and Emma (Behrns) Connery. Two children have blessed their union: Arthur, born June 3, 1907, and Lawrence, born February 19, 1918.

Nicholas Schouweiler, one of the leading business men of Hammond, en¬ gaged in the sale of lumber and building material, was born in Highland Town¬ ship, Wabasha County, in 1861, son of John and Anna (Mumper) Schouweiler. The parents were from Germany, coming to the United States about 1860, and taking a homestead of 160 acres in Highland Township, this countv, where they resided for the rest of their lives. The father died about 1882 and the mother on July 28, 1918. There were ten children in the family, one of whom died in infancy. The others were Nicholas, John, George, Bartel, Michael, Frank, Anthony, Mary and Katharine. Michael, Frank, Anthony and Kathar¬ ine are now deceased. Mary is the wife of Nick Brucher. George lives in Highland Township. Bartel is on the home farm in the same township. John resides on a farm in Glasgow Township. Nicholas Schouweiler was reared on his parents' farm, and was educated in the district school and the Wabasha high school, in which latter he was a pupil for one winter. Besides following the oi dinary loutine of farming, for some time he operated a threshing-ma¬ chine. In 1888 he came to Hammond and engaged in the hardware business. Later he became a grain buyer, which occupation he followed for twelve years. Then in 1902 he opened a lumber yard in Hammond, of which he is still the proprietor, also handling coal, brick, lime, cement and all kinds of building material. He is also president of the Hammond State Bank, in which he is a stockholder. He has taken a helpful part in local affairs, having formerly served foi thiee years as village clerk, then three years as a member of the \ Plage board cf tiustees, also as a member of the school board and as president of the village, showing efficiency and devotion to the public interests. His i eputation as a citizen is among the best, and his success as a business man has proved him an asset to the village. Mr. Schouweiler was married, June 24, 1890, in Highland Township, to Eva Peters, daughter of Adam and Johanna (Leonard) Peters. Her parents, natives of Prussia, arrived in Wabasha County in 1855, among the pioneer settlers of the county, having previously resided for a short time in Michigan and then in Iowa. On coming to Wabasha County, they homesteaded a farm in Glasgow Towmship, which is now owned by their son John. They had eleven children, of whom seven are now living, namely, Garrett, Katherine, Margaret, Eva, Peter J., Theodore and John. Mr. and Mrs. Schouweiler are the parents of three children: Laura A., Veronica ., and Arthur P. Laura and \ eronica are teaching school, the former in Hammona and the latter in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Arthur P. is attending school m Minneapolis.

Nicholas Brucher, a pioneer merchant of Hammond, where he is still caii\mg on business, was born in the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, January 16, ib51 son of John and Susan (Ley) Brucher. The parents were farmers who

SPeinQot,hei^l1VeS ln their native land> the mother dying in 1869 and the father - eir family numbered ten children, only three of whom are now i\mg, name > . Mary, still residing in Luxemburg; Elizabeth, a resident of Cashton, Vis., and Nicholas. The others were: John, who died in Kellogg, mn-, ln 1916; John (second), who died in Luxemburg; Peter, who died in

Paris; Catherine, who died in the United States in 1876; Peter (second), who died in Kansas in 1895; Nicholas (first), who died in Kellogg, Minn., in 1915; and Margaret, who died when young. John, the first son thus named, was a pioneer ot Wabasha County, coming here in 1855. He was for many years engaged in farming, finally retiring to Kellogg, where he died, as above men¬ tioned. Nicholas Brucher in his boyhood attended school in his native land. He subsequently learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed until he engaged in the manufacture of moulding and veneering with his brother, who purchased the business from an uncle. For three years he was thus occupied, after which for several years he again worked at his trade, spending one year in London. In 1870-71 he was in Paris during the siege, and saw and endured many hardships. In 1877 he emigrated to the United States, first locating at Kellogg, Wabasha County, Minn., where he engaged in carpenter work. He came to Hammond in 1879, and in the spring of the following year opened a general store which was practically the first store started here, and since then he has continued in mercantile business and prospered, being known far and wide as a reliable merchant, keeping a good stock and honest in his dealings. He was the first president of the village, an office in which he served for a number of years, and he also served as recorder and a member of the school board. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Brucher was married in 1883, in the town of Highland, Wabasha County, to Mary A. Schouweiler, daughter of John and Anna (Mumper) Schouweiler, who came to this country from Luxemburg about 1860, settling in Highland Town¬ ship, this county, where they engaged in farming. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schou¬ weiler are now deceased, and so also are five of their ten children. The others, Nicholas, George, Bartel, John and Mary, are all residing in Wabasha County. Mr. and Mrs. Brucher are the parents of eight children: Anna, wife of A. P. Hilger, of Mazeppa; Nicholas Peter, who resides in Hammond; Edward John, also of Hammond; Lucille, wife of Norton L. Beyer, of Hammond; George H., who is a traveling salesman; Walter M., who is a student in the high school at St. Paul; Charles, attending school in Hammond; and Rosella, who is. residing at home.

William Putnam Holton, who for more than thirty years was one of the leading business men of Elgin, proprietor of a large and well equipped drug store, and also handling paints, wall paper and other accessories, was born at Orfordville, Rock County, Wis., February 12, 1854, son of Samuel James and Euphemia Ellen Addie Holton. The father was a native of Ellington, Tolland County, Conn., and the mother of Ireland. William P., who was one of a large family of thirteen children, at the age of seven years accompanied the family to Menomonie, Dunn County, Wis., and attended school there until the spring of 1868. In the following spring, the family having removed to Missouri, he went with his mother to Marysville, Nodaway County, that state. But at the end of one season, not liking Missouri, the family came north, making the trip by team from Marysville to the Thomas Richardson place in Viola Towmship, Olmsted County, Minn., where they arrived October 12, 1869. The following year the family settled on the farm in Viola Township, southwest of Elgin, which has since been known as the Holton farm, and for two years William worked on farms in the neighborhood. During the winter of 1871 he attended a telegrapher's school at Oberlin, Ohio. On returning home he took means to improve his general education by attending country school and Niles' Select School at Rochester. With this additional mental equipment, he later began teaching, following that occupation in the Woolley district, Viola Township, in 1880; in the Kincaid district in 1881; in Oronoco in 1881-82, and in the Cora district, Viola Township, in 1883-84. In the summer of 1884 he went to Min¬ neapolis, where for a short time he was engaged in the commission business with his brother Albert, but in December, that year, he came to Wabasha County and went to work in the drug store of Dr. W. T. Adams at Elgin. In

1888 Mr. Holton bought the store of Dr. Adams, and conducted it with marked success, having built up a large and profitable trade. In 1895 he with Dr. Adams/ built the present brick store block for a store and doctors' offices, and he owned the entire building, including the stores and offices. From 1905 to 1914 he served as postmaster of Elgin, and for ten or fifteen years he was sec¬ retary of the school board. For twenty years he was treasurer of the Meth¬ odist Episcopal church, of which he was a member. A Free Mason of high degree, he belonged to the Winona Consistory, Scottish Rite. MF. Holton was married, July 17, 1881, to Frances F. Dickerman, and he and his wife are the parents' of four children: Vincent, Ava, Fred and Ezra. Mr. Holton died April 27, 1920.

Vincent Holton, editor and proprietor of the Elgin Monitor, was born in Viola Township, Olmsted County, June 11, 1882, son of William P. and Frances F. (Dickerman) Holton. He acquired his primary education in the public school of Elgin, was graduated from the Elgin high school in the class of 1901, and was subsequently a student for one year in the pharmaceutical department of Minnesota State University. Then returning to Elgin, he entered his father's drug store. In 1905 he became acting postmaster under his father, and so continued until 1914, when he was appointed postmaster by President Taft, and so served until 1916. In 1905 Mr. Holton purchased the Elgin Mon¬ itor, of which he has since been sole owner and editor. For the past twelve years he has been village recorder and is still serving in that office. He is a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge at Elgin, the Winona Consistory, Scottish Rite, and of Osman Temple of the Mystic Shrine, St. Paul. Mr. Holton was married, July 26, 1905, to Lenore Resler, who was born in Elgin, Minn. He and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church and are popular members of Elgin society.

Fred A. Holton, druggist, and a well known and popular resident of Elgin, was born in this village, September 19, 1886, son of William P. and Frances F. (Dickerman) Holton. He was educated in the Elgin public and high schools, graduating from the latter in the class of 1905. He at once entered his father's drug store in Elgin, where he has since continued employed, being now the assistant pharmacist. In the winter of 1909 he took a course at the Drews School of Pharmacy, Minneapolis. He is a member of the Elgin board of edu¬ cation, and is a Mason, belonging to Winona Consistory, Scottish Rite, and Osman Temple, M. S., at St. Paul. He was married June 23, 1909, to Grace Resler, who was born in Elgin, Minn., Nov. 23, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Holton have one child, Robert Vincent, who was born December 4, 1915. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

William Dennison Woodward, a pioneer of Wabasha County, and in his day one of its best known and most prominent citizens, was born in Swanza, New Hampshire, in 1826. He grew up on a farm and received a limited education. Seeking his fortune in the Northwest, he made his way to Wisconsin, and at Trenton, that state, was married in the spring of 1854 to Martha, daughter of David and Abigail (Marsh) Houghton, all of Vermont birth. In the same year he came overland with an ox team from Beaver Dam to Olmsted County, Minn., and settled in Quincy Township. His eldest son, William Henry, was the first white child born in that township. In company with another man, Mr. Wood¬ ward erected a saw mill on the Whitewater, but in 1856 he sold out his interests and settled in section 33, Elgin Township, Wabasha County, on a 240-acre tract of wild prairie land. His first residence on the land was a small shanty, but he later built a very good house, making all the shingles himself, and in the course of time he acquired an estate of 480 acres, and was a successful farmer. He was a member of the Masonic order, and politically a Republican. His death took place in April, 1870. He left five children: William Henry, now retired and living in Elgin village; David Orlo and Everett E., residents of the state of Washington; Albert Elvin, a druggist in Aberdeen, S. D.; and Mary

Ellen, who married S. A. Foster and died in 1883. In the fall of 1884 Mrs. Martha Woodward, widow of the subject of this sketch, became the wife of Leonard Knapp, with whom she resided in Dover Township, Olmsted County. She died in September, 1911.

William Henry Woodward, a well known and popular resident of thee vil¬ lage of Elgin, where he is now living retired, is a man who owes his prosperity to Wabasha County's chief industry, agriculture, in which during his active years he was an adept, having been trained in the pioneer school, and done credit to his training. He was born in Quincy, Olmsted County, Minnesota, August 29, 1855, son of William D. and Martha (Houghton) Woodward, and as a babe accampanied his parents to Elgin Township, Wabasha County, in the following year. On their farm in section 33 he received his initiation into the various branches of the farming business, attending district school in his boyhood days, and generally being provided with more work than play. As he grew older he became of great assistance to his parents, and in 1880 took charge of the home farm. Later he bought the interests of the heirs and became sole owner. As such he made many valuable improvements on it, erecting a barn, 36 by 80 feet, with full basement, a machine-shed, engine-house and tank-house, and conduct¬ ing a profitable business as general farmer until 1914, when he retired. He now rents the farm to a tenant and is enjoying a life of leisure and comfort, the reward of his former days of industry. As a citizen interested in local affairs, he rendered service for some time as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

Mr. Woodward was married November 3, 1880, to Sylvia Moody, who was born in Vermont, January 30, 1855, daughter of Nathaniel and Lydya (Dickerman) Moody, who also were natives of that state. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Woodward, namely: Iva, December 13, 1881; Clayton, May 2, 1883; Winnifred, July 26, 1885; Ray, July 11, 1887; Madge, August 6, 1889; Maud, August 3, 1893, and Edith, August 8, 1895. Iva, who is now the wife of Guy Evans, and resides on a farm in Olmsted County, has two chil¬ dren, Mildred and Gertrude. Clayton, who resides at home. Winnifred is the wife of John Donaldson and has two children, Marion and Glenn. Ray married Lena Dubrenz and has three children, William, Harold and Frances. He re¬ sides on the home farm. Madge, a graduate of the Elgin high school, is a teacher in Montana. Maud, who is the wife of T. U. McMullen, an auto expert of Warner, N. D., has one child, James. Edith, a graduate of the Elgin high school, like her sister Madge, is teaching in Montana.

Charles Tradup, a well known and respected citizen of the village of Elgin, where he is now engaged in light occupation, having retired from the more strenuous business of general farming, was born in Osage, Iowa, April 22, 1858, son of Louis and Anna (Weinrebe) Tradup. The parents were natives of Schleswig, Germany, the father born February 6, 1831. Married in their native province, they came to the United States in 1855, locating at once in Osage, Iowa, where Louis Tradup followed his trade of cabinet maker and carpenter. In 1860 they came to Olmsted County, Minn., taking a farm of 160 acres near Potsdam, in Farmington Township, and there they spent the rest of their lives, Louis Tradup dying April 12, 1913. Theirs was the life of typical pioneers. Their farm, when they first took possession of it, was all wild prairie land, and it took many years of hard work to develop it into the valuable piece ot prop¬ erty it is today, with a fine residence and an ample set oi good buildings. It is now owned and occupied by their son, Henry. All their children weie sons, namely: August, John, Charles, Mathias and Henry; all but John are now living.

Charles Tradup was educated in the common schools of Farmington Town¬ ship, Olmsted County, and remained on the home farm until he was 23 years old. In 1880 he bought a farm of 80 acres in section 9, Elgin Township, where he farmed until 1900. Then he sold the place and bought an impio\ed farm ot

278 acres in sections 28 and 33, in the same township. Though improved, the place was much run down, the buildings especially being poor. Some of them he rebuilt, besides erecting others, and continued his operations in this direc¬ tion until he had a fine set, including a good modern residence. He also fenced almost the entire farm with wToven-wire fencing and made it one of the best improved and equipped farms in the township. There he followed general agriculture for a number of years, also dealing largely in cattle, which he bought, fed and shipped to market, usually about three or four carloads a year. These enterprises proved profitable, and in 1913 he retired from general farm¬ ing, renting the place to his son-in-law, Herman Uecker. In 1916 Mr. Tradup built his present residence in Elgin, which is thoroughly modern in every par¬ ticular, with an inside finish of hardwood, and which is heated by the vapor system. It is now one of the most artistic and comfortable homes in the village. Mr. Tradup is still engaged in stock buying, and also in the raising of produce. He is a stockholder of the First State Bank, and a member of the Elgin Co¬ operative Creamery Association. While residing on his farm he took an active part in public affairs, serving for some time on both the town and school boards. On December 25, 1881, Mr. Tradup w~as united in marriage with Louise Quentin, who was born in Boston, Mass., June 28, 1865, daughter of Louis and Katherine (Lierman) Quentin. Her parents, who were married in Boston, came west about 1870, locating first at St. Paul, and later at Potsdam, Olmsted County, Minn., where Mr. Quentin followed his trade of harnessmaker. He is now dead, but his widow still resides in Potsdam. Their chil¬ dren were Louis (first), now deceased, Louisa, Charles, Della and Louis (sec¬ ond). To Mr. and Mrs. Tradup ten children have been born: Edward, January 1, 1883; Leanora, August 18, 1884; Ruby, May 20, 1886; Lilly, February 19, 1889; Alma, April 21, 1891; Verna, July 11, 1895; Adelaide, June 20, 1897; Carlton, March 31, 1904; Quentin, October 6, 1908; and Harold, July 14, 1910. The family are members of the Lutheran church..

John C. Kettner, cashier of the Farmers & Merchants State Bank of Elgin, was born in Nicollet County, Minnesota, September 11, 1877, son of William and Wilhelmina (Stolt) Kettner. The parents were natives of Germany who came to America when young and single, and were married in Illinois. In 1857 'they came to Minnesota and located in Nicollet County on a. farm of which but little had been broken. There was work for a stout-hearted pioneer, and William Kettner proved himself the man for the occasion. The task tock time, but he developed the land, erected buildings, enlarged the farm to an area of 1,090 acres, and became one of the prosperous and representative farmers of that community. There he died on June 9, 1908, but his wife, who survived him, is still residing at the old home. Of their ten children, five died in infancy, the survivors being: Christian, now of Truman, Minn.; Louis W., living on the home farm with his mother; Fred A., a resident of Truman; Mary, now Mrs. E. A. Zimmerman, of Morgan, Minn.; and John C., of Elgin. The last mentioned, the subject of this sketch, acquired his literary education in the public schools, and subsequently completed a commercial and banking course in the Gem City Business College at Quincy, Ill. Then returning to Nicollet County, and became a candidate for the office of register of deeds of Nicollet County. This was in 1900, and being elected, he served subsequently through re-election for ten years. He was then elected justice of the peace at St. Peter, which office he held for four years. During this last period he was also assistant county surveyor for two seasons, and for a year and a half deputy county treasurer. In the fall of 1914 he came to Elgin to accept the position of cashier with the Farmers & Merchants State Bank, and as such he has since continued, having proved himself efficient both with the bank manage¬ ment and the general public. His ability as a man of affairs has been recog¬ nized by his fellow citizens, and in 1917 he was appointed on the board of educa¬ tion to fill the unexpired term of Dr. W. F. Bleifuss, and at the next election of the board he was duly elected to the same position, which he has since con¬ tinued to fill. In 1917 Mr. Kettner was also elected village treasurer, to which office he was re-elected in 1918, 1919 and 1920, being now its incumbent. His public service has given general satisfaction, and he has taken his natural place as one of the leaders in the community. On June 21, 1904, Mr. Kettner was married at St. Peter, Minn., to Augusta Olson, who was born September 7, 1876. He and his wife have one child, Rosalie Estelle, who was born July 5, 1906, and is now a student in the public schools. The family are members of the Lutheran church, and in politics Mr. Kettner is a Republican.

Herman C. Schroeder, dealer in automobiles, and proprietor of a garage and repair shop in Elgin village, was born on a farm in Elgin Township, Wabasha County, February 13, 1886, son of Henry and Louise (Scheer) Schroe¬ der. The father, Henry Schroeder, was a pioneer of the township and county, settling here when the land was covered with timber, which he cleared from his farm, making improvements, and residing on his property until his death in 1905. His wife died in 1904. They had a family of eight children, all of whom are now deceased but two, Herman C. and Alice. The latter is the wife of Otto Streich, a farmer of Elgin Township. Herman C. Schroeder attended district school until arriving at the age of 13 years, after which he continued his studies in the Elgin common -school and high school. After residing on the home farm until reaching the age of 27 years, he moved to the village of Elgin, and for two years drove a car for Dr. Hugh Slocum. Then bought a barn and established a garage, thus beginning an independent business career. In 1919 he erected a tile and brick fireproof garage, 50 by 84 feet, where he conducts a repair shop, and also handles the Hudson and Essex cars and accessories. In addition to this occupation he also operates the village water and power plant. Mr. Schroeder was married in 1907 at Hammond, Minn., to Emma Schalinske, of that place, daughter of Mitchell and Pauline Schalinske. Her mother died in 1918, and her father now resides in Farmington with a daughter. Of their seven children, six are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder are the parents of two children: Della, born in September, 1908, and Lavern, born in June, 1911, both of whom are attending school. The religious affiliations of the family are with the Evangelical Association at Farmington.

Clyde S. Richardson, manager of the Richardson Elevator Co., Inc., of Elgin, was born in Elgin Village, December 27, 1876. He acquired his education in the public and high schools of Elgin, and then began business life in the Richardson Bros.' elevator here, and has since been connected with the concern, becoming vice president and manager of the incorporation. Through long experience he is thoroughly familiar with all its details, and has proved him¬ self as competent as one of the chief officials of this large and important con¬ cern as he did when occupying a subordinate position. The First National Bank of Elgin also numbers him among its stockholders. As a good citizen in¬ terested in the affairs of the community in which he resides, he has served twelve years as a member of the village council. In politics he is a Republican, while his religious affilations are with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Richardson was married December 20, 1894, to Isabelle K. Dunn, who was born in Elgin Township, this county, April 25, 1877, daughter of Walter and Helen (Seeley) Dunn. The children of this union are: Herbert D., born March 2, 1896; Edith S., August 24, 1900; Charles W., August 18, 1911; Eileen R., June 27, 1912; Lois K., August 5, 1914; and Beth L., February 29, 1916.

Walter Dunn, who died at his home in Elgin, December 18, 1916, was for many years one of the leading stock breeders in Wabasha County, of which he was a pioneer settler. He was born in Great Valley Township, Cattaraugus County, New York, November 27, 1846, and there resided with his parents until he was 9 years old, when he came west with them to Dixon, Ill. Ten years later, when he was 19, his parents decided to move to Minnesota, and the family made the trip by team from Dixon to Wauseca. Three years later Mr.

Dunn came to Elgin to live, and on December 2, 1874, he was united in marriage with Helen Seeley, daughter of Alfred E. and Louise E. Seeley. She was born at Topsham, Vt., June 16, 1856, and when very young had accompanied her parents to Wisconsin and a number of years later to a home near Elgin, Minn. When married to Mr. Dunn she was residing with her uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Richardson. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn began housekeeping in the little house of Mrs. Seeley's, at Seeley Corners, two miles east of Elgin. In the spring of 1876 they moved to the Gould farm, just south of the Corners, where they made their permanent home. For many years Mr. Dunn was a breeder of blooded stock, his efforts along that line being of great benefit to the farmers of this section. He was prominent in township affairs, holding the office of supervisor for several years, and was an active member of the local creamery association. In the home he wTas a loving husband and father, a man who took great pleasure in his home life. He was an active member of the local Masonic lodge, and a charter member of the Woodmen lodge of Viola, for a number of years being consul of the order. He was always interested in any progressive move in the community, usually taking an active and leading part therein, and his integrity and sterling qualities won the respect and esteem of a large num¬ ber of friends and associates. His death came as the result of a severe attack of pneumonia, he having taken cold while attending a cattle show in Chicago the week before. But a fewT weeks before he had lost his wife, who, after being an invalid for many years, passed away on October 11, 1916. She had been long identified with the order of Royal Neighbors at Viola, and her usefulness as a member and entertainer had secured her a warm corner in the hearts of all. Though not a member of any church, she had warm sympathies with church work, and her life had been an example of unselfish devotion to her family, and her time and energies for the good of the community in which she lived were given with a prodigal hand. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn had six children, all of whom survive, namely: Mrs. J. D. Siem and Mrs. Clyde Richardson, of Elgin; Mrs. C. W. Woodruff, of Chatfield; Mrs. Henry Schroeder, of Viola, and Mrs. Carl Houghton and George Dunn of Elgin.

Nathaniel Hall Moody, who was for 38 years an esteemed citizen of Elgin village, and is now numbered among the departed, was born in North Tun¬ bridge, Vt., July 23, 1827. He was married March 8, 1851, to Lydia Dickerman, of Topsham, Vt., and for 15 years, or more, thereafter continued to reside in his native state. In January, 1867, he came to Minnesota and settled in Elgin. For two or three years he lived in different houses, successively, and then found a more permanent habitation in which he resided for the rest of his life. He had early learned the trades of carpenter and wagon-maker, which he followed here until his later years, when, on account of failing health, he opened a har¬ ness repair shop, which he conducted until the last two or three years of his life. He was always a good citizen and neighbor, and enjoyed the love and respect of all, and in the home he wras a devoted husband and father. Though for many years more or less of an invalid, he bore his affliction with fortitude, and his sufferings were much mitigated by the unceasing ministrations of his devoted wife. He died at his home in Elgin, December 12, 1905, at the age of 78 years, 4 months and 19 days. On account of the large number of relatives present, his funeral was held in the Methodist Episcopal church, and his re¬ mains were sorrowfully laid to rest in the Elgin cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Moody had two children, both daughters: Sybil, wife of Charles S. Richardson, and Sylvia, wife of W. H. Woodward, both of whom survive him. His wife, Mrs. Lydia Dickerman Moody, survived her husband a few years, passing away Sunday morning, January 29, 1911.

Lydia Dickerman Moody was born in the little village of Topsham, Vt., August 28, 1828, daughter of Samuel and Jane Dickerman. Her happy child¬ hood was spent among the hills of her native state, where she felt herself in close touch with nature, and enjoyed the free, healthful life in the open air amid beautiful scenery, landscapes dotted with flocks and herds, and rippling streams which not far away were harnessed by man to drive thousands of in¬ dustries. There she grew to womanhood, trained in the industry and frugality of her generation, skilled in the operation of the old-fashioned spinning-wheel, from which she turned out skeins of snowy yarn, and in all other household duties, which she performed songfully and with cheerful heart and spirits, the tresses of her dark hair making a fitting setting for her pleasant face, which was strikingly beautiful. At the age of 23 years she was married to Nathaniel H. Moody, and with him entered into a fuller life, first at Tunbridge, where his daughter Lydia was born, and shortly after at Wait's River, Vt., where he built up a thriving business. It was there that his other daughter, Sylvia, was born. In 1867, as elsewhere narrated, she came with her family to Elgin, Minn., where the rest of her life was spent, the last year and a half at the home of her daugh¬ ter, Mrs. Richardson. Mrs. Moody was a woman of very lovable disposition who gathered sunshine from the commonest things of everyday life and spread it around her. In her early youth she had adopted the liberal religion of her father and was a Univeralist, a faith to which she clung to the end, though in Elgin she was far removed from any church of that denomination. As her heart turned lovingly to Vermont, she made its churches the channel of her giving, and was their constant benefactor from as early as 1863. She gave to the Centenary Missionary Fund in 1870, and several times to Goddard Sem¬ inary; also to the Buckner Home for Girls in Japan, and missions and charities of various kinds and in various localities. Sometimes she clothed her thoughts in poetry, and near the end of her life she said: "I have seen worry and pain, but have enjoyed all th6 days of my life. God's victory is sure; unto him every knee shall bow; there shall be one field and one shepherd; all evil shall be put down. I rejoice that the day of release is not far off," with other expressions breathing of Christian faith and hope. Her last illness was of about two months' duration and was not accompanied by much suffering. To the last she was surrounded by loving relatives and friends. Her end was peaceful and she left a memory that will long endure. Mrs. Moody came of a numerous family, her father having been twice married. There have been four half brothers and four half sisters, in order as follows: Samuel, Polly, Mary, Lemuel, Elijah, Betsey, Sally and Lewis. Of her full brothers and sisters there were Rebecca, Persis, Enoch, John and Ezra. Of the half brothers, Elijah was the only one to come to Minnesota to live. Of the full brothers and sisters all except John, who died in Vermont, have been honored citizens of this community. All of the entire family preceded her to their final home, the last to answer the sum¬ mons being Rebecca, familiarly known as "Grandma Ordway," who passed away in November, 1909, at the ripe age of 82 years. Nearly all the members of the family attained an advanced age.

Charles S. Richardson, who for many years has been one of the leading factors in the Commercial development of Elgin, and also a force in the agri¬ cultural industry, is a native of New England, born in Topsham, Orange County, Vt., October 13, 1844. His parents were Thomas and Ruth (Smith) Richardson, natives respectively of Massachusetts and Vermont, in which lat¬ ter state the father died when his son, Charles S., was nine years old. In 1858 the mother came west to Rock County, Wis., and in the following year to Elgin, Minn., where she died at the age of 68 years in August, 1862. Charles S. Rich¬ ardson acquired his education in the district schools of Vermont and of Elgin, Minn., and during his school days gained industrial experience as a farm hand during his vacations and out of school hours. At the age of 15 he worked on a farm in Rock County, Wis., for eight months for $60. When 24 years old he formed a partnership with his brother, H. G., in the operation of a farm of 160 acres, and subsequently he bought his brother's interests and became sole owner. In 1871, with the same brother, and his brother Joseph, he engaged in mercantile business in Elgin, under the firm name of H. G. Richardson & Co.

Meeting with success, they enlarged the scope of their business, in 1878 estab¬ lishing a lumber concern under the style of Richardson Bros. Subsequently the Richardson brothers built the elevator west of the present depot, con¬ ducting it under the firm name of the Richardson Elevator Company, In 1899 Charles S. sold out his interests in the store, retaining those in the lumber yard and elevator. In the meanwhile he and his brother, H. G. Richardson, invested extensively in land, owning together about 2,000 acres, which subsequently they sold. The lumber interests were also closed out about 1889, but the sub¬ ject of this sketch has still a financial interest in the elevator company. Since giving up the store he has been actively interested in agriculture, and is now the owner of a fine farm of 240 acres. He also owns half a section in the southwestern part of North Dakota, and is financially interested in the Zumbro Valley Land Co., of Rochester, Minn., whose holdings are in North and South Dakota. He is also treasurer of the Elgin Co-operative Creamery. While push¬ ing his own fortunes Mr. Richardson has not been neglectful of the public in¬ terests, but has always been ready to lend a helping hand to every practical project for the welfare of the community. During his mercantile career he served for a number of years as postmaster, keeping the office in his store, and for a long period he was village treasurer. Whatever he did was done in a whole hearted and thorough manner, giving evidence of that native force of character that has always been one of his chief characteristics. His recollec¬ tions extend back to an early period and cover the time of the Sioux outbreak in 1863, when, as a youth of 17 he, in company with others, set out for the scene of action, expecting to have a chance to render service. They went by way of Wabasha, up the Zumbro to St. Peter, securing blankets at Wabasha, but having to lay out all night in the rain. Though they did not get into the fighting, they had a memorable, experience and after a short time returned home. On March 5, 1871, Mr. Richardson was united in marriage with Sybil Moody, who was born in Tunbridge, Orange County, Vt., August 3, 1852, and who came to Wabasha County in 1866 with her parents, Nathaniel H. and Lydia Moody. Six children have been born to them: Cylde S., who is now manager of the ele¬ vator; Thomas W., born December 11, 1894, who is operating the Richardon farm with his nephew, Herbert D. Richmond; Jessie and Ruth, deceased, and two who died unnamed in infancy. Thomas W. married Florence Dewitz and has one child, Hubert. Mr. Richardson is politically a member of the Repub¬ lican party, and in religion a Universalist. He is a member of Elgin Lodge, No. 115, A. F. & A. M., and is one of the citizens of Elgin whose character is held in high esteem and whose influence is widespread and powerful for good.

Frank J. Richardson, of Elgin, is a representative of one of the prominent pioneer families of Wabasha County, the best traditions of which he has ex¬ emplified in his own industrious and successful career. He was born in Elgin Township November 25, 1870, son of Joseph and Ursula E. (Miles) Richardson. His education was acquired in the public schools, and his agricultural training on his parents' farm. For many years he worked for his father, then renting the home farm, he conducted it on his own account for some twelve years, buy¬ ing it in 1916, after his father's death. It contains 320 acres, situated in sec¬ tions 22, 23 and 27, the residence being located in section 27. Mr. Richardson followed general farming successfully until 1919, when he sold the farm and retired to Elgin village, where he purchased his present neat and comfortable residence. For eight years he was a member of the Creamery board, and for two years of the town board. Mr. Richardson was married April 16, 1893, to Lizzie Siem, who was born at Breman, Oakwood Township, this county, May 15, 1875, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Siem. Of this union two children have been born: Margaret L., September 11, 1905, who is now attending high school; and Catherine U., February 28, 1912, who is a student in the public school. Mr. Richardson and his family occupy a high social position, and enjoy a wide per¬ sonal popularity. They are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr.

Richardson belongs to the Masonic order, to the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, and in politics is a Democrat. Mrs. Richardson is a member of the Eastern Star Chapter. The comfortable circumstances they now enjoy, with the educational advantages afforded their children by a village residence, have been gained by hard work and thrift in that important industry that is Wabasha County's chief source of wealth, agriculture.

Augustus Eleazer Patchin, father of James Patchin, of Elgin village, was born at Newberry, Ohio, November 21, 1817. He was brought up to farm work, and was married in his native state, January 18, 1838, to Margaret A. McNish, who was born in the town of Salem, Washington County, N. Y., May 31, 1818. In 1848 or '49 Mr. Patchin came with his family to Wisconsin, and for two years resided in the vicinity of Kenosha. He then moved to Wyocena, Columbia County, Wis., where for the rest of his life he was engaged in farming. He died February 14, 1891, having survived his wife just ten years, the date of her death being February 14, 1881. Mr. Patchin was a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted in Company D, Tenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. Wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga, he was incarcerated in Libby prison, and was there when a large number of prisoners made their escape by tunneling, but being incapacitated on account of his wound, he was unable to join them. He was later transferred to the prison at Danville, Va., and still later to that at Macon, Ga., where he was located at the time the gieat Fouith of July celebration was held there. Altogether he spent some 15 months as a prisoner - from September 20, 1863, to December 23, 1864. He was finally released and was discharged from the service with the rank of first lieutenant. He and his wife were the parents of five children: James, of Elgin, Minn.; Orlo C., of Wyocena, Wis.; John A., a resident of Montana; Herbert, of Wyo¬ cena, Wis.; and Elbert, who is now deceased.

James Patchin, a highly esteemed resident of the village of Elgin, where he has lived retired for the last 13 years, and who is also a veteran of the Civil War, was born in Newberry, Geauga County, 0., March 8, 1844, son of Augustus Eleazer and Margaret A. (McNish) Patchin. His parents having moved to Wyocena Township, Columbia County, Wis., when he was young, he there at¬ tended the district school, and subsequently engaged in farming in that vicinity until reaching the age of 20 years. The Civil War was then raging, and wish¬ ing to do his duty as a good patriot, he enlisted May 27, 1864, in Company B., Fortieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, as a private. His service, for 100 days, ended with his muster out on September 16, 1864, and he returned home. But in February, 1865, he re-enlisted in Company I, Forty-seventh Wisconsin Vol¬ unteer Infantry, with which he served until September 4, 1865, when he was mustered out with the rank of corporal. Until 1871 he remained in Columbia County, Wis., engaged for the most part in farm work, and, as he had married soon after the war, having a family to support. Then he came to Minnesota, and made a temporary location in Olmsted County, but soon went to Nobles County, where he took a homestead. On account poor health, howevei, he found himself unable to work it, and accordingly returned to Olmsted County and rented a farm in Viola Township, of Nelson Stoddard, on which place he re¬ mained for one year. He then bought a farm of 90 acres in the same township, which he operated for eleven years. He next removed to a farm of 160 acres which he purchased of Henry Stanchfield in Viola Township, and that place he made his home until the spring of 1907, when he retired and bought his present residence in Elgin, subsequently selling his farm. His active caieei was marked by intelligent industry and was rewarded by success, and he has well earned the prosperity and leisure which he now enjoys. He formerly served several years on the school board, and has always been inteiested as a good citizen in whatever was for the benefit of the community in which he lived. He is a member of Custer Post, No. 44, G. A. R., of Rocheser. Mr. Patchin was united in marriage March 27, 1866, with Eliza A. Spear, who was born June 4, 1847, at Wyocena, Wis., and of this union nine children were born, of whom eight are living, namely, Charles A., born June 26, 1868; Edna M., March 23, 1870; Lottie, July 26, 1877; George H., Feb. 11, 1872; Elizabeth, March 31, 1880; Maude, February 14, 1882; Nellie, May 7, 1887, and Ruth, June 23, 1891. Maggie, born in 1885, died at the age of nine years. Of the survivors the following is a brief record: Charles A., who is now superintendent of schools at Worthington, Minn., married Anstis Belden. Edna M. is the wife of Herbert E. Preston and resides in Viola Township, Olmsted County. She has four children, Maude, Blanche, Joseph and Josephine, the two last mentioned being twins. George H., who is a farmer in Viola Township, Olmsted County, married Belle Lewis. Lottie is the wife of George Troupe, a farmer of Boyceville, Wis., and has two children, Mark and Beth. Elizabeth married Albert A. Monnette, a hardware merchant of Dayton, Wash. She has two sons, Wallace and Albert. Maude is an instructor in the state university, in the department of clothing and textiles. Nellie is the wife of Philip Finch, of Elmira, N. Y., and has one child, Philip. Ruth, who was formerly a teacher, is now studying clothing and textiles in the state university. On Monday, March 27, 1916, Mr. and Mrs. Patchin celebrated their golden wedding, the occasion being a notable one, marked by the presence of most of their children and grandchildren, be¬ sides other relatives and friends, to a large number. Others too far away to attend sent letters of regret and congratulation. The dining-room was beau¬ tifully decorated in a color scheme of white and yellow, with jonquils, daffo¬ dils and roses as the floral ornaments. Noticeable also were the white and yellow streamers from the chandelier to the table, and the place cards in the same colors. All those present joined in wishing the aged couple many more pleasant anniversaries, and on having attained in good health a milestone on life's highway reached only by a few. Mr. Patchin is still as active as many a much younger man. On election days he casts his ballot for the Republican candidate.

Richard L. Wood, a prominent resident of Elgin Village, whose life has been spent in agricultural pursuits, and who is now conducting a farm in the vicinity of the village, was born in Marquette County, Wisconsin, February 6, 1862, son of David J. and Sarah (Holt) Wood. When an infant of about three years he accompanied his parents to Wabasha County, Minn., and subse¬ quently attended district school in Elgin Township, where the parents had taken the farm on which he passed his youthful days. Under his father's instruc¬ tions he became initiated into the best methods of general and dairy farming, proving himself an apt pupil. After leaving home he was employed for nine years as foreman on the farm of his father-in-law, H. G. Richardson, and at the end of that time, bought a farm of 80 acres in section 25, Elgin Township. The place was much run down, but he set to work with energy and enthusiasm to improve conditions, a task in which he admirably succeeded. Among his achievements were the erection of a house, 28 by 28 feet, with two stories and cellar; a basement barn, 40 by 80 feet, and a number of other out-buildings, for stock, poultry, tools and machinery. On this place he conducted general farm¬ ing and stock raising very successfully until 1916, when he moved with his fam¬ ily to Elgin Village, and has since resided with his father, David J. Wood. He continued, however, to conduct his farm from town, until the spring of 1920, when he sold it, and is now conducting a farm of 70 acres adjoining the village limits, which he purchased in the summer of 1919. For three years Mr. Wood was a member of the Elgin town board, and for two years one of the directors of the Co-operative Creamery. He belongs to Elgin Lodge, No. 115, A. F. & A. M., and is also a Scottish Rite Mason. On September 28, 1884, he was united in marriage with Sylvia Richardson, who was born February 20, 1865, daughter of H. G. and Julia A. (Bowen) Richardson. Of this union five children have been born: Clayton, May 25, 1886; Gladys, April 5, 1893; Bernice, June 13, 1897; Florence, January 16, 1904, and Mildred, October 27, 1905. Clayton mar- ried Hazel Depuy. Gladys is now the wife of Leo Petit, a farmer of Plainview Township. Bernice is the wife of Wray Eastlick, of Rochester, Minn. Florence and Mildred are students in the Elgin high school.

David J. Wood, formerly a representative farmer of Elgin Township, but now living retired in the Village of Elgin, is one of the most widely known pioneers of Wabasha County now living, and is a man who has always com¬ manded the respect of his fellow citizens by his superior qualities of mind, heart and character. He was born in Middleburg Township, Wyoming County, N. Y., March 10, 1833, son of David and Marie (Vader) Wood. The parents, who were both natives of New York State, born near the Mohawk river in 1843, followed the trend of westward migration to Kenosha County, Wis., where David Wood, the father, worked land for two years. In 1845 they moved to Fond du Lac County in the same state, where they made a permanent home, spending the rest of their lives on a farm. David Wood died in 1883, and his wife survived him but a short time, passing away in the following year. They had a family of six children, Margaret, Peter, Sarah, Uriah, David J., and Mathias, of whom David J. is the only one now living. David J. Wood acquired his education in New York State, and was twelve years old when he moved with his parents to Brandon, Wis. He grew to manhood on their farm, and re¬ mained with them until he was 19 years old, at which time he went to Fox River, Marquette County, where he engaged in farming on his own account, also in threshing and land-breaking. In the meanwhile he married, and on July 28, 1865, located with his family in Plainview Township, Wabasha County, Minn. Two years later he purchased 80 acres of land in section 24, Elgin Township, a part of which tract was broken, and there was also standing on it a straight side-board house. With this for a beginning, Mr. Wood set out to develop a good farm, and for a number of years was busily employed. He sided and re¬ modeled the house, erected barns and other necessary out-buildings, and broke the balance of the land. He also increased the area of the farm to 120 acres by the purchase of 40 acres adjoining, and by long and arduous toil became in time the proprietor of a fine place, and widely known as a successful farmer and representative citizen. For several years he served as a member of the town board, and for many years as school director; and for a number of years during the latter period of his active career he was a member of the Farmers Elevator Company at Elgin, to which place he retired in 1910, purchasing his present residence. He is a member of Illustrious Lodge No. 63, A. F. & A. M., of Plainview. Mr. Wood was married January 1, 1857, to Sarah Holt, who was born in New York State, April 12, 1831, and who, after 54 years of happy mar¬ ried life, died July 11, 1911. Two children were born to them: Jerred D., March 28, 1859, and Richard L., February 6, 1862. Jerred D., who is now a prominent farmer of Olmsted County, married Ellen Bedard, and has had two children, David, now deceased, and Clara. Richard L. is now a representative citizen of Elgin.

Dorr Dickerman, who as farmer and merchant made a bright record dur¬ ing his active career, the last years of which were spent in Elgin Village, was born in Tunbridge, Orange County, Vt., March 12, 1855, son of Lewis and Emily Dickerman. He was educated in the schools of his native place, and when 23 years of age followed the tide of emigration westward, arriving in Elgin, Minn., March 30, 1878. He first worked as a farm laborer, and subse¬ quently farmed for himself on rented land. In the spring of 1881 he pur¬ chased an interest in a hardware store in Elgin, and was engaged in the hard¬ ware business for nearly four years as a member of the firm of Ordway, Dickerman & Co. Later he exchanged his village property for the Ezra Dickerman farm in the north part of Viola Township, Olmsted County, which he owned at the time of his death, and erected thereon a very comfortable residence for himself and family. In 1915 he concluded to give up the strenuous labor of farming, and leaving his son Lewis to care for the farm, built a comfortable modern home in the Village of Elgin, from which he passed to the life beyond the grave, November 17, 1916, after being an invalid for some two years. At various times Mr. Dickerman had held local office, both in Elgin and Viola Townships, being a man of clear perceptions and practical purpose in domes¬ tic and public affairs. He was one of the charter members of the Elgin Co¬ operative Creamery Association, and was elected at once as its tieasuiei, which office he held at the time of his death. His religious preferences were for the Universalist church, though he was not a member of any religious organization. His soul, however, was strongly imbued with the essence of tiue leligion, and in his relations to his fellow men he followed the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as ye would that others should do unto you," than which no better can be found. His departure left a void not easily filled, and that the world was the better for his sojourn here is a fact realized by his famil\ and all who knew him. Mr. Dickerman was married March 15, 1882, to Mary Senrick, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth Senrick of the town of Haverhill, Olmsted County, Minn. The issue of their marriage was ten children, seven daughters and three sons: Emily, now Mrs. Charles Bailey, of Lamont, V ash. ; Blanche, wife of Leon Sawyer, of Elgin, Minn. ; Grace, wife of Roy Haney, of Rochester, Minn. ; Stella, Nellie, Doris and Helen, unmarried; Lewis, who married Ada Sivley of St. Charles and is working his father's farm; Harry, employed in the Dripps Wholesale Grocery, Rochester, and Frank, the youngest child, residing with his mother. -Nellie and Dorris are students at the Winona Normal School, and

William H. Richardson, of Elgin, banker, grain merchant, and man of af¬ fairs, widely known and universally respected throughout this region, was born in Elgin Township, March 16, 1868, son of Joseph and Ursula E. (Miles) Rich¬ ardson. He acquired his education in the local schools and at Darling's Busi¬ ness College in Rochester, Minn. For three years subsequently he was engaged in the grain business with Richardson Brothers in Elgin. He then became manager and buyer for the H. J. O'Neill Grain Co., at Leroy, Minn., continuing with that firm for six years. For the next 17 years he was traveling auditor for the American Malting Co. and the Western Elevator Co. In 1916 he pur¬ chased the estate interest belonging to his father, the late Joseph Richardson, in the Richardson Bros.' elevator at Elgin. It was then incorporated as the Richardson Elevator Co., with Charles S. Richardson, president; Clyde S. Rich¬ ardson as manager, vice president and treasurer, and William H. Richardson as secretary. The company does an immense business in all lines of grain, coal, mill feed and salt. Mr. Richardson is also president of the First State Bank of Elgin. Aside from his own weighty personal affairs, he has rendered public service, having been president of the village council in 1917 and 1918, and being now treasurer of the board of education. In the Masonic order he has advanced to the thirty-second degree, the Arlington Club of Winona num¬ bers him among its members, and he belongs also to the United Commercial Travelers. Politically he is a Democrat. Throughout his business career Mr. Richardson has shown quickness of perception, energy in execution, and a comprehensive grasp of affairs that have marked him out as a man of excep¬ tional ability. He occupies a high place in the community, which he has won through force of character; yet success has left him unspoiled, and he is a man approachable and companionable, with an intelligent and sympathetic in¬ terest in every live topic, and ready to lend his aid and influence to every Worthy cause.

Angus McGillivrav, residing in the Village of Elgin, is a representative of that large class who, having achieved success in the cultivation of the soil, are now spending their latter years in ease and comfort as village residents. He was born at St. Polycarpe, Province of Quebec, Canada, January 10, 1859, and was there educated and grew to manhood. In 1880 he crossed over into the States and took up lumbering in the Michigan woods. Three years later.

William H. Richardson

in 1883, he transferred his activities to the pineries of Wisconsin, where eight years of his life were spent. Coming to Minnesota in 1890, he located at Wood¬ land, in Plainview Township, Wabasha County, and for two years worked as a farm hand. Then, in 1892, he began farming for himself, buying 80 acres of land in section 25, Elgin Township, on which were a few unimportant improve¬ ments. The next 26 years of his life were spent in developing the place into a good farm, a task that included the erection of a complete set of buildings, be¬ sides fences, and land cultivation. An additional purchase of 40 acres gave him a farm of 120 acres, on which he followed agriculture until the spring of 1918. Then, finding himself in independent circumstances, he rented his farm to a tenant, and retired to Elgin Village, where he purchased the old Purvis place, together with four lots. This is a very pretty place, surrounded by an evergreen hedge, and the yard contains numerous evergreen trees and fine shrubbery. In 1919 Mr. McGillivray sold his farm. While residing on it he served two years as assessor of Elgin Township. He is a member of Elgin Lodge, No. 115, A. F. & A. M. On June 10, 1891, Mr. McGillivray was united in marriage with Clara Kimball, who was born in the county of Prescott, On¬ tario, Canada, December 14, 1863, and who came to the United States in 1883, locating in Plainview old settlement.

Edwin H. Larson, who as butter-maker at the Elgin Co-operative Creamery, is a representative of an important industry, with which he is thoroughly con¬ versant through scientific training and experience, was born in Geneva, Minn., August 5, 1886, son of Arne and Mary (Thompson) Larson, who are still prom¬ inent farmers of Steele County, Minn. His schooling was obtained in that county, and he remained on the parental homestead until he was 18 years of age. He then went to Alberta, Canada, where for some time he was occupied as an expert driver of steam breaking-plows. Subsequently returning to Steele County, Minn., he was for two years second man, or helper to the butter-maker in the Owatonna creamery. In 1911 he took a short course in the Dairy School at Minneapolis, to better qualify himself as an expert butter-maker, and was thus able to accept a position in that capacity at Albert Lea, Minn., where he remained for one year. In January, 1914, he was tendered and accepted the position of expert butter-maker in the Co-operative Creamery at Elgin, Wa¬ basha County, and has since justified the confidence of the stockholders and management, having gained a wide-spread reputation as one of the best buttermakers in the state. Since taking the position he has never lost a pound of butter from carelessness or inefficiency, and his product has commanded at¬ tention at all the different county and state fairs where it has been exhibited - in all a considerable number, as he can show 20 diplomas received at such ex¬ positions, in addition to a large number of prize ribbons and medals, and one grand prize in the form of a silver medal received from the dairy show held at Columbus, O., in 1918. Mr. Larson is a member of the Butter-Makers' and Managers' Association, and is vice president of the District Unit No. 5. He is also a member of the village council of Elgin, and has shown himself to be a public-spirited citizen interested in the general welfare of the community. He is the owner of 160 acres of land in Greenbush, Roseau County, Minn. Mr. Lar¬ son was married May 27, 1914, to Anna Anderson, of Ellendale, Steele County, Minn., who was born April 14, 1888, daughter of Ole J. and Mary (Ellingson) Anderson. Two children have blessed their union: Avis L., born April 26, 1916, and Gladys G., born September 7, 1919. Mr. Larson and his family are members of the Lutheran church.

William Austin Johnston, a well known and respected citizen of Elgin Vil¬ lage, who is engaged in light occupation but otherwise practically retired, was born in Fond du Lac County, Wis., March 28, 1862, son of Robert Bruce and Rosetta (Robbins) Johnston. The father, who was born in Greenock, Scot¬ land, in 1818, was originally a rope-maker by trade, but later became a carpen¬ ter, and still later a farmer. His wife, Rosetta, was born in Copenhagen, Lewis

County, N. Y., and they were married in that state. They located in Fond du Lac County, Wis., in 1856, and for some three years Robert B. Johnston was there engaged in the manufacture of garden planters, in company with his wife's father, Austin Robbins, the inventor of the planter. After that Mr. Johnston worked 15 years as tank and bridge builder for the Chicago, Milwau¬ kee & St. Paul Railway. He then came to Minnesota and located on a farm in Viola Township, Olmsted County, having bought the property some eleven years previously. There he died January 16, 1911. His wife survived him a little over two years, passing away March 13, 1913. Their two children were: Emma M., who was born in New York State, July 6, 1851, and William Austin, the subject of this sketch. William Austin Johnston was educated in the stone schoolhouse of his district in Viola Township, Olmsted County, and also at the Elgin high school. He began industrial life as a worker on the home farm, of which in 1894, he became manager, and as such conducted it until 1916. He then moved to Elgin and bought his present modern residence on Park street, where he has since resided. He still works on the farm, however, help¬ ing the tenant to whom he has rented it. It is known as Pleasant View Farm, and contains 160 acres. All the important improvements on it were instituted by himself, he having rebuilt the house, put up out-buildings, and erected a good silo. During his independent career on the place he made a specialty of raising Black Pole Angus cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine, of which he bred large numbers, finding a profitable market. His sister, Emma, who kept house for him there, still performs that function in town. She was educated at Bran¬ don, Wis., and at the Bernard School, a private institution, at Watertown, Wis., and subsequently taught school for several terms in Dodge County, Minn. Both brother and sister attend the Methodist Episcopal church in Elgin, and are numbered among the intelligent, progressive and useful members of the

William Meyer, residing on a farm in section 20, Pepin Township, which through a long period of years he was engaged in operating, was born in Columbus, Ohio, October 6, 1848, son of Balch and Mary Catherine Meyer. When a boy of nine years he accompanied his parents to a small farm near Dubuque, Iowa, resided there six or seven years, and then came with them to Wabasha County, Minn., settling on a tract of 120 acres of grub land in Pepin Township, 40 acres being in section 20 and 80 acres in section 29. The family made their dwelling in a small log house, and William and his brother, John F., assisted the father in clearing the land, which they did with the help of an ox team. The work was hard and almost constant, and William had but little opportunity to attend school. In time he succeeded to the ownership of the farm, having worked with his father until the latter's death in 1900. He im¬ proved and developed it, following agriculture successfully until his retirement in 1920. It is now being operated by his son, John A., who is doing diversified farming and making the place pay, as his father did before him. Mr. Meyer was first married in 1863 to Susan Assal, a native of Germany, who died a number of years later. By her he had three children: William H., born August 20, 1870, now a farmer in Glasgow Township; Frank J., born March 8, 1874, who is a resident of Wabasha City; and Catherine M., born February 4, 1880, who is the wife of Michael Nigon, a farmer living near Rochester, Olmsted County. On August 29, 1881, Mr. Meyer married Mary Zeimetz, of Pepin Township, and of this union six children have been born: Nicholas P., August 5, 1883; John A., November 30, 1885; Thomas T., May 8, 1888; Joseph L., June 28, 1892; Amelia Margaret, May 28, 1895; and Mae Catherine, April 23, 1898. Nicholas P., now a farmer in Pepin Township, married Veronica Schons and has three children, Florence, Marcella and Veronica. John A. is operating the home farm. Thomas T. is a barber in Wabasha, married Jenevieve Meyer, and has two children, Eileen and Eleanor. Joseph L. is a carpenter in Wabasha. Ame¬ lia Margaret and Mae Catherine are residing at home. The latter, who gradu- ated from the St. Felix high school and the normal school, is now a teacher. Mr. Meyer is a Democrat in politics, and he and his family are Catholics in religion, being members of St. Felix parish, Wabasha.

Joseph Schmidt, now living practically retired on a farm in section 25, Pepin Township, was born in Germany, April 20, 1852, son of Bernhardt and Mary Schmidt. The father was a blacksmith by occupation and was in poor circumstances. Joseph attended the common school up to the age of 14, and resided with his parents until he was 20. He ,was then obliged to shift for himself, and having an uncle at Belleview, Iowa, in the summer of 1873 he came to the United States. He resided six months in Belleview, and then came to Wabasha County, Minn., where he had a brother living. Of his parents' family of four sons and one daughter, all the sons came to America, the only' two now living being Joseph and Henry, the latter a resident of Wabasha City. On arriving in this county Joseph settled in Glasgow Township, where he spent three years, working for farmers, especially in grubbing land. In 1877 he bought 160 acres of partly improved land in the same township, and started in for himself. There was a small house on the land and some log sheds for cattle, and the farm lay in three sections, 18, 19 and 20. On April 29, 1879, he mar¬ ried Elizabeth Kolker, daughter of Gerhardt and Elizabeth Kolker, of Glasgow Township, and they began housekeeping in the small dwelling above men¬ tioned, in which they lived for ten years or more. At the end of that time Mr. Schmidt built a better house, and in subsequent years he cleared and developed the farm. In 1895 he sold it and bought his present farm of 166 acres in sec¬ tion 25, Pepin Township, a mile and a half from Wabasha City on the Lake City road. This property also he has improved, having a very comfortable house, and instead of the log stables which stood on the farm when he came here, he has today a good frame barn, 34 by 50 by 16 feet in size, with full stone basement; a good granary, hog house and other buildings. On the farm is also a fine orchard with over 100 trees. Mr. Schmidt retired from active work a few years ago, and since then the farm has been operated by August Drees, a son-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have two children : Elizabeth, born August 25, 1883, now Mrs. August Drees; and Mary, born October 27, 1885, who is the wife of Theodore Oenning, and resides on a farm in Pepin Township. Mary and her husband have three children, Marietta, Gerhardt and Theodore. Mr. Schmidt served the township as supervisor for several years, and has always taken a warm interest in the welfare of the community in which he lives. He and his family are members of the Catholic church, belonging to St. Felix congregation at Wabasha. August Drees was born in Germany February 5, 1876, son of Bernhardt and Theresa Drees, and came to the United States in 1892. He was married to Elizabeth Schmidt in 1912, and since 1913 has oper¬ ated the Schmidt farm, being a practical and successful farmer, and also a man highly esteemed as a citizen. He and his wife have three children: Joseph, born February 21, 1914; Mary, born December 26, 1915; and Margaret, born December 22, 1918.

Joseph Hampel, one of the pioneer settlers in Elgin Township, who has long since passed away, was born in Vienna, Austria, September 11, 1811. There he was married to Marie Prince, a native of the same historic city. For some time he gained his living as a mechanic, manufacturing the woodwork for clocks and accordions, and was thus engaged until 1850, when, with his family, he set out for America, on the arrival in this country locating in Coshocton County, Ohio. There he was occupied for several years in farming. In March, 1856, he joined the tide of emigration to the Northwest, reached Winona, Minn., and remained there with his family for the winter. Coming in the following spring to Wabasha County, he took a claim of 160 acres in section 6, Elgin Township, and having built a log shanty, started to develop a farm. During those early days he and his family endured all the hardships which usually fell to the lot of the pioneer settler, but endurance, patience and work carried the day, and they made gradual progress toward a better condition. After living on the farm a few years Mr. Hampel built a frame house, and later substantial barns and outbuildings were erected by him. During the first two years of their pioneer life the family were without wheat bread, but had to depend on corn and buckwheat as their staple breadstuffs, but in time they enjoyed an abundance of everything, raising all the principal crops on the farm, in addi¬ tion to stock, and becoming prosperous and lespected. In 1877 Mr. Hampel suffered a bereavement in the death of his wife, whom he survived for years, passing away in 1884. Eight children had been born to them, but two of whom, however, reached maturity, namely, Ferdinand, now residing in Elgin village, and Christina, who married Henry Schenkel, and went to Groton, Dakota (now South Dakota). The family were members of the Lutheran

Ferdinand Hampel, manager of the Elgin Co-operative Creamery, is a man whose present occupation is but the culmination of a long career of practical achievement in the realms of agriculture, business and politics. He was born in Vienna, Austria, September 16, 1843, son of Joseph and Marie (Prince) Hampel, and was there a boy of about seven years when in 1850 he accompanied his parents to the United States. His first English education was acquired in the public school of Coshocton County, Ohio, where the family remained for some years, operating a farm. In the fall of 1856 migration was made to Min¬ nesota, and during the following winter, while his father was working as a teamster, young Ferdinand occupied a position as clerk in a hotel, earning money to aid his parents get started on a farm. The start was made in the spring of 1857, the land chosen lying in section 6, Elgin Township, Wabasha County. This he helped his father to clear, cultivate, develop, and supply with the necessary buildings. In 1867 he became owner of a part of the farm on which there were no buildings, and he therefore had to make a beginning for himself by erecting a log shanty and some straw sheds. This was soon done, and he then proceeded with other improvements. After a while he became manager of the home farm, and after his father's death its owner. In time he enlarged its area to 400 acres, all in section 6; also built a fine modern farm residence, and two large and well equipped barns, one 34 by 46 feet, and the other 34 by 64 feet, as well as a chicken-house, granary and machine-shed. All this work was well and thoroughly done, and Mr. Hampel was recognized as one of the most enterprising and successful farmers in the township, and also one of its foremast citizens in general reliability and grasp of publjc affairs. In 1883 he was elected to the lower house of the State Legislature, in which he served from 1884 to 1886. After following diversified farming until 1913, Mr. Hampel retired and purchased his present residence in the village of Elgin, where he has since made his home. He still owns 240 acres of his farm, which he rents to a tenant; the other 160 acres he gave to his sons, Joseph and Edwin. It was he, with six others, who organized the Elgin Co-operative Creamery Association, and he has been manager of the plant for the last five years. For 26 years he was vice president of the Rochester Farmers Mutual Fire Insur¬ ance Co., and for the past ten years he has been its president. For many years he was a member of the Elgin town board, serving ten years a chairman, and he was also for a long time a member of the school board. Such long and varied service gives evidence both of ability and reliability, qualities which his fellow citizens have recognized belong to him in a high degree. Religiously he is affiliated with the Lutheran church. Mr. Hampel was united in marriage July 4, 1867, with Augusta Wendorf, who was born in Prussia, near the city of Culberg, October 6, 1850, and who came to the United States in 1862. After a happy married life of 45 years, she passed away on the farm March 12, 1912, leaving the memory of a lovable Christian woman who was faithful in all the duties of life. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hampel, as follows: Joseph, born January 22, 1870, now residing at home; Clara, born August 11,.

Mr. And Mrs. Herman Drees

1872, who was married November 25, 1897, to Walter Hein, and now resides at Braham, Minn.; Edwin E., born March 13, 1874, who married Louise Benike, and is now a farmer in Farmington Township, Olmsted County, Minn.; Bertha, born March 19, 1876, who was married September 8, 1898, to Max Hein, and resides in Elgin; Adella, born March 1, 1883, who was married October 25, 1915, to Albert A. Smith, and is now living in Clearwater, Florida; Walter F. A., born March 15, 1886, now residing in Elgin Township, who married Anne Hofmann on March 26, 1914; Elmer B., born August 20, 1889, who was mar¬ ried March 16, 1915, to Clara B, Fahrman, and is now living at Viola, Minn.; Ella, born June 29, 1891, who was married March 26, 1914, to Henry Hofmann, and is residing in Farmington Township, Olmsted County; Erma, born Decem¬ ber 22, 1893, who was married October 2, 1916, to John Hofmann, and lives at Viola; Paulina, born April 27, 1881, who died November 5, 1895; and two others who died in infancy. Such is the record, briefly narrated, of one of the prominent families of this county, typifying the qualities of manhood and womanhood which have made it what it is - one of the foremost in wealth and agricultural development.

Herman Drees, who after an active career of forty years or more in this county, has arrived at prosperity by the hard but ready road of agricultural activity, was born in Hanover, Germany, July 14, 1848, son of Henry and Mary (Williams) Drees. His parents were farmers who lived and died in their native land. There Herman also remained until 1875, attending school to the age of 14, and out of school hours being obliged to work, with little leisure for play. When he was 27 years old letters received from a brother, Benedict, who had emigrated to Nova Scotia, contained such a glowing account of this country that he resolved to emigrate also, and accordingly in 1875 he set out, landed in Baltimore, and came direct to Wabasha County. Here for six or seven years he worked as a farm hand, being mainly employed in grubbing. Dur¬ ing this time he saved most of his earnings, and was finally able to buy 80 acres of land on Zumbro Bottoms, back of Wabasha. In about a year he sold that tract, and for six years or more subsequently was engaged in the saloon business at Wabasha and Reed's Landing. In 1880 he returned to farming, buying his present farm of 180 acres in section 23, Pepin Township, four and a half miles west of Wabasha. The land was but slightly improved, most of it being in timber, and Mr. Drees began operations by erecting a small board house, in which he lived for some years. His subsequent career has been similar to that of other hard-working and successful farmers, and he has today a well developed farm, with a good two-story frame house, a barn 36 by 56 by 14 feet, with full stone basement, and other substanial buildings, including a tool shed, corn crib, machine shop and poultry house. He engaged in gen¬ eral farming, finding a ready market for all his produce, and continued active work until several years ago, when he turned over the management of the farm to his son, Bernhard, though still residing thereon. Mr. Drees was mar¬ ried in 1883 to Mary Jennings, daughter of Henry and Helen Jennings, and a native of Hanover, Germany, their wedding taking place at Wabasha, to which place she, with her sisters, Theresa and Helen, had come in 1882. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Drees: Paul, born at Reed's Landing in June, 1884, died in infancy; John, born at Reed's Landing June 1, 1885, who is a farm laborer residing at home; Emma, born September 10, 1887, who is now Mrs. Anton Voskar, of Arkansaw, Pepin County, Wis., and has two chil¬ dren, Dorothy and Marcella; Bernhard, born April 30, 1891, who is operating the home farm; Mary, born March 15, 1895, who died May 3, 1919; and Clara, born August 3, 1899, who resides at home with her parents. The family are of the Catholic faith and members of St. Felix parish at Wabasha. In politics Mr. Drees is a Republican. Though not active in public affairs, he is a well known and respected citizen.