Waseca County, Minnesota - Biographical Sketches - Reminiscbnses Op Early Days, 1905 (part 4 of 6)

Robert Laird McCormick wasfeducated chiefly at Saunder's Institute, Philadelphia, and Tuscarora Acwiemy, Mifflin, Pa., but left school before graduation. While he was a school boy, his father served in the Civil War with the Ninth Minnesota regiment, the family having removed to the Northwest. At the age of eighteen, Robert began to earn his own living by working as a clerk in the employ of the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad at Lewisburg, Pa. In 1868 he moved to Winona, Minn., taking charge of the Laird & Norton Lumber company office. In 1874 his health became impaired by the confinement of office work and he removed to Waseca, Minn., where he bought a retail lumber yard. This he operated until 1881, at the same time doing the auditing for Laird & Norton, whose lumber yards were scattered through Minnesota and Wisconsin. He also established for them new lumber yards, in some of which he retained an interest. In 1881, with others, he incorporated the North Wisconsin Lumber company and became its secretary, treasurer, and manager. Its mill at Hayward, Wis., had a daily capacity of nearly 500,000 feet of lumber. Still adding to his responsibilities, Mr. McCormick, in connection with Frederick Weyerhaeuser, established the Sawyer County bank, of which he became president, having in 1882 removed to Hayward. In 1893 he became president of the Northern Boom company, at Brainerd, Minn.; president of the Mississippi & Rum River Boom company; vice-president of the St. Paul Boom company, St. Paul, Minn. ; vice president of the Flambeau Land company, Chippewa, Wis. ; secretary and treasurer of the Northern Grain company, of Chicago, 111., with warehouses in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and the Dakotas; treasurer of the New Richmond Mill company, (flour) New Richmond, Wis. In 1899 the Weyerhaeuser Timber company was organized and Mr. McCormick became its secretary and western manager. This company has acquired all the timber lands belonging to the Northern Pacific Railway company west of the Cascade mountains, including 1,300,000 acres in Washington, and is buying the remainder of the railroad's grants as fast as surveyed.

leal affairs. In 1876 he was elected president of the village council of Waseca, and In 1881, as senator, secured the passage of the bill for the Incorporation of the city. He was mayor of Waseca, serving until 1880, when he was elected to the state senate, where he served for two sessions. For five years he was president of the school board of Hayward, and was president of Ashland academy at Ashland, Wis.; also president of the Hayward library association and vice-president of the Wisconsin State Historical society, which he also served in 1901-04 as president. His deep Interest in the American Indian led him to agitate for and finally secure through congress the establishment at Hayward of schools for the Chippewa tribe. In 1904 Mr. McCormick removed to Tacoma, Wash., and in 1905 resigned his offices in the eastern corporations already mentioned, to devote himself to the Weyerhaeuser Timber company's interests in Washington, and the Lumbermen's National bank of Tacoma, of which he Is president. He Is also preajdent of the Washington State Historical society, having been elected in 1905. Mr. McCormick is a republican in politics, and in 1900 was a delegate from Wisconsin to the national convention of Philadelphia. He is a thirty-two degree JIason, a Mystic Shrlner and a Knight Templar, serving as its grand commander in Minnesota for one term, 1881 and 1SS2; a member also of the Sons of Veterans, of the Washington society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and of the Chicago Chapter of the Society of the War of 1812. He has published a "History of Journalism in Sawyer County, Wisconsin" (18. .) and with rtof. James G. Adams, a "History of the Schools of Sawyer county," (18..) Mr. McCormick writing the chapters devoted to the Indian schools. He is an attendant of the Congregational church.

Jlr. McCormick was married at Tiflln, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1S70, to Anna B. daughter of Daniel and Minerva (Mills) Goodman. They have had three children, William Laird, Robert Allen, and Blanche Amelia. The daughter died in infancy.

Mr. George H. Wood

Mr. Wood is one of the most extensive and prosperous dairymen in the county, his dairy farm being situated just east of Waseca. He was born in Wisconsin, Sept. 29, 1849. His father and family settled in Woodville June 11, 1866. George is one of the sons of Ezra H. and Catharine (Gamble) Wood, the former born in Massachusetts May 1, 1S14. and the latter In the state of New York, Sept. 15, 1820. Ezra died Oct. 11, 1SS5, and George's mother, Sept. 29, 1SS6. George married Miss Jennie Deverell, of Woodville, July 4, 1S77. She was a Badger state girl, born Dec. 22, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Wood are known in the state as high-grade butter makers and first-class dairy managers, their butter always commanding the highest market price. They are the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters: Casper A., born Fob. 2, 1S79; Augusta A., Jan. C, 188a; Frank G., Sept. 29, 1885; Effie, Jan. 18, ISSS; Ezra, March 21, 1S92; William, Oct. 6, 1893. Casper A. and Augusta A. are graduates of the' agricultural department of the state university. Augusta A. married Mr. Louis J. Sheldon, July 6, 1904, and they reside on one of her father's farms. For a number of years Mr. Wood has been treasurer of the town of Woodville, which Is a very responsible position, as he holds and handles a large amount of money now in the sinking fund to pay off railroad bonds issued years ago. In the summer of 1905 he bought a house in Waseca and now occupies it with his family. His sons Casper and Frank, manage the farm near town. Casper was married to Miss Lottie Snyder, August 16, 1905.

Mr. Patrick Murphy

This energetic, old-time settler of Alton, was born in Ireland and came to America in early life. We first learn of him in Milwaukee, Wis., where he was married. The family came to Alton in 1865, and settled on the northeast shore of Buffalo Lake. Here he opened a large farm where he continued to reside the remainder of his life. His wife died Oct. 12, 1887, and he died March 5, 1894, at an advanced age. They were the parents of six sons and two daughters - Rose, now Mrs. Thos. Lynch, Ellen, John H., Hugh S., Robert, Peter, James C, and Patrick Joseph. Hugh S. and Robert were twins as were Peter and James C. John H. was born in Dodge county. Wis., in 1858. His wife was Miss Jennie A. Markham, daughter of Mr. Patrick Markham, one of the early and successful farmers of Alton, near Alma City. She was born in Ireland. Mr. John H. Murphy is largely engaged in raising fine stock, especially Angora goats, horses and Short Horn cattle. He is one of the wealthy, solid farmers of the county, and a stockholder and director in the Janesville Waseca County bank.

Mr. Tbrrence Lilly

Among Waseca county pioneers was Terrence Lilly, who, with his family, settled close to what then was the eastern border of the Winnebago Indian Reservation, in St. Mary. He was a cooper by trade, and in 1849, taking his family and a few tools, he left his native city of Enniskillen, Ireland, that he and his might enjoy the blessings and privileges of a free country. For six years he followed his trade in Cincinnati, Ohio. He then moved westward to Lacon, 111., and two years later concluded that Minnesota farm life offered peculiar inducements and so, early in the year 1857, he came to this state. Living near a populous Indian reservation offers a great field fpr the imagination of romantic boys. It didn't require a curfew ordinance in those days to call the children in at night, and it is recorded that even men in those days kept good hours. Every age and time has its utilities. Now, the city parent reminds the young hopeful to look out for the policeman, but in those early days, to secure good order and early hours, a mother had but to speak of Indians. The old settler still recalls Indian days and tells the newcomer that men went to bed in those days not knowing whether they would "wake up dead or alive next morning." Tlie trials of the Lilly family were incidental to all early settlers in ante-railroad days; but the head of the family never lost faith in the productive future of the county. His first house was a "cotton top." It caught fire one windy day and, although the alarm was promptly sounded and the boys responded with a pall of milk, there was nothing saved. A better house succeeded that one, and for this father, as for most men that patiently and willingly toil, better times were ahead. Mr. Lilly did not entirely give up his trade, for in early times a man that could make pork and sorghum barrels, and incidentally and occasionally a cofiin for the indigent, was in demand. However, he came to Minnesota to farm and his success as a farmer was evident from the large farm he left at his death. He and his wife thoroughly cast their lot in Waseca county, for they came at an early day and never left the county except to do marketing. Both are asleep in the Catholic cemetery near Janesville. Mr. and Mrs. Lilly were reared in Enniskillen, Ireland, Mr. Lilly was born in 1808, and Mrs. Lilly, whose maiden name was Mary McManus, was born in 1822. The former died May 15, 1891, the latter Jan. 2, 1901. Seven children blessed their home: one daughter, Margaret, born March 4, 1863, died June 30, 1894; six sons - Owen, born in 1845; P. A., born in 1848; Thomas, born in 1854; B. J., born in 1856; T. J., born in 1860; and J. P., born in 1865. Terrence J. Lilly resides at St. Paul with his family and is the efficient and gentlemanly state adjuster of losses for the Continental Insurance company. B. J. Lilly resides in Waseca and is local insurance agent for the Continental. P. A. and Owen are engaged in farming and reside in Alton.

The Honorable W. E. Young

This gentleman, who is now a member of the State Railroad and Warehouse Commission, was one of the early boy settlers in the town of Freedom. His father's name is Delos P. Young and his mother was Miss Ruth Lockwood. The former was born in Massachusetts, May 11, 183S, and the latter was born Oct. 8, the same year. They were married in Wisconsin, May 27, 1858. W. E. Young was born in Adams county, Wisconsin, Oct. 20, 1861. When W. E. was three years of age, his parents movea into the town of Preedom, to a farm about a mile west of what was then called Peddler's Grove. Here the family resided for ten years when the elder Mr. Young engaged in mercantile business at Alma City, removing his family to that place. W. E. attended the country school and also served an apprenticeship as tinner. He then attended the State Normal school at Mankato, and there graduated in 1881. He then commenced the study of law, reading at Mankato and St. Paul and then at the Iowa City State Law school where he graduated in 18S4. He practiced law one year in Pope county, then opened a law office in Janesville, Minn., where he practiced two years. In 1887 he moved to Mankato where he has since lived and practiced his profession. For six years he was city attorney in Mankato, and for seventeen years he has been a leading attorney in that place. He was admitted to the bar in Waseca county at the age of twenty-one years. He married Miss Nettie Shingler, of Pope county, in I880. She is a native of Wisconsin and was reared on a farm. They are the parents of three children: two sons, nearly men grown - Paul, aged nineteen, and Donald, aged sixteen - and one daughter, Alice, aged four years. W. B. Young has long been known as one of the ablest attorneys of the state, and he now occupies a position in which he may become very useful to the people. His father, D. P. Young, after leaving Alma City, carried on a store at Minnesota Lake, then at Rock Rapids, Iowa, and finally, for the last ten years, at Mankato. Mr. and Mrs. D. P. Young spent xae winter of 1904-05 in California. Arthur E. Young, a brother of Wm. E., is a dentist, married and living in Minneapolis. The sister of W. B. and Arthur, born in 1881, is teaching at Little Palls, Minn., at this writing. The Youngs were prominent in social and political circles in this county during their residence here, and are remembered kindly by all the early settlers of the county.

Mr. Thomas H. Johnson

Mr. Johnson, who is now a leading hardware merchant in Waseca, was born in Iosco, Feb. 11, 1864. His father, Albert Johnson, was one of the early settlers, having settled in Iosco in 1856. Thomas H. was reared on the farm, but in early manhood developed a liking for machinery. He first engaged in putting down tubular wells, and then drifted into farm machinery and especially threshing outfits. He married Miss Helen Olson, daughter of Andrew Olson, of Iosco, in March 1884. They have two sons - - Alfred, born Feb. 7, 1885, and John, born in 1891 - and one daughter, Clara, born in March, 1887. The family moved into Waseca about 1898. Thomas H. remained in the machinery and lightning rod business until the spring of 1904 when he accepted the appointment of city marshal of Waseca. This position he resigned in February, 1905, when he bought the extensive hardware stock of O. J. Johnson & Co., of Waseca. He carries an extensive stock of hardware and is a popular dealer.

C. W. Redeske is the son of Frederick Redeske, who came to this country from Prussia in 1873. C. W. was born in Bshen Rieze, Prussia, Jan. 13, 1868. He and his parents reached Chicago in 1873, and came to Waseca county in 1881. They first lived in Wilton. In 18S3 they moved to Otisco. Frederick died Dec. 28, 1898. His wife is still living. C. W. married Bertha Stolz, of Waseca, Oct. 21, 1903. They have one child living. Mr. Redeske has three sisters: Mrs. Gus Stolz, Mrs. J. T. Johnson, and Mrs. Thos. Curley, all of this county. He owns what is known as the John Hilton farm in Otisco.

Minges Brothers

who was born in Bavaria, Germany, In 1817. He landed in New York in 1847 where he lived until 1858, when he came with his family to Otisco where hs continued to reside until his death on June 21, 1886. He died ot paralysis, at the age of sixty-nine years. Joseph, Jr., was born in New York city, Feb. 9, 1851; Charles W., Feb. 14, 1853, and Edward, Nov.28,1855. Joseph married Emma Brandt, of Iowa, Oct. 17, 1889, and they are the parents of three boys and three girls. Charles W. married in New York, but is now a widower, his wife and children being dead. Charles W. lives at Wilmot, S. D. Jo. and Ed. have a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and a timber lot of six acres. They have four sisters: Mrs. Wm. Luff, of New Richland; Mrs. Henry Brandt, of Phillips, Neb.; Mrs. Gertje, of Wilmot, S. D.; and Mrs. Chris Billings, of Lisbon, N, D. Ed. is a single man and resides with the family of his brother Jo. Joseph Minges, the father, was prominent in the political history of the county, during his life time. Few were the republican conventions he did not attend and his voice was potent in their management. He served the county well and faithfully m the legislative session of 1875.

Mr. W. H. Wheeler

This gentleman is the son of Whitney L. Wheeler, one of the early settlers whose life-sketch is in this history. W. H. was born in St. Mary, June 28, 1866. He owns a farm of one hundred sixty acres in Woodville, and is a successful farmer. He was joined to Miss Mary Kief in holy wedlock, Api-il 15, 1890. Miss Kief was born March 18, 1864, in Canada. They are the parents of three girls and two boys. Mr. Wheeler moved from Wilton to Woodville in 1871, his father having died in Wilton, Nov. 4, 1870.

Mr. Knute Jameson

MR. KNUTE JAMESON. Mr. Jameson, of Blooming Grove, was born in Norway May 9, 1855, and is therefore about as old as Waseca county. His father, Tarrel Jameson, came to Waseca in the fall of 1862. Knute's wife's name was Margaret Hagen, and they have seven children. He is one of the industrious and well-to-do farmers of that township.

Mr. Stephen J. Krassin

MR. STEPHEN J. KRASSIN is a native of Waseca county, born in St. Mary, August 14, 1859; his father, Martin Krassin, having explored Waseca county in the fall of 1S54 and settled here in June 1855. Steve was married to Miss Lizzie Meyers, of St. Mary, March 15, 1886. She is the daughter of the late Henry Meyers of Waseca, and was born Feb. 9, 1861. S. J. owns land in this county and considerable land in Ward county, North Dakota. He is a breeder of good horspq and an expert thresherman. His wife is a sister ot Hon. W. H. Meyers,

Mr. Lewis L. Fretham

Waseca county in 1864. Lewis was born in Iosco, Feb. 25, 1867, and was the only son. He joined Miss Christina Quitney in the holy bonds of matrimony in 1889. They are the parents of four sons and two daughters. Their pleasant home is on section 20, Blooming Grove. He has been one of the supervisors of his town for several years, and is prominent in the management of the Palmer creamery as one of its officers.

Mr. John S. Johnson

at present a county commissioner of this county, and grandson of John Segurdson, was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, Oct. 27, 1850. He came to this county in 1855 with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Segurd Johnson, a sketch 01 whose life is given elsewhere in this book. John Segurdson, John's grandfather, was one of the 1855 settlers in Iosco. He was born m 1794, and died in 1S64. The grandmother was born in 1796, and died in January, 1881. John's father, Segurd Johnson, came to America in 1845, and his father and brothers came in 1850. The grandfather settled in Iosco in 1855. John's father did not come until the next year. John Segurdson had six sons - Segurd, Thomas, Torgus, Albert, John and Ole - and two daughters - Gonield and Birget. One of the daughters became the. wife of Jacob Jackson, and the other the wife of Tarrel Anderson, both of them earlj^ settlers. John S. Johnson and Angelei Bagne, daughter of S. O. Bagne, of the town of Iosco, were married Oct. IS, 1874. They are the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters - no "race suicide" there. John S. Johnson states that Mr. Tarrel Anderson, who settled in Iosco in 1855, was the father of four sons and two daughters. Both Mr. Anderson and his wife died some years ago. Jacob Jackson, who married the other aunt of Mr. Johnson, also died some years ago, but Mrs. Jackson Is still living. Segurd Jackson, the merchant at Palmer creamery, is her son and grandson of John Segurdson the first Norwegian settler in Iosco. The several branches of this family are numerous in this county, notwithstanding the fact that a number of them are residing elsewhere in the Northwest. Tom Johnson, an uncle of John S., was born May 23, 1833. He came to America in 1850 and lived in Dane county. Wis., until 1855, when he came to Waseca county and moved to his present homestead, in Iosco, July 5. His first wife was Mary Olson Kin, who died Jan. 16, 1869. His second wife was Miss Mary Bvenson. He is the father of thirteen children - nine sons and four daughtersall of whom are living except one son. He is one of the very few left of the settlers of 1855.

Mr. A. K. Lee

is one of the substantial farmers of Blooming Grove. He was born in Norway May 16, 1839. He came to America in June 1861, and worked at various places in Wisconsin and Minnesota until 1S68. He married in June of this year, while living at Meriden, and in 1869 settled on his present farm in section 7, Blooming Grove, where he owns two hundred ninety-two acres. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living. His mother died when he was two years old, and his father died about twenty-four years ago. He is an energetic, prosperous farmer.

Mr. John Byron

The subject of this sketch was born in 1819, in the parish of Kitteely, county nf Limerick, Ireland. He sailed from Ireland in 1846,' and after a long and tedious voyage landed In New York. After a short stay there , he went to the state of Virginia where he was a contractor for the construction of Macadam and turnpike roads, there being at that time very few railroads. In 1851 his brother William came over from the old home and joined him, and from that time their history runs together. The brothers, when they left Virginia, came as far west as Cincinnati, where John met and married Miss Catharine Murray. The marriage ceremony was performed by Father Wood, afterwards Archbishop of Philadelphia. They then started for the far West, spending the winter of 1855 in Lyons, Iowa. In May, 1856, tney, in company with several other families, and with William Byron, then a single man, started for Minnesota with all their worldly goods in a prairie schooner drawn by oxen. There were no roads, only tracks or trails, in those days, and traveling was indeed slow and tirssome. They arrived in St. Mary about the 18th of June, 1856. Mr. Byron selected as his, home one hundred and sixty acres in section 21 of St. Mary. William Byron and Michael McGonagle, both elsewhere sketcned in this volume, settled adjoining him. From that time forward, for a number of years, his history is the same as that of the other early pioneers - one of hardship, privation, self-denial, and economy, securing after many years of industry and careful management a competency for his declining years. He was a man of excellent habits, large of heart, and always ready to help a neighbor in distress. Of a home-loving and retiring nature, he seldom took part in politics outside of township and school district affairs. He held school-district and town offices for a number of years. He was the father of nine children, five of whom are living. James A., living on a farm near the old homestead in St. Mary is a prominent and successful farmer. John M., well and favorably known as clerk of the district court of this county from Jan. 1, 1892, to Jan. 1, 1897, is now engaged in the clothing business at Janesville. One daughter, Mrs. John Cahill, also resides at Janesville, and two daughters are with their mother in Waseca. Mr. Byron retired from active farming some years before his death and spent his last years quietly and peacefully in his Waseca home, where, surrounded by his family, he died April 14, 1900, at the age of eighty-one years. He was burled in the St. Mary Catholic cemetery not far from the spot where he camped on the ISth day of June, 1856. He was an exci-llent, useful citizen, respected by all who knew him.

John Byron Mr. Stephen H. Preston

son of Lucius and Rebecca, was born Sept 11, 1842, in tlie Green Mountain state and reared on a farm. At the age of eighteen years, his heart swelling with pure patriotism, he enlisted in Company G, Fifth Vermont infantry and served through all the campaigns of the army of the Potomac. He was honorably discharged Sept. 24, 1864, and then re-enlisted in Hancock's First Veteran Reserve Corps serving until Jan. 24, 1866, when he was finally mustered out with all the honors of war. The same year he came West to Sheboygan, Wis., and entered a drug store. He remained there a year when he came to Waseca county and lived on a farm in Woodville until about 1872, when he took a soldier's- homestead in Lyon county where he and his family spent the winter of 1872-3. They were literally buried by that terrible blizzard known as the "great storm of Jan. 7, 1873." The family returned to Waseca the next season, and Mr. Preston engaged in the drug business which he has ever since followed. He was with E. P. Latham for some time, then in partnership with Mr. Middaugh, then with H. H. Sudduth, since deceased, and now with Anton Stucky. He married Miss Emily Durkee, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Oct. 8, 1866. They have one daughter, Josie, now Mrs. Charles Leuthold, and one son, Lucius F., clerk in Leuthold Bros', clothing store.

Mr. Thomas J. Kerr

MR. THOMAS J. KERR, one of Scotia's sons, became a resident of St. Mary, Waseca county, in 1856. rie was born on a farm near Dumfries, Scotland, March 24, 1826. He came to America and reached Buffalo Dec. 31, 1851, where he worked, except when sick of fever, until May of the next year; he then went to Cattaraugus county where Thomas Dunn, father of James M. Dunn, his cousin, lived. There he worked for four years by the month. In 1855 he came as far west as Sparta, Wisconsin, where he worked during the winter, and the next spring came to this county. He made a claim and worked around for others until fall when he returned to York State. There, on the 5th of May, 1857, he married Miss Agnes Afleck, who was born in Scotland, Nov. 16, 1837. They at once started for Minnesota with a horse team and a prairie schooner, in company with Messrs. Lindsay and Daniels and their families. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr are the parents of two sons and two daughters: Robert A., now a prosperous farjmer of Bruce, S. D.; Agnes, now Mrs. A. H. Kinyon, of Bruce, S. D.; Luverne, now Mrs. B. G. Sutlief, of Wilton, Minn.; and Thomas J., Jr., merchant in Waseca. Mr. and Mrs. Kerr moved from their old farm in St. Mary to their present cozy home in Waseca, in 1888. Mr. Kerr is now in his eightieth year and very rugged and hearty for a man of his age.

Mr. Nels M. Nelson

1848. He started for America the first week ia May, 1868, in company witli thirty young people, all single men except two young families and three young ladies. Nearly all of the company, except himself, had relatives in different parts of America. The party had all been residents of the same neighborhood, or township, in the old home and made a jolly company. Among the men were two brothers of Mose Johnson, of Otisco - John Johnson and Gus Johnson - and a third man, John Swanson. These four became close friends and kept together. At Chicago they tried to get tickets for Owatonna, then the nearest station to Otisco, but the agent couldn't find Owatonna, and so sold them tickets for Prairie du Chien, telling them they could get tickets from that point. They were getting short of money when they got to the last place, and there the baggage master charged them a dollar apiece - ?4 - for what he called excess baggage. Upon reaching McGregor, they found themselves short of funds. The fare was $8 each, and they had only $5 each. None of them could speak much English and two of them could not write so it was determined that John Johnson and John Swanson should come on to Owatonna and that Mr. Nelson and Gus Johnson should remain at McGregor to await results. The two, who came on, finally found Mose Johnson, of Otisco, through whose means money was forwarded to the two left in McGregor, and in due time they came on. Mr. Nelson immediately went to work at whatever he could find to do, and in IS 76 was able to purchase a farm in Otisco. This farm he sold in 1883 and bought another which he still owns, on section 9, town of New Richland. He was elected town supervisor of Otisco in 1877 and 1S7S, county commissioner in 1S79 and re-elected a second term. He is now holding second term as court commissioner of this county. He married Miss Lottie Johnson, of Otisco, March 9, 188 4. She died Jan. 8, 18S5, leaving an infant daughter, now Mrs. vj. P. Johnson, of Waseca. His second marriage was in. the fall of 1889, to Mrs. Lina Newquist, who had two daughters by her first husband. There is no issue by the second marriage. They own a comfortable home in Waseca, which they have occupied since 1S89. They have a comfortable income from their farm and other sources, and are most excellent citizens.

merchant at Janesville, was born in St. Mary, Jan. 25, 1865, his father, John Byron, having settled in that town in 1856. He received his education in the old log school house, known as the Gallagher school house. At the age of sixteen, he entered the Waseca high school, attending the school in the winter and working on the farm in the summer. In the winter of 1883, he taught school in the Brisbane district; and thereafter taught two winter terms of school in the Sheehan district, St. Mary, working on the farm summers. In 1890 he was elected clerk of the district court, his term of office beginning Jan. 1, 1892 and expiring Jan. 1. 1S96. He was then appointed by Judge Buckham for one year to fill the vacancy existing under the election law. Since 1897 he has been in the clothing business and is senior member of the firm of Byron & Barden, of Janesville. In September, 1893, he married Miss Martha Burns, daughter of the late Peter Burns, of Wilton. She was born July 4, 1873, in Wilton, and is a graduate of the Waseca high school. They are the parents of four children - two sons and two daughters. Mr. Byron is the owner of the old homestead in St. Mary, where he was born. He is a thorough business man, and enjoys the confidence of the people in a marked degree.

Mr. William Edgar Heath

Ibis enterprising and progressive farmer, who resides in Freedom, was born in the town of Dryden, Tompkins county, N. Y., Dec. 13, 1838. Mrs. Heath, whose maiden name was Maria Elizabeth Gamine, was born in the town of Caroline, in the same county, Nov. 29, 1840. They were married May 21, 1862, and came to vVaseca county and settled in Freedom, in the fall of 1866, where they still live. He brought with him a pair of good horses, but no other stock. Mr. and Mrs. Heath have a very fine home, with all the comforts of farm life. The first school house in their district was built in 1868. They came to Minnesota more on account of Mrs. Heath's health than from choice, she having throat trouble. They started in May, having one son. Jay C, three years of age. They came by car to Waupun, Wis., where they remained with an uncle about three months. In the meantime Mr. Heath and his uncle visited Minnesota, and Mr. Heath bought his Freedom farm, near Peddler's Grove, a new town with "great expectations." The Heaths came to their new home in the fall in a regular prairie schooner, heavily loaded with household gpods. Mrs. Heath writes:

"We started from near Waupun, Aug. 31, 1866, Saturday, in a thunder storm, expecting to camp out and sleep in our wagon nights. Every one was very kind to us along the way and many times we accepted the proffered hospitality instead of camping in our wagon. We were eighteen days on the road and it was a really enjoyable trip. But soon after getiing onto Minnesota soil we got stuck in mudholes a number of times. The roads tended to make one sick of the country. At one place, near Rochester, Minn., wagon, horses and all were stuck so fast in the mud that we could not get out until aided by four or five ox teams. It was Saturday afternoon when we arrived at 'our abode in Freedom. The family then living in it moved out that afternoon and we moved in. When we awoke Sunday morning in that log hut, all open up to the rafters, was it any wonder that we were a little homesick? The hut had two half windows, one-half in each end of the building, and only one door. When the letters that awaited us at Peddler's Grove, from the dear, old homeland were opened, the gloom was lightened a little. Friends there thought we might as well die of disease among friends as to die of home-sickness among strangers. But we didn't die. In five years we returned East with our three children. Our only daughter, Georgia, was born the first winter we were In Minnesota, and Edgar I. was born the fall ol our visit to the East, where we remained two years. Since then two other sons have blessed our home. Our oldest son. Jay C, married Harriet A. Willsey, of Janesville, and lives a mile and a half west of us; Georgia married Frank M. Smith, son of Hon. L. D. Smith, late of Alton, and they also live near us; Edgar I. married Wm. M. Oldfield's daughter and they live in New York state; Roy L. is still at home, taking care of the farm; and our youngest is one of the class of thirteen who graduated from the Janesville high school in 1905. In our first winter here, Mr. Heath and several of the neighbors went off across the prairie (there were no fences then to obstruct) to buy wheat and get some flour. They were gone a week but finally came home with flour. Sometimes that winter we had to cook whole wheat for the horses and ourselves as well. Often that first winter, 1 thought perhaps it was wrong that we had brought our boy away from Grandpa's place where apples, pears, peaches, and other fruits were plentiful, with no prospect of ever raising any here. But, strange as it seemed then, it is now a fact that we have apples to waste and for cider too, besides other fruit, and to-day. May 16, 1905, the trees are a mass of bloom, a bower of beauty. O, what a change for the better since 1866!"

is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Maloney, and has recently opened a law oflice in Waseca. His father, John Maloney, was bom in the county Mayo, Ireland, 1829; he went to England in 1848 where he worked in a manufacturing plant two years; he came to America two years later, to near Scranton, Pa., where he resided until 1857. In 1854, he married Miss Bridget Nilan, at Binghamton, Pa. Mrs. Maloney wg,s born in county Clare, Ireland, in 1835, and was fourteen years of age when she came to America. In 1857 the family came to Iosco where Mr. Maloney bought one hundred sixty acres of land. He also bought eighty acres in Blooming Grove. He carried on his farm until 1S67, when he came to Waseca and went into business - kept for a time a bakery and grocery store and was proprietor of the "Old Minnesota House," a popular resort for farmers. His hotel was burned in 1SS8, after which he built his home on First street where he spent the remainder of his life as a private citizen, passing away Feb. 24, 1904. Mrs. Maloney, who survives him, was a worthy helpmeet, and encouraged him through all the hardships they endured in early days. John Maloney was always a vigorous champion of Ireland, and helped its onward progress whenever and wherever possible. Eleven children were born to them, six of whom are still living: Mrs. Henry Smith, of Byron, (deceased); Mrs. Geo. McGrath, of Renville county; Miss Beezie, teacher in the Minneapolis schools; Francis, "Vincent and Albinus S., residents of Waseca. Albinus S. Maloney graduated from the law department of the State University June 1, 1904, and very soon after opened a law office in Waseca. At the last is one of tne pioneers of the city of Waseca, having become a resident there in 1867. He was born June 9, 1838, at Henderson, Jefferson county, N. Y. In 1864 he went to Ashburnham, Mass., where he sojourned three years. In the spring of 1867, he came West, arriving in Waseca at its christening. He erected a building and opened a furniture store, in company with Major Wm. C. Young in the fall of 1867. Capt. Helms succeeded Major Young as partner. In 1873, S. S. Conlee took the place of Mr. Helms, and the firm remained Comee Bros, until 1882 when the Waseca Furniture company was organized. After this company wound up its affairs, the firm name became Sawin & Comee. In 1904, Mr. Sawin sold his interest to Geo. W. and some time after Mr. Pfaff bought an interest and the firm name became Comee & Pfaff. Mr. Comee is one of our best citizens. Dec. 26, 1877, he married Mrs. Elizabeth L. Kittredge, widow of Fred Kittredge. She is a native of Ohio and one of the pioneers of this county. She had three daughters by her first husband: Mary Abbie, now Mrs. Kennedy, of Bvanston, 111.; Laura E., now Mrs. Kirkpatrick of Parker's Prairie, Ottertail county, Minn.; and Jessie C, now Mrs. Ed. Rausch, of Winona. Mr. Comee is a worthy member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellow organizations of this city and a member of the Congregational society. So far in life he has been the soul of honor, true and trusty, a man worthy of all confidence.

Senator B. B. Collester

Hon. Eugene B. Collester is a native of Gardner, Mass., born Dec. 20, 1847. He attended the schools of that city, entered Amherst college and graduated therefrom in 1873. Soon after he took up his residence in New London, Conn., where he became principal of Bulkeley high school. This position he held until 1880 when he resigned and came to Waseca where he joined his half brother, Hon. M. D. L. Collester, and entered upon the practice of law. He married Miss Sarah Jane Holande, of Conn., April 6, 1875. They have one daughter, Alice, now Mrs. Meacham, who resides with her parents in Waseca. Mr. Collester has held numerous official positions; mayor of the city of Waseca in 1887; judge of probate from May, 1889, to Dec. 31, 1894; state senator from Jan. 1, 1895 to Dec. 31, 1899, and again in the fall of 1902 he was elected to the senate for four years. Senator Collester has the confidence of the people to a marked degree. He is a member of Comee Lodge I. O. O. P., and also of Tuscan Lodge No. 77, A. F. and A. M., of Waseca. He is also one of the leading lawyers of the county.

Mr. Byron G. Su-Tlief

Wilton, bom on the old homestead, Sept. 10, 1858, where he still resides. December 18, 1884, he married Miss Luverne Kerr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Kerr, fcihe was born in St. Mary, this county, Oct. 1, 1863. tie owns the oldest farm in the county, about two hundred acres, and is extensively engaged in raising. Buying, fattening, and selling hogs and cattle. He is wealthy and has an interesting family of children. Mr. Sutlief is not only a well-to-do farmer, but he is interested in the Xew Richland bank, the Byron creamery, etc.

Mr. William Byron

Among the many who have helped to make Waseca county blossom as the rose, Mr. Wm. Byron, of St. Mary, occupies a conspicuous place. At the request of the author he gave the following sketch of his life :

"I was born and reared in the parish of Kitteely, county of Limerick, Ireland, in May, 1828. My brother John, who was five years older, came to America in 1846. I left Ireland March 12, 1851, and after a stormy voyage of seven weeks landed in New York, April 29. After a week of sight seeing there, I proceeded to Virginia via Philadelphia, Baltimore, city of Washington, Alexandria, Fairfax Court House and Warrenton, to Little Washington, at the foot of the Blue Ridge, where John Byron and Matt O'Brien had a contract of turnpike building from Little Washington to Waterloo, a distance of ten or twelve miles. We finished the turnpike that year, and in May, 1852, started across the Blue Ridge. At the top of the Ridge we took stage, crossed the Shenandoah bridge near where General Shields won a victory over the Confederates, passed through New Market and stopped at Staunton. After a week in Staunton, we again took stage and went to Christiansburg. We remained there two years building turnpiKe roads. In November, 1885, we started West on foot and went eighty miles to Charleston, now the Capital of West Virginia, then a little village of a few small houses and a small hotel. We then went down the Kanawha and Ohio rivers to Aurora, near Cincinnati, where I made the acquaintance of my wife that was to be. After a short stay there, we took the cars to Chicago. I concluded to see the 'far West' before venturing upon matrimony. John and his wife remained in Chicago, and I took the cars to Rock Island; crossed the river into Davenport, Iowa, and then traveled on foot forty miles to Lyons. The snow covered the grass among the bur-oaks, and I thought it the worst country I ever saw - wished I was back in Old Virginia. John and family soon came on and we spent the winter in Lyons. In the spring, we bought two yoke of oxen, two cows, and two wagons, and on the 16th day of May, IS.'SG, in company with the families of M. P. Fitzgerald, Michael McGonagle, and L. J. Fitzgerald, started for Minnesota. We came through Freeborn county and for miles had nothing to guide us on the way except the sun and a slight Indian trail. After getting into Minnesota, we never saw a house or a human being until we arrived at Peddler's Grove, Waseca county. We then went as tar west as the Winnebago Agency, then turned and came back to St. Mary and camped on the hill where the St. Mary church now stands, June 18, 1856. That night we had a terrible battle with the mosquitoes. After resting a little we selected our claims, turned over some of the virgin sod, sowed a little buckwheat, made hay and in the fall built our log cabins. No one without the experience can know how we labored and struggled along, and to young people our stories of the past seem incredible. In the fall of 1858, I gave a mortgage on forty acres of my land tor $40 - all I could raise on it, the rate being 'thirty-six per cent, interest from date till due, and sixty per cent from due till paid.' I soon saw that I never could make enough off the farm to pay it, so, in Nov. 1859, I went down the Mississippi river and was lucky enough to strike a job of 'bossing' on a levee at $60 per month. I married Miss Catharine O'Mara, April 12, 1860, at her father's home in Old Geneva, Ind., and at once returned to Minnesota. In 1862, during the Indian excitement, we used to gather at the house of John Byron for mutual protection. At one time there was a frenzied report that the Winnebago Indians were to 'break out that night.' Some ten families hitched up their ox teams, gathered together their valuables and, with the women and children, went into camp on the prairie east of where Mike McGonagle, Jr., now lives. We formed our wagons in a circle, camped inside the circle, placed pickets on guard and camped without a fire. Everything was quiet until toward morning when the dogs commenced to bark, and the pickets came running in with the cry - 'They're coming! they're coming!' All was in commotion for a while. There were only three or four shot guns in camp, but every man was on one knee looking for Indians that never came. At the coming of daylight, we broke camp and all went back home. We all felt worn out for want of sleep, and I went to bed in my own cabin. I haa not been in bed ten minutes before there was a knock on the door. I jumped, seized my gun, and demanded, 'Who is there?' A neighbor, and he too wanted sleep and so we slept a while. The week before I had sent mj' wife to Rochester on account of the Indian scare, and our second child was born at that place a few days after the camping incident.

Mr. John Reibold

I was elected town clerk in 1858, and held the office three different terms. I was justice of the peace one term, town supervisor three diiferent years, and county commissioner two terms, from 1869 to 1874. We built our first school house in 1861, and our first church in 1862. Rev. Father Keller, of Faribault, visited our church three or four times within the first year. The first person buried in the St. Mary burial ground was Mr. Morris. The next to be consigned to that ground was Michael u'Brien, who was killed by lightning in September, 1858. Ah! but that was the most terriffic thunder I ever heard." MR. JOHN REIBOLD.

John Reibold, Sr., was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, July 31, 1830. He came to America in 1849 and lived in Fonda, N. Y., until 1860, when he came to Minnesota. He was at Northfleld on the day that Lincoln was elected, and came on to St. Mary the next day. Oct. 1, 1851, he married Miss Mary Baldwin, and to them four children were born: Peter, (deceased) horn in 1853; Thomas, now of St. Mary, July 7, 1855; John, Jr., July 27, 1857; Johanna, July 24, 1861, who married Thomas Burns. Mrs. Reibold died March 21, 1864. The following July 4, he married Miss Margaret McWaide, sister of Mr. John McWaide, of Iosco. She died Jan. 28, 1903, at the Rochester asylum. For several years he worked, and "worked mighty hard," for $15 a month and boarded himself, and upon so small a pittance he and his family managed to live. His wife kept some poultry, and his employer would occasionally make him a present of a little flour. In later years the proprietor of the mill raised his wages to the magnificent sum of $20 a month and one barrel of flour a year, Mr. Reibold to board himself. What would young men of to-day think of such a wage?

John Reibold, Jr., was born at Fonda, N. Y., July 27, 1857, and came to St. Mary with his father in 1860. He learned the blacksmith trade at Mankato, when a lad. He then came to Waseca, worked as a journeyman some years and finally rented the Roland shop then standing on the southwest corner of Wood and Third streets, and opened shop for himself. That was twenty-two years ago. In 1884 he formed a co-partnership with Theo. Brown and they carried on business at what is now known as Reibold's foundry and shops for five years, when Mr. Reibold became sole proprietor. About nine years ago he bought a half interest in the Crane foundry, and three years later bought the remaining interest of Mr. Crane. He is now sole proprietor of a flourishing business. He married Miss Mary McDermott, May 20, 1882. They have one son, Wm. J., born July i, 1884, who is now a stenographer in the employ of the Minneapolis Iron Store Co., dealers in heavy hardware. Thomas Reibold, brother of John, is a prosperous farmer of St. Mary, and has an interesting and intelligent family.

Honorable D. S. Cummings

Dr. D. S. Cummings is now the oldest resident physician in Waseca. He is son of Dr. D. J. Cummings, deceased, one of the pioneer physicians of Hastings, in this state. Our Doctor Cummings was born in Otsego county, N. Y., Nov. 17, 1S50. When he was six years of age his parents came to the territory of Minnesota and became residents of Hastings. D. S. attended the public schools of Hastings, spent one year at the Shattuck school, Faribault, studied two years at the Cooperstown, N. Y., academy, took a course In medicine and surgery at the Ann Arbor, Mich., university, and graduated at the Northwestern Medical college, of Chicago. He practiced medicine for a time with his father in Hastings, and then came to Waseca, in 1876. He at once became popular with our people and very soon enjoyed an extensive practice. His first public service was that of county superintendent of schools. He held this office for four years, from 1882 to 1886. In 1888 he was elected mayor of the city of Waseca, and again in 1889 and 1890. After an intermission of three years, he was again elected mayor in 1893. He succeeded himself each year until and including 1896. It was during these four years and under his administration that the water and light systems of the city were installed. He has been president of the board of education of the city "since the memory of man runneth not to the contrary." He is a man of public spirit and of marked ability and has the happy faculty of often harmonizing conflicting interests.

For years Dr. Cummings has been the local surgeon and physician of both the railroads crossing at Waseca. He has also had charge of the construction of the local telephone lines in and about Waseca since the local telephone company was organized. His capacity for hard work seems lo be almost unlimited, as he employs no stenographer or assistant.

Mr. Nathaniel Garland

This gentleman was the first sheriff of Waseca county. He was appointed by Governor Gorman in the spring of 1857; in June of the same year, at the time of choosing the county seat, he was elected sheriff and held the office for two years. He then went to Iowa and engaged in the sheep business. He returned to Wilton in 1864 and engaged in the mercantile business in company with John Forrest, also one of the early settlers of the county. About 1868 he sold out in Wilton and opened a meat market in Waseca in company with J. A. Claghorn. He followed this business until his death, July 26, 1880. Mr. Garland was born April 5, 1827, at Kingston, New Hampshire; and came to Waseca county in 1856. He married Miss Ladorna P. Dodge Feb. 3, 1864, at Wilton. Miss Dodge was born in Owego, New York, April 27, 1842, and came to this county with her parents in the spring of 1857. Two sons were born to them. Harold N. was born in Wilton, June 26, 1867, and died of consumption in California, Feb. 26, 1893. Ralph D. was born in Wilton, April 19, 18G9. He attended our public schools and learned the tinner's trade with his uncle, Hon. P. C. Bailey. He afterwards became a partner of Mr. Bailey and is now the active member of the popular hardware firm of Bailey & Garland. On the 14th day of June 1899, he was united in marriage with Miss Blanche Stewart, who was born In Waseca, Nov. 3, 1873. They have one daughter, Helen, now five years of age. They live in a very pretty, mod- - est home on Lake avenue. Mr. Garland was alderman from the Second ward for several years, and declined a re-election in 1905.

Mr. Joseph E.- Gregory

Joseph is the son of A. D. Gregory, and was born in the town of Freedom, June 12, 1S75. His father died in Roseville, California, Nov. 29, 1904. When five years of age, Joseph went with his parents to South Daltota where they remained until 1892, when they returned to Waseca county. On July 27, 1899, he married Miss Virgie Anthony, of Blue Earth county. They reside on a farm in the town of Wilton. The young man has been compelled to rely upon his own resources since he was old enough to work and it is a credit to nim that he has succeeded so well.

Mr. Timothy Donovan

This well-known and popular groceryman, of Waseca, is the eldest son of Cornelius and Mary Donovan, natives of the Emerald isle, who came to this country in early life and lived for a time in Wisconsin. The elder Mr. Donovan settled in Woodville, this county, in 1868, when Timothy, who was born July 3, 1S67, was about a year old. The other sons and aaughters of the family are John, Daniel, Dennis, Ellen, Hannah, Cornelius, and Mary - the two last are twins. Timothy Donovan and Miss Lizzie McGonagle were married Dec, 26, 1S93. They have four children living. They buried their second son who died in infancy. Mr. Timothy Donovan learned the carpenter's trade; later he worked as clerk a while in a store, and in 1898 formed a copartnership with O. N. Jellum and entered the grocery trade. In the fall of 1903, he bought his partner's interest, and his youngest brother, Cornelius, is now with him. They are doing a prosperous business. Mrs. Donovan is a daughter of the wellknown, early settler, Mr. Michael McGonagle. Sr.

Mr. Lewis C. Prechbl

of Woodville, is a son of Gottlieb Prechel, one of the very first settlers of the town of St. Mary, and was born in that township, Sept. 16, 1864. He was reared on the farm and brought up to hard labor. He married Mathilda Bethke, of Woodville, March 19, 1890. He carried on his father's farm in St. Mary for two years and then bought a farm on section 4, Otisco, where he has resided since 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Prechel are the parents of two sons and one daughter. They have a pleasant, cozy home, Mrs. Prechel being a model housekeeper.

Mr. Patrick Healy

was one of the very early settlers of Waseca county, having moved to a farm in Blooming Grove in 1856. He was born in Roscommon county, Ireland, March 17, 1817, and came to America in 1836. In early life he was a manufacturer of woolen cloths, and an advocate of "protection for home manufacturers." He married Miss Emma Dearborn, of Windsor county, Vt.. in 1843. She was born in 1825, and died in 1887. Mr. Healy carried on his farm in Blooming Grove until the "seventies" when he removed to Waseca and formed a copartnership with A. E. t)earborn in the mercantile business. In 1880 he sold his interest in the Waseca store and retired from active business. He died Sept. 1, 1884, at his Blooming Grove home, respected and honored hy every one. During the early days of the county, Mr. Healy was noted as about the only Irish-American republican in it, and in those days it required nerve and backbone to be a republican or "Black Abolitionist," as such men were called in those days. Mr. and Mrs. Healy were the parents of nine children, five of whom are living: Martin J., Mrs. Emma McLoughlin, Mrs. Almira G. Flyn, Mrs. Sarah L. Bird, and Patrick Healy.

Mr. Robert Moore

This quiet, unpretentious, and honorable citizen, was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., Dec. 2, 1835. He came to this county in June, 1856, and began to make his home on the northeast quarter of section 8, in Wilton. He married Miss Martha M. Gregory March 3, 1857. Martha M. was one of the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. B. Gregory, who settled in St. Mary in june, 1855. She was born in Coldwater, Mich., May 22, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were the parents of eight children, five of whom are living: Emma, born Dec. 13, 1857; Mary E., born Sept. 3, 1859; James R., born Jan. 20, 1865; Lucia B., born June 5, 1870; Charles 1'., born July 28, 1872. Mrs. Moore died Dec. 5, 1875, aged thirty-seven years, six months and thirteen days. Mr. Moore has for years suffered with asthma. He spent the winter of 1902-3 in California. He is in every respect a good citizen. He was one of the high privates In the organization of the republican party, and cast his first presidential vote for the election of Abraham Lincoln and his last for William Jennings Bryan. Mr. Moore now resides on section 13, town of Freedom, and is a well-to-do farmer.

who owns and manages a most complete stock of harnesses, trunks, valises, etc., was born in Marquette county, Wisconsin, Nov. 26, 1866. His father, Daniel Koechel, was born in Germany. He came to Wisconsin prior to the Rebellion, and served one year as a Union soldier in a Wisconsin regiment. The family came to Minnesota in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Koechel were married Feb. 18, 1888. Mrs. Koechel's maiden name was Hulda Kanne, and she is a daughter of that well-known pioneer, August F. Kanne, of Waterville. She was born Dec. 19, 1865. The year of their marriage they went to live in Redfield, S. D., where Mr. Koechel carried on the harness business until 1895, when they returned to this county. In November of that year, he opened business in Waseca, and keeps on hand a large stock of goods. He makes a specialty of Mc- Connell's patent-rivet, curled-hair-face horse collars. He Is the father of five children - four boys and one girl. At the recent city election, he was elected alderman at large without opposition.

was bom m County Meath, Ireland, Dec. 6, 1852. His parents were Dennis and Judith McLoughlin. They came to America in 1853, and first lived in Clinton, Oneida county, N. Y. They came to Minnesota in September, 1862, tarried a short time at Faribault, and settled permanently at Cannon City soon after. Young Dennis was reared on the farm, attending the schools of his village until qualified to teach; he then taught winters until 1871, when he accepted a clerkship in a hardware store in Faribault. He was engaged as teacher and clerk for a number of years. Nov. 12, 1877, he married Miss Emma Healy, daughter of Mr. Patrick Healy, one of the worthy pioneers of Blooming Grove. Mr. McLoughlin's father died at his home in Cannon City, in the year 1898, at the age of eighty-one years. His mother is still living. There were twelve children in the family, seven boys and five girls, of whom three girls and three boys have died. Mr. and Mrs. D. McLoughlin, of Waseca, are the parents of six daughters.

Mr. McLoughlin came to Waseca in March, 1878, and bought the interest of Mr. A. E. Dearborn in the mercantile firm of Dearborn & Healy. Two years later he bought Mr. Healy's interest and has continued the business here ever since. His brother, Thomas, bought a one-third interest in the business in 1884, and is still a member of the firm, although engaged the most of the time as traveling salesman. Dennis served as alderman in the year 1881-2, and again in 1904-5. He served as postmaster most efficiently for eight years, having been appointed by President Cleveland at the beginning of both terms of his administration. Mr. McLoughlin is justly popular with all classes of our people.

Mr. Samuel Leslie

"Young man and young woman, if you want to learn what a couple of youngish people have done, and, consequently, what you may or can do, go visit the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Leslie, of Otisco. Twenty-five years ago they located where they are now without any capital except a homestead right, which they applied to eighty acres. Since then they have added one hundred twenty acres more. There were no trees when they went there in 1869. Now they have a magnificent grove. They have also a large, convenient farm house, an excellent hay and cattle barn, a creamery (dairy) that takes the first premiums everywhere. They milk twenty-four cows, have horses, raise cattle for beef, and hogs for pork. They have all that people need in life. And all these things they have gathered together by twenty-five years of industry, care, and frugality. Young man, there is no reason why you should not do as well."

Mr. Leslie was born in Essex county, N. Y., Sept. 9, 1S37; came to Waseca county in 186C; helped survey the village of Waseca in 1867; and lived in Waseca until 1SG9. He married Mary E. Sisson, Sept. 23, 1860. Ten children were born to them, seven of whom are living: Jennie M., now Mrs. C. G. Mosher, of Pine county, born Dec. 6. 1861- Frank

J., torn Oct. 6, 1863; Herbert J., bom Feb. 7, 1866; Ralph B., born April 7, 1869; Mark P., born .Tune 6, 1871; and Ella, born July 12, 1875. In the early part of 1867, that wet year, Mr. Leslie shipped flour and other goods in a skiff by way of Crane creek. He is noted as a breeder of fine, pureblood Holstein cattle, and a manufacturer of high-grade butter.

Mr. Edwin R. Krassin

Is one among the early native-born sons of Waseca county. He is the second son of Martin Krassin, deceased, and was born July 27, 1857. He was inured to hard toil from infancy, and after his father's death had charge of the several farms left to the heirs. He is an expert at sinking tubular wells and handling farm machinery. He is a single man, owns a good farm in Wilton, and a comfortable home in Waseca.

Mr. John F. Krassin

brother of Edward, was born August 26, 1862. He has been reared a farmer and owns one farm in Wilton and another in St. Mary. He married Miss Augusta Stolz, Sept. 28, 1889. They have four sons, and reside on the old homestead where John's father first lived in St. Mary.

Mr. Bmil W. Krassin

another brother, the youngest of the sons, was born Feb. 5, 1865. He has also spent his life on the farm. He married Miss Edith Gehring, daughter oi Gottfried Gehring, a pioneer settler of Wilton, Dec. 4, 1894. She was born in Wilton, Feb. 14, 1873. They are the parents of two daughters. Emil has a well cultivated farm in St. Mary and leads a happy and contented life.

Mrs. .Julia Krassin Bathkb

only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Krassin, deceased, was born in St. Mary, this county, June 15, 1869. She married a man named Wm. Bathke, Dec. 5, 1896. They separated the following May and have since been divorced. A daughter was born to her in December 1897 and remains with her. Mrs. Bathke resides in Waseca and keeps house for her brother Edward. They have a pleasant home in Broughton's addition to Waseca.

This gentleman was born June 11, 1830, in Gardner, Mass. His occupation was that of chair maker. Mrs. Sarah White Sawin Comee was born July 3, 1836, in Gardner, Mass. These two were married May 13, 1855, in Gardner. They moved to EUisburg, N. Y., where their two children were born. In 1865, the family came to Vivian in this county where they carried on a farm until 1870, when they moved to Waseca. They have resided in this place the greater part of the time since. Mr. Comee was engaged for many years in company with his brother, G. W. Comee, in carrying on a furniture store in this city. From 1888 to 1893, Mr. Comee was employed in a furniture factory in Minneapolis. He then came back to Waseca where he has since carried on a market garden. They have two daughters: Myra, wife of Rev. Robinson residing at Madison, Wisconsin; and Martha, wife of Judge C. E. Leslie, of Carrington, N. D. Judge Leslie was for many years a practicing attorney in this city, and at one time judge of the municipal court of Waseca.

North Star Editor

C. W. Brown, editor of the New Richland paper, is one of the bright, industrious young men of the state. He was born Sept. 24, 1874, in the town of Kalmar, Olmsted county, Minn. His father served in the Tenth Minnesota regiment in the War of the Rebellion.- He was an early settler of Dodge county, Minn. In February, 1891, C. W. went to live in Janesville and commenced work in the office of the Argus. Here he learned the "art preservative," and remained until 1898. In the fall of that year he purchased the Eagle Lake News, and published it for two years. He then sold the News and purchased a half interest in the Janesville Argus. He remained with Mr. Henry until June 15, 1903, when he sold his interest in the paper to his partner, and bought the North Star at New Richland. He at once moved to that place and has made the Star a successful, local "luminary." Mr. Brown and Miss Gertrude Pressnell were joined in holy wedlock June 17, 1896. Miss Pressnell was born near Eagle Lake, Feb. 7, 1878, her parents being early settlers in that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of two hoys.

Mr. John Fisk Murphy

MR. JOHN FISK MURPHY. This gentleman is the oldest practical printer in the county, and understands the business thoroughly. He is the son of Dr. William and Mrs. Sophia (Fisk) Murphy, and was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 7, 1850. His father was born in County Armagh, Ireland, and came to America when three years of age. He was a graduate of the Hahnemann college, Philadelphia, and practiced medicine in that city before coming to Minnesota in 1857. The family resided in Wilton where Dr. Jlurphy died, alter a long illness, May 14, 1859. In the fall of 1862, John P. went to Iowa where he herded and cared for sheep, being employed by X. Garland, the first sheriff of Waseca county. In the fall of 1SG3, John returned to Wilton and was soon after employed as an apprentice in the office of the Wilton News. In January, 1864, he went to live with relatives in Philadelphia and worked for a time in the office of the Daily News, of that city, as proof taker and copy holder. He returned to Wilton July 15, 1865, and again went to work in the Wilton News office where he remained until 1869. He then went to Davenport, Iowa, worked a while in the Gazette office, went thence to Monona county, made a claim, and soon after went to Omaha, Neb., where he worked on the Daily Republican. In 1870 he was foreman of the Pilot, of Blair, Neb., and afterwards returned to Omaha where he again worked at his trade, being for some time employed in a large job office. In 1871, he returned to Waseca, and put in a job office. He was the first to bring a job printing press to Waseca. He published a small campaign sheet for the Horace Greeley campaigners of Waseca county in 1872. He sold his outfit to W. J. Graham who, for a time, published a small paper called the Record. John P'. remained in Waseca working at his trade until 1877 when he went to Baltimore and took charge of the mechanical department of the Presbyterian Weekly, of that city. He returned to Waseca in March, 1879, and again worked on the Radical. He continued with that paper till 1883, when he purchased a half interest in the Waseca County Herald which he still holds. He married Miss Emma J. Hlller, Nov. 15, 1871; they have one daughter, Martha Inez, born Nov. 7, 1872. Mr. Murphy is a Master Mason, and served as worthy master of Tuscan Lodge No. 77 in 1903-4.

Mr. John A. Henry

This gentleman was born in Crawford county. Pa., May 25, 1855, the year that Waseca county was first settled. He is the son of Dr. J. N. Henry and Diana (Merchant) Henry. When John A. was very young his parents went to the state of New York and remained there until 1872, when they came to this state and located near Mankato. His father was not only a physician but a Methodist clergyman. John N. attended the Mankato Normal school three terms, and then read law for a time. He finally went with his father to Janesville where the latter was sent as the M. E. clergyman. Soon after moving here John was employed as postoffice clerk and assistant in the newspaper office of C. E. Graham, who was postmaster and also publisher of the Argus at that place. In August 1881, Mr. Henry purchased the Argus of Mr. Graham which he still owns and publishes. He was appointed postmaster at Janesville in the fall of 1881, and has held that position, either as postmaster or deputy, ever since, except during a portion of President Cleveland's latter term. He is prominent in the councils of the republican party and a strong party man. As a local editor, he Is -active and alert, and no local matter, important or otherwise, escapes him. In social matters he is prominent and useful. He was married to Miss Frances J. Allyn, daughter of Mr. Wm. G. Allyn, one of the very early settlers of the town of Janesville, in 1878. They are the parents of three children: J. Harold, Miss Bthelyn, and Allyn Harrison, all of whom are living.

Mr. H. S. Clement

Mr H S Clement, father of Wm. A. Clement, editor of the Journal-Radical was born in Cornish, N. H., March 19, 1835. He came West to Iowa in 1853 thence to what is now Meriden, Steele county, Minn., in July, 1856 He was the first assessor of that township. He came in company with Col Wm. Drum, and Hon. F. J. Stevens, all of whom took claims near what was then known as Meriden. He lived on his farm just over the county line until 1868, when he purchased a farm In Woodville where he lived until 1883, when he removed to Waseca and engaged in the sale of farm machinery. He continued this business until 1900. He owns a residence and truck farm on North street, Waseca. He married Miss Nellie M. Wilcox Dec. 22, 1868. She was horn in the state of New York in 1841 and died June 12, 1883. Four sons and two daughters were bom to them: Wm. A., of Waseca; Arthur R., of Glendive, Mont.; Mary, deceased; Lucien O., a physician of Lamberton, Minn.; Benjamin, of Waseca; and Miss Emma, at home. Mr. Clement is a man who does his own thinking and is a staunch prohibitionist.

The first winter he passed here was the hardest he ever experienced. Messrs. Clement, Vinton, and Drum, bought hay of Daniel Riegle, who lived in Blooming Grove. Mr. Clement says: "We drew this hay during the winter of 1S5C-7. We had three yoke of oxen and two sleds. The snow was very deep and had a sharp crust which cut the cattle's legs so that they refused to go. The men had to go ahead of the teams and tramp the snow to make a track for them, and, as a final expedient, the oxen's legs were wrapped in cloths to protect them from the sharp crust. In this way it took two days to make a trip. Mr. Riegle could not keep us, so we would, on arriving there, load up and return as far as Joshua Smith's where we would stay over night, and next day make home. In this way twenty tons of hay were hauled in bitterly cold weather. We were thinly clad for this climate and suffered intensely from the cold.

Mr. Barney Burns

MR. WM. A. CLEMENT, son of h. S. Clement, was born Feb. 13, 1870. He commenced to learn the printer's trade in the office of the Waterville Advance, owned by Howard Parrington, in 1889. He remained there until 1891 when he journeyed to Albert Lea and worked on the Enterprise until March, 1892. Then he took a "sit" on the Austin, Minn., Daily Register. In June he went to Lake Benton, Minn., where he workeu until December when he returned to Waseca and worked on the Waseca Herald from Jan. 1, 1893, to Oct. 25, 1894, when he purchased the Annandale, Minn., Post. This he sold March 1, 1895, and worked on the Ellendale, S. D., Commercial until July 5, 1895. In August of that year he entered the employ of the Owatonna Journal and remained there until December, when he returned to the Waseca Herald. Here he remained until the fall of 1896, when he entered the Waseca Journal office as foreman. He remained with that office until the first week in April, 1905, when he became sole proprietor of the plant. He married Miss Hilda Ranke Nov. 16, 1898. She was born in Politz, Pomerania, Germany, July 28, 1874, and came to America with her parents in 1884. They settled in Beadle county, South Dakota. Mr. Clement is a very industrious man and popular with all classes. MR. BARNEY BURNS.

of pioneers that poured into Minnesota in 1856. Barney was born in Monaghan county, Ireland, in 1828, and Mary Duffy, his wife, was born in the same county in 1832. They came to America as far as Ohio about 1850. They were maiTled October 11, 1854, and came to Waseca county in 1856, settling on a claim near the old village of St. Mary, where they still reside. They have reared a family of eleven children, all living and in good health. Their names in the order of birth are as follows: George, in business at Burlington, Iowa; Benjamin, R. R. conductor. Green Bay, Wis.; Anna, Mrs. Ed Bowe, of this county; Mary, Mrs. Gearin, of Webster, S. D.; Elizabeth, Mrs. John Madden, of Waseca; Thomas, of Minneapolis; Rose, Mrs. J. A. Curran, of Woodville; P. H., of Minneapolis; Wm. J., of Webster, S. D.; Catharine, Mrs. Robert Collins, of Woodville; and Frank, of Minneapolis. There .was a happy reunion of all the family Oct. 11, 1904, on the occasion of the golden wedding of the aged couple.

This gentleman is one of the popular business men of Waseca. He was born in Albany, N. Y., Nov. 6, 1862. His father died when W. G. was an infant. Two of his uncles lived near Wilton, at an early day, but soon after settled near Winona, on account of nearness to market. Mr. Gallien came with his mother to Winona, when he was nine years of age. He graduated from the Winona high school in 1881, and the same year entered the drug business at St. Paul. In 1891, he purchased the drug stock of Mr. Rhode of Waseca, and has since continued the business at the corner of Second and Elm streets. He married Miss Jessica B. Parker, daughter of Mr. Albert H. Parker, of Waseca, June 20, 1895. He is a prominent member of the M. B. church, and of one or two fraternal societies. He is a very careful and safe druggist and enjoys the confidence of the public to a marked degree. Mr. and Mrs. Gallien have three children: Helene Guernsey, Jeanne La Page, and William Gross.

Mr. And Mrs. J. L. Werdin

MR. AND MRS. J. L. WERDIN. John L. Werdin was born March 10, 1830; Henrietta, his wife, was born Sept. 25, 1835; both were natives of Prussia. They v/ere married Oct. 2, 1853, in the Fatherland. They came to America in the spring of 1857, arriving at Ripon, Wis., April 3, of that year. They remained there a short time, when, with eight other families, they started with ox teams for Minnesota, their destination being Mankato. It was a rainy season which caused them to be two months on the road and to meet with many discouragements on the way. Arriving at Mankato, then a small town, they held a consultation and concluded to return to Wilton, this county. Mr. Werdin met with a serious accident at Mankato in the breaking of his ox-yoke. He had no money with which to purchase a new one and no way of making one. Fortunately, Mr. John Sell - now of Waseca - who was one of the party of movers, loaned him sufficient money to purchase a new yoke. Mr. Werdin's first location was on eighty acres of land that he bought of Jo Manthey in the town of St. Mary and that is now owned by Mr. McLoone. His first house was built of logs and was twelve by sixteen feet in size. For a number of years the Winnebago Indians lived in close proximity, and. while they were peaceable, they were constantly begging food from their whitc> neighbors, thus making the lives of the new settlers a great hardship; for food, at this time, was high priced and scarce. During the Indian outbreak of 1862, the white settlers gathered nights at the house of John Priebe, returning to their homes to spend the days. Mr. Werdin was the first carpenter to settle in that neighborhood and constructed a number of the first frame buildings in that locality. The first frame bouse he built was for Mr. Harding. He built several other houses; among them being one for Mr. Fred Stoltz, and others for GottlieD Kanne, August Kanne, and Christian Seewald. In 1859, while he and his family were at Wilton, his house, and all its contents were burned. In 1866, he sold his land in St. Mary and bought one hundred and sixty acres in section thirty-three, of Iosco, where he resided until his death, which occurred Jan. 25, 1875.

The cnildren are Ferdinand W., born Sept. 16, 1855, in Prussia; Henry J., born Jan. 29, 1858, in St. Mary, Minn,; Amelia, now Mrs. Weishaar, of Los Angeles, Cal., born March 12, 1862, in St. Mary; J. L. Werdin, Jr., born in Iosco, Minn., Aug. 26, 1864; Otelia, now Mrs. H. O. Riebeth, of Minneapolis, born in Iosco, March 23, 1867; Ernest R., born in Iosco, Feb. 16, 1869; Herman B. P., born in Iosco, Aug. 9, 1872. The two latter reside in Los Angeles, California.

Mrs. Henrietta Werdin, the widowed mother, will be seventy years of age on her next birthday. She resides with her daughter in Minneapolis, and is in the enjoyment of good health.

Mr. Ferdinand W. Werdin

MR. FERDINAND W. WERDIN, who was born Sept. 16, 1855, in Prussia, was married in October, 1878, to Miss Anna Roesler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Roesler, of Woodville. Mr. \verdin is a prominent business man in Glen wood. Pope county, Minn. He is the father of three sons and three daughters. His eldest daughter Blanche is now Mrs. Commings.

Mr. Henry J. Werdin

MR. HENRY J. WERDIN, who was born Jan. 29, 1858, in St. Mary, Minn., was married to Miss Bertha Seewald, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Seewald, of Iosco, Dec. 10, 1880. Mr. Werdin owns a fine farm in Alton near Alma City. His family is composed of five sons - Edward Theodore, Benjamin Henry, John B., Henry .!., Jr., and Ernest C - and three daughters - Dorothy, (now Mrs! Gottschalk), Laura, an.d Tillle.

Mr. Henry Gehring

ing ia the town of St. Mary and afterwards in Wilton on section 13 wliere they now reside. Gottfried was for many years chairman of the board of supervisors of Wilton. He was always a very successful farmer. Mr. Henry Gehring, one of his sons, is also a prominent farmer. He was born in Marquette county, Wis., Dec. 25, 1857, and came to Minnesota with his parents in 1863. He married Miss Augusta Michaelis, daughter of John Michaelis, of New Richland. Augusta was born in Germany, Sept. 8, 1866. She came to America with her parents in 1869. They first lived in Marquette county. Wis., and then came to New Richland in this county in June, 1875. Henry and Augusta were married Dec. 5, 18S5, and have eight children, four sons and four daughters. They have a comforiable home and a well improved farm.

Mr. James M. Hanlby

Mr. Hanley is one of the rising young men of the West, and is now practicing law at Mandan, N. D. He was born at Winona, Minn., January 6, 1877; graduated at Kasson, Minn., high school June, 1893; resided in Waseca from June 1893 to January 1903; attended Carleton college in 1894-95; commenced the study of law with Hon. Peter McGovern, in Waseca, in June 1895, and was city recorder of Waseca during Mayor Moonan's administration in 1897-8. He was ready to take the bar examination in the spring of 1898, but enlisted in Company K, of the Twelfth Minnesota regiment, and went South. He took the state board examination shortly after his regiment was mustered out, at the age of twenty-one, and was admitted to the bar in 1899. He was deputy state oil inspector from January, 1899, to June 1900. At the state democratic convention of 1900, he was elected as alternate delegate to the St. Louis national convention. He was a member of the democratic. First Congressional district central committee and its secretary in 1902. He was secretary of the Waseca county agricultural society from 1900 to 1902, and a member of the Waseca board of health in 1902. He removed to Mandan, N. D., in 1903, and formed the law partnership of Voss & Hanley. He married Miss Irma Lewis, of Waseca, March 3, 1903. She was born in Waseca, July 10, 18V 0, being the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. S. Lewis, early settlers of Waseca. Her father, in his lifetime, was one of the leading attorneys of SouLhern Minnesota, and always a prominent and influential citizen of Waseca. Mr. and Mrs. Hanley have one child, a son, born April 22, 1905.

THE HONORABLE PETER McGOVBRN, the oldest law practitioner in the county, was born in Watertown, Wisconsin, Oct. 9, 1845, of Irish parentage. He attended the public schools, took an academic course and graduated from the law department of the Wisconsin State University in 1871. He came to Waseca in 1872, and opened a law office. In 1873 he was elected county attorney and in 1874 state senator, serving two years in the latter position. He was county attorney from 1884 to 1888; from 1892 to 1894; and also from 1896 to 1898. In the fall of 1898 he was again elected to the state senate and served four years. In the fall of 1902 he was democratic candidate for congressman from the First district and made a strong campaign. At various times he has been city attorney, and holds that position at the present time. He is also one of the board of education of Waseca. In 1883 he married Miss Minnie Gilmore, a native of Canada; they are the parents of five children.

Mr. William Grunwald

One of the substantial farmers of St. Mary is Mr. Grunwald, who was born in Prussia, April 9, 1866, and came to America in May 1872. He worked in and near Waseca as farm hand and laborer several years. He was married to Miss Dora Preohel, of St. Mary, March 22, 1889. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Prechel, now deceased, settled in St. Mary in 1855, and she was born March 22, 1868. Mr. Grunwald lived in Waseca until Dec. 9, 1891, when he moved to the farm where the family now reside.- In 1897, he added another eighty acre lot to the farm making in ail about two hundred forty acres of very fine land. They are the parents of six children: Edwin A., born August 27, 1890; Elsie R., born Nov. 4, 1892; Lilian F., Feb. 20, 1895; John G., May 5, 1898; Henry W., Nov. 21, 1900; and Adeline E., Nov. 3, 1903.

The Honorable Kelsey Curtis

This gentleman who was one of the early settlers at Alma City, was born in the state of Connecticut Nov. 8, 1825. He married Eliza R. Sutliffe April 11, 1848. She was also a native of the Nutmeg state and was born in the year 1824. Four boys and four girls were born to them, but only two sons and two daughters are now living. Though Mr. Curtis followed blacksmithing in younger life, he was engaged in the sale of merchandise while in Alma City. Some years ago, in consequence of failing health, he retired from active business and has since resided in Janesviile. He represented Waseca county in the house of representatives in the sessions of 1872 and 1876. He served as justice of the peace for many years and has always been popular with the people.

Mr. Anders Liane

This successful. New Richland farmer was born May 16, 1845, in Uper Sansver, Norway. He remained in his native land until April 27, 1S70, when ne sailed for America, landing in New York the 14th day of the following May. He arrived in Dane county. Wis., May 21, and at once entered the employ of a farmer.- Jan. 23, 1S74, he united in marriage with Miss Dorothea Brotten, who was born in Norway, May 4, 1849, and who came to Dane county. Wis,, in May 1S73. Both were natives of the same town. They came by team to New Richland, arriving June 7, 1S75. That year he bought eighty acres of land and opened a farm. He now owns three hundred twenty-six acres in section 39, well improved. He is the father of ten living children and two boys who died in infancy. He nas held the office of 'town supervisor and is now town and schooldistrict treasurer. The names of his children are as follows: Caroline, now Mrs. Paska, of Ransom county, N. D. ; Oluf, married and on the farm; Christine, now Mrs. Christianson, of New Richland; Nels, Sam, Karl, Albert, Daniel, Potter, and Dora, all at home. His success in life should be an inspiration to young men everywhere.

Mr. Daniel Dinneen

son of John Dinneen, was born in the town of Byron, Oct. 29, 1866. He is now one of the mail carriers from New Richland. His father, John Dinneen, is a native of Ireland, born in June 1828. He came to America in 1850, landing in New York. He remained in the East until about 1858 when he came to Waseca county. He married Mary Burke in February, 1856, and they have been the parents of five sons and three daughters. The elder Mr. Dinneen at first took one hundred sixty acres of land and afterwards bought three hvmdred twenty acres more, making a large farm. Some years ago he retired from active business, and now resides in Waseca.

Mr. Otto L. Lueck

now of Augusta, Wisconsin, foriherly of this county, was born in Minneapolis, Oct. 19, 1876, but was reared in Waseca county. He enlisted in Company D, 16th U. S. infantry, at Seattle, Wash., March 25, 1898, served in the Philippines with rank of corporal, and was honorably discharged at San Francisco, Cal., Nov. 8, 1900. He married Miss Amy Blodgett April 30, 1902. They have two children: Madyline, born June 20, 190d, and Livingston, born Jan. 25, 1905. Otto is a grandson of Mr. Rudolph Babler, one of the early settlers of Woodville. His mother is now Mrs. George Irvine, of Woodville.

Mr. Orlando M. Simons

of Janesville, one ofthe fathers of Waseca county, was born June 12, 1821, at South New Berlin, Chenango county, N. Y. He married Miss Phoebe StensQn Oct. 30, 1845. She was born April 21, 1824, at Gilbertsville, Oswego county, N. Y. About two weeks after their marriage, they moved to Berlin, Erie county, Ohio. They came to Minnesota, to the town of Janesville in 1859. They endured many hardships on the journey and arrived November 5. They soon after settled on their claim near Elysian. They were here during the hard times of 1859-60, and at the time of the Indian massacre. He was a wagon, and carriage maker by trade, but followed farming after he began his residence in Minnesota. Mr. Simons passed to his final rest June 27, 1905, aged eighty-four years and fifteen days, of heart failure. He had been ill about two weeks. His widow, two sons and five daughters survive him. The sons and daugh- ters are T. A. Simons, Mrs. John Williams, Mrs. J. Bignall, Mrs. C. N. Smith, Mrs. Clarence Thwlng, of Chetek, Wis., P. R. Simons, and Mrs. P. Galagan, the last of LeSueur Center.

Mr. Simons was always a temperate^ honorable, upright man, an affectionate husband, a kind parent, a . good citizen, and an accommodating neighbor. It is said of him that he died without an enemy.

Mr. Julius Gehring

This gentleman is to "the Manor born," being a native of Waseca county and the second Christmas boy in the family, having been born Dec. 25, 1866 - his brother Henry being just nine years of age at the time. Amelia Bethke, daughter of August Bethke, of Woodville, deceased, was born la Germany, Feb. 8, 1870. She married Julius Gehring May 24, 1894, and has borne him three sons and two daughters. They have a pleasant little farm in Wilton, their house being on the old John C. Hunter residence blocK of the old village of Wilton. The site belonged to the William RodQle estate at the time of Mr. Reddle's death.

Mr. Philip Gehring

son of Gottfried Gehring, of Wilton, was bom in the town of St. Mary, Jan. 12, 1864. He lived on the farm with his parents until 1886, when he came to Waseca and worked as a cabinet maker for some time, afterwards learning the painter's trade. He opened a paint shop and commenced business for himself in 1892. He afterwards formed a copartnership with Mr. Klohe in the paint and paper-hanging business. Mr. Gehring served as alderman of the first ward of Waseca four years. Nov. 5, 1892, he married Miss Annie Tetzloff, of Janesville. She was born in Germany, March 9, 1873, and came to America in 1880. Her parents first lived m Janesville village and four years later on a farm in Janesville township. Mr. and Mrs. Gehring have eight children, three boys and five girls.

This gentleman represents the Old Reliable Continental Fire Insurance company, and is a life-time resident of the county. He was born at Lacon, ill., on Feb. 9, 1856. He is a son of Terrence Lilly,. deceased, and came to this county with his parents in 1857. He was reared a farmer, and resided on his farm in Alton until 1895 when he came to Waseca and engaged in the insurance business. He married Miss Nellie G. Sheehah, daughter of Mr. Dennis Sheehan, an early settler, Nov. 9, 1887. She was born in Detroit, Mich., on January 28, 1863, although her parents' home was in St. Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Lilly are the parents of three daughters: Anastasia M., born October 11, 1888; Evelin L., born April 24, 1892; Marcella, born Jan. 31, 1901.

Mr. Emil Sahler

MR. EMIL SAHLER, of Woodville, farmer and inventor, was born in Baraboo, Wis., June 28, 1859. He came to Clinton Falls, Minnesota, with his parents in 1869, and lived there until 1884. Emil Sahler and Miss Minnie Krassin were married June 15, 1882. Minnie is a daughter of the late Christian Krassin, of St. Mary, and was born Dec. 6, 1860. They own a farm of two hundred acres, and have growing thereon, fourteen hundred fruit trees, mostly apple and improved plum. They have a grove of ilve acres about the house, consisting of Norway poplars, evergreens, and soft maples. Including the orchard, they have about sixteen acres devoted to trees. They are also engaged in dairying and general farming. Mr. Sahler is the inventor of the "Boss Fence Tools." He is also a prominent member of the Minnesota horticultural society, and has invented a number of fruit picking implements. Mr. and Mrs. Sahler are the parents of three children, one son and two daughters; Christian, born Dec. 3, 1888; Emma, born Nov. 15, 1890; Lizzie, born July 9, 1898. They have one of the largest and finest fruit orchards in the state, and as they are hard workers, thev realize a comfortable income.

This company was organized about the first of March, 1905, by Emil Sahler, the inventor, and Mr. Harry P. Shafer, with headquarters in Waseca, Minn. Mr. Sahler calls his invention the "Boss Fence Tool." This invention of five tools in one is for stretching wire on wire fences, mending wire fences, pulling and driving staples, etc. It has been patented and on recent improvements patent has been applied for. He has also invented a cow-tail holder whereby the milker, in fly time, can prevent the cow from switching her tail in his face or throwing dirt into the milk. Agents for the sale of these simple, yet valuable implements, are operating in many of the western states, and within the first six months of the company business, they disposed of some twenty-five thousand fence tool implements. The company give liberal terms te agents. In the office picture, Mr. Sahler, the inventor, sits next to the door on the left hand side witn a hammer and wire-stretcher in his hands, and Mr. Shafer, business manager, sits opposite him near the oflice desk.

Mr. Owen Lilly

MR. OWEN LILLY, of Alton, one of its wealthy farmers, was born in Bnniskillen, Ireland, in 1844; he came to America with his parents in 1849, and to mis county in 1857. In April 1883, he married Miss Johanna Fitzgibbon whose parents were among the very early settlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Lilly are the parents of one son and two daughters.

Patrick Farrell

PATRICK FARRELL, of Woodville, is another of the early pioneers. Born in 1831, he came to America from West Meath county, Ireland, in 1847, when sixteen years of age. He. spent one., year in New York, eight years in Indiana, and on the last day of August, 1857, came to Woodville. John Forrest and Wm. M. Green then owned and operated a steam saw mill at the foot of the hill on the road from Waseca to the south shore of Clear Lake. This looked like business and Mr. Farrell concluded to make his home here. He was married to Miss Julia Egan, June 9, 1857, a few days hefore starting for Minnesota. Ten children were horn to them, only four of whom are living. Mrs. Farrell died some years ago. His son Lewis was born in Woodville, in 1858, and now lives in South Dakota. Two daughters reside in Minneapolis, and one daughter, Mrs. John Keeley, resides wuh her husband on the old homestead.