Wright County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1915 (part 3 of 9)

John C. Nugent, Sr., for twenty-seven years sheriff of Wright county, was born in Medford, Middlesex county, Massachusetts, March IS, 1846, son of James Nugent, a native of Ireland, and Maria L. Nugent, a native of Masaschusetts. From Medford the family moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., from there to St. Paul, and in September, 1858, to Chatham township, Wright county. John C. Nugent, Sr., received a good public school education, and upon arriving in Wright county took iip with his parents the duties of pioneer life. The place which they took was covered with timber. Though the)i a boy of but eleven years, the subject of this sketch helped in clearing the land and in getting in the first crops. In 1866 he started out for himself by securing a tract of land in Chatham township. He became a successful farmer and a most i)0]nilar num in the community. A natural leader, it was a matter of course that he should early take an interest in public affairs. He served in local offices and his popularity grew rapidly, so that in 1867 he was elected sheriff' of

Wright county. He served thereafter twenty-seven years, and with the exception of a few intervals toward the close of that period, almost continuously. He was a good officer, fearless and able, and the law and order of the county, under his administration, was most admirably maintained. Sheriff Nugent had a faculty of making friends, and of holding those that he did make, and his influence was widespread. After a useful life of busy activity he died January 15, 1905. Sheriff Nugent was a Blue lodge. Chapter and Conunandery Mason, and a member of the Knights of Pythias, and of the old Druid order. John C. Nugent, Sr., was married, in 1868, to Janette Washburn, born October 24, 1851, of New England ancestry. She died July 29, 1907, widely mourned and deeply beloved. The children in the family were : Nettie (deceased), John C, Jr., Mabel (deceased), Maude, Prank and Loretta.

John C. Nugent, Jr., one of the popular men of Wright county, was born September 11, 1875, on the old Nugent homestead in Chatham township, son of John C. Nugent, Sr., and Janette (Washburn) Nugent. He was reared on the home farm, attended the Buffalo school, and there grew to manhood. For six years he was deputy sheriff' luuler his father, and for two years under William Young. He has a good farm of 267 acres, and carries on general farming, making a specialty of raising good horses. For ten years past he has been rural mail carrier on route 5. He is a member of Buffalo Lodge, No. 141, I. 0. 0. F. Mr. Nugent married Bessie Ryder November 15, 1904, a native of Buffalo, daughter of James and Lena (Boomgard) Ryder, early settlers. James Ryder was born in Michigan and as a small boy was brought to this county by his parents, James and Anna Ryder. He nuirried Lena Boomgard, a native of Holland.

Elmer B. Peterson, of the firm of Swensen & Peterson, lumber dealers, Buffalo, was born in Buff'alo township, August 16, 1883, son of Jacob and Anna Peterson, the early settlers. He attended the district schools and spent his life on the home farm until 1910 when he came to Buffalo and engaged in his present business. A man of genial temperament, thoroughly competent in his business, he has made many friends and has built up a large trade. Mr. Peterson was married, in June, 1910, to Mabel Johnson, daughter of Gust Johnson, a pioneer of Roekford township.

Jacob Peterson was born in Sweden, April 5, 1851, son of Andrew and Carrie (Olson) Erickson, and grandson of Erick Peterson, from whom the family name was derived. In 1868, Jacob Peterson's brother, Erick Peterson (who took his grandfather's name), and his half-brother, Ole Anderson, came to America. In 1869, Andrew Erickson, the father of Jacob Peterson, came. In 1871, Jacob Peterson's half-sister, Christina, came with her husband, Erick Trogen, and two children, Andrew and

Anna. In 1870, Andrew Tating, another half-brother, came. It was on June 2, 1872, that Jacob Peterson himself landed in New York. He was followed in 1873 by the mother, and the remaining sister. They completed the family in America. All are now dead except Jacob Peterson and Christina Trogen. The father, Andrew Ericksou, the half-brothers, Jacob Peterson, Erick Peterson and Ole Anderson, and the brother-in-law, Erick Trogen, each secured homesteads of eighty acres in Silver Creek township. Later Jacob Peterson went to St. Cloud. There he learned the wagon and carriage-making trade. Subsequently he returned to Buffalo and worked in a shop here some five years. Then he moved onto a tract of eighty acres one and a half miles east of Buffalo. Pew improvements had been made on this land and the stumps were abundant. Mr. Peterson made many improvements, farmed at first with a yoke of oxen, gradually introduced modern machinery, erected good buildings and lived on the place twenty-seven years. He was active in church and Sunday school work of the Baptist denomination, and served as a deacon. In 1909 he returned from active farm work, moved to Buffalo, and erected a sightly home on Grant avenue, the most beautiful residence street in the city. Mr. Peterson was married in 1882 to Anna Peterson, born in Sweden January 6, 1859, daughter of Peter Olson and Carrie Erickson, his wife, who spent the span of their years on a farm in Sweden. Two daughters, Anna and her sister, Carrie, came to America in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have nine children, Elmer B., Ellis, Albert, Esther, Minnie, Bartel, Helen, Jennie and Adolph.

Eberhardt F. Nagel, a pioneer, was born in Germany and came to America as a young man. After living two years in Pennsylvania and two years in Ohio, he reached Monticello, in tliis county, where he met and married Louisa Keherbach, who was born in Germany, came to America with her brother, Louis Keherbach, and shortly before her marriage reached Monticello. May 15, 1858, the young people came to what is now Buffalo, and located three m.iles east of the present village on eiglity acres in section 15, Buffalo township. This tract was all wild land in the midst of a wilderness. They erected a log cabin and cut down the trees and broke up and planted the first acre with the use of an old-fashioned grub hoe. In about two years they were enabled to purchase a yoke of oxen. It was about 1863 when they moved to section 18, Rockford township. There they purchased a claim on which a small log cabin and log barn had been erected and six acres of land cleared. They developed this place into a splendid 200-acre farm, and here spent many years of their lives. They were substantial, God-fearing people, and no one stood better in the community than did they. In 1892 they moved to a farm of forty acres, which Mr. Nagel had previously purchased.

on the banks of Buffalo lake, within tlie present village limits of Buffalo. There they ended their days, Eberhardt F. in 1898 at the age of seventy, and his wife in 1909 at the age of seventy-four. Mr. Nagel was one of the organizers of his school district in Rockford township, and served as its treasurer until he removed to Buffalo. A devout Methodist in religion, he helped to establish the first church of that denomination in Rockford township. In the family there were seven children : Edward M., Laura, wife of Frank Crookshank, of Bellingham, Wash.; Herman, now on the forty-acre farm on the banks of Buff'alo lake ; Frank, a druggist of St. Paul, and three who died in childhood.

Edward M. Nagel, for many years prominently identified with the public life of the county and state, was born on section 15, Buffalo township, March 21, 1863, son of Eberhardt F. and Louisa (Keherbach) Nagel, the pioneers. He was reared on his father's farm in Rockford township, attended the public schools, and remained at home for many years. For a considerable period he worked in a hai-dware store in Buff'alo. His public life started while he was still on the farm, where he served for several years as assessor of Rockford township. In 1893 and 1894 he was deputy sheriff' under George C. Carpenter. From 1895 to 1899 he was register of deeds of Wright county. In 1905 and 1906 he was deputy register of deeds under 0. M. Palmquist. In 1906 he was elected to the lower house of the Minnesota legislature, where he served with distinction for two years, in the sessions of 1907 and 1909. During this time he was a member of the committees on Taxes and Tax Laws, Enrollment, Education, Compensation of Public Officials and General Legislation. In June, 1910, he was commissioned by President W. H. Taft as postmaster at Buff'alo. His work in this capacity gave general satisfaction. Always faithful to duty, he worked day by day, and built up as splendid a service as can be found in a town of its size anywhere. He retired August 24, 1914. and re-entered private life. Mr. Nagel has traveled extensively. A man of wide reading and pleasant personality, he makes friends of all with whom he has come in contact, and he is intimately acquainted with leading and influential men throughout the country. Reared on the farm, gardening and horticulture are his great delight, and his apples and garden vegetables have won first prizes at the local fair. Mr. Nagel 's special pride is his handsome cottage on the shores of Buffalo lake, well away from the center of the business activity but within the village limits. The beautiful cottage is set on a sightly lawn, and its interior is finished in hard wood. An orchard of prize-winning apple trees adorns the lawn, and here is also found a small garden. Stretching away to the lake is a picturesque grove, and at the foot of the grove is a beach where the conditions for bathing are ideal. Here Mr.

Nagel entertains his favored friends. Mr. Nagel is a member of numerous societies, including the Chapter and Blue lodge of the Masons. He was one of the organizers of the First State Bank of Buffalo and served as its first vice-president. In 1906 he was a member of the Republican State Central Committee.

Thomas Smithson, a pioneer, was born on Long Island, in New York state, was reared in that state, and as a youth learned the trade of machinist and engineer. He married Hannah Humphrey, a native of New York City, and there were born three children, Susan, George and Amelia. Susan died in New York state. In 1856 Thomas Smithson brought his family to Wright county, among the earliest pioneers, and located on 160 acres on the west side of Lake Pulaski, in Buffalo township. There he erected a log cabin and began farming with the aid of an ox team. On this farm five more children, William, Sarah, Adelaide, Elizabeth, Adeline (twins), Katie and Emma, were born. Sarah Adelaide was but six weeks old when her mother died in 1861, at the age of thirty-three. Bereaved of his wife, Mr. Smithson went to St. Paul, and there for a time followed his trade. For his second wife, he married Harriet Clute, and returned to his farm on Lake Pulaski, where he added eighty acres of land to his original claim, erected modern buildings, and brought the place to a high stage of cultivation. Before coming west he had joined the Baptist church and the Odd Fellows at Hoboken, N. J. At Buffalo he joined the Masons. Mr. Smithson died December 19, 1896, at the age of seventy. It is interesting to note that while woi'king in a foundry at Minneapolis Mr. Smithson helped turn out the first car wheels ever made in Minnesota.

Thomas Henderson, a retired farmer living in Buffalo, was born in Ontario, Canada, January 21, 1855, son of Thomas (Sr.) and Sarah (Robinson) Henderson, natives of Ireland, who came as children to Canada, married and became leading farmers. Thomas Henderson, Sr., died in the prime of manhood, leaving three sons, William, Joel and Thomas. Later the widow married Mathew McClay, and by this union had seven children, Sarah J., Samuel, James, John, Leslie, Margaret and Robert. Mr. MeClay, in 1873, brought the family to Minnesota and settled in Howard Lake, this county, where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Thomas Henderson received his early education in Canada. After coming to this county he took up farming on eighty acres of land in Middleville townshij). He married at the age of twenty-three. In 1881 they went to Sherburne county, where they farmed until 1909. Then they secured five acres in the suburbs of Buffalo, where they now reside, the tract giving Mr. Henderson just enough work to keep him busy, without proving the burden that a larger farm would be. Mr. Henderson is allied with the Masonic body at Mouticello. Mr. Henderson was married April 30, 1878, to Sarah Adelaide Smithsou, daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Humphrey) Smithson, pioneers of Wright county. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have tliree children, Eva Jane, wife of H. H. Chilson, of Big Lake ; George A., of British Columbia ; and Mabel, wife of R. A. Marriage, of Big Lake.

John C. Aldrich, one of the early settlers of Buffalo township, now deceased, was born in Deposit, Broome county. New York, March 2, 1828. At the age of eight he was brought by his parents to Ohio, and from that state, when he was thirteen, they set out by team for Jefferson county, Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood. After attaining maturity he returned to New York state and there married a Miss Tuttle, who died a year later, leaving him one daughter, Hattie. Then he returned to Jefferson county and took up farming for a while. There he married Mrs. Matilda (Whitney) Sexton. It was in 1864 that they came to Minnesota and located in Dakota county. In 1886 they came to Wright county and settled on 160 acres in section 28, Buffalo township, for which he paid $6 an acre. On the place was a log house built by the pioneer, George Davis, and some of the land had been broken. But the place was for the most part wild and timbered. Mr. Aldrich cut off the timber, broke the land, erected a frame house and suitable barns, and became a prosperous man. He was much interested in school matters, and took an active part therein, helping to build the first, second and third schoolhouse in his district. He was also an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Aldrich died in 1898 at the age of sixty-nine. His wife died in 1888 at the age of fifty-eight. They had three children, Elmer, Charles and Willis S.

Charles Aldrich, one of the leading dairymen of Wright county, was born in Dakota county, this state, February 21, 1866, son of John C. and Matilda Aldrich. He was brought to Buffalo township as an infant, was reared on section 28, and on attaining the years of manhood purchased the home place from his father. He now has 120 acres of good land. On it he has erected good buildings and made many other improvements. While he does general farming and raises some Percheron horses, his great specialty is dairying. He has a splendid herd of full-blooded Guernsey cattle that yield him large returns. His average check, per cow, for 1914, was ^98.25. For a long period he has been an officer of the Buffalo Co-Operative Creamery. In 1912, he completed a service of fifteen years as town clerk, in which position he won much praise. He has served on the school board ever since he was twenty-one years of age. In fact, he has done whatever he had found of advantage to the township in which he has lived, and he is regarded as one of her most useful citizens. He is well known in the village and there belongs to the A. 0. U. W. Lodge.

William Abel, a prosperous farmer of Buffalo township, was born on the old homestead in the neighborhood where he still resides, March 1, 1871, son of Jacob and Christina (Eriekson) Abel, the pioneers, who are appropriately mentioned elsewhere. He attended the district schools, and at the age of twenty-two started out for himself by purchasing eighty acres of land from his father. By hard work and industrious intelligence, he has been enabled to add eighty acres more. He has erected modern buildings, and has good equipment. He raises general crops and makes a specialty of full-blooded Holstein cattle. Being of a fraternal disposition, Mr. Abel has allied himself with the Workmen. William Abel was married in 1901 to Florence Uenney, a pioneer, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. They have five children : Ivory, Elmer, Edna, Blanche and Howard.

Jacob Abel, of Buffalo township, is one of the few pioneers who are still living on the original claim that they took in 1858. Although he is over eighty years of age, he and his good wife are still hale and hearty, and he is able to read ordinary type without the help of glasses. He has fought for his country's liberty, has helped develop a new country, and now in ripe old age he is reaping a full measure of honor and respect. Jacob Abel was born in AVilliamsberg, Germany, February 7, 1831, son of Jacob and Riga (Grouse) Abel. In the family there were five children, Jacob, Riga, David, Christ and Christina. Of these, Jacob, the subject of this sketch, was the only one who came to America. He came in 1854, being on the water forty-two days. About four years he lived in Ohio. In 1858 he came to Minnesota and secured a claim on section 15, Buffalo township. Here he endured all the hardships incident to pioneer life. The land was covered with timber and had to be cleared before crops could be raised. But he was enabled to secure a yoke of oxen, and soon he had a cabin built on the present location of the house. Provisions were scarce, and comforts were few. At times the only food was corn bread made from corn ground in a coffee mill. In 1862 and 1863 he was driven away by the fear of the Indians. After the Indian troubles were over the Civil war continued to rage, calls kept coming for )nen, and in 1864 he went to Ft. Snelling and enlisted in Co. B, Eleventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, serving until the close of the war. He was mustered out in Tennessee, June 26, 1865. Then he returned to his claim, where he has since resided. As time passed he added to his farm, buildings of modern construction were erected, and he became one of the substantial men of the community. He helped to build the Pelican lake church, served a long period as a school officer, and was town supervisor I'or seven years. Mr. Abel was married in 1866 to Christina Ei'iekson, boi'n in Sweden, February 4, 1846, dautrhter of Swan and Anna Erickson, wlio came to America in 1850 with their family, and several years later located in Marysville, Wright county. Their children were Peter, Mary, Swan, Nels, Manuel Mr. and Mrs. Abel have had ten children: John, Anna, William, and Christina. Christina did not come when the rest of the family did, but remained several years in Sweden and came later. Christina (deceased), Nels, George, Edward, Emma, Albert and Fi-itz.

Willard Denney, a leading farmer, living in section 27, Bufl'alo township, was born near Clinton, Mich., January 6, 1848, son of Amos and Emeline (Beckley) Denney, the pioneers, who in 1856 brought him to Roekford township, and in 1865 to Buffalo township, and located in section 26. He grew up on this place, and now owns a splendid farm in sections 26 and 27, seventy-two acres of which was in his father's homestead. He cleared most of this land, brought it under cultivation, and developed it to a high degree. His house and barns are substantial, and he is regarded as a desirable citizen in every respect. A pioneer himself, and the son of a pioneer, he has watched the county grow, and has taken his share in its progress and advancement. He remembers the days when he cleared the wild wood with an ox team, and he also knows of the privations and trials of pioneer times. When he now looks over his 272 acres of spreading farm lands he contrasts it with the view which met his eyes when he first came here, and he is thankful for the strength and energy which has enabled him to bring these conditions about. While he has devoted his attention largely to general farming, he has made a specialty of good grade swine and Shorthorn cattle, and he possesses a good thoroughbred bull. Being interested in education, Mr. Denney has served as a member of the school board of his district. He was married at the age of twenty-four years to Kate Elliott, of Roekford township, a daughter of John Elliott. Their children are: Alice, Florence, Mabel (deceased), Albert (deceased), Walter, William and Frank (deceased).

Amos Denney, pioneer, now deceased, was the son of a Revolutionary war veteran and was born in New York state. In that state he married Emeline Beckley, and shortly afterward moved to Michigan. From there they went to Illinois, and stayed about one and a half years. It was in 1856 that they started for Minnesota in a covered wagon, bringing their household goods, their stock, and their children, John, Mark, Celar, Willard, Anna, Lydia, Goodeth, Mary and Adaline. Two of these children, Mark and Celar, served in the Civil war, and the latter gave up his life on a southern battlefield. It was well toward the fall in 1856 when the family reached Roekford township and located on 160 acres of wild land on the shores of Beebe lake. With the aid of his sons, Amos Denney put up a hewn log house, but it was burned before it was quite finished, and, somewhat discouraged, the family moved to the village of Roekford. Later they returned to the claim and put up another log house. Mr. Denney was a cooper by trade and secured considerable work in that line in Roekford and vicinity. At the outbreak of the Civil war he ofli'ered his services, but was rejected. After the war, he secured a homestead of 160 acres on Green Mountain lake in section 26, Buffalo township. Here he built a log cabin, cleared the land, and developed a good farm. A man of decided mechanical ability, he was fond of working about engines. This talent, however, cost him his life, for on February 14, 1878, an engine which he was repairing at Pelican lake exploded and killed him instantl.y. His widow died in 1914 at the good old age of ninetythree years.

Charles P. Cotterell, a successful farmer of section 18, Buffalo township, has one of the neatest places in the county. The sightly house is surrounded by a well-kept lawn, the buildings are of the most modern construction, and the farm land, fences, and implements everywhere testify to the thrift and taste of the owners. While comparatively new comers, the members of the family have taken their part in Wright county life, and none are more esteemed and respected than they. A native of Wisconsin. Mr. Cotterell was born in Mineral Point, Dodge county, July 5, 1850, a son of Richard Cotterell and his good wife. Richard Cotterell was a shoemaker by trade. He was born in England, and upon coming to this country located in Wisconsin. There his wife died, leaving him two small children, Sarah, now wife of Stephen Green, of Bnft'alo, and Charles P. After her death he brought his family to Olmsted county, Minnesota, where he farmed for many years and where he died at the age of seventysix. By his second wife, he had four daughters and two sons. He was a most admirable man, and a prominent member of the Odd Fellows. Charles P. Cotterell was an infant of but one and a half years when he lost his mother. He was seven years old when he was brought to Olmsted county, this state. He was reared on a farm, and upon attaining young manhood secured a farm in Lyons county, also in this state. There he and his good wife, Isabella Crookshank, farmed for some thirty years. They were prominent people in their community and Mr. Cotterell served for some time as supervisor in Grand View township, in that county. It was in 1900 when they came to Buffalo township and located on the eighty aci-es which they now occupy. Here they made extensive improvements, and brought about its present pleasing appearance. Mr. Cotterell is now practically retired from active farm work. In the family there are four children :

Levi EUetson, liiniself a pioneer, represents the third generation of sturdj' men who have helped develop Minnesota, and he in turn has raised a fourth generation of splendid children who will still further take their part in Minnesota's progress. The founders of the family, Job and Marie Elletson, were born in England. About 1836, stirred with noble endeavor, they set sail for the new M'orld, and upon their arrival established for themselves a home in Canada. In his latter years. Job Elletson came to Minnesota, and located in W^abasha county, where he died. He was twice married and reared a large family. By his first marriage he had four children. Job, Frank, Elizabeth and Mary, and by his second marriage he had seven children, Albert, William, Daniel, George, Mariah, Mary and Hannah. Frank, the second son of this family, came to Wabasha county, Minnesota, in the earlj^ fifties, and there established for himself a home in the wilderness. But as the years passed he decided to venture still further into the wilderness. Accordingly, with his household goods and his family, he set out for Wright county in an old-fashioned wagon drawn by a pair of oxen. They passed through St. Paul, continued their journey, and in time reached Buifalo township, where they secured 160 acres in section 10. There was an old shack on the place, and into this the family moved. No roads led to the tract, thick woods covered all the neighborhood, no other settlers were near, and provisions were scarce. But they set at work with a will, clearing the land, getting in crops, putting up a log house, and preparing for the future. They were well on the road to prosperity when the Civil war opened. Fired with the zeal of patriotic enthusiasm, Frank Elletson listened to the call of duty and enlisted in Co. H, Fifth Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. For three years and six months he followed the fortunes of that regiment, proving himself in every way a loyal soldier. At the battle of Gettysburg he received a slight wound. Returning home after the war he again took up the duties of farm life. Gradually he developed the farm, and attained a substantial prosperity. In his latter years he joined the G. A. R. and he delighted in telling of his experiences in the war. He died July 9, 1898. By his good wife, Permile Prindle, he had three children, as follows : Fannie, May and Levi. Levi Elletson, the third child of this family, was born on the old homestead in Buffalo township, June 2, 1861. He assisted his father in developing the home farm, and now owns the place where he was born. To the original claim he has added 160 acres more. He is a successful fanner, and makes a specialty of blooded Hereford cattle. He also raised fine sheep and swine and a few horses. He has a pleasant modern home, and his well tilled acres are very productive. While interested in pubUc affairs and the intimate friend of many public men, Mr. Elletson has been too busy with his work to engage actively in political life. He has, however, taken a prominent part in fraternal matters, being a charter member of Buffalo Camp No. 3926, M. W. A., of Buffalo, and a member of Buffalo Lodge No. 141, I. 0. 0. F. ; also the Encampment at Montrose. Mr. Elletson was married December 4, 1883, to Amanda J. Varner, born March 2, 1863, daughter of Henry Varner, the pioneer, who is elsewhere appropriately mentioned. Mr. and Mrs. Elletson are the parents of nine children, all of whom are living. They are : Annie E., born April 2, 1885; Henry V., born April 11, 1887; Miles Francis, April 9, 1889 ; James Adam, born April 27, 1891 ; Mark Eugene, October 8, 1893; Susan Edna, January 21, 1896; Reuben Wesley, September 18, 1899 ; Harry Golden, July 24, 1902 ; and Donald Morgan, February 6, 1905.

Andrew N. Larson, supervisor of Buft'alo township, comes of one of the sturdy pioneer families, and as a boy knew what it was to endure the sufferings and privations of life in the wilderness in the early days. He was born in Sweden, September 25, 1856, son of Nels and Marie (Anderson) Larson. In 1866 the parents and the three boys, Louis, Nelson and Andrew N., left their native land, and embarked on a sailing vessel. After a long and tedious voyage of seven weeks, they reached Quebec, and from there went to Montreal, and thence to Detroit, Mich. They were poor, and just starting in life in a new world, but by doing such work as he could find along the way, the father managed to get his family to the Mississippi river, where they took a boat to St. Paul. From there they went to Carver county, where the father worked in the woods during the winter of 1866-67. In the spring of 1867, the family came by team to Wright county, where the father secured employment on the railroad. Later in the spring, the mother left the son, Louis, with his uncle, Nels Anderson, and walked with her other sons, Nelson and Andrew N., back to Carver county, shearing sheep and working by the day to earn a little ready cash. After the railroad came through, the father secured forty acres of land in section 32, Buffalo to^\^lship, and the family settled thereon. They first built a log shack, with a flat roof, sloping enough in one direction to partially shed the water. Later they erected a log cabin with a gable roof. With an ox team they began to clear the land, and in time had a well cultivated farm. Nels Larson was born June 10, 1826, and died March 5, 1914. He was a deacon in the Lutheran church. His wife died about 1902. Andrew N., the son, was reared on the home farm. After leaving his father's place he purchased 120 acres in sections 27 and 28, Buffalo township, eighty acres being on tiie west side. lie cleared off the woods, cleaned out the stumps and by hard labor brought the land under cultivation. After his marriage he and his wife lived in a log granary until they put up the house. Later, from time to time, a full set of buildings was erected. Mr. Larson is a Progressive in polities, having formerly been a Republican. He has been a delegate to numerous conventions, and has served for some time in his present position as township supervisor. He is a school officer of district 24, a trustee of the Lutheran church, and a shareholder in the Buffalo Co-operative Creamery. As a young man Mr. Larson married Christina Anderson, now deceased. She left three children, Malinda, Lambert and Nimrod. The present Mrs. Larson was formerly Lena Olson.

Conrad Link, a substantial farmer of section 10, Buffalo township, was born in New York city, May 24, 1853, a son of John and Mary Link, who were born in Germany, came to America on the same ship, and were married in New York city. After living in that city a year they moved to Marion, Ohio. In 1856 tliey came to Wright county and secured 120 acres in section 10, Buffalo township. This tract was located in a stretch of wild woods. They erected a log cabin, and with the help of an ox team cleared enough land to put in the first crops. It was two years before they were able to buy a cow. Even then the dairy business presented many difficulties. At one time the father walked to St. Michaels with twenty poundsi of butter and traded it for a three-tinned hay fork. Many traditions of the early days are related by the family. The old log cabin stood across the street from the present residence. Near it is the site of the field where the father raised potatoes by planting them in the unplowed ground and then cultivating around them. The hoe with which he did this work is still preserved. When the Indian uprising came, and the settlers fled, leaving their goods, stock and crops, he still stuck to his little place. The Indians did not come and no harm befell him. As the years passed the family prospered. Their efforts made possible the Pelican Lake Methodist Episcopal church, for the land for the church and cemetery were given by the son, Conrad, while a good deal of the work on the building was done by the father, John. John Link died November 22, 1891, and his wife August 22, 1887. The children in the family were Conrad, John, Jr., Louise and Caroline. Conrad came with his parents as a baby from New York city to Marion, Ohio, and from Marion to Buffalo township. He attended the schools of the neighborhood, and as he grew to manhood gradually assumed the duties of the home farm. He did his share in the developing of the home place, and on the part which he now owns he has made many modern improvements. He is a hard-working progressive man, the worthy son of a worthy father, and he is one of those people who are called the backbone of the nation, for aside from assisting in the development of the country, he has reared a splendid family of children, who have good pioneer blood on both sides of the family tree. Mr. Link married Mary Dorf, born in St. Paul, daughter of Carl Dorf, an early settler of Buffalo township. They have ten children: Mary, John, August, Harry, Mamie, Lillian, Lawrence, Elsie, Irene and Clarance, all of whom are living. Mr. Link has served on the town board and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Pelican Lake.

August C. Flamant, the pioneer, was born in Laisne, Prance, April 18, 1824. In July, 184,5, he was married to Catherine Victoria Martin. On October 31, 1851, they sailed for America, crossing the Atlantic, and reaching St. Louis by coming up the Mississippi via New Orleans. From there they went to Highland, Madison county, Illinois, where they engaged in farming. Of their four children, two died in infancy. In the spring of 1862, Mr. and Mrs. Flamant, with their two children, a son and a daughter, moved to St. Paul, where they lived for four months. July 4, 1862, they reached Buffalo, this county, and settled on a homestead in Marysville township, Wright county. Some twentynine days later the first Indian outbreak occurred. Mr. Flamant took his family to Elk River, but he and Frederick Fletcher returned to the homestead and remained during the Indian troubles. In 1863, when the outbreak was renewed the family again went to Elk River. It is interesting to note that after the Dustin massacre Mr. Flamant and Mr. Fletcher walked six miles through the dense woods to Waverly Mills and saw Mrs. Dustin, who had been pierced through the breast by an arrow. But these exciting times passed, and with the years the Flamants were enabled to develop their place in peace, bringing it from a wildeniess to a profitable farm. August Flamant now lives with his son Emil. His wife, who was born July 10, 1819, died in 1903. The daughter, Mrs. Josephine Gerard, died in 1898.

Emil Flamant, who owns a beautiful fai'iti on the shores of Lake Pulaski, in Buffalo townshiji, was born in Highland, Madison county, Illinois, April 12, 1858, son of August C. and Catherine Victoria (Martin) Flamant. He was educated in the district schools and learned farming from his father. As a young man he purchased eighty acres of wild land in Marysville tovsTisliip, adjoining his father's. Like his father before him he had his experience in clearing and developing the timber country. In doing this he used oxen, five of six yoke of which he "broke" and trained himself. While occupied with Ins own affairs he also took an interest in the progress of the neighborhood, and being a friend of education he served for some time as clerk of district No. 25. In April, 1899, lie sold liis farm and bought eighty acres of land in section 20, Buffalo township, on the banks of Lake Pulaski, and here he now resides. His home is sur- rounded with park-like grounds, while the farm, on which he has made many improvements, is well cultivated and productive. He carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of raising good stock. Mr. Plaraant married Mary Christina Johnson, a native of Sweden, the daughter of John Johnson. They have four children. Alice Mabel died in infancy. Helen Mabel is teaching school. Arthur Emil Richard is at home on the farm. Edgar is assistant cashier and stenographer in a bank at Mahnomen, Minn.

Robert Leeson, son of John and Elizabeth Leeson, was born in Canada May 24, 1857, and in 1861 came with his parents to Buffalo, where the family, then consisting of his father and mother, an older brother, Richard, and younger sister, Eliza, settled on a claim taken up by the father in the deep woods. Along towards the close of the Civil War, John Leeson, the father, entered the Union army, leaving the family on the claim, where young Robert and his brother Richard assisted their mother in the cultivation of the cleared land. Times were hard and the family suft'ered great hardships. Indians were in the country at that time, and were a constant menace to the settlers, who were few and far between, and many times young Robert's hair was made to stand on end by his meeting Indians in the thick woods. At that time the most of the men were in the army, and the women folks sometimes received warning that the Indians were on the warpath, when they, with the children, would go to the fort, Mdiich was built where the village of Buft'alo is now situated. Robert Leeson was married March 17, 1896, to Annie Fretag, and four children have been born to them, three of whom are still living, viz. : Marie Gladdis Leeson, aged 17 ; Alma Leeson, 14 years of age, and Margaret Leeson, two years of age. Mr. Leeson has been farming all his life and is now the owner of a well improved farm of eighty acres in the township of Buffalo, upon which he resides with his family and which he successfully cultivates. He is also the owner of an undivided interest in another 160-acre farm owned by his father at the time of his death. Mr. Leeson is a successful and well to do farmer, and is a Republican in politics.

John Leeson. In the middle of the past century there were living in Ireland two worthy families named Leeson and Wren. The Leeson family consisted of the jiarents, John Leeson, Sr., and his wife Elizabeth, |imd seven childi-en, William, John, Richard, Joseph, Sarah, Maria and Eliza. The Wren family consisted of the parents, Robert and Mary Ann (Thompson"! Wren, and two daughters, Jane and Elizabeth. Later, in Canada, two sons, Thomas and Robert, were born to the Wren family. Suffering under the various injustices to which Ireland was at that day subjected, the two families moved to Canada. At that time they were not acquainted. John Leeson, Sr., died on board ship, but his widow and children continued the journey. In Canada the son John, the subject of this mention, met and won Elizabeth Wren. In 1860 or 1861 John and Elizabeth (Wren) Leeson left Canada with their three children, Richard, Robert and Eliza, and after a long and tiresome trip reached Buffalo township, in Wright county, where they took a claim in the deep woods. They erected a log cabin, and with an ox team prepared the land for cultivation. Times were hard, provisions were scarce, and Mr. Leeson often had to walk many miles to get a sack of meal. During these trips his worthy wife was often left alone. At one time, when every one except her was away from home, Mrs. Leeson saw a savage bear approaching the Little clearing about the cabin. The bear took away the only pig they possessed, and then returned and made his way toward the caliin. Mrs. Leeson took her bed and went to the liole under the cabin, where she stayed until her husband returned. One day when she was churning, word came that the Indians were in the neighborhood, and leaving the partly-churned butter in the bowl she fled with the rest, remaining away until the danger had passed. The Civil War was now raging and repeated calls came for men to defend the Union. In the latter part of the conflict Mr. Leeson enlisted in Company B, Eleventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and served until the close of the conflict. After the war he again took up the work of developing his farm, and with the years he attained prosperity, wresting a well-cultivated place from the wilderness. He made his home on the homestead until his lamented death, in May, 1896, at the age of seventy-six years and six months. His widow, who was born March 2, 1831, now lives in the village of Buffalo. Mr. Leeson was a Republican in politics, and held the office of assessor of Bulfalo townsliip for many years. He was a member of the Methodist church and of the G. A. R. A good, true man in every respect, he was highly regarded for his many sterling qualities.

Gilbert Middagh, proprietor of Cedar Grove Farm, section 5, Buffalo township, is one of the leading farmers of the county. He was born in Mountain to\\mship, the province of Ontario, Canada, October 26. 1851, son of Gilbert Middagh, Sr., and Anna (Loucks) Middagh, his wife. He came with his parents to Iowa in 1865 and to Minnesota in 1868. As a young man he took up farming on a forty-acre tract near his parents' home in Winsted, Minn. With the help of an ox team he cleared this tract and brought it under cultivation. In 1901 he sold out and bought <'ighty acres of land in section 5, Buffalo township. This place was partly improved, but Mr. Middagh has developed it still further and erected some sightly buildings. He has been very successful, and carries on general farming and raises good grade stock. Mr. Middagh was married December 19, 1879, at Howard Lake, this county, to Sarah J. James, born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, August 18, 1858, daughter of Edward and Jane (Kinch) James. To this union have been born nine children: Mary, born September 2, 1880, died December 18, 1891 ; Gilbert, born August 2, 1882; Ira, born, November 14, 1884; Nettie, born September 10, 1886, died January 2, 1888 ; Ezra, bom December 20, 1890, died in Februaiy, 1891; Morgan, born April ?,, 1892: Ralph, born May 12, 1898; Earl, born September 12, 1897, and Pearl, born August 24, 1903. Edward and Jane (Kinch) James were both natives of Canada, their parents having come to that country from Ireland. They came to the United States about 1868 and located in St. Paul. Then they went to Howard Lake, Victor township, in this county, and farmed several years. Next they took a farm in Monticello township, near Pelican lake, Avhere they spent the remainder of their days, Edward James dying September 13, 1914, at the age of eighty-two, and his wife October 15, 1909, at the age of seventy-five. Their children were Sarah J., William B., Albert B., Elizabeth A. (deceased), Mary R., Isaac E. and Henry M. Edward James was the sou of William and Elizabeth (Chanley) James. The family combines both Irish and Scottish blood. John and Mary (Grauberger) Middagh were both natives of Holland, but were married in Canada, to which country they came as children. Their children were Harry, Gilbert (Sr.), John, Sarah and Elizabeth. Jacob and Jemima Loucks were also born in Hollaud and came to Canada as young people. Their children were Michael, Charles, Jacob, Eliza, Anna, Jemina, George, Mary and Sarah. Gilbert Middagh, Sr., was born on the banks of the Mohawk river in Canada, May 31, 1811. He worked as a farmer and as a blacksmith and was on the road to success when he joined in the Fenian uprising. As a result he was forced to flee to the United States in 1865. For a time he lived in Iowa, but in 1868 came to Minnesota and located on a farm near Winsted, where he spent the remainder of his days. He died in 1881.. His wife, Anna Loucks, was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, in August, 1819, and died in 1901 at the age of ninety-one. Their children were : John, Rachael, Sarah, Jacob, Mary, Gilbert, Anna, Elizabeth, Dinah and Lucy.

Henry OrdorfF, an honored pioneer of Buifalo township, now deceased, was bom in Westphalia, Germany, November 27, 1832, a son of Reinhold and Mary Ordorff, who spent the span of their years on a farm in Germany. In the family there were two sons, Henry and Fred. Henry grew to manhood in Germany, and on April 26, 1885, was married to Margaretha Wieben, who was bom September 27, 1839, daughter of Jacob and Margaretha (Petersen) Wieben, also Germany farmers. In the Wieben family there were ten children : Margaretha, Hans,

Christiua, Marie, Catherina (deceased), Catherina, Johan, Anna, Dorris and Sophia. Margaretha, as mentioned, married Henry OrdoriT; Hans resides in Germany; Christina is now Mrs. Koch of Germany; Marie married Fred Ordorff and after her death her husband married her sister, Dorris; Catherina is now Mrs. Petersen, of Iowa; Johan came to America but later returned to Germany, where he died ; Anna married Henry Hennerson, and they live in Germany ; Sopliia married Cornelius Hansen, of Osseo. In 1868, Henry Ordorff with his wife and daughter Mary, and Fred Ordorff witli his wife and daughter Mary, reached New York after a sailing voyage of eleven days. From New York by long tedious ways they reached St. Paul. From there they went to St. Anthony and took a boat for Monticello. After looking about for a while, Henry Ordorff bought 160 acres of land in section 15, Buffalo towaiship. The purchase was made from a Mr. Bodems, who had built a small shack on the place, but had done no clearing. Into this shack Henry Ordorff' moved his family, and with an ox team began to clear the land. A few yeai*s later he built a log house and a log barn. Year by year he toiled and gradually the place began to assume something of its present aspect. To the original tract he added another 152 acres, and this he developed as fully as the other. In time the log cabin was remodeled into a modern and substantial dwelling, surrounded by a sightly windbreak of pine trees. The log barn has been replaced with a large barn, 40 by 70 feet with a basement, a three-story granary with a basement and other buildings. There has been a vast outlay of time and money on the place. There are tool sheds, workshops and a blacksmith shop, equipped with a full line of tools for blacksmith and carpenter work. The implements and machinery on the place are kept in the best of repair, and assistance is also rendered to the neighbors. A walk through the buildings and over the groiuids shows the place to be admirably equipped for modern farming along the latest approved methods. Since Mr. Ordorff 's death in 1902, at the age of seventy-two, the place has been operated by his sons. With all his busy life, Mr. Ordorff found time for church and school work. The first Lutheran meeting in this vicinity was held at his home ; he helped to build the first church of that faith in this vicinity and was one of its trustees. He was a good man, thoroughly respected by his associates. There were six children in the family: Mary, born April 23, 1866; Christina, born February 14, 1880; Henry C, August 22, 1871; Christolf, died in infancy; Theadore (first), died in infancy, and Theadore, who was horn August 25, 1877, and married Lena Hartfield September 24, 1914. Henry and Theadore were born on the home farm, educated in tlie district schools, reared to farm pursuits, and have always remained at home, being among the successful young men of the township.

Burton Prestidge, the capable superiuteiulent of the Wright county farm, was born in Rockford township, this county. May 5, 1874, son of the pioneer, Thomas Prestidge, appropriately mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was educated in the district schools of his neighborhood, and at the Rockford High school. For some years he followed farming in Marysville township, and for a time he was in the livery busines in Montrose. It was in 1911 that the county commissioners selected him for his present position, and he has more than proven his worth and ability. Everything about the farm and buildings is kept in the best of condition ; he makes the most of the land given him to operate ; he is considerate to the inmates placed in his charge, and all in all has demonstrated his value to the county. Mr. Prestidge was married October 17, 1912, to Mamie Hunt, daughter of Joseph Hunt. By a previous marriage she has one son, Joseph. The Wright county farm consists of fifty-six acres of good land on the shores of Lake Constance. The house is thoroughly modern, and contains sixteen rooms, aside from the bath rooms, halls and the like. There is a good water system, and everything possible is done for the comfort of the wards of the county who are here sheltered and cared for. Mr. and Mrs. Burton Prestidge, who are in charge of the place, have an average of from twelve to eighteen people in their charge.

Traugott Schmidt, a pioneer of Buffalo township, was born in Dorgru, Germany, and was there reared. About 1858 he came to the United States and secured employment in Chicago. It was in 1860 that he came to Wright county and took a homestead of 160 acres in section 25, Buffalo township. The tract was all wild land, and Traugott set at work with a will to bring it under cultivation. The first two years were especially hard. He had no oxen and no means of conveyance, so he had to walk to Minneapolis whenever he needed provisions, bringing the supplies home on his back. Later he was enabled to secure supplies in Rockford, and by the time he had prospered sufficiently to purchase a pair of oxen conditions were a little better. About this time he married Marguerite Herman, who had been born in Germany, October 13, 1835. The young lady had come to St. Michaels to join her brother Valentine Herman, and here she met her future husband. Valentine Herman was an extensive traveler and before settling in St. Michaels had seen life in many lands, including Australia and the gold fields of California and Colorado. Not long after their marriage Traugott Schmidt enlisted in Company K, Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. His good wife had her full sliare of pioneer hardships, and while her husband was fighting his country's battles at the front she often picked gooseberries and blackberries, and putitng them in three-gallon pails trudged to Monti cello, where she exchanged them for groceries. When Mr. Schmidt returned he again took up farm labor. He was an honest, hardworking, industrious man, and in time acquired sufficient land so that he owned in all 600 acres. Faithful to church duties, he helped to build the Lutheran church in liis neighborhood and was one of its trustees. He also served for a long period as clerk of his school district. He died in 1907, at the age of eighty-two. His good wife died May 15, 1903. Their children were : William, Rheinhold, Oscar, Emil, Johanna, Denna and Henry.

Henry Schmidt, a progressive young farmer of section 25, Buffalo township, was born on the old homestead, July 31, 1874, son of Traugott and Marguerite (Herman) Schmidt, the pioneers. He was educated in the district school of which his father was clerk, attended the Lutheran church of which his father was trustee, and grew to manhood on the farm. He has jjart of his father's homestead on the shores of Green Mountain lake, has a modern home and buildings, and a good equipment of machinery and tools, and is regarded as a successful man in every way. For some thirty years past he and his brothers have operated a threshing machine. He married Johanna Schumacher, who was born in Wright county, December 13, 1877, daughter of William Edward and Emma (Seheer) Schumacher, natives of Germany and pioneers of Wright county. William Edward Schumacher was a pioneer of Company E, First Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt have three children: Raymond, Almond and Melvin.

Lafayette Vamer, now deceased, a pioneer of Buffalo township, and a veteran of the Civil war, was born in Pennsylvania, April 10, 1841, a son of John and Mary (Bitts) Varner, who are appropriately mentioned elsewhere in this work. Lafayette Varner spent his youth and early manhood on a farm in his native state. At tlie outbreak of hostilities between the North and the South he enlisted in the dashing Co. K, of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served with valor throughout the war. In the spring of 1856 he came to Minnesota, arriving in Wright county May 15. After looking about for a time, he purchased eighty acres of land from James Washburn in section 18, and with an ox team started to carve his fortunes in the wilderness. In July his wife and her brother, William Hickman, came to the little pioneer home. Times were hard, but by dint of faithful work, Lafayette Vanier and his wife prospered. They labored early and late, and in time success crowned their efforts. Mrs. Varner, who is a typical pioneer woman, has many memories of the troubles and trials they faced together. Money was scarce, comforts and conveniences were few, there was a family to rear and send to school, and little time for rest or recreation. Mr.

Mr. And Mrs. Octavius Loxgworth

Varner became a substantial member of the community. He served in town and school olHce, and was a well-liked member of the G. A. R. post at Buffalo, as well as of the Odd Fellow lodge there. His death, June 2, 1909, was sincerely mourned. Lafa.yette Varner was married February 5, 1860, to Christina Hickman, born March 20, 1842, daughter of William and Sarah (Stover) Hickman, natives of Pennsylvania, the former being a veteran of the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Varner had nine children : Solomon, born June 19, 1863 ; Sarah Ida and Mary Ida, twins, born May 8, 1866; James F., born August 31, 1869, died October 1, 1887 ; Maude, born February 15, 1873 ; Etta Jane, born June 27, 1874; Marie, born April 9, 1878; Zachary Taylor, born September 29, 1879 ; Newton, born February 26, 1884.

Octavius LongAvortli, an estimable and highly respected citizen of Corinna township, was born in New York city, March 22, 1805. He came of an old New York family. His father was a prominent publisher of that day, his residence and publishing house being opposite the old Astor home and City Hall park, the latter being called "The Shakespeare Gallery." On December 30, 1830, he was married to Miss Phebe Dean Wade, daughter of Col. John and Sarah Lyon Wade of Springfield, N. J. Mr. Longworth was a man of literary taste and for many years had a book and stationery store in Brooklyn ; he was also postmaster of that city for several years. He had heard much of the northwest, and being fired with the spirit of his colonial ancestors, he determined to have his jjart in subduing the wilderness and in building up the counti-y. Accordingly, in the spring of 1856, he, with his wife and children, a brother and his family, twenty-one in all, and twenty-two trunks, arrived in Davenport, Iowa. As is usual in such cases, where experience in farm life is entirely lacking, failure was the result. After seriously considering whether to move to Minnesota or Cincinnati, Ohio, where his cousin Nicholas Longworth resided, Minnesota won and on May 6, 1859, the family arrived in what was then Clearwater, but now Corinna. They located on Clearwater Lake, the present site of "Longworth," the famous summer resort, kept for many years by the famil.y, the last fifteen years of which by the youngest daughter, Jennie, but now by Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Tuelle. Mr. and Mrs. Longworth were true pioneers. There were only five families within a radius of five or six miles. They settled in the woods, a log cabin was erected, and a clearing made with the assistance of a yoke of oxen. The first crop was put in between the stumps. Times were hard, money scarce and provisions hard to obtain ; the hardships were many and comforts were few. Fortunately, about this time the ginseng buyers came along and by digging the roots, which were plentiful, the family were able to earn some ready cash. Then when prospects began to brighten, the Civil war broke out and the two older sons enlisted, the eldest one serving till tlie close of the war, the other one dying as soon as he reached the sonth. Thns the mainstays of the family were taken away, as the other two sons were very young. As the years passed, however, the family became more prosperous. They saw the county develop and they did their share by improving their farm. Good buildings took the place of log structures, and neatly fenced, well tilled lands took the place of the virgin forests. Mr. Longworth was a public spirited man and his influence and wise counsels did much in the early days of Corinna. He was active in organizing the township of Delhi, now Corinna. The summer resort business started by admitting an invalid gentleman and his wife into the home circle for a few weeks. From this on the business grew luitil the place became most popular. A small Episcopal church was erected on land given by Mr. Longworth, by eastern friends, who thus reineinbei'ed the family so removed from all church privileges, and until the time of his death, March, 1889, Mr. Longworth was lay reader in the little church. Mrs. Longworth was much beloved by all who knew her, always to be found by the bedside of the sick and the dying, helpful when a physician could not be secured, to her family, only what such a wife and mother can be. Slie died August 19, 1893. Of the family, only three remain, Mrs. Sarah W. L. Smith of Clearwater, and Octavius and Jennie W. Octavius, Jr., was a boy of nine years when he was brought from the city to take up his residence in the wilds. He was reared on the home farm, learned farm pursuits and attended the district school, though the greater part of his education was received from his father. He now lives near the old homestead, and is engaged in farming. He has never married and his sister Jennie keeps house for him. The worthy son of a worthy father, a man whose first thought is ever for the good of the community - he has taken his part in every movement that has meant progress. For some twenty years he has been treasurer of the township and for four years he served on the town board. He has also been a member of numerous committees and delegations.

Anthony L. Henneman was born in section 11, Corinna township, April 10, 1875. He remained at home until attaining his majority, and then started working for the neighbors. In 1902 he entered the employ of William Reip, in the meat business at Annandale. In 1904 he engaged in a similar line in Minneapolis. From 1906 to 1908 he did farm work in Wright county. In 1908 he rented the farm of Charles Matthew, in section 20, Corinna township, for three years. For nine months in the spring and summer of 1912 he engaged in the grocery and confectionery business in Annandale Then he rented a farm from Martin Ranson, in section 19, Corinna township. On this place he still resides, and successfully conducts general farming. lie raises Shorthorn cattle, Duroc-Jersey swine, Rhode Island Red fowls and Bronze turkeys. Anthony L. Ilenueinau was married March 21, 1906, to Martha Klemz, daughter of August and Lena (Peske) Klemz, farmers of Corinna township. The father died in 1887 and the mother in 1907. Mr. and Airs. Henueman have two bright sons, Richard L. and Earl J.

Benne Rozenberg, an entei-prising farmer of Corinna township, was born in Paterson, N. J., June 18, 1869, son of Henry and Dirky (Dykhausen) Rozenberg, who had come to America the previous year, and in 1873 moved to Fella, Iowa, where they still live. Benjamin Rozenberg received a good education in the schools of his neighborhood, and for several years worked out as a farm employe in the vicinity of Pella, Iowa. Then he rented various farms in Marion county, the county in which Pella is located. It was in 1908 that he came to Wright county and bought T20 acres of land in sections 13 and 14, Corinna township, where he now resides. He has brought his characteristic energy to bear upon the problems of farm life, and success in abundant measure has crowned his efforts. He has remodeled and repainted the house, and has built a splendid new barn. This barn is 36 by 60 feet, with a basement, equipped with eighteen patent stanchions, a litter carrier, and other conveniences. The capacity is thirty-five cattle, eight horses and sixty tons of hay. Mr. Rozenberg carries on general farming and makes a specialty of Shorthorn cattle. While living in Iowa, Mr. Rozenberg served as a member of the school board. Mr. Rozenberg was married March 9, 1896, to Jennie HuUeman, daughter of Rick and Henrietta (Mol) Hulleman, who lived on a farm near Pella, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Rozenberg have six children : Henry, born December 3, 1896; Hattie, born September 20, 1898; Rick, born April 12, 1902; Dirk, born November 7, 1904; Albert, born April 26, 1911 ; and Mary, born March 7, 1914.

George J. Parker, a substantial farmer of Corinna township, was born in Dora, Ind., March 2, 1857, son of Jonah Parker, the carpenter, and Rachael (Rakestraw) Parker. George J. Parker started his career at the age of seven, when he received ten cents a day as helper to a gardener. When he was eight years old he was earning $8 a month driving a team. He also earned money during his boyhood by trapping ground hogs and other small animals. As a youth he worked five years with a ditching crew. It was in 1879 that he left Indiana and located in Olmsted county, this state, where he remained about a year. At the end of this period he married and went back to Indiana. Since 1881 he has lived in this state permanently. In that year he again came to Minnesota. For four years he rented farms in Olmsted county, and then he lived three years in the city of Rochester in the same county. The next eight years of his life were spent on a rented stock farm near Taopi, in Mower county, this state. In 1896 he bought 160 acres in section 9, Clayton township, in the same county. Six years later, in 1902, he sold out and caiiie to Wright county, where he purchased 160 acres in section 9, Corinna township. On this place he still resides. He successfully carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of Blue Stem wheat, Chester White swine and dairy cattle. He is grading his stock into Shorthorns, and is much pleased with the results. Although he is comparatively a new comer, he is a well-known man, and has served as school treasurer and as town supervisor. He was likewise a member of the school board of his district in Mower county. He and his wife attend the Disciple church. Mr. Parker was married September 2, 1880, to Lucinda Campbell, daughter of Stirling and Roukamma (Badgley) Campbell, the former of whom was a veteran of the Sioux uprising, having served in Co. D, Brackett's Battalion, Independent Cavalry, eighteen months, from December, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have had two chil dren : Harry, born August 14, 1882, and Ethel L., born September 8, 1896. Harry was married December 21, 1904, to Bertha Schuman, daughter of William and Minnie Schuman, and they have three children, Howard M., Ruth L. aud George M.

Henry Ransom, an enterprising and successful resident of Corinna township, was born in section 20, in the township where he still lives, October 21, 1868, son of Martin and Minnie (Teatz) Ransom, the pioneers. He received his early education in the public schools, and in 1889 graduated from the German Methodist Episcopal College at St. Paul Park, Minn. Thus prepared, he taught country school for two years, 1890 and 1891. In 1892 and 1893, in order to still further perfect his training, he attended the St. Cloud State Normal School. In the fall of 1893 he taught country school. He gained wide experience with the country in 1894 and 189.5 by traveling extensively in Montana, Oregon, Washington and California. This journey completed, he returned to Minnesota, and taught school and worked on his father's farm from 189.5 to 1898. It was in 1899 that he bought his present place of 148 acres in section 17, Corinna township. He has one of the best farms in this part of the township. His wide education makes him a valuable citizen, he is a profound student of farm conditions, and conducts his farm operations along the latest approved lines. His well-tilled fields, his neat fences, his sleek well-kept live stock, his excellent equipment, and his sightly buildings all bespeak the thrift, hard work and intelligent care of the owner. Since 1907, Mr. Ransom has been town clerk, and for one year he served on the town board. Henry Ransom was married in 1899 to Mary Lyrenmann, born in Monticello, this county, December 9, 1869, daughter of Felix and Rosina (Hunig)

Lyreumann, who came from Switzerland in 1869, and located on a farm near Monticello. Mrs. Ransom is a lady of many accomplishments, and before her marriage taught school for several years in Wright county and in South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Ransom have four children : Esther E., born in 1900 ; Marjorie, born in 1901; Lyman, born in 1905; and Robert, born in 1910. Tlie family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

John A. Ferguson, an influential citizen of Corinna township, was born in section 36, Silver Creek township, January 10, 1862, son of Henry and Letitia (Campbell) Ferguson, the pioneers. Henry Ferguson was born January 14, 1826, in Loudon township, Province of Ontario, Canada. May 7, 1855, he arrived at Big Bend, in Sherburne county, Minnesota. At the time of his arrival there some seven hundred Chippewa Indians were gathered at the trading post of Asa White, whose wife was herself of Chippewa blood. From White's, Mr. Ferguson followed an Indian trail to what is now section 32, in Silver Creek. Here he "squatted" and staked out a claim of 160 acres. On this claim, on December 23, 1855, was born Richard T. Ferguson, the fir.st white male child born in tlie town of Silver Creek. Henry Ferguson was one who suffered in the Indian raid of August, 1862, the details of which are related elsewhere. These Indians stole horses from the Ferguson claim, and were pursued by a detachment of soldiers under Captain John S. Cady, of the Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. This is the Captain Cady who, on June 11, 1863, was shot and killed near Lake Elizabeth, in Kandiyohi county, by three Indians, whose real identity is unknown, but who are sometimes said by old settlers to have been Little Crow, his son, the Appearing One, and his son-in-law, Hinkpa. During the Indian pursuit in 1862, Captain Cady stopped at the Ferguson cabin, and became well acquainted with the members of the family. During the pioneer days, the Fergusons suft'ered many privations. They had severe losses from Indians and grasshoppers, and frontier life was beset with many difficulties. But in time they prospered and became leading members of the community. Mr. Ferguson died November 3, 1912. Mrs. Ferguson was born November 3, 1830, in Middlesex township, Ontario, and died July 26, 1895.

John A. Ferguson was born in a log cabin, and as he grew to manhood saw the country gradually develop. He attended the district schools and was reared to farm pursuits. Until he was twenty-three he remained with his parents and then he started out for himself. For many years he was employed on farms, in the woods and on the rivers. In 1891 he determined to settle down to farming. Accordingly he purchased eighty acres of land in section 19, Silver Creek township, and there lived until 1907. In the meantime he had increased his holdings to 160 acres. After selling this tract lie bought seventeen acres in section 19, Corinna township, where he now lives. Aside from his farm property, he has several business holdings, including stock in the Citizens State Bank of Annandale, of which he is vice president. From 1900 to 1907 he was president of the Silver Creek Dairy Association. As a raiser of high class stock he has been especially active. All his stock is well bred, and his horses include a registered Percheron colt. In 1902 he shipped the first lot of Wright county Poland China swine to the State Fair at Hamline, and in 1906 his swine won the first premium in the sixmonths class. From 1900 to 1904, Mr. Ferguson was a member of the County Board of Commissioners. FVom 1891 to 1907 he Avas clerk of school district 16. He is Worshipful Master of Fair Haven Lodge, No. 182, A. F. and A. M., of Annandale. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church. John A. Ferguson was married, January 5, 1892, to Katharine G. McKenzie, daughter of Donald and Katharine (Quig) McKenzie, natives of Canada, of Scotch descent, who came to Silver Creek in 1855, and located on section 18. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson conduct a popular summer resoi't on the farm on the shores of Pleasant Lake. In 1911 they started their resort by building four cottages. The following year they built four more. They also have two good tents. The cottages accommodate four people and are equipped with provisions for light housekeeping. The resort is well located, is well patronized, and the number of applications for accommodations is constantly growing.

Patrick B. Geary, a respected farmer of Corinna township, was born in Ireland, January 17, 1839, son of Michael and Mary (Ilogan) Geary, who in 1849 came to America, and located in Port Hope, Province of Ontario, Canada, sixty miles east of Toronto. Patrick B. was brought to this coiintry when he was ten years of age, and grew to manhood on his parents' farm in Canada. It was about 1869 when he came to i\Iinnesota and bought eighty acres of school land in section 36, Corinna township. This land was absolutely wild and was covered with elm, oak and basswood trees and a thick undergrowth of brush. He had $55 in cash, and this he paid as an advance installment on his land. He erected a log house, cleared off the land, made the furniture on the place, and aside from an ax and a hoe got along as best he could without tools. For seven years he did not have a team of any sort. When he wanted help he worked two daj's in return for the services of a team and driver one day. He worked a whole day for a bushel of wheat with which to make bread. At one time he chopped off three acres of trees in order to obtain a heifer two and a half years old. When he finally owned a yoke of oxen they were ones that he had raised himself. He cut grain with a cradle and paid ten cents a bushel to have it tlircslu'd. With tliis beginning Mr. Geary has achieved success. He developed the farm, erected good liuihlings, took an active part in the affairs of the comnumity, and reared a sph'ndid family of children. In 1910 Mr. Geary retired from hard labor, but still continues to live on the farm, which i.s in the corporate limits of j\Iaple Lake. He has been assessor of Maple Lake village two years and treasurer one year. He has been clerk of the school board for twelve years. Mr. Geary was married November 7, 1872, to I\Iargaret Gorman, a native of Canada. This union has been blessed with eleven children : Edmond, of Bruel, Wis. ; John, of Bellingham, Wash. ; William and Thomas, of Newport, Wash.; Matthew S. and Frederick R. on the home farm ; Aloysius, of DuQuene, Penn. ; Mary J. and Annie, both deceased ; Johanna, now Mrs. C. W. Nelson, of Calgary, and Loretta, now Mrs. J. J. Ackerman, of Roxtou, Sask. Marie and Mary Geary, twin daughters of J. V. Geary, have made their home with Mr. and Mrs. Patrick B. Geary since early childhood.

Matthew P. Geary was born on the homestead where he still lives, in section 36, Corinna township, August 8, 1878, son of Patrick B. and Margaret (Gorman) Geary. He attended the neighborhood schools and learned farming from his father. In 1898 he went to Kennan, Wis., and worked at carpenter work for two years. In 1900 he came home and operated the home farm for his father until 1910, when he purchased it. He is a successful man, and carries on general farming and stock raising along the latest approved lines.

Frederick B. Geary was born on the old homestead in section 36, Corinna township, son of Patrick B. and ^Margaret (Gorman) Geary. He was reared on the home farm and attended the district schools. At the age of nineteen he went to Bruel, Wis., where he clerked in a store for his brother Edmond. He has also engaged in steamboating on the Rainey river and in lumbering near International Falls. In 1913 he returned home and is assisting on the farm. Mr. Geary is a member of the Fraternal Orders of Eagles at Bayfield, Wis.

Albert W. Klemz, one of the energetic young men of Corinna township, was born on the old homestead in section 12, November 14, 1889. He attended the district schools, was reared to agricultural pursuits, and grew to manhood on his father's farm. In the fall of 1910 he started out for himself and purchased forty acres in section 12, near his father's place. He successfully carries on general farming, and pays particular attention to the raising of Ilolstein cattle, Poland-China swine and Rhode Island Red fowls. Mr. Klemz was married in 1910 and this union has been blessed with three children: Laura, born January 25, 1911; Irene, born July 18, 1912; Irma, June 10, 1914. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran church.

Peter J. Dircks, an active farmer of Coriuna township, was bom in Carver county, Minnesota, November 23, 1879, son of Peter and Theresa (Worm) Dircks, Hollanders. Peter Dircks located in Carver county, in this state, in 1860. There he went through the usual hardships and rigors of pioneer life. Supplies were scarce and there was little money. He had to bring tlour from St. Paul to Chaska, on his back, the distance being thirtyfive miles. After developing a good place in Carver county he came to Wright comity in 1893, and bought eighty acres of land in section 13, Corinna township. There he successfully carried on general farming until 1912. Peter J. Dircks was reared on the home farm, and received his education in the schools of Wright and Carver counties. He left home in 1905 and located on the W. E. Reno farm in section 26, Corinna township. Here he still lives. He successfully carries on general farming, does considerable dairying, and makes a specialty of raising Poland- China swine. A well-educated, well-read man, he has taken an active interest in educational matters, and is now serving his third term as school director. He is a popular member of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen at Maple Lake. Mr. Dircks was married May 22, 1906, to Hattie Reno, daughter of William B. and Laura (Dillard) Reno, early settlers of Minneapolis, who settled on 120 acres in Corinna township in 1894. Mr. and Mrs. Dircks have two children: Ellsworth and Melvin, both at home.

Anton Doering, a scientific farmer of Corinna township, was born in Germany, October 31, 1853, son of Anton and Elizabeth (Feider) Doering. He was reared in his native country, and devoted his early years to farming there. In April, 1889, he started for America, and after a voyage of fourteen days landed in New York. He then came to Clearwater, tliis county, and in 1890 purchased sixty acres in section 36, Clearwater township. All this land he cleared and developed, living in the meantime in a rented house nearby. In 1896 he bought 100 acres in section 3, Corinna township, where he now lives. He cleared all of this land, erected buildings, and was on the high road to prosperity when the cyclone of 1897 destroyed all his buildings, wrecked all of his machinery, and killed much of his live stock. Undaunted by tliis disaster he started again, erected new buildings, purchased new machinery and equipment, bought live stock, and prepared to farm on a larger scale than before. He now carries on diversified agricultural operations and makes a specialty of raising Holstein cattle. One of the especially attractive features of his place is the new barn. It is 50 by 48 feet, with a cement basement. It was erected at a cost of $2,000 and is fitted with all the latest appliances, including thirty patent stanchions and a litter carrier. The capacity is forty head of cattle, nine horses and seventy tons of hay. It is interesting to note that four tons of cement, 25,000 feet of boards and 34,000 shingles were used in its construction. Mr. Doering was married February 19, 1883, to Rosa Lemke, daughter of John and Anna Lenike. Mr. and Mrs. Doering have had twelve children : August, Anthony, Paul, Albert, Theresa, Carl, Cecelia, Lucille, Emma, Hubert and two who died in infancy. August, Anthony and Paul were born in Germany. August and Paul are now in North Dakota. Theresa is in Minneapolis. The rest are at home. Cecelia graduated from the Annandale High school in the class of 1911. The family attends the Catholic church at Annandale.

Arie Naaktgeboren, a prosperous citizen of Corinna township, was born in Holland, November 18, 1865, son of Bastiaan and Margrietha (Romph) Naaktegeboren. Arie Naaktgeboren was reared in his native land and there grew to manhood. In 1892 he came to America and located near Firth, Neb., where he worked a year as a farm laborer. Then he rented eighty acres. The crops the first year lacked $50 of paying the rental, and the following year conditions were worse. So in the spring of 1896 he had a public sale. Horses that would sell now for $100 went for $1 apiece. A valuable pony went for $2, a blooded colt for $6. In the meantime, in 1893, Mr. Naaktgeboren had been to school to learn the English language. Though nearly thirty years of age and wearing a heavy moustache, he went in classes with the little children, and in three months was able to listen to the English language wath a fair degree of understanding. After his sale he worked three years on a farm near Sibley, la. Then he married. After his marriage he lived on a rented farm near Taintor, la., for a little less than three years. He paid $3 an acre cash rent. Farm produce did not bring a big price in the market. Corn was sold for twenty-three cents a bushel, pork for three and a half cents a pound, eggs for six cents a dozen. In 1901 he went to Otley, la., where for six years he rented a 200-acre farm. It was in 1907 that he came to Wright county and bought eighty acres in section 12, Corinna township. The following year he bought 54 acres more, making in all a fine farm of 134 acres, on which he is still living. A small house and barn were standing on the place. In 1910 he put up a windmill, and in 1913 he remodeled the house. He has also erected a swine house and runs, and double corn cribs, 30 by 6 feet each, with a driveway in between. He has tilled all the low land and has met with success in his operations. Mr. Naaktgeboren was married April 6, 1898, at Pella, la., to Ella Ilulleman, daughter of Ryk and Hendrika (Mol) Ilulleman, retired farmers of Pella, la. To this union nine children have been born : Margaret, born January 29, 1899; Hattie, born January 15, 1900; Dirkie, born June 15, 1901; Ryk, born December 13, 1902; Bastiaan, born October 27, 1904; Jennie, born March 14, 1907 (died March 26, 1910);

Frederick S. Mears, popular proprietor of the Cottage Grove Summer Resort, a higli class summering place at the north end of Cedar lake, was born in Martin county, Indiana, September 27, 1841, son of Benjamin F. and Charlotte (Shoalts) Mears. The father was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Indiana about the time he attained his majority. Tlie mother was born in Indiana. Frederick S. Mears was reared on the home farm, and attended the district schools. In August, 1861, not yet twenty years of age, he enlisted in the ranks of Company E, Twentyseventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until mustered out in August, 1864. Among the battles in which he participated were : Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Second Bull Run, Second Winchester, Savage Station, Gettysburg, New Hope Church, Peach Tree Creek, Resacca, South Mountain, Buzzard Roost, Snake Creek Gap and others. After his return from the war he worked for his father some eighteen months. Then he married and started out for himself. Until 1881 he farmed in various places in Indiana. Then he came to Minnesota and for many years farmed in Rice and Steele counties. In 1888 he was in charge of the Steele county poor farm. It was in 1898 that he first located in Minneapolis. After a year there he went to Starbuck, Pope county, this state, and handled nursery stock for two years. Subsequently he returned to Minneapolis, and spent seven years there. It was in April, 1908, that he came to Wriglit county and purchased his present place in section 15. Mr. Mears is a member of Buzzell Post, No. 24, G. A. R., and passed through all the chairs of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge at Faribault, as well as serving with distinction as district deputy grand master. In 1914 he represented the G. A. R. at the state encampment. He and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Mears was married September 27, 1866, to America Spilman, daughter of Harvey and Mary (Mason) Spilman, who ovm a grocery store in Washington, Ind. In the family there have been three children. Charles B. is at home; Fred died in 1913, and Mary died in 1904. The Cottage Grove Summer Resort is one of the deseiwedly well-patronized summer places of the Northwest. It is situated on the north bank of the lake, where there are prevailing gentle winds, and where the view is especially interesting. The beach is unusually good for bathing, and the boating and fishing facilities are of the best, all the gamier fish common to this climate abounding in the waters of the lake. The proprietor has ten cottages, with twenty-two rooms, accommodating fifty people. The porches are screened, and the rooms are all well furnished. When the state hotel inspector examined the place he declared that the cottages were in the best of condition, and tliat the sanitation was the best in its line that he had seen. The place is only five miles from Anuandale and seven miles from Maple Lake. Its table is of the best, most of the food served being raised on the place. In the summer season the place is thronged and Mr. Mears cannot accommodate many of the people who apply.

John B. Olson, stock-fancier and prosperous citizen of Corinna township, was born in Sweden, June 6, 1838, son of Peter and Ingre (Lawson) Olson, who spent the span of their years as farmers in Sweden. At the age of fifteen, John B. Olson started out for himself as a farmhand. It was in 1881 that he came to America and located in Monroe Center, Ogle county, Illinois. In that vicinity he rented farms for twenty-six years. In 1905 he bought 240 acres in sections 18 and 19 in Corinna township, this county. He moved onto this laud in 1907 and here he has since resided. He carries on general farming to a certain extent, but his great specialty is feeding cattle for the market. He buys in St. Paul and then ships to that point. His neighbors wlio have an opportunity for intimately observing his methods declare that his are the best animals that are sent to St. Paul. After long study he thoroughly favors a diet consisting of corn fodder in bundles, all the ensilage that the animals will eat, plenty of hay and considerable oil meal. He buys Herefords whenever he can get them, as he considers these the best feeders. As an example of what he accomplishes it may be remarked that wliile in Illinois he had a herd of Hereford cattle, which by judicious feeding were increased in weight from 1,207 poimds on October 7 to 1,660 pounds before February 15. Mr. Olson was married June 6, 1885, to Hannah Nelson, daughter of Nels Johnson and Inger Torkelson, of Skone, Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have had ten children : Emma, now wife of Louis Erickson, of section 34, South Side ; Ernest, who lives two miles south of Aunandale ; Edwin, Frederick ; Jennie, who died in 1906 at the age of thirteen ; Oscar, who died in 1892 at the age of five months, and George W., Ellen F., Albert and Roy. Mr. Olson is a splendid example of what a poor boy with grit and determination may accomplish in this country, even though witliout friends and with no influence. He landed at New York poor, friendless, alone, without anyone to help him, and with but seven cents in his pocket. He spent this money in paper and a stamp and wrote a letter home. Then without a cent he started out to seek his fortune. He now owns 393 acres, he is an influential citizen and is worth something like $40,000, a truly notable record of worthy accomplishment.

received his education in the district schools, engaged in farming with his father, and in time took the management of the home farm, which he conducted until 1902, when he went to Big Forks, Itasca county, and took a homestead and where he now owns 320 acres of good land. He now lives, however, on the old farm in Corinna township, which is conducted by his son Bruce. He has served as constable and belongs to the M. W. A. Mr. Grordon was married September 18, 1882, to May Parsons, who died July 14, 1894, leaving three children. Bruce was born August 22, 1887, and conducts the old Gordon farm. He married Ella Rieger and they have one sou, Russell, born May 6, 1914. Earl was born August 2, 1889, and conducts a farm in Corinna township. He married Alfreda Piesak and they have one son, Robert, born January 30, 1913. Marshall was born July 14, 1894, and died in Februaiy, 1895.

Samuel A. Gordon, now deceased, was for many years an honored resident of Corinna township. He was born in New York state, September 8, 1843, aud died in Corinna township February 8, 1914. His father, Edward Gordon, devoted the greater part of his life to the lumber and sawmill business. Samuel A. Gorman lived a boyhood similar to other youngsters of his time and circumstances, and grew to sturdy manhood. May 20, 1861, when but seventeen years of age, he enlisted in Co. K, 11th Pennsylvania Reserves, under Captain E. R. Brady and Col. T. F. Gallagher. The regiment was assigned to the Third Brigade, Second Division, Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. Among the battles in which he participated may be mentioned : Malvern Hill, Antietam, South Mountain, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, North Anna and Cold Harbor. He was wounded in the stomach at the battle of North Anna, Virginia, and was houorably discharged at Pittsburgh, Pa., June 14, 1864. After the war he engaged in the lumbering business in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania. It was in 1870 that he came to Wright county and bought 200 acres of land in section 27, Corinna township. He cleared all this land, erected buildings, and brought it to a high stage of cultivation. In the meantime he worked in the lumber regions, surveying and looking after cuttings, and later he helped to locate settlers on government land in the northern part of Minnesota. For twelve years Mr. Gordon was a justice of the peace, and for ten years he was supervisor. He was a member of the Masonic order, and served as Commander of Buzzell Post, No. 24, G. A. R. He was also Department Commander for two terms. In 1903 Mr. Gordon begau to take a few boarders, and there soon came a demand that he open a regular summer resort. The resort is still maintaiued, and has applications for more reservations than can be granted. Three double cottages and two single cottages have been built, while the meals are served at the main farm liouse. A new barn, 40x60, with an airy basement, has been erected, the lumber used being of the finest quality brought from Washington. A very good orchard graces the place, while there are extensive berry fields of raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. The resort is located in a pretty spot on the banks of Cedar lake. The fishing is of the best, and everything possible is done in the way of furnishing rest and recreation for the guests. The place is still conducted by members of the family. Samuel A. Gordon was married September 21, 1865, to Matilda McAniuch, daughter of George and Mary (Hetriek) McAninch, the former of whom was a farmer and lumberman. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon had but one child, William, who as already mentioned is carrying on the home place in a capable manner.