Wright County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1915 (part 4 of 9)

George E. Wells, for several years popularly identified with the summer resort business on the picturesque banks of beautiful Cedar lake in Corinna towusliip, was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, May 17, 1862, son of Joel and Charlotte (Terwilliger) Wells. The father was born in Vermont and died November 26. 1914, at the age of eighty-two. The mother was born in Ohio and died in December, 1912, at the age of seventy-six. They were married in Wisconsin, and their union resulted in five children, Annette, George E., William, John and Frank. George E. was reared to farm pursuits and farmed in Wisconsin for several years, going thence to Iowa, wliere he lived for a time in Palo Alto county. In 1900 he engaged in the hardware business in Cylinder, in that county. It was in 1902 that he came to Wright county and bought tlie old Emmanuel Smith farm, in section 15, Corinna township. This tract of 138 acres was one of the first to be secured from the government in the pioneer days. When Mr. Wells took possession of the place he moved into the old original log cabin. This interesting structure, built without nails or screws, erected in the most primitive fashion from trees cut on the place, is still standing, and forms a valuable historic relic. After living a little over a year on this farm, Mr. Wells purchased the Van Dyke place of thirty-eight acres on the same section, just west of the Smith farm and located on the north bank of Cedar lake. Here Mr. Wells established the famous Cottage Grove resort. The desirability of the location, the beauty of the scenery, the advantages of the lake and its surroundings, the excellence of the cuisine, and the warmth and comfort of the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Wells, soon began to attract guests in larger numbers than could be accommodated. On the sightly and spacious grounds of the place there now stand a large house, seven cottages and a pavilion, all most admirably adapted to their purpose. In April, 1908, Mr. Wells sold this place to F. S. Mears, and moved back to the Emmanuel Smith farm. The knowl- edge he had gained gave him a thorough appreciation of just what was desired by the people who frequent this region, and he set about building up an ideal summer home. He laid out beautiful lawns, parked the woodlands, and erected a large substantial dwelling and five roomy cottages. One of these cottages they sold to Mr. Fry of ilinneapolis, who has remodeled it into a beautiful summer home. Mr. Wells also laid out a pleasant bathing beach and secured an excellent fleet of boats for rowing and fishing. People flocked here in large numbers, and the success which attended his eft'orts more than jvistified his faith and energy. His farming operations were likewise important. He erected a modern barn Vd'2 by 34 feet, a swine barn 12 by 100 feet, and other farming buildings, thus making a total length of about 300 feet. He also manufactured considerable maple syrup, having a syrup building and a patented evaporator. His stock was of the best, and all the butter used on the table was made on the place. At the height of his popularity and success, Mr. Wells died, November 14, 1914, and his death was a sad blow to his devoted family. Through all his endeavors, Mr. Wells was sustained by the companionship and help of his devoted wife. With her he planned, and many of the suggestions which counted for his success came from her, while her excellent housekeeping, her management of the kitchen and dining room, and her amiable temperament were important factors in bringing guests to the place. Since the death of her husband she has carried on the farm, and she will also continue the resort. Mr. Wells was married as a young man to Nettie Rockwell, of Wisconsin, who died March 13, 1889, leaving two children : Jay, a farmer of Corinna, and Maude, who lives in Kensett, Iowa. The present Mrs. Wells was Lizzie Hughes, of Iowa. Their children are : Aleathe, Velma, Nellie, Genevieve, Melvin, Homer, Herbert and Hazel, all at home. George M. Scheyer, a well-known resident of Corinna township, was born on the old homestead in this township. May 3, 1879, son of J. P. Scheyer, the pioneer. J. P. Scheyer came to section 14, in the early days, and secured a tract of eighty acres, entirely covered with trees. He erected a log cabin, made a small clearing, and started life in the wilderness. He was fortunate in owning a yoke of oxen which were of great assistance to him. For supplies he went to St. Cloud or Clearwater, walking with the oxen the entire distance. As time passed he developed a good farm, erected good buildings, and became a prosperous citizen. George M. Scheyer was educated in the district schools and was reared on the home place. At the age of twenty-one, he purchased the homestead, and continued its development. Later he sold foi'ty acres, so that he now owns 120 acres. Starting with limited means, he has become a successful man of means. He carries on general farming, raises good stock, and does some dairying. Mr. Sehoyer has been school treasurer for tlie past seven years. In 1911 he was eleeted town assessor, a position he is still faithfully filling, giving general satisfaction to the people of the township. Mr. Seheyer was married in 1902 to Adaline Henneman, born in Corinna township, daughter of Anthony and Margaret Henneman, now of Annandale. Mr. and Mrs. Seheyer have had four children: Harold, born October 9, 1903; Vivian, born April 22, 1907 ; George, who died in infancy ; Lorine, born August 10, 1913.

Frank Schneider, a prominent citizen of Corinna township, was born in Carver county, Minnesota, April 23, 1866, sou of Engelbert and Anna (Maures) Schneider. Engelbert Schneider was born in Germany and came to America in 1852. He lived three months in New York, then went to JMichigan, remained there a year, was married, and came to the vicinity of Chaska, in Carver county, this state, where he took a claim in section 19, Chanhasseu township. In 1862, when news came of the Indian uprising, he fled with his family to the village of Chaska. Toward the close of the Civil war he enlisted as a private in the First Minnesota Heavy Artillery and served a year. He successfully operated his farm until 1885, when he retired and moved to the village of Chaska, where he died May 19, 1904, at the age of sevent.y-three years. PVank Schneider was reared on the home farm and received a good education in the district schools. In 1885 he went to work for his brother, Joseph Schneider. For his services he received $5 a mouth in winter and $12 a month in the summer. In aboiit a year and a half he earned $140, and out of this saved $65. During the next year and a half he worked as a clerk for the Judge of Probate, at Long Prairie, Minn. After this he returned home and operated the home farm in Carver county. While there he was married. It was in 1893 that he came to Corinna township and purchased 120 acres in section 14, Wright county. On this tract he has since resided. When he came here, a house stood on the property and about twenty-five acres had been cleared. He cleared some seventy-five acres more, and brought the place to a good stage of cultivation. He now successfully carries on general farming and makes a specialty of breeding full-blooded Holstein cattle. In the affairs of the community, Mr. Schneider has taken an especially active part. He helped to organize the Annandale Co-operative Creamery Association, and still owns stock in that organization, as well as in the Citizens' State Bank, of Annandale. For the past ten years he has done efficient work as agent for the Middleville Mutual Fire Insurance Co. in Corinna, Clearwater and the west half of Silver Creek. From 1896 to 1913, he ably served the town as supervisor, being chairman of that board a greater part of the time. For twelve years he was clerk of the school board of dis- triet 57. Mr. Schneider was married June 10, 1890, to Catherine Kohman, born in Carver county, Minnesota, April 14, 1864, daughter of William and Helena (Mulken) Koliman. There are seven children : Lena, born November 6, 1891, is a dressmaker. Ben, born November 18, 1892, is a graduate of the National Business College, of Crookston. Mary was born October 21, 1893. Prances was born May 12, 1895. She is a teacher, having graduated from the Maple Lake high school. Catherine, born March 22, 1897, and Blanche, born August 14, 1899, are graduates of the Annandale high school. Margaret was born May 16, 1904.

Henry M. Tuelle, proprietor of the Longworth Summer Resort, on the picturesque banks of beautiful Clearwater Lake in section 8, Corinna township, was born in Rochester, N. Y., January 5, 1850, son of Henry M. Tuelle, Sr., and Hulda M. (Burroughs) Tuelle. Henry M. Tuelle, Sr., was a railroad engineer on the New York Central Railroad. In 1850 he moved the family to Chicago, and there Henry M., the subject of this sketch, was reared. He went to school, played ball on the vacant lots, and at the age of nineteen started out in life for himself. It was in 1877 that he came to Minnesota as second baseman for the Minneapolis "Browns." The same year he went to work in the auditing department of the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railroad, where he remained for six years. In 1883 he entered the employ of Noyes Brothers & Cutler, wholesale druggists, as traffic manager, until October, 1903. On February 11, 1904, he purchased his present place of 41 acres in section 8, Corinna township. Mr. Tuelle is a member of the Blue Lodge, Council, Chapter, Commandery and Shrine, of the Masonic body. He was married, October 21, 1879, to Katherine Hatch, daughter of Homer and Fidelia P. (Howes) Hatch. Mr. Hatch died in 1864, and his widow married, in 1868, Hon. Seagrave Smith, of Minneapolis, judge of the Fourth Minnesota Judicial District from 1891 to 1900. Mrs. Tuelle graduated from the Minneapolis high school in 1879.

The Longworth Resort, the oldest summer resort in the Northwest, established in I860, is situated on the banks of Clearwater Lake, in section 8, Corinna township, eight and a half miles south of Clearwater, six and a half miles north of Annandale, and fiftysix miles by automobile west of Minneapolis. The grounds are beautifully laid out and shaded with towering trees, while in front of the place is one of the best beaches in the state, adequate for the strongest swimmer but safe for the smallest child. There are also tennis grounds, croquet grounds, and an athletic field. The main building is 72 by 60 feet, with a screened porch, 120 by 12 feet. The sixteen cottages accommodate 100 people and have screened porches twelve feet wide. The rooms are large, each has a closet, the furnishings are modern, the sanitation is of the best, light is furnished by a modern gas plant, and everything possible is done for the comfort, convenience and happiness of the guests. The large garage, with modern equipment, has a capacity of fifteen cars. The fleet consists of fifteen row boats and one large launch. Fishing is especially good, black bass, rock bass, crappies, pike, pickerel and roach being caught in abundance. With all these many advantages, however, one of the chief attractions is the excellent cuisine. The food is plentiful, well-cooked and of the best quality. All the vegetables are raised on the place, a specialty being made of the Golden Bantam green corn. The genial and able proprietors have had long experience, and their personality and enterprise have been valuable in building up this splendid resort.

Michael McAlpine, a leading farmer of Corinna township, and proprietor of a well-patronized summer resort, was born near Toronto, Canada, March 27, 1853, son of John and Nancy (McCime) McAlpine. The parents came from Canada in 1856, and lived in Saginaw, Mich., seven years, and in St. Paul, Minn., three years. In 1866 they came to Maple Lake to%vnship in this county and purchased eighty acres of land. They built a log house, 16 by 22 feet, with a slab roof and a board floor. Seventeen acres were cleared the first winter. This was done by hand, for it was two years before they were able to purchase a yoke of oxen and a cow. They made a wooden-toothed harrow from poles and brush. The wheat was reaped with a scythe and a cradle, and marketed in Monticello. The first winter they had no meat, and they had no means of killing wild game. The next summer the deer proved to be a great nuisance. Sometimes twelve or fifteen at once would come into the clearing to eat turnips. The children of the family caught the fawns and raised them as pets. Thus the family passed through the joys and sorrows of pioneer life, and as the years passed prosperity came to them. The father died in August, 1894; the mother in February, 1892. Michael McAlpine was reared on the farm, and lived at home until 1883, when he bought eighty acres in section 25, Corinna township. Like his father before him, he became a pioneer. He erected a log house, 16 by 20, with a shingled roof and a board floor, and started farming with two cows and a span of three-year-old colts. By hard work and diligent endeavor, he has achieved prosperity in unusual measure. He now owns 204 acres of good land, with a sightly home, and roomy buildings. He has just completed a modern barn, 32 by 74 feet, with cement floor and patent stanchions, the structure having a capacity of thirty cows, twelve horses and 100 tons of hay. Aside from his extensive operations along the lines of general farming, he raises graded Shorthorn cattle, Poland China swine and Plymouth Rock chickens. The farm lies on the shores of Summer lake, and the

160-rod gravel beach is one of the best in the county. This beach has caused a demand for summer accommodations by people who come to visit it, and Mr. McAlpine has accordingly opened a resort. He has more applications than he can accommodate, but usually cares for about twenty-five guests throughout the summer. The rooms are cool and airy, and the food is of the best. Four boats are provided, and the lake abounds in all the best game fish. Mr. McAlpine is a popular man in tlie community, and has served seven years as a member of the school board of district 119. The family attends the Catholic church in Maple Lake. Mr. McAlpine was married November 11, 1879, to Margaret Welton, daughter of Michael and Mary (Dacy) Weltou. In the family there are ten children: Martin D. was born November 9, 1880, was married June 7, 1904, to Elizabeth O'Rourke, and lives in Maple Lake. Samuel P. was born November 25, 1882, and was married April 8, 1913, to Mary Murphy. He lives in Butte, Mont. Mary Loretta was born December 2, 1884. Anna Ethel was born December 28, 1886, and was married June 8, 1910, to Albert Miller, of Maple Lake. Michael F. was born October 17, 1888, was married August 16, 1911, to Minnie Enghauser, and lives two and a half miles west of Maple Lake. John Joseph was born April 1, 1890. Elizabeth Agnes was born June 30, 1893, and died April 25, 1894. Margaret Evelyn was born July 4, 1895 ; Grace Marie was born January 15, 1901 ; and Edward Jerald was born September 17, 1904.

Martin J. McAlpine, for many years a substantial and representative farmer of Corinna township, exercised a wholesome influence upon the life of his community, set a splendid example of industry and thrift to the younger generations, and left behind a memory which will long be cherished. He was born in Kingston, Canada, June 15, 1861, son of James and Nancy (Collins) McAlpine, natives of that province. He received a good education in the land of his birth, and in 1885 came to the United States and located in Minneapolis, where he engaged in business for four years. From there he canu^ to Wright county and purchased eighty acres of timberland in Corinna township. Only three and a half acres had at that time been cleared. He cut off the heavy timber, cleared and "grubbed" the land, added eighty acres more, and by industry and hard work developed a splendid place and brought it to a high stage of cultivation. His sterling worth at onee won favor with his new neigld)ors, and he became one of the prominent and successful men of the community. In 1912 he erected a beautiful modern residence. But he did not live long to enjoy it as his life was soon brought to a close. Mr. McAlpine was a devout Catholic, a member of St. Timothy's Church, at Maple Lake. He belonged to the A. 0. U. W. Mr. McAlpine was married November 3, 1891, to Agnes 0"Loughlin, a most estimable woman, who survives him. Thi'oughout their married life she was a most capable helpmeet. To their uuion there was born one child, Marke. He married Katie Brooms and lives in Albion township.

Nelson W. Barrett, farmer and stockraiser, owner of the Prairie View farm, Clearwater townsliip, was born in Franklin county, New York, February 13, 1851, son of Chester and Olive (Holland) Barrett, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Vermont. The father died in Wisconsin, and the mother in Clearwater. In the family there were eleven children: Harvey (deceased; Sarah (deceased); Susan (deceased); Whitmore (deceased); Horace, of Malone, N. Y. ; Lovisa (deceased); Charles (deceased) ; Nelson W. ; Eva (deceased) ; Eugene, of Clearwater; and Nelson (deceased). Nelson W. Barrett was reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1868 he came to Wright county and for several years he \vas engaged as a teamster. Then he purchased forty acres of land and began operations as a farmer. He now owns the Prairie View Farm of 160 acres on section 15, where he carries on general farming and stock raising. His place is well improved and is a model of its kind in every respect. Mr. Barrett is a Republican and has served in numerous local offices, such as highway overseer and school clerk. He is a member of the M. W. A. of Clearwater. Mr. Barrett was married December 20, 1880, to Elnora Adelle Bentley, a native of Michigan, and they have had six children : Jennie, wife of William Ackerson, of Clearwater township ; Edwin, of St. Cloud ; Etta, twin to Edwin, wife of David Sibert, of Clearwater ; William, of Clearwater; Ida, wife of Earl Jones, of Clearwater; and Ray, at home.

Orange Hyatt, one of the pioneer settlers of Minnesota, was born in Canada, January 8, 1828, and married Cynthia E. Pease February 21, 1855, at Sherbrook, Canada. He came to Clearwater in the fall of 1856 and settled on a claim three miles south of the village. Six years later he moved to Minneapolis, where he worked at the millwright trade and helped build the great flour mills of that city. Here he became a member of "All Saints" Episcopal church. In 1883 he removed to the farm in Clearwater where he resided until the time of his death, which came at the good old age of eighty-one years. He and his wife celebrated their golden wedding at the old homestead in 1905. Cynthia E. Pease was born in Sherbrook November 30, 1828. In her younger daj's she was one of the school teachers of Sherbrook and was a member of the Episcopal church for forty-five years. Mrs. Hyatt died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. L. B. Davi.s, at Clear Lake, June 23, 1912, just two years after her husband. The children are as follows: Joseph O., Clearwater, married Melissa Taylor, of Minneapolis; Fred W., Clearwater, married ilary Bently, Clearwater; Clara M. (deceased) married

Frank Wallace, Minneapolis ; Eugene G. Washington married Effie Ridley, Clearwater; Hattie M., Clear Lake, married L. B. Davis (deceased). The following paragraph from an obituary will show the esteem in which Mr. and Mrs. Hyatt were held: "They were highly respected and loved by everybody who came in contact with them either in a business or social way, and besides their immediate relatives were mourned by a host of true friends. Their remains were followed to their last resting place by a large number of old settlers who had known them in life as true friends and sturdy pioneers during the primitive stage of early settlement."

WilUajn C. Knickerbocker, a leading farmer of Clearwater township, was born on the homestead, where he still resides, February 25, 1877, son of Herman E. and Jennie L. (Hutchinson) Knickerbocker. He received a good education in the district schools, learned farm pursuits from his father, and in 1899 took entire cliarge of the place. He carries on general farming, making a specialty of stock breeding and horticulture. The principal crops are big four oats and blue stem wheat. His swine are of the Duroc-Jersey breed. His two acres of orchard are devoted to 400 apple trees - Patten's Greenings, Northwest Greenings and Wealthys; thirty compass variety cherry trees and 30 De Soto variety of pkim trees. Mr. Knickerbocker is a friend of education and has served ten years as a member of the school board of district 120. He attends the Episcopal church. Mr. Knickerbocker was married December 2-5, 1901, to Etta Smith, daughter of Edward B. and Emma (Griffing) Smith. Mr. Smith has been a merchant in Howard Lake for some twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Knickerbocker have two children : Edward, born December 28, 1903, and Elwin, born May 16, 1908.

Herman K. Knickerbocker, a pioneer, now deceased, was born in Ramsej' county. New York, Maj' 6, 1828, the son of Herman and Sarah (Buel) Knickerbocker. Herman Knickerbocker was a distinguished jurist. For many years he served as judge of the Supreme Court of New York. Herman K. Knickerbocker was reared in a home of culture and education. He received a good education and while still a boy went to sea. For about a year he was in the hardware business in Davenport Iowa. It was in 1857 that he came to Minnesota and took a claim in section 32, Clearwater towTiship. He erected a log cabin, cleared the land, and gradually developed the tract into a first-class farm with modern buildings, good equipment and splendid stock. In the early days he had many interesting experiences. He was friendly with the Indians and received many presents from them. They gave him a fawn, which he raised, and which proved to be a great pet. They also gave him some wild geese eggs, which he hatched out and used as decoys. During the height of the

Sioux uprising- he and his wife spent their nights for two weeks in an open boat. He was very deaf and to his wife was relegated the task of arousing him whenever she heard any suspicious sounds. As the years passed they prospered and became leading people in the neighborhood. Mr. Knickerbocker was married September 27, 1856, to Jennie L. Hutchinson, and this union was blessed with eight children : Fannie, now Mrs. Gust Johnson, St. Paul ; Charlotte B., wlio lives with her brother, William C. ; Oliver IL, wlio lives in Stearns county; Nettie, now wife of E. A. Getchell, of Grand J'orks, N. D. ; Emma, now Mrs. Harry Seherfenberg, of St. Cloud ; Etta, of Cherokee, N. C. ; David H., of St. Cloud, Minn. ; William C, on the home fanu.

William H. Lee, farmer, Clearwater township, was born on the place in section 22, where he still resides, March 21, 1869, sou of James and Rebecca (Burcham) Lee, the former of whom was a native of Delaware and the latter of Ohio. They came to Wright county in 1855 with the early pioneers. Here the father died June 3, 1899. The mother now lives in Los Angeles, Cal. In the family there were six children: James F., of South Side township ; Sarah, widow of George Furber, of Los Angeles ; Arthur B., of Spokane, Wash. ; William H. ; Mabel, a missionary in Japan, and Grace, wife of L. L. Pish, of Minneapolis. William H. Lee was reared to agricultural pursuits, and received his education in the district schools. He has spent his life, thus far, on the home farm, and carries on general farming. He has greatly improved the farm in every way and is one of the leading men of his township. Mr. Lee was married November 24, 1897, to Anna Kothmaun, born in Clearwater township, August 19, 1868, daughter of Francis and Katherine (Unger) Kothmann, natives of Germany. Her parents came to America as young people, found their way to Wright county and were married in Clearwater township. Mr. Kothmann was a skilled blacksmith and followed his trade at Clearwater for a time, but owing to poor health he turned to agriculture and purchased 120 acres in Clearwater towTiship, where he farmed until his death in 1877. By his first marriage he had three children : John and Frank (deceased) and Mary. By his second wife, Katherine linger, he had seven children : Katherine, Delia, William, Anna, John, Henry and Frank, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have been blessed with five children : Katherine, born November 25, 1898; Walter, born August 11, 1900; James, born August 30, 1902, died October 30, 1903; John, born September 7, 1904, and Arthur, born April 25, 1906. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Curtis D. Shattuck, farmer, Clearwater township, was born in Franklin county. New York, December 4, 1824, son of John and Marneda (Rawson) Shattuck, natives respectively of Massa- chusetts and Vermont, the father having been a soldier in the War of 1812. In the family there were four children : Curtis D., Chauncy (deceased), Laura (deceased) and Lepha (deceased). Curtis D. Shattuck was reared to farm pursuits, and at the age of tifteen began to assume the responsibility of the home farm. His father, who had been wounded in battle, was unable to work. At the time of the father's death Curtis D. came into possession of the home place, paid up all the debts, and acquired success. He made all the shingles for the house, barns, sheds and the like, even cutting the logs himself. In July, 1868, he came west and took up his home in Clearwater village. In 1870 he purchased 110 acres in section 12, Clearwater township, where he has since continued to live. He has purchased ten acres more and has a well-improved place on which he conducts general farming. A Republican in politics, Mr. Shattuck has taken considerable interest in public affairs. He was deputy sheriff in New York state for ten years. He has been town treasurer of Clearwater township for some eight years and has served in minor township offices. Mr. Shattuck was married June 3, 1849, to Amanda Day, a native of Vermont, who was bom October 20, 1826, and died June 18, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Shattuck have four children: Herbert R., born April 6, 1850, now living at home ; Ida, born November 28, 1852, now wife of Nathan Dally, of Laporte, Minn. ; Edson W., born May 8, 1855, a merchant of Minneapolis, and Sherman W., born July 20, 1865, a mail clerk of Clearwater.

Willard D. Bice, farmer and stockraiser, Clearwater township, was born in Winnebago county. Wis., February 23, 1857, son of Clark and Emily (Draper) Rice, natives of Vermont, who came to Wright county in 1879 and located in Clearwater township, where the father died September 5, 1913, and the mother in 1893. In the family there were seven children : Willard D., Philo, Harland, of Clearwater; Minnie, wife of F. Trafton, of Clearwater ; Clark, of California, and Levi and Ell, both deceased. Born in a log cabin in Wisconsin, Willard D. Rice started out for himself at the age of sixteen by securing farm employment at $18 a month. For several years he worked as a farm hand and in the lumber woods. In 1879 he came to Wright county and started working for his father, taking care of the stock, and doing general work around the farm. In 1891 he bought a farm joining the old home farm. It consists of 163 acres on section 12. He has made many improvements, including the erection of a new modern barn. His success as a farmer and stock raiser has been marked. Mr. Rice is a Republican in politics and has served on the school board for several years. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Rice is a splendid type of American citizen. He knew the rigors of pioneer endeavor, and with no resources save his own strength, and ability and the heritage of sturdy manhood and integrity left by his rugged ancestors he has carved for himself an honored position in the community, and is often held up to the younger generation as a model of what hard work and industry may accomplish. Mrs. Rice is a fine representative of the women of eastern birth whose graeiousness and housewifely thrift have helped make Minnesota what it is today. She has encouraged her husband in all his undertakings, has been a sympathetic wife and an understanding mother. She is the friend and the inspiration of many of the young people in the community, and the Rice home is known for its hospitality and cheer. Mr. Rice was married May 17, 1893, to Elmira Brandow, who was born in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, September 20, 1862, daughter of James and Catherine (Shadick) Brandow, natives of New York state who in 1849 came west to Winnebago county and engaged in farming. There the father died in 1902 and tlie mother is now living at Neenah in Winnebago county, Wisconsin, at the good old age of eighty-three years. In the Brandow family there are ten children, as follows: Henry A., Alfred, George M., Harland, Walter, Elmira, Emmie, Hiram E., Helen May and James B. I\Ir. and Mrs. Rice have one son Leroy, born August 8, 1894, who is engaged in farming with his father.

Herman Stuhr, for many years a respected citizen of Chatham township, was born in Germany, May 8, 1832, received his education in that country, learned the trade of carpenter, and became a small contractor. He came to America in 1873, and located at Stillwater, in this state, where he worked at his trade. One thing he did there was to work on the large Catholic church. In 1874 he came to Wright county and bought eighty acres in section 32, Chatham township, where he erected a set of farm buildings and developed a splendid farm. In time he bought another 160 acres and later added still eighty acres. He reaped his first wheat crop in 1875. He put in the seed by digging holes among the stumps with a hoe and work it in with a hand rake. In time, however, he became very successful, and his farm was operated witli all the latest machinery. For a long period during the early days he did contracting and building as well as farming, and some of the best homes and barns in this vicinity are monuments to the honesty and fidelity with wliich he worked. For several seasons he walked five miles a day to and from his farm to the places where he was doing carpenter work. He was one of those men who assisted materially in building up the county, and was regarded as a useful citizen in every way. For many years he served on the school board. Mrs. Stuhr was born in Germany, June 2, 1839. Mr. and Mrs. Stuhr were the parents of thirteen children: Henry, of Maple Lake, this county; Herman, of Saskatchewan, Canada ; Emil, of Chatham, this county ;

Otto, of Maple Lake : Emma, now Mrs. Alfred Robasse, of Marysville, this county ; Ida, now Mrs. Louis Breramer, of Marysville ; Charles, of Maple Lake ; Rudolph and George, of Chatham ; Frank, of Noi-th Dakota; Minnie, who died at eleven years and eleven months ; Albert, of Chatham township, and Annie, of Minneapolis.

Albert Stulir, an active farmer of Chatham township, was born on the homestead in section 32, where he still resides, December 27, 1881, son of Herman and Wilhelmina Stuhr. He attended tlie district schools, was reared on the home place, and learned farming from his father. For several years he rented the farm, in 1912 took possession of it and has since successfully conducted it. He has 160 acres of land and carries on general farming, making a specialty of stock raising. He buys and feeds, keeps about eighty head and devotes his attention to the beef rather than the dairy aspects of the industry.

Edward Daniel Elsenpeter, agriculturist and educator, one of the influential and progressive citizens of Chatham township, was born in the township where he still resides, October 12, 1879, son of Chris, and Clara Elsenpeter. In the family there were eight children: Anna (deceased), Lizzie, Mary (deceased), Rose, William, Henry, Edward D. and Frank. Edward D. attended the district schools in Albion township, and the High schools at Buffalo and Maple Lake, after which, being duly qualified, he received a teacher's certificate. He chose, however, to use his education as a scientific farmer rather than as an instructor. He formed a partnership with his brothers William, Henry and Frank for four years. Henry taught in the district schools of Wright county, William taught in the government Indian school at White Earth, Minn., Frank taught in the government Indian school at Mt. Pleasant, Mich., and Edward D. conducted the home farm. At the close of this period Edward D. and Frank formed a partnership and bought out the other heirs. They farmed for two years and then Frank sold out to Edward D. Edward D. now operates 120 acres of good land in sections 19 and 30, eighty acres in section 30, and forty acres in section 19. He carries on general farming, raises good grade stock, and is a stockholder in the Maple Lake Co-operative Creamery. He also makes a specialty of feeding and fatting cattle for the market. Mr. Elsenpeter was married September 29, 1909, to Jane Enghouser, daughter of Joseph Enghouser, of Buffalo, and they have one child, Edna, born September 12, 1913.

Joseph Enghouser came to Minnesota October 1, 1875, was married to Matilda Ileaton, January 17, 1877, and started farming in the township of Chatham. He bought forty acres in section 33, farmed that for three years, sold out and bought eighty acres in section 3, Albion ; farmed there three years, sold out and bought eighty acres in section 3, Marysville; farmed there three years, sold out and moved to Quincy, 111., where he worked four months as a team driver; then moved back to Wright county and bought eighty acres in section 35, Corinna township ; farmed there eight years, rented the farm, moved to Chatham township, leased 120 acres in section 33 from his brother-in-law, Frank Behrenbrinker ; farmed there two years, moved back onto his farm in Corinna township, lived there two years, rented his farm, was appointed by the Coimty Commissioners as janitor of the Courthouse at Buiifalo for eight years ; at the end of four years purchased eighty more acres of land in section 34, Corinna township, at the end of eight yeai-s moved back to the farm of 160 acres in Corinna township; farmed there twelve years, then gave his son, Frank Enghouser, forty acres in section 35; rented his remaining 120 acres to his son-in-law, Frank McAlpine; then moved to Buffalo as a retired farmer, and bought property there. Mr. and Mrs. Enghouser had five children: Frank William (deceased), Phoebe Ann, Edith Grace, America Jane and Minnie Mary. Matilda Heaton, now the wife of Joseph Enghouser, came to Minnesota in the fall of 1866, at the age of six years. Her parents moved to Marysville from Iowa, coming by rail to Monticello, and driving with ox team a distance of fourteen miles to their new claim. As they journeyed across Monticello prairie they saw many instances where homesteaders had left their claims during the Indian outbreak. Many times, as a girl, Mrs. Enghouser has been in the shacks of homesteaders and seen where the Indians had massacred the white settlers. She has also seen as many as forty wild deer in one grove, and often she encountered bears. At the age of seventeen she married Joseph Enghaviser. After they were married, they were accustomed to going ten miles to church with the children, riding on a stone-boat drawn by a pair of oxen. Often in going down hill, the stoneboat would go too fast, and the family would find themselves riding between the oxen. Mr. Enghouser was a trainer of oxen, and during his younger days "broke" as many as thirty pair.

William Welton, one of the early pioneers who took liis part in the upbuilding of Wright county, was born in Ireland, and was there reared. As a youth he found his way to London, and thei-e he married Julia Ryan. From Loudon they came to America and located in Indiana. From that state they came to St. Paul. It was in 1859 that they came to Wright county and selected a claim of 80 acres in Maple Lake township. At the time of the Indian outbreak they fled to the stockade at Monticello. During a part of the way the men went ahead to see that the way was clear and that there were no Indians about. They dropped crackers along the trail so that the women might know that all was safe, and follow on. After the trouble was over the family retiirued and resumed their labor. They bought 160 acres more land nearer Maple Lake. They cleared the land, went through the vmtold hardships of pioneer life, and in time achieved prosperity, being noted for their honesty and self-respect. He died October 12, 1901, and she June 17, of the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Welton were the parents of ten children. Mary and John are dead. Ellen is dead. Her husband, Charles Mullen, and their children are living in Tacoma, Washington. He is a veteran of the Civil war. Bridget is the wife of Charles Hayes, of Maple Lake township, likewise a veteran of the Civil war. Patrick lives in Maple Lake township. He was the first white child born in this neighborhood. He married Lucy Elsenpeter. Katherine lives on the old homestead. Emma is dead. Marie is the wife of George E. Elsenpeter of Chatham township. Nettie is on the old homestead. William died in Maple Lake township, village, October 12, 1901.

William Elsenpeter, a sturdy pioneer whose name will ever be remembered in Wright county as one of its most useful and respected citizens, was born in Germany, and as a young man came to America seeking his fortune. Here he married Mary White, a native of Maine. They came to Wright county in 1856, and settled on 160 acres in Maple Lake township. For a time they lived in a most primitive way. They erected a log cabin, cut down the heavy timber, cleared and "grubbed" the land, and, facing life with zeal and courage, underwent with patience many hardships and privations. But with the passing of the years came success and prosperity. A splendid residence replaced the log cabin, sightly barns took the place of the old shed, and the farm was increased to 280 acres of well-tilled land. A progressive man in every way, a man who believed thoroughly in the dignity of the agricultural pursuits, it is not to be wondered at that he was the first man in his part of the county to own a threshing, reaping and binding outfit. He and his wife are both deceased. He died February 17, 1890, and she died February 17. 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Elsenpeter were the parents of nine children : Lucy is now Mrs. Patrick Welton, of Maple Lake township ; George E. is a leading farmer in Chatham township; John married Mary Cavanaugh and lives in Maple Lake township ; Agnes married Albert Westrup, of Maple Lake; Ada married Daniel Flaherty, of Maple Lake; William is engaged in railroading; Charles married Mary Thien, and is engaged in farming in Rockland, Idaho; Alice is the wife of James Sixton, of Maple Lake ; Grace is wife of Emery Mooi'e, of Loretta, Minn.

George E. Elsenpeter, one of the best known and most influential farmers of Wright county, was born in Maple Lake township, this county, August 12, 1865, son of William and Mary (White) Elsenpeter. He received his education in the little log schoolhouse near his home, learned farming from his father, helped to clear the land and develop the home place, and remained with his parents until his father's death, taking entire charge of the farm during the latter part of this period. After his father died, he and his brother John conducted the farm together. At that time it consisted of 280 acres, 240 acres being in Maple Lake township and forty acres in Chatham township. Later the estate was divided, and George E. received 33 acres. By intelligently directed hard work and unremitting toil he has increased his holdings until he now has 322 acres which constitute one of the finest farms in the whole county. In 1913 he erected a brick residence, which is likewise one of the finest farm homes in the county. Mr. Elsenpeter has worked early and late, and has ever been honest and upright, just in all his dealings. He well deserves the success with which he has met. He is a student of his work, follows the latest improved methods, and believes in progress along all lines of endeavor. For fourteen years he was chairman of the town board of Chatham. For the past seven years he has held his present position as member of the school board of his district. Fraternally he is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. The temperance cause finds in him an ardent supporter. The family faith is that of the Catholic church. Mr. Elsenpeter was married February 24, 1892, to Marie Welton, who has proven a most capable helpmeet in all their walks in life. In the family there are seven children : William, born December 28, 1892; Francis, born June 3, 1894; Earle, born October 6, 1895; Margaret and Julia (twins), born March 6, 1898; Clarence, born June 29, 1900, and Clinton, born November 28, 1908.

Isaac Cowett, a pioneer, now deceased, was born in Quebec, Canada, June 29, 1836, son of Swasen and Julia (Richards) Cowett. Isaac Cowett came to Hennepin county, this state, in 1853, and worked for a number of years as a farm hand. After his marriage he bought forty acres of land, in the same county, near Daj^ton, and lived there until 1877. Then they sold that land, and purchased 160 acres in section 31, Chatham township, Wright county. The tract was covered with timber. Mr. Cowett set at work and built a log cabin, 18 by 28, with a board floor and a roof of oak "shakes." Gradually he cleared the land and prepared it for cultivation, until he had an excellent farm. He also erected suitable buildings from time to time, and became a prosperous man. He died November 4, 1901. Mr. Cowett was married January 10, 1860, to Susan Goodin, born March 8, 1845, daughter of Paul and Abilene (Micheau) Goodin, of Hennepin county, this state. The children in the family are: Staven; Octavia, now Mrs. John Young ; Joseph ; Ellen, now Mrs. Charles Koshien ; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Timothy Eldred ; Ida, now Mrs.

Peter Bolger ; Matilda, now Mrs. Charles Liser ; George ; John, of Maple Lake ; Emma, now Mrs. Emil Stuhr ; William ; Samuel ; and Milady, now Mrs. Thomas Antil, of Buffalo. Nine are dead.

George Cowett, a substantial farmer of Chatham township, was born in Hennepin county, this state, February 5, 1875, son of Isaac Cowett and Susan (Goodiu) Cowett. He was brought to section 31, Chatham township, as an infant, and was here reared. He attended the public schools and learned farming from his father. In 1912 he rented the place, and has since successfully conducted it. His mother lives with him. The place is splendidly improved in every way. The house contains eleven rooms and is modern throughout. The barn was destroyed by fire April 4, 1914, being a total loss, together with five horses, sixteen head of cattle, three sets of harnesses, eight swine, fifteen tons of hay, and a good supply of grain and feed. It was an unusually fine structure, having a capacity of thirty cattle, seven horses and sixty tons of hay. Undaunted by this disaster, Mr. Cowett has set to work to repair his losses. He carries on general farming and is looked upon as a successful man. Mr. Cowett was married January 14, 1913, to Elizabeth, the daughter of August Shelander, of Michigan. She had been married November 2, 1896, to Peter Kalstrom, who died October 2, 1910, leaving two children : Roy Philip and Chester Raymond.

Arthur F. Mimstenteiger, a prosperous farmer of Chatham township, was born in Buffalo township, this county, November 10, 1883, son of Herman and Lena Munstenteiger, the pioneers. He was reared on the home farm, attended the district schools and learned farming from his father. He now owns the homestead of 160 acres in Chatham, has erected some good barns, has a comfortable home, and is regarded as a successful farmer and good citizen in every respect. He carries on general farming, making a specialty of raising good stock. He married Anna Demares, and has one daughter, Mildred, born December 28, 1912. Anna Demares is the daughter of Napoleon and Melvina Demares, who in the early days settled in section 2, Chatham township, among the earlie.st pioneers. They experienced all the rigors of frontier life. When they arrived they erected a shelter of poles and leaves and lived in this manner until their cabin was completed. It took them many years to clear their land, but in time they became prosperous and comfortable.

Hjalmar Frithiof Borgstrom, a leading farmer of Chatham township, was born in Delarne, Sweden, June 29, 1864, son of Samuel Gustavo and Johanna (Jewett) Borgstrom. Samuel Gustave Borgstrom was a prominent miller, and followed that business from 1854 to 1861. The famine of 1860 caused many of the peasants to move away, and he closed his mill and opened a general store, wliich he conducted from 1861 to 1867. Then for several years he was foreman and eruiser for a large lumber company. In his latter years he acted as eonimunal spokesman and had charge of the expense records of the parisli church. He was born in Westmanland, January 7, 1828, and died in December, 1901. His wife was born in Westmanland, March 24, 1824, and died in August, 1889. Tlu'y were married in 1854 and had six children : Hilda Louise, Charlotta, Gustave Adolph, Anna Sophia, Emma Maria and Iljalmar F. Cliarlotta came to the United States in 1881, and located in Marysville. She nuirried Ole Peterson. Gustave still lives in Delarne, Sweden. Anna Sophia came to Marysville in 1886 and located in section 7. She i.s the wife of Nels Peterson. Emma Maria still lives in Sweden. Hjalmar F. was reared in his native parish, and in 1888 came to America, arriving in Minneapolis IMay 25. For a time he worked as a harvest hand, later in the lumber woods. After his marriage he located on section 31, Chatham township, where he secured forty acres. A shack had been erected and about one and a half acres had been broken. For two or three years he worked with a yoke of steers. Gradually he cleared up the land, and in time erected a modern house and barns. He carries on general farming, and has made a specialty of breeding Ilolstein cattle. A thorough believer in the farmers' movement, he has taken shares in the Farmers' Co-operative Store, at Waverly, and has been well pleased with the venture. At the present time he is serving as town supervisor and school clerk. In times past he has held varioiis offices in tlie Swedish Lutheran Church at Marysville. For thirteen years he has been local agent for the Scandinavian Fire Insurance Company. Mr. Borgstrom was married in the fall of 1889 to Betsy Eck, born in Sweden November 14, 1868, daugliter of Olaf and Anna (Hanson) Eck, who spent the span of their years in Sweden. Of the eleven children in the Eck family there were three, John, Betsy and Ellen, who came to the United States. Jolin is dead. Ellen is the wife of Andrew Johnson, of Minneapolis. Mr. and Mrs. Borgstrom have had four children: Elmer was born April 12, 1890, and died in 1892. Henry was born July 15, 1892, and died at the age of twenty-nine days. Carl Arthur was born January 28, 1894. Elmer Samuel was born July 12, 1895. Elmer S. has been raised to agricultural pursuits and is to receive the home farm. Carl A. has been given an education. He graduated from the Buffalo high school in 1911, and took up the study of pharmacy. In January, 1914, he jjassed with high marks the examination of the State Board of Pharmacy, and is now a licensed druggist, and is manager of a drugstore at 1110 Payne avemie, St. Paul. The family history of the Borgstroras is most interesting. The father of Samuel Gustave Borgstrom was a blacksmith. The grandmother of Mrs. Samuel Gustave Borgstrom bore the name of Jewett. She reached

Sweden at the age of six years, and her native country is unknown. In time she married Mathew Mattison and, as his name was so common a one, she adopted her mother's surname, Jewett.

S. A. Anderson, a prominent farmer of section 32, Chatham township, was born in Sweden, December 2, 1856, son of S. A. Anderson, Sr., and Mary (Mattson) Anderson, and great-grandson of Mat Mattson, who fought in the Norwegian war of 1814. The children in the family were S. A., Anna and Erick C. S. A. was the first of the family to come to America. He arrived in New York in 1880, did railroad work for a while, and then located in Escanaba, Mich. In 1884 he came to "Wright county and purchased eighty acres in section 32. Twenty acres had been cleared and a small shack stood on the place. It was this year that the rest of the family came to America. The subject of this sketch made a home for his parents for many years. His mother still lives with him, having been totally blind for the past six years. His father died in 1898 at the age of seventy. Mr. Anderson cleared up his place, erected buildings and became a prosperous farmer. To his original tract he had added another twenty, so that he now owns 100 acres of good land, with a modern farm house, roomy barns and a good silo. He carries on general farming, and makes a specialty of raising good stock. For twenty-five years past he has been a member of the school board of his district. Mr. Anderson was married in 1885 to Carrie Mattson, a native of Wright county, daughter of Peter and Mary (Errickson) Mattson, who were born in Sweden and settled in Marysville township. Mrs. Carrie (Mattson) Anderson died eight years after her marriage, at the age of twenty-four, leaving three children : Alexander, Mamie and Emma. For his second wife Mr. Anderson married Martha Anderson, a native of Sweden. She died three years after their marriage, at the age of twentyseven. The present Mrs. Anderson was Anna M. Carlson, widow of Louis Anderson, of Sweden. By this union, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have three children, Edith, Roy and Hilda. By her previous marriage Mrs. Anderson has two children, Lawrence and Arnold.

Francis Berthiaiune was the son of Francis Berthiaume, who was one of two brothers who came from France to Canada and founded the American branches of the family. Francis, the subject of this sketch, was reared in lower Canada, and there married Osite Faver. To this union there were born six children : Francis, Odelong, Eusebe, Isiah, Osite and Matilda. In 1849 the family settled in Montcalm county, Michigan, where one of the children, Osite, died. In the spring of 1856 the family came to St. Paul. Two years later they settled in Chatham township, secured eighty acres and erected a shack on the banks of Birch lake. The tract was covered with woods, and no roads led to it, but with courage they set about establishing for themselves a home in the wilderness. During the Indian troubles they fled to Elk River. Afterward they returned. They experienced all the rigors of pioneer life, though they were somewhat more fortunate than the rest of the settlers in that they had a pair of horses. For supplies they went to Monticello or St. Paul. Francis Berthiaume lived to clear fifteen acres of land. He died in 1869 at the age of seventy-six years, three months and three days. His wife died July 25, 1896, at the age of ninety-four years, four months and twenty-five days.

Francis Berthiaume, son of the Francis Berthiaume whose sketch precedes this, and grandson of Francis Berthiaume, one of the founders of the family in America, was born in lower Canada, and came with the family to Michigan in 1849, to St. Paul in 1856, and to Chatham township, Wright county, in 1858. At the age of sixteen lie ran away from home and enlisted in Company E, Hatch 's Independent Battalion, Minnesota Volunteer Cavalry. He accompanied the battalion against the Indians, and later against the Confederates. He was mustered out at the close of the war, and in 1865 married Mary Crosby. About this time they took a claim of eighty acres in Marysville township. The tract was covered with woods, and no roads led to it. He erected a log cabin, and with the help of a yoke of oxen began to clear the land. He developed the place into a good farm, and in 1879 sold to his brother. He was a prominent man and held various school ofiSces and town offices. He also helped to build the Catholic church at Waverly. In his latter years he joined the John Cochrane Post, G. A. R., at Bufi'alo, and delighted in his association with his old comrades. He died in 1912 at the age of sixty-six. His wife, who was the daughter of Robert Crosby, is still living.

James F. Berthiaume, an influential farmer of Chatham township, was born in Marysville township, this county, July 19, 1867, son of Francis and Mary (Crosby) Berthiaume, grandson of Francis and Osite (Faver) Berthiaume, and great-grandson of that Francis Berthiaume who came from France to Canada and founded one of the American branches of the family. James F. was reared by his distinguished uncle. Lieutenant James E. Cochrane, whose homestead he now occupies. He received a good education and as a young man went to the Dakotas, where he herded cattle. Afterward he took a claim of 160 acres in Stevens county, Minnesota. In 1893 he sold out his interests there and retui-ned to the Cochrane homestead, which he rented for a while and then purchased. He has built up a splendid farm, and is a very successful man. His popularity- is shown by the fact that he has been school officer seventeen years and town assessor three years, and is now serving as town treasurer. Mr. Berthiaume is a tliorougli believer in the brotherhood of mankind and is a greate lover of good fellowship. He delights in extending a friendly hand to all. Fraternally lie is associated with the lodge and the encampment of the I. 0. 0. F. Mr. Berthiaume married Emily Martie, and they have two children : Endora and Lilibelle. Emily Martie Berthiaume is the daughter of Gottlieb and Elizabeth (Beuchart) Martie, natives of Switzerland. They came to America, found their way to Minnesota, and lived at St. Anthony until after the war, Avhen they came to Wright county and settled in Silver Creek, where the daughter Emily was born. In their declining years they spent their time with Mr. and Mrs. James F. Berthiaume, until their death. Mr. Martie died in 1898 at the age of seventy-four. Mrs. Martie died in 1891 at the age of sixty-eight.

James E. Cochrane was born in Canada, the son of John and Jessie (Watts) Cochrane, and stepson of John Dodd, the pioneer. He came to Minnesota in the fifties. He did brave work as lieutenant in Company C, Hatch's Independent Battalion, Minnesota Volunteer Cavalry, and at the close of the war took a claim of 120 acres of wild land in section 26, Chatham township. He erected a log cabin, cleared the land, and helped to build a road past his place. In 1869 he brought lumber from Monticello and erected a frame house twenty rods east of his original cabin. This was the first frame house erected in this locality. He organized the school district and served in many town and school offices. He was a leading man in his community, and had much influence on the trend of public affairs. He died about 1879 at the age of forty. A matter in which he took great pride was the erecting of the Marysville bridge over the North fork of the Crow river.

Carl M. Carlson, president of the Cokato Canning Company, was born in Sweden, September 21, 1855, son of Carl and Cajsa (Bergman) Carlson. Carl Carlson, the father, brought the family to the United States in 1859, and settled at Marine Mills, Washington county, this state. In 1867 he brought the family to Wright county and located a mile south of Stockholm, in Stockholm township. He secured a tract of eighty acres, erected a log building, and with the ox team that he had brought with him started to clear the land. He was one of the real founders of the township. He was one of the three men who named the town, and served the town as clerk and as justice. He also assisted in organizing the Stockholm church. He died in 1882 at the age of sixty-five. His wife died in 1905 at the age of ninety. Their children were Carl M., Louisa, Caroline and Mary. Carl M. Carlson was brought to Wright county as a boy. In 1888 he came to Cokato, and operated the Western Hotel for twenty-five years. At the end of that period he retired from the arduous duties of active management. For ten years past he has done the locality good service as president and manager of the Cokato Canning Companj'. He has been justice of the peace for twenty years and has served on various important committees and delegations, and like his father before him has taken his part in the growth and development of the community. A recent publication has said: "Carl M. Carlson, the president of the Cokato Canning Company, is a man of keen business ability, and in the long years in which he has been identified with Cokato life he has established a most enviable record. In the period that he has been identified with his present business he has built up a splendid trade, and the number of his patrons is growing because of the unfailing liberal and businesslike treatment that they receive. In 1904 the Cokato Canning Company was organized with a capital stock of $18,000. Operations were commenced at once. Through the efficient efforts of Carl M. Carlson, the president, and John Ojampera, the secretary, the business has been placed on a paying basis. These two gentlemen have practical charge of the factor.y aiul of all of its output. The capacity is about 25,000 cases a year, each case containing twenty-four cans. Although the season at the cannery is only six to eight weeks in length, it is a very busy one, and some seventy-five or eighty-five assistants are employed. The product has a splendid reputation, and there is a rapidly increasing demand for it."

Isaac Christopher, a pioneer, now deceased, was born in Finland, near the Norwegian line, December 24, 1832, son of John and Eva Christopher, who were born in Finland and moved to Norway in 1840. Two of their children, Isaac and Peter, were born in Finland, and two, Mary and John, were born in Norway. As he grew to manhood he learned the jeweler's trade. In 1859 he married Stena Hendrickson, and four children, Fred J., Stena, David and August Nicholas, were born. In 1866, Avigust Nicholas having died, Isaac Christopher, with his wife and the other three children, started for America. On the trip another son, Nicholas, was born. They settled in Michigan, and remained there four j^ears, Isaac Christopher working at his trade and in machine shops. In Michigan another son, Henry, was born. In 1870 the familj^ started westward again, coming by way of Duluth to Wright county, and locating on sixty-five acres of woodland in sections 12 and 13, Cokato. A log building was erected on section 12, and with an ox team the family began to clear the land. As time passed Mr. Christopher added to his tract until he owned 175 acres. After prosperity came he erected a frame house in section 12, and he made many other improvements. Well liked and trusted by his fellows, he was elected township supervisor and a member of the school board for several terms. He was honored and respected by all who knew him, and his death.

June 12, 1903, was deeply and sincerely mourned. The children born iu Minnesota were : Jack, Benjamin, Albert, Philip, Isabella, Minnie, Edwin and Helen. Those who died in Minnesota were Henry, Minnie and Helen. Stena Hendrickson, widow of Isaac Christopher, was born in Noi-way, May 17, 1842, daughter of Magnus and Stena Hendrickson, whose other children were Eva, Mary, Sophia and Henry. Magnus Hendrickson died in Norway, and his widow and children set sail for the United States. She died on the trip, but the children continued and located in Michigan.

Fayette Lee, pioneer and highly respected citizen, was born in Waterbury, N. Y., May 9, 1852, sou of William and Betsy (Putnam) Lee. The grandfather, also named William Lee, was a native of England, and came of a long line of farmers. The grandfather on the maternal side was Owen Putnam, said to be a relative of Israel Putnam of historic fame. William Lee and Betsy C. Putnam were born February 10, 1823, and October 5, 1829, respectively. They were married August 19, 1849, and were the parents of ten children : Marion, Fayette and Emma were born in New York state, while Charles, Morrison, Edwin, Viola, James, Rosa and Eugene were born in Minnesota. William Lee, with his wife and children, started for Minnesota in 1855, coming by way of LaCrosse and thence up the Mississippi river to St. Paul. For one and a half years they lived in Minneapolis. Then they located on Mooers' prairie, in Cokato township, where they secured eighty acres. They erected a log house and with an ox team started to clear the land. The father brought supplies from Minneapolis on his back. During the first Indian fright the family took refuge in the stockade at Greenwood, near Rockford. Afterward they returned, but when the second fright came they went back to New York state and remained until 1865, when they once again came to their home in Cokato. William Lee died February 20, 1890. His wife died June 29, 1904, at Atkinson, Minn. She was a member of the Baptist church. Fayette Lee received his early education in Minnesota and New York state. For some years he remained on fifteen acres of the home place, which he purchased. Later he moved to Cokato village. In 1887 he purchased ten acres in the suburbs of Cokato, where he now has a beautiful and comfortable home, surrounded with flowers. He makes a specialty of raising garden produce, and has an apiary in which he takes particular pride. He has a very deep interest in the affairs of the early days, and is an honored member of the Territorial Pioneers' Association. Mr. Lee was married December 8, 1875, to Ellen Edgerley, born April 6, 1857, at Hudson, Mich., and to this union there have been born two children. Albert Lucas was born October 17, 1876, was married June 21, 1898, to Hattie Armstrong, and has three children, Dorothy, Leland and

Jacob Ojanpera

Genevieve. Cora Emma was born April 10, 1880, and was married June 25, 1902, to Alfred Halverson. Ellen Edgerly Lee is the daughter of Edward L. and Lucinda (Britton) Edgerly, who came to Minnesota in the fall of 1874. Edwai-d L. Edgerly was born in 1913 and died at the age of eighty-eight years and one mouth.- -His wife died in 1880 at the age of sixty-three. They had nine children : Carrie, George, Mary, Martin, Eliza, Amanda, Sarah, Joseph and Ellen.

Jacob Ojanpera is the leading citizen of the neighborhood in which he lives. Coming to this country as a poor boy, he has won unusual success, and is known far and wide for his influence and position. He was born August 6, 1838, in Finland, son of Saki'i and Preda (Pere) Ojanpera. He received a good education in the Minister's school, and in 1867 went to Norway, and in 1870 came to America. He was at that time a single man. He worked his way westward, and finally reached Cokato. A brickyard had been built there, but the neighboring country was still a wilderness. After working for a time in the brickyard, he went to Michigan. Several years later he came back to Cokato and bought his present place in sections 16 and 21, Cokato township. Here he has since lived, and here, year by year, he has prospered. When he first established his home in the wilderness he had a small cabin made of logs and a shed made of poles and covered with straw. His house is a sightly building known for miles around. His barns resemble a small village. He has cattle bams and hay barns and horse barns, a shed for repairing harnesses and tools, a tool shed, sheds for the housing of the other implements used on the farm. In fact, the equipment is just such as one would expect on the farm of the most prosperous man in the community. The dairy in which the cream separator is run by a gasoline engine is one of the features of the place. Another convenience which Mr. Ojanpera has installed is a Finnish bath house, where the bather is thoroughly steamed after the manner in vogue in the country of Mr. Ojanpera 's boyhood. His farm now consists of 300 acres, and its fertile area is in decided contrast to the wild tract of laud which Mr. Ojanpera took when he first came here. Mr. Ojanpera has taken a prominent part in the affairs of the community. He has been supervisor and town treasurer, and has been sent as a delegate to many conventions in St. Paul and Buffalo. He is the leading man in his church and has been president for the past twenty yeai's. He helped to organize the Cokato Cooperative Store and the Cokato State Bank. In fact there are few ventures of a public nature in which he has not had a part. His judgment is always good, and whenever anything is to be undertaken in the community his opinion is always asked. He married Emily Haloneu, and their children are John, Jemina, Isaak (deceased), Hjalmar and Jeely.

Arthur A. Ferrell, a well-known farmer of Cokato township, was born on the homestead where he still resides, October 1, 1880, son of James Harvey and Sarah J. (Hayes) Pei-rell, the early settlers. He was reared on the home place, attended the district schools, and on the death of his father, April 2, 1902, took over the home farm, which he has since successfully conducted. Mr. Ferrell has been especially active in those things that tend to improve the town. He helped to put through the Ferrell-Larson road and bridge. In 1891 he assisted in organizing the Crow River Rural Telephone line. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Rural Free Delivery Route No. 5, out of Cokato. Aside from carrying on general farming, he makes a specialty of raising full-blooded Durham cattle, Berkshire swine and thorouglibred fowls, some of which were imported from Japan.

James Henry Ferrell, now deceased, was for many years a leader in Wright county affairs. A man of genial temperament and broad sympathies, he won friends wherever he went, and he made the world a little better place by his having lived in it. He was born in what is now Wetzel county, Virginia, March 4, 1834, son of James and Catherine (Sommers) Ferrell. The grandparents on both sides were natives of Maryland, and of Irish descent. Members of the family participated in the War of 1812. James and Catherine Ferrell settled in the woods of what is now West Virginia, where were born their ten children : Mary, Casenden, James Harvey, Robert, William, John, Rebecca Mathew and two that died in infancy. .James Harvey Ferrell was educated in the schools of the neighborhood and was reared to farm pursuits. March 18, 1858, he married Sarah J. Hayes, who was born in Virginia July 3, 1840. After their marriage they farmed in what is now Tylor county, West Virginia, for twelve years, and there six of their children were born. In 1869 the family set out for Minnesota, going down the Ohio and up the Mississippi to St. Paul. From there they came on a gravel train to Delano, and from there they came on foot, with Edward, the youngest son, on his mother's back, to the home of Joseph Bland, in Marysville township. There they rested nearly a week. Then they visited at the liome of an uncle, Elisha Ferrell, near Montrose, for a few days, and from there they went to the home of James Hayes, in Franklin township, where they likewise remained a short period. After leaving him they moved into a railroad shack which the construction crew had used for shelter. This was in FVanklin township. In November they moved into a cabin on the homestead of J. T. Alley, in Franklin township. February 22, 1870, they located on the shores of Foster's lake, now known as Junkin's lake, in Middleville township, where they lived in a log cabin sixteen feet square. October 28, 1870, they moved onto their present place, in section 12, Cokato township. The tract was covered with woods, and there was nothing in the way of roads but some old deer paths. The eighty acres were bought from David Cochrain, who had homesteaded it. It was two weeks after the family arrived on the place before they had their cabin erected. This cabin was 16 by 18 feet, made from logs that were cut on the place. They at once set to work, and before the close of the first year they had a cleared field of twelve acres. Many were the hardships to be endured. Money was scarce and provisions were hard to obtain. When they went to the mill on Cokato lake with their ox team, they crossed the creeks by making the oxen swim, while they pulled the wagon over on a cable fastened to the wagon-tongue. By untiring industry, James Henry Ferrell was enabled to acquire 280 acres of fertile land. He has made extensive improvements, erected a dwelling and barns, set out trees, graded a sightly lawn, and in other ways made his home one of the best in the neighborhood. He was a good manager, a good citizen, a good farmer, and he made his life count for something. Ever mindful of the welfare of his family, he gave tracts of land to several of his sons and daughters. After a long and useful life he died April 12, 1902. The thirteen children in the family are: Martin W., born December 1, 1858, and died May 2, 1865; William J., born June 20, 1860; James C, born July 28, 1861; Josephus M., born October 10, 1862; Alexander, born March 7, 1864; Roda E., born March 16, 1865; Menervia W., born September 26, 1866 ; Edmund, born September 7, 1868; Ezra, born October 7, 1870; Thornton, born June 17, 1872; Daniel, born January IS, 1874; Clara B., born November 19, 1876 ; Arthur A., born August 1, 1880.

John Ferrell, now deceased, was one whose ability and character made him a natural leader of men. Familiarly known as "Uncle John," he was the general adviser to everyone in the community, and his good sense and sound judgment made all his opinions of much value. He and his good wife "Aunt Ann" kept open house, the home became a sort of a headquarters of the social events of the neighborhood, and their hospitality was widely known. John Ferrell was born in Dundas county. Province of Ontario, Canada, May 9, 1847, son of Lemuel and Mary (Watt) Ferrell, natives respectively of the United States and of Canada. As a j^oung man, Lemuel Ferrell went to Canada, and there spent the remainder of his life as a farmer. He came of an old Scotch family, and his wife arrived in Canada from Scotland at the age of six years. Amid the stirring pioneer and Indian times they reared their family. After the death of Lemuel Ferrell, his widow came to the United States, and died at Howard Lake, in this county. In the family there were five sons and four daughters. The sons were John, Lemuel, James, George and Enas J., who died at about four years of age. George died in Canada. John is dead.

James lives in Cokato township. Lemuel lives in Middleville. John Ferrell was reared on the home farm in Canada, and attended the district schools. In 1870 he was married, and after that he farmed in Canada for eight years. It was in 1878 that he brought his wife and his two children, Mary and Arthur, to the United States and located on a tract of 160 acres in section 24, Cokato township. They came as far as Howard Lake by rail. Smith's Lake being then the end of the line. With them they brought the first pair of horses used in this neighborhood. Mr. Ferrell built one of the first frame houses in this locality. The old building is still a part of the present modern residence. For a bam he nailed boards onto the trees and piled straw against them. He cleared up the land and by hard work, frugality and shrewdness added to his property until he owned 320 acres of good land, one of the finest places in the vicinity. Coupled with his great personal success, he yet found time to devote to enterprises that had for their object the upbuilding of the community. For nineteen years he was vice-president of the State Bank of Howard Lake. For a number of years he was connected with the Farmers' Co-operative Store at Cokato, and the Cokato Co-operative Creamery. He was active in the Methodist Episcopal services held at the home of Mr. Doble, at Smith Lake, and became one of the charter members and one of the first trustees when the church was established at Smith's Lake. He was also prominent in Sunday school work. He died January 23, 1914, well beloved, highly honored and sincerely mourned. In the family there were three children. Mary Elizabeth was born May 19, 1873. Arthur Wellington was born June 2, 1876. Howard Armstrong was born September 12, 1885. The two oldest were born in Canada, and the youngest in Cokato township. Mary Elizabeth died April 3, 1886. Arthur married Florence May Conger, and lives in Newberg, Ore., on a fruit ranch. Howard married Bertha Dell Ritchie, and they have two children : Lois Margery was born June 17, 1909, and Anna May was born October 8, 1912. Another child, Leland Howard, was born February 2, 1911, and died March 8, 1911. John Ferrell was married December 13, 1870, to Esther Ann Armstrong, born in Dundas county. Province of Ontario, Canada, March 26, 1853, daughter of Robert Livingston and Elizabeth (Rown) Armstrong, natives of Ireland. Robert Livingston Armstrong came with his parents to Canada, while his wife, Elizabeth, daugliter of James Rown, lost her parents at the age of five years on the trip over. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong were married in Canada and there their children were born. Those who lived to adult years were : William James, Joseph Rown, Charles Wesley, Robert John, Benjamin S., Mary Jane, Esther Ann and Margaret Elizabeth. Four died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong came to Wright county in 1900 and took up their home with !Mr. and Mrs. John Ferrell

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AugTist M. Swanberg, a proniiueut farmer of Cokato township, was born on the Swanberg homestead in Cokato township, July 4, 1879, son of Magnus and Bei-tha (Olson) Swanberg, the pioneers. He was educated in the district schools and remained at home until 1893, when he went to the northern part of the state. He secured a claim, and to this added by purchase until he now owns 320 acres of good land on the Rainy river, twenty-five miles west of International Falls. After his father's death he returned home, and here he has since conducted general farming on seventy acres of the Swanberg farm. Mr. Swanberg was married January 1, 1913, to Beatrice T. Larson, of Cokato township, born May 28, 1883, daughter of Erick L. Larson. Mr. and Mrs. Swanberg have one child, Evelyn Victoria, born November 2, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Erick L. Larson were natives of Sweden. They came to America in 1880 and located on a farm in Cokato township. In 1914 they retired, and now live in the village of Cokato. They were the parents of five children: Carl and Beatrice died on the ocean voyage coming over. Beatrice, Lydia and Signa were born in America.

Magnus Swanberg was born in Smaaland, Sweden, April 23, 1837, and came to the United States in 1867. After staying a short period in St. Paul he came to Cokato township and took a homestead of eighty acres of land. The tract was covered with woods. He erected a log cabin, and moved into it before he had the roof put on. "With his ox team he began to clear the land. Later he was able to buy additional land until he owned 210 acres. He worked early and late, and as the years passed developed a good farm. He died in 1907. He was a trustee of the Swedish Lutheran Church at Cokato, and a useful citizen. For several years he was treasurer of Cokato township. Mr. Swanberg was married July 3, 1870, to Bertha Olson, born October 26, 1833, in Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Swanberg have had four children : Fred, August, Anna, now Mrs. August Wadenstin, of Minneapolis ; and Emma, wife of August Salberg. She died at the age of twentyfive. Mrs. Bertha (Olson) Swanberg was the daughter of Erick and Bertha Olson. The mother died in Sweden and the father came to the United States and died here. In the Olson family there were six children: Ole, Andrew, Erick (deceased). Bertha, Carrie and Betsy. Ole died in Sweden, and the rest came to the United States.

Andrew Norberg, the popular and efficient buttermaker for the Knapp Creamery Association, on the line between French Lake and Cokato townships, was born in section 32, Cokato township, April 19, 1880, son of Peter Norberg, the pioneer, who located on a heavily wooded tract in FVench Lake township in the early days, erected a log cabin, experienced the usual hardships of pioneer life, and developed a splendid farm. He died in 1902, and his wife still lives on section 32. He and his good wife were the parents of six children, four boys and two girls. Andrew Norberg was the third in the family. He was reared on the home farm, attended the district schools and early became interested in dairying. In 1904 he attended the Dairy School of the University of Minnesota, after which he began work in the Knapp Creamery. In 1905 and 1911 he took postgraduate courses. Mr. Norberg is a thorough expert at his trade, he is of a pleasant temperament that makes friends easily, he is a good business man, and is greatly liked and esteemed both in his work and in his social relations.

Edv/ard Taylor, an honored and respected resident of Cokato, has had adventures in life such as fall to the lot of but few men, and the story of his war experiences fully told would make a volume in itself. He was born in London, England, June 8, 1843, son of John Edward and Dinah Sarah Dunn Greenwood Taylor. By her first marriage the mother had three children, Mary Ann, Dinah Sarah and William. By her marriage to Mr. Taylor there were three children, Henry G., Benjamin and Edward. The family left England October 9, 1849, and reached New York harbor January 1, 1850. They located in New York City, and there the father opened the first gold-beater's shop in that place. In the spring of 1858 Edward Taylor set out for himself. For a few years he farmed in Winchester, the county seat of Randolph county, Indiana. At the outbreak of the Civil war he went to Richmond, the county seat of Wayne county, Indiana, June 6, 1861, and enlisted in Company E, 36th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Ho was mustered in October 23 at Indianapolis, under Captain S. R. Kerney. The regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division, Fourteenth Corps, Army of the Cumberland. This began Private Taylor's war record. He displayed his valor on many a bloody field of honor, and was a good soldier in every respect. Among the more important engagements in which he participated may be mentioned the battles of Shiloh, Pittsburgh Landing, Sparta, Perrysville, Nashville, Stony River, Murfreesboro, Chiekamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and Atlanta. While on a foraging expedition he was capturetl. For fourteen weeks he was confined in the dismal Libby Prison. He was one of the first to escape by digging out of the death cellar. He and a comjianion called "Shorty" crawled through the passageway they had made and found tlieir way to the river bank, where they floated down the stream twelve miles hanging to a bale of cotton. They then took to the shore. Their trail was followed by a pack of bloodhounds, fifteen in number. Private Taylor and his friend accordingly separated. Mr. Taylor passed through a slough into the river, and then waded in the bed of the stream, thus tlirowing the dogs off his track. The disappointed dogs captured his partner, and Mr. Taylor watched them tear him to pieces, expecting that his turn was to come next. Neither Mr. Taylor nor his companion had any clothes, their only garment being a gunny sack, with holes cut for the arms and legs. While the dogs were killing his companion, Mr. Taylor lay covered in the mud, only his ears and his nose sticking out. Within ten feet of him were two big alligators. When he crawled out he had to tear the black leeches from dozens of places on his body where they had been sapping his feeble strength. One got into his left ear, and he broke the drum in getting it out. He finally made his way to a negro cabin, and after a long watch spied the negro "mammy" going out to milk. She hid him while she milked, and then took him to the cabin, where her husband gave him food and clothes. The next morning the husband carried him four miles on his back through the swamp and then set him on his way to the North. Soon afterward he was captured as a spy by Union soldiers and taken into the Union ranks, where he was iinally released and allowed to rejoin his command. He was wounded at the battles of Shiloh, Stony River, Rockfaee Ridge and Atlanta. The wound he received in the head at the Battle of Atlanta prevented his finishing the March to the Sea with his regiment, and he was sent to the hospital at Nashville. From there he was transferred to the Eleventh Regiment, Veteran Reserves. While he was recovering he carried mail for the barracks at Cincinnati and later guarded Confederate prisoners at Point Lookout. He was discharged at Washington, D. C, September 21, 1864. He reenlisted March 14, 1865, in Company H, Fifth Ohio Cavalry, under Colonel Thomas Heath. October 30,

1865, at Charlotte, N. C, under General Orders No. 144, U. S. War Department, he received his final honorable discharge. Having thus fulfilled his duty to his country, he returned to Randolph county, Indiana, where he spent the winter. In the spring of

1866, Edward Taylor, Jesse Bales and William Adamson started out for Minnesota with sixteen horses. March 21, 1866, they landed at the shack of Joel Bales, on the shores of Lake Rebecca, in Rockford township, this county. Edward Taylor worked the fii-st summer on the farm of Joel Bales. Then he went into the pine woods and worked as a chopper, a cook, a raftsman and a steamboat employe. In the summer of 1869, 1870 and 1871 he was on the government survey under T. B. Walker, of Minneapolis. In the fall of 1871 he married Mary C. Reed, who was born in Rockford, 111., February 13, 1852, daughter of Stillman 0. and Caroline M. (Kock) Reed, who located in Shanhassen township. Carver county, in 1856, and took a homestead in French Lake, Wright county, in 1868. After Edward Taylor was married he went to Morrison county in the fall of 1872 and picked out a homestead, onto which he and his bride moved in February, 1873. There they resided until 1880, when they moved to Cokato, where they have since lived. Mr. Taylor belongs to Willmar Post, No. 12.5, G. A. R., and Golden Rule Lodge, No. 82, I. 0. 0. F. Mrs. Taylor belongs to the Eastern Star and the Royal Neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have two children. Henry S. lives in Cokato. He married Maude A. Golladay, of Annandale, and they have two children, Harry J. E. and Mildred Jessie. Emma J. is the wife of Frank Friend, of Tonica, 111.

John C. Watson, a prosperous citizen of Cokato, was born in Wetzel county, in what is now West Virginia, December 5, 1857, son of John C. Watson, Sr., and Tena (Cambridge) Watson. As a young man he traveled extensively, being for a while freight agent for the B. B. & B. C. R. R. in the state of Washiugton. It was in 1865 that he came to Montrose, in this county, with his parents, and in 1867 he came with them to Cokato township. He moved to Iowa in 1881, but after a year he returned to the farm in Cokato. In 1887 he went to the state of Washington, but after two years there, again returned to the farm in Cokato. He has lived continuously on his present farm since 1889. From 1880 to 1886 he had charge of the Cargill Elevator at Smith Lake. There he did most excellent work and made many friends, giving satisfaction to his employers and winning the confidence of the farmers with whom he dealt: He has been very successful in his general farming operations, and makes a specialty of raising a good grade of stock. For fifteen years he has been clerk of his school district and for three years director. Under his care the place, which consists of eighty acres in section 26, has greatly improved, and he is regarded as one of the leading men of the community. He belongs to Cokato Lodge, No. 134, A. F. & A. M., and his wife is a member of the Eastern Star. Mr. Watson was married in 1881 to Eunice La Salle, born in New York state, daughter of Marcus and Mary (Wilber) La Salle, who were also born in New York, but who spent the greater part of their lives as farmers in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Watson have four children : Zoa, John Charles, Herbert Clinton and Maude, all living at home.

John C. Watson, Sr., was born in Marion county, Virginia, son of William Watson and nephew of David Watson, a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was reared and educated in his native county, and married Orilla Mason. As a youth he learned two ti'ades, those of stonemason and shoemaker, and in these occupations he earned his livelihood. He moved to what is now Wetzel county in West Virginia, and there three of the children, Elizabeth, Lucinda and Malissa, died. Several of the children were born there. In 1865 he started for the Northwest with his family.

consisting of his wife and his children, Angiistus, Leander, James, Susannah, John C, William, Alexander, Thornton and Rhoda. They came by boat down the Ohio and up the Mississippi to St. Paul. From there they came to Minneapolis, and then by horse team they came on to Montrose, in Wright county, where they remained for some two years. In 1S66 he secured a tract of eighty acres in section 26, Cokato township. A trail led past the claim. He erected a small cabin of logs and began to clear the place. He fortunately had a pair of oxen and three cows. In April, 1867, he moved his family into the cabin. St. Anthony was then the trading point, and members of the family sometimes walked there after supplies. John C. Watson, Sr., died in 1869, in the faith of the Baptist church. His wife died in August, 1866. Fi'om the old home the family has scattered far and wide, and the only one that remains there is John C, Jr., who successfully carries on general farming.

George J. Cramer, a prosperous farmer of Delano, where he owns 121 acres of good land in the outskirts, and carried on general farming, together with high-class stock raising, was born March 25, 1870, in Carver county, son of Joseph and Augusta (Blatz) Cramer, who came to Wright county when he was one year of age and located in sections 2 and 11 on the farm now occupied by the son. Mr. Cramer was reared on this place, passed through the Delano schools, and learned farming from his father. George J. Cramer was nmrried May 30, 1899, to Antoinette Zachman, the daughter of Thomas Zachman, and they have seven children, Wendelin, Leander, Varina, Anthon.v, Armella, Irene and Walter, all of whom live at home. The family faith is that of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, of Delano, and Mr. Cramer is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Joseph Cramer was born in Washington county, Ohio, March 24, 1834, son of Joseph Cramer, Sr. In 1852 he came to Carver county and took a claim of 160 acres. Here he underwent the typical experiences of pioneer life. He cut and hauled the logs for a small cabin, broke and cleared the land, later erected a larger log cabin, and in time Avas enabled to build a frame house. In 1870 he came to Wright county, and for some thirty-eight years engaged in the meat business in Delano. Mr. Cramer was married, May 12, 1862, at St. Bonifaeius, to Augusta Blatz, who was born in Baden, Germany, August 27, 1843, daughter of Bernard Blatz, came to America with her parents in 1861, and located at St. Bonifaeius. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer were the parents of ten children : Frank was born March 27, 1863, and lives in Minneapolis. Joseph was born October 16, 1864, and also lives in Minneapolis. Rosa was born April 4, 1866, and married Frank Swadner, of Franklin township. Anna Louise was born October 17, 1867, and is now ilrs. Smith, of Minneapolis. George was born March 27, 1870, and lives in Delano. William was born December 3, 1871, and died July 24, 1876. Marie was born August 8, 1874, and lives in Minneapolis. John A. was born November 13, 1877, and also lives in Minneapolis. Mary was born March 16, 1881, and died the same day. Louis F. was born January 25, 1885, and died March 24, 1885. Joseph Cramer died March 24, 1896. His wife still resides in Buffalo.

Andrew Pogreba, mayor of Delano, was born in Germany, November 30, 1855, son of Urban and Agnes (Hallek) Pogreba. The parents were most substantial people, and the father was a veteran of the War of 1848. In the family there were eight sturdy sons, John, Thomas, Jacob, Andrew, Albert, Peter, Robert and William. Andrew Pogreba was reared in Germany, attended the public schools, and as a youth learned the trade of baker. In 1873 he came to America, and after working a month in Chicago, arrived in Delano. Here he began work along the right of way of the Great Northern. His ability and intelligence attracted attention, and he soon became section foreman. Still later he was made roadmaster. By frugal savings he was enabled to purchase a store in Everest Village, Cass county, North Dakota, in the year 1890, but the store was burned five years later, and he returned to Delano. In 1910 he purchased his present farm, where he raises good crops and good live stock, and has been most successful in his undertakings. In the spring of 1914 he was elected mayor of Delano by a substantial majority. Mayor Pogreba was married, September 6, 1879, to Emma Torgerson, a native of Norway, daughter of Absolom Torgerson and Rachel (Christopher) Torgerson, early settlers of Swift county, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Pogreba have eight children : Anna, Leo, John, Peter, Nora, Minnie, Elizabeth and Agnes. Anna married S. R. Berg, of Minneapolis. Peter married Julia Jacobson. They live in Minneapolis. Leo married Frances Pogreba. They live in Montrose. John lives in South Dakota. The family attend the Catholic church.