Wright County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1915 (part 3 of 4)

John W. Custer, for many years a worthy citizen of Stockholm township, was born in Logansport, Ind., March 6, 1858, son of George B. and Barbara (Brubaker) Custer. George B. Custer was a relative of General George A. Custer, of military fame. He himself fought in the Mexican and Civil wars. In 1848 he married Barbara Brubaker, who was born in Ohio, December 7, 1827, and moved to Cass county, Indiana, in 1839. In 1871 they came to Wright county and settled in Vietor township. George B. Custer died in 1904, and upon the youthful shoulders of John W. Custer, the subject of this mention, fell the burden of supporting the family, which included not only his mother and brothers, but also his grandmother on the maternal side. He shouldered the task manfully, and saw to it that his brothers received a good education in order that they might be the better prepared to meet the burdens of life. He farmed and operated a sawmill and a threshing machine, in fact did everything that he eould to earn an honest dollar. He was married in 1887, and on April 16, 1888, he moved into a small log cabin on forty acres of railroad Jand in section 13, Stockholm township. About eight acres had been eleared. With characteristic energy he set at work improving this place. To the original trace he added eighty acres in Victor township and eighty acres in Stockholm township, Later he erected a splendid house and a roomy barn, sawing out all the lumber himself. On this place he carried on general farming and raised good stock. For many years he served as constable and as a member of the school board. His religion was that of the Church of God, and he helped to establish that faith in this locality. He was a member of Howard Lake Lodge, No. 134, A. F. & A. M. Mr. Custer died May 18, 1905, and is laid at rest in the Howard Lake cemetery. Mr, Custer was married, November 2, 1887, to Ella L. Eddy, and this union has been blessed with seven ehildren: Warren W., born July 22, 1888; Clinton C., born July 22, 1890; Etta L., born December 17, 1892; Orrin O., born October 28, 1895; Adelia E., born April 11, 1900; Jervin, born June 14, 1902, and died March 28, 1903; and Vera, born April 9, 1905. Mrs. Ella L. (Eddy) Custer was married June 17, 1908, to Henry Mills, and this union has been blessed with one child, Redford, born August 3, 1910. Henry Mills was born in Mexico, March 3, 1861, went from there to Canada, then to Ohio, and still later to Minnesota, where he is a substantial and respected man.

John Warren Moore, a pioneer, was born in Maine, February 19, 1834, and died in Montrose, Wright county, October 1, 1903. He came to Wright county in the early fifties, and located a homestead on the west side of Fountain lake, the claim being on the line between Woodland and Franklin townships. Furst he built a log shanty. Later he built a log house. This in turn was replaced in due time with the substantial frame house that now occupies the place, He began with an ox team and gradually achieved prosperity. He was supervisor of Woodland township, and a member of the Montrose school board for many years, He was likewise a prominent temperance worker. Mr. Moore was a blacksmith by trade. In the early days he erected a shop on his farm and did a flourishing business. People came from miles around to have work done at his place, and Mr. Moore became well known as "'the village smithy.'' The parents of John Warren Moore were Thomas and Mahalia Moore, natives of Maine. John Warren Moore was married October 1, 1865, to Minnie Schultz, born in Germany, November 2, 1844. She is still living.

Charles Moore, a prominent and successful miller of Howard Lake, was born on the west shore of Fountain lake, in Woodland township, December 27, 1867, son of John W. and Minnie (Schultz) Moore. He was reared to farm pursuits, but at an early age became a miller and engineer, working at Waverly, Litchfield and other places. In 1891 he went to northern Wisconsin and took a homestead of 160 acres, which he still owns. Later he returned. In 1897 he and his brother, Fred W., purchased the Bonniwell mill from the C. W. Bonniwell estate. In 1899, Charles Moore purchased the interests of Fred W. Moore, and remained the sole proprietor until the plant was burned, September 26, 1904, Then the Howard Lake Milling Company was organized, and a larger mill erected. Gradually Charles Moore has bought out the other interests until the entire stock is now owned by him, his wife and his brother, Henry W., of St. Paul. Mr. Moore is a leading citizen and has served as a member of the council and of the school board. Fraternally he associates with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Moore, on September 6, 1899, married Anna MecKlin, of Maple Lake, daughter of William and Mary (Gorman) McKlin. They have three children: Evelyn, Edwin and Helen. Of the Howard Lake Milling Company and its proprietor, a recent publication has said: ''Among the manufacturing interests of Howard Lake, none are more worthy of note than the Howard Lake Milling Company. It is located on Howard Lake, in three substantial buildings, 32 by 42, 10 by 42, and 10 by 30, with an engine house 24 by 30 feet. It is well equipped and supplied with a very best of machinery throughout. Its dusters, cleaners, scalpers, separators and various rollers are of the best make, and the same patents that are used in the best and largest mills of the country. The mill is devoted to making high-grade flour, feed and the like, and the superior quality of the product is in a measure a test of the excellent machinery employed in their manufacture. But even perfect machinery does not always produce perfect flour and feed. It requires something more. It necessitates a man who has thoroughly familiarized himself with all the various details of milling, and is therefore not only acquainted with all the requirements of good milling, but knows how to choose his wheat and to please and satisfy his trade, Such a man is Charles Moore, president, manager and treasurer, a business man in all that the term implies. With such a man at the head of this industry it must succeed. Located in an agricultural country, 'surrounded by a populous and producing community, this mill has a broad and fertile field of operaticn. Through long, straightforward business dealings this milling company has made a favorable impression and has secured the good will, confidence and co-operation of the whole community. With a capacity of seventyfive barrels a day, it is able to supply many families with the 'Pride of Howard Lake' flour."'

Jacob O, Terry, a respected and substantial resident of Howard Lake, was born in Allegheny county, Virginia, October 8, 1847, son of Joseph and Mahala (Wolf) Terry. The parents died when Jacob O. was young, and he was reared by his grandparents. As a youth he was beund out for seven years as an apprentice to a tanner, but he did not like that trade, and so he took up farming as his life work. In 1875 he came to Minnesota and located in Victor township, this county. Here he farmed for many years. He was an industrious man and a splendid farmer, and success crowned his efforts. In 1902 he retired and moved to the village of Howard Lake, where he now lives. During his active years he served as supervisor of his township and treasurer of his school board. In addition to his village property he owns forty acres in Middleville township. Mr. Terry was married, July 25, 1860, in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, to Sophia W. Dew, who died September 21, 1907. This union has been blessed with six children: Leonard, of Howard Lake; Sally (deceased), Sophia, now Mrs. Albert Weese, of Minneapolis; Taylor J., at Miles City, Mont. and Byron, of Galesville, Wis.

John Painter, one of the honored residents of Howard Lake, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, February 27, 1882, son of George and Elizabeth (Girt) Painter. The parents were both born in Pennsylvania, In 1840 they moved to Butler county, in that state, and in 1868 they came to Minnesota and located on a farm near Maple Plain, in Hennepin county, where they spent the remainder of their days. Of the eighteen children in the family, ten grew to adult years. John Painter attended the publie schools of Butler county, and as a youth learned the blacksmith trade. He helped make the tools that were used to bore the first well in Oil City, Pa. September 11, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, 78th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served until Nevember, 1864, being detailed the greater part of that time to blacksmith work. In 1868 he came to Minnesota with his parents. A year later he came to Howard Lake, where on February 27, 1869, he opened an establishment where he made wagons and did general blacksmithing, jobbing and horseshoeing. He follaewed this work for some forty years, winning for himself a most enviable position in the community, and fully sustaining the popular ideal of the '' village blacksmith.'' In 1908 he retired. Aside from working so faithfully for so many years, he also served for a time as constable. Mr. Painter was married, December 27, 1853, in Butler county, Pennsylvania, to Sophia Peters, a native of that county, who died November 4, 1912. They had nine children: George, a carpenter of Howard Lake; Albert, of Compton, Cal,; Isabelle, of Minneapolis, widow of Eugene Brown; Minnie A., of Seattle, Wash., now Mrs. Wesley Doran; Ralph H. and Harry, of Minneapolis; one who died in infancy; Olive, who died at the age of seven years; and Effie, wife of William Burton, of Howard Lake.

Elmer W. Redman, butter-maker of the Howard Lake Cooperative Creamery, was born at Albee, 8. D., January 21, 1892, son of Michael Redman. He attended the district schools of his neighborhood, and the Albee high school. As a youth he secured employment with Joseph Anderson, in his native village. Mr. Anderson was postmaster and conducted a hardware store, and

Mr. Redman divided his time between work in the postoffice and work asa salesman. After about a year of this work he took up butter making as a profession. For three years he worked in the creamery at Buffalo, in this county. Then he erected the Osseo Co-operative Creamery in Hennepin county, and operated it for two years. From there he came back to Wright county, and for nine months had charge of the Silver Creek Creamery. In August, 1914, he assumed the duties of his present position as butter maker of the Farmers' Co-operative Dairy Association. He is a popular man, and understands his business thoroughly, and his friends predict for him a bright future. Mr. Redman holds three diplomas for proficiency in educational contests and five for proficiency as a butter maker. Of these five two were received at the Minnesota State Fair, and one was received at Mason City, Iowa, with all the states represented; while one was received at a national and one at an international contest.

Enoch Ezra Ritchie, postmaster of Howard Lake, was born near Taylorsville, Alexander county, North Carolina, December 13, 1854, son of Moses W. and Rebeecea (Rogers) Ritchie, natives of North Carolina, and of German and English descent, respectively. The father was an expert wagon maker by trade, but devoted many years of his life to farming. He was married August 13, 1843, and in 1872 moved his family to Kentucky and took up farming. It was on October 10, 1879, that they arrived in Minnesota and took up farming in Albion township. Wright county. Three years afterward they moved to Corinna township. Still later they purchased a farm in South Side township. There the father farmed until 1894, when he moved to Missouri. The mother died in that state, July 5, 1897, and a year later the father returned to Wright county and lived in Annandale for awhile. From there he went to Crow Wing county, and took a homestead on what is now the townsite of Jenkins. This, with the exception of his residence and an acre of land, he afterward sold. He now, at the age of 92 years, lives in Beltrami county with his daughter, Mrs. Margaret Warrick. Moses W. Ritchie and his wife had fifteen children: Nancy E. died in South Side township in 1887. Elisha Monroe and James H. died in infancy. John is a farmer in Cuba, Mo. Enoch E. is postmaster at Howard Lake. Noah is a hardware merchant at Jenkins, Minn. Le Roy is a carpenter and contractor at Annandale. Mary is now Mrs. Jonas Nolan, of Waite Park, Minn. Sion R, lives in Bellingham, Wash. Rebecca Ellen died in infancy. Turner Sherman died in infancy. Laura A. is now Mrs. Jesse Wheeler, of Maple Falls, Wash. Margaret is now Mrs. Vincent Warrick, of Swatara, Beltrama county. Absy P., of Bemidji, Mimn,, is a dairyman, and was for a year superintendent of the Bemidji schools. W.C. lives in Oregon. Enoch Ezra Ritehie received his education in the public schools of North Carolina and Kentucky. He came te Minnesota with his parents in 1879, and for several years followed farming and carpenter work. In 1887 he established himself at Howard Lake as a carpenter, contractor and builder. In this capacity he did most excellent work. Many of the houses in this vicinity are monuments to his ability and to the fidelity with which he labored. In 1907 he purchased a furniture store with undertaking parlors in connection and successfully conducted this business for several years. In July, 1912, he sold this store and again took up contracting. June 23, 1913, he was appointed postmaster, and on July 3 received his commission, August 1 he took up his duties, and has since continued to serve, giving general satisfaction to the postal department and to the people whom the office serves. Mr. Ritchie has served on the village council for several years. He is a stockholder in the creamery. Fraternally he belongs to Howard Lodge, No, 82, A. F. & A. M., in which for many years he has held important offices, and to Homestead No. 861, B. A. Y., of which order he is now honorable foreman. Mr. Ritchie was married October 7, 1888, to Mary Robinson, who was born in Ontario, Canada, August 4, 1863, and died October 19, 1914. She was a good woman, a devoted mother, a faithful wife, and the world was the better for her having lived in it. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie had eight children: Arthur C., Bertha D., Orpha E., Mary R., Nellie R., Walter E., Bl J. and Bertram F. Arthur C. was born December 13, 1884, and lives in West Duluth. He married Jennette Dally, and they have three children: Genevieve M., Arthur E. and Ruth B. Bertha D. was born September 29, 1886, married Howard R. Ferrell, September 12, 1907, at Howard Lake, and has three children: Lois M., Leland H. (deceased), and Anna May. Arpha EK. is assistant postmistress at Howard Lake, She was born November 28, 1888, Mary R., born September 12, 1890, and Nellie, born October 18, 1893, are teachers. Walter was born August 23, 1897; Eli J. was born September 1, 1899; and Bertrum F'. was born September 29, 1903.

August P. Sieg, a leading citizen of Howard Lake village and Stockholm township, was born in Germany, January 25, 1863, son of Christ and Anna (Block) Sieg, who came to America in 1876, and bought eighty acres of land in section 34, Albion township. August P, remained at home until he attained his majority, Then he worked out as a farm hand for a year. In 1884 he purchased eighty acres in section 24, Stockholm township, and started to establish for himself a home in the wilderness. He had a small log house, with a shingled roof and a basswood floor, but only a little of the land had been cleared. He had little money and had to buy all his furniture on credit. He owned a cow, a heifer, two pigs and a few chickens, and with borrowed money he purchased a pair of oxen. Times were not very prosperous, and the way to success was both long and rough. He carried butter and eggs six and a half miles to town, and then sold the eggs for five cents a dozen and the butter for eight cents a pound. But he had courage, and he was a hard worker, and as the years passed prosperity eame to him. His farm in Stockholin now consists of 180 aeres of good land, under the highest eultivation. It is adorned with a sightly brick house, which is 18 by 24 feet, with additions 16 by 16, 16 by 14 and 12 by 14. The barn is also a model of its kind. It is 80 by 36 feet, with twentyfoot posts, and accommodates thirty cattle, six horses and sixty tons of hay. In November, 1912, Mr. Sieg moved to the village of Howard Lake, where he has eleven acres of land and a comfortable home. He and his family attend the German Lutheran church at that village. Mr, Sieg was married, February 21, 1884, to Llenrietta Brobrowski, born in Germany, August 27, 1863, third of the eight children of Andrew and Christina (Ziedler) Brobrowski. To Mr, and Mrs. Sieg have been born five children: Louisa, Otto, Clara, Zelma and Carl. Louisa was born December 22, 1884, and was married December 29, 1909, to William Mahlstedt. They have one child, Agnes, born January 4, 1911. Otto was born June 24, 1889, and married Ida Zander, Clara was born September 23, 1892, and was married December 26, 1912, to Arthur Reich. They have one child, Leone, born April 4, 1913. Zelma was born August 20, 1896, and Carl was born November 24, 1901.

Headley Pannett, pioneer and veteran of the Civil war, now living in retirement in Howard Lake, was born in Alleghany county, Maryland, August 1, 1836, son of John and Margaret (Wiley) Pannett. John was a miller by trade. He was born in Yorkshire, England, and was one of a large family, though he and his brother, George, who settled in Virginia, were the only ones who came to the United States. It was in 1814 that they arrived. John Pannett devoted the remainder of his life to milling in Maryland, He married Margaret Wiley, born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Mary (Young) Wiley, the former a native of the north of Ireland, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. John and Margaret Pannett had nine children: William, Mary Ann (died at the age of eleven), Maria, Margaret, Headley, John, Louisa, Mary Jane and George R. Headley Pannett was reared in Maryland, and had but few school advantages. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in Company A, Forty-first Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was assigned to the Third division of the Fifth Army Corps. He participated in thirteen general engagements, and was wounded at Antietam, and at Fredericksburg, Among the major battles in which he fought may be mentioned Drainsville, Mechanics- ville, Gaines Mills, Peach Orchard, Charles City Crossroads, Malvern Hill, Second Bull Run, and Gettysburg. He was discharged from the Carver Hospital, Washington, D. C., for general disability, after which he returned to is home in Maryland, and became driver on a government wagon. April 17, 1865, he arrived at St. Anthony, now a part of Minneapolis. From there he came to Wright county, and secured eighty acres in section 18, Woodland township. The tract was covered with woods, no clearing had been made and no roads had been built te it. Two Indian ladders that had been used in getting honey from a tree were the only evidences of previous human occupancy. He erected a log house and barn, and started farming in the wilderness. He bought two steers, and broke them to work, Then he bought a cow. From this humble beginning he has achieved success. Hig mother came to the county with him and they lived together unis: her death in 1879. He was then alone until his marriage in 1884, In the meantime he had cleared up the place, and im 1879 he had erected a modern home. He continued te carry on general farming and stockraising until 1893, when he retired and moved to Howard Lake, where he now resides. He purchased eight town lots all in one block, and on this tract erected a house and barn. Mr. Pannett has been a member of the Christian church for the past thirty years. His wife is also a member of the same body. He has been surgeon of Goodsell Post, No. 86, G. A. B., for the past six years. Mr. Pannett was married ip 1884, to Minnie Schultz, born in Prussia, Germany, February 22, 1860. They have no children.

William H. Johnson, a respected resident of Howard Lake, was born August 22, 1836, in Cadwell county, Virginia, now West Virginia, son of John and Alefara (Copley) Johnson. John Johnsou was born in North Carolina, and his wife in Wayne county, Virginia. After their marriage they lived a while in Kentucky, but soon moved to Virginia. It was in 1865 that they came to Minnesota and located on 160 acres of wild land in township 117, range 28, McLeod township. They erected a log cabin, partly cleared the place, and underwent the usnal experiences of pioneer life. Their milling points were at Watertown and Hutchinson. Later in life John Johnson sold this farm and secured one in Wadena county, where he died at the age of seventy. His wife died in Portland, Ore., at the age of eighty-nine. In the family there were twelve children: William H., James, Eli, Ira, Harrison, Anthony, Henry, Linza, Sarah J., Naney and Allie. The four: oldest sons all fought in Company F, 5th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry. Harrison, the fifth son, enlisted in the 45th Kentucky Mounted Infantry and served eighteen months. John Johnson himself was too old for active service in the Civil war, but during that conflict he served four years as a member of the West Vir- ginia Home Guards. John Johnson was the son of Andrew and Rebecca (Esther) Johnson, who came to the United States from the north of Ireland and settled in North Carolina. Alefara Copley was the daughter of James and Rebecca Copley, of English descent. William H. Johnson was reared in Virginia, and received such education as the neighborhood afforded. Early in 1861 he served three months as first lieutenant in the Virginia National Guard. August 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, 5th West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, was mustered in August 10, was assigned to the Kighth Army Corps, and served three years, one month and twenty-three days, going in as a private and coming out as sergeant. Among the battles in which he participated may be mentioned Cross Keyes, Second Bull Run, Manaasas Gap, Manassas Junction, Winchester, Harper's Ferry, Morefield, Strawsburg, Antietam and others, besides many minor engagements, campaigns, marches, sieges and skirmishes. He had many holes shot through his clothes, and blood was several times drawn on his body, but he was not seriously injured. He was mustered out at Wheeling, W. Va. In the spring of 1865 he brought his wife and son, Ira, to McLeod county, Minnesota, secured fortyeight acres of wild land, erected a log cabin, cleared up the land and developed a good farm. On that farm there were born four children, Tennessee, Florence, Sanford and Elga. In May, 1883, Mr. Johnson came to Howard Lake and purchased fourteen acres adjoining the village. While in Hale and Winstead townships, McLeod county, he served as supervisor and constable. In Howard Lake he was constable and village marshal for twenty-three years. Fraternally he is associated with the Goodsell Post, No. 86, G, A. R., and Howard Lake Lodge, 82, A. F. and A. M. Mr. Johnson was married in 1860 to Mrs. Jane (Damon) Polly, a native of Virginia, daughter of Samuel and Sarah Damon. Mrs, Johnson is one of the best beloved women in Howard Lake. On July 7, 1914, she celebrated her seventy-eighth birthday. Mrs. Johnson, by her first, husband, James EH. Polly, has four sons: Silas, Hiram Wayne, Moses D and James Edward.

William H. Eddy, horticulturist, proprietor of the Vietor and Howard Lake Nurseries, at Howard Lake, was born in Hollowood township, Carver county, this state, June 26, 1869, son of Erastus A. and Henrietta (Althoff) Eddy, the pioneers. He received a good education in the district schools and early took up the atudy of plant life. A sincere lover of nature, he has been interested in tree and shrub propagation since young boyhood, and his aspirations have borne abundant fruit. After leaving home he worked seven years for B, J. Cutts, the nurseryman, at Howard Lake. In 1895 he bought a tract of eighty acres three miles southwest of Howard Lake, in Victor township, where he started the propagation of nursery stock. In 1900 he added 120 more to this tract, and materially increased his operations. In 1906 he bought a tract of forty acres constituting the Howard Lake Nursery. This has since been enlarged to eighty-three acres. He also owns a twenty-acre tract west of the village, which is used as a place to raise young fruit trees. Aside from propagating the usual trees and shrubs, both fruit-bearing and ornamental, Mr. Eddy has brought out a new apple known as the ''Hddy."' It is light red in color, has a firm flesh, matures early in the fall, is easily grown, has a delicious flavor, and is crisp and juicy. Added to this it is very hardy and admirably adapted to the climate of central Minnesota. Mr, Eddy's office is a sightly building that adds much to the appearance of the village. He also has commodious sheds and barns. With all of his busy life he is ever ready to give his time to the assistance to progressive movements. He is secretary of the Howard Lake Telephone Company, and has been one of the officers of the school board for several years. A recent publication has said: ''William H. Eddy has done much to advertise Howard Lake and Wright county, and is deserving of special mention of any review of the industries of the county. The raising of fruit in the state of Minnesota is no longer a theory or a conjecture, but an absolute fact, as is attested by the beautiful orchards that are seen on every side. Another proof is in the exhibitions that Wright county has made at the Minnesota State Fair, being in every respect, in their own line, equal to the showing made by the great fruit producing sections of the far West, where lands are high, and fertility secured only at the expense of much irrigation. Mr. Eddy located here several years ago, and in connection with farming, commenced the propagation of such fruit trees as experience has demonstrated were best adapted to this climate. Being thoroughly familiar with the fruit tree business, and having given to the nursery his personal attention and superior knowledge, it is natural that he should be the owner of one of the hardiest stocks in the state. Mr, Eddy knows no such thing as failure. He is ever up and doing, and having combined the high ideals of a nature lover with the sagacity of a clever business man, he well deserved the success with which he has met.'?' Mr. Eddy was married December 23, 1896, to Ida ©, Little, born in Rochester, N. Y., January 18, 1870, daughter of Rev. David Little, a clergyman of the Brethren church. He lived at Howard Lake for several years, then moved to Walla Walla, Wash., and now resides in Mabton, Wash. Mr. and Mrs. Eddy have had eight children: Eva Almedia and Edwin David, twins, were born October 1, 1897. Paul L. was born August 27, 1899; Lydia P. March 4, 1901, and Ella HE, March 8, 1904 William Henry, Howard Willard and Ida Iris, triplets, were born September 22, 1907. The Eddy family in America is descended from William Eddy, who came over from England in the Mayflower.

Descended from this William Eddy was Phineas W. Eddy, born May 13, 1790, and died August 2, 1878. Phineas W. Eddy waa the father of eight boys, among whom was Erastus A. Hrastua A. was the only one who came to Minnesota. He was a earpenter by trade, At the age of twenty-one he reached Minnesota and located in Carver county. At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in Company H, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. At the end of three years and one month he came out a first lieutenant. On his return from the war he took a homestead two miles east of Watertown in Carver county, on the banks of O. K. lake. It was he that inseribed these initials on a shingle near the shores of this lake and thus gave it the name that it has since retained. Erastus A. Eddy did not prove up on this farm, but later took a homestead in Hollowood township, in the same county. He erected log buildings, cleared the land, and started farming with an ox team. From that place he moved to Helvetia village, in the same county. In 1885 he retired and took up his home on a place in Victor township, three miles south of the village of Howard Lake. He served as assessor both in Hollowood, in Carver county, and Victor township, in Wright county. Erastus A, Eddy was born June 12, 1832, and died May 28, 1911, He was married March 15, 1866, to Henrietta W. Althonn, who was born December 12, 1850. In their family there were eleven children: Emma was born April 20, 1867; Ella L. was born March 22, 1868; William H. was born June 26, 1869; Henrietta was born November 8, 1870; Susan Caroline was born December 18, 1871; Sidney Albert was born March 16, 1873; Lyman was born April 6, 1874; Phineas was born November 17, 1876; Sidney was born August 2, 1875; Julia was born April 4, 1881; Beula was born July 6, 1886. Emma died May 28, 1867; Henrietta April 25, 1873, and Sidney, February 2, 1876.

Lemuel Ferrell, one of the leading citizens of Wright county, now living in retirement in Howard Lake village, was born in Ontario, Canada, June 6, 1855, son of Lemuel and Mary (Watt) Ferrell, the pioneers. He received a good education in Ontario, and came to the United States in 1873. He bought eighty-four acres of wild land in section 31, Middleville township, erected a log cabin, cleared off the timber, grubbed and cleared the land, broke the ground and developed a splendid farm. In time he erected a sightly dwelling and suitable barns and other outbuildings, and as he prospered he added eighty acres adjoining in section 5, Victor township. For many years times were hard, but with undaunted courage, Mr. Ferrell went his way, working hard early and late, and putting his best efforts to the task of developing his farm and rearing his children. He became a prominent and successful man, one whose views and opinions and advice were often sought and always heeded. In 1911 he retired and moved to Howard Lake village, where he has a comfortable home, Mr. Ferrell was married October 21, 1880, to Margaret McClay, born in Ontario, Canada. Their children are: George E., Roy S., Harriet J., May Alice, and Arthur. George S. was born August 8, 1891, graduated from the Howard Lake High school, and is now a member of the firm of Ferrell & Gerard, merchants, at Howard Lake. Roy S., born January 24, 1893, is likewise a graduate of the Howard Lake High school. Harriet J. was born March 7, 1897; May Alice was born August 5, 1902; Arthur was born March 27, 1895, and died September 18, 1896.

Lemuel Ferrell, Sr., was the descendant of an old Scoteh family. As a young man, he moved from the United States to Canada, and there spent the remainder of his life. He married Mary Watt, who 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, Sr., his widow eame to the United States and died at Howard Lake, in this county. In the family there were four sons and four daughters. The sons were John, Lemuel, James and George. George and John are dead. James lives in Cokato township. Lemuel lives in Howard Lake village.

Henry Campbell, a highly respected resident of Victor township, was born March 3, 1857, in Dundas eceunty, Province of Ontario, Canada, son of Samuel and Sarah (Wallace) Campbell. Samuel Campbell was born near Belfast, Ireland, in 1828. He came to the United States in the fall of 1855, with a cousin, Robert Campbell, and located in New Jersey. There he married Sarah Wallace, who was born near Belfast, Ireland, in 1830. She was on her way to join her brothers, Henry and Thomas, in Canada. At once after their marriage, Samuel Campbell and his wife set out for Canada, and located on fifty acres of woodland in Dundas county, Ontario. They erected a log building, and with a yoke of oxen started to clear the place. In later years he erected a new home and some roomy barns. He died at the age of eightytwo. His good wife died at the age of sixty-six. In the family there were seven children: Henry and Thomas, farmers, of Victor township; William, a carpenter, of Howard Lake; Joseph, a farmer, of Howard Lake; Nancy Jane, wife of J. E. Crowder, a Canadian farmer; Margaret Ann, wife of J. Crowder, a Canadian farmer, and Samuel, of Massachusetts. Henry Campbell received his early education in the district schools, and was reared to farm pursuits. In 1878 he came to the United States and was employed in the redwood forests in California. In 1880 he came to Wright county and joined his brother, Thomas, who had previously located here. In 1882 he purchased a tract of forty acres in section 7, Victor township. This tract was covered with woode and no buildings hed been erected. In 1884 he sold that tract and bought sixty acres of wild land in the same section. He erected a log house, 18 by 20, and started farming with a pair of horses. On this place he has since remained. He has made many developments and improvements, including a modern home built in 1912 on the site of the log cabin. Mr. Campbell has carried on general farming on his well-developed farm of 160 acres in section 7, and has made a specialty of raising good grade cattle and Chester White swine. During its existence, he was a director of the Farmers' Elevator at Howard Lake. In religion, Mr. Campbell is a Presbyterian, and he has been trustee of the church of that faith at Howard Lake for many years. For sixteen years he has been a member of the school board of his district, In many other capacities he has served his fellow men and he well deserves the position of trust and confidence that he oceupies. He is a member of the M. B, A. Lodge at Howard Lake. Mr. Campbell has served three years on the town board of Victor and has just been elected for another term. He was married in 1882 to Rosa Elizabeth MeKee, born in Dundas county, Ontario, January 26, 1864, daughter of Cornelius and Sarah (Middaugh) McKee. Mr, and Mrs. Campbell have had five children: Wallace T. is cashier of the State Bank of Golden Valley, N. D,; Joseph R. is superintendent of county schools in Pipestone county, Minnesota; Erwin died at the age of twenty; Grace E. is a public school teacher; Blanche E. is a high school student.

Jesse Cyrus, farmer, of Victor township, was born in Wayne county, in what is now West Virginia, January 2, 1844, son of Smith and Reea (Kane) Cyrus, and grandson of Jesse and Fannie Cyrus. Jesse Cyrus and a brother, Enoch Cyrus, came from Seotland in colonial days and located in North Carolina. This Jesse Cyrus fought in the Revolutionary war, and died in what is now West Virginia at a good old age. He and his good wife, Fannie, reared a family of five children: William, Abraham, Thomas, Smith and Phoebe. Smith Cyrus was born in North Carolina, and was taken by his parents to what is now West Virginia, at the age of seven years. He was reared as a farmer and married Reca Kane, a native of Pike county, Kentucky. They spent the remainder of their days on the West Virginia farm, and there reared their children: Albert, Enoch, Smith, Marshall, Jesse, Hmily, Betsey, Phoebe, Lena, Jane, and Reca. Of these, Marshall was the first to come to Minnesota. He arrived in the spring of 1865 and located in Stockholm, Wright county, where he died. Jesse Cyrus, the subject of this mention, was reared on the farm of his grandfather, also named Jesse. At the outbreak of the Civil war he cast his lot with the Southern cause, and did valiant service for three years as a private under Captain Anderson in Company K, Fifth Virginia Infantry. In 1865, late in the fall, he came to section 18, Victor township, where he se- cured eighty acres, entirely covered with woods. He erected a log cabin and started te clear the land. He had nothing but an axe and a grub hoe, no animals or vehicles of any kind. In order to build his cabin he had to drag the logs on his back. He mowed hay in water knee deep, and then carried it to the stack on a rude contrivance of dragging poles. He planted corn by digging holes between the stumps. When he needed flour he brought a sack on his shoulder from the mills at Rockford. If it had not been for the fish he caught for food, and the ginseng he sold, it would have been almost impossible for him to get along. He finally managed to trade some hay for a cow and a ealf. Later he matched this calf with another, and when they were grown had a fine pair of oxen. Not long after he moved onto the place he was married, and he and his good wife faced pioneer life together. They worked hard and won prosperity. A modern house replaced the cabin, and sightly barns were erected in place of the early cow shed. In 1901 the place was sold and Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus moved to their present place of eighty acres in section 20, where they have since continued to reside. Mr. Cyrus has been school director for many years. He and his wife are members of the Church of the Brethren in Christ. Mr. Cyrus was married in 1868, to Sarah Hurley, born in Pike county, Kentucky, June 17, 1848, daughter of William and Isabella (Breeding) Hurley. Mr.and Mrs. Cyrus have fourteen children; William, born October 11, 1869; Zina (deceased); Smith (deceased) ; Isabella, born December 17, 1872; Jesse, born December 14, 1876; Frank, born March 3, 1877; Heenan, born November 8, 1879; Mabel, born February 2, 1880; Reca, born April 2, 1882; Albert, born April 20, 1883; Grover Cleveland, born May 11, 1884; Everett, born July 16, 1888; Maud, born March 20, 1890; Leonard, born March 20, 1898. William Hurley was born April 5, 1823, the seventh son of Samuel H. Hurley. He was reared in Kentucky, and when the Civil war broke out, enlisted on the Northern side, in Company H, 39th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. He showed his courage on many a bloody battle field. After the war, in 1865, he came to Minnesota and located in Dassel, Meeker county, for a short time. Subsequently he lived in various places. He died in Swansville, Todd county, Minnesota, at the age of seventyseven. His wife Isabella died February 28, 1906. She was born November 23, 1823, and they were married September 9, 1843. Their ten children were: Polly, born July 22, 1844; John Wesley, born March 19, 1846; Sarah, born dune 17, 1848; Comfort, April 28, 1850; Naney, March 14, 1852; Marian, June 23, 1854; Elizabeth, May 11, 1856; Rebecea, August 1, 1858; William, August 3, 1861; Albert, July 12, 1866.

born in Lawrence county, Kentucky, July 6, 1845, son of Jesse and Eliza J. (Hatten) Stith, of ancient Virginian and Kentucky families. Jesse Stith was born in what is now Wayne county, West Virginia, son of John and Anna (Neuman) Stith, natives of North Carolina, who came as young people to what is now West Virginia. Jesse was the oldest of a family of five boys and one girl. He was married on the border of Virginia and Kentucky to Eliza J. Hatten. During the war he served as a river pilot on the Ohio and Big Sandy rivers, operating big log and lumber fleets. After the war he determined to bring his family to the North. Accordingly, on April 25, 1866, he reached St. Paul on the maiden trip of the steamer, ''Phil Sheridan.'' With him was his family and his brother, Perry Stith. They went by boat up the Minnesota past Ft. Snelling and Shakopee to Carver, in Carver county. From there, with seven horses, they went overland by way of Young America to Glencoe. For one summer the family settled a few miles north of Glencoe. In the fall of 1866 they moved to eighty acres on section 24, Stockholm township, Wright county. The tract was covered with woods, and no roads had been built to it. They bought a yoke of oxen for $175.00. The oxen were much better than horses in breaking the land, A log house sheltered the family, while a log barn of the most primitive kind protected the cattle from the elements, In after years a hewed log dwelling took the place of the original log cabin. Jesse Stith was a man of probity and worth, and served for many years as a justice of the peace. He was also school officer for many terms. In the family there were seven children; Christopher C., Commodore Perry, Frances Susan, Johnson D., Samuel, Oliver and John. John was born in what is now West Virginia, and the rest were born in Kentucky. Christopher C. Stith was born in Kentucky, and was there reared. At the age of eighteen he joined Company D, 68th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, a company that was formed for the protection of government property. Christopher C. Stith was sergeant of the company. The members of the company were assigned for duty at the county seat of Lawrence county, Kentucky. After three months the danger was past and the company disbanded without the formality of a discharge or a muster-out. Mr. Stith thought no more of the matter. In 1912, however, when he visited his old boyhood home, he met his captain, Joseph Hatten, who was his cousin also, and Captain Hatten informed him that on account of the informality of the disbanding of the company that he (Mr. Stith) had no standing as a veteran. Congressman C. A. Lindberg interested himself in the matter, and in 1912 Mr. Stith received his long-delayed honorable discharge. After the war, Mr. Stith came to Minnesota with his parents and the rest of the family, and made his home with his father for several years, In

1869 he homesteaded a tract of eighty acres in section 18, Victor township. He was married the same year to Louise Caldwell, daughter of William T. and Martha Caldwell, who came from West Virginia in the same boat with the Stith family, and located on the south branch of the Crow river in McLeod county. After the marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Stith lived in a log eabin on their claim in Victor township. About a year and a half later, Mrs. Louise (Caldwell) Stith died, leaving one son, George P., now living in Wisconsin, Mr. Stith later married Louise J. Martin, born in Logansport, Ind., daughter of Grabel and Barbara (Brubaker) Martin, and stepdaughter of George W. Custer, who brought the family to Minnesota. Mrs. Louise J. Stith lived to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of her marriage and then died. She and Mr. Stith had no children. By her former marriage to John Martin, she had one daughter, Jennie, who married C. H. Corey, of Medford, Ore. After her death, Mr. Stith married Sarah Precious Powell, a widow of James Turman. She was born in Boyd county, Kentucky, daughter of Burwell Powell. By her marriage to Mr. Turman she has five children: Charles, Nancy, Benjamin, William and Clarence. Mr. Smith is a member of Howard Lodge, No. 82, A. F. and A. M., at Howard Lake. He was formerly a member of the Eastern Gtar before the chapter was relinquished. He belongs to the Farmers' Shipping Association. He has been assessor and justice of the peace, and has served many terms on the school board.

Andrew C. Schlagel, progressive farmer and successful stockraiser, of Victor township, was born in a log cabin on seetion 33, on the homestead where he still resides. He attended the district schools, was reared to farm pursuits, and has always remained at home. He became the owner of the place in November, 1913, The well-kept farm consists of eighty acres, with comfortable modern buildings and an excellent equipment. Mr. Schlagel was married November 28, 1913, to Anna Stifter, of Victor township, daughter of Stephen Stifter, a pioneer.

Ezra M. Stacy, whose memory is revered, and whose useful life as a civilian and a soldier made him well worthy of high esteem, was born in Vermont, June 28, 1883, son of Ezra Stacy. As a boy he was taken to West Virginia by his parents, and in 1855 he came to Wright county. Here, as a young man, he married Laura Hainor, who was born in Pennsylvania, July 6, 1844, daughter of Henry Hainor, a pioneer, who brought his family to Wright county in the early days. The marriage took place September 28, 1859. About this time, Ezra M. Staey took a preemption claim of 160 acres in section 1, Woodland township, Forty acres of this claim is within the village limits of Montrose, In addition to this pre-emption claim, Mr. Stacy took a homestead of eighty acres in section 12, Woodland township. He and his good wife endured all the hardships of pioneer life. They lived in a log cabin, and comforts and conveniences were few. But they were young and filled with hopeful dreams of the future. Together they worked, and when, in time, two sons, William and Sherman U., brightened the little home, their happiness was complete. But the war came on, duty called, and Mr. Stacy enlisted in Company B, Fourth Regiment Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He followed the fortunes of that regiment through the war, proved himself a valiant soldier in many battles, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea, as well as in the Grand Review at Washington. He was mustered out at Ft. Snelling, July 19, 1865. Thus released from service, he returned to his family, prepared after his years of devotion to his country to once more partake of the joys of home life. But the happiness of the family was not to last for long. In January, 1866, while operating a horse-power threshing machine, he was caught in the machinery and his leg was erushed. Before a physician could be secured from St. Paul, blood-poisoning set in, and death was the result. Left with two small sons, confronted with the discomforts of pioneer life, Mrs. Stacy, with undaunted courage and with faith in God, took up the burden. Possessed of ability and good judgment, she toiled with full measure of devotion, and her sons, for whom she sacrificed so much, will ever bless her memory, Later in life she married Charles H. Ferrell, and by this union also had two children, Arthur and Anna C., who likewise revere and honor her noble memory, She died November 14, 1890. She was one of the pioneer mothers of whom Minnesota is so proud, and her descendants through countless generations will hold her name in reverence,

Sherman U. Stacy, an enterprising farmer of section 1, Woodland township, was born on the homestead where he now resides, June 28, 1862, son of Ezra M. and Laura (Hainor) Stacy. He was left fatherless as an infant. Reared on the farm, he early acquired a great liking for all agricultural pursuits. His boyhood education was received in the schools of Montrose. He was scarcely more than a youth when he and his brother William, born December 6, 1860, and now a farmer and rancher near Kenmere, N, D., took charge of the home farm, where they raised blooded stock. Later they engaged in the lumber, feed and maehinery business. In the nineties they dissolved partnership, and had a division of property, which gave to each a part of the old home place, where Sherman U. has continued to live. He has one of the finest farms in this section of the country, forty acres of which is in the village limits of Montrose. Here he successfully conducts farming operations. He has made extended improvements, a new thoroughly modern residence now stands where onee stood the log cabin home, and his thrift, energy, and belief in modern methods ean everywhere be seen about the place. He is a deep reader, his operations are along the latest scientific lines, and his equipment is of the best that money can secure and intelligence utilize. He carries on general farming and has a splendid herd of full-blood and grade Jersey cattle and registered Poland China swine. Probably no man is more respected in the community than is he. He is a uatural leader among his fellow men, and many of his methods are being copied. Mr. Stacy and his wife both are members of various fraternal societies. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they have long been ardent and faithful members. Mr. Stacy was married December 20, 1893, to Nettie M. Core, who was born in Ohio, January 7, 1865, daughter of Lewis A. and Rebecea (Rice) Core. Mr. and Mrs. Stacy have one daughter, Alice Irma, born February 12, 1895, a student in the Montrose High school. Lewis A. Core was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, July 10, 1826, and was married November 16, 1854, to Rebecca Rice, who was born in Tyler county, West Virginia, June 25, 1833, Lewis Core died in Ohio, August 7, 1865, when his daughter, now Mrs. Sherman U. Stacy, was only seven months old. In March, 1884, the mother came to Wright county with her four children, and located on a farm in Marysville township, where she died December 21, 1903.

Elisha Ferrell, a pioneer, was born in what is now West Virginia, in December, 1798, son of James Ferrell, a distinguished patriot who served as a captain in the War of 1812, Elisha Ferrell took a deep interest in military affairs even as a boy. When his father left for the war, Elisha joined a company of boys and was chosen as their lieutenant, But the authorities decided that the youngsters were too young for war, and the company was not ealled into service. However, the military training had given him a good experience, and after he moved to Ohio he became 4 captain in the militia. At the outbreak of the Civil war, his sympathies were with the North and he was an earnest advocate of the Union cause, but he was then too old for active service. In 1865 his son, Josiah H., and his daughter, Mary G., with her husband, Josiah Workman, came to Wright county. In 1865 Elisha, with his wife and family, came and located on a homestead in section 2, Woodland township. The land was covered with timber, but a small shanty had been erected, and into this the family moved. Soon a large log house, considered an unusually splendid one for those days, was erected, and this house became a sort of neighborhood headquarters for social and religious gatherings of all sorts. Elisha Ferrell was a leading man in his community. He lived a long and useful life, and died in August, 1890. His wife died in 1908 at the age of eighty-six. Blisha Ferrell was twice married. By his first wife, Susanna

Hayes, who died in Virginia, he had eight children: James P., Elizabeth, Benjamin Franklin, Rohana, John W., Josiah H., Narcissis, and Mary G. By his second wife, Elsie T. Stacy, he had nine children: Elvira, Clara, Charles, Amanda, Laura B., Ezra W., Harriett E., Georgianna, and Arthur E. The last named was born in Wright county.

Ezra W. Ferrell, county official, dairyman, and man-of-affairs, is one of the foremost men of Wright county. He has made a success of every venture which he has undertaken, and his many services to his fellow citizens will not soon be forgotten. Almost a life-long resident of the county, he is thoroughly conversant with local affairs, and his knowledge and clear judgment have stood him in good stead in his position as chairman of the board of county commissioners. Ezra W. Ferrell was born in what is now Tyler county, West Virginia, June 14, 1858, son of Elisha and Elsie T. (Stacy) Ferrell, who brought him to Wright county in 1865. He attended one term of school in Virginia, and has a distinct recollection of the passing of the soldiers during the Civil war. He was reared on the home farm in Woodland township, and early learned farming from his father. For a few years he worked in Minneapolis as a carpenter and contractor, but later returned to take over the old homestead. He has replaced the log cabin with modern buildings, and successfully carries on general farming and stock raising. He has been manager of the Montrose Co-Operative Creamery since Jannary 1914, and a member of the board of county commissioners since 1904, having been chairman two terms. In polities he is a Republican. In the I, 0. 0. F., be is a member of the Lodge, the Encampment, and the Canton, and he is also a member of the M, W. A. and the M. B. A. Mr. Ferrell was married, Deeember 6, 1885, to Lucy Park, a native of LaPier, Wis., and they had ten children: Laura, Clara (deceased), Hiram C., Edwin E., Myrtle, Alva, Aliee, George, Lucy, and Florence.

John F. Lauzer, a leading citizen of Waverly village, was born on his father's homestead in section 30, Woodland tawnship, August 18, 1862, son of John and Anna (Brabec) Lauzer. He was reared on the home place, attended the district schools, and also did considerable studying at home. For three years he clerked in a store in Howard Lake. Then he took up farming on the old homestead. He and his wife remained on this home place until 1906, when they moved to Waverly village. Before coming here he served in all the important offices in his township, and from 1896 to 1901 he was county commissioner. He was also school officer in his district for many years. Since coming to Waverly he has done efficient work on the council, and is now serving his fourth term as president of that body. He has been through the chairs of Howard Lake Lodge, No. 82, A. F. and

A. M., and is also a member of Waverly Camp, No. 3742, M. W. A. He is a stockholder in the State Bank of Buffalo. Mr. Lauzer was married in 1889 to Mary Jane Brabec, daughter of John and Mary (Holtzknecht) Brabee, who came to the United States at the same time as the Lauzer family, and located in Woodland township. Mr. and Mrs. Lauzer have had two children: Mabel A. and Alice G.

Joseph E, Lauzer, a well-known citizen of Waverly village, was born in a log cabin on the old homestead in section 30, Woodland township, January 26, 1858, son of John and Anna (Brabee) Lauzer. He was educated in the district schools and learned agricultural pursuits from his father. He has a natural aptitude for tools, and it has always been his desire to excel in that line, but it was his father's earnest wish that he become a farmer, and he yielded to his father's desires, At the age of twentyseven, he moved with his wife to the farm that his father had given him. Seven acres were cleared but no buildings had been erected, They erected good buildings and cleared the land, using an ox team in the farming operations for the first few months. In all, they cleared up twenty-seven acres. It was in 1902 that he moved to the village of Waverly. Here he has had an opportunity to gratify his early longing for mechgnical pursuits. He has put up a wood-working shop, with lathe bandsaws, and the like, operated by gasoline power, In the shop is a full line of tools, and Mr, Lauzer does considerable work in this line as well as in the way of automobile repairing. He is a member of Howard Lake Lodge, No. 82, A. F. and A, M. Joseph F. Lauzer was married in 1884 to Kate Kvatensky, a native of Bohemia, daughter of Joseph and Veronica Kvatensky, who came from Bohemia, settled in Lake Minnetonka, lived there until 1884, and then moved to Waverly, where they died, he at the age of seventy-six and she at the age of seventy-three. They had three children, Joseph, Anna, and Kate. The family faith was that of the Presbyterian church,

John Joseph Nolan, a respected citizen living on the outskirts of Waverly village, has lived a life filled with hard work and busy endeavor, and has accomplished much for the community in which he has lived. He was born in Pennsylvania, October 10, 1859. He was brought to Wright county as an infant, and grew to manhood in Marysville township. His education was received in a log schoolhouse and in the graded schools of Waverly and Montrose. He was reared to farm pursuits, but as a young man learned the carpenter trade. In this capacity he erected residences and barns throughout the county, and also worked mm the Twin Cities. Later he went into partnership with his brother, William, in blacksmith and repair work at Waverly, where they eonducted a shop some thirteen or fourteen years. At the end of this period he engaged in steamfitting and plumbing, installing many heating plants in residences throughout the county. He purchased twenty-two acres in the outskirts of Waverly village, where he does farming on a small scale, making a specialty of fruit culture in his splendid orchard. Mr. Nolan is a great believer in co-operation among the farmers. He holds shares in the Wright County Co-Operative Live Stock Association, the Waverly Co-Operative Shipping Association, and the Waverly Co-Operative Creamery. Politically he is independent in thought. He has served on the council for many years, and has also been on the school board for a long period. Fraternally he is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. Mr. Nolan was married in May, 1889, to Barbara Berkner, born in Michigan, September 16, 1861, daughter of Adam and Barbara (Wise) Berkner. Adam Berkner was born in Bavaria, Germany, and at the age of fifteen was brought to this country by his oldest sister, Elizabeth, then twenty-four years of age. In Michigan he met and married Barbara Wise, a native of the same country. In 1869 they came to Minnesota. They bought a piece of land in Carver county, but later sold that and bought ten acres in Woodland township. This has since been increased by purchase to forty acres. They built a log house that is still standing on the place, and started to clear the land. Mr. Berkner located the first sawmill in this locality, and sawed lumber for the families for miles around, He also erected four sawmills, one on his own place, one at Long Lake, one at Litchfield, and one at Waverly. Mr. Berkner died at the age of eighty-one. His wife died at the age of eighty. In the family there were ten children: Anna, Barbara, Charles (deceased), Charles, Elizabeth, Adam and Mary (twins), Alouise, Mary, and Louise.

Louis Borell, an early settler, was born February 22, 1844, in Bavaria, Germany, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Bower) Borell. Of the eleven children in the family, there were four, Louisa, Margaret, Joseph, and Louis, who came to the United States. Joseph was the first, He came to New York state in 1853. Louis came to Milwaukee in 1862, and was employed in several places until 1865, when he came to Wright county and secured 160 acres in section 6, Woodland township. He built a log cabin, and with the assistance of his good wife became a prosperous farmer. They cleared 200 acres in all, and erected sightly buildings. Mr. Borell was a prominent man and served as supervisor of the town. For a time he was president of the Co-Operative Creamery at Waverly. He was one of the builders of the first Catholie ehurch in the township. Mr. Borell married Catherine Kneable, whose father was Andrew Kneable, a business man near Minneapolis. Mr, and Mrs. Borell have had nine children: Mary, Josephine, George, Frank, Kate, Anna, Charles, John, and Ehiza-

George Borell, an enterprising farmer of Woodland township, was born in a log cabin on his father's homestead, April 27, 1872, son of Louis and Catherine (Kneable) Borell, pioneers of this township. He attended the public schools and was reared to farm pursuits, After attaining adult years, he rented the old homestead for some fifteen years. Then he secured 160 acres of the J. W. Cruzen farm in section 5, and here he still lives. He has been successful in his operations and is regarded as a prosperous man in every respect. He carries on general farming and raised a good grade of stock. He is now serving as vice president of the Waverly Co-Operative Creamery. Mr. Borell was married in May, 1900, to Margaret Fitzpatrick, born in Wright county, January 5, 1879, daughter of John Fitzpatrick, an early settler. Mr. and Mrs. Borell have five children: Joseph, John, Mamie, Francis, and Raymond.

John Lauzer, a pioneer, was born in Austria, June 15, 1830, son of Mathias and Kate Lauzer, also natives of that country. He married Anna Brabec in 1857, and the same year, accompanied by his wife, his father and mother, and his brothers and sisters, Frank, Wensel, Simon, Joseph, Kate, and Anna, came to the United States aboard a sailing vessel. The voyage consumed sixty days. From New York they came direetly west to St. Paul, then a small hamlet. There they bought a yoke of oxen and drove to Woodland township. John Lauzer and his wife located on a tract of eighty acres of woodland. They built a log eabin, and started to elear up the land. St. Paul was the point from which their supplies were obtained. During the Indian troubles they found shelter at Watertown. Afterward they returned. They toiled and sacrificed, worked early and late, and in time prospered exceedingly. Their farm was increased to 260 acres, a modern home was erected, suitable and roomy barns were constructed, and a splendid equipment purchased. Mr. Lauzer was prominent in school affairs, and was also as a Mason and as a member of the Grange. In politics he was a Republican. He died in 1902 at the age of seventy-two and his death was sincerely mourned, His wife died at the age of fifty-four. Their children were: Joseph E., of Waverly; Frank W., of Woodland; Mary E., of Waverly; and John F., of Waverly, Few fathers have been more deeply respected by their children than was John Lauzer. He was affectionate and just, gave them excellent training, and as they grew to adult years gave them each a substantial start in life.

Frank W. Lauzer, a substantial farmer of Wocdland township, was born in a log cabin on his father's homestead, section 30, this township, May 24, 1860, son of John and Anna (Brabec)

Lauzer. He was reared on the home place, attended the district schools, and learned farming from his father. As a young man he came into possession of the forty acres where he now lives. Twelve acres of this had been cleared and a small frame building had been ereeted. To this place he brought his bride, and they started in together to carve their way in the world. They worked early and late, and by industry, shrewdness, and hard labor, they have achieved success. They own a modern brick residence, comfortable barns, and 230 acres of land, where they carry on general farming and stockraising. Mr. Lauzer is well thought of throughout the community. He is a school officer of district 37, and owns stock in the Farmers' elevator and co-operative store at Waverly. The family faith is that of the Catholie church. Mr. Lauzer was married in 1886, to Rose Ruckle, born in Woodland township, February 14, 1869, daughter of Henry and Nancy (Nauratche) Ruckle, the pioneers. Mr. and Mrs, Lauzer have had four children: Alfred F., born November 13, 1889; Edward C., born September 25, 1891; Theo. B., born October 4, 1894; and Joseph M., born October 26, 1896. Henry Ruekle was born in Maryland, July 30, 1854. He married Lydia Engle, also a native of Maryland, and to this union was born a son, Franklin Ball. In July, 1868, he married Nancy Nauratche, a native of Bohemia. He died in 1907 at the age of seventy-nine. She is still living in Silver Lake township, McLeod county, at the age of sixty-eight. Nancy Nauratche was the daughter of Joseph and Lydia Nauratche. Henry Nauratehe died in Bohemia, and his wife Lydia came to the United States with ten children, the other four having died. In 1867 they located in Silver Lake township, McLeod county. They secured forty acres of land, and there took up their residence. The ten children who came to America were: Mary, Nancy, Kate, Charles, Joseph, Francis, Josephine, Vincie, Anthony (deceased), and Vincent.

William E. Prestidge, a leading farmer of Woodland township, was born on the old homestead of his father, Thomas Prestidge, in Rockford township. He attended the old log subscription school, the first held in Rockford township. He was reared to farm pursuits and remained at home until he was about twentyfive years of age. Then for some five years he engaged in construction work for the ''Soo'' line. Then he returned to the old homestead, sold out his interests to his brothers, married, and moved onto the place in sections 12 and 13, Woodland township, that his wife had inherited from her mother. He got out the logs for the frame of a house, and erected a substantial residence, He also built a fine barn, 30 by 60 feet, with a basement. Many other improvements have also been made. Aside from this sixty acres, he rents and operates the adjoining farm. He earries on general farming, raises good grade stock, and makes a specialty of White

Leghorn fowls. Mr. Prestidge was married, October 8, 1902, to Lavina Crawford, daughter of R. O. Crawford, and granddaughter of Creamer Swarthout, the pioneer. She was born in the log cabin which her grandfather erected and which is still standing on the place. Mr. and Mrs. Prestidge have four children: Donald, born July 14, 1903; Panl, born April 6, 1905; Laura, born May 9, 1909; and Mildred, born September 5, 1914.

Fred Doering, a respected and highly esteemed farmer of Woodland township, was born in Bavaria, Germany, January 9, 1835, one of the seventeen children in his family. His father's nP'ae was Paul Doering and his mother's name was either Mary ur Margaret. His grandparents, on his mother's side, were Nicholas and Margaret Engelhart, and in their home he was reared. In 1847 these grandparents brought him to the United States, the trip on the sailing vessel occupying nine weeks. They settled in Cook county, not far from Chicago, and there followed farming. Fred Doering was then a boy of some twelve or thirteen years. His task was to drive the oxen to town after supplies, while his grandfather was working the farm. Once with an empty wagon he got stuck in the mud on Randolph street, and it required considerable assistance to get out of his diffienlty. He tells of times when he made the trip when he spent the night on the road, sleeping in the wagon, and leaving the oxen hitched up all night, being too young to remove their heavy yoke. Usnally the people he met were kind and helpful to him, But one time a man near whose house he spent the night refused even to give him hay, and the oxen went without fodder until he got back to his grandfather's again. Nicholas Engelhart, the grandfather, was born in 1797 and died in 1860. His wife was born in 1801 and died in 1855. Their Cook county farm was at a place called Cooper's Grove, now known as New Bremen township. Fred Doering was reared on this farm, and as a young man married Mary Brabee. One child, Henry, was born in Iilinois. In 1857 they took the railroad to Galena, and from there came by boat to St. Paul. From St. Paul they came with Mrs. Doering's father, Mathias Brabee, to what is now Woodland township. In reality, the locality had at that time no name, but was generally called Morning. Mr, Doering secured a tract of 160 acres in section 21, in the heart of a wilderness. The tract was covered with woods, and no roads Jed to it. He ereeted a log cabin and moved his family into it. It was located near the present site of the frame house. Mr. Doering cleared twenty acres of the land himself. The rest he hired done. He experienced alf the rigors of pioneer life. He one time hauled 300 bushels of wood ashes to Watertown and solid the load for enough to purchased a ''grub'' hoe. The nearest important market point was St. Paul. Often he drove there with the ox team that he had raised from calves, taking sometimes from seven to ten days to make the trip. He was friendly with the Indians, and often fed them when his hospitality left him with no food for himself. However, when the Indian troubles came he took his family to Watertown for safety. The Indians who had engaged in the Dustin massacre passed along the trail near the cabin, but did not molest anything in this locality. In 1864, Mr. Doering enlisted in Company B, Fiftieth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. In the fighting before Nashville, he was wounded in the right shoulder by a piece of shell. After the war he returned and resumed his work on the farm. He built a modern house, and made many other improvements. He was a prominent man in the community, was one of the early supervisors and served in that capacity for some fourteen years. For eight years he was a director of school district 37. He is a member of Whipple Post, G. A. R., at Montrose.

Henry Doering, an active farmer of Woodland township, was born in Cook county, Illinois, July 16, 1855, son of Fred and Mary (Brabec) Doering, the pioneers. He was brought to Woodland township as an infant, and has always remained on the home farm. He was reared to farm pursuits and has devoted his life to that line of industry. For many years he has been on the school board, and he is the present supervisor of the township, He is a popular member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Waverly. Mr. Doering married Anna Cech, who died in April, 1893, at the age of twenty-nine, leaving four children: Arnold, Edmund, Otte and William. Anna Cech was born in Woodland township, daughter of Frank and Mary Cech, who came to Woodland in 1861, and homesteaded the southwest quarter of section 20. Arnold, the oldest son of Henry Doering, is now operating the home place. He married Ida Pavlik, daughter of Joseph Pavlick, and a native of Maple Lake township. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Doering have a son, Clarence, making four generations of males living on the same place, Fred, Henry, Arnold and Clarence Doering.

Dennis Fitzpatrick, an influential farmer of Woodland township, was born in Jeffersonville, Ind., one of the eighteen children of John Fitzpatrick. He was brought to Minnesota as a boy, and experienced all the rigors of pioneer life. He helped clear the land, and worked hard to help the family get a start in the world. His educational opportunities were limited, but by much reading and deep thinking, coupled with sound sense, he has acquired considerable learning, and his opinions on all subjects are highly valued, At the age of fifteen he started to earn money te help out with the household expenses. He remained at home until twenty-eight years of age. Then he married and located on his present place of eighty acres in section 8, Woodiand town- ship. An old building stood on the place. Mr. Fitzpatrick has erected a complete set of new buildings, with a good silo; he has fenced the whole farm, and has secured excellent equipment in the way of tools and implements. He carries on general farming, on a successful scale, making a specialty of Shorthorn dairy cattle, Poland-China swine, Plymouth Rock fowls and White Holland turkeys. Mr. Fitzpatrick has been ealled upon to serve in many public capacities, fraternal, political and co-operative. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Store, at Waverly; treasurer of the Waverly Co-operative Creamery, and secretary of the Farmers' Elevator at Waverly. He is also secretary of the Waverly lodge of the Catholic Order of Foresters. He is township assessor, and justice of the peace, and has served for some time as clerk of school district 67. Mr. Fitzpatrick was married June 6, 1894, to Josephine Borell. The children are: Mamie, Alice, Patrick, John, James and Genevieve. The family faith is that of the Catholic church.

John Fitzpatrick, for many years one of the foremost men in Woodland township, was born in Queen's county, Ireland, in 1836, and was there reared to manhood. As a youth he heard stories of the success that his countrymen were attaining in the free stretches of the great new world, and accordingly in 1854 he bade farewell to his old friends and associates and started on the tedious voyage aboard a sailing vessel to the shores of America, After staying a while at Louisville, Ky., he went to New Orleans, and remained five years. Then he returned to Louisville, and from there went to Jefferson City, Ky., where he remained six years. It was in 1869 that he came to Wright county and located on a farm of eighty acres in section 8, Woodland township. Here he lived and labored for many years. He was a substantial man in the community and his opinions on all subjects were highly valued. His services for twenty years as a member of the school board and as road overseer also assisted materially in the growth and progress of the community. He was a hard worker, and an honorable man in every way, and his death, June 9, 1909, was sincerely mourned, not only by his family, in which he had been so faithful a husband and so good a father, but also throughout the entire community. His widow, and two sons, Thomas and Florins, now occupy the farm of seventy-two acres in section 5, to which he moved when he sold his old farm in 1907. John Fitzpatrick was married April 18, 1860, at New Orleans, to Eliza Walsh, who was born in County Mayo, Ireland, May 1, 1844, and came to America in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick were blessed with eighteen children. James was born February 22, 1861, and died July 12, 1862, at New Orleans. Jchn was born in New Orleans January 9, 1863, and united in marriage to Lizzie Kinsheriff, of Kampsville, Ill, in June, 1893. They are parents of ten children and reside in East St. Louis, IL, where Mr. Fitz patrick is a government superintendent. Dennis was born in Jeffersonville, Ind., September 17, 1864, and was united in marriage to Josie Barrell, of Woodland, Minn., in 1894, being parents of six children. Mr. Fitzpatrick is engaged in farming at Woodland, Minn. Elizabeth was born in Indiana, Mareh 4, 1866, and united in marriage to Frank Oneil, of St. Paul, in 1888. They now reside in Portland, Ore. where Mr. Oneil is engaged in the mercantile business. Mary was born November 23, 1868, and united in marriage to Andrew Damtt, of Woodland, on November - , 1890, They are farmers and reside in Woodland, having nine children. Florins was born April 19, 1870, and was united in marriage to Cassie Shafrank, of Lemont, IL, in June, 1898. They are engaged in farming and are parents of nine children. Annie was born September 28, 1871, and was united in marriage to William MeKey, of Ireland, July, 1895. He is a United States mail clerk residing in Brooklyn, N. Y., and has no children. Agnes was born December 29, 1872, and married to William O'Connell in 1892. He is a farmer of Woodland and they have eleven children. Catherine was born April 27, 1874, and died July 7, 1895. Theresa was born January 13, 1876, and was married in 1903 to John Carlson, a clerk in a store at Portland, Ore., two children being born to them. Nellie was born August 13, 1877, and died June 9, 1909. Maggie was born February 5, 1879, and united in marriage in 1900 to George Barrell, a farmer, and are the parents of five children. Alice was born December 31, 1880, and died February 20, 1881. Thomas was born December 25, 1881, and is engaged in farming in Woodland. Francis was born May 10, 1883. He is a carpenter, residing in Woodland, Minn. Andrew was born October 5, 1884, and died in March, 1885. Edward was born April 23, 1887, and died in May, 1887. Rose was born June 10, 1888, and was united in marriage to John Burke, of Woodland, in 1908, an employee of the Great Northern Railway Company, residing in Woodland. They have one child, The family faith is that of St. Mary's Roman Catholic ehurch.

Martin Clark, a well-known farmer of Woodland township, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, son of Thomas and Ellen (Wake) Clark, also natives of Ireland. Thomas Clark came to the United States, and lived for a time in Pennsylvania. In time he found his way to St. Paul, and eame into Wright county, where he took a homestead of eighty acres in section 14, Woodland township. This was in 1858. The tract was covered with woods and no trails led to it. He erected a log cabin that is still standing, and cleared up the land. When he started he had a yoke of oxen, an axe and a hoe, Often he walked to St. Anthony and brought flour home on his back. Later he drove his oxen to

Rockford after supplies. During the Indian troubles he found shelter in the stockade at Watertown. He was a firm believer in the Catholic faith, and helped to build the first church at Waverly. After a long and useful life, he died in 1897 at the age of eightytwo. His wife died in 1884 at the age of sixty years. They have five children, John, Mary, Ellen, Bridget and Martin. Martin Clark was five years old when the family came to America and sixteen when they settled in the woods in Wright county, He helped clear the land and remained at home until twenty years of age. Then he struck out for himself, and traveled extensively in various parts of the country. In 1897 he returned to the old place, which is owned by the heirs. He takes great pride in the appearance of the farm, and stock. He has earried on dairying to some extent and owns shares in the Montrose Creamery. After a busy life, he now rents the farm, and has practically retired from the more strenuous duties. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church.

Richard Bennett, a prosperous farmer of Woodland township, was born in Allegany county, New York, October 17, 1854, son of Richard Bennett, Sr.. and Mary (Young) Bennett. Richard Bennett, Sr., was a native of County Cork, Treland, as was also his wife. As a young married couple they came to the United States and located on a farm in New York state. After a short time there they moved to Michigan, and located near Jackson. It was in 1857 that they came to Minnesota, bringing their four children. From St, Paul they drove to the present location of Montrose. Then for a while they lived on what is now the Robarge place. Later they located on the place in section 3, Woodland township, that has since remained in the possession of the family. The tract consisted of 160 acres. No roads had been built to it, and it was covered with wild woods. Watertown and Rockford were the mill points. All the livestock the family had consisted of a cow and two pigs. They began clearing off the place, erected a log cabin, and gradually developed the land. Richard Bennett, Sr., died October 11, 1874, His wife died March 25, 1872, at the age of about fifty-seven. They were the parents of seven children, Mary was born in Ireland. Margaret, E., Thomas and Richard were born in New York. Of these Thomas died in infancy. Catherine was born in Michigan. Martha Jane and John William were born in Minnesota. When the parents died, the burden of looking after the farm and the family fell upon Richard and Mary. This devoted sister lived with Richard until her death in 1903 at the age of fifty-three. She never married, but spent her life in looking after the interests of the family. Richard received a limited education, but in his adult years has learned much by wide reading. Except for absence at short intervals, he has spent his life on the home place since he first arrived with his parents.

He has finished clearing up the place, has erected a fine house and modern barns, and has a well-developed farm in every particular. He carries on general farming, and raises Shorthorn and other good grade cattle. He has been town assessor two years, and a member of the board of supervisors three years, having been chairman the latter two years of that time. When the Woodland creamery was erected on the present site of the town hall he was its secretary, and later he helped to organize the Montrose Co-operative Creamery, of which he was a director for two years. He likewise helped to organize the Farmers' Co-operative Store at Montrose and was its vice-president for three years. He was also one of the organizers of the Farmers' Elevator at Waverly. He was vice-president of the organization two years and president for ten years. In addition to these, he helped start a movement to ship livestock from this locality to the great packing centers. The theory has since been demonstrated to be correct, but for various reasons the project at that time was not a success. He was very influential in organizing the Farmers' Alliance of Woodland, also was one of the organizers of the People's party of his locality. Mr. Bennett was married November 24, 1896, to Anna Nolan. They have three children: John William, born October 17, 1897; Mary Catherine, born June 26, 1900; Irene Anna, born August 22, 1906.

Christ H. Brabec, a scientific farmer of Woodland township, was born in the old log eabin on his father's homestead, May 1, 1873. He first attended the old log schoolhouse near his father's farm, and then studied three years in the high school at Chicago, Tl., and one year in the high school at Hutchinson, Minn. For three years he lived in Cascade county, Montana, where he took up a homestead, but he has now elosed out his interests there. With these exceptions he has always lived on the home farm. He bought the homestead of 160 acres, and has since added eighty acres more. He earries on general farming, and raises good improved stock, principally of the Shorthorn breed. Like his father before him, he is a believer in the co-operative movement. At one time he was a stockholder in the Waverly Co-operative Creamery and he still holds shares in the Farmers' Co-operative store, and the Farmers' Elevator at Waverly. He is a deep student of public events, and holds to no party, studying with care the candidates and issues of each campaign. He is treasurer of his school district, following his father in that position. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to the lodge at Waverly. Mr. Barbee was married in 1904 to Mary Kinkor, and by this union bas three children: Alvin, born April 14, 1905; Blanche, born November 17, 1907; and Clinton, born July 22, 1910. Mary Kinkor was born in Cleveland, Ohio, June 6, 1874, daughter of Mathias and

Joseph J. Brabec, a pioneer, was born in Bohemia, Austria, November 24, 1832, son of Mathias and Barbara (McWichta) Brabec. The mother died in Austria. The father came to the United States in 1853, with the five children, Joseph J., John, Frank, Mary, and Anna and located in Illinois. In 1857 they came to Minnesota and located in Woodland township. Joseph J. came with the family, and also secured a homestead in Woodland township. He cleared the land, built a log cabin and had many pioneer experiences. In 1864 he enlisted in Company B, Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, He married Anna Besshina, born in Bohemia, August 7, 1848, daughter of Anton and Anna Besshina, and came to Minnesota in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Brabee have six children, Anna, Ludwick, Edward, Emma, Fred and Charles.

John Brabec, a worthy pioneer, was born in Austria, April 30, 1830, and died in Wright county, February 21, 1911. He was educated in Austria, and in 1857 came to Wright county with his father, Mathias. He secured a homestead of 160 acres in section 20, Woodland township, the claim being relinquished to him by Pedro Anardo. The patent, issued June 25, 1862, and signed by Abraham Lincoln, as president, and M. S. Stoddard, as secretary, is still in the possession of the family. In the wilderness he started to establish his home. A small log shack had been built, and a clearing made around it. He continued the clearing, and got in crops as best he could. St. Paul was the trading point, and he often walked to that place. One time when he started for that place with an empty wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen, the roads were so bad that he became mired and could not continue the journey. He was a friend of the Indians. They often called at his eabin to get warm, and in return would leave him pieces of venison. When the Indian troubles came on, however, he took refuge at Watertown. Afterward he returned and again took up his work. He lived to see his place an excellent farm, ornamented with modern buildings and suitable equipment. For many years he was town assessor. In school matters he was especially prominent. He was one of the first officers of his district, helped to erect the first log schoolhouse, and was its treasurer for many years. He was a member of the Druids in the old days, The church found him a valuable member and for a long period he was president of the board. A friend of the cooperative movement, he was one of the original stockholders in the Farmers' Elevator and the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery. He married Mary Holeknecht, who was born in Bohemia, Austria, December 30, 1844, and died May 24, 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Brabee had nine children: Mary, wife of John Lauzer; Frank (de- ceased); William, of Todd county; Henry, of Woodland township ; John, of Montana; Christ, on the old homestead, and August, Otto and Arthur, all of Montana. Mary Holeknecht was the daughter of Anton and Catherine Holeknecht, whe came from Austria to Chicago in the early days, and were the parents of three children, Mary, Chris and Frank.

Christian Kraus was born in Germany, January 10, 1835, son of Jacob Kraus, Sr., and Judith Schmidt, his wife, both of whom spent the span of their lives in the old country. In the family there were four sous, Jacob, Charles, Christian and Henry. Of these sons, Jacob was the first to come to the United States. In 1853 he was followed by his three brothers, Charles, Christian and Henry. They all lived in New York for a while, and there Jacob died. May 6, 1857, the other three set out for Minnesota, and in time reached St. Paul. After staying there two weeks, Christian Kraus came to Carver county and located on a farm in Waconia township. Some sixteen years later he came to Montrose, in this county, and engaged in the lumber and hardware business for twenty-one years, after which he retired. Mr. Kraus is a veteran of the Civil war. September 26, 1864, he enlisted in Company B, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and served until discharged at Nashville, Tenn. Mr. and Mrs. Kraus now reside in Crosby, N. D. Mr. Kraus was married July 3, 1849, to Mary Miller, born in Hanover, Germany, August 2, 1833, daughter of Frederick and Mary (Elling) Miller. Frederick Miller died in Germany. His widow married Fred Ehlerman, who brought the family to Carver county. In the Kraus family there were nine children: Henry (deceased), Mary (deceased), Anna, Lydia, Christian, Fred Henry, Charles (deceased), Otto (deceased), and Albert (deceased).

Fred Henry Kraus, a highly esteemed farmer of Woodland township, was born in Waconia township, Carver county, December 26, 1867, son of Christian Kraus. He was edueated in the district schools of Carver and Wright counties, and as a youth started work in his father's hardware store in Montrose. For four or five years he worked in the elevator at Montrose, and then went to Lester Prairie, in McLeod county, this state, where he remained a similar period. After this he returned and took up farming on section 2, Woodland township. He began with eighty acres covered with heavy timber. The only building was an old shed. With energy he set at work developing the place. He now owns 120 acres, has a sightly home and splendid barns, and successfully carries on general farming and stockraising. He is also developing a splendid flock of White Wyandotte chickens. Being of a fraternal disposition, he has joined the Canton and the Encampment of the I. 0. O. F., and is also a member of the M. W. A. Mr. Kraus was married December 31,

Mr. And Mrs. Christian Kraus

1891, to Albina Gilmer, daughter of Hugh A. and Sarah (Montgomery) Gilmer. Mr. and Mrs. Kraus have a son, Harley. A little girl, Vera, also makes her home with them, Hugh A, Gilmer and Sarah Montgomery, parents of Mrs. Albina Kraus, were natives of Canada, and were there married in 1860. In the early sixties they came to the States and took up their home, being among the early settlers of McLeod county, where they remained for many years, after which they came to Wright county, where Mr. Gilmer died in 1904. Mrs. Gilmer now resides at Delano, this county. They were the parents of ten children: Margaret M., Leafy, Isabelle, Alexander, Agnes, Albina, Thomas, Richard (deceased), Elmer, and an unnamed infant, deceased.

John Rahier, an active farmer of Albion township, was born on the homestead where he now resides, in section 20, December 16, 1879, son of John Rahier, Sr., and Mary (Morris) Rahier. He was reared on the home farm and attended the district schools. He learned farming from his father, and early determined to make that his life work. In order to see something of the world outside of the farm, he went to Minneapolis in 1902, and for a short time was employed in the railroad shops there. Later in the year he and his brother Robert rented the home farm. They now own it and successfully carry on general farming operations. John Rahier was married January 8, 1905, to Sophia Josepheson, daughter of John J. and Mary Gunary, farmers of Albion township. Mr. and Mrs. Rahier have two children: Harold, born October 8, 1906, and Frances, born March 16, 1908. The family faith is that ef the Roman Catholic church.

John Rahier, Sr., a pioneer, was born in Wisconsin. He came to Albion township and bought 107 acres in section 20. He erected a log house, 16 by 20 feet, with a ''shake'' roof and a board floor, and started life in the wilderness. Gradually the land was improved, good buildings were erected, and the family prospered. In 1902, Mr. Rahier disposed of his farm to his sons, John and Robert, and went to Itasca county, this state, where he took a homestead and where he still lives. His wife, Mary (Morris) Rahier, died in October, 1892.