Wright County, Minnesota - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1915 (part 1 of 4)

Biographical sketches

Pioneers and Later Comers Whose Industry Has Built Up the County - Early Experiences in an Unsettled Country - Leaders in Rural and Village Life - Family Histories of Well Known Men.

Rey. Abiel H. Abbott. The history of Wright county would be incomplete without a reference to the life and work of Rev. Abiel H. Abbott, a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal church, who spent many years hvre. He was the son of Abiel and Eunice (Townsend) Abbott and was born at Sydney, Maine, November 28, 1828. The family has always been a noted one in the literary and theological annals of New England, including among its more distinguished members, Ezra Abbott, the well known Biblical scholar ; the historian, J. S. C. Abbott; the author, Jacob Abbott; Benjamin V. and Austin Abbott, lawyers and writers; Dr. Lyman Abbott, of New York; Bishop Lawrence, of Boston; Abbott L. Lowell, president of Harvard University; ex-President U. 9. Grant, and Oliver Ellsworth, the third chief justice of the United States Supreme Court. The subject of this sketch was educated at Kents Hill, Maine, entered the ministry in 1854, was at Readfield, Maine, during 1855 and joined the Minnesota conference in 1856. He married, in Monticello, Minn., February 28, 1858, Mary E. Strickland, who was born in, Wysox, Pa. His second parish in this staté was at Otsego, and from this settlement he carried on a pioneer evangelical work throughout the entire eastern half of the county, The first religious services at Buffalo and many other points were held by him while connected with this parish. He walked and rode many miles in his work, and to attend the sick and dying. No conditions were too unfavorable to prevent his immediate response to the call of the afflicted. He and his family suffered all the privations of the early settler not with any expectation or hope of future material success, but alone for the good of the community. During his ministry he was stationed at Mankato, Farmington, St. Peter, St. Cloud, Willmar and Princeton, all in this state, and Howard Lake, Clearwater, Delano and Rockford, in Wright county. He was living at St. Peter during the Sioux massacre of 1862 and narrowly escaped with his family at that time, the house in which they were, one night being surrounded by a band of Indians, as he afterwards learned from one of the band, and who for some unaccountable reason decided not to kill them. While living at Princeton, 1867-69, he was appointed by Governor Marshall, county superintendent of public schools in Mille Lae county, and performed the duties of that office for two years, in addition to his ministerial labors, He was a forceful, earnest and eloquent preacher, speaking without notes, and his religious work was everywhere marked with great success. He was especially noted for the number of churches built through his efforts and the conversions made at his revival services. His life here was spent in doing good with no care for himself, and he died March 2, 1904, at Rockford, happy in the thought of what he accomplished for the religious and moral advancement of the state in which he had so long and faithfully labored. His wife, Mary E. Abbott, now living at Rockford, shared in all of his privations and labors. She was a woman of distinguished family, of remarkable character and accomplishments, and to her example, training and inspiration is due in a large measure the marked success in life of their four children. Surely they can rise up and eall her blessed.

The eldest, Mary Ellen, born in 1861, taught school in the county for several years, and was married in 1882 to Judge William Lochren, of Minneapolis, a lawyer and jurist of national reputation. He was a pioneer in the state, a Democrat of the old school and a leader for many years. So favorably was he known that he came at one time within one vote of being elected United States senator by a legislature with a large Republican majority. He was for a long time one of the judges of the Fourth Judicial District, including Minneapolis; later he was appointed, in 1893, by President Grover Cleveland, as Commissioner of Pensions at Washington, D. C., and then from 1897 until near his death, in 1912, he served as the United States District Judge for Minnesota. He was a member of Company 5, of the famous First Minnesota Regiment of Volunteers in the Civil war. His widow now resides at the old home in Minneapolis, with her one child, William Abbott Lochren. Mrs. Lochren is a woman of fine character and large capabilities, and performed her part during the eareer of her distinguished husband with brilliant success, whether at Washington or elsewhere.

University in 1885, and was admitted to the bar in 1887. He was assistant general counsel of the ''Soo'' and Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway Companies from 1887 to 1889; secretary of the Wisconsin, Minnesota & Pacific Railway Company, 1888-9; attorney for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company from 1889 to 1897, and special master in chancery of the Union Pacific Railway Company receiverships from 1897 to 1901. This railway receivership was the largest and most involved in the railroad history of the United States. The office held by Mr. Abbott was the equivalent of the presidency of the road and the duties were performed by him with marked ability and success. Of late years he has been the standing master in chancery of the United States court for Minnesota, and is also a lecturer of the law school at the university on the law of corporations. He has written many treatises on legal subjects and has a national reputation as a scholarly and polished writer of law books. Among the more important of these may be mentioned '' Abbott on Municipal Corporations' in three volumes, ''Abbott on Public Seeurities,'' ''Abbott's Elliott on Private Corporations,"' and "Abbott. on Publie Corporations,'' works of one volume each. He is a forceful speaker and has addressed many conventions on railroad and financial topics. He married, in 1898, Mary L. Johnson, daughter of a wealthy lumberman of Wisconsin, and lives in Minneapolis. They have two children, Emily L. and Howard J. Abbott.

The second daughter, Birdie Abbott, attended the State Tniversity and in 1894 married at Washington, D. C., Hon. David H, Mercer, a prominent statesman and lawyer of the Omaha district, who was during most of the congressional life, chairman of the committee on Public Buildings and Grounds. They have one ehild, Janet, and now reside in Washington, D. ©., where Mr, Mercer is a practicing lawyer. Mrs. Mercer is a musician of great ability and an artist of marked talent, especially in the painting of miniatures. Her beauty and accomplishments have resulted in a brilliant career in the social and official life at the nation's capital,

The youngest son, Manley Clarke Abbott, the able proprietor of the widely-known Abbottdale Stock Farm, joining the village of Rockford on the north, in Rockford township, was born in Atwater, Minn., December 2, 1874. He passed through the Rockford schools as a boy, and received splendid training in the Curtis Business College at Minneapolis. Thus equipped with a business education, he took up farming on the place where his father in later life had settled in Rockford township. His energetic purpose has been crowned with success and he is now the owner of 550 acres of rich land, well improved in every way, He does general farming on a large scale, and makes a specialty of pure-blooded Shorthorn cattle and Chester White Swine, as well as of good grade driving horses. He is a thorough believer in ¢o-operation and in the future progress of the rural communities of the Northwest. For eight or nime years he has been treasurer of the Rockford Co-operative Creamery, and for some time past he has been president of the Mutual Live Stock Shipping Association of Rockford, of which he was one of the organizers. In 1900 he took the United States census in Rockford village and township.

John B. Walker was born November 13, 1849, in County Roscommon, Ireland, came to the United States with his parents when he was two years old, to Minnesota April 16, 1856, and in August, 1856, to Rockford, where he resided continuously for forty-four years on the farm his father opened up in the wilderness, on the banks of ''Lake Walker.'' He was the son of Thomas Walker and Marion Beirn Walker. They were the parents of six children: John B. Walker, now of Minneapolis; William Walker, who died in 1866; Sarah J., now Mrs. A. P. Praught, of Albertville, Minn.; Thomas, Jr, now of Minneapolis; Mary T., now Mrs. A. W. Praught, of Albertville; and James Walker, who died in 1868, Thomas Walker, Sr., was identified with the settlement and development of the new eountry and the welfare of the early settlers. During the organization period he took an active part in all public affairs, and held many public offices, partieularly on the board of supervisors and school boards. John B. Walker attended the public school (the ''Little Log Schoolhouse'' in District 44), although he received the better part of his education from his parents, both of whom were particularly well educated, long before School District 44 was organized or the ''Little Log Schoolhouse' was built, and afterwards became instrumental in supplanting the ''Little Log Schoolhouse'' with a stately and substantial frame structure. Long before he was old enough to be a man he took an active part in public affairs and public improvements, and especially in improving roads and bridges, and while serving as chairman of the town beard inaugurated graveling the roads, the first in that part of Wright county. Also, he was one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Rockford township. John B. Walker was married to Margaret L. Moore, of Fountain, Fillmore county, Minnesota, February 8, 1893. They have one daughter, Marie BE. Walker, now of Minneapolis, Minn. In November, 1899, Mr. Walker moved te Minneapolis, Minn., and embarked in the real estate business in Room 404 Century (now Tribune Annex) Building, and at this writing still continues in that business in the same offices. He well remembers many of the hardships and privations encountered by the pioneers; also, the historical events, such as the "Jackson Lynching,'' the 'Wright County War,'' ''Minnesota's

Entrance into Statehood,'' the ''Outbreak of the Civil War,'" the ''Indian Wars of 1862 and 1863,'' and particularly the ''Massacre of the Dustin Family'' near Waverly, and the consequent 'Indian Seare'' that caused the settlers to flee for safety, some to Rockford and some to the island in ''Lake Beebee.''

William Walker, a pioneer of Rockford township, was born in Ireland, About 1852 he embarked for America, reaching California by a tedious voyage around the Golden Horn. Later he came eastward from California, and upon reaching Minnesota settled on a piece of land on the shore of Lake Martha, in Rockford township, where a claim had been selected for him by his brother Thomas. The tract was wild and covered with woods. He erected a log cabin, and with the assistance of a yoke of oxen started clearing the land. When the Civil war broke out, he went to St. Paul with the purpose of enlisting, but the examiners rejected him on account of his health. Accordingly he returned to his farm. Little by little he developed it, until he had an excellent place in every particular. Mr, Walker was an unusually hard-working man, and took great pride in the result of his labor. He was quiet and unassuming, very fond of home, and mingled little in public or social affairs. After a useful life, he died March 20, 1899. Mr. Walker married Elizabeth Thompson, who was born in Ohio, September 15, 1843, and died September 7, 1911. They were the parents of nine children: Dora, Lucy, Lillian, Letty, Estella (deceased), Elizabeth, Robert, John and Ralph. The family faith is that of the Episcopal church.

John T. Walker, a well-known farmer of Rockford township, was born on the old homestead in section 5, on March 20, 1880. He was reared on the home farm, and attended the district schools. He also thoroughly mastered the art of telegraphy, but has abandoned that occupation for the pursuits of agriculture. He is a successful man, and is highly regarded by all who know him. When his mother died he came in possession of the old homestead of ninety-one acres. Mr. Walker married Effie Marsh, daughter of Peter Marsh, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work.

Andrew Dixon, an extensive agriculturist and leading citizen of Frankfort township, was born on the old homestead, November 7, 1874, son of James Dixon, the pioneer. He attended the district schools and has always remained at home. He began on his own responsibility with 113 acres. He bought out the other heirs to his father's estate, and now owns 340 aeres of good land and rents 160 acres more, thus making 500 acres in all, on which he conducts scientific diversified farming. He raises the usual crops on an extensive scale, and makes a specialty of raising Durham eattle and Duroe-Jersey swine. Probably no farm in the county has so fine a collection of buildings. These splendid structures cover over five acres and the large buildings number eighteen, aside from the smaller sheds. Looking at this great farm, with its rolling fields of rich crops, its large number of animals, and its large array of implements and machinery, one can hardly realize that James Dixon came here with but $1, or that sixty rods west of the present sightly house once stood the old log cabin in which the family resided for many years, and through the roof of which the mother watched the stars and listened to the howlings of the wolves. The oldest building on the place at the present time is the granary, 18 by 26 feet. A log structure, 20 by 30 feet, erected some forty years ago, is also still standing. Great barns have been erected for the housing of stock, erops and machinery. A barn has been built along the latest approved lines for the housing of the swine. The dairy is a model of sanitation and utility. A large ice house carries a goodly supply throughout the summer and well into the fall. Tool sheds shelter the implements, and a blacksmith shop contains machinery of various kinds for all repairs. With all his busy life, Mr. Dixon takes a deep interest in public affairs, and is an earnest advocate of progress in the rural communities. He is a stockholder in the Rockford Co-Operative Creamery and in the Farmers' Co-Operative Insurance Company. He is also clerk of School District 44. Mr. Dixon was married, May 5, 1902, to Ruth Pitt, daughter of Frank Pitt, and a native of Buffalo township, this county. They have seven children: William Henry, Thomas Franklin, George, Arnold, Benjamin, Ella Harriett and Irene Sarah.

Thomas Dixon, a prominent man and extensive land owner of Rockford township, was born in Frankfort township, Mareh 14, 1860, a son of James Dixon, the pioneer. He was reared to farm pursuits, and remained at home with his parents until twenty-seven years of age. Then he went to Minneapolis, where he received a practical business experience which has since stood him in good stead. In 1889 he and his brother, William J. Dixon, formed a partnership and started farming on a tract of 291 acres in Rockford township. The partnership proved a most admirable one, the two men worked early and late, and by shrewd management and industry they were able to increase their holdings to 700 acres of as good land as is to be found in the county. In 1910, Thomas located on his present site, where he had erected a splendid modern home and spacious barns. In 1912 the brothers felt. that the business was assuming such proportions as to be better operated if divided, so the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent. Thomas Dixon now owns 308 acres of fertile land, divided by the railroad. He carries on general farming and raises good graded stock. His farm is equipped with all the latest machinery, his home is furnished with modern comforts, and he is a splendid type of the modern successful farmer, a most estimable and useful citizen in every way. Thomas Dixon married Minnie Furtney, daughter of Aaron Furtney and widow of Robert Dixon. They have one son, John. By her previous marriage, Mrs. Dixon has four children, Dewey, Aaron, Martha and Robert.

Robert Dixon, a representative farmer, who spent the span of his years in Rockford township, was born in that township October 26, 1869, the son of James Dixon, the pioneer. He was educated in the schools of his neighborhood and learned farming from his father. After arriving at adult years he acquired a farm next to the family homestead, He was in the prime of his activities when he died, June 1, 1910, as the result of being thrown from his team while making a business trip to Minneapolis. He was survived by his wife (Minnie Furtney) and four children. Mr. Dixon was one of the strong, substantial men of the community, and his untimely death was widely mourned.

Joseph Thomas, an influential farmer of Rockford township, was born in Wales, May 18, 1846, son of Hugh and Anna (Davis) Thomas, and grandson of Joseph and Jane Davis. Hugh Thomas was a miner. He came to the United States in 1854, bringing his wife and his children, Hugh, Jr., Joseph, Anna, Ellen, Mary and Elizabeth, and located in Oneida county, New York, where he worked in the cotton factories. In 1857 he came to La Crosse, Wis,, and took up farming near that city. Anna (Davis) Thomas died at La Crosse at the age of sixty-one. Hugh Thomas then took his daughter Ellen and made a trip to Wales. She died at Troy, N. Y., on their return. Then he returned to Wisconsin and made his home with his daughter, Anna, until he died in 1891 at the age of eighty-eight. One of the sons, Hugh Thomas, Jr., was a veteran of the Civil War, having served in the 26th New York Volunteer Infantry. Joseph Thomas received his edueation in Wisconsin, and at the age of fourteen started out for himself. When he was twenty-five, he and his wife located in Olmsted county, Minnesota, where they farmed until 1880, with the exception of about a year and a half spent in Lyon county, this state. It was in April, 1880, that they came to Wright county and located in Rockford village. For sixteen years he was a finisher in the Rockford Woolen Mills. In 1894 he traded his village property for eighty acres in section 22, Rockford township. He has made many improvements, and later bought eighty acres more. Ever since coming here he has taken a leading part. in the affairs of this vicinity. He has been a member of the village council of Rockford four years and president of that body one year, as well as supervisor of Rockford township for four years. He is a stockholder in the Dickinson Co-Operative Creamery at Dickinson, Minn. Mr. Thomas was married De- cember 16, 1865, to Sarah Josephine Allen, who was born in La Crosse county, Wisconsin, August 27, 1853, daughter of Martin and Jane Allen, pioneer farmers of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas had two children, Jennie and Frank. Jennie is the wife of Levi Thompson, and they have three children, Joseph, Ansel and Ethel. Frank farms on an adjoining farm to his father. He married Bertha Darrow and has four children, Roy, Vernon, Gladys and Kenneth. The family are members of the Advent Christian church.

John C, Murphy, general merchant and farm implement dealer of Dickinson, Rockford township, was born in Greenwood township, Hennepin county, this state, April 16, 1881, son of David and Rebekah Ann (Tigner) Murphy. David Murphy was a native of Kentucky and his wife of West Virginia. He was reared in Kentucky, and there grew to manhood. When the Civil War broke out he cast his fortunes with the Confederacy and enlisted in the Southern army. After the close of the war, in 1866, he eame North with his wife and his two children, Henry D. and Sarah. They came up the Mississippi river to St. Paul, and from there came to Franklin township, Wright county, where he erected a log building and did some breaking. Later he secured a farm on the present site of the village of Greenwood, in Hennepin county, a part of which he laid out on his premises. After the family came to Minnesota, five more children, Kate, Florence, Mary, Nellie and John ©. were born. After a useful life, David Murphy died in 1882, at the age of fortyfour, His wife died February 4, 1897, at the age of fifty-two. John C. Murphy received his education in the school at Rock-~ ford, and was reared on the home farm. After attaining young manhood he farmed for a while on the home farm near Rockford, and then became a well driller. He had a full equipment for deep well boring, and for fifteen years did a good business in this line, sinking a large number of wells in this part of the country. In 1907 he went to American Falls, Idaho, where he proved up on aclaim. After three years, however, he sold out, and returned. In October, 1913, he opened his present place of business in Dickinson, being the second merchant to open on the new townsite. The trade that he has received has justified his trust in the village as a business center, Mr. Murphy was married June 26, 1912, to Geneva Darrow, born at Buffalo, Minn., June 26, 1891, daughter of F. W. and Delia (Hinman) Darrow. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy have one son, Woodrow d., born May 27, 1913.

John Hinman, a worthy pioneer of Reckford township, was born in Oneida county, New York, November 25, 1833, and was but eight years old when he lost his father. His mother married again, and young John was cast on his own resources. For a time he received but thirty-five cents a day for his labors, and out of that had to pay for his board and helped to care for his sister Annettie. As he grew to manhood he determined to try his fortunes in the new country of the Northwest. He was over thirty, however, before he was enabled to gratify this desire. May 1, 1865, he came to Wright county, and secured a homestead of eighty acres in section 10, Rockford township. He erected a log cabin and a log barn, and in these the family resided for a number of years. Later frame buildings were erected, and the farm was well improved. Mr. Hinman was school director and treasurer for many years, and made a most admirable officer. He died March 26, 1908. Mr. Hinman was married at Sturgis, Michigan, October 4, 1860, to Mary Jane Fish, born June 21, 1844, of German descent. They had two children: Clementine Annettie, born April 30, 1863; Delia, born May 6, 1866. Clementine married Frank Rogers. She died April 4, 1885. June 4, 1885, Delia married Fred W. Darrow. Mrs. John Hinman died September 15, 1896.

Fred W. Darrow, a prosperous farmer of Rockford township, was born in Ohio, July 14, 1864, son of Peter Darrow, Jr., and Delia (Pelham) Darrow, and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Darrow, Sr., and of Mr. and Mrs. John Pelham. Peter Darrow, Sr., was born in New York state, and brought the family to Ohio. Peter Darrow, Jr., was reared, educated and married in Ohio. When his son, Fred W., was six months old he came to Wright county and located in Rockford. When Fred W. Darrow was seventeen years of age, he went to live with his grandmother, Mrs. John Pelham, on section 10, Rockford township. After his marriage he continued to live on the place. After this he lived for three years in Buffalo village, and four years near Rockford village, subsequent to which he lived another five years on his grandmother's farm. On account of the death of Mary Jane, wife of John Hinman, in 1897, Fred W. Darrow and family moved to the old Hinman homestead in sections 9 and 10, and have since resided there. Mr. Darrow was married June 4, 1885, to Delia Hinman, daughter of John and Mary Jane (Fish) Hinman. Mr. and Mrs. Darrow have four children. Leona was born December 1, 1888, married Walter Landeck and has two ehildren, Leona and Lester. Geneva was born June 26, 1891, and married John C. Murphy. Louzerne J., was born May 1, 1897, and Florence was born February 28, 1900. The two youngest are at home.

James Anderson, a leading farmer of section 6, Rockford township, was born in Sweden, September 25, 1856, son of Nels and Carrie (Johnson) Anderson, the pioneers. Nels Anderson was born in Sweden, was there married, and there his children were born. Andrew died in Sweden. April 14, 1866, the family, consisting of Nels Anderson, his wife, and three children, James, Carrie and Christine, started for America aboard the sailing veasel, ''Superior.'' After a voyage of seven weeks, they landed, and in due time reached Wright county. They came as far as the end of the railroad at Big Lake, and were there met by Cornelius Anderson, who brought the family into the county in a cart. For a time they lived with Nebone Johnson. Then they secured a tract of eighty acres in section 6, Rockford township. The tract was covered with woods, and the family moved into a log cabin which the father had ereeted, and started with almost nothing. No roads led to the place, and supplies were hard to obtain, The first corn and potatoes were planted among the stumps with a ''grub'' hoe. The father worked at Watertown for less than a dollar a day to buy wheat which cost $2.75 a bushel. This he had ground, and then carried it on his back to his family in the woods. They bought a small pig, but the pig died. They succeeded, however, in getting a cow, and thus secured milk for the children, At one time when the family was out of flour they went to Rockford and were unable to obtain any, 80 for over a week they lived on milk mixed with coarse bran. Finally they bought two calves, and as they grew, they were yoked together and used in clearing the land. After years of hard work, and privation, the family became successful, a good house and modern barns were erected, and an additional tract of eighty acres on Lake Tamarack was purchased. This tract was also wild, and had te be cleared. When the Lutheran church was organized in 1868, Nels Anderson was one of the first trustees, and his family were among the prominent members. Nels Anderson is still living on the homestead. His wife died in 1898 at the age of sixty-eight. James Anderson was a lad of about ten years when his parents came to Wright county. He underwent the period of privation with the family, and assisted his father in clearing the land and in getting in the crops. He remains on the home place, has a good house and barns, raises excellent stock, and oceupies 8 high place in the community. For some time past he has done good service as a member of the school board. James Anderson was married in 1881 to Marie Larson, born in Sweden, in the same neighborhood that be was born in, October 29, 1866, daughter of Lars and Ingoberd Larson, who came to Wright county in 1880, and settled in Rockford township. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have three children, Anton, Richard and Ruth. Leonard, Olgot and Hilda are dead. Anton lives in Minneapolis. He married Ellen Magnuson. Ruth married Herman Swanson, a farmer of Marysville township.

Leonard KE, Torrison, a prosperous farmer of section 4, Rockford township, was born on the homestead where he now resides, May 8, 1873, son of Thomas and Mary (Gilbert) Torrison, natives of Norway, who, about the time of their marriage, located on eighty acres m section 4, Rockford township. They underwent the usual rigorous experiences of pioneer life, but in the end attained comfort and success. Thomas Torrison was treasurer of the township and a member of the school board, and was also active in the Swedish Lutheran church. He is still living, hale and hearty at a ripe age. His wife died in 1904 at the age of forty-nine.

Leonard K. Torrison was reared on the home place and has spent his life here. He purchased the homestead of eighty acres in 1909. He also added forty acres more, which he later sold. He has a well cultivated place, raises good stock and swine. The family makes a specialty of Barred Plymouth Rock chickens. Mr. Torrison is a stockholder in the Buffalo Co-operative Creamery Co. He was married June 11, 1908, to Mebel Wharton, a native of this state, a daughter of H. F. Wharton, of Minneapolis. Before her marriage she taught school in the school of district 118, Rockford township, Mr. and Mrs. Torrison have two bright ehildren, Leslie, born June 1, 1909, and Donald, born August 21, 1913.

Henry Steinhilber, a prosperous farmer of Rockford township, was born on the family homestead in section 18, Rockford township, October 27, 1863, son of George and Mary (Schuler) Steinhilber, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, George Steinhilber came to the United States with his first wife in 1856, and secured work in the Hast at his trade as a tailor. About 1860 he came to Minneapolis, where he lived about a year and a half, Then he located on a farm near Hanover, where he likewise lived about a year and a half. Then he settled on the place in Rockford township which has since been the family home. A small clearing had been made, but no buildings had been erected on the tract. He erected a log house and with an ox team started to develop the land. At onee he took an interest in the affairs of the neighborhood. He helped to establish the Methodist Episcopal church of that vicinity, and was a progressive man in every respect. Often in the pioneer days he walked to Minneapolis, sometimes working for a time at his trade there, and always bringing on his return, provisions for the little cabin in the woods. He had cleared twelve acres and was well on the road to prosperity, when in the spring of 1869, he died at the age of fifty-six. His wife, Mary Sehuler, came to the United States with a brother, Andrew Schuler, at the age of thirty. They lived in Detroit for a while, went from there to Quebec, Canada, and from Canada came to Minneapolis, where she was married. The children of George and Mary Steinhilber were: Emma, George, Henry, Mary and Louisa, all living. After the death of George Steinhilber, his widow married John Dircks, a native of Hanover, Germany. He eame to America in 1850, and located in Texas. In 1856 he located in St. Paul. From there he came to Delano, in the same year, and after working about for a while, he secured a homestead of 160 acres in section 3, Franklin township. This tract was wild land, and he set at work clearing and developing it, and erecting a log cabin. In 1863 he enlisted in Company B, Fourth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served about a year and 3 half. He died about 1902. He was born in 1826. His wife, the widow of George Steinhilber, was born in 1826 and died in 1899. Henry Steinhilber was reared on the home place, attended the district schools, and in time took charge of the farm. He has remodeled the buildings and made many improvements. Like his father before him he has taken his part in the development of the community. His services as supervisor of the town have been highly regarded, and in other ways as well he has been a useful citizen. He is a member of the I. 0. O. F., the A. O. U. W. and the Maceabees. Mr. Steinhilber was married July 2, 1896, to Minnie Knoll, daughter of Charles Knoll, of this county. They have three children, LaRue, Mildred and George.

Samuel Cronk, a prominent farmer and contractor, now reé- siding on the homestead of his grandfather, Jacob Samsel, in Rockford township, was born on the homestead of his father in the same township, May 26, 1859, his parents being William A. and Caroline (Samsel) Cronk. He was reared on his father's place and attended the district schools. It was in 1892 that he moved onto his grandfather's original homestead. Of the eight acres, only twenty had been cleared. He cleared the remainder of the land, erected new buildings, and by hard work and industrious attention to business increased his holdings until he now owns 160 acres. He carries on general farming and raises good crops and some splendid cattle, Of the latter industry he has made a specialty, and being a thorough advocate of co-operation among the farmers hé has served on the boards of the creameries at Montrose and Dickinson. Aside from his agricultural operations he has been especially active in county ditching. At the present time he has a $7,000 contract for work in this line. Mr, Cronk has not participated to any extent in fraternal affairs, but being of a patriotic spirit, and reverencing the record made by his father in the Civil War, he has joined the Sons of Veterans, He married Lillian Diamond, a native of Wisconsin. They have had fifteen children, of whom eight are living. They are: George (deceased), Dolly (deceased), Frank, John, Kittie, Ai, unnamed twins (deceased), Hattie, Etta, Littie, Albert (deceased), Gladys and Goldie (twins) and Lucy. Goldie is dead.

George Ruppelius, 8r., one of the sturdy pioneers, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, January 12, 1834, son of Fred W. and Katherine (Eve). Ruppelius. They had one other child, Anna,

Anna married Andrew Bomgesser, who in 1856 brought her to America and settled in Wright county. In 1857 George Ruppelius came to America and located at Milwaukee, In June, 1858, he came to Wright county, and visited his brother-in-law, Andrew Bomgesser, in Rockford towuship. Then he went to Minneapolis and became interested in the meat business. In 1865 he came to Rockford township and located permanently, He secured 134 acres in section 3, range 24, on the Little Crow river, and there started his pioneer experiences, The loeality is a picturesque one and his location was most admirably chosen. Only a small patch of ground had been cleared. He erected a log cabin, and began to develop the place, beginning with an ox team. In time the family prospered, and the farm beeame both fertile and profitable. Mr. Ruppelius early took a prominent part in the affairs of the neighborhood. For twenty years he was one of the supervisors of the township, and for a long time he was an officer of school district No. 62, which he assisted in organizing. His worth is fully appreciated and his advice is often sought on important matters. Mr. Ruppelius was married in Milwaukee, to Elizabeth Eberhardt, the daughter of Jacob and Eliza Eberhardt, who were from the same village as the Ruppelius family. Mrs, Ruppelius died in 1900 at the age of sixty-six. The children in the family are Fred W,, George, Anna, Kate and Emma.

Charles Roloff, a pioneer of Rockford township, now deceased, was born in Germany, and spent his boyhood in that country, Like so many other German youths of his period he came to the United States secking his fortune, and found hig way to the West. After reaching Wright county he married Minnie Bevans, who was boru in South Carolina, September 13, 1854, daughter of William and Johanna Bevans. William Bevans had died in the South, his widow had married William Walbrush, and he, in 1856, had brought the family to Wright county and located in Frankfort township. In 1874, Charles Roloff and his wife located on 160 acres in section 3, range 24, Rockford township, and started to develop the place. Some of the land had been broken, but there were many improvements to be made and much hard work to be done. Charles Roloff died in 1883, leaving three children, Lizzie, Emma (deceased) and Elizabeth (now Mrs, Andrew Bomgesser). Mrs. Roloff married August Sehlief, and they live on the Roloff place.

August Schleif, a farmer of Rockford township, was born in West Posen, Germany, December 24, 1853, son of John and Wilhelmina (Bahn) Schleif. The father died in Germany, and the mother, with the eight children, August, Gusta, Charles, Amelia, John, Otelia, Bert and Matilda, came to America in 1867 and located on eighty acres in Rockford township. She died in 1913 at the age of eighty-one. August Schleif was brought to this county by his mother, was reared to farm pursuits, and has devoted his life to that line. He has a neat, well-kept place, with plenty of fruit, and carries on general farming in a modern manner, He is interested in education and has served as treasurer of his school district. Mr. Schleif married Minnie Roloff, the widow of Charles Roloff, and they have three children, August, Robert and Osear.

John Wesley Prestidge, one of the active and progressive farmers of Rockford township, was born in the township where he still resides, November 5, 1882, son of Thomas Prestidge, the pioneer. He learned agricultural pursuits from his father, and started out in life for himself at the age of seventeen. For a time he was in partnership with his brother Arthur. Later he farmed alone. On September 12, 1913, he purchased eighty acres in section 21, where he is establishing a splendid farm. He is energetic and industrious, and follows the latest approved methods in all his operations. His good wife, Dena Thompson, a native of Goodhue county, this state, whom he married July 20, is an able helpmate in all his undertakings. It is interesting to note that the farm occupied by Mr. Prestidge has many historic associations. When the Indians swarmed this part of the country, they had a camp in a hollow back of his barn, skins stretched across the top protecting it from the elements. While thus encamped they fished in a nearby lake. Tradition states that once when they were fishing on the lake, an earthquake or other disturbance of nature broke the ice, and thirty of the braves perished in the water. Mr. and Mrs. Prestidge attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Melrose.

Thomas Prestidge, a pioneer, was born in England, December 21, 1834, and was there reared. At nineteen years of age he came to the United States, and after traveling in various parts of the country settled in Wright county in 1856. He homesteaded the south half of the northeast quarter, of section 8, range 24, township 119, and started pioneer life in the wilderness. He built first a log cabin and then started clearing the land. His first crops were planted in the virgin sod with the aid of a hoe. Gradually he attained success and developed a good place, Mr. Prestidge was a strong worker in the Methodist church, and being a good singer, led the worship in many places throughout the community. He died May 16, 1913, after a long and useful life. His wife, Margaret Holliday, was born January 7, 1844, and died January 11, 1894. They were married July 4, 1861. Their sixteen children were as follows: Ann, born June 30, 1863; Malinda Jane, born March 15, 1865; Juliette, July 29, 1866; Ulysses Walter, October 28, 1868; Charles Henry, January 28, 1870; William Emerson, June 26, 1871; Mary Harriett, February 12, 1873; Burton T., born May 5, 1874; Ida May, December 16, 1875; Cora

William Pautzke, a representative citizen of Rockford township, was born July 25, 1847, son of Ferdinand and Fredericka (Winke) Pautzke, and grandson of Johan Winke. In the spring of 1868, the family, consisting of the father and mother, and the four children, Wilhelmina, Bertha, Augusta and William, set out for America, After eight long and weary weeks on the water they landed, and soon thereafter found their way to Ihlinois, where they remained with a brother of the mother, who had loaned them some money with which to make the trip. In the fall of the same year they came to Wright eounty, With them was Herman Westfall, who had in the meantime married one of the daughters, Wilhelmina. He bought seventy-two acres of wild land in seetion 3, Rockford township, and erected a eabin, into which the whole family moved. With an ox team they started clearing the land and doing such farming as they could. About four years later, William Pautzke, the subject of this mention, bought from a Mr. Cooper a tract of seventy-six acres in section 3. No buildings had been erected thereon, and no roads led to it. Not a tree had been cut on the place. He started work, cut down the trees, erected a log cabin, cleared a small space, and put in his first crops with a ''grub'' hoe. From such conditions did he have to wrest a living for himself and his father and mother, But his hard work won, and prosperity came to him in full measure, His wild tract of land took on the aspects of a eultivated farm, and to this he added until he owned 296 acres of good land. He helped to erect the German Lutheran church, and has always been a faithful attendant there. The parents were also devout Lutherans and died in the faith of that ehurch, the father in 1902, at the age of 92, and the mother in 1899, at the age of 70. Mr. Pautzke now has one of the finest farms in the neighborhood. He earries on general farming, raises good stock, and is a successful man in every respeet. Mr. Pautzke was married, August 12, 1858, te Henrietta Shindel, a native of Wright county, daughter of Michael Shindel, a pioneer. Mr. and Mrs. Pautzke have seven children, Bertha, Alvina, George, Amelia, Elenora, Henry and Herman, all living,

Peter Olson, a prominent general farmer and stock raiser, of Rockford township, was born in Sweden, July 14, 1868, son of Olaf Christianson and Boel Paulson, farmers of that country. In the family there were six children: John, Ellen, Peter, Christine, and two that died in infancy. The father died in Sweden, and the mother married, for her second husband, Nels Paulson, who in 1880, brought the family to Joliet, Illinois, where he died, and where the mother still lives at the age of seventy-eight. Before coming to this country, Peter had attended school in Sweden. A few years after reaching Illinois he started to work as a dairyman. Later he engaged in the retail milk business on his own responsibility. In 1903 he sold out his interests in Dlinois, and came to Wright county, where he purchased eighty-one acres in section 24, Rockford township. To this he has since added eighty acres more. He has made extensive improvements, and is already one of the leading farmers of the county. His pleasant residenée has running hot and cold water and other modern improvements, his lawns are sightly, and his barns are commodious. His dairy operations are extensive and his herd of Guernsey cattle is his especial pride. So interested is he in this line of industry, that he has served as president of the Rockford creamery for four years, giving most excellent service. He also raises Chester White swine, and it is said that no better than his are to be found in this part of the state. Though comparatively a new comer he has so won the confidence of the people of the township that he has been elected town supervisor and also school officer. Fraternally he associates with the Woodmen, the Yoemen and the order of White Cross. Mr. Olson was married in 1891 to Carrie Lieberbach, of Peoria, Illinois, daughter of Adam Liederbach. They have had eight children: Raymond, Edna (deceased), Ida, Walter, George, Alice and Lloyd.

Frederick Mutterer, whose place in Rockford township ranks among the best farms in the county, is one of the leading and influential citizens of the neighborhood. Beginning as a farm employee, with no financial resources, and with but little encouragement, he has forged ahead by hard work, shrewdness and honorable dealing, until he is now a man of means and substantial standing, He has reared a good family, he has developed a splendid estate, and he has been a good and useful citizen. Frederick Mutterer was born in Germany, October 26, 1856, son of George and Katharina (Ruff) Mutterer, well-known German farmers, who spent the span of their years in that country. He received a good education in Germany, and there grew to manhood. In 1884 he set sail for America, leaving Germany, June 30, 1884, and arriving at New York, July 12. Until fall he lived in Medford, Taylor county, Wisconsin, and then came to Wright county, where he secured farm employment. In April, 1885, he rented a farm in Cochran township, Hennepin county, for five years. Then he came to Rockford township, and continued to rent farms until 1897. Then he purchased eighty acres in section 19, Rockford township. Two years later he purchased another eighty acres adjoining. This was all a wild tract at that time. He broke the land and erected a log house, and started to develop his present splendid farm. One of the sightly features is the modern dwelling house, erected in 1910. It is well arranged and well constructed, and veneered with cement blocks. This house, with the assistance of employes, he erected himself, even making the cement blocks for the veneering. He is now constructing a large barn, equally modern, and he has in addition a fine set of outbuildings and the like. Hard worker that he is, he has been more than successful, and he is now enjoying some of the fruits of his years of unremitting toil and endeavor. Mr. Mutterer has ever been a sincere friend of the co-operative movement among farmers. For eight years he has done most efficient work as secretary and manager of the Rockford Co-operative Creamery Association. Previous to this term of office he was treasurer two years. The Rockford Mutual Stock Shipping Association finds him an active shareholder. As agent for the Hassan German Mutual Fire Insurance Co., he has also done much energetic work. For two years he was assessor of the township. He has, with others, started the Evangelical Lutheran congregation at Rockford, which has its own church and parsonage, and resident pastor, Mr. Mutterer was married in Germany, September 7, 1876, to Magdalena Brauning, who was born in Germany, Mareh 13, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Mutterer have nine children: Herman, born October 8, 1877; Willie, born 1879, died 1906; Ernest, born December 11, 1882; Adolph, born December 13, 1892; Edward, born January 31, 1894; Louise, now Mrs, Charles Fish, born April 14, 1886; Emma, now Mrs. George Luther, born December 16, 1887; Annie, now Mrs. Elmer Johnson, born December 16, 1889; Bertha, born May 24, 1897; and Mary, born July 9, 1899. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran church.

Fred Augustus Mosher, one of the industrious farmers of Rockford township, was born in Onondaga county, New York, three miles east of Syracuse, New York, June 25, 1857, son of George and Sarah (Cooper) Mosher, and grandson of Hugh Mosher, all likewise natives of New York state. Fred Augustus Mosher was educated in his native county, and at. the age of fourteen was brought to Hennepin county, Minnesota, by his mother and his stepfather, Sumner Sherman. In Hennepin county the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. In 1877 he came to Wright county and rented land near Rockford village. Later he located on a tract of land in section 1, Rockford township. Beginning with forty acres he soon added another forty, so that he now has a nice tract of eignty acres. When he settled here the land was covered with wood. He erected a log cabin and used an ox team to help him in his breaking. He has reclaimed the place from the wilderness, and his efforts at scientific farming have been most successful. He has a good set of buildings, excellent stock, and a sufficient equipment of implements and tools. In his early manhood, Mr. Mosher married Mary Denney,

Henry Liederbach, Sr., one of the earliest settlers of Rockford, is a typical pioneer. Keen eyed, robust and sturdy, and active in spite of his more than eighty years, he remembers the times when the early comers established themselves in the wilderness, erected their little cabins, and started to wrest a living from the virgin soil. Henry Liederbach, Sr., was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, October 7, 1832, son of John and Catherine Liederbach. In 1852, with his brother Adam, he started for America. After a tedious voyage of thirty-two days aboard a sailing vessel, they reached New York, and finding their way to a little village in the interior, they worked in a briekyard for a while. Later they went to Illinois, and from there started for Minnesota. After reaching St. Paul they went to St. Clond, looked about for a loeation, and finally in October, 1856, settled in Rockford township. Henry chose the location where he has since lived. No roads led to the claim, but Indian trails had been broken here and there through the wilderness, and these were used by the early settlers. Mr. Liederbach secured lumber from the mill at Rockford, and erected a board shanty. Little by little, he eleared the ground. Times were hard, provisions were scarce, and often he walked to the little hamlets of St. Paul and St. Anthony for provisions, bringing back bacon, corn meal and molasses on his shoulder. The Winnebago Indians were still in the country, and were a source of considerable annoyance. Being of a jovial disposition, Mr. Liederbach was at first inclined to be friendly with them, and sometimes responded to their begging by giving them food. But those who had enjoyed his hospitality constantly returned bringing larger and larger numbers. One day when he was chopping they gathered about him and importuned him to cook them some food. This he refused, and they kept pressing closer and closer, so that they interfered with the action of his axe. Finally in swinging back the axe, he aceidentally hit one of the Red Men a smart blow. For a time it looked as though there was to be serious trouble, but after a parley, the savages went away, and never came again. In the spring of 1857, Mr. Liederbach had a small clearing made, and a considerable quantity of potatoes planted. But when the garden was well under way, the grasshoppers came, and devoured all vegetation, leaving him once more to start anew. But in spite of these discouragements, Mr. Liederbach kept at work early and late and as the years passed by he attained unusual success. To his original tract he added 160 acres more, and his original board shanty was replaced with a sightly home, and substantial farm buildings. While he has never taken an active part in public affairs, he has always stood for every move that has for its object the real betterment of the community. When his school district was organized he was its first treasurer. Mr. Liederbach married Minnie Strunk, who died in 1877. Their six children are all living. They are: Minnie, Lydia, Henry, Alvin Alexander, Paul and John,

Alvin Alexander Liederbach, one of the men who has taken an active part in the development of Dunn county, North Dakota, was born on the old homestead, section 13, Rockford township, Wright county, Minnesota, December 6, 1872, son of Henry Liederbach, Sr., the pioneer. He attended the district school and remained at home until twenty years of age, when he became a salesman for the Armour Packing Co. for four years. Then for a short time he engaged in the grain business in Minneapolis. It was in 1905 when he first became interested in Dunn county, North Dakota, where he now owns an entire section of land. Like his father before him, he has been a true pioneer. The land was wild, and was located forty-two miles from Dickinson, the nearest railroad station. With courage he set at work to develop the unbroken tract, and he now has an ideal Dakota ranch. Onto this place in 1906 he brought the first self binder that was used west of the Knife river. Possibly no section of the country has developed more rapidly. One binder was used the first year, the second year it took twenty-five to cover the same ground, while the third year 150 were used. The first threshing outfit consisted of a small engine and separator. Now there' are six complete threshing and plowing outfits in the one township. Instead of going forty-two miles to the railroad, the people have but six miles to go to the newly opened railroad town of Killdeer. Mr. Liederbach arrived in Dunn conuty at the right time, and the growth of the country in that vicinity has more than justified his faith. In spite of his interests in North Dakota, Mr. Liederbach is still loyal to Wright county. He owns eighty acres of his father's homestead in Rockford township, and spends much of his time here. Being of a sociable nature he has allied himself with the A. O, U. W. and the I. 0. O. F. For his first wife Mr, Liederbach married Ida Liederbach, a daughter of Adam Liederbach. She died April 17, 1903, at the age of twentynine. For his second wife he married Esther Ellis Winner Swager, the daughter of Nelson Swager, of Iowa. By her previous marriage, Mrs. Liederbach has one daughter, Dorris.

Henry Liederbach, Jr., a prosperous farmer of Rockford town- 'ship, was born on the old homestead in section 13, in the township where he still resides, May 16, 1872, son of Henry Liederbach, Sr., the pioneer, He was reared on the home place, attended the district schools, and thoroughly mastered the principles of farming. A few years ago he took over eighty acres of the home place and started its development. Only twelve acres had at that time been cleared. He set to work to clear this tract just as his father had cleared up the wilderness many years before. He now has a splendid place, well tilled and well cultivated. He has erected a sightly brick house and some substantial barns, and evidences of thrift and prosperity are shown everywhere about the place. He makes a specialty of Guernsey cattle, Poland China ewine and Rhode Island poultry, and has an orchard of over five hundred trees, and small fruits of all kinds. Mr. Liederbach is a member of the school board and has taken his part in the progress of the town. He was married November, 1901, to Amelia Manthey, a native of Germany, and they have one ehild, Ruth Clara, born April 7, 1907.

Charles August Landeck, a leading farmer located in section 10, Rockford township, is one of the highly respected and honored men of the community. By hard work and careful planning he has acquired a competence, and is regarded as a splendid example of what may be accomplished by honesty and industry. He was born in Prussia, Germany, April 12, 1859, son of Charles and Louise Landeck, and was the only child in the family, except Paul, who was drowned. The father died when Charles August was about three or four years old, and in 1866 the mother and son came to America and located at Milwaukee. There the mother married Christian Kunz. In 1868 they moved to Minneapolis. The mother died in 1898 at the age of sixty-four. The stepfather is still living at the age of seventy-eight. Their marriage resulted in two daughters, Emma and Louisa. Even as a boy, Charles August Landeck secured employment earring shingles at $2.00 a day. In fact, being a good workman, he was able to command good wages whenever he desired employment. At the age of eighteen he learned the blacksmith trade, and in this occupation he engaged in Minneapolis until 1892, Through all these years his worth commended itself te his patrons, and he numbered his friends by the score. In 1892, however, he determined to change his occupation. Accordingly he eame to Wright county, and purchased 120 acres in Rockford township. A shack stood on the place, and the land had been cleared in patches. Mr. Landeek finished clearing the land, and made many important improvements. He added forty acres more, and erected a pleasant home and suitable buildings. One of the features of the place is the new barn, 30 by 72 feet, with eighteen-foot posts. Mr. Landeck takes great pride in his good stock, and he has a splendid herd of Shorthorn cattle, as well as a profitable drove of Poland China swine. Mr. Landeck was married in 1882 to Lena Miltz, born in Prussia, Germany, dune 8, 1859, daughter of David and Christina (Sehultz) Miltz. Mr, and Mrs. Landeck have six children, Walter E., Robert Fred, Ernest, Charles, Mamie and Hazel,

David Miltz, an early settler, was born in Prussia, Germany. He lost his parents as an infant and was early in life forced to shift for himself. As a young man he married Christina Schultz, daughter of Ferdinand and Mary Ann Schultz, who were born in Germany, and in later life came to New York state, where they died. In 1863, David Miltz and his wife, and their two children, Lena and Hannah, came to America, and located at Boonsville, New York, where he followed his trade as a stone polisher. Two children, Charles and Carrie, were born there, In 1867 the family eame to Wright county, and located on eighty acres of woodland, on Crawford lake, in Rockford township. Until they could get a log cabin built, they lived with an uncle named Meyer. Under these primitive conditions, the family started life in the wilderness. At first they had nothing but a cow, and the first erops were put in with a hoe into the virgin sod. Mr. Miltz, for a time, worked in Minneapolis to get money with which to buy a pair of steers. He carried supplies from the city to his cabin on his back. At one time he, in this way, carried a grind-stone, weighing eighty-five pounds all the distance from Minneapolis ta Rockford. He added a few more acres to his land, and in time erected a modern home and other farm buildings. After living on the placé over twenty-five years he retired and moved to Little Falls, in this state, where he now lives at the good age of seventy-seven, His wife died December 11, 1893, at the age of seventyfour. The children born to them in Wright county were: Mary, Emily, Bertha, Louis, Lonise and Anna,

Adolph Kubalsky, a respected resident of section 10, Rockford township, is a splendid example to the younger generation, of what a poor boy, with no capital, but with plenty of energy and grit may accomplish by hard work and unfailing honesty. Gradually he has worked his way up, until now he occupies a substantial place in the community, and has won a full measure of success. He was born in West Strausburg, Germany, duly 25, 1853, son of Carl and Elizabeth Kubalsky, who spent the span of their years in the old country. In the family there were nine children: Amelia, August, Johan, Fritz, Adolph, Robert, Wilhelm, Pauline and Julius. Of these children, three, Adolph, Robert and Fritz, came to the United States. Adolph was reared in Germany, and was there married. In 1882, with his wife, his two children, Gusta and Ernest, and his brother, Robert, he came to the United States, and located in Cleveland, Ohio, where Robert still lives. In 1885, Adolph brought his family to Marysville township, in this county, and bought a farm of thirty-six acres, A log cabin had been built, and about ten acres cleared. At intervals, Mr. Kubalski worked about among the neighbors to get a start, while he was developing his own farm. In time he was enabled to erect a home to replace the log cabin. In 1899 he moved to Silver Creek township, and purchased eighty acres of land, which had been partly cleared. This farm he also developed. In 1908 he came to his present splendid place of 159 acres in section 10, He is now practically retired from the more active responsibilities of life. His wife's maiden name was Helen Thelman. She was born in Germany, October 11, 1854, daughter of Michael Thelman. The home place is now in charge of the son, Ernest, who is one of the rising young farmers of the township. He was born in Germany, October 24, 1882, and has always lived with his parents. He is a capable man, well regarded among his associates. He married Gusta Shubert, a native of Minnesota, and they had one child, a bright baby, named Leo, who died at the age of eleven months and five days. Mrs. Adolph Kubalski died June 21, 1908.

Gustave A. Johnson, in charge of the creamery station at Dickinson, Rockford township, was born in Sweden, February 12, 1879, son of Frederick and Anna (Liovegren) Johnson, who, in 1884, came to America, bringing their three children, Gustave A,, Axel and Jennie. After coming to this country three more children were born: Vera (now deceased); Esther, and Frank. The father died at the age of forty-eight, and the widow married E. J. Johnson, by whom she had two children, Ruth and Richard. She died in April, 1906, also at the age of forty-eight. Gustave A. was reared on the home farm in Sherburne county, this state. As a youth he became interested in the creamery business, and after mastering butter making, he became manager of the creamery at Rogers, Minn., for eight months. Then he took a course in the agricultural department of the University of Minnesota, in order to more thoroughly perfect himself in the details of his trade, For a time he was manager of the Lake Belden Creamery, at Hutchinson, Minn. On September 14, 1906, he took charge of the creamery station at Dickinson, where he has since continued to live. In 1909 he erected a pretty little home. Aside from conducting the creamery station, he is agent for the Western Express Co. He is well acquainted in Buffalo, and is a member of Buffalo Lodge, No. 141, 1.0.0. F. Mr. Johnson was married December 19, 1906, to Caroline Larsen, a native of Hutchinson, Minn., daughter of A. P. and Laura Larsen, natives of Denmark. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two children, Alice and Wayne.

Clyde C. Hastings, an influential farmer of Rockford township, comes of a distinguished family and has himself done much to add honor to the family name. After a practical and successful business career, he has taken up farming, and has already demonstrated his ability as an agriculturist and stock raiser. He was born in Owatonna, Minn., September 5, 1871, son of Charles W. and Esther (Sheldon) Hastings. He received a good educa- tion, and was scarcely more than a boy when he became interested in the banking and hotel business with his father. Then for two or three years he was in the grain and commission business in Minneapolis. He subsequently farmed in Nebraska. May 12, 1906, he came to Wright county and purchased 23914 acres in section 21, Rockford township. Since then he has been constantly developing and improving the place. He carries on general farming on an extensive scale, and makes a specialty of pure blooded Holstein cattle. He sells his cream at the Diekinson Co-operative Creamery, in which he is one of the stockholders. Mr. Hastings was married September 15, 1892, to Hattie May Townsend, of Denver, Colo., who died in 1906, at the age of thirty-four, leaving three children, Marie, Ferold Davis, and Margaret. On February 19, 1908, he married Bessie Hiller, who came from Norway at the age of ten years, with her parents. By this union there are four children: Esther (deceased), Hattie May, Charles Warren, and Knox Sheldon. Mr. Hastings is a friend of progress and education, and is now serving as an officer of his school district. Charles Hastings was born in Horsehead county, New York, son of Samuel M. Hastings. In 1849 the family came West and located in Elgin, lil. In 1857 they started with an ox team from Elgin to Minnesota. Two of the boys had died in that state, and the family, as it came to Minnesota, consisted of Samuel M. Hastings, his wife, and five children, Heck, Charles, Millard, Sarah and Elizabeth. In the fall they reached Lemond township, Steele county, and there started life in the wilderness. For a time the family used the inverted wagon box as a shelter from the elements. Later a log cabin was built, and they moved into it, but the suow often drifted in and the first winter was one of hardship, privation and want. Samuel M. Hastings became a prominent man. He was chairman of the first board of supervisors of Lemond, when the town was organized May 11, 1858, and also served in other positions of trust and responsibility. Charles Hastings was reared in this pioneer home. As a youth he became a stage driver, and drove on the routes between Winona and Mankato, with Owatonna as a halfway point. He was still a young man when he opened the Arnold House at Owatonna. Later he conducted the Park Hotel at Owatonna. In 1882 he moved to Brookins, South Dakota, where he engaged in the loan business. He was an important factor in the development of that part of the country and proved a most useful citizen. Among other ventures, he shipped in forty ear loads of horses, a real boon to the pioneers of that region. After six years in South Dakota, he returned to Minnesota, and for five years conducted the Windsor Hotel, at Minneapolis. About this period he first beeame interested in the banking business. First he established the Lumbermen's Bank at Grand Rap- ids, Minn. Then he established banks at Deer River, Cass Lake, Bemidji, Black Duck, Great Falls and International Falls, and he was also interested in the First National Bank, at Wadena, and the Northwestern National Bank at Minneapolis. He died November 2, 1906, at the age of sixty-seven. In the early days he had joined the Masonie body at Owatonna. In politics he was a Jeffersonian Democrat. By his first wife, Mettie Gould, he had three children: Charles F., Sadie and Luella. For his second wife, he married Esther Sheldon, a native of St. Lawrence county, New York, a daughter of Elias Sheldon. She was one of the first teachers in the public schools of Owatonna. At the age of seventy-three she still gives her personal attention to the numerous business and financial interests left by her husband. Clyde ©. was the only child by this marriage.

George Frederick, a pioneer and prominent farmer, residing in section 7, range 24, Rockford township, was born in Greenwood township, Orange county, New York, March 25, 1851, son of Albert and Martha (Conklin) Frederick, substantial old pioneers. Reared amid the rigors and privations of pioneer life, George Frederick took advantage of such schooling as the neighborhood afforded, and spent his youth in learning agriculture, After his marriage he bought eighty acres of land in section 7, range 24, this township, and started farming on his own responsibility. He cleared off the dense woods, erected new farm buildings, and brought the land to a high stage of cultivation. From time to time he has added to his possessions, unti! he now owns 200 acres of good land, on which he successfully carries on general farming. In addition to the usual crops he raises good grade stock, and maintains a good stable of horses. He is known. ag one of the best judges of stock in the neighborhood, and his opinion on this subject is often eagerly sought. Mr. Frederick is a prominent man in his township. He has been especially interested in educational matters, and has served for some time as a school officer of district 40. He is a member of Star Lodge, No. 62, A. L. & A. M., of Rockford. The schoolhouse of this district stands on what was formerly his land. Mr. Frederick married Abbie Harvey, August 18, 1880, a native of Minnesota, daughter of Isaac Harvey. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick have five children: Thomas, Albert, Esther, Rex and Reine.

William H. Foust, a prosperous farmer of sections 19 and 90, Rockford township, was born in Montour county, Pennsylvania, November 6, 1861, son of Daniel and Mary (Heinninger) Foust, natives of Pennsylvania, where they spent their lives as farmers. In the family there were eleven children: Anna, Anthony, Jerry, William H., Katherine, Ida, Leander, John, Emanuel and Ella. William H. was reared in his native county, and learned farming and brickmaking. In 1885 he came to Wright county, and for two years worked as a brick maker in Franklin township. After his marriage he secured eighty acres in section 15, Rockford, where he made various improvements and carried on general farming. In 1892 he bought eighty acres of his present place. To this he has since added fifty acres more. He has built a modern home, and made many improvements about the other buildings. The place has been cleared of the brush and stumps that he found on it, and it is now as good a farm as will be found in the neighborhood. Aside from raising the usual crops, he has good stock, and takes especial pride in his Guernsey eattle. On April 3, 1889, Mr. Foust married Julia Prestige, who died April 26, 1892, at the age of twenty-eight, leaving one child, Julia. January 1, 1894, he married Ida Prestige, sister of his first wife, and this union has been blessed with seven children; Clarence, Arthur, Clara, Ella, Willard, Celesta, and Nola. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

William O, Esterly, a leading and influential farmer of Rockford township, was born in Corcoran township, Hennepin county, this state, January 22, 1867, son of Gotfried and Otelia (Guderian) Esterly, both natives of Germany. They were married there and there several of their older children were born. Later they set out for America, The voyage was made in a sailing vessel, fourteen days being spent on the water. Upon arriving here they located in Wisconsin. A year later they came to Hennepin county, and bought forty acres of wild land. On this they erected a log cabin. With a yoke of oxen they started clearing the ground and making it ready for the crops. St. Anthony was the nearest trading point. After a few years they were enabled to add forty acres, and they had a nice little farm of eighty acres. Gotfried Esterly was a charcoal burner, and worked in St. Paul and in other places. After a long life, he died at the age of eighty-four, Early in life he was a Lutheran but in America he joined the German Evangelical church. His wife died at the age of sixty-two. The children in the family numbered fourteen: Julius, Hulda, Gust, Ida, Tressa, Emma, Fred, Henry, William Amelia, Gotlieb, Minnie, Aaron and Lillian. William O. was educated in a log schoolhouse in Hennepin county. At the age of twenty-one he started out for himself and worked in various places. After his marriage he and his wife located in Brooklyn township, Hennepin county, where they engaged in gardening for two years. Then they lived in Maple Grove township in the same county for two years. In 1899 they came to Wright county and located in seetion 1, Rockford township, where they had forty acres. In 1912, they bought 100 acres in section 1, where they now reside. Aside from farming, Mr. Esterly has dealt considerably in real estate. He raises the usual crops and makes a specialty of Jersey and Guernsey cattle and Plymouth Rock poultry.

In 1900 he became a stockholder in the Rockford creamery, in which he has been a director for the past two years. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Store at Buffalo. For twelve years he has been on the school board. At the present time he is doing efficient service as town clerk of Rockford. Mr. Esterly was married May 1, 1895, to Lena M. Evans, born in Hennepin county, October 19, 1874, and they have three children: Lester, born April 7, 1898; Walter, May 4, 1900, and Glen, December 22, 1913. Lena M, Evans was the daughter of Walter and Jennie (Briggs) Evans, and granddaughter of William and Lucia (Austin) Evans and Joseph and Jane (Falkner) Briggs. William Evans was born December 28, 1824, and died at the age of seventy-six. He was a millwright by trade, but later took up farming. In 1854 he came to Hennepin county, built a log house, started farming with an ox team, and gradually won success. He held township office and also served as county commissioner. Joseph Briggs was of Quaker ancestry. He came to Maple Grove township, Hennepin county, in 1856, took a claim, and underwent the usual experiences of pioneer life. Walter Evans was born in Vermont, March 18, 1850, was brought to Hennepin county in 1854 and reared on the home place. His wife, Jennie Briggs, was born in New York state, May 30, 1853, and died in 1894. Mr. Evans now resides with his daughter, Mrs. William Esterly.

John Seeger, a pioneer of Frankfort township, was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, November 2, 1834, son of Michael and Caroline (Meyer) Seeger. In the family there were six children: Jacob, Michael, John, Johan, Catherine and Anna Marie. Of these, John was the only one to come to the United States. He arrived in Michigan in 1868 and the following year was married. A year after their marriage they came to Wright county and located on sixty-eight acres in Frankfort township. On the place a leg cabin had been partially completed. He completed this cabin and moved into it. Then with no farming implement but a ''grub'' hoe, he started putting in crops. As the years passed he obtained prosperity, and modern buildings were erected. To his original tract he added twenty-three acres more. His wife died about 1880 at the age of thirty-eight, leaving seven children: Mary, Catherine, Regina, Louisa, Minnie, William and George. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran faith.

George Seeger, a prominent farmer of Wright county, living on sections 9 and 10, Rockford, was born December 28, 1873, on the homestead of his father, John Seeger, Frankfort township, this county, and was there reared. He attended the district schools, thoroughly learned farming from his father, and re~ mained at home until twenty-eight years of age. Then he pur- chased eighty acres in North Rockford, where he farmed about six years. September 12, 1908, he purchased his present place of 160 acres. He has made extensive improvements, including the erection of a fine barn, 36 by 64 feet. He does general farming, and makes a specialty of Red Poll cattle. He is serving as a member of the school board and is a usetul member of the community. He has adopted the latest approved methads of farming, and his friends predict for him a still greater suecess in the future than in the past. Mr. Seeger was married in 1902 to Caroline Hohl, daughter of Charles and Caroline Hohl. Their children are: Alvin, born November 11, 1908; George, February 7, 1906; Esther, September 4, 1908; Catherine, November 31, 1911; and Myrle, November 7, 1913,

Ferdinand Wandersee, a pioneer of Wright county, who, by hard work, industry and intelligence, has won success in life and wrested a fertile farm from the wild woods, was born in Pomerania, Germany, September 4, 1854, son of John and Kate (Wandersee) Wandersee. John Wandersee was twice married, his wives being sisters. By his first wife he had three children: Minnie, John, Jr., and Charles. By his second wife he had eight children: Caroline, Fred, Hannah, Albert, August, William, Ferdinand and Herman. He died when his son Ferdinand was but a year old. Of this family, John, Jr., was the first to come to the United States. Charles and Minnie were next. They were followed by Fred. Albert and Ferdinand came later. Last of all came Herman. The rest of the family remained in Germany, where the mother died at the age of seventy-eight. It was in the fall of 1871 that Ferdinand came to the United States, For a time he lived in Watertown, Wis. In November, 1874, he came to Delano, in this county, and seeured employment as a wood chopper. Later he bought a tract of sixty-eight acres in Franklin township. Here he built a small house and two log barns and began to clear the land. In 1883 he was married, and he and his wife then lived on the place fourteen years. Afterward they sold out there and in 1898 purchased 200 acres in sections 27 and 28, Rockford township. Here he has made extensive improvements until he has as good a farm as may be found in the neighborhood. He carries on general farming and stock raising, and sells his cream to the Buffalo Co-operative Creamery in which he isa stockholder. He is a prominent member of the Zion Methodist church, and is serving as one of the trustees. Mr, Wandersee was married in 1883, te Anna Epple, born in Dayton, Ohio, November 7, 1864, daughter of Gotlieb and Barbara (Weimeman) Epple. Mr. and Mrs, Wandersee have six children: Lydia, William, Louis (deceased), Edgar, George and Esther. Lydia marned John Samsel, and has two sons, Lewis and Marvin. William lives in Roekford. He married Clara Krause.

Mr. And Mrs. C. W. Johnson And Daughter

Gotlieb Epple, a pioneer, was born in Germany, and came to the United States at the age of twenty-five. He was a stone mason by trade, and by working at his trade in various places, he made his way westward until he reached Wright county. A few years before the Civil war, he took a claim in Franklin township, aud with the aid of a yoke of oxen began to prepare it for cultivation. His first building was a log cabin, As the years passed the place became a well developed farm, with a good set of buildings. Mr. Epple was an active church worker and took a prominent part in the organization of the Castle Methodist Episcopal church of Franklin township. He assisted in building the original log church and the frame church which replaced it, and served as steward and trustee as well as in other capacities. He lived to a good old age of eighty-five. Gotlieb Epple was the son of Michael and Dorethea (Heim) Epple. He was married in Dayton, Ohio, to Barbara Weimeman, who at the age of fourteen had been brought to this country by her parents, Christ and Anna Weimeman. Of the children of Gotlieb Epple, three, Anna, Christ and Sophia, were born in Ohio, while five, David, William, John, Minnie and Louis, were born in Franklin township, this county.

Claus W. Johnson, of the firm of Johnson Brothers, hardware merchants and blacksmiths, of Silver Creek, was born in Sweden, "January 6, 1866, son of John and Inga (Donalson) Johnson, natives of Sweden, where the mother died and where the father is still living. In the family there were seven children: Carl J., of Sweden; Ferdinand (deceased); Claus W.; Andrew, who is partner with Claus W.; Annie and Victor, of Sweden; and Gerhardt, of Canada, Claus W. came to America in 1886 and located in Wisconsin. From there he went to the Puget Sound country, aud homesteaded land in Washington. For a time he was postmaster at Pins, Jefferson county, Washington, and in many other ways as well proved himself to be a useful citizen. In 1903 he came to Silver Creek village. In the meantime his brother Andrew had come to Wright county in 1900, and im partnership with Frank Lock had established a hardware and blacksmith business. Later Andrew bought his partner out, and took Claus W. Johnson, his brother, as a partner, under the present name of Johnson Brothers. Claus W. Johnson is now treasurer of Silver Creek township. In polities he is a Republican. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church. Mr. Johnson was married May 6, 1907, to Mrs. Alberta (Iverson) Olson, widow of John Olson. Alberta Iverson was born in Norway, January 21, 1863, and married John Olson. Mr. Olson died December 31, 1902, leaving one daughter, Ida Olson, born April 10, 1896. Miss Olson makes her home with Mr, and Mrs. Johnson,

Hans Hoglin, deceased, farmer and stockraiser of Silver Creek township, was born in Sweden, February 10, 1831, was there married, and came to America about 1869. After living in Iowa for a while, he went to South Dakota, and homesteaded a claim near Sioux Falls. There his wife died, leaving three children: Margaret Christina, now Mrs. A. W. Nyquist, of Akron, Ohio; Erick Olaf, of Onamia, Minn.; and Nels Andrew, of Maple Lake. From Sioux Falls, Mr. Hoglin went to Minneapolis. It was in 1881 that he came to Wright county. A year later he married Christina Bredson, and moved onto her homestead of 160 acres in section 10, Silver Creek township. There he devoted his time to farming and stock raising and there spent the remainder of his life, dying September 26, 1893. He and his good wife had three children: Hulda Emelia, Louis B., and Mabel Victoria. The family faith is that of the Swedish Lutheran church. Christina Bredson, wife of Hans Hoglin and daughter of Brada and Ellen Bredson, both natives of Norway, was born in that country, January 5, 1848, emigrated to America in 1880, and two years later homesteaded the 160 acres in Silver Creek township upon which her family still lives.

Gotlieb Martie was born in Switzerland in 1820. While quite young he learned the carpenter trade and also took a thorough eourse in music. Thus prepared, he worked at his trade and served as a member of the government band. In 1852 he came to the United States and located at Freeport, l., working at his trade. There he organized the Brass and String Bands. Im 1857 he came to St. Anthony, Minn., and the same year took a claim on section 15, Silver Creek township. Except for a short time when he lived in St. Cloud, he made St. Paul and St. Anthony his home until 1861, when he moved to his farm in this county. In 1846 he was married to Elizabeth Burkhart, and to them were born five children: Gottlieb (deceased) ; Samuel, of Buffalo; John, of North Dakota; Frederick, of Silver Creek; and Emma, now Mrs. James Burcham, of Chatham township, this county, Mr. Martie died in 1902 and Mrs. Martie in 1901.

Frederick Martie, farmer, Silver Creek township, was born in St. Cloud, August 16, 1861, son of Gotleib and Elizabeth (Burkhart) Martie. Frederick Martie was brought to this country by his parents, attended district school, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1889 his father gave him eighty acres, and to this he has added twenty acres. He has some excellent improvements, and carries on general farming. He is a Republican in polities, and belongs to the M. W. A. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church. Mr. Martie was married April 6, 1885, to Minnie Goelz, and they have two children: Fred H. and Laura Minnie. Fred H. was born June 16, 1886, married Anna Dahlgren, of Monticello, and has three sons, Raymond, Vernon and

C. P. Weston, business man, Silver Creek, was born in Sweden, September 29, 1871, son of Peter and Bertha (Lov) Weston, both natives of Sweden, who came to America, located at Enfield, Silver Creek township, this county, from whence they moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., where the father died July 8, 1914, and where the mother still lives. In the family there were nine children: Christian, of Oregon; Anna, widow of John Johnson, of Colorado Springs; Bertha, wife of P. A, Eagstrom, of Oregon; Ole, of Minneapolis; C. P.; Andrew, of Silver Creek ; and three children, who died in Sweden,

Cc. P. Weston remained with bis father until he was about seventeen years of age. Then he was engineer on a river boat for a year. In April, 1889, he came to the United States, lived a summer in South Dakota, then did railroad work in Wyoming, then returned to South Dakota and attended school for one winter, and subsequently followed the carpenter trade in Sioux City, Iowa, and in North Dakota. In 1893, upon the parents coming to this zountry. (. P. joined them and settled in Wrigat county, where he bought twenty acres of land in Enfield, Silver Creek township. This was afterward increased to forty acres. In the meantime Mr. Weston engaged in contracting and building in North Dakota for several years. In 1910 he became the first postmaster at Enfield, In 1911, upon being elected town clerk, he moved to Silver Creek and resigned his postmastership. He there purchased a sawmill, and utilizes the establishment in sawing wood and in manufacturing sorghum. He also deals in farm implements and machinery. Although an independent voter, he leans toward the Republican party, and has been a delegate to district and state conventious. He is a member of the I. 0. O. F., and the family faith is that of the Lutheran church. Mr. Weston was married August 14, 1912, to Bertha Lindgren, a daughter of John Lindgren, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.

Andrew G. Nord, business man and farmer, Hasty, Silver Creek township, was born in Sweden, April 13, 1860, son of John and Bretha (Larson) Nord, natives of Sweden, where the mother died and where the father still lives. In the family there were seven children: Andrew G.; Frank, of Minneapolis; Mary, of San Francisco; Louis, of Silver Creek; Matilda, wife of Frank Helene, of Minneapolis; and two who died in infancy. Andrew G. Nord left home at the age of twenty years, came to America, loeated in Minneapolis, followed railroad work there for a time, then went to Manitoba, and some two years later returned to Minneapolis, where he worked as a freight clerk about seventeen years. In 1899 he came to Wright county and purchased ninety- seven acres in sections 29 and 30, Silver Creek township, where he engaged in stockraising. In 1900 he took a position as manager for the yard of the Central Lumber Company at Hasty. Mr. Nord is a Republican in polities, and has served as school director. He belongs to the A. O. U. W., and his wife to the Degree of Honor. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church. Mr. Nord married Mary Larson, and they have had six children: Robert is cashier of the First State Bank of Silver Creek; Irving is assistant cashier of the First State Bank of Silver Creek, Minn.; Fred operates the home farm; Myrtle, May and Raymond are at home.

George Peter Goelz, farmer and stockraiser, Silver Creek township, was born in section 15, in the township where he still resides, May 17, 1869, son of Peter and Christine Goelz, natives of Germany, who came to America in the early fifties and located in Silver Creek township, Wright county. During the Civil war, Peter Goelz enlisted in Company K, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the conflict. After the war he engaged in the blacksmith business for a while in the village of Monticello. Then he bought 120 acres in section 15, Silver Creek township. At that time this was merely a wild stretch. He broke the land and brought it to a high stage of cultivation, erected all the buildings, bought tools and machinery, and successfully carried on general farming. He died May 13, 1912. His widow is still living at the good old age of eightythree years. In the family there were four children: Minnie, wife of Frederick Martie; George Peter; Lena, wife of Adrian Wade; and Henry, of Silver Creek township. By a previous marriage to John Marcket, the mother had two children: Louise (deceased) ; and Louis, of Corinna township. George Peter Goelz has spent the span of his years on the home farm. When he was twenty-one years of age, he and his brother, Henry, rented the place from the parents. In 1900, George Peter Goelz took charge alone, and in 1908 he received the farm by deed from his father, He carries on general farming and stockraising and has been successful in his operations. Mr. Goelz is a Democrat in polities. He has been supervisor since 1903. He is a member of the M. W. A. and the Knights of the Maccabees. Mr. Geolz was married November 29, 1898, to Sadie McKachren, born December 15, 1870, and they have one daughter, Annie Louise, born May 20, 1906. Mrs. Sadie (McKachren) Geolz is a daughter of Randall and Anna (Monaghan) McHachren, the former a native of Nova Scotia and the latter a native of Maine. They came to Wright county in 1876 and located in Buffalo township, where Mr. Mc- Eachren died in 1886 and Mrs. MeKachren in April, 1914.

Frank Abrahamson And Family Charles I, Est Ling And Family

tonson) Abrahamson, both of whom spent the span of their years in Sweden. In their family there were eleven children: Carl G., of Silver Creek township; Louise, of Sweden; Lottie, wife of Mathew Erickson, of Silver Creek township; John E. and August, of Sweden; Frank; Hilma, wife of C. Anderson, of Minneapolis; Alfred and Hulda, of Sweden; and two children who died in infancy. Frank Abrahamson left home at the age of fourteen years. In 1889 he came to America. For twelve years he traveled in various places, railroading and lumbering. In 1899 he purchased forty acres in section 23, Silver Creek township. Beginning thus with forty acres, his hard work and ability has increased the farm to two hundred acres, while the old log cabin 10 by 12 feet has been replaced with a splendid set of farm buildings. He has made some excellent improvements and carries on general farming and stock raising. In political affairs he is @ Republican. Mr. Abrahamson was married April 2, 1900, to Amanda Felien, and this union has been blessed with six children : Hilma, Edwin, Verna, Arthur, Martin and Alwin.

William A. Klemz, an enterprising citizen of Silver Creek, was born in Carver county, this state, September 20, 1886, son of August and Louise (Rotsolk) Klemz. The father came to Wright eounty in 1887, purchased fifty-four acres in section 1, Corinna township, cleared and broke the land, erected a log house, 16 by 20 feet, gradually brought the place to a high stage of eultivation, and still continues to live there. William A. Klemz was the second of eleven children, At the age of twenty-one he rented a farm in section 2, Corinna township, and there farmed for two years. He then purchased a general store in the village of Silver Creek. After operating this two years he sold ont, and purchased twenty-five acres of land on the outskirts of the same village. Here he has for some three years carried on general farming. He is also a carpenter, and devotes much of his time to contracting and building. Mr. Klemz was married October 2, 1907, to Edna Munn, a daughter of James and Olivia (Shaw) Munn, farmers of Corinna township. Mr. Munn died August 6, 1897, at the age of thirty-seven, and Mrs. Munn lives with her daughter, Mrs. William A. Klemz. In the Klemz family there were three children: Alice, born April 24, 1908; Ruth, born February 22, 1910; and Wilbur, born May 20, 1913.

Charles P. Estling, farmer and stock raiser, Silver Creek township, was born in Sweden, February 24, 1864, son of Charles and Mary (Edsberg) Estling, also natives of that country. In their family there were three children: Mary, of Sweden; Charles, of Silver Creek township; and Fred, of Sweden, Charles P. Estling came to America at the age of twenty-six. After living in Minneapolis for a time, he came to Wright county and worked on the railroad a number of years. In 1893 he purchased forty acres of land in Silver Creek township. To this he has added until he now owns 120 acres. He has cleared and improved the land, erected buildings, and brought the place to a high stage of eultivation and profit. General farming and stock raising oceupy his entire attention. Mr. Estling has been school treasurer for six years and is now serving. In polities he is a Republican. He was married October 11, 1889, to Minnie Skold, who was born in Sweden, September 13, 1866. This union has been blessed with six children. Paul was born July 23, 1890. Edith was born March 11, 1894, and died April 2,1898. Signa was born February 9, 1896, William and Wilma (twins) were born March 29, 1899, and Wilma died July 11, 1899. Thera was born May 22, 1900.

Robert Dodgson, farmer, Silver Creek township, was born in Yorkshire, England, February 8, 1851, son of John and Sarah (Lupton) Dodgson, who spent the span of their years in that country. In the family there were six children: Sarah and Sophia, of Leeds, England; Ann, of Bramhope, England, and John, of Leeds, England; Elizabeth (deceased); and Robert. Robert Dodgson and his brother, John, after attaining the years of manhood, engaged for a time as brick laying contractors. It was in 1883 that Robert came to America, After living in Minneapolis a year, he bought sixty-six acres on section 21, Silver Creek township. In 1913 he sold this, and bought fifty-seven acres in section 16, in the same township. He is a Democrat in politics and has served for fifteen years as a member of the schoal board. The family faith is that of the Baptist church. Mr. Dodgson was married March 4, 1909, to Sarah Elizabeth Morey, born in Michigan in 1851. By a former marriage Mr. Dodgson had six children: Samuel, of Clearwater township; Joseph, of Clearwater township; Emily, of Wisconsin; William; Benjamin, of North Dakota; and Sophia, of Clearwater township.