Mound Prairie Township (part 2 of 3)

In 1860, the foundation for a church was laid, Mr. Hans Nielson Myhra, one of the pioneers of the town, took a very active part in the construction of this edifice, and took the lead in locating and building it, doing most of the work and furnishing nearly all of the material, afterwards getting his pay in installments as the congregation was able to discharge the debt. Mr. Nielson Mjbra was a native of Norway, having first seen the light on the 12th of September, 1824, and coming to this town at an early day, took an active part in all public enterprises. His death was on the 9th of February, 1867, and his remains rest in the cemetery near the new church. In 1862, the house was so far finished that meetings were held in it up to 1868, when it was finally completed. The building was of solid stone walls, 35x65 feet, and served until 1877, when the present church was completed, and dedicated to the service of Almighty God on the 11th of July, 1877.

This beautiful temple, the pride of the village and surrounding country, is of brick manufactured within a few rods of its location, and rests upon a heavy stone foundation, also taken from the quarries near by. It is of gothic design, one hundred feet two inches, by forty-six feet eight inches, with wings projecting ten feet on either side, the whole surmounted by a beautiful spire with its top 145 feet above the pavement. The belfry contains a bell weighing 707 pounds, which, although not large for such a church, is remarkably sweet toned, and from its altitude can be heard a great distance. This bell was procured for the old church in 1868. The church is remarkably well finished, and with its stained glass windows, reminds one of the church edifices so common in Europe.

Beneath the church proper is a spacious basement, which has been prepared for a high school, and so used for several terms. It is also used one day in each week for religious instruction for the children, preparatory to confirmation, and it also serves for the business meetings of the congregation. The church has a comfortable seating capacity of 950 persons. When the new church was completed the old one was demolished, and the stone sold to various parties for building purposes.

Adjoining the church on the north is a cemetery, in which are seen scores of monuments, shafts and slabs of polished marble, standing as silent sentinels over this lifeless city, ever indicating by their voiceless story the mortality of human life and the immortality of the soul, as indicated by the remembrance of those who remain for those who have gone on before.

During the year immediately following the death of the lamented Mr. Clauson, Rev. H. A-* Stubb, Rev. T. Larson, and others held occasional services. This Rev. Mr. Larson was a very pious and learned man, and was greatly beloved. He died on the 27th of October, 1878, and his mortal remains lay beside those of Mr. Clauson in the churchyard. The Rev. Styrk S. Reque then came and took charge of the congregation as its pastor. Mr. Reque has done an immense amount of work since he has been here. Holding meetings at more or less regular intervals at various points in the vicinity. Since the starting of this, the mother church, many other Lutheran congregations have been formed. Those in this county are mentioned in the history of the towns where they are located.

Mr. Reque is assisted in his ministerial labors by Rev. E. P. Jensen, who resides about five miles from the village, and has separate charge of a congregation in Newburg, Fillmore county. The church at Spring Grove numbers six hundred communicants, making, with the other societies

This church is one of the institutions of Spring Grove, and it has, and still exerts a powerful influence throughout the community. It has been particularly fortunate in its pastoral relations, and, judging by the past, its future is indeed most promising.

Cemetery

At an early day a burying place was selected on the farm of H. N. Narveson, which was on the southeast corner of section ten. Between forty and sixty were buried here, and at the time it was expected that the church would be built near it, but the persistent energy of those living further east carried it on to section eleven. The old lot is now used as a cultivated field, and soon every vestige reminding one of a final resting place for human remains will be effectually obliterated. Many of the present residents have the remains of departed friends deposited here. The first interment at this spot was Hans Ostensen Melbranter.

Newspaper

Spring Grove can boast of once having had a newspaper. In the spring of 1880, an enterprising young man named Sven H. Ellestad, started a small folio 10x24 inches and called it the "Spring Grove Posten." He was editor, proprietor, publisher, and printer. Mr. Schmidt Nilson was interested in its success, and contributed most of the editorial work to its columns. It had a local habitation in a small frame building back of T. T. Bergh's hardware store. His press was a small one and is said to have cost $180. The paper succeeded with great credit to itself in breasting a tempestous and unfeeling world for twelve months, when it gracefully yielded to one of the diseases of newspaper infancy, and passed away.

Liter Art Society

In 1880, an association was organized in the basement of the church with the euphonic name of "Fremad" which indicates progress, onward, or excelsior. The following officers were elected :

Charles Hoegh, Secretary; and Rev. Styrk S. Reque, Janitor. This Society has been thus far for mutual benefit to its members, but it is "yet in its infancy, and will, with the prospect now' before it, and judging by the character of the members, have a brilliant future; as it is in contemplation to have lectures, addresses, and essays, with dialogues, readings, and music, and whatever of an entertaining character may be suitable for healthy presentation to the public. At their annuarmeeting on the 21st of November, 1881, the following list of officers were elected: 1/ Muller, President; Charles Hoegh, Vice-President ;rO. Steneroder, Treasurer; Rev. Styrk S. Reque, Secretary, and O. Stensrud, Janitor. The meetings \>f the Association are set for once a week.

Post- Office

The Post-office was established in 1854, through the exertions of Mr. James Smith, who was appointed Postmaster, and the office was opened at his house, which was a tavern at that time. He continued to hold the place until about two years afterwards, when Embrick Knudson was appointed, and he removed the office to his house near the old Hinkley place. In 1861, Mr. Mons Fladager was appointed deputy, and kept it in his store for about a year, when Mr. Prentiss succeeded to the position and removed the office to his hotel, the old Hinkley store, "and now on T. Gilbertson's place. Mr. Prentiss is now in La Crosse.

After a time Dr. T. Jenson was commissioned Postmaster; he appointed J. C. Tartt as deputy, who took the office into his store in the east part of the village, near the old McCormick place. The office was kept in this way up to 1865, when Mr. Nels Olson Onsgard was commissioned, and is still Postmaster.

The Village School

This is in District No. 54 of the county system. In the early times here a Norwegian school was started in the houses of the colonists of that nationality, and in 1857, a frame school house was built, about 18x24 feet, costing from $350 to $400, and a school was kept in it for part of each year, ranging from two to six months. Mr. Mc- Donald was the first teacher. Sometimes the teaching was English, and sometimes Norwegian. At first this building was a general meeting house.

In 1872, the present school building was erected at a cost of about $1,800. It is two stories, and 30x40 feet. At present two departments are maintained during five months in the year in the English language, and one department four months in the Norwegian language.

Briokmaktng. - Most excellent clay for brickmaking is found in various places in the town, and the large and elegant church in the village was constructed of bricks manufactured near by. The success of this venture stimulated Mr. J. Schneider to put in a kiln and commence the manufacture of brick. This yard has already turned out hundreds of thousands, which have been used for building purposes throughout this whole region, and particularly for the brick stores in the village.

Brewery. - About the year 1866, Mr. J. P. Murrav built on a twenty-two acre lot, which was a part of the old Embrick Knudson farm, and which he had purchased of Mr. Hinkley. He started the manufacture of beer and run the brewery for several years, but the business finally collapsed. The old building still remains.

Lumber Yards. - After the completion of the railroad, Day Brothers, of Decorah, Iowa, opened a lumber yard here. Previous to this time Brownsville, or some place in Iowa, got the lumber trade from this region. The first transaction on the Day Brothers' books was October 20, 1879. After about a year the firm sold out, and J ames Vincent & Soil, soon after became the owners. They had started a like business a few weeks after Day Brothers, the first entry being November 13th, 1879. Some time in 1880, Mr. L. Budahl took charge of the business and has since managed it for the Vincents. A good stock of seasoned lumber is kept on hand.

Grain Elevators. - The first elevator in town was built by the railroad company at the time of the completion of the railroad to this place. It was leased to A. & T. McMichaels, who began to receive grain on the 25th of October, 1879. The capacity of the building was at first about 10,000 bushels, but an addition was subsequently built adding 3,000 to this amount. The first year it handled 49,000 bushels; wheat, oats and barley.

Teman Gilbertson, the well known and genial landlord of the principal hotel in the village, kept a public house at the old Hinkley building for several years, and in 1879, he erected his present large brick house, which is situated some distance from the depot, in the western part of the village.

Railroad Traffic

On the 13th of October, 1879, the railroad had reached this point, and a station was opened for general business. The next year the line was purchased by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, who assumed full charge in November, 1880. The first and only agent here is Frank Bartholomew, a native of Vernon county, Wisconsin, who came here from Lansing, Iowa, where he had for three years been in the employ of the old company. To this obliging and efficient officer we are indebted for interesting information regarding the business done at this station. During the year 1880, the shipments here were nearly ten per cent, in excess of any other point on the line, the number of car loads of grain and stock amounting to five hundred and seventy-two. The total freight forwarded was six million seven hundred and forty -eight thousand four hundred and thirty-four pounds, and the total freight recieved, two million nine hundred and nineteen thousand six hundred and eighty-nine pounds.

The village is now one of the most thrifty in the Northwest, having four general stores, two drug stores, two hotels, two restaurants, three blacksmith shops, hardware store, one church, one school, a harness shop, shoe shop, lumber yard, two elevators, a furniture shop, etc A physician is also located here, Dr. T. Jenson.

New House

This station was established with the completion of the road in 1879, and a grain elevator built by the railroad company. A store was soon after opened by Johnson & Halverson, which, however, was not long continued. Tollefson & Co., merchants at the newly established station of Mabel, opened a branch store here, but soon withdrew to their principal trading place.

It would seem from the character of the surrounding country that one or more stores with general merchandise here, would command a good trade, as it would certainly be a great convenience to the farmers in the vicinit/. There is a single store on the Iowa side of the line, which receives supplies from this depot.

The place was at first called Newport, but as it might be confounded with some of the numerous Newports in other States, it was soon changed to New House, in honor to Mr. Nyhus, on whose land it stands. The technical description of the fraction of a section on which it stands is the south east of the northwest of section twenty-nine.

Post-office. - The first Postmaster was Ole B. Nelson, who kept it at the station. Ole T. Nyhus is now Postmaster, and he has a deputy who keeps the office at the depot.

This is one of the Houston county villages in the town of Spring Grove; its position is on Biceford Greek, and lays mostly in the southwest quarter of section six. It is regularly laid out, and has the mill-pond on the south, from which the river curves around toward the north and skirts the village on the east. The streets running east and west, beginning at the north side of the village, are Richland, Elm, Mill, and Vine. The other way, beginning at the river, there is Main, Second, Third, and Fourth. None of these streets are very thickly settled, except Main street, and that cannot be said to be crowded. Before the town was located here, some idea was entertained of establishing it on the flat about half a mile north of where it was finally placed. This would have been near the Crystal flouring mill, but this project was finally abandoned.

It seems that the name was given in 1856, in this way, Hon. H. M. Rice, of St. Paul, visited the locality about that time, and following an Indian Trail forded the river about twenty rods from the Crystal mill, and from this circumstance the place was called Riceford.

Its Early Histori. - It was first taken from the government by Wm. D. Van Doren, in the fall or winter of 1854, and he put up a log shelter. He was originally from New York State, and after stopping awhile in Michigan, came on to this region and spent a few weeks about three miles south of here, at the residence of W. H. Rowe, and then came to this place and planted himself. The next year, 1855, he sold out to Job Brown, the original pioneer who seemed to have been on the alert for eligible points for town sites.

Among the first to be attracted to this then promising place were S. W. Wilcox, J. Shaw, Edward Coffee, J. Muns, Charles H. Brown, John Watson, A. Mosher, and Rollin Dunbar, each of whom erected a dwelling, and some of them other buildings. Just south of the above claims, on section seven, Orin Chatfield had taken some land, and in 1856, he commenced the erection of a saw-mill, he built a dam and thus created a fall that gave him power sufficient for his purpose. This mill was about sixty rods above the present mill. The mill could turn out from 700 to 1,000 feet of lumber each day, and from its product the village was built, and the neighboring farmers supplied with lumber from the native timber. This mill kept up its vibrations for ten years when it was secured by the flour-mill company, the material going into their flume and dam.

A village, which at one time was an ambitious suburb of Riceford, called South Riceford, was laid out on the side hill south of the creek ; it had its Main street, its Water street, and its Line street, on the northern border, but it was finally abandoned, and the dwellings removed or torn down. The property changed hands many times, and is now owned by M. A. Colt. In 1856, Job Brown began the erection of a flouring mill on his property here. It was John Muus who brought the first load of tools and material to build this mill. The dam was placed about forty rods below the saw-mill. The building was of stone, 24x40 feet, two and one-half stories high, with two run of stones, one of them being small. The fall secured was nine feet, and a turbine wheel was put in. The machinery, at this day, would not be considered very grand, although the mill had a daily capacity of 250 bushels. It was overrun with grists to grind, and was often filled with sacks awaiting their turn, which would not be around for weeks perhaps. It had but a single bolting cloth, but did a very profitable business.

In 1860, Mr. E. Thompson, now of Hokah, purchased the mill and run it for a time, when it was finally leased to Mr. V. T. Beeby. In 1866, Mr.

M. Bernatz became the owner, and soon transferred it to his sons, Anthony and George. In 1875, it passed into the hands of Oatman & Co., who, the following year, made important improvements, putting in a new dam of a substantial character, and increasing the head of water to sixteen feet. When Brown sold out he had taken out one run of stones, but they were replaced by Bernatz. What is most remarkable, the identical stones used by Brown for grinding wheat are still used here for the same purpose, as they are of a very superior quality, and other millers have offered as high as $1,000 for them.

The First Store

Soon after Mr. Brown came here he opened a store in a small building just north of the mill. In 1858, he erected a frame building opposite the mill, and soon put his goods in that. It was on or near the site of the first Van Doren habitation. Since Mr. Brown sold out there have been many changes in the personnel of the trade here. At one time there were two stores with general merchandise, two hotels, two mills, two blacksmith shops, two shoe shops, a foundry, wagon shop, and other concomitants of a thriving village. These were palmy days for Riceford, for then it caught business from the north and from the south, and the traveler from the east or west was put under contribution for refreshment and sleep. The town was a business center. The stores were busy, the hotels were full, the mills were crowded with grain, the shops were occupied with business, and to use a modern phrase, everything was "booming."

At first, several failures of the wheat crop, and then the building of the railroad, which inaugurated a new order of things which finally gave the village the coup de grace. At present there is the mill, a store, a foundry, a blacksmith shop, and a stopping place for itinerants. Who can tell when again the hum of industry shall enliven this village which once seemed so promising ?

The Crystal MrLii. - On section six, in the southwest quarter, may be found this mill. It is on a forty acre lot, purchased by W. H. Rowe, cf Dexter & Ripley, in the winter of 1869, and by him conveyed to his daughter, Mrs. S. M. Beeby, wife of V. T. Beeby. In April, 1869, the improvements began, with the construction of a damand the erection of a mill. Two run of stones were put in, and a turbine wheel, and on the 9th of November, 1869, it went into operation. The dam, however, proved incompetent to stand the spring flood, and in March, 1870, it went out; and having thus contracted a bad habit, it was kept up, and each season with the breaking up of the ice the dam regularly joined the procession in its aqueous march to the sea. But in 1876, the monotony of this proceeding was summarily interrupted by the construction of a substantial stone dam, which has been thus far able to withstand the annual invitation to join its predecessors down below, and it bids fair to remain a permanent structure.

The mill is now operated by V. T. Beeby; is first-class in all respects, and contains, besides the two run of stones, three sets of rolls, two bolting chests of three reels each, middlings purifiers, and all the modern appliances for the manufacture of the finer grades of flour. There is a fall of ten feet, and the power is communicated by two turbine wheels. The capacity is now 160 bushels a day. In an addition to the mill there is an engine lathe where iron work can be done.

Foundry. - In the year 1869, Mr. D. A. Sherwood erected a building 18x30 feet, put in a cupola furnace and begun iron casting. He did a very good business, amounting to three or four thousand dollars a year, but since the decadence of the village began, there has been a regular falling off, and $800 worth of work would cover the year's operations. There is a wagon and repair shop in connection with it which does some work.

School. - The first school was taught by Mr. V. T. Beeby, in the summer of 1858, in private houses. There was a building called the Slab schoolhouse, over in Fillmore county, where the children sometimes went.

Sunday School. - A Sunday school is in operation under the auspices of the American residents; its sessions are at the schoolhouse, and from fourteen to sixteen scholars are regularly taught.

in 1857; no organization was had, but meetings were held quite regularly and some interest worked up. It seems that Job Brown was brought under this influence, became concerned for his spiritual welfare, and finally began to preach himself.

The Quakers. - Daniel Haviland, who was from Michigan, had a leaning toward the tenets of this faith, and several meetings were held at conservative intervals, not bftener than once or twice a year. No growth or organization ever occurred.

Adventists. - This modern denomination secured quite a foothold here in 1866. An itinerant pilgrim, imbued with this faith, held meetings in the schoolhouse, secured a good hearing and considerable interest in the subject. Mr. G. W. Wilcox turned his attention in this direction and continued the meetings for somo time after 1867, when a large tent was pitched, and at the meetings quite a feeling was wrought up and several were baptized. The schoolhouse was afterwards used as a meeting house.

Norwegian Lutheran Church. - The congregation gathered under this name was formerly a part of the Spring Grove church, Rev. F. C. Clauson holding the first meetings here in the schoolhouse aoross the line in Fillmore county.

Under the ministrations of Rev. Styrk S. Reque, of Spring Grove, the church was organized in 1877, and their present church was built at a cost of about $3,000. It is a neat frame structure with a suitable spire. Meetings are held every third Sunday by Rev. E. P. Jensen, who also has the churches at Black Hammer, and Newburg in Fillmore county. This church has about thirty families attendingupon its ministrations.

Post-Office. - Mr. William VanDoren was appointed Postmaster in 1855, when the office was first established, and it was opened in a house opposite the stone mill. Job Brown had the contract for carrying the mail through this section. The office finally fell into the hands of G. W. Wilcox, who distributed the mail at his residence. W. J. Jackson next wrote P. M. after his name; then Charles H. Brown held the mail pouch key, and next came V. T. Beeby, who stamped the letters awhile, when O. V. Tone tried his hand in Uncle Sam's business, and finally John Rank succeeded to the position and he proved to be a "sticker" as he remains there still, having the office in his store. The mail service was at first weekly, and was on a route from Brownsville to

Preston. Afterwards it became a 4istar route," and came through tri- weekly. The railroad destroyed this line and finally a cross route was put on between Houston and Decorah, and this gives a daily mail which, however, now is via Mabel station and Houston.

Fingal Asleson, one of the early settlers of Spring Grove, is a native of Norway, born in December, 1827. He came to America in 1850, and located in Wisconsin, aboat eighteen miles from Milwaukee, remaining until June, 1852, when he removed to this place. He pre-empted land and erected his house near a ravine which affords water for family use and also for his stock.

V. T. Beeby was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of December, 1839. When very young he entered the employ of a drover for whom he worked seven years; first driving, and afterward buying stock. Then, after clerking in a store at Temple ville, Maryland, one season,he came to Riceford and was employed in the mill of Brown and Thompson until 1861, when he rented the establishment, operating it about six years. In September, 1861, Miss Sarah M. Rowe became his wife. She has borne him six children, five of whom are living. With the exception of a few years spent in Hokah, and in Lansing, Iowa, Mr. Beeby has run the Crystal mill since 1869. Ho is Justice of the Peace, having held the office for the past four years.

Thobe T. Bergh, a son of T. A. Bergh, one of the pioneers of Spring Grove, is a native of this village, his birth dating the 14th of May, 1854. His father is a native of Norway, born on the 10th of June, 1828; and came to America, locating in Rock county, Wisconsin in 1848, and in 1852, moved to Minnesota and located on the farm where he now lives. Thore attended the public schools of this place till 1871, when he entered the La Crosse Business College from which he was graduated in 1875. The following winter he continued his studies at the Janes ville Academy, Wisconsin, after which he returned home, working on the farm in summer and selling sewing machines during the winter months. Miss Christ i O. Guelsen, of Oxfordville, Wisconsin, became his wife on the 7th of October, 1879. In 1880, Mr. Bergh opened a fine stock of hardware and agricultural implements, in which he does a heavy business. Mr. and Mrs. Bergh are the parents of

Labs Budahl, a native of Norway, was born on the 11th of March, 1851, and came with his parents to America at the age of five years. They settled in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where Lars attended school until fifteen years old, then entered the Lutheran College at Decorah, and remained four years. He afterward attended the Normal school at Winona, Minnesota, for two terms, after which he taught school in Iowa, and also in this county. In 1872, he married Miss R. O. Rudlang. During the year 1879, Mr. Budahl had charge of Day Brothers1 lumber yard, but since 1880, has transacted business for James Vincent & Son. Mr. and Mrs. Budahl have been blessed with four children.

Franklin Bartholomew was born in Vernon county, Wisconsin, on the 6th of July, 1857. His father enlisted in the Forty-third Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Company F, and after serving about *a year, was taken sick and died, leaving a wife and three children, of whom Franklin was the eldest. He resided with his grandfather for a time, but soon after the age of nine years found employment in warehouses at Victory, from which source he obtained money to educate himself. He attended the graded schools of La Crosse, and afterward the Business College, graduating in 1876. He then learned telegraphy at Janesville, and in 1877, entered the employ of the Chicago, Clinton, Dubuque <fe Minnesota Railroad Company, residing in Lansing, Iowa. Since the completion of the road to this point, the office being opened the 13th of October, 1879, he has been the popular station agent of Spring Grove. Mr. Bartholomew was united in marriage, on the 15th of January, 1880, with Miss Ida Travis, of Lansing. She has borne him one child, Edith.

Martin H. Bakke is a son of H. H. Bakke, one of the early settlers of this town. He was a native of Norway and came to Wisconsin in 1840, passing through the present site of Milwaukee when there was but one log house in that place. He located in Racine county where the subject of this sketch was born on the 1st of April, 1855, and three months after, the family came to Spring Grove. In February, 1876, Mr. Bakke was united in marriage with Miss Olive O. Duklith, who has borne him three children. Since his father's death,

L. Copeman is a native of Suffolk county, England, born in April, 1854. The family came to America in 1856, and for about two years resided in New Jersey ; then came to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin. In about 1863, they removed to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where the father died in 1874. Mr. Copeman, our subject, had charge of the farm until 1878, when he came to this place and purchased his present land. He was joined in wedlock on the 3d of November, 1878, with Miss Mahalie E. Colby. The union has been blessed with one child.

Christian Engel was born in Norway, on the 21st of March, 1841. His father was a merchant, and Christian assisted in the store until about 1865, after which he learned the photograph business. In October, 1870, he came to America locating in Fillmore county, but remained only a few months and went to St. Paul, where he followed his profession for some time. Then, after returning to Fillmore county and spending a short time, he came here in 1872, and has since devoted his time to photography. .In about 1875, he erected a neat frame building, the first floor of which he uses for a confectionery and tobacco stand, and the second for his art gallery. In November, 1876, he was married to Miss Anne Mathea who has borne him three children, two of whom are living.

Mons Fladaobr, one of the pioneers of Spring Grove, and its oldest merchant, is a native of Norway, where his birth occurred on the 7th of May, 1829. In early life he gave his attention to painting, which formed his principal employment until coming to America in 1858. He spent two years in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where he built and run an establishment for turning all kinds of wood work. He then sold and came direct to this place, opening a mercantile establishment. Three years after coming here, in May, 1863, he was united in marriage with Miss Jurund Johnson. The following year he erected a neat frame building, in which he did business until November, 1881, when he removed to his present commodious quarters, a new brick building 24x75 feet, with stone foundation. The only families living within the present village limits when Mr. Fladager came here, were those of William Hinkley and Robert McCormick. The Post-office had passed into the hands of Em- brick Knudson, who appointed Mr. Fladager his deputy, the office remaining with him about a year. He has also been twice elected Town Treasurer. On coming here he purchased forty-five acres of land, from which he afterwards sold several lots, and when the railroad was located to this point, had the ground surveyed and platted. Up to this time lots had not been in great demand, but with the prospect of the road, they sold readily and a general business development followed.

Teman Gilbertson, a resident of this town since 1854, is a native of Norway, his birth dating the 15th of March, 1837. When ten years old he came to America and settled in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he remained until coming here. He took a claim about two miles from the present village site, and now owns five hundred acres of choice farming land, three hundred of which are under cultivation. In February, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Nelson Tejos, who has borne him twelve children, five of whom are living. Mr. Gilbertson has a fine brick hotel, which has been a stopping place for the traveling public for many years. Since the organization of the town in 1858, he has been a member of the board of Supervisory. In 1871, he represented this district in the lower branch of the State Legislature.

Knud GrLBERT80N was born in the stift of Christiania on the 15th of October, 1839. His father died when Knud was quite young, and when eight years old he came with his mother to America, locating in Dane county, Wisconsin. In 1853, he came here, and for several years was employed on different farms finally . purchasing sixty acres to which he has since added, and now owns a fine farm under good cultivation, with valuable improvements. His residence is of stone which he quarried near by, and the lime was burned in a kiln on his own farm. Mr. Gilbertson was joined in marriage with Julia A. Solberg in 1860. They have eight children, four sons and four daughters.

Ohables Hoegh, whose birth place is in the extreme northern part of Norway, his natal date being the 1st of December, 1845, is a representative business man of Spring Grove. He was reared to mercantile pursuits, and came to America when twenty years of age, spending a short time in Chicago, thence to La Crosse, and soon after to Brownsville. On the 3d of August, 1869, he was united in matrimony with Miss Theoline Thompson, of Wilmington. In 1871, he opened a hardware store at Brownsville, and remained there in trade until the summer of 1875, when he came here and built and opened his present large hardware store. In connection with this store is his residence, which, since the completion of the railroad, has become a favorite home to the traveling public, owing to its close proximity to the depot, and the superior household management. Mr. and Mrs. Hoegh are the parents of four children, three of whom are living. He has been Treasurer for the congregation of Spring Grove for the last six years, and also Town Treasurer for two terms.

Embriok Hanson, one of the pioneers of the town, is a native of Christiania Stift, born on the 29th of October, 1834. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and came with his parents to America in 1852. They resided in Bock county, Wisconsin, about a year, then came to this place, locating a farm in section twenty -six. His father died on the 15th of June, 1860, since which time Embrick has carried on the farm. He was united in marriage with Miss Julia Olson on the 24th of June, 1862. They have had eight children, seven of whom are living. Mr. Hanson filled the office of Town Treasurer for three years, and for the past three years has been a member of the board of Supervisors.

Nii>s Hendrickson is a native of Norway, born in Naes, Hallingdal, on the 26th of January, 1836. His father died in 1841, leaving his mother dependent upon her own exertions to support the children. When Nils was only nine years of age he was sent out in the neighborhood to earn his daily bread. In 1856, his mother died, and two years later he came to America, arriving in Bock county, Wisconsin, on the 24th of June, 1858. In the fall of the following year he came to Spring Grove, where he married Bridget Olson Sagedalen, a native of Norway, born on the 15th of November, 1843, the ceremony occurring on the 7th of July, 1862. In 1864, he built a log house in which he started a grocery store, but the following year bought a house and thirty acres of land in section eleven, where he, in company with Nels Olson, did business until 1867, when they built a stone building, but in 1869, dissolved partnership. Mr. Hendrickson carried on the business alone until 1878, then formed a partnership with Asle Halvorson, which was dissolved the following year. In 1880, he built a two story brick build- ing, and in 1881 took his eldest son, Hendrik, and John K. Boverud, who had worked for him in the store eight years, as partners. They now do a fine business in their Una Mr. and Mrs. Hendrickson are the parents of ten children, six boys and four girls.

John O. Hallan was born in Trondhjem, Norway, on the 28th of August, 1830, and came with his parents to America in 1850. They located in Racine county, Wisconsin, and in 1854, moved to Winneshiek county, Iowa, settling about four miles east of Hesper. In November, 1855, Mr. Hallan was married to Miss Martha M. Hexom. They removed to this town in 1857, and settled five miles from Spring Grove, which has since been their home. For seventeen years Mr. Hallan has acted in the capacity of school Treasurer for his district. Of thirteen children born of this union, ten are living.

Hans H. Hilden. a native of Gran Hade land, Norway, was born on the 1st of June, 1844. At the age of twenty-two years he was enrolled in the artillery of the standing army at Christiania, but did not serve in that capacity, being employed as an apprentice in the mechanical shops of the army. In 1871, he immigrated to America, came directly to Minnesota and located at Bushford, Fillmore county, where he was employed at his trade and farming. In 1874, he came to Spring Grove and was employed in the blacksmith shop of Christian Nelson, in whose service he remained eighteen months, then erected a shop of his own in which he commenced work immediately. Miss Annie I. Bentestnen, from his native town, born on the 5th of January, 1859, became his wife in 1876. The issue of this union is two children. Mr. Hilden owns a fine residence and shop, doing a thriving business, and is considered the most competent horse shoer in this section.

T. Jenson is a native of Norway, and dates his birth in March, 1840. His parents immigrated to America when he was but thirteen years old, coming directly to this town and locating in section ten. The subject of this sketch assisted his father on tie farm and attended the schools of the place until 1872, when he went to Cincinnati and entered a medical college, graduating in 18 '4. He then returned to Spring Grove, and was married on the 10th of October, 1875, to Miss Julia Knudson, who has borne him two children. Mr. Jenson is the only practicing physician in the

L. T. Johnson is a son of Torger Johnson, one of the old settlers of the town, who came to America in 1849, and while in New York, the subject of this sketch was born, on the 8th of July, 1849. The family oame to Wisconsin and thence to Spring Grove, where the father died on the 23d of December, 1873. Since his death Mr. Johnson has carried on the old homestead. He was united in marriage on the 3d of April, 1874, with Miss Bergite R Peterson, who has borne him four children, three of whom are living. Mr. Johnson filled the office of Assessor two years, and for the past three years has been Justice of the Peace.

Martin Jetmundson is a native of Norway, born on the 18th of January, 1829. He spent his younger days farming, then entered a warehouse and remained one year, after which he was employed in a store for two years. In 1858, he came to America, locating in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he remained three years; then came to Minnesota and was engaged in fanning and clerking in stores for a short time. He returned to Wisconsin, and was married in 1862, to Miss Julia Olson, who has borne him seven children. In 1863, he purchased his present farm, and has since resided here.

H. E. Kxeland, the oldest son of E. Kieland, who is one of the pioneers of this town, was born in Norway on the 7th of May, 1845. His parents came to America before our subject was three years old, and locat< d in Wisconsin, but removed here in 1854. Mr. Kieland attended the schools of the place for a time, after which he entered the La Crosse Business College, remaining one term. In 1867, he was employed as clerk in the store of Larson & Asleson, of Brownsville, remaining with the company about nine years. Since 1879, he has been a partner with Nels Olsen in the general merchandise business, the firm name being Olsen & Kieland.

Knud Knudson Kieland is a native of Norway, born on the stift of Christiania on the 11th of June, 1827. He came to America and located in Racine county, Wisconsin, in 1848, remaining until his removal to this place in 1852. He came here in company with H. Narveson and Fin gal Asleson, all taking claims adjoining. Mr. Kieland soon erected the house which has since been his home. Mrs. Kieland's maiden name was Ann Olson. She

John J. Kaarstad was born in Christiania on the 4th of March, 1847. His father was a farmer and merchant, and John assisted him until fourteen years of age when he began learning the tailor trade. In 1868, he came to America and engaged at hiB trade in Decorah, Iowa, remaining seven years, thence to Chicago, and three years later to Lanesboro, Minnesota, where he opened a shop. On the 5th of January, 1878, he was married to Anne Maria Larson, who has borne him two children, but one of whom is living. Spring Grove has been there home since September, 1881, and Mr. Kaarstad has done a profitable business in his line.

Andrew Peterson Kroshus, one of the early settlers of the town, was born in Hadeland, Norway, on the 12th of February, 1822. His mother died when Andrew was but eight years old, and his father being too poor to support and care for his children, was obliged to entrust them to public charity. After twenty years of constant toil, Andrew had saved enough from his earnings to pay his way to America. He set out on his voyage on the 25th of June, 1850, coming directly to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he found employment after about two weeks search, with a farmer named Amos Putman, who lived in Vernon, Waukesha county. While working in a saw-mill owned by his employer, he had the misfortune to come in contact with the machinery, severing three fingers from his right hand. In 1853, he started with a yoke of cattle and wagon for Minnesota, and located a farm in section twenty-seven, Spring Grove. After the toils and hardships of a long winter, he disposed of his cattle, and with "grip-sack" in in hand, on the morning of the 21st of April, 1854, started for Norway, Racine county, Wisconsin, and after a ten days1 tramp, arrived at his destination. He was joined in wedlock on the 7th of May, following, with Miss Thrime Haageness, who was born in Thelemarken, Norway, on the 18th of June, 1834, and was a member of one of the first Norwegian families who came to Wisconsin. Her parents both fell victims to the cholera plague which raged through that State in 1850. Mr. Kroshus returned to his new home immediately after his marriage, accompanied by his wife, and now has a farm of three hundred and thirteen cores, the greater portion of which is cultivated,

Abijah Lamb, one of the most successful farmers in this region, is a son of Perry Lamb, who is now sixty-eight years of age and still young, a fine specimen of New England manhood. Abijah was born in Charlton. Worcester county, Massachusetts, on the 28th of March, 1846. In 1851, he moved with his parents to New York, where his father owned and operated a saw-mill, and was engaged in the lumber business until the burning of the mill in 1860. They soon after, in 1863, came west and rented a farm in Iowa, having on their arrival just five cents in money. In 1869, they came to this place and purchased their present farm, which consists of two hundred and fiftytwo acres, nearly all of which is under cultivation. The subject of our sketch devotes his time, principally, to stock-raising and the manufacture of sugar from sorghum. He was united in marriage on the 3d of July, 1870, with Miss Mary L. Monroe, who was the first white child born in Fillmore county, her birth dating the 24th of December, 1852. This union has been blessed with three children. Mr. Lamb held the office of County Commissioner three years, and Justice of the Peace six years. He is also Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, having been a member of the board, with the exception of two years, during his residence here.

Charles G. Luttman is a native of Pennsylvania, born in York county, on tho 25th of December, 1837. He attended the common schools of his native town, until the age of twelve years, then entered the Harrisburg Academy, graduating in 1852. For several years after the completion of his education he was engaged in mills, first in York county, and afterward in Jo Daviess county, Illinois. In 1861, he enlisted in Company F, of the Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, served one year and three months, and was discharged for disability, but ten days after, re-enlisted in the Ninety-sixth Infantry, Company F, serving till the close of the war. In both companies he held the office of orderly Sergeant. After receiving his discharge he came to Wisconsin, and for nine years operated a mill at Neenah, then came here and bought an interest in the Riceford mill, the firm name being Oatman <fe Co. The second week after coming he met with an accident which re- suited in the loss of an arm; catching his hand in the machinery, it was crushed, leaving only part of the arm below the elbow. The maiden name of his wife was Jennie Scott. They have had three children, two of whom are living, Geneva L. and John W.

Olb Lee, a native of Norway, was born on the 20th of August, 1825. He came to America in 1846, arriving in New York, on the 10th of August, thence to Milwaukee, from which place he came to Rock county, Wisconsin, with an ox team, not reaching his destination till the 4th of September. He was engaged in farming there until 1854, when he came to this place, locating on the extreme northern portion of the town. For a number of years he was supposed to be in Black Hammer, and was twice elected Chairman of the board of that town, but when the dividing line was made he was found to be in Spring Grove, and has since been a member of the board of Supervisors for several years. He first purchased only eight acres of land, but has since added until now it aggregates about two-hundred and forty, a large portion of which is under good cultivation. He was married to Miss Sigrid Christenson on the 4th of March, 1855. Of ten children which they have had, eight are living.

Peder Johnson Lommen, ono of the first Norwegian settlers of this town, is a native of the stift of Christiana, his birth dating the 24th of September, 1822. At the age of fifteen years he commenced learning the shoe-maker trade in the city of Christiania, but failing health obliged him to return to his home after about two years, and he devoted his time to agriculture until coming to America in 1851. He remained in Dane county, Wisconsin, till June of the following year, when he came here and settled in section three, which has since been his home. He has added to his farm and now has two-hundred and ninety acres, part of which is under cultivation. Mr. Lommen has been twice married and has had eleven children, ten of whom are living.

Inqvald Muller is a native of Norway, born on the 1st of February, 1837. He attended the schools of his native town and afterwards studied at the University of Christiania. He soon began his profession as druggist and in 1864, came to America and entered the Bush Medical College at Chicago, remaining but a few months, however. He came to Houston county the same year, and resided for a short time in Wilmington. On the 11th of June, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Live Olson. Mr. Muller has devoted a large portion of his time to the practice of medicine, but for the past few years has given his attention to agricultural pursuits, buying a large farm adjoining the village of Spring Grove, onwhich is his residence. Mr. and Mrs. Muller are the parents of five children.'

Gilbert Nllson Myhra, one of the earliest settlers of Spring Grove, was born in Norway on the 27th of March, 1826. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and also devoted some time to the blacksmith trade. Having reached the required age he served the lawful term in the militia of Norway. On the 15th of February, 1854, he was married to Miss Martha Austinson. On the 20th of April, the same year, the young couple left their native land with the intention of making America their future home. The voyage across the ocean was a rough and stormy one, lasting eleven weeks. Their first stopping place was Painted Creek Prairie, Allamakee county,* Iowa. Having rested themselves here from the 23d of July until the latter part of August, they struck out for Spring Grove, where they bought a small claim; since then several purchases have been made, so that, at the present their farm contains 150 acres of the most desirable land in the vicinity of Spring Grove. During the winter of 1856, Mr. Myhra split more than 10,000 rails, being paid at the rate of $1.00 per hundred, furnishing his own board and the necessary tools for his work. Later he found employment as a carpenter and assisted in building the first school - house in Spring Grove. He has since built and completed his own dwelling house, barns, granaries, and blacksmith shops. He often thinks of by- gone years of hard toil and incessant labor; but he has been enabled to secure himself and family an independent future.

Mr. and Mrs. Myhra have been blessed with ten children, eight of whom, four boys and four girls, are living. One of their sons owns a farm in the vicinity of Fargo, D. T.; another has a farm about one mile from Spring Grove, while the third and the youngest boy still remains at home attending common school and higher institutions of education.

came with his parents to America when nine years of age. The family came directly to this place, locating in section five, but in 1865, moved to their present farm in section nine. In 1870, Arne bought his father's farm, and has since made it his home. He was joined in matrimony, on the 20th of March, 1870, wish Miss Ann Benson. They have had eight children, six of whom are living.

Matthias Schmidt-Nilson dates his birth in Overhalden, Throndhjems Stift, Norway, on the 7th of November, 1830. At the age of seventeen years he entered the Klabo Seminary, remaining two years, then engaged in teaching for a time. From 1861 to 1864, he attended the Veterinary College of Copenhagen. While at the latter phice he was united in marriage with Miss Anna C. Schmidt, daughter of William Schmidt. They soon removed to Mr. Schmidt-Nikon's native home, where he was engaged as editor of a paper for about two years. Then coming to America they located in Iowa, and our subject was engaged as a veterinarian in Chickasaw and Winneshiek counties, and also taught school. He came here in 1870, and has since been engaged at his profession, in connection with which he opened a drug store iu 1879. 'He was the principal contributor to the "Spring Grove Posten," during its existence, and now writes for several Norwegian papers in the Northwest. He is also the author of several poems.

Nbls O. Onsgabd is a native of Norway, born on the 26th of May, 1837. His parents came to America, locating in Bock county, Wisconsin, when Nels was about eleven years old. There he learned the stone mason trade, at which he was employed until coming to Spring Grove in 1865. Soon after his arrival he opened a general merchandise establishment in company with Mr. Hendrickson, and did a good business until 1870, when he disposed of his interest, and for a time was engaged in the sale of agricultural implements. In 1879, he formed a partnership with Mr. Kiel and. and has since done a thriving mercantile business. Mr. Onsgard has been. Postmaster since 1869, and has filled the office of Town Olerk for the past six years. He has also served as Town Assessor several terms.

Knto C. Onboard was born in Christiania, Norway, on the 15th of June, 1826. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in 1861, came to America and directly to this place. He has a well

John Pendergast is a native of Indiana, born in Bipley county on the 2d of February, 1837, He lived with his parents until 1862, when he enlisted in the Eighty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company B, and served fourteen months, being then discharged for disability. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg and many other battles. After a visit to his home he came to Minnesota, in 1866, for the benefit of his health, but returned after traveling over a large portion of this State. Coming again to Minnesota he located his present farm, which has since been his home. Miss Jennie Copeman became his wife on the 26th of January, 1873. They have five children. Mr. Pendergast held the office of Supervisor six terms, and in 1877, was a candidate for the State Legislature.

Paul A. Bosendahij dates his birth the 1st of November, 1846, in Christiania Stift, Norway. He learned the shoemaker trade in his native place, and came to America in 1866, locating in Spring Grove. The following year he removed to Brownsville, and a few years later to New Albin, Iowa, where he opened a shoe store. In May, 1876, he came again to this village and opened his present shop where he does all kinds of repairing and general custom work.

Elling Bbtbrson was born on the 25th of March, 1845, in Norway. He reside c on a farm with his parents, and in 1861, came with them to America, locating in this town. Elling engaged in farming during the summer months and in the winter attended school. For two years he was in the Norwegian Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa; also attended the high school at that place, after which he continued his studies at the Wisconsin State University. He then taught school in this State, and subsequently near Decorah, Iowa, in which place he was married to Miss Chresti Myrand. In 1876, they came to Spring Grove, and Mr. Beierson formed a partnership with 1 >r. T. Jonson in the drug business. Mr. and Mrs. Beierson are the parents of four children, two boys and two girls.

Rev. Stybk S. Brque is a native of Voss, Norway, and dates his birth the 27th of November, 1836. At the age of eight years he came with the family to America, locating near Leeds, Colum- bia county, Wisconsin, and three years later in Dane county, where he continued his education at the Madison High School and the State University. He afterward attended the Lutheran Theological Seminary at St. Louis, Missouri; then returned to Wisconsin, where he was ordained and placed in charge of a field, including churches at Roche- a-Cris, Kilbourn City, Lemon weir, Lewiston, and Greenwood. He remained in this charge about six and a half yeais, in the meantime making a short missionary tour through Texas, and one through this State. In 1871, he received and accepted a call from his present congregation, where he has since labored. Besides the Spring Grove Church, he has charge of churches in Black Hammer, Wilmington, and Riceford, the latter society having been organized and a church edifice built under his ministration. He also holds occasional services at Caledonia. He is assisted in his ministerial labors by Rev. E. P. Jensen, who resides about five miles from the village, and has separate charge of a congregation at Newburg, Fillmore county. The church at Spring Grove numbers about 600 communicants, making, with the other societies under his charge, 1,175 communicants, or 2,250 souls, as shown by the last annual report. On the 2d of July, 1865, Mr. Reque was joined in wedlock with Miss Cecilia Anderson, by which union eight children have been born, seven of whom still enjoy the shelter of the parental roof; the other, a son and the first born, is with relatives in Iowa. Mrs. Reque is a daughter of Bjorn and Abel Katherina Anderson, the formor of whom died in Wisconsin during the cholera plague of 1850. The latter, who was the first white woman in Albion, Dane county, Wisconsin, is now a member of her daughter's family, and remarkably active, though well advanced in years. Prof. R. B. Anderson, of the Wisconsin State University, author of "Norse Mythology;" "America Not Discovered by Columbus;" "Viking Tales of the North," and a number of other woiks, is her son.

J. H. Smith, a native of Centre county, Pennsyl vania, was born on the 24th of November, 1843. His parents removed to Stevens county, Illinois, when our subject was three years old, and in 1855, to Allamakee county, Iowa, where he assisted his father on a farm, and also clerked in stores at Lansing. On the 23d of December, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Goble. In

1871, he bought a harness shop which he carried on until 1878; then went to Kansas and spent a year at his trade. Mr. Smith came to this town in 1879, and opened his present shop, in which he does a good business. He has one child, Laura Bell.

Stongrim Stonobimson was born on the 6th ot February, 1836, in Sigdahl, Norway. He remained with his parents engaged in farming, until coming to America in 1854. After a residence of about a year in Iowa county, Wisconsin, he went to the State of Iowa, and in 1856, came to Spring Grove, locating a farm on section twentythree. Martha Peterson became his wife on the 25th of March, 1861. She has borne him seven children, six girls and one boy. In 1871 they removed to their present farm in section thirteen ; it is situated only half a mile from the church of Spring Grove, and is in a good state of cultivation.

D. A. Sherwood, one of the early settlers of this place, was born in Franklin county, New York, on the 15th of November, 1826. He came to Milwaukee with his parents in 1848, and after a residence of five years there came to Spring Grove and located a farm in section seven. He soon gave up farming, and for a number of years devoted his time to hunting and trapping in this vicinity, and finally on the Sioux and Des Moines rivers. At the time, of the Indian Massacre, he was near Spirit Lake and assisted in the pursuit of the Indians. In 1862, he enlisted in the Tenth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, Company F, serving until July, 1864, when he was discharged for disability. He then returned to this county and was engaged in farming, and later, at the moulder's trade in Hokah, and Lansing, Iowa. Mr. Sherwood opened his present foundry in 1869, in connection with which he now carries on a blacksmith shop.

Olb Christenson Steneroder, who located in section twelve, Spring Grove, as early as 1853, is a native of Norway, born near Christiania, on the 22d of April, 1824. He is a blacksmith, at which occupation he was employed in his native country until coming to America in 1851. lust before leaving home he was united in marriage with Miss Betsey Erickson. After a short residence in Rock county, Wisconsin, he came here and opened a blacksmith shop, the first in this region, which he still continues, although the last few years he has given some attention to farming. He owns the southeast quarter of section twelve, and has over a hundred acres under cultivation, with good buildings and a fine orchard. Although Mr. Steneroder has never taken an active part in politics, he has been elected to different local offices. Mrs. Steneroder has borne him eight children, only four of whom are living. Their first born died on the journey here from Wisconsin, and was buried near Decorah, Iowa. The other three are buried in the cemetery at this place.

Levor Timanson (Quarve), a son of Thideman Olson Eidahl and Kjevsti Jorgenson Gavnaes, was born the 27th of December, 1830, in the parish of Naes, Hallingdal, Norway. He was reared on a farm, spending most of hiB time herding cattle ia the mountains. His father had a large family of children whom he endeavored to bring up practical men and women, but in those mountainous districts their school advantages were very limited. The instructions imparted to Levor were at home in a catechism, his school days being but three, writing and arithmetic being learned after he attained manhood. In 1848, the family emigrated to America. The journey was long and wearisome, attended by many hardships. The father was removed by death soon after landing in New York, and a month later the family came to Bock county, Wisconsin, where they were welcomed by a few countrymen who had come the year before. Levor found employment as a carpenter, mason, and farm laborer. In 1853, in company with some friends, he made a trip to Southern Minnesota and Iowa, in search of good farming land. The following spring Mr. Timanson located two miles west of Spring Grove, where he still resides engaged in farming and stock raising. Having thus procured himself a home he married Miss Kresti Enudson Berg in May, 1856. The result of this union was eleven children, seven of whom are living. Mr. Timanson now owns land to the amount of eight hundred and forty acres, five hundred and fifty of which are under cultivation. He has taken a prominent part in building and supporting schools and churches, and during the war contributed largely and spent a large amount of time in obtaining volunteers. He is an exemplary husband and father, and bore his full share of trials during his pioneer life. For a time he stood alone in politics, being the only republican in the town, His mother died in her ninety -first year, in the fall of 1881, at the residence of her son, Levor. At the time of her husband's death, while in a foreign land among entire strangers, she was driven nearly to despair, but bore her lot patiently, placing her trust in the Guardian of the widow and fatherless. Before her death her faith was amply rewarded by seeing prosperity smile upon the homes of her children and children's children.

Georoe Timanson, deceased, was one of the pioneers of this place and a prominent politician. He was born in Norway on the 14th of November, 1826, and came to America, locating in Wisconsin in 1848. He came to Spring Grove in 1853, and immediately commenced making improvements on land in section fifteen. His house being one of the largest of the first settlers, it became the place for holding religious services, Mr. Timanson taking an active interest in the organization and maintenance of the church. Beside filling many local offices he was a member of the State Legislature from this district. His death occurred on the 17th of January, 1878. He was the father of fourteen children, nine of whom are now living.

Gunder G. Traaen was born in Norway, on the 24th of June, 1831. He came to America in 1853, and in November of the same year was married to Miss Annie Erickson. They resided in Rock county, Wisconsin, till 1854, when they came to Spring Grove. Mr. Traaen first took one hundred and sixty acres of land, but has added to his estate until now he owns about three hundred acres, on which is a fine brick residence, good barns, etc. Of seven children who have been born of this union, only three are now living. Mrs. Traaen also died on the 5th of December, 1881.

Ervin Wait is a native of New York, born in Potsdam, St. Lawrence county, on the 23d of August, 1829. His parents came to Chioago,Illinois,in the fall of 1834, thence to Baoine county, Wisconsin, in the spring of 1838, where they were among the pioneers of the county. The subject of this sketch married Miss Mary Ann Gilmore, on the 19th of October, 1851, and two years later they removed to Lansing Iowa. After a residence of one vear in the latter place they were unsettled for a year and a half, coming to this place in the spring of 1856, where they now own a fine farm. This union has been blessed with three children, two of whom are living. Though having lived mostly a frontier life they have gener-

Knud Olson Wold was born in Christiania Stift on the 22d of December, 1830. He came to America soon after his father's death, arriving in 1850, and settled with his brother in Wisconsin. In 1852, he moved to Iowa, spent a few months and came to what is now Spring Grove, marking out a claim near the present village site. It was afterward "jumped," and Mr. Wold moved to Winona county where he located a farm and built a log house, making some improvements on the land. This too was "jumped," after which he attempted to locate near the scene of the Inkpaduta massacre, but finally abandoned the effort. In 1859, he came to this place and purchased his present farm, which has since been his home.

Union is the northeist of the four central townships of the county, and its neighbors are Mound Prairie on the north, Brownsville on the east, Mayville on the south, and Sheldon on the west. Its contour is of the most regular irregularity, being very evenly divided between hills and valleys.

It is evident that these valleys, which have been scooped out or worn away, have supplied material to make up, perhaps, the state of Louisiana. Had this country remained as it was when first lifting its broad acres above the bosom of the deep, it would have been all ridge land, exhibiting vast plateaus, all unbroken by the deep gorges now everywhere visible. But this seems not to have been the order of creation, and so we are confronted with these mighty bluffs rising several hundred feet above the water bed below.

Union embraces most of a township of government survey, but some of the northwestern sections go toward making up the town of Mound Prairie. The northern line of the town runs due west along section one to the middle of the northern boundary of section two, when it turns southi ward and passes through sections ten, sixteen, sev- | enteen, and eighteen.

Crystal Creek rises in the northwestern corner of the town and flows in a northwestern direction; Indian Spring Brook runs from section twentyeight in a general northeastern direction, and leaves the town from section twelve; and another branch of this stream springs up in section twenty -six, and joins the main channel in section twelve. The town may be said to be well watered, although not with well water, for here, as is the rule in the county, digging a well is very often an unsuccessful operation. There may be adventitious circumstances which will permit a well at a reasonable depth, but the only way to be positive in this matter is to try the experiment. Most of the residents have cisterns, which really furnish the best water.

Indian Spring

This is a fine clear fountain bubbling up from under the edge of a bluff near the highway in section twenty-eight. At this point there used to be a regular encampment for Indians while on hunting and fishing expeditions. This spring also gives the name to the rivulet already described. When the white settlers arrived, the evidences that this was a grand rendezvous for their noma. lie prelec33Sora were scattered around to a

David House came from Illinois in 1853, and located a claim in what is called Hokah valley, on section fourteen; with him was his father who remained a few years, and then went to Kansas. A log dwelling was their first abiding place, but after awhile a more comfortable house was erected. A few years ago Mr. House, who was one of the leading and most enterprising citizens, removed to Hokah, where he is still engaged in trade. Mrs. House was the first white woman to live in town.

Edwin Butterfield looked at a claim on section fourteen, in the early spring of 1853. He did not stop to make any improvements, but pushed on further west on a prospecting tour. On his return he found David House on his quondam territory, and as Mr. House had already begun improvements, the unwritten squatter law deterred Mr. Butterfield from any rights in the premises, and he thus narrowly escaped being the first actual settler. Mr. Butterfield then did the next best thing by going on to section thirteen, to which he brought his family in September, and opened a farm.

He was a native of New York State, and came to Union from Illinois. He remained up to the year 1868 when he was carried by the emigration tide to Dakota, and has since joined the great majority.

Frank J. Kitzinger seems to have been the next man to start a home in this then western wild. He planted his boundary stakes in section fifteen, and opened and kept the first hotel, but now resides in Hokah.

In 1853, not long after the previous arrivals, Mr. Marcus Summons arrived and selected five forties in the northeastern part of section twentynine. In a few years he was absorbed by the village of Hokah, where he died just before the war.

In 1854, Henry Snure, Sr., dawned upon the scene and also took land in section twenty -nine. It is gratifying to know that his lamp still holds out to burn. With him came Willi im Henry Snure.

In the fall of 1855, George Snure, a son of Henry Snure, Sr., Walter Krick, Jacob Becker, and Daniel Klein, a desirable quartette, arrived from Upper Canada, about twelve miles from Niagara Falls. George Snure remained with his father until the rebellion broke out, when he went to the front Walter Krick put himself on the northeast quarter of section thirty -one, and he remains there still. Jacob Becker also established himself on section thirty -one, and in about 1869, went to Hokah. Daniel Klein, who married Katherine, a daughter of Henry Snure, located on section thirty. He also had the Hokah fever, but after a residence there for a time it subsided, and he returned, but whether a sadder or wiser man is not recorded. Jacob Klein married Agnes Snure and he may still be found on section thirty, an industrious and thriving farmer.

Mr. Hiram Griffin was the first settler on section twelve, but after a time he went to Iowa. Clark W. Thompson, of Hokah, was more or less interested in the early settlement of Union. Charles Klein was in town for a time, but finally made his home in Mayville. John Klein came to Hokah as an early settler, but he now lives in Union on section four.

Among other early comers should be mentioned W. H. Younglove, James Franklin, John Hurley, and Edward Null. Quite a number of land speculators came in; watching opportunities to get something for nothing. But such adventurers did not meet with great success here.

After this, for a few years, the eligible locations were rapidly taken, and the territory of the township was covered by local claimants, who have proved to be aj industrious class of people.

To show how the enterprising people of those primitive times executed public works, which were of great magnitude, considering the resources at command, an account of the building of a "school meeting house," in District No. 44, will be here presented: A subscription paper was duly drawn up, in which the articles opposite the names were pledged to the object in view. This was handed around, with the following result:

All the material was to be on the ground by the first of March, 1859. The first trustees of this school were, John Hurley, Henry Snure, and J. H. Huyck. Edward Null was the clerk. Of course co-operation like this would promptly put up the building, which the specifications demanded should be 18x20 feet.

Vabiou8 Events

In the absence of any record evidence, it seems impossible to determine the exact date or the name of the first white person to pass over the unknown road to the other side. It has been said, that time and space are but appearances when viewed in connection with the boundless creation, and if so, after all it matters little as to ttie first event, although there is always an absorbing interest in this regard, which may only be equaled by the solemnity always enshrouding the last of anything.

Without attempting to be positive on the point raised, it may be recorded that Samuel Hall, the grandfather of the present David House, was quite likely the first to cross the unknown stream. James Kyle died in July, 1855, and John Franklin lost a child in the fall of that year.

John Roach, Benjamin Franklin, Edwin Butterfield, Jesse Doers, Frank Kitzinger, James Franklin, David House, Daniel Klein, James McMillan, George Kyle, Timothy McKenney, Henry Snure, Thomas White, and Walter Krick. Some of these reported in person to the Provost Marshal, and some of them paid the $300 commutation or procured a substitute.

The First Hotel. - The first public house opened within the limits of the town was the Union House, by Frank J. Kitzinger, who now resides in Hokah. The house was' burned and afterwards rebuilt.

Town Organization

The organization of the town was completed on the 5th of April, 1859, when the first town meeting was held at the house of F. J. Kitzinger, Oliver Nelson was Chairman, and Edmund Null, Clerk. The Supervisors elected were: Benjamin Franklin, Chairman, John Hurley, and Henry Snure; Town Clerk, Edmund Null; Justices of the Peace, David House and Simeon Snure; Assessor, Edwin Butterfield; Collector, John Culver; Constables, Abner Seaman and James Franklin; Overseer of the Poor, Oliver Moran; Pound Masters, W. H. Younglove and David House.

The present town officers are: Supervisors, Benjamin Franklin, Chairman, Thomas Sheeban, Patrick Toole; Clerk, John J. Sheehan; Treasurer, John Hurley; Assessor, Thomas Hartly; Justices of the Peace, Elijah Bump and Isaac Holliday; Constables, Charles Fitting and Daniel O'Leary.

The town has been carefully governed, and the administration of affairs been economically attended to by the various officers who have been from time to time chosen.

Union Valley Mill. - This was built by Mr. Edwin Butterfield. It is 26x36 feet, with a capacity of fifty bushels a day. It also grinds feed, and has three run of stones, with sm utters, separators, etc., and the power is transmitted by a thirtysix inch turbine wheel. There is a twelve foot fall, but the water is a little scant for the demands of the mill, and usually runs but ten or twelve hours a day. Mr. Butterfield removed to Dakota, where he died in 1879. The mill is now operated by . Bernsdorf & Semling.

Post-Office

The Post-offioe was established in 1857, on section twenty. The first Postmaster was Henry Snore. The office was moved to section twentynine, and Edmund Null was Postmaster,but about 1875, it was discontinued.

Union has no village, but is situated between, and about equi- distant from, Hokah, Caledonia, Brownsville, and Houston, and so the people are about as well accommodated, particularly those around the outskirts, as though they had a village in the center of the town.

District No. 29. - A school was first taught in the valley on section twelve, in a house built by Hiram Griffin. Miss Frances Pound was the teacher. Afterwards a log house was put up by contributions of time and timber, Mr. David House furnished logs for one side, Edwin Butterfield for another, and Levi West and others for the rest. The district now has a good stone schoolhouse.

District No. 27. - Was organized on the 28th of July, 1858, and the number of scholars at that time was forty-four. John Hurley, Henry Snure, Sr., and John H. Hyke were the first trustees, and Edmund Null was elected clerk. At that meeting the site for a schoolhouse was selected at the center of section twenty-nine, where the house was built the same fall and stands there yet. Miss Sarah A. Lyon was the first teacher, in an old log shanty first rolled together as a residence by Marcus Sammons. In the autumn of 1859, a log schoolhouse was laid up with a hip roof, which still stands and is the only school building in the north part of the town. It is on section twenty-nine. This district should be divided, for the distance for some of the children is so great that they are practically deprived of school privileges.

Union Sunday School. - In 1860, a Sunday school was inaugurated in the valley, in number twenty-nine schoolhouse, and it was kept up for many years. Mr. Lewis Pound was the Superintendent.

Like almost all of the newly settled pjrts of the country, the colonists, coming from divers places, where each had been favored with the opportunity to attend upon the particular denominational teaching of his choice, would naturally become restive under a deprivation of the privilege, and would put in operation such agencies available, as might promise to build up a like society in the new settlement. Representatives of the various sects thus differingt and each seeing no good reason why all the others should not unite with them, and very few being prepared to sacrifice their sectarian feelings for the common good; the result was many abortive attempts to build up societies, and many feeble organizations coming to an untimely end from sheer inanition. In many cases, were it possible, a union of the Protestant elements in a settlement, in imitation of their coherent Roman brethren, would build a church and handsomely support a pastor, where now the straggling missionary and the jaded circuit rider makes an occasional call.

St. Peter's Church - Lutheran. - Services were held in a schoolhouse as early as 1861. The Rev. Mr. Ebert officiating. In 1870, the church was erected. The first trustees were: Fred. Helm, Fred. Peipon, and Nich. Hening. The first clergyman after the church was put up was Rev. Frederic Wright. The nextminister was the Rev. John Jahn. The present incumbent is the Rev. Charles Gutknecht. The present trustees are: Aug. Tessen, William Kesten, Henry Dileken, and Charles Menze. When the church was first organized it had eighteen members, and now there are twenty -four. The church is a frame building, 22x40 feet, is located on section thirty-two, and was originally built as a Union Christian Church, but finally became denominational.

German Reformed Church. - The society was organized about 1874, and started out with eight members, and soon after a church was put up 22x36 feet. It is a neat structure, with a spire, is painted white, and has a seating capacity of 200. It cost $800, besides the volunteer labor, and is located on section thirty-one.

mained a while in Wisconsin, bat came to Minnesota in 1875, and had this and Mound Prairie as a charge for four years. The supply is now furnished by three clergymen, who preach on successive Sundays, Mr. Banchen, of La Crosse, Mr. Canner, and Mr. Hicker.

Methodist. - The earliest religious service by this denomination was by a minister from Hokah, at the residence of Jacob Klein, in 1859 or '60. A class was organized in 1863, in connection with like societies in the vicinity. Rev. John Kolbe officiated once in four weeks. The next minister was Rev. August Lambrecht, who came from Wisconsin, preaching every alternate Sunday, and remaining about three years. Then Rev. John Prayor officiated, followed by Rev. Edw. Schuette. The church was built about six years ago and cost $800, and is of wood, 24x32 feet, located on section twenty-nine.

Disciples Church. - Services were commenced about thirteen years ago, at the schoolhouse, by Rev. Charles Chant, an Evangelist from near Winona. In 1869, a regular society was organized by Rev. Ebenezer Grant, with six members. In 1875, the church was erected, with a seating capacity of from 100 to 120. Rev. J. G. Harrison supplied the pulpit at one time. Since 1879, there has been no regular supply. The church is in section twenty-nine. Meetings are kept up by the members, and the Sunday school is still sustained.

Elijah Bump, one of the prominent political men of this town, is a native of New York, born in Genesee county, on the 24th of May, 1823. He moved with his parents to Erie county, Pennsylvania, when eleven years of age. In 1845, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Martha M. May, of Ohio. Mr. Bump purchased his present farm in 1856, but resided in Wisconsin until 1864, since which time he has been a resident of this place. He has held a number of local offices such as Town Clerk, Justice of the Peace, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Bump have been blessed with three children, the eldest, Loren E., enlisted in the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, when fifteen years of age, serving till the close of the war, and is now employed as engineer on the Southern Minnesota Railroad. During one of the severe storms he remained on his engine for three days without food. John A., the second, resides in Dakota on the Northern Pacific Railroad, and Louisa

Charles Brown was born in Ashtabula, Ohio, on the 9th of December, 1847. He assisted his father in the mill until 1861, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving eighteen months and participating in the battles of Culpepper Court House, Alexandria, and Antietam. On receiving his discharge he went to Indiana, and soon after to Chicago, where he engaged to go overland to California, with a herd of horses and mules. He remained in the latter State about eighteen months, and on returning home found both his father and mother had died during his absence. Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Annie Freeman and soon after came to Houston county, where, with the exception of a year and a half spent in Iowa, they have sinoe resided.

William F. Becker was born on the 10th of November, 1861. His father, Philip Becker, came from Germany to America with his family, and was among the first settlers of Milwaukee. In 1854, he moved to La Crosse, where he opened a carpenter shop and remained until about 1866, when he purchased a farm about thirty miles from that city, which is still his home. William remained with his parents until 1880, when he came to this town and engaged with his brother-in-law, F. Bernsdorf, in the Union mills.

Frederick Bernsdorf is a native of Prussia, born on the 19th of November, 1847. He assisted in his father's mills until after the death of the latter, which occurred in 1859. Then, when his mother again married, Frederick engaged in otlier mills for a time, returning to the old one three months before its destruction by fire. It was soon rebuilt, the property sold, and the family, consisting of eight children, came to America in 1865. They located in Missouri, the subject of our sketch remaining at home until the age of twenty -one years. He went to St. Louis, but not finding the employment he wished, came to Wisconsin and engaged in a mill about ten miles from La Crosse, remaining four years. On the 20th of November, 1879, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Carrie Becker. They came to Union the same year and Mr. Bernsdorf rented his present mill until May, 1881, when he bought the property, taking a partner a few months after.

in the kingdom of Bavaria on the 17th of February, 1806. He came with his family to Canada in 1846, purchased land and remained until 1860. In the latter year he came with his children to Union and purchased land of D. Klein, erecting a house in which lie lived two years, then built the present residence. He afterwards transferred the property to his son Henry, who, a few years later exchanged farms with his brother Jacob P., with whom our subject now lives. . Mr. Becker has a number of children living in this vicinity. Three daughters reside in the township; Catharine, the wife of J. Klein ; Elizabeth, the wife of J. Krick; and Caroline, now Mrs. Adam Hainz. Another daughter, Mary, the wife of John Fassenauer, died in 1876, aged twenty-four years. A son, John, resides in Hokah, and Jakob P., in this place, as already mentioned. The latter is the eldest son and resided in Caledonia from 1860 till 1877. He was married to Miss Catherine Stiem on the 15th of July, 1867. They have had six children the eldest of whom died in 1869.

Rev. Charles Gutknecht, pastor of the Luthern Church at Union, is a native of Mecklenburg, Germany, born on the 7th of January, 1851. In 1870, he came with his parents and brother to America, resided for one year in Farnham, New York, then came to Minnesota, locating in Jordan, Scott county. In 1874, he entered the Concordia College at Springfield, Illinois; graduating in 1879. The same year he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Lauer, of Stacy, Minnesota. She has borne him two children, Clara and Ida. Soon after graduating, he was ordained and came to Union, which has since been his home. Besides his charge in this place he conducts services in the Evangelical Lutheran Churches at Hokah, Brownsville, and Portland Prairie.

Knud Johnson was born in the northern part of Norway, on the 11th of April, 1826. His father died when Knud was but six years of age, after which he supported himself by herding cattle and working for the farmers. At the age of eighteen years he went to Christiania and learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he was engaged until 1851. He then came to America, was six weeks on the ocean, having encountered heavy storms, and arrived in New York in June. He came to Dane county, Wisconsin, and the following September went into the Michigan pineries, remaining during the winter and spring, In 1853, he went to Dane county, Wisconsin, and was employed in a saw-mill for a time. He then went to Stillwater and was engaged in rafting on the lakes, and thence to Fillmore county, where he purchased a farm and made his home for five years. In 1857, he married Miss Maria Johnsdatter, of Spring Grove. They came to this place and Mr. Johnson bought his present farm on which he has since lived. His wife died, and in 1869, he married Miss Berit Evansdatter. Never having been blessed with any children of their own, they have adopted two of Mr. Johnson's nephews.

1854, took a claim in section thirty and erected a shanty, where he resided about a year, cooking his own meals and doing his own housework. In

1855, he was united in marriage with Miss Agnes Snure, daughter cf Henry Snure, one of the first settlers of the place. They went to Canada but soon returned to Union, where his wife died about a year after her marriage. In 1860, he returned to Canada and married Miss Catharine Becker who has borne him six children ; Louis, Elizabeth, William, Addie, Jacob, and Allie. In 1874, Mr. Klein erected his present fine stone residence. He has held the office of Supervisor a number of times besides other local offices.

Wai/teb Krick, one of the leading political men of this town, is a native of Bavaria, born on the 16th of December, 1832. When nineteen years of age he came to Canada, and the following year was joined by his mother and brothers. In the spring of 1855, he came to Union and pre empted a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in section thirty -one, the family following the next year. They erected a log house, in which they lived two years, then built the present frame structure. In about 1863, they added one hundred and sixty acres to their former purchase, and a few years later divided the farm between the four brothers, Walter retaining the south half of the original claim, where he now resides. In 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa J. Snure. They have been blessed with three daughters.

John Krick, a brother of the subject of our last sketch, was also born in Bavaria, his birth dating the 26th of December, 1838. , His father died when John was an infant, leaving his mother and four brothers with a very small farm, which they cultivated until oomiag to America in 1852. They came to this place in 1856, and in about 1866, divided the farm as above stated, our subject retaining that portion on which the first house was built His mother resided with him until her death, which occurred in 1871. Mr. Krick has held a number of local offices since his residence in the town. He was joined in matrimony, in 1868, with Miss Elizabeth Becker. Their children are Louis and Lizzie.

spring of 1854, he came to Union with his nephew, W. H. Snure, and erected a shanty in which they resided one season. Then our subject returned to Canada and brought with him to Union four daughters and one son. In the fall of 1855, he again returned to Canada, disposed of his property there and returned to this place, accompanied by his wife and youngest daughter. In 1865, his wife died, and two of his daughters, Mrs. Demo and Louisa, made their home with him. In 1867, Louisa married Mr. Krick, and Mr. Snure resided with her five years, but for the past year has made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Demo. Since leaving Canada he h<ts devoted the greater portion of his time to the carpenter trade.

Chapter Lxv

This town is the third from the Mississippi River on the southern boundary of the county, which is also the State line. In form and size it coincides with a township of government survey.

In its topography it is not unlike the neighboring towns, quite broken and uneven, but with a productive soil, bearing in its primitive condition a light growth of small oak, poplar, and hazel brush. In the southeast corner, Portland Prairie extends into the town and embraces several sections. This prairie is rolling and somewhat broken, interspersed with groves which have increased in size since the suppression of the prairie fires.

The town originally labored under the native disability of this section of country, a want of water for domestic and stock purposes, and the settlers bad to resort to the "hauley system" as they facetiously called it, to procure a supply, and as the dependence was upon natural springs, this made considerable labor, as the distance was often quite long.

The method most frequently adopted now, is to create artificial ponds by throwing dams across little ravines at suitable points to secure a supply, which the clayey nature of the soil retains from one rain to another, to be used for watering the stock. Where wells are sunk they have to be quite deep to reach the water bearing strata which is often one hundred and seventy feet below the surface.

The character of the soil on the more elevated portions is of a clayey nature, while in the depressions the soil is richer in vegetable mould with a gravel or clayey subsoil. Portland Prairie has a rich dark loam with a sub-stratum of clay.

First Settlers

The new territory of Minnesota was set off from the northwestern territory in 1849, and the first settlements of course were along the Mississippi

River, which was the only thoroughfare at that time. The tide of emigration on the southern boundary extending from the river, got ahead of the government survey, even of the State line, and some of the early settlers found the claims they had staked out bisected by the surveyor's chain, leaving part in Minnesota and a part in Iowa. In June, 1851, a family of Robinsons, consisting of the widow of James and her family of sons, William, Henry, John, and George, the oldest being hardly of age, came from Columbia county, Wisconsin, and located near the State line, celebrating the 4th of July by the raising of a log house. Henry Robinson, one of the brothers, took a claim of eighty acres in section thirty-six, and put up a shanty in 1852.

A tribe of Winnebagoes was at that time on the Iowa River, and they not unf requently came among the white settlers to barter their peltries. Henry Robinson at this time cultivated his land, but resided with his mother on the Iowa side of the line until 1861, when he moved to his present home. The first cabin in due time gave place to the comfortable residence, now the home of Mrs. Wm. Robinson.

In the year 1852, there came George Carver, a sturdy pioneer, who occupied the Iowa side of the line. The same year a small settlement was made on section thirty-two, near the present mill and store north of Bergen Post-offlce. There were four in the party, all natives of Ireland. John Edger was one of them, he broke up twenty-five acres the following summer, but soon sold out and removed to the southeast part of the town, but subsequently went to Iowa, where he still resides.

Michael Callahan was another, the father-in-law of Edger. His claim, which he held with Mr. Edger, was sold to Ole Bye. Charles Kelly also selected land just north of the others, but he, with a blacksmith named Michael Tanner, not finding work, soon left.