Pickerel Lake Township

Pickerel Lake Ohapteb Lxxi

The town bearing this appellation is among the center towns of Freeborn county, having as its contiguous surroundings, the township of Manchester on the north; Nunda on the south; Albert Lea on the east; and Alden on the west. It is constituted as originally surveyed by the government officers, of thirty -six sections, or 23,040 acres.

The surface of the town may be said to be diversified, as we find both timber and prairie and. In early days the greater pari of the eastern half of the town was timber of divers varieties, among which were burr and black oak, maple, basswood, beach, elm, butternut, and some black walnut, and yet there are many traces of this miniature forest visible in the region of the lakes, some even claiming that at least one-eighth of the township is now covered with timber; but we think that this statement is a little overdrawn. There are, however, many spots of land covered with patches of oak openings and groves, as the town may be said to be, in a limited way, noted tor its beautiful landscape which is greatly enhanced by these small groves of timber. The surface is rolling, in places given to abrupt hills called "knolls," which also help to make the scenery picturesque. One of these, known as "Jennings Point" in section two, rises higher than the surrounding country, and is the highest point in the county. It is claimed by a great many, and through Freeborn county generally believed, that this is the highest point of land in the State; but this is a very apparent mistake, for the very report, (Winchell's geological survey report, published in 1876), upon which this theory is based, contradicts it. There are three points in Minnesota which rise to a height of 200 feet above this; one in Nobles, one in Mower, and one in Otter Tail county. It is true, however, that this is the highest point in Freeborn county, it being 1,342 feet above the level of the ocean, and 667 feet above Lake Superior.

The soil, in the eastern part, is a rich dark loam of from two to two and one-half feet in depth; underlaid by a subsoil of yellow clay of about 20 feet, beneath which lies the blue clay. As you go westwardly, to the more open rolling prairie, the soil becomes of a lighter nature, with a tendency to sandiness, the depth of which varies from eight to eighteen inches; having a gravelly loam and sand subsoil of twelve feet, underneath which is the sand bed. There is no lime or sandstone to speak of, but in places there is a prof usioh of boulders. The best of water is found at reasonable depth.

The town is well watered by various lakes and streams, which are all teeming with fish, and are much frequented by seekers after sport of this kind. White's Lake lies in the northeastern part of the town, covering about 160 acre.^ in section one; this was originally known as Albert Lea Lake, but since 1856, when A. W. White preempted a claim touching it, the lake has been known under its present name. Pickerel Lake, after which the town was named, derives its appellation from the abundance of fish of this name which are found in its waters. It lies in the eastern part of the town, in sections thirteen and twenty-four, and extends into the town of Albert Lea; a large tract of land northwest of this lake is marked on the map as overflown land and useless for farming purposes. In sections twentythree and twenty-six are located the Little Oyster Lakes, so called because of their shape, and it is made a joke that on wet occasions they open their mouths in the shape of an inlet to admit fresh water. Next comes the upper Twin Lake, the largest body of water in tho township, lying in the southeastern part, mostly in section thirtyfive, and extending southward to make connection with its twin, the Lower L>ike,which lies in NiinJa township. A number of other small bodies of water are scattered through the town, which are sometimes called lakes, but more properly known as ponds. The lakes of this town are the headwater of the Shell Kock River.

Charles and William Wilder (or as many spell it, Weilder, ) and A. D. Pinkerton, made their appearance and located on and about section twelve in 1855. Charles Wilder at once commenced and completed the first dwelling shanty in the township. They remained on the places for some years but have now all gone to other parts.

In the following spring, 1856, John Kuble, a native of Pennsylvania who had stopped for a time in Rock county, Wisconsin, make his appearance and was the next settler in the towushij). He brought his family with him and settled upon 160 acres in section twelve, where he opened the first farm in the township and still remains a prominent man in Freeborn county.

In the fall of the same year another settler crowded into this section. This was A. W. White after whom the lake was named. He was a native of the Empire State, and remained upon his farm until 1861, when he removed to the village of Albert Lea, where he still resides. Section twenty-nine received a settler the same fall, in the person of Louis Marplee, of the German Faderland, who settled in the section mentioned and remained there until 1866 when he removed to Nunda. Several of his countrymen came in this fall, and were the vanguard of that determine<l band which subsequently followed and now about monopolize the township.

Henry Schneider and Frederick Fink, Germans, both came this fall and settled. The former dropped anchor in section fifteen where his moorings still remain fast, and Mr. Pink also placed himself on a place in the same section, where he remained until 1H7() and then moved to his present place in section twenty-nine. He is a prominent man in public matters,

Christian Bohle, of the same nationality, came about the same time as Fink and settled in section fifteen where he yet remains. All of these parties

Section eleven ,in the Ruble settlement, received an additional settler also about the same time as the last named, in the fall of 185G, in the person of Frederick Woodward, fresh from the "Badger State," who secured a habitation there and remained until 1861. when he enlisted in the army, and upon his return settled in Iowa, where he lived up to the time of his death.

Early in the following spring, 1857, Charles and A. K. Norton, natives of the "Green Mountain" State, who had been whiling away a short time in Racine county, Wisconsin, drifted into this township. Charles planted his stakes on a pleasant farm in sections thirteen and fourteen, while his brother, A. K. Norton, bought land in sections thirteen and twenty-three, where he remained until 1861 when he enlisted in the army, and upon liis return settled in Freeborn township, where he still lives.

Luther Smith also arrived this spring. He was a native of New York and settled in section three, where he lived until the war broke out when he also enlisted, but never returned, finding a lonely grave in the sunny south. His family have gone.

After 1857 the ingress upon the government land of the town wa? so rapid and incessant that it is impossible to note them all, but we will try and give a few of the most important.

E. Jennings, a native of New York, first made his appearance in this township in the spring of 1862, but returned to Illinois for his family which he had left there, and did not re-arrive here until 18(i5, when he settled on the place where he now lives, in sections two aid three.

Tlie settlement in the western portion of the township did not commence until about 1860, when L. L. Lovell made his appearance and took a farm in or adjoining what was afterwards known as Lovell's grove in section eight. W. G. Bloe came with Lovell from the eastern States and took a place in section eighteen. He remained here until 1872 when he left the county.

In 1863, Mortimer Whitney came and took a a place in section seven where he remained until 1871, when he removed to Owatonna, and still holds forth in tho latter place.

lives in the town. Also Knudt Knudtson, a native of Norway, arrived during the same year and still remains; it is said be is the only representarive of the Norwegian race in the (ownship.

Items Of Interest

The first marriage in the town took place on the 6th of July, 1859, and united the destinies of Frederick Fink and Miss Frederica Weiser; the ceremony being performed by B. McCarty, Esq. The bridegroom went to Mitchell county, Iowa, and from there brought his bride to John Ruble's place in section twelve, on foot, where the ceremony took place. They still reside in the township.

The first birth within the limits of the town, was on the night of the 14th of September, 1857, and ushered into existence, Amelia, a daughter of John and Harrietta Ruble, in the old log house in section twelve. She still lives with her parents in the township, and at her birth-place.

County Seat. - It is claimed that when the matter of where the county seat should be located, was being agitated, a meeting was held in John Ruble's barn yard, for the purpose of feeling the public pulse on the matter, and it was found that there were only seven legal voters in the town; but after the election was over, counting the polls disclosed that forty -five votes had been cast. We cannot explain.

Industkial Entekpkisbs

In the year 1868, Anson Hanf erected on section eleven, a 16x20 frame shop in which he did blacksmithing until 1876, when he made it a part of his barn, and in 1878 erected the building he now occupies in section eleven, the size 16x18, and does his own work.

Official Record

Pickerel Lake was first annexed for local government purposes to the township of Manchesterin its organization in 1858, and thus remained until 1860, when the County Commissioners, in answer to a petition, annulled its connection to Manchester and made it a part of Albert Lea township. Finally, at the annual meeting of the board of County Commissioners, held at Albert Lea the 8th of September, 1865, a petition was presented signed by William C. Pentecost and twenty-four other legal voters and residents of Pickerel Lake, asking to be separated from Albert Lea and made a separate political organization. The request was granted, and on motion of Commissioner Andrews, it was ordered by the board that $400 of a special tax of $1,500, voted for roads and bridges, and for finishing the county buildings, be granted Pickerel Lake for roads and bridges. The board then selected the following as township officers until the time of the annual election: Supervisors, John Ruble, Chairman, J. France, and J. H. Converse; Clerk, A.W.White; Treasurer, E. Jennings; Justices of the Peace, R. C. Cady and William Schneider; Constables, O. Kenfield and Peter Lampman. The Clerk refused to qualify, but his place was readily filled by the appointment of R. C. Cady.

The first annual election was held at the house of John Ruble on the 3d of April, 1866, and the following officers were elected: Supervisors, John Ruble, Chairman, Joseph France, and J. H. Converse; Justices of the Peace, R. C. Cady and William Schneider; Assessor, John Ruble; Treasurer, E. Jennings; Constables, William Weiser and O. Kemfield; Clerk, R. C. Cady; Overseer of Highways, A. C. Howe, W. C. Whitney, J. Smith, E. Ames, and A. C. Davis. A couple of these parties also refused to qualify, but their places were filled by the appointment of Peter Lampman.

At the last annual town meeting, held in the spring of 1882, the following officers were elected: Supervisors, J. George Widmann, Chairman, Charles Schneider, and Charles Kreuger: Clerk, Charles H. Ruble; Treasurer, Henry Ruethe; Assessor, H. S. Holt; Jtistices of the Peace, B. A. Cady and S. A. Foster. The Judges of this election were Charles Martin, George Widmann, and Charles Schneider.. The sum of .f 700 was voted tor the roads and bridges.

The public matters pertaining to the town have always been in good hands and ably managed; there never having been any extravagance or useless expenditure of public money.

Abmstrong Village

erel Lake, aud is the youngest village in Freeborn county, if it cau be called a village, for probably the name of Station would be more appropriate. It is located in the eastern part of section four, on the Southern Minnesota railroad, about Ave miles from Albert Lea, the county seat.

It came into existence in 1878, at the instigation of T. H. Arm.strong, who that year erected an elevator, and a store building was also built the same spring by Jason T. Goward. A Post-office was established in 1882, and G. H. Kenerson was appointed Postmaster, and still holds the office.

This is about all that can be said of the village; it may have a future and it undoubtedly has; but as to what that future will be, time must determine.

Statistics

We have gathered from the report of the County Auditor to the Commissioner of Statistics, and elsewhere, a number of items which we present in this connection, to give an idea of the agricultural resources of the township, and from which the reader can determine the wealth and productiveness of the town.

PoPt'LATiox. - The census of 1870 gave Pickerel Lake township a population of 337. The last census, taken in 1880, reports it as having 533.

Religious

The first religious services were held at the residence of Mr. John Kulile, in section twelve, in the year 1861, by a German Lutheran divine, the Eev. Mr. Charles Bucholz. Since that time services have been continued at various pla 'es in the township, and two church organizations have come into existence, a sketch of each of which will be given. It is stated that a Rev. Mr. Smith held services in the town at an early day; also in Mr. John Buble's house.

Gekm.^n Lutheran Church. - This denomination held services at an early day, and in 1874 an organization was effected in the schoolhouse of District No. 57, with fourteen members, Rev. H. Kretzchmer being the officiating minister. In 1878, the need of an edifice in which to worship God became too apparent, aud the present church building used by the Society was erected. It is a frame building about 20x30, 12 foot posts, and cost i81,200, being nicely furnished. The present minister is Rev. J. Kettle, and the Society is now composed of about thirty members. The church is located in section eleven.

German M. E. Society. - There are conflicting statements as to the organization of this society, and suffice it to say that it was effected prior to 1873; for, in that year we find the church edifice now in use by this denomination, being erected by subscription on secticm twenty-tree, size 24x36, with 14 foot posts. The first preaching was done by Rev. A. Bibighansen, with twenty members constituting his audience. The present minister is Rev. A. H. Koemer, of Albert Lea.

In connection with this church the society have laid out a cemetery adjoining, containing four acres, which is neatly fenced, well kept, and splendidly located. The first burial here was Pi'itz Brantz, in the winter of 1876, and now there are about thirty headstones marking the last resting places of those departed.

Mediums Of Education

As to the facilities for the gaiuing of knowledge, Pickerel Lake township is supplied with five districts, which are all in good running order, with a good attendance of scholars. Their numbers and the location of their buildings are as follows: No. 39, schoolhouse in section 12; No. 56, in .section 7; No. 57, in section 22; No. 69, in section 19; No. 102, in section 24. A short sketch of each of the districts is below given, showing the organization, and history of their progress.

District No. 39. - Was the first district to come into official existence in the township, effecting an organization in 1862, with the following as its officers; Directoi', John Murphy; Clerk, Charles Norton; Treasurer, John Ruble. The first school was taught in John Ruble's log house, by Miss Bassett, with ten scholars present, and school was held here until 1855, when a frame house was erected on land owned by George S. Ruble, in section eleven, at a cost of .^700, which is still in use. The last teacher was Miss Norton, with an attendance of twelve scholars. The present officers are: W. C. Norton, Charles H. Ruble, and John Ruble, respectively Clerk, Director, and Treasurer.

District No. 56. - Effected an organization in 1864 by the election of: Director, Frederick Rickard; Clerk, L. L. Lovell; and Treasurer, N. H. Spoon. The nest year a school building was constructed, 14sl6 feet, at a cost of S150, which occupied a site in section eight until 1868, when it was moved to the present site in the southeastern part of section seven, of which the district as yet has no title. In 1879, the present school structure was erected on the same location, size, 16x22 feet, at a cost of |300. The first school in this district was taught in the fall of 1864, in Mr. Lovell's house, in section eight, by Kate Nichols, with seven scholars present. The present officers are: Clerk, R. Hanf: Director, Benjamin Randall; Treasurer, Knute Knuteson ; Malon Howe was the last teacher, with twenty-three pupils.

District No. 57. - Was the next district to effect on organization, which it did in April, 1869, with Messss. Fred Fink. Henry Weisser, and Henry Eberhart, as its officers. The schoolhouse was constructed the same year, in the southeastern part of section twenty-three, Henry Weisser donating the land. The size is 16x20 and cost $300. The first teacher was Miss Nancy Ruble, and there were twelve juveniles upon the hardwood benches. The last board consisted of: Director, H. Drommerhauseu; Clerk, William Schneider; Treasurer, William Weisser, (now deceased). The The last teacher was Miss Hannah Daniels. This house has been used a great deal for religious purposes.

District No. 69. - A special meeting was held at August Yost's house in section nineteen, on the 16th of Aprd, 1881, at which bonds were voted to the amount of #300 to build a schoolhouse and organization was effected by the election of the following officers: Director, Fred Fink; Clerk, August Yost; Treasurer, H. Sohulenburg; there were ten votes cast. In the same year the house was erected on land belonging to C. M. McKee, size 16x24, at a cost of |316. The first school was taught by Katie Everhardt, to an attendance of ' twelve; the last was taught by Miss Ella Ruble, with thirteen, The same officers still manage the affairs of the district.

District No. 102. - The finst taught was in the summer of 1876, in a carpenter shop on Mr. Widmans land, by Katie Eberhart, with eighteen or twenty scholars. The following year, 1877, a neat frame house was erected in the southwestern corner of section twenty- four, at a cost of $300. The district was organized by the election of the following officers: Clerk, George Widman; Treasurer, Mr. Jeklin; Director, F. Schneider. The present officers are, Messrs. L. Jeklin, Director; George Widman, Clerk; and John Kaemmer, Treasurer. Miss Carrie Norton was the last instructor, to an attendance of about thirty scholars.

F. D. Babcock, is a native of Iowa, born in Bradford, Chickasaw county. He attended school there until eighteen years old,then removed to Herseyville, Wisconsin, and completed his education, residing with his grand-parents for a year and a half. He returned to his native State, but in a year returned to ^Visconsin and remained six years. He then came to Minnesota, resided in Hokah, Houston county, Hayward, and Armstrong, in this county, returned to Whalen, Houston county, and in July, 1882, came again to Armstrong, where he now resides. He is station agent and telegraph operator, having learned telegraphy in Wisconsin. He was married in the latter State, in Herseyville, in December, 1880, to Miss Frankie C. Palmer, a native of Virginia, in thiit State. Her fatber was killod iu the army and her mother still resides iti Wisconsin. Mr. Babcock's father died in South Carolina in 1881, aged fifty years, and his mother resides in Wisconsin, aged forty-nine. He and his wife are members of the M, E. Church.

B. \. Cady, was born in Saratoga county, New York, in 1849, and removed from his native State when two years old, coming to Omro, Wisconsin. He attended school in the latter State and finished his education in Minnesota, having come to Pickerel Lake in 1861. He was married in Albert Lea on the 7th of February, 1875, to Mary A. Kichards, a native of New York. When a child she came with her parents to Fox Lake, Dodge county, Wisconsin, and resided until 1872, then moved to Albert Lea, and remained until her marriage. She is a member of the Catholic church. Her parents still live in the latter place. Mr. Cady's father is a native of New York, and now lives in Kansas. His mother was liorn in Vermont, and died in Pickerel Lake in 1878, aged fifty-nine years. He has a brother living in Albert Lea, who has been employed in the Postoffice there for several years.

Barbara Eberhaudt is a native of Germany, born in 1838, and emigrated with her jjareuts to America when seven years old. They located in Wisconsin where Barbara received a common school education, and at the age of twenty-two years was married to Henry Eberhardt. He was born in Germany iu 1838, and came with his parents to America when ten years old. At the age of nineteen years he entered the ministry, preaching for three years in a German Methodist clmrch in Wisconsin. He was then married and moved to Des Moines county, Iowa, where he preached five years and in 1865, returned to Wisconsin ; but two years later, his health failing, he came to Pickerel Lake, in section twenty-three, and engaged in farming. After a time his health was restored and he returned to the ministry, removed to Hokah and was pastor of the M. E. church three years when his health again became impaired and he returned to his farm where he died in 1875, aged thirty-seven years, and is buried in the cemetery near his home. He left a widow and five children; Annie K., twenty -one years of age; Edward H., eighteen years; Emma E., fifteen; Amelia, twelve; and Alfred, aged seven years. Mrs. Eberhardt has kept her children all together,

Anson Hanf, one of the old settlers of the county and the first to open a blacksmith shop in Lea, was born in Germany on the 5th of June, 1833. When ten years old he came with his parents to America and first resided in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a short time, then moved to Kacine county, and in 1848, to Dodge county. He was married there on the 17th of June, 1856, to Miss Verletti Perry, and in September following they went to Kansas. That State not suiting tliem for a home they returned to Dodge county, and in May, 1858, came to Minnesota, locating in Mower county, but in less than a year moved to Oakland in this county. In March. 1860, Mr. Hanf removed to Albert Lea, and as previously stated opened a blacksmith shop where he continued to hammer until 1864, then purchased a farm in section eleven, Pickerel Lake township, moved to it and has since made it his home. In 1870, he was Chairman of the board of Supervisors, but since that has taken no part in politics. He is the father of si.x children, three boys and three girls.

KoBEUT Hanf was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, on the 22d of March, 1852. He resided with his parents until March. 1874, when he made a trip to Nebraska; remained during the summer, and iu October came to this township, buying land in section seven. For several years he spent the summers on his farm and in the fall returned to his home in Wisconsin, where, on the 18tli of July, 1879, he married Amelia Suenther. They have since made this place their home, and have been blessed with one child, Minnie. Mr. Hnnf is Clerk of his school district.

EuMENES Jennings was born in Jefferson county. New York, on the 6th of July, 1819. He grew to manhood and was married in his native State to Miss L. C. Haskins, the ceremcmy dating the 24th of October, 1842. In July, 1858, they removed to Illinois, locating in Antioch, Lake county, where they remained until coming to Minnesota in the spring of 1861. They first lived m Olmsted county one year, then came to Pickerel Lake and settled in section two. The following September they returned to Illinois, but in tlie spring of 1865 again sought a home in this township where they have since remained. Of a family of nine children, seven are living. Mr.

Jennings was elected Town Treasurer at the first town meeting, whicb was in the fall of 18(!5, and re-elected the following year. He now devotes his entire time to the improvement of his home.

G. H. Kenekson was born in New Hampshire in 1841, and lived in his native State, attending school until seven years old. He then removed with his parents to Troy, New York, and six years after to Galesville, Washington county, in both of which places he attended school. In 1859, he came to Fall Kiver, Columbia county, Wisconsin, and completed his education. In the fall of 1860 he removed to Mower county, Minnesota, and followed farming until 1875, then engaged in the grain business, buying and shipping. He was married on the Ist of January, 1868, to Martha Williams. She was born in Branch county, Michigan, and when fourteen years of age removed with her parents to Mower county, where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Kenerson have had five children, of whom three are living; Era A., aged thirteen years; Roy and Ray, twins, aged seven years; Jessie died in infancy, and Daniel at the age of two years and five months. Mr. Kenerson's mother died in Troy, New York, at the age of thirty, and his father in Rochester, in this State, in 1878, when seventy-five years old. Mrs Kenerson's parents reside in Dexter, Mower county, and she is the eldest of their ten children. Mr. Kenerson came to Armstrong in the fall of 1881, and is engaged in the grain business, and also owns a grocery store. He was appointed Postmaster in June, 1882.

Fredrick Leonhardi is a native of Illinois, born in Pales, Cook county, in 1856. When he was three years old his parents removed to Chicago, and ten years after, a short distance from there, to Lake View, where Frederick attended school six years, then clerked in the Post-office two years, and afterwards in a grocery store. In 1876, the family came to this county and settled in Nuuda. The subject of this sketch was joined in marriage on the 16th of July, 1882, to Henrietta Eikhorst. She was born in Wheaton, Du Page county, Illinois, in 1864, and resided in her native place until twelve years of age, then came with her parents to Mansfield where the marriage ceremony took place. She attended school in Illinois and also in Minnesota. Mr. Leonhardi moved to Pickerel Lake and settled on a farm in the spring of 1882. His mother died in Nunda

W. C. Norton was born in Chicago in 1834, and when four years of age removed with his family to Burlington, Wisconsin, where he was reared and educated. He was also married there to Bell Bradshaw, a native of Vermont. In the fall of 1858, they removed to Pickerel Lake, aad located a farm in section thirteen which is now their home. They returned to Wisconsin after living here four years, and remained six years, since which time this place has claimed them as residents. They have had four children, three of whom are living; Eva C, twenty-three years of age; Cora A., eighteen; Willie A., thirteen; and Mattie C, died at the age of one year and and eight months. Mr. Norton has been Chairman of the board of Supervisors for several terms, Town Assessor, and a member of the school board several terms.

John Ruble is one of the early settlers of the county, and a pioneer of this township, having come in the spring of 1856, and is now one of the most extensive farmers in the county. He is a native of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, born on the 15th of September, 1827. When he was an infant his parents moved to Ohio where his father died and the sons carried on the farm for many years. Mr. Ruble was married on the 20th of August, 1849, to Miss Harrietta Fleck, and the same year came to Rock county, Wisconsin, where they resided on a farm until coming to Pickerel Lake. He first took one hundred and sixty acres about three miles fiom Albert Lea, and it has since been bis home, but is at this period greatly changed. The homestead now contains six hundred acres with fine buildings'and a beautiful yard; our subject also owns a farm and milling interests in Martin county. In an early day Mr. Ruble commenced the sale of agricultural implements, in which business he has been quite successful, having an office and warerooms in Albert Lea. He has a family of ten children.

Charles H. Ruble, a son of John Ruble, was born in Wisconsin on the 13th of July, 1852. He came with his parents to this township when four years old and has since made it his home. He was elected Town Clerk in 1879, and is school Director in District No. 39. He was united in marriage on the 29th of of Novemlier, 1881, with

WiiLiAM Schneider was bom in Germany in 1833, received a common school education and learned the cabinet maker's trade in his native coiintrj. In 1853 he came to America and worked at his trade for two years at Batavia, New York, then came to Farraington, Iowa, and resided six years. He was married in 1860 to Julia Bruman, who was bom in New Orleans, where her father was the first German Methodist preacher. She came to Iowa when young, and there received her education. Her father died when she was three years old, and her mother DOW lives in this State. In 1861, Mr. Schneider enlisted iu Company B, of the Third Iowa Cavalry, and served sixteen months; was theu discharged in Memphis, Tennessee, for disability, and returned to his home in Iowa. After a short time he removed to Pickerel Lake, and located in section seven, where he now resides. He owns three hundred and sixty-five acres of land, with two hundred improved, and has a new largo brick house and a good bam. He has held every local office except constable, and is now clerk of his school district. He organized the first Sabbath school in this part of the town, himself and wife being members of the (Jerman Methodist church. Mr. and Mrs. Schneider have had nine children, seven of whom are living; Emma H., aged twenty years; George A., eighteen; Matilda, twelve; Sarah C, ten; Willie K., eight; Walter S., six; and Edward H., four. Annie J. died at the age of one year, and William F. at the age of one year and four months, and both are buried in tlie cemetery near their liome. Emma, the oldest child became deaf from the effects of scarlet fever, and when ten years old entered the Faribault institute, and in seven years graduated.

John Georoe Wid.man, is a native of Germany, born in 1844 and reared on a farm. He emigrated to America in 1863, located in Wisconsin and engaged in farming there nine years. He was married in 1869, to Annie Lampert, a native of that State. They came to this township in 1872, and settled in section twenty-three, which is still their home, having a farm of two hundred and ten acres. They have seven children ; Margaret, aged twelve years; Katie, ten; George, eight; Annie, six; Lizzie, four; Frank, two; and Lida, an infant. Mr. Widman has been Chairman of the board of Supervisors, and a member of the school board six years. He and his wife are members of the German Methodist church.

AuousT Yost, a native of Germany, was born on 11th of February, 1849. He emigrated to America when seventeen years old, and directly to Minnosota, locating in this township. He was employed im farms, and made his home with Christian Pestorius, until buying his present place in 1876. He was married on the 1st of December, 1869, to Mary, daughter of C. Pestorius, iiud they have a family of five children. Mr. Yost's farm contains two hundred acres, situated in section nineteen, and has a good frame house and barn. He is ('lerk of school district No. 69-