Preble Township (part 1 of 2)

Chapter Lvi

This township is the second on the eastern boundary of the county from the Iowa line on the south. It has Norway as a neighbor on the north, Black Hammer in Houston county on the east, Newburg on the south, and Canton on the west, and is identical with a town of government survey.

Nearly the whole area of the south half of the town is gentle, rolling prairies, with occa8i(jnal small clumps of timber. Some of the most beauful fanns imaginable are situated in this section of the town. The South Fork of the Root River comes in by two branches into the southwest part of the township, and following its winding way, after uniting in an average northeast course, makes its exit from that corner. In its course several small branches are received. Along this little river is the valley, which varies in width from one-fourth to one-half a mile. The timber along the bluffs is quite plenty and consists of oak, elm, poplar, and some pine, with a luxuriant growth of grass in the valley which furnishes an excellent quality of hay. The soil is not unlike other parts of the county contiguous, and is equally productive of like crops.

The inhabitants are almost exclusively Norwegians, and *a majority of them from an identical part of Norway, the so called *'Stavanger Pre«- tegjeld Christiansand Stift." Along the eastern edge of the town there are some natives of Ireland.

Early Settlement

The first white men that settled within the present limits of Preble were Nelson Johnson "Nessa" and Thore Olsen "Faae," natives of Stavanger, Norway, who, coming to America in 1849, stopped in LaSalle county, Illinois, and in 1853, removed to Minnesota and located in section thirty-three in tbis town. The property brought with them consisted of three yoke of oxen and a few head of other homed 8tock,two old ricketty lumber wagons, and a small amount of family goods.

They at once built a double tenement residence, each with a single apartment 10x12 feet, and covered it with bass wood bark, no floors or carpets graced their new abode. These two pien with their families, seven in all, dwelt in this hut for four months, when they succeeded in securing better quarters. The first year ten acres were broken up on the Newburg side of the line, and the following year Mr. Johnson commenced to cultivate his present farm in section twenty-two in the town of Preble, thus he was the first man to sow and reap a crop in the town.

That same year, 1854, several other settlers came in and secured farms in the vicinity; among them were Jacob Jacobson "Hage" Rtismus C. Spande, and Christian Christopherson, all of whom are still living in the town and owners of fine farms.

Among the first settlers in the north part of the town were Ole Gjermundson, Bjorn Larson "Egvene,*' and Lars C. Tarvestad. They still reside on their first claims, except Mr. Tarvestad, who sold out and removed to the town of Newburg.

The first to be called by the angel of death was Ingee Maria Ellefson, a sister of Mrs. Jacob Jacobson "Hage," whose earthly strife ended in October, 1866. Her remains were interred on the farm of William Christopherson, in the northwest comer of the northeast quarter of section thirty-four, which thus became a cemetery and the maDy marble moDuments and grassy moiuds, now to be seen there, silently remind the observer that we all must journey the shadowy vale of death.

Political

The first town meeting, to organize the town and elect officers, was held on the 11th of May, 1858. Thomas G. Hall, David Weisel, and Tver Thompson had been appointed by the County Commissioners as the judges of election. Mr. Hall being absent, A. C. Seelye was appointed to fill his place. J. C. Braden and I. fl. Titus were appointed as clerks. The total number of votes cast was twenty- seven, and the following officers were unanimously elected :

Supervisors: Thomas G. Hall, Chairman, Iver Thompson, and Walter Braden; Town Clerk, J. C. Braden; Assessor, David Weisel; Collector, Nels Nelson; Overseer of the Poor, Christian Christopherson; Justices of the Peace, David Weisel and A. C. Seelye; Constables, Wm. G. Sutherland and Iver Thompson.

On the 22d of May, 1858, the supervisors held a meeting, divided the town into four road districts and selected the following overseers: Lars C. Tarvestad, Ole Anderson, Justus Sutherland, and David Weisel. A tax of two and half mills was levied, and two days work for every man on the roads.

War Re(X)rd. 'On the 10th of September, 1864, a bounty fund was voted, of 83,200, onehalf to be assessed in the year 1864, and onehalf in 1865. On the 27th of March, 1865, a special town meeting was held, and the sum of $2,500 voted to be expended in the support of families of drafted men, but the close of the war suspended the tax. In 1864, a home guard was organized under the State law, with Norman Sutherland as Captain. They drilled a few times near the schoolhouse in district No. 9.

Town Hall. - On the 20th of November, 1877, a town meeting vot«d an appropriation of S200 toward building a town hall, and it was decided to build a basement under the schoolhouse of district No. 9, which was done, and that is the place where town meetings have since hem. held.

The town officers elected on the 21st of March, 1882, are: Supervisors, John Mims, Chairman, E. C. Erickson, and Embert Johnson; Town Clerk, Ame Anderson; Treasurer, Nels Johnson; Assessor,

The first religious society organized was by Peter Asbjornson, a colporteur of the American Tract Society, in about 1855, at the house of Thore Olsen **Faae." The name bestowed was "The First Norwegian Lutheran Congregation of Newburg," which title it still bears, although the church is this side of the line, in section thirtyfour. Rev. Lars Narheim was the first ordained minister stationed here, and he continued up to 1857, when Rev. A. Scheie assumed charge. Services were held at private residences until the school house in district No. 11 was built, when this was utilized for Sunday worship.

In 1864, the congregation succeeded in builda neat church, 28x40 feet, and located as above mentioned. Mr. Scheie continued the pastor of the Hock up to 1876, when he relnoved to Polk county, Minnesota, where he still resides, but has recently given up his ministerial duties. Bev. H. L. Haakonsen succeeded him and continued in the service of the congregation till the fall of 1881, when he removed to Coon Prairie, Wisconsin, where he has charge of a church

Late in the seventies, there was a controversy in relation to the selection of a minister, and some of the minority withdrew, abdicating their pro rata ownership in the church property, and forming a new society, which holds its meetings in the schoolhouse in district No. 11. At the church Rev. Ole C. Jacobeon is temporarily perfonning the service of minister.

St. Maky's Catholic Church. - ^This was put up in the year 1872. Previous to this time the services in the interest of this faith were at irregular intervals by priests from the nearest available points where they were located.

Rev. Father Pendergast, of Winona, it is believed, held the first of these services, at the house of Martin Horihan. This was on section twentyfour, about the year 1857, and from time to time, until the church was built, this has been a place for services. Rev. Father P. Shanahan, of Caledonia, has services here on the second Sunday in each month.

South Fokk Nokwbgian Methodlst Eitscjofaij SixJiETY. - ^This church was organized in 1874 by Rev. A. Olsen, of Newburg, and under liis supervision a neat little frame church was constructed, 24x34 feet, near the residence of Die Richardson, the following year. Revs. O. Hanson and A. Knudson have had charge of this society since, and at present the original founder. Rev. A. Olsen has charge.

The first school building erected in town was completed in 1858 for district No. 11. The size of the structure was 16x18 feet. The walls were of oak logs with hand made oak shingles for the roof. The settlers were the architects and builders. It served the double purpose of secular and religous teaching ^ until the church was put up in 1804.

District No. 9. - This appears to have l)een the second one organized. In 1859, a log house was built, 14x16 feet, near the house of Nels Johnson. The school was opened by Mrs. Cameron of Hesper, Iowa. In 1878 a new schoolhouse was put on a site further north than the old one, and on section twenty-one.

District No. 7, was organized in 1863, and the following year a log house was built, Miss Anna Hall was the first teacher. On the subdivision of the district in 1871, the house was moved to a more central point in the northwest corner of section ten.

District No. 162. - This was t^iken from No. 7 in 1871. In 1877, a new frame building was constructed near the western boundary of section twelve.

District No. 69. - This is a joint district with No. 65 in Houston county. The union was effected in 1871, through the exertions of Patrick Flannagan and John Kelley, and a schoolhouse was erected, 14x18 feet. The first term of school was presided over by Miss Mary Kelly in the winter of 1872.

District No. 10, was first organized and a school house built in 1862. The first teacher was William Van Doren. In 1873 a new schoolhouse was erected near the southeast corner of section twenty-six.

up. The earliest school was taught by Miss Minnie Clark. The residents of this district, which is in the southwest comer of the town, have been moving away so that only three freeholders remain, and no school has been held for several years. The prospect is that the district will be discontinued.

The first manufacturing industry in town was a small saw-mill built by David Weisel, an early comer, in the year 1855, and was situated on the creek near the northeast corner of section nineteen. The machinery of this mill was, with the exception of the saw and a few necessary castings, formed by his own hands. A corn cracker was also added and operated by the sjime power. The mill stones were cut from a rock found near. This was emphatically a home institution, and was ojierated with considerable success until that terrible 6tli of August flood in 1866, when he and his family and the mill fell victims to its destructive force.

The first regular grist-mill was built in 1857, by Collins Hall. It was a little frame building located in the northeast corner of section thirty-two. This also was carried away by the flood, but has since Ijeen rebuilt of stone and was operated by Mr. Hall until his death. Mr. Jackson now has a lease of the proj^rty.

The next mill to bo built was a saw-mill by Nels Johnson. This was located on the South Fork, in tlie northern part of section seventeen. It shared the same fate as those higher up the stream in 1866. It was subse(]uently rebuilt, and Mr. Johnson also added a grist-mill about ten years ago.

In 1876, Mr. Ole Severson built what is known as the "South Fork Valley Mill" located on the same stream. Mr. Severson is a man of great natural ability and genius, and although without milling experience, his grist mill was made according to his own plans,'and a successful mill was the result.

At first the nearest Post-office was at Decorah, Iowa, twenty miles away; after awhile a Post-office was established at Lenora, and later at Newburg. The office in Preble was established in 1876, the first mail arriving on the 13th of April. Samuel Gray was the Postmaster. It is on a cross route, between Houston and Decorah, and at first came weekly, now the service is tri- weekly.

Fike Insurance

"The Preble MuruAii Fire Insurancte Company." The officers are: President, Nels Johnson; Secretary, R. C. Spande. It is conducted on the ordinary mutual plan, and has taken risks to the amount of $48,029, and as yet has had no losses. The assets of the company, as shown by the report of 1881, amount to $27,302.

Biogra.Phical

Arne Arneson is a son of Hans and Haagine Ameson, and dates liis birth the 16th of May, 1842, in Berum, Norway. The family emigrated to America in 1851, locating in Bock county, Wisconsin, from whence, in 1853, they removed to this county, and settled on the present site of the village of Newburg. Mr. Hans Arneson erected a small blacksmith shop, which was one of the first industries of the kind in the county, and was pattronizcd by the settlers living a ilistance of fifteen miles around. Seven years later he moved to this township and located a farm on section twentysix, where he still lives. In 1862, Arne, then a youth of twenty years, enlisted in Company E, of the Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and remained in service about three years; was severely wounded in the left arm in the battle of Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1864. After his return he made his home with his parents until his marriage, which took place on the 3lst of July, 1875, the maiden name of his wife being Malinde Johnson, a daughter of one of the first settlers of the town. This union has been blessed with three children. Mr. Arneson represented his district in the Legislature in 1873, and has since been Town Clerk. He owns a farm in sections twenty-two and twenty-three, the greater portion of which is under cultivation.

James Brown, the ownei of one of the first farms in the northern part of this township, is a native of Ashtabula county, Ohio, his birth dating the 18th of March, 1830. His father, Bex Brown, owned and operated a grist-mill in that county for nearly thirty-five years. They finally moved to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Brown died in 1867. On the 19th of January, 1853, James was joined in marriage with Miss Melissa Luce. He remained in the latter county until 1866, when he came to Minnesota and purchased a farm in Caledonia, Houston county, which he shortly afterward sold, and came to this place, buying the so-called **Tarvestad" farm. His wife died on the 19th of March, 1869, and the death of two of his sons had occurred only a short time previous. They had five sons, but two of whom are living. The maiden name of his present wife was Mary Knudson, and the issue of the marriage is two daughters. Mr. Brown has been one of the officers of his school district since his residence in the town, but has not tAken an active part in politics.

Thore Olskn **Faae," one of the two first white men to settle in this place, was bom in Stavanger, Norway, on the 3 Ist of December, 1827. He came to America in 1849, and resided in La Salle county, Illinois, where he married Miss Elizabeth Spande, and remained until the summer of 1853, when he came to this township. Besides Mr. Johnson's family he had no neighbor the first year, then a band of Winnebago Indians located their camp within eighty rods of where the two men had settled. Mr. and Mrs. Faae have had ten children, nine of whom are living ; four daughters are married and live in Dakota, as does also one son, the remaining four still live with their parents. Mr. Faae has a fine farm of three hundred acres supplied with good buildings.

Anders Halvorsen '^Nordbovaagen'* is a native of Norway, bom on the 12th of June, 1830. He came to America in 1848, resided in Bock county, Wisconsin, about six years, and then in La Salle county, Illinois. Having accumulated enough from his scanty earnings to pay the fare for his parents and two sisters, he sent to the *'old country" for them. They arrived in this country in 1858, and the same year came from Illinois to this town with an ox team, and located in section twenty-six. In June, 1861, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Miss Anna Knudson Vigness. They have had seven children, four of whom are living. Mr. Halverson, Sr., died in 1866; his widow lives with her son Anders, and is in her eighty- sixth year.

Jacob Jacobson **Hage," one of the early settlers, was born in Findo, Stavanger, Norway, in the year 1826. When young he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, then as a sailor, and in 1849, he came to America, He first located in La Salle count}, Hlinois, then in Dayton, where he was employed in a plow factory about a year, after which he, in company with another young man, purchased the establishment and operated the same for about five jeare. In 1850, Mr. Huge married Miss Julia Ellefson, who was born in Vigeland, Christiansand, Norway, in the year 1827. They have had nine children, seven of whom are living, four sons and three daughters. In 1854, they came to this township and purchased a farm where they have since lived. Mr. Hage has always taken a prominent part in all church and school affairs.

John N. Johnson, one of the oldest natives of ttiis town, is a son of Nels and Maria (Nese) Johnson, his birth dating the 5th of December, 1854. From the time he was able he assisted in the labors of the farm, having but little time to attend the common school. After arriving at the age of manhood, he went for a term to tbe Institute at Decorah, Iowa. On the 26th of June, 1879, he was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Larson, a daughter of one of the pioneers of Newburg. She was bom on the 4th of March, 1861. The fruits of the union are two sons. In 1881, Mr. Johnson was elected to the ofiice of Justice of the Peace, which position he still holds. He has a fine farm, nearly all under cultivation, and a beautiful new residence.

NeijB NeijSON "KiNDiNGSTAD," ouc of the pioneers of the town, was born in Stavanger, Norway, on the 3d of June, 1828. His father died when Nels was fourteen years old, and in 1849, he emigrated to America, locating first in La Salle county, Illinois, and four years later in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he remained two years. In 1855, he cafne to this town and settled in section twenty-one. He was one of the organizers of the town, and chosen tax collector at the first election, and Assessor at the third township election, having fiince held sundry positions of trust in the town. On the Slst of March, 1867, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Serine Hendrickson. Seven children have blessed the union, six of whom are living, three sons and three daughters. Mr. Nelson owns two liundred and eighty acres of land, most of which is well improve!, his dwelling, barn, orchard, etc., being substantially and tastefully arranged.

Narve Larsbn, a son of one of the first settlers of the town of Newburg, was bom in Kock county, Wisconsin, on the 23d of October, 1850. He came with his parents to this county when four years old, and has always made it his home. During his boyhood he attended school when not engaged in farm labor, and in 1875, purchased his present farm in section twenty-five. On the 26th of Juno, 1876, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Kjei-sti Quarve, a daughter of the late Hon. Greorge Qnarve, one of the early settlers of Spring Grove, Houston county. Three children have been born to this union, two of whom are living. Mr. Larsen was elected Justice of the Peace in 1881, and still holds the position.

Anders O. Peteusox was bora in Norway on the 16th of Dec^jmber, 1857, and came with his parents to America at the age of three years, his father purchasing a farm in this township s(M^n after their arrival. Anders engaged in farm labor as soon as old enougli, attending school until sixteen years of age when he entered the Lutheran College at Decorali, lowti, and remained three years. He afterwards completed his studies at the Business College, of the same place, graduating with the first honor, in 1880, since which time he hiis been engaged in teaching in English and also the Norwegian language. Mr. Peterson lias recently purchased a portion of his father's farm in section twenty-six.

Lars Pbteuson is a native of Norway, born in August, 1840, and reared to agricultural pursuits. He came with his parents to America in 1862, stopjwd first in Black Hammer, Houston county, but the following year came to this township where his father bought a farm in section thirtyfour. The latter moved to Red River Valley in 1878, and died the same year. Lars then bought the homestead, to which he has since added and now owns two hundred and thirty acres. Miss Torbjor Johnson became his wife on the 25th of March, 1876. The fruits of the marriage are two children.

Ole Rk.'hardson is a native of Norway and was born in the town of Agvaldsnes, on the 3d of October, 1829. He served a three years apprenticeship at the blacksmith trade and afterward worked at the same for five years. In 1855, he married Miss Christina Larson. They came to America and resided in La Salle county, Illinois, for about four years. In 1860, they came to this place and the following year purchased their present farai, which contains three hundred wnd twenty acres, supplied with good substantial buildings, orchard, etc. ' Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have eight children, the four eldest of whom are married; three reside iu this town, one in Dakota, and four still live at the place of their birth.

Easmus C. Spande, a prominent man of this town and one of its early settlers, was born in Norway on the 4tb of May, 1831. When in his eighteenth year he left the place of his nativity for the city of Stavanger, where he found employment as clerk in a mercantile establishment. He started for America on the 16th of April, 1854, and arrived in this town on the 24th of June, locating in section twenty-seven. On the 6th of April, 1854, he was joined in marriage with Miss Serine

Tostensdatter. The issue of the union is ten children, nine of whom are living, and five still residing with their parents. Mr. Spande is still living on the original humestead, which is now in a good state of cultivation, supplied with a oommodious dwelling, bams, granaries and a well kept orchard. Since his residence here he has taken an active part in the organization and affairs of his church. He 'was a leader in establishing the Preble Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1880.

Newbnrg is the southeast corner town of the county. Houston being on the east, Iowa on the south. Canton on the west, and Preble on the north. Few sections of country seem to be more abundantly supplied with natural advantages than this. The contour of the land is slightly undulating, dotted with small groves of timber, and the soil is a uniform dark rich loam with a clay subsoil, well adapted to the cereals and to root c/ops or for grjiziu g. The southwest sections are covered witii heavy timber.

Fresh water is abundant from numerous springs with which other parts of the county are not so highly favored, but the farmers resort to drilled wells from 150 to 200 feet deep, from which a plentiful supply of good water is raised, usually by wind-mill power.

Riceford Creek rises near the southwest corner of the town and runs in an easterly direction for some distance, when it dives beneath the surface to reapi^ear just as it leaves the township, in section twenty- four. During a high stage of water the surplus beyond the capacity of the subterranean channel, flows on the surface. Another stream arises near the village of Newburg, and another loops down into section six, and uniting runs north into the next town. A small creek rises near

The people of this town seem to be in a state of general prosperity, which, of course, is due to their industry and economy, in connection with the productiveness of the s6il. The well tilled farms, commodious bams and granaries, and excellent and often elegant residences, famish unmistakable evidence in this respect.

Wheat raising was, until within a few years, the principal industry, and although the plowing, sowing, harvesting, and threshing, involved a large amount of toil, the actual labor began in getting the wheat to market. Brownsville and Lansing, the nearest being forty miles, were the nearest places where it could be marketed, and the winter was the most available time, although a trip over this weary way with snow several feet deep, and a northwest wind steadily sweeping alon^ with its doleful monody, and the thermometer thirty or more degrees below zero, was no holiday trip, as three or four days would be consumed in the journey, and frost bitten ears and toes, were not infrequently unpleasant reminders of the marketing experience. For nearly a quarter of a century the husbandman of this region had to labor under this serious disadvantage in disposing of his surplus productions, and these experiences must ever remain a vivid recollection to those who went through them. There should be no wonder that when the officers of the Chicago, Dubuque, and Minnesota Railroad Company came into town soliciting aid to construct a

When the town meeting was held to vote on the question of issuing bonds to the amount of $12,- 000, it was nearly unanimous, although there were several citizens who worked against the measure.

Within a few years attention has been paid very generally to raising com and stock, and at no distant day it is evident that this, with the dairy business, will become a paramount industry. Thus, with the oultivatioi^ of the small fruits and the amber came, a very important revolution will have been accomplished, which will conduce to the prosperity of the whole comraimity by removing the danger of crop failures.

There seems now to be great satisfaction with the present facilities for transportation, and the trials, troubles, and tribulations of the past are often referred to by way of contrast.

As showing what can be done with crops supposed to be out of their latitude, it may be mentioned that Mr. Hyatt has for several years successfully raised crops of sweet potatoes, some of them weighing more than three pounds. He is also a cultivator of apples and smaller fruit.

Eably Bbttlembnt

The first claim staked off in the town was early in 1851, in section thirty-two, by an unknown man who never came back to reclaim it after it had been -'jumped" by Joseph Lovesy in the sununer of thesame year. Mr. Lovesy came from Illinois and remained about foar years, when be went to Houston county.

Greorge Cannon arrived in 1851, and located near Lovesy on part of Hiram Edmond^s farm. He was also from Illinois, and he afterwards sold his place and removed to Houston county, where he subsequently died.

Calvin Chandler put in a personal appearance in the spring of 1852. He was from Bangor, Maine, and had made a temporary sojourn in Beloit, Wisconsin. He planted himself in section thirty, and remained about eighteen years when he again started on his travels, and brought up in Martin county, and two or three years since he was called upon that unknown journey, which all have to take sooner or later.

Three brothers, Anders, Iver, and Gulbrand Gulbrandson '^EUestad" secured claims in sections twenty-eight and twenty- nine in 1853, and they proved to be stayers as they remain there yet.

Milton Sherburne came to this town in 1854, and located in section twenty- five. In 1876, he moved to Black Hammer, Houston county, where he still lives.

Indian Village. - John J. Johnson, who settled in the South Fork valley in the spring of 1854, relates that near his place there was an Indian village containing about one hundred **bucks, squaws, and pappooses.'* While breaking some land a few of the Indians wanted to assist in driving the oxen, but the cattle were afraid of them, and then they tried to hold the plow, but were also unsuccessful in this feat. Although, if they had the disposition to work, patient effort must have finally taught them, if they could be led to persist in their efforts.

FiBST Births. - Lewis L. Tollefson was bom July 6th, 1852, son of Lars and Maria Tolefson. Mary Lucinda Monroe was born on the 24th of December, 1852, daughter of J. M. and B. Monroe.

First Mabbiage.^ - This interesting event was celebrated on the 4th of February, 1859, between Tollef Tollefson and Kjestine Tostensdatter, by Hans Valder, Esq. The year 1859, is certainly a late time for the first marriage, and it is not unlikely that earlier cases will be found when it is too late to record them here.

The only one in town is the Newburg Mill, built in 1869, by Michael Bernatz, who came from Iowa, and owned and operated it until the fall of 1875, when he sold to Mr. Alfred Buck. The size of the mill is 28x36 feet, and has two run of stones, with a capacity of ten bushels an hour, and twenty

Tuis Wtis constructed l)y J. M. Moi;roe in the year 1873, at a cost of $1,500, for grinding feed and shelling com. Its capacity was about ten bushels per hour, and it was kept in operation about seven years.

The town meeting to orgfinize the ttjwnship was held under the original order on the 11th of May, 1858, at the sclioolhoiise in the village of Newburg. Only one of the regularly appointed judges of election was present. Gabriel Gabrielsim, Jeremiah Clark, and Calvin Chandler were ap|H>inted to fill the vacancies. Alfred Clark wtis appointed clerk. Thetjflicers elected were: Supervisors, A. H. Butler, Chairman, John Willsie, and John Craig; Town Clerk, Alfred Clark; Assessor, G. Gabrielson; Collector, Justus Seelye; Overseer of the Poor, Hiram Edmontis; Justices of the Peace, Hans Valder and James Harkness; Constables, W. K. McDonald and Thomas R. Seelye.

The meetmg voted that "hogs and sheep should not be free commoners, within the limits of the town." A tax of Jj?250 was voted. The schoolhouse in district No. 38 was designated by acclamation as the place for town meetings.

Wau Boi'nty. - At a town meeting held on the 23d of August, 1864, it was vot:»d that each volunteer who should enlist and be credited to the quota of the town should receive .^300, to be paid, SI 00 when enlisting, and the balance in two and three years, antl to meet this obligation, bonds to the extent of SI, 700 were authorized with interest at ten jjer cent. The largest expenditure in any one year was in 1865, when it went up to a total of *1 ,930.30.

Puesi:nt Town OFFK^Kits. The town officers elected on the 14th of March, 1882, were: Suj>ervisors, Hans Valder, Chairman, J. Seelye, and H. N. Sherburne; Town Clerk, S. C. Brace; Treasurer, C. W. Bacon; Assessor, J. G. Miner; Justices of the Peace, Asa Willsie and M. L. Potter; Constables, P. P. Johnson and O. M. Morgan.

DisTKicT No. 2. - In 1862, this district waa organized; but two terms of school had been held prior to the time the schoolhouse was ereoted. The first schoolhouse was completed in 1865. A part of this district at one time was set off and connected with a district in Houston county.

DisTRKT No. 3. - An organization of this district was effected in 1856. THe first officers were: Trustees, Osten Peterson, Mathew Mathison, and Hans Arneson; Clerk, Hans Valder. A schoolhouse of small dimensions was built the same year. The first instructor was Miss Emily Seelye. This is presumed to be the first district organized in town,

DiSTUicrr No. 5. - Here comes another district which is said to be the first organized in town, in 1855. E. F. West taught the first school. It was subdivided in 1872, and District No. 168 was set off, and in 1873, another schoolhouse was built. There was quite an opposition to building the new house, but the friends of the measure rallied at a school meeting one stormy night and carried their point.

District No. 0. - This was organized in 1857, and a school building erected the same year, 20x30 feet. The same house still remains, having been ^several times repaired. James McDonald has the honor of having tauglit the first school, in the winter of 1857.

DisTKicrr No. 66. - A building for school purposes was put up in 1863, soon after the organization of the district, and the earliest school was called to order by Miss Frances Plomteaux the following winter.

District No. 135. - In 1860, this district was organized, and the following year a schoolhouse was built at a cost of $475, 18x22 feet. Samuel Aiken taught the first school.

Dlstrict No. 150. - This formed a part of the sixth district, and was organized near the close of the sixties. The following year a schoolhouse was erected, 18x28 feet, at a cost of 8800. The first sc1kk)1 teacher was Miss Dura Gilmore.

District No. 64 wiis taken from Nob. 5 and 6, and in the seventies was organized and a schoolhouse, 18x24 feet, erected on section seventeen, It has been known as the "White Sohoolhonse" und is a prominent landmark.

DiSTitrr No. 168. - A schoolbouae was erectecl in 1873, and the first school taught by Mrs. Robert Benedict. The present officers are : Clerk, Mrs. Taber; Treasurer. B. J. Taber; Director, Robert Benedict.

The Newburo Norwegian Lutheran Con- GRBOATioN. - This was orp^anized about the year 1856, by Rev. F. C. Clausen, of Spring Grove, the first to officiate here as the minister, although Rev. V. Koreu had held services at the residence of Osten Gk)lberg prior to this time. For about eight years Mr. Clausen kept up the services, usually at the house of Bjorn Oleaen-^^Garnnas." In 1868, a frame church was completed, the congregation having been consolidated with a like society in Hesper, Iowa, but a disagreement arising as to the location of a church edifice, the union was dissolved after continuing for three years, so that alone the congregation put up their house of worship. The prominent men in church matters were, Iver Gulbrandson ''Ellestad" and Ole B. "Gamaas.''

Rev. H. A. Stub was a prominent minister at this time. There was an effort made to transform tlie society into a Methodist one, but it was not accomplished. The congregation was afterwards in charge of Rev. K. Magelssen, of Highland Prairie. In 1880, he surrendered the charge to Rev. E. P. Jensen, of Spring Grove, who is the present pastor. It is located on section eight.

Newbttrg Villaoe

In the summer of 1853, Hans Valder and family, with six other men and their families, came to this place from La Salle county, Illinois. Mr. Valder located on section eight, the site of the village. At first a log structure, 14x16 feet, afforded his family a shelter. Basswood bark was peeled off to form a roof, and some boards were obtained from Decorah for a floor. He named the place Newburg, which became the Post-office and the town name.

The Post-office was secured in 1854, with Mr. Valder as Postmaster. On the 18th of Deceml>er, 1855, the village having .been platted, was recorded. Three days after Mr. Valder estnbhshed himself, Hans Ameson came and began the building of a blacksmith shop of poplar poles, 10x12 feet, which was the first shop of this kind within a circuit of fifteen miles.

Mr. Valder soon made an addition to his cabin home and put in a few groceries, and a short time afterwards Mr. G. CTahrielsou came, and in September, 1855. began business in Mr. Valder's shanty. Three months later he built a log building, 16x20 feet, which was the first regular store in the village. His first stock of goods was procured in Brownsville of J. H. Smith, and consisted of fifty ))ounds of coffee, two pieces of cotton slieetiiig, two piec<\s of denims, several pieces of calico, and a few yanke<» notions, the whole bill footing up about SI 00. Afterwards he begjm buying goods in Dubuque. He has Iwn in business ever since, except a vacation of four years 8i)ent on a trip to Norway.

On the 22dof November, 1880, Messrs. Shirven k Spaude succeeded Mr. Gabrielson, and Mr. Shirven alone now has the business, the only store in the village.

Hotel. - Mr. Valder's house, from the very first, was used as a tavern, but in 1858, he built a more commodious house, with a bam, and called it the **Newburg House." He continued to keep hotel until early in the seventies, when his son conducted i*^^, and afterwards Mr. N. Phili{)S, and lastly Dr. George Nye, who, alH>ut 1879, moved away, and since that time no public house has been kept here.

The Newiu^ko Methodist Enst^oPAL CJon- OKEOATION. - The organization of this society was on the 20th of May, 18fi0, under the suj^ervision of Rev. H. H. Haaland, in whose charge a church was built the same year, and he remained through the following year. He was succeeded by Rev. N. Christopherson. Rev. Halverson Knudson succeeded him, then came Rev. Halverson A. Johnson and Rev. Mr. Lind(piist. Following the latter were Rev A. Olson, Rev. O. L. Hanson, Rev. Mr. Knudson, and Rev. A. Olson again, who is the prasent pastor.

Religious services by adherents to this faith were early held in Mr. Valder's bam, and in his house. The size of the church is 28x86 feet. Mr. Andrew Hanson, of Spring Grove, had the contract for building the edifice, which was done from

This is a name that has been familiar to people in this region for twenty- five years, but a stranger, having read the nnmeroos guide boards on bis journey hitherward, might pass through the city without knowing it; but an inqury into its history may not be uninteresting.

In the spring of 1853, two brothers, Edmund and Henry Bell, started from Mercer county, Ohio, with teams of horses and mules, and a stock of about $500 worth of goods. Stopping in Lansing they procured some lumber, and after a journey of twenty-one days arrived at this point, put up their shanty, and opened their goods which they began inimediately to sell. They also began to break up and cultivate some land. The lumber cost them, laid down at their door, $58 per 1,000 feet. Lansing, which was thirty miles away, was the nearest from which to replenish their stock of goods. Their building was 20x24 feet, with a shingle roof, which was considered a great luxury at that time. After the first season the goods were procured from Brownsville, and one occasion it took one of the Bells and Mr. Selfridge, of Brownsville, with another man seven days to make the trip in one direction with a wagon. The mercantile business was continued up to 1861. In 1862, Mr. Edmund Bell, securing the kindly offices of Hon. H. M. Rice, who represented in part the new State in Oongress, procured the establishment of a Postoffioe, and he held the appointment of Postmaster for about nine years. G. B. Reynolds was his sucoassor. The name of the office was BeUviUe. When "Mabel" was created it was changed to that. A sohoolhouse was erected here to accommodate the sixth district at an early day, and with a hotel and two or three residences, constituted the village of Bellville, which, like many other places, is larger on the map than when visited in person. And this is the history of the village.

This is emphatically a railroad village, springing into existence on the advent of the "Narrow Gauge," like the fabled cities in mythological times. It was platted by Frank Adams, the Chief Engineer of the railroad, and in memory of a little daughter of his, who had been taken away, gave the place the name of Mabel. The land was bought of Mr. William Loomis and Charles Taber, who had already given forty feet in width as a right of way.

Business started at once, as it was a point where there must be shipping to and from the railroad, and it must become an entrepot as well as a depot for the accommodation of quite an area of good farming country. Jones Brothers, of Hesper, Iowa, and E. L. ToUefson, of Riceford, were among the first to go into general merchandising.

Mabeij Creamery. - In October, 1881, Mr. W. E. Stanton came here, and at once commenced the erection of a creamery, and in November it was completed at a cost of $1,500. In January, 1882, a feed-mill was also put in. At first cream was obtained for only about fifty pounds a day, but now it turns off 600 pounds of butter daily. It is in contemplation to double the size of the building. Cream is collected by twelve teams over an area equal to about six townships. Its product commands the highest price, as it is considered every way equal to the Elgin or any other first quality butter. The value of such an institution to the whole community can hardly be overestimated.

The amount of freight received and shipped from January 1st, 1881, to January 1st, 1882, was: received, 2,216,302 pounds; shipped, 5,250,805 pounds, as shown by the courtesy of Mr. O. B. Wilson, the agent at this place.

There is a large amount of business here, and perhaps a dozen dealers in the various lines. There is no doubt as to the steady and continuous prosperity of the village, which will be enhanced by the constant increase in the variety of the productions of this region. The shipment of stock is already large, and the change from a sole dependanoe on wheat as a remunerating crop, to com, to stock, and dairy products, is increasing trade in almost every direction, except that of expensive agricultural machinery, which has ruined so many.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - Meetings have been held by this denomination since the village first started, and a new frame church is now in process of construction.

Biographical

Enok Anderson was bom near Trondhjem, Norway, on the 10th of March, 1843. He resided at home until the age of thirteen, and four years later began learning the blacksmith trade in the latter city, serving an apprenticeship of three years, and theu working for himself two years. In 1865, he came to America, resided in Rock county, Wisconsin, a short time, and then removed to Spring Grove, Houston county, where he built the first blacksmith shop in the place, and continued there seven years. He was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony on the 25th of January, 1866, his wife being Miss Ingebor Johnson. Their union was blessed with six children; Andreas, Anna S., Sophie, Johan, Edward, and Bemhard. They moved to this place in 1872, and purchased a farm in section twenty. His companion departed this life on the 25th of June, 1881. Her remains are interred in the churchyard near his residence. A fine marble monument (the best in the cemetery) marks the spot of her resting place.

Erasmus M. Adams is a native of Erie county, New York, bom on the 30th of September, 1834. In 1855, he took a trip to Wisconsin and Iowa, returning home in about six months. On the 1st of J une, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Adams, and resided on a farm until 1870. Mr. Adams then sold his land, and again visited Wisconsin and also Kansas, but came to Kushford, FDlmore county, the same year, and the following January purchased a farm in section six, Newburg township, which has since been their home. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have three children; Ella C, Ada M., and Silas R

GuNDER AusTENSON is a native of Norway, bom on the 4th of November, 1836. At the age of sixteen he was engaged on a merchant vessel, trading on the coast of Norway, Sweden, and Prussia, and can tell many interesting incidents in connection with a seafaring life. He came to America in 1857, locating in La Salle county, Illinois. On the 11th of September, 1860, he was imited in marriage with Miss Martha 0. Christopherson. They came to Fillmore county in 1861, and bought a farm near Lanesboro, where they resided for a time and still own. Mr. and Mrs. Austenson have had ten children, nine of whom are living, six boys and three girls. They moved to this place in 1877, and their farm is located in sections five and eight.

Alfred Buck was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of November, 1843. The family moved to De Kalb county, Hlinois, where Alfred remained until the age of twenty-one, then removed to Fayette county, Iowa. There he bought an interest in a mill, but five years later sold his sliareaud movod to Fjrt Atkinson, Iowa, and built a miU. On the 27th of December, 1868, he was joined in marriage with Miss Mary J. Searaons. Six children have been bora of this union, four of whom are living; Sarah E., Daniel T., Cora E. and Flora B. Mr. Buck traded his mill in the latter place for his present mill property in 1875, moved his family, and has since lived here.

Edmund Bell, the founder of Bellville, is a native of Indiana county, Pennsylvania, bora on the 5th of June, 1821. His father, John Bell, wa.s bora in Belfast, Ireland, and came to America when twenty -one years old. He soon after married, in New Jersey, Miss Betsey Palmer. They moved to Pennsylvania and resided until their death, some tliirty years ago. Edmund left home at the age of fourteen years, and was employed on the canal between Pittsburg and Philadelphia about seven years, later in the iron business, and finally engaged in buying horses and mules in Ohio and shipping them to his native State. He was joined in marriage, on the 27th of January, 1848, to Miss Mary Allen, also of Pennsylvania. They came to Minnesota in 1853. About two years after locating here Mr. Bell had a Post-office and mail route established, the route being from Brownsville, by way of Bellville, to Elliota, and he was appointed Postmaster, the office being named BeUville. By the aid of the Territorial Legislature he succeednd in having a territorial road from this place to Lake Albert Lea. He had the first stock of goods in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have had nine children, eight of whom are living; John, Charles, Frank, Walter, James, Harvey, Edmund, and Evalynne.

Leonard Bacon is a son of Leonard Bacon who was bora in Litchfield county, Connecticut; was married when quite young tmd moved to Oneida county, New York, where they were among the early settlers. Leonard, the subject of this sketch, was bora in the latter county on the 24th of April, 1816. He came to tliis town in 1864, and purchased a farm in section twenty-one, where he hap since lived. He has been a member of the board of Supervisors and held other local offices. Mr. Bacon has three sons and two daughters; Carrie, the wife of J K. Strout; David and Dexter, living at home; Willis C, and Hattie B., who is now Mrs. Cecil Steward.

tambar, 1852. Wben he was eleven years old he came with his parents to Minnesota, and was engaged iti farm labor when not attending school. In 1872, he commenced teaching, and has taught nine terms. On the 28th of April, 1880, Miss Irene Thomas l>ecame his wife. They resided on a farm one year, and then Mr. Bacon purchased a store in the village of Mabel, where he has since done business and holds the office of Postmaster; he was also a member of the board of Supervisors two years.

Sitj.\s 0. Brace was horn on the 25th of August, 1851, in Cattaraugus county. New York. His parents moved to Iowa when he was two years old, but six years later his father died and the family returned to New York. In 1865, his mother married William Loomis, and the same year came t.o Minnesota, settling in this township. Silas worked on the farm summers and attended school during the winter months until 1872, when he commenced teaching. On the 6th of July, 1873, his marriage with Miss Ella M. Dibble was solemnized. They removed to Martin county the same year, but soon returned, and has since been engaged in teaching and farming. He is now located in Mabel, where his wife has a millinery store. Mr. Brace was elected Town Clerk at the last annual election.

Jonah Cadwalder, an early settler of this place, was boni in JefiFerson county, Ohio, on the 15th of August, 1815. His father was the owner of an extensive manufacturing establishment in that county, and Jonah was engaged with him until his death on tlie 22d of June, 1844. He remained at home with his mother until 1855, when he came west, traveled by water to Dubuque, Iowa, from which place he walked here and purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in sections twenty - nine and thirty. On the 3d of July, 1859, he was united in matrimony with Mrs. Sarah Stroud. Mr. Cadwalder sold his farm in 1867, with the intention of moving to Missouri, but soon after bought his present place in section thirty-four.

Christian O. Enger, a son of Ole J. and Mari Enger, dates his birth at Christiania, Norway, on the 14th of November, 1846. His father was a blacksmith, and this trade Christian learned at an early age. When he was seventeen years old he left home and was engaged at his trade in and near his native city until 1869, when he sailed for America. He came directly to Iowa, and was engaged at his trade in Waukon unlil the shop was destroyed by fire, after which, in company with his brother, he started a shop in De Soto, Wisconsin. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Mathea Geliue Ulshus on the 12th of August, 1869. In 1873, he built a shop in Bergen, Iowa, and three years later sold and bought a farm in Preble township, but soon after moved to Spring Grove, Houston county, and bought a farm which he traded for his present place in this township. In 1880, he built a blacksmith shop in the village of Mabel, the first in the plac*^, and is operating the same in company with M. L. Potter. Mr. Enger is considered the most competent mechanic in this section. He has had seven children, five of whom are living : Serine Maria, Sophie Ollie, Hans Otto, Johan Anton, and Andrias.

Even H. Evenron, a son of one of the pioneers of Spring Grove, Houston county, was bom in that town on the 4th of January, 1855. He resided with his parents until 1873, when his father died. He then commenced learning photography, and when he became proficient in the art, opened a gallery in Spring Grove, then moved to Caledonia, and thence to Riceford. He was joined in marriage with Miss Christi Gullingsrud on the 27th of December, 1875. Three daughters have been born to the union; Barbara Evada, Inger Sophia, and Annie Caroline. Mr. Evenson was engaged in business in Kensett, Iowa, eight months, then in Riceford until the village of Mabel was organized, when he came here and opened a gallery. He is a fair artist and is well patronized.

Joseph R. Griswold, a native of Jackson county, Vermont, was bom on the 27th of J annary, 1830. His father died in Chicago when Joseph was an infant, and when ten years old, Mr. E. M. Rider was appointed his guardian with whom he lived seven year.->. He then commenced leaming the carpenter trade, which he followed until the age of twenty -four. On the 7th of December, 1852, he was married to Miss Nancy L. Goodrich. Mr. Griswold soon after bought a door, sash, and blind factory in Middlebury, Vermont, which he operated four years, then worked at carpentering one year. In 1856, he came west, settled near Hesper, Iowa, and three years later bought his present farm in this township. In sickness Mrs. Griswold became insane, and had to be taken to the hospital at, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where she died on the 27th of January, 1870. In 1877, Mr. Griswold met with a loss of about $1,200, his barn with contents burning to the ground. His children are Isabella A., now Mrs. Charles Wilde, living in Boomer; Edmund A., married and living in He8i)er, Iowa, and Winfield M., who is still at home.

Hans Bjornson **Garnaa.s'' was honi in Hallingdahl, Norway, in Deceml)er, 1834. He came with his parents to America in 1853, resided for a short time in Pine Creek, Iowa, and in the wint<?r of 1854, came to this township where his fatJier bought land in section seventeen. In 1860, Hans purchased a farm in section fifteen, and the same year married Miss Live Olson. Twelve children have betm bom of this union, only tive of whom are living; Bottolf, Ole, Samuel, Julia, and Ida. Three daughters, Ida, Secelia, and Lizzie M., died in one week of diptheria. In 1865, the subject of this sketch sold his former farm and moved to section two where he owns two hundred and forty acresLof fine land, upon which are commodious buildings of sui^erior taste and design. He also has a fine orchard.

Aix)Nzo GusTAVous Gray, one of the early settlers and representative business men of this place, was bom in Chenango county. New York, on tlie 12tb of January, 1822. He locateti in section seven in this township in 1855, built a log house, 16x20 feet, and many times would wake up in the morning and find his bed covered with snow. He now owns two hundred acres of land, most of which is cultivated, and adorned with good farm buildings. His parents lived with him until their death. Mr. Gray was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Ann Murch on the 26th of January^ 1845. The issue of the union was five children, three of whom are living; Archibald D., Clerk of the District Court of Fillmore county; Andrew, a farmer in this county, and Mary, living at home.

OiiE B. Gabnaas was bom in Norway in December, 1826. He came witli his parents to America in 1853, and the following year settled in this township, Ole residing with his parents until 1858, when he bought his present farm in section seventeen. In December of the same year he was married to Miss Bergitt Nelsdatter, who dates her birth the 27th of July, 1842. The result of the union is eleven children, nine of whom are living; Sesil, Berat, Nels, Henry, Olais, Annie, Bertha, Maria, and Martin Julius. Mr. Gamaas was one of the organizers of the church in this place.

came to America with the family in 1853. He lived at home until his marriage in November, 1860, to Miss Gunhild Knudson, daughter of Embrick Knndson, one of the early settlers of Spring Grove, Houston county. They have had t«u children, seven of whom are living; Sefiil, Bernt, Erabrick, Henry, Caroline, Johan and - . Mr. Gamaas owns over three hundred acres of good land, the greater portion of which is cultivated, having good substantial buildings.

Gabriel Gabrtelson, the first merchant in this place, was bom in Norway on the 15th of September, 1825. He lived with his parents on a farm until the age of fifteen years, when he went to the city of Stavanger and entered on a mercantile career. He emigrated to America in 1854, resided one year in La Salle county, Illinois, where he clerked in a store, then came here and opened the first store in the place. On the 15th of August, 1857, Miss Isabell Eastman became his wife. Mr. Gabrielson was one of the first officers aud organizers of the town, was Assessor two terms, has been a meml)er of the board of County Commissioners, Postmaster, etc. In 1880, he retired from business, having continued, with the exception of four years on a visit in Norway, since first starting.

Waloot N. Gilmore is a native of Geauga county, Ohio, and dates his birth the 18th of April, 1830. When he was ten years old his parents moved to Racine county, Wisconsin, which was the home of Walcot until the age of twenty-two years. He had then accumulated, from sundry earnings, about $100, and started on foot for Lansing, Iowa, where he engaged in cutting and shipping cord wood. He after\i ard, in comptmy with his brother-in-law, E. Wait, opened a grocery and butcher shop and two years later (1855) they came to Minnesota and purchased land in Spring Grove, Houston county. Mr. Gilmore came to Newburg and bought a farm, and four years later sold and purchased a portion of his present land, three hundred and twenty acres in sections thirteen and twenty-four. He commenced farming on a large scale, and with constant labor and energy added from time to time, and is now one of the most extensive land owners in this section, the greater portion of his farms being under cultivation. On the 8th of September, 1858, he married Miss Mahala E. Rowe, who bore him three children ; Addison H., Vernon H., and Mary Phoebe. She died on the 22d of March, 1871. His present wife was formerly Miss Lucy L. Van Doren. The result of the latter union has been three children; Wolcot N., William Oscar, and Richard Anson. In 1873, Mr. Gihnore was elected to the State Legislature and has been Assessor and Supervisor in this town several terms. He made a trip to California in 1873, and in 1876 visited the Centennial Exposition. His son Addison now has charge of his real estate, he having recently 'retired from farming and is devoting his time to buying and shipping stock.

Ole Hendrickson is a native of Norway, bom in Stavanger in 1826. He lived at home until twenty-one years old when he married Miss Malin Nelson, and soon after began farming for himself. In 1860, tlfey came to America and remained a short time in La Salle county, Illinois, from whence they came to this county. Mr. Hendrickson bought land in Preble township, where they lived until 1880, when they moved to the village of Newburg. Mr. and Mrs. Hendrickson have a family of eight children, two of whom live in the Red River Volley.

Ole Helgbson, a native of Norway, was bom on the 29th of January, 1829, and came with his parents to America in 1850. They resided in Rock county, Wisconsin, and later in Iowa, until 1857. In 1856, Ole was united in marriage with Miss Isabell Olsen. The year following they came to Newburg township and bought land in section twenty-one, which has since been their home. Mr. Helgeson has for some time been one of the officers of his school district. He is the father of seven children.

Paul Halvorsen, was bom in Norway on the 8th of December, 1826, and lived with his parents until thirteen years old, from which time he was obliged to seek his own living. In 1850, he married Kari Halvorsen, and the same year emigrated to America. They resided first in Rock county, Wisconsin, moving to Winneshiek county, Iowa, in 1854, where Mr. Halvorsen built a log cabin, 12x13 feet, with birch bark roof, in which they lived six years, then erected a more commodious residence. In about 1860, he visited his native country, also England, Germany, and Denmark, and on returning brought with him his aged mother and two sisters. The former died in 1877, at the age of ninety years. In 1866, Mr. Halvorsen sold his real estate in Iowa, and the next year bought improved land in section five, Newburg township, which is his present farm. His wife died in 1872. Helena Johnson was the maiden name of his present wife whom he married on the 20th of May, 1874. They have been blessed with three childen; Henry J., Caroline S. and Ida A.

Stephen W. Hlatt, son of Eliel and Mary Hiatt, was bom in Hamilton county, Indiana, on the 25th of December, 1834, where his father owned a small farm and worked at shoemaking. Stephen lived with bis parents until the age of fourteen, when, being the oldest of several children, he went from home to provide for himself. He worked by the day or month as chance offered until 1853, when he bought a yoke of oxen and spent his time in logging until 1855. He was married on the 11th of August, 1853, to Miss Almira Hamlin, daughter of John and Lydia Ham-' lin, bom in Stark county, Ohio, on the 6th of February, 1836. On the 27th of September, 1866, Stephen and his wife with their first bom, a son fourteen mouths old, started for Winneshiek county, Iowa, with three yoke of oxen and one wagon. They arrived there in October and remained four years on a farm where the village of Hesper is now situated. Leaving there, they purchased a farm of forty acres in Newburg township, Fillmore county, on which they resided until 1870, then bought their present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section thirty-five. His farm is well cultivated, and has one of the finest orchards in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Hiatt have had seven children; Charlie A., Clarissa J., John H., Mariette A., Nellie L., who died at the age of two years and three months; Amy E., and Stephen W. The eldest son and the two elder daughters are married and live in this vicinity.

George Harkness, Jr., was bom in Richmond, Cheshire county. New Hampshire, on the 23d of June, 1809. He was the third child of Qeorge and Betaey Harkness. When he was fifteen years old his parents moved to Addison county, Vermont. His early life was spent in farming, and later as a wagon-maker. On the 9th of March, 1837, he was married to Miss Mary T. Battey. They came to Minnesota in 1857, and settled in section twenty-five, Newburg township, where they lived till the death of Mrs. Harkness, on the 8th of February, 1879. Ten children were bora to this worthy couple, four girls and six boys. Susanna, the eldest, died in 1878; Lysander G. served in the Indian war of 1862, and perished in a snow-storm between forts Wadsworth and Bidgelj in 1865; Lois B. died when fourteen years of age. The remaining ones are Betsey E., John W., Joel B., Mary P., Jesse S., Wilson J., and Newton L., all of whom, excepting the last, were bom in Vermont and are now married.

JoEX B. Harkness, a son of George Harkness, was bom in Addison county, Vermont, on the 9th of August, 1848. He came with his parents to this place in 1857, and lived on his father^s farm until twenty-six years old. He then married Miss Ruth A. Hall, of Hesper, Iowa, and a few years later purchased a farm in section twenty-five, near his father's, and has since lived here.

John P. Johnson was bom in Norway, on the 20th of November, 1841. He came to America with his parents in 1853. Resided in Dane county, Wisconsin, four years, then in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where his father, Peter Johnson, stiD lives. In 1865, John, in partnership with his brother Andrew, bought land in section fourteen, Newburg township, and afterward in section eleven, which farms they owned together several years, but subsequently dividing, John retained the latter. He was married on the 11th of July, 1871, to Miss Britha Nelson. The union has been blessed with five children; Julia A., Nels J., Betsey M., Peter A., and John.

Andbbw p. Johnson, brother of the subject of the preceding sketch, was also bora in Norway, his birth dating the 29th of September, 1843, After coming to America he purchased land in company with his brother, as above stated, and now resides in section fourteen. He was united in matrimotiy, in Allamakee county, Iowa, in 1865, with Miss Rachel Severson. They have had eight children, seven of whom are living; Peter A., Annie, Julia, Sever, Oscar, Albert, and Henry Adolph.

Bbnjamin Johnson is a native of Norway, bom in November, 1835. His father died when Benjamin was quite young, and until 1857, he worked for his older brother, then came to America, and direct to this township. A year later he went to Illinois, where, on the 25th of November, 1861, he enlisted in the Fifty- third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, was in a number of skirmishes, and received a severe scalp wound at the battle of Matamoras. His health was greatly impaired, and on the 9th of April, 1863, he received a discharge on aocouot of disability. On the 2d of November, 1863, Miss Cordelia Olson became his wife. They came to Fillmore county the same fall, and the following spring bought land in sections four and five, but a year later removed to their present farm near the village. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have bad seven children, five of whom are living ; Mary H., Clara L., Henry E., James H., and Joseph E. In gar C. died when eleven months old, and Ingman when sixteen months old.

Frank P. Jones is a native of Ohio, bom in Jefferson county, on the 30th of November, 1846. When he was nine years old, his parents came to Fillmore county, and resided about fifteen years, then moved to Hesper, Iowa. Frank was engaged as clerk in a dry goods store at Hesper for eight years. In 1877, Mr. Jones, in partnership with C. J. Tannes, opened a hardware store in Hesper village, and when the Narrow Gauge railroad was completed to Mabel, they moved here and have since done a good business, carrying a full line of hardware, agricultural implements, sewing machines, etc.

Rev. OiiE Christian Jacorson is a native of Norway, bom in Sandnas, on the 17th of May, 1852. After he had finished the navigation course, he went to sea, and in 1874, came to America. He resided in Chicago, where he studied theology in the Mission Seminary, completing the term in 1881. He was afterward engaged by the American Bible Society a short time. On the 2d of July, 1881, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Bertha M. Hanson, whose birth dates the 5th of January, 1852, in Troudhjera, Norway. They came from Chicago to Decorah, Iowa, and thence to Beloit, Wisconsin, performing missionary work for the Norwegian Augustana Synod. In 1882, Mr. Jacobson received a temporary call to his present charge, the Norwegian Lutheran congregation of Newburg.

William Loomis, one of the pioneers of the town, is a native of Cattaraugus county. New York, where his birth occurred the 18th of April, 1824. He came to this place and located his present claim in 1853, beginning immeiUately to make improvements. Mr. Loomis has been married three times; first in 1857, and again ten years later to Mrs. R Brace, who died in November, 1874. Mis present wife was formerly Catharine Maria McCrary. When the Chicago, MilwauLee & Westem railroad was in process of constraction, Mr, Loomis donated to the compimy a strip of land forty feet wide half way across his farm.

Duncan McjLachlan was born east of Newfoundland, on board ship "Ellen " of which his father was Captain, his home being in Bentshiro, Scotland. He finislied his education when twenty-two years old, and came to America, locating in Delaware county New York, where he was engaged in the butcher business. In 1858, he was married to Miss Eliza Mungcr, who ditni in 1872^ leaving three children, who are now living with their grand-mother in New York. In 1873, Mr. McLachlan came to Decf)rah, Iowa, and in 1880, to this place, still continuing in the butcher businoss, opening the first shop of the kind in town. He afterwards sold out, and is now engaged in buying st^ick and shipping to the Chicago markets.

CAROTiTNE Miles, widow of Gef)rge Miles, deceased, who was one of the pioneers of this town, and Imm in England, on the 7th of July, 1822. When he was ten years old, the family emigrated to America, stopped in Montreal about two years, and from thence to Addison county, Vermont, where his parents still live. George was a millwright and wheelwright by trade, which occupation he followed until 1855, when he came to this town and selected a claim. During that summer he assisted in putting up a steam saw-mill at Hesper, Iowa, and remained in that State till the next April, when he moved to his land and commenced improvements. On the 10th of April, 1845, his marriage with Miss Caroline Worth was solemnized. The union was blessed with four children ; Florence, now Mrs. C. G. Burt, lives at Hesper; Gteorge D., Estella C, and Carol H., the latter three still enjoying the comforts and shelter of the parental roof. Flora C. Cameron, a niece of Mrs. Miles, whose mother died when Flora was an infant, has been adopted by her. Mr. Miles died on the 30th of Novembar, 1865. During his residence he took a prominent part in the organization of schools, churches, etc.

Georoe E. Miller is a son of G. Miller, who was born in Vermont and moved to New York in an early day. G«orge was bom in the latter State on the 9th of March, 1852, and came with his parents to Minnesota when two years old. They located in Canton township, and resided there until 1875, then moved to Mason City, Iowa, whore they still live. George was married on the

7th of October, 1875, to Miss Louisa Welch. They have since made their home in section six, Newburg township. Their children are Myrtle E., Lulu B., and Bimie Garfield.

.T(^SEPH G. Miner was bom in Vermont, in March, 1835. When he was sixteen years old he came to America with his parents, located in Brx'k county, Wisconsin, and bought a farm in this place about two and a half years later. On the 9th of Miirch, 1859, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Sarah T. Harkness, and moved to the farm he hail previously bought. In 1872, they sold here and moved to Martin county, but three years later located in Winneshiek county, Iowa, and the year following, near Mabel, where they remained until the spring of 1881, and moved to their present home. Mr. Miner has held the office of Town Clerk, Constable, and for the past four years has been Assessor. Mr. and Mrs. Miner have had two children, only one of whom is living.

Charles M. Moroan is a son of Harley M. Morgan, one of the pioneers of Jackson county, Iowa, where he was bom on the 24th of August, 1847. In 1856 the family moved to Winneshiek coimty, Iowa, where they still reside. At the age of sixteen Charles began working at the carpenter trade which he has followed ever since. He had an interest in a foundry and machine shop at Hesper for a time. On the 13th of January, 1869, ho was joined in marriage with Miss Laura L. Hubbell. For the last ten years Mr. Morgan has been the leading contractor and builder through this section; he built the public schoolhouse, the Friends, Lutheran, and M. E. churches at Hesper, the Lutheran church at Newburg, and the bank at Mabel, besides a number of minor buildings. In the fall of 1880, he moved his machinery and shops from Hesper to Mabel, where he now operates some of the finest machinery for wood turning, moulding, scroll work, etc.

John M. Monroe, one of the oldest settlers now living in this place, was bom in Cortland county. New York, on the 29th of Noveml)er, 1811. His father died when John was a child, leaving a widow and .six children in nearly destitute circumstances. Hia mother and sisters found employment at weaving, and when John was twelve years old he was engaged by neighboring farmers. At the age of eighteen years he moved with his step-father (his mother having again married) to Cattarangos county. While there be married Miss R< )xy Willis, the event taking place on the 28th of July, 1833. They emigrated to Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and remained five years when they returued to Cattaraugus county. In the fall of 1849, they came to Rockford, Illinois, and resided until the 3d of June, 1852. Then, with one span of horses and two yoke of oxen, the family set out fm the **we8tem wilds." They crcjssed the Mississippi at Dubuque, and aft^r one month of hard traveling and exposure, reached this township and staked out a claim in what is ilow section twenty -six, where they have since lived. Mr. Monroe was one of the organizers of the town, and also of his school district, and Postmaster of Bellville Post-office for twelve years. Although having had his full share of the privations and struggles of life, he is still hale and hearty.

Chkistian T. Olson, a son of Thore Olson, was the first white child bom in the township of Preble, Fillmore county, his birth dating the 22d of Octoljer, 1854. On tbe Ist of January, 1872, he was joined in marriage with Miss Anna Olson, who has borne him five children; Theodore, Anna, Ole, Charlie, and Casper. They resideil in Polk county for one year, then returned to this county aud bought a farm in section five, Newburg township, which has since been their home.

Ira Morey was born in Vermont on the 13th of March, 1818, and lived with his partrnts on a farm until the age of twenty-one years. In 1844, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Elizabeth Goodrich, and so(>n afterward moved to Boone couuty, Illinois. Three years later they sold and came to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where they resided ten years, then removed to this place and bought a claim in section six where they have lived ever since.

Cait. Maxson L. PoTTKit is one of thirteen children \yom to Clark and Elizal)eth (Miller) Potter. His father was born in Rhode Island, in the year 1801, and his mother was of German parentage. They lived in Allegany county, New York, where Maxson was bom on the 18th of February, 1832. When he was five years old his father moved with his family to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where our subject resided until the age of twenty-five years. He then came to Minne- 8t>ta, took a claim in Mower county, but shortly after engaged in a saw-mill at Chatfield. On the 1st of March, 1857, he returned to Pennsylvania, and in May following was married to Miss Adelaide Griswold, a native of Ashtabula county, Ohio. He returned with his wife to Minnesota, and in 1859, settled in this township. In August, 1862,. he enlisted in Company E, of the Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, was mustered into servicx3 the following September, and in the spring joined Gen. Sibley's exjjedition over the plains, met with several Indian skirmishes and returned in one year. In October, 18fi3, was ordered South, remained in St. Louis during the winter, but in the spring took to the field. Mr. Potter was made Second Lieutenant of his company, then after the First Lieutenant was killed assumed that position and finally was promoted to Captain. In the two day's fight at Nashville he was severely wounded in the arm while leading a charge, but recovered and participated in several engagements afterward. Was in the capture of the city of Mol)ile on the 13th of April, 1865, the last battle of the war. Capt. Potter returned with his comi)any to Fort Snelling that fall aud received his discharge. After his return he opened a blacksmith shop on his farm, which he continued until 1872, then moved to Lenora, but is now in company with C. O. Euger in the town of Mal)el. Mr. Potter held . the office of Justice of the Peace four . successive terms in this place, and was honored with threes elections to the same office in Lenora, but then refused to serve longer. In 1877, he was apix)inted to fill a vacancy in the board of County Commissioners, wtis subsetjuently elected to the same, and still acts in the office.

CiiAKLi>5 B. Keynolds, oue of the early settlers of this place, is a native of Ksw^x couuty. New York, his birth dating the 15th of August, 1826. He remained at home with his mother until the age of twenty-one years, his father having died when Charles was but a child. He was married to Miss Sarah J. Welch, but the union resulted in unhappiness and was dissolved. Mr. Keynolds came to Minnesota in 1855, and located in sections twenty - five and twenty-six in this township. On the 11th of February, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, of the Tenth Minnesota V^olunteers; went to Fort Snelling and thence S4mth, and was immediately sent to the front. Participated in the three days' fight at Tu|)elo, Mississippi, soon after which he was taken sick, caused by the concussion received while lying on the gnmnd near the artillery guns when in the above battle. His hearing became greatly impaired, which he has never fully regained. When partially recovered he had charge of the wards in the hospital, but persisted in being with his company. He was sent to Chicago in December, 1864, and thence to Louisville, Nashville, Paducah, and Eastport, Alabama, where he joined his old regiment. Was then ordered to New Orleans, and encamped for two weeks on Andrew Jackson's battle field of 1812. Was then ordered to Mobile Bay and took part in the siege of Spanish Fort, and thence to Montgomery and Selma, but was again compelled to submit to hospital care at the latter place. After one week he pnrsuaded the surgeon in charge to allow him to join his regiment, but remained only a short time when he was again sent to the hospital and the regiment went on to Meriden, Mississippi. He again prevailed on tha physician in charge to allow him to be forwarded to his regiment and one month later, on the 1st of August, 1866, the regiment was ordered home. He arrived at Fort Snelling, and was discharged on the 19th of August. His weight was 166 pounds when he enlisted, but the day he left Fort Snelling he barely turned the beam at 116 pounds, anil was upwards of two years recovering his strength. He was married in 1870 to Miss Sarah A. Cater. They have a family of several children, and are blessed with the necessary comforts of life.

William Bobinson, one of the leading stock raisers in this section, is a native of Ireland, born in county Antrim on the 22d of June, 1823. At the age of twenty-two he left his native country for America, landing in New York the 2d of December, 1846. By hard labor and small speculations, in seven years he accumulated enough money to buy a farm in Rock county, Wisconsin, where he settled in 1854, although he had lived in Wisconsin since 1847. In 1858, he went to the Pacific coast, bought property at the terminus of the Canadian Pacific railroad and remained ten years. He married Miss Janett Haddin, a native of Scotland, in September, 1859. In 1870, Mr. Robinson sold his land in Wisconsin and purchased his present farm in this place, which for several years he has leased, devoting his time to raising live stock. He was the first to introduce the famous Clydesdale horses in this part of the country, having ten head of this race, the most prominent l»eing **Emperor," who has taken six first prizes at the fairs in this and adjoining counties. The next is his two year old "Baronet," and a $1,000 brood mare from Scotland. Mrs. Bobinson died on the 3d of December, 1875, having borne three children, two of whom are now living; John and James.

Labs Reibbson "Halstenrud" is a native of Norway, and dates his birth in Sigdahl on the 3d of June» 1817. He lived on a farm with his parents until 1843, when he emigrat-ed to America and located in Rock county, Wisconsin. On the 26th of November, 1846, he married Miss Ingeborg Narveson. The^ moved to this township in 1854, and took a claim in section one, where Mr. Reierson dug a cellar in the side of a hill, covered it with hay and sod, which served as a dwelling two months, then erected a more commodious building, in which they have since lived. Mr. and Mrs. Reierson have had five children; Helga, the eldest, was married to Ole J. Hang, and died on the 18th of May, 1874, leaving one son, who now lives with his grandparents; Reier began the study of theology in the Lutheran College in Decorah, Iowa, later in St. Louis, and was ordained as minister in the Lutheran faith in 1875, serving as assistant in the Spring Grove church until his death the 27th of October, 1879; Narve owns a farm near his father's; and Nela StockBeth and Gunhild still reside with their parents.

Daniel J. Shibvbn, present Postmaster of Newburg village, was bom in Norway on the 2d of April, 1853. At the age of seventeen years he engaged as a sailor, and continued the same until coming to America in 1872. He came directly to Fillmore county, and was employed by farmers in Preble township. He was married in 1878, to Miss Elizabeth R. Spande of the latter place; bought a farm and resided there till the fall of 1880, when he traded his property for a stock of goods and store in this place. He has since done a prosperous business, and owns the only store in the village. Mr. and Mrs. Shirven have two children ; Julius and Raymond.

HiAL N. Shebbubne, a son of Milton Sherburne, one of the early settlers here, was bom in Essex county, New York, on the 8th of November, 1838. He came with his parents to this place in 1855, settling in section twenty-five, which was his home until 1866, when he purchased a farm in section thirteen. The year previous he married Miss Susie Copeman, who was bom in Suffolk county, England, on the 31st of October, 1844. Thr.o children have been born to them; Lima, Fanny, and Frank. Mr. Sher>mme has held the office of Supervisor two terms, Treasurer one, and been one of the school officers ever since district No. 150 was organized.

Justus Seblye, one of the representative men of this town, is a native of Niagara county, New York, bom on the 17th of March, 1829. When he was three years old his parents moved to Chautauqua county, and were among the early settlers there. Three years later they went to Vail county, Pennsylvania, and soon after removed to Crawford county, where they lived until the death of the father in 1843. Justus then assumed charge of the family, and came to Minnesota and settled in this township in 1855. His mother died in 1864. Mr. Seelye was joined in matrimony on the 22d of October, 1869, to Miss Augusta C. Oren. One child, Minnie, is the issue of the union. The subject of our sketch has been a member of the board of Supervisors for a number of years.

Benjamin J. Tabeb was bom in the town of Lincoln, Vermont, on the 8th of November, 1825. His native State claimed him as a resident twentyseven years, having there married Miss Phoebe J. Meader on the 16th of September, 1846, and in 1853, they removed to Mount Gilead, Morrow tjounty, Ohio, and in 1857, they came to Hesper, Iowa, and Mr. Taber was employed at farming by his two brothers, who had come some years previous. In 1862, he bought land in this township, but did not move here till five years afterward. His wife died soon after coming west, on the 7th of January, 1860, leaving four children. Edwin G., the eldest, is now a minister of the Friend's Church, in Indian Territory; Julia E., now Mrs. Otis, lives in Poplar Ridge, New York; Francis W. died in St. Louis on the 22d of February, 1881 ; and Adelbert E. lives in Canada. Mr. Taber was again married on the 5th of January, 1862, the maiden name of his wife being Charlotte L. Rowe, daughter of W. H. Rowe, one of the pioneers of Spring Grove, Houston county.. This union has been blessed with one daughter, Mary A. Mr. Taber's farm is well cultivated, and the buildings are substantial and tastefully arranged.

ELiiEF L. ToLLEFsoN, onc of the leading business men in the village of Mabel, was bom in Norway on the 18th of April, 1839. When seven years old he came with his family to America and located in Wisconsin, remain iijg until 1862, when they removed to this township. EUef, although a young boy, assisted in the establishmant of a home in the wilderness and remained with his parents until the age of twenty -two years, when he commenced running a threshing machine. In 1864, he was joined in marriage with Miss Martha Benson, of Black Hammer, the ceremony taking place in Faribault. She died after seven years of married life, the three children that were born to them having gone before. About this time Mr. Tollefson opened a store at Newburg, and later, in Riceford, continuing in the latter place about five years. On the completion of the railroad to Mabel he erected a store and put in a large stock of furniture, is one of the proprietors of the Mabel Creamery and also engaged in buying and shipping live stock. He is the owner of considerable real estate, including four improved farms. The maiden name of his present wife was Betsey Ingebretson, whom he married in 1874.

Lewis L. Tollefson, the first white child bom in Fillmore county, dates his birth at Newburg on the 6th of July, 1852. He is the youngest son of Lars and Mary Tollefson who came to this place just before his birth. As soon as large enougli he commenced work on his father's farm attending school during the winter terms. On the 27th of June, 1877, he was married to Miss J uUa A. Rasmusen, a daughter of one of the pioneers of this county. One child is the issue of the union. Until the village of Mabel was organized Mr. Tollefson was engaged in agricultural pursuits, since which time he has built, and now carries on, the '^Mabel House."

David C. Taber, one of the early settlers and enterprising men of this town, is a native of the "Green Mountain State," where his birth occurred on the 15th of March, 1822, in the town of Lincoln, Addison county. His grandfather, Thomas Taber, came from New Bedford, Massachusetts, and settled in Montpelier about 1776. Bnjarain Taber, the father of our subject, moved from the latter place to Starksborough, Addison county, where, in 1808, he married Miss Phebe Carjjenter, a native of Dutchess county. New York. He was a physician and also a minister of the Society of Friends, which pursuits he followed until his death. David C. resided at home until twentythree years of age. On the 8th of October, 1845, he was married to Miss Harriet Heading of that place. The following spring he sold his farming interest and engaged with an elder brother in the plow business. Two years later they removed their business to Bristol in the same county where, with greatly increased facilities, they continued to maLufacture the widely circulate "Taber" plow. After a few years he sold out this business, and in 1855, came to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and commenced to build up the village of Hesper. He erected a saw and grist-mill, the first in that county, supplying the country with flour for many miles around. He was the first mail carrier on the route between Burr Oak and Hesper. In the fall of 1860, he built a house on a new farm previously secured in pection twenty-seven, Amherst township, where he has since lived. Poor health and high taxes at that time prevented many improvements and he, as well Jis other new settlers, wiis compelled to suffer many inconveniences. Like most "New Englanders" he became dissatisfied with a treeless prairie farm, and soon began setting out shelter and shade trees and planting hedge fences, all of which have proved very beneficial in many ways. Poles forty feet in length may now be cut from these groves. He also turned his attention to fruit culture, which was tlien thought impractical, and after a second trial succeeded in securing a good orchard. It is surroanded by a grove and bears from 100 to 150 bushels aimually. From the first lot of trees, however, originated the well known ^'Minnesota Crab** which has taken the premium at the State and County fairs for several years. The old tree can now be seen, a handsome tree, not prolific, but l)eariug fruit every season for the hist fifteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Taber have three grown children : Eunice M., now Mrs. J. L. Hall, of Kansas; Ella A., the wife of E. M. Sncll, residing in Mabel; and Charles D., who owus a farm near his father's, a part t)f which he donated to the proprietors of the town of Mabel for depot grounds.

CuAKLKs D. Taber, a son of the subject of the last sketch, was born in Hesper, Iowa, on the 5th of October, 1857. Wlien two years old, his parents moved to this place, where Charles lived and worked on his father's farm until the age of twenty years. On the 6th of March, 1880, Miss Laura Johnson became his wife. One daughter, Gracie, is their offspring. He owns a good farm.

America in 1850. They resided in Rook county, Wisconsin, until 1857, then came to this township where his father died in 1870. The mother resides with her son Lars. Mr. Thompson was married in March, 1870, to Miss Betsey ToUefson.

IvER Thompson, one of the early settlers of this place, is a native of Norway, bom in Stavanger, on the 24th of June, 1829. He learned the carpenter's trade, at which he was engaged until coming to America in 1848. Mr. Thompson first located in Chicago, where he remained two years, and there married Miss Celia Walder, the ceremony taking place on the 4th of July, 1850. They came to this county three years later and settled in Newburg township, where he was one of the organizers and first officers. In 1858, he moved to his present farm in the town of Newburg, where in 1862 his wife died, leaving six children. He then married Miss Bachel Walder, on the 2d of November, 1862. Mr. Thompson has had thirteen children, nine of whom are living; Edward R., a physician in Minneapolis; Charles A., real estate broker in Colorado; Richard E., attorney at law in Preston ; Andrew W., Deputy Register of Deeds of Fillmore county; Joseph S., Alfred T., Reuben C, Clarence R., and Anzonette J., living at home.

ANDEits Thompson was born in Stavanger, Norway, on the 3d of February, 1826. His mother died when he was six years old, and three years later he was obliged to go among strangers to seek his own livelihood. His father came to America in 1848, and settled in Wisconsin, where he died in 1856. Anders was married in 1853, to Miss Anne Gabrielson. They emigrated to America in 1862, directly to this place, and bought their present farm in section twenty-one. Of nine children bom to them, seven are living; Gabriel, Anna, Thomas, Andrias, Jacob, G. Valdemar, and Ed. Mrs. Thompson died on the 15th of October, 1872. The maiden name of his present wife was Johanna Jokumsdatter. Mr. Thompson owns a well cultivated farm, with a good frame residence.

Hans V^vldbr, the organizer of the village of Newburg, was bom in Stavanger, Norway, on the 18th of October, 1813. He lived with his parents on a farm until his marriage to Miss Bertha Gulhraug on the 22d of November, in 1835. Two years later they came to America, first to Michigan, and then to LaSalle county.

Illinois. His wife died iu the latter State on the 9th of June, 1844, leaving four children. He was again married on the 10th of April, 1845, to Miss Betsey* Ager, who bore him nine children. In the spring of 1853. Mr Valder formed a small colony of emigrants and came to Minnesota, and lix^ted on the present site of the village of Newburg, ( for description of which see Town History. ) Mrs. Valder died in 1860. His present wife was formerly Ellen Olsen, the marriage ceremony tak- ing place on the 15th of December, 1861. The fruit of this union is four children. Mr. Vahier was one of the first officers of the town, and has ever since continued to ^erve the village in some capacity. He represented this district in the Legislature one term, ond is now Chairman of the board of Supervisors, which position he has held several terms, having executed the $12,000 railroad bonds voted by the town in 1880. Although well advanced in years he is still hale and hearty.

Chapter Lviii

This township is constituted as originally outlined by the United States surveyors, and has Preble between it and Houston county on the east, and Canton between it and Iowa on the south. It is hemmed in by Preston on the west and Holt on the north.

The South Fork of Koot River traverses the southern part of the town, coming from the west and entering the township through the northwest quarter of section thirty-one, and wending its coarse eastward through sections twenty-nine, twenty -eight, twenty-seven, and twenty six, finally making an abrupt northward curve in the comer of section twenty-five, where it leaves Amherst township through the southeast quarter of section twenty -four, and mingles its waters with those of the south branch of Root River in the western part of Preble.

This township contains an area of 23,040 acres. The surface in the northern part is generally rolling prairie, interspersed with timber sufficient to make the land valuable. While the northern part of the town cannot be called rugged in the full sense of the word, yet it is the most broken portion of the township, the undulations and rolling portions of the prairie being more abrupt and n:arked than in any other part of the town.