Garretson City (part 2 of 3)

Thompson, John, the pioneer farmer of Sverdrup, was born in Norway, June 29, 1841, and came to this country in 1854. He was residing- in Wisconsin at the breaking- out of the war, and enlisted in Co. I, 7th Wisconsin, and served until April, 1862. During- the summer of that year he enlisted in Co. H,3()th Wisconsin, and served throug-h the war, until mustered out in October, 1865. He was a noncommissioned officer, and had the g-ood fortune of going- throug-h the war without receiving- a wound or being- taken prisoner. After leaving- the army he went to Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he soon after married Christine Haug-en. On the 4th day of June, 18()(), Mr. Thompson and John Nelson with their wives started for Dakota, each having- a pair of oxen, a cow and a wag-on. On the 29th day of June, the 25th birthday of Mr. Thompson, they arrived at Sioux Falls, and camped on the east side of the Sioux river. Within two or three days Mr. Thompson located on section 29 in Sverdrup, and filed a homestead claim. At first he put up four crotches, and built his first dwelling- place of poles and hay. In the fall of that year he built a log- house, 12x16, being- the first one built in this township; the roof of this building- was covered with soft maple shingles. He is now residing- on section 29, and has resided in Sverdrup long-er than any other citizen of that town. He now owns 597 acres of land in section 29, and 240 acres on the west side of section 28. He has in addition 236 acres of land in sections 20, 30, 32 and 33 in Sverdrup, making- in all 1,073 acres. He has g-ood farm building-s, his barn being one of the larg-est if not the largest in the county; it is 80 feet wide, by 100 feet in length. He has a large amount of personal property about him, and is one of the most successful and prosperous farmers in the county. He has also been a very active, enterprising citizen, and has taken a prominent part in public affairs. The first time he received an appointment to office was under quite unusual circumstances. It was when James S. Foster was territorial superintendent of schools, and while engfaged in freighting g'oods to Sioux Falls, he was assisted by Mr. Thompson (who was on his way to Yankton) to get his gfoods across the Sioux river. For this service Mr. Foster showed his appreciation by paying- him one dollar and appointing him superintendent of schools of Minnehaha county. He made g-ood use of the dollar, but made no attempt to act in his official capacity. He has been chairman of the town board of supervisors for about nine years; was elected first township assessor of Sverdrup; has been justice of the peace, and was the first chairman of the board of county commissioners of this county since its reorg-anization; and since then he has been elected and served for three years as a member of the same board. He was a member of the territorial assembly in 1873-1877 and 1883. There are few white people, and no farmer, who have resided in this county longer than Mr. Thompson, and none is better known, He is an honest, earnest, energ-etic man, a g-ood neighbor and a respected citizen.

Thompson, Tom A., is a native of Norway and was born November 19, 1842. He emigrated to the United States in 1872, and settled in Wisconsin for three years. In 1875 he came to this county and took up as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 11, and as a tree claim the southwest quarter of section 12 in Sverdrup township, and subsequently purchased the southwest quarter of section 11. He resides on his homestead and has a fine farm. He has held the office of school district, and town treasurer, and is a g-ood citizen.

VoLLAN, John P., is a native of Norway, and was born in 1844. He emigrated to the United States in 1872,^ and lived in Minnesota five years. In 1877 he removed to this county, where he has since resided engaged in farming. He bought and now owns 520 acres of land in sections 8, 9, 15, 16 and 17 in Sverdrup. He resides on the southwest quarter of section 15, and has a very fine farm, with substantial buildings and improvements. He was assessor of Sverdrup township in 1896, is a good neighbor, an industrious farmer, and a respected citizen.

Wm. J. Neelev surveyed the boundaries of this township in July, 1859, and Carl C. P. Meyers surveyed the subdivisions in September, 1864. Its acreatre is 22,942.74. Skunk creek runs throuo-h its entire leng'th north and south, and several little streams formino- Willow creek have their source in this township. The surface is rolling-, and the soil fertile. The first settlers in Lyons were Knude Larson and his son Ole Larson, who took up land and settled upon it on the 3d day of July, 1869, and built a sod house to live in. Knude took up the north half of section 1, and Ole took up land in sections 4 and 12. The township is now settled with a o-ood class of farmers, and their farms and building-s denote thrift and prosperity. The valuation of the personal property is hig-h upon the list, and <)nl\- one township in the county has a g-reater number of cattle. There are two post offices in this township, one called Lyons, located in the southwestern part, and the other, called West Point, located on the west side near the center north and south.

The records of Lyons township commence with September 5, 1881, at which time the board met for the purpose of levying- a tax for hig-hways and bridg-es. L. Lyman, chairman, and John Magnuson were present, E. O. Possum" absent. C. P. Sisson was the first town clerk.

1882. The names of the town officers for this year cannot be ascertained from the records. The first warrant was issued to P. O. Possum on the 16th day of January, for four dollars. C. P. Sisson clerk.

J 884. Supervisors, Hans H. Sandvig- chairman, Ole J. Stordahl. Lars Benson; clerk, T. E. Safer; treasurer, E. O. Possum; assessor, W. P. Kelly; justice for two years, Lewis Lyman; constable for two years, Iver Oien.

1885. Supervisors, L. A. Pease chairman, Hans H. Sandvig", Knut Larson; clerk, T.E. Safer; treasurer, E. O. Possum; assessor, W. P. Kellv. At the annual town election 34 votes were cast.

Bervin; clerk, L. A. Pease; treasurer, E. C. Evans; assessor, W. F. Kelly; justices, Axel Scott, L. Lyman; constables H. A. Foster, Lars A. Berg-.

1887. Supervisors, H. H. Sandvig- chairman, Lars A. Bervin, Lars Benson; clerk, T. E. Sater; treasurer, Ole J. Stordahl; assessor, John A. Scott; constables, Geo. Foster, A. S. Fuller. At the annual town meeting- a ballot was taken upon the question whether or not a townhall fund should be created, resulting- in 10 votes for and 19 (io-ai}isL

1888. Supervisors, H. H. Sandvig- chairman, Lars Bervin, Knut Larson; clerk, T. E. Sater; treasurer, Ole J. Stordahl; assessor, E. O. Fossum; justices, A. S. Fuller, C. F. Sisson; constables, Lars Benson, Iver Hildahl. At the annual election 33 votes were cast.

1889. Supervisors, Hans H. Sandvig- chairman, S. H. Tidemann; W. F. Kelly; clerk, T. E. Sater; treasurer, Ole J. Stordahl; assessor, E. O. Fossum. At the annual town meeting- the question of resurveying- the township was submited to a vote, resulting- in ^ for and 43 ag-aiust,

1895. Supervisors, C. F. Sisson chairman. Nils I. Oien, Lars A. Berg-; clerk, T. E. Sater; treasurer, Lars A. Bervin; assessor, Georg-e W. Tyler.

1896. Supervisors, Hans H. Sandvig- chairman, A. Berg-, S. H. Tidemann; clerk, T. E. Sater; treasurer, Lars A. Bervin: assessor, G. W. Tyler.

1897. Supervisors, Hans H. Sandvig- chairman, Lars A. Berg-, James Sherrv; clerk, T. E. Sater; treasurer, Lars A. Bervin; assessor, G. W. Tyler.

Benson, Lars, is a native of Sweden and was born in 1844. We emio-rated to the United States in 1870, and lived in Wisconsin until 1874, when he located in this county. He filed a homestead u])on tiu' northwest quarter of section 4 in Lyons, which he afterwards sold, and now resides on his farm in section 33 in the same township. He was a member of the town board of supervisors several vears. He has a g-ood farm and is a g-ood citizen.

Bekg, Lars Anderson, is a native of Norway and was born in the province of Trondhjem in 1847. He emig-rated to the United States and came directly to Dakota, arriving- in this county June 10, 1871. He secured a homestead and a timber claim in section 1, in Lvons and eng'ag"ed in farming-. He also owns some land in section (> in Sverdrup, and a house and lot in Baltic. He is an industrious farmer and a g^ood citizen, and has been super\isor of the town board several 3^ears.

Brakke, Lars N., was born in Norway January 12, 1837; came to this country in 1859, and lived in Iowa until his coming- to this county, April 1, 1874, except the time he was in the army. He enlisted^ in 1861, in the 1st Illinois Artillery, called Waterton's Battery; ^vas taken prisoner in 1862, at Pittsburg- landing-, and was discharg-ed when released. After coming- here he secured as a homestead the northeast quarter and as a tree claim the southeast quarter of section 19 in Lvons, and eng-ag-ed in farming-, in which he has been very successful, having- a beautiful home, and an extensive and well cultivated farm. He has also purchased the northwest quarter of the same section and 10 acres in section 30 in Mapleton, making in all al)out 500 acres of land in this county, which he now owns. He has held the office of constable, and has been on the jury in the courts of this county several times.

Danielson, Lars, was born in Norway July 9, 1847. He emig-rated and came directly to Yankton, Dakota. He soon left there for this county, where he settled in 1872, and commenced farming upon a homestead previously taken by his wife, and situated u])on the southwest quarter of section 23, in the town of Lyons. He is a good farmer, and a g-ood citizen.

Evans, E. C, was born in Canada in 1847. He emigrated and lived in Wisconsin for some time, and came to Dakota in 1875. He located in this county, taking- up as a homestead the northwest ([uarter of section 32 in the town of Lyons, where he still resides and has a g-ood farm. He now owns about 560 acres of land in Lyon township, and is eng-ag-ed in extensive farming-. He was town treasurer in 1886, is an industrious, enterprising- farmer, and a respected citizen.

FossuM, Even O., was born in Norway, March 4, 1849. After coming- to this country he lived in Iowa and Minnesota, and came to Dakota December 12, 1874, and the next day pitched his tent in Minnehaha county, where he has been a permanent resident ever since. He secured as a homestead the northeast quarter of section 3, and pre-empted the northwest quarter of northwest quarter of section 2, in Lyons, and filed a timber claim on the southwest quarter of section 35, in Burk. He resides on his homestead and has a g-ood farm with a larg-e live stock. He has always been prominent in town affairs, has been a member of the town board of supervisors, town treasurer and assessor for several years, and school district clerk for about seven years. He is a good farmer and a g-ood citizen.

Foster, Horace A., was born in Canada, March 5, 1840. He emig-rated to Wisconsin, then removed to Iowa and resided there until March, 1876, when he settled in this county. He took up a homestead and a tree claim in sections 28, 29 and 33 in Lyons, where he has since been eng-ag^ed in farming-, and has been quite successful. October 17, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K, 14th Wisconsin Infantr\', was discharg-ed June 7, 1862, owing- to disability; re-enlisted vVug-ust 27, 1864, in Co. C, 42d Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was discharg-ed June 20, 1865, at the close of the war.

Gunderson, Martin, was born in Verdalen, Norway, October 2'), 1854. He emig-rated to Minnesota and resided there until in 1876, when he left for Dakota and settled in this county. He filed upon the north half of section 25, in the town of Lyons, and has since resided there. He is a g-ood citizen, and a successful farmer.

Hildahl, Knut O,, was born in Norway, November 3, 1840. He emig-rated to America, and lived in Illinois and Iowa until the springof 1874, at which time he removed to Dakota and settled in this county. He secured a homestead and tree claim in section 13 in Lyons, where he now lives and has a g-ood farm. He says when he first came here the present city of Sioux Falls was a pretty small ])lace, the g-rasshoppers were destroying- everything-, and he made his living- by hauling- lumber from Sibley, Iowa, to Sioux Falls, for which he received $10 per thousand,

Hilmoe, Jens Johnsen, was born in Norway, June*5, 1839. He emig-rated to America and settled in Wisconsin in 1869. In 1872 he removed to this county, and took up a homestead in sections 1 and 12 in Lyons, where he now lives and has a g-ood farm. His wife had pre-empted 160 acres of land in section 7 in Sverdrup before his coming- here. He is a g-ood farmer and a g-ood citizen.

Lambert, Oscar, is a native of Canada, and was born February 19, 1842. He emig-rated to the United States and lived in Wisconsin and Iowa until June, 1876, when he settled in this countv. He took up the east half of section 30 in Lyons, where he still resides and has a g-ood farm. He enlisted in the 33d Wisconsin Infantry, Co. I, August 11, 1862, and was discharg-ed August 9, 1865, as serg-eant. His army career was a fortunate one; he was not wounded, never in hospital nor taken prisoner, and not absent a day from duty.

Kp:lly, William F., is a native of Canada and was Ix.rn in 1S5(>. After coming- to the United States he located in Wisconsin for awhile, and removed to Dakota in the spring- of 1S74. He settK-d in Lyons on the southwest quarter of section 22 where he now resides. The first two years the g-rasshoppers harvested his crops, and as he did not have money enoug-h to g-et away he had to remain. 'Mv. Kelh has now become quite well fixed in this world's g'oods, ha\ ing a good farm well stocked. The West Point post office was located on his place for several years and he was the postmaster. In 1891 he was elected a member of the house of representatives on the Republican ticket from Minnehaha county, and re-elected in 1893. If the estimation of his neig-hbors as to his worth as a citizen be a true index of merit, Mr. Kelly stands in the front rank in this county. He is a conscientious, painstaking- official.

Larson, Knude, is a native of XorwaN-, and was l)orn April 7, 1837. He emigrated to the United States in 18()G, resided in Iowa three years, and came to this county July 3, 18()9. He look ujta homestead, comprising- part of section 1 in Lyons, and section (> in Sverdrup, and lives on the part of his homestead located in L\(ins. He and his son Ole were the first settlers of this township. He also secured a tree claim and pre-emption, and has boutrht other farm lands. He has a g-ood farm, is an industrious farmer, and a g-ood citizen.

Larson, Ole, was born in Norway, November (>, 1840. He emig-rated to this country with his father, Knude Larson, in 186(), and lived in Wisconsin until they removed to this county in 18()9. They located in Lyons township on the 3d day of July of that year, and were the first settlers and built the first sod house in that town. Ole took up as a homestead the west half of the northwest quarter of section 7 in Sverdrup, and the east half of the northeast quarter of section 12 in L\^ons, and secured a pre-emption on the southwest cpiarter of section 4, in the last named town. Until his decease he resided on his homestead, which is a good farm, under g-ood culti\ation and with substantial building-s. He raised stock as well as g'-rain, and was a successful farmer and a g-ood citizen. He died November 5, 1898, after a lingering- illness, leaving- his wife and five children in comfortable circumstances.

Lyman, Lewis, is a native of Canada, and was born April 1.^, 1837. He came to the United States in 1845; lived in New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and California, and came to this county May 20, 1874, where he has since resided. He secured the east half of section 32, in Lyons, where he resided and engaged in farming until 1894, when he rented his farm and removed to the city of Sioux Palls. At the org-anization of the town of Lyons he was elected chairman of the town board of supervisors, and held that office two years. He has also been justice of the peace, and was clerk of school district No. 42 for eleven years. He enlisted in the army in the fall of 1861, in the 14th Wisconsin Infantry, and was discharg-ed after one 3'ear's service; re-enlisted and was orderly sergfeant in the 42d Wisconsin Infantrv, until the close of the war. Mr. Lvman is an

Nelson, Sven, is a native of Norway, and was born March 13, 1842. He emigrated to Michig-an, where he lived four years; came to Dakota in 1874, and located in this county, taking- up as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 22 in the town of Lyons, where he still resides, and has a good farm. He also owns 40 acres in section 16. He is a g-ood farmer and a g-ood citizen.

Nytro, Jens Jenson, was born in Norway in 1827 and emig-rated to Minnesota and lived there until in 1873, when he came to Dakota and settled in this county. He then entered a homestead upon the northeast quarter of section 35, in Lyons, and eng-ag-ed in farming-.

Olson, Hagen, was born in Christiania, Norway, in 1826. He emig-rated to this country, lived in Iowa for some time, and came to Dakota and settled in Minnehaha county in 1873. He then took up as a homestead the west half of the northeast quarter and the east half of the northwest quarter of section 12, in Lyons, and eng-agred in farming-. He had been a soldier in the old country.

Pease, Lucius A., was born in Louisa county, Iowa, May 18, 1849. He resided in Wisconsin for some time and came to Dakota in Mav, 1873, and settled in this count3^ He took up the west half of the northwest quarter and the southw^est quarter of section 30, in Lvons, where he still resides and has a g-ood farm. He was postmaster of Lyons post office for several years, justice of the peace, and chairman and clerk of the town board. He enlisted in the army and served in 1864-5. He is an active and g-ood citizen, and well known throughout the countv.

Person, Lars, is a native of Halland, Sweden, and was l)()rn January 22, 1847. He emig-rated to the United States in 1871, and lived in Wisconsin until he removed to this county in 1882, where he has since remained. He has a g'ood farm of 240 acres in sections 28 and 33 in Lyons township, where he resides engag-ed in farming-. He is a g-ood citizen.

Sandvig, Hans H., is a native of Norway, and was born October 18, 1848. After coming- to the United States he lived in Minnesota three years, and came to Dakota in November, 1875, locating- in this county, where he has since been a well-known and permanent resident. He took up a homestead in section 7, in Edison, where he lived until about twelve years ag-o, when he removed to Lyons and located on his present farm, which comprises the south half of section 15. He has 200 acres under g-ood cultivation, a larg-e live stock, substantial and comfortable building-s. It is not too much to say that it is one of the best farms in the county and Mr. Sandvig- one of its best farmers, well liked by every one who knows him. He has been a member of the town board for at least ten years, and most of the time its chairman. He has alwavs taken an active part in the affairs of his town and countv.

Sater, Torber E., was born in Norway June 8, 1844. He eniio-rated to the United States, and lived in Iowa two years and in Minnesota the same leny-th of time, and then removed to this county, where he arrived on the 12th day of June, 1873. He took up a homestead and a tree claim in sections 23 and 24 in Lyons, and resides in section 23 and has a o-ood farm. He has held some ollice in his town ever since it was oro-anized; has been assessor, chairman of the town board, and clerk of the same since 1883; clerk and treasurer of his school district since its org-anization until 1891 when he resigned, antl is clerk of the Xorweo-ian Lutheran Cono-regation of Nidaros, in this county. He takes an active interest in public aifairs and is a o-ood citizen.

Scott, Axel, is a native of Norway, and was born November 30, 1835. He emig-rated to the United States and lived in Minnesota until he removed to Dakota in 1873, arrivino- in this county on the 23d dav of June, of that year. He entered as a homestead the northeast quarter of section 23, in Lyons township, where he has since resided. He is also the owner of a well cultivated tree claim on the southwest (juarter of section 14, in the same town. He is a very active, influential citizen, and has a host of friends.

Sherry, James, was born in Quebec, Canada, in 1848. Hecame to the United States and lived in Vermont, New York and Wisconsin before he located in this county in 1878, at which time he secured as a tree claim the northeast quarter of section 8, in Lyons, where he has since resided and has a o-ood farm. He is loyal to his town, countv and state, and says he ])refers his present home to any x^kace in which he has formerly resided.

SissoN, C. P., was born in Columbia county, Wisconsin, in July, 1848. He came to Dakota and eng-ao^ed in farming- in this county in ]Mav, 1874, taking- up as a tree claim the northeast quarter of section 28, and as a homstead the southeast quarter of section 21, in I^yons, where he still resides, and has a very g'ood farm. He has been assessor, justice of the peace, supervisor of the town board and was its chairman in 1895. He is a g-ood neigJibor, and an active, respected citizen.

SissoN, George W., a brother of C. P. Sisson, was born at the same place in Columbia county, Wisconsin, April 6, 1851. He came to this county in 1875, and located on the north half of section 21, in Lvons, and resided there eng-ag-ed in farming- until the winter of 1897 8, when he rented his farm and went to Klondike, from which he has recently returned. He has a g-ood farm, and is an energ-etic, enterprising- citizen.

Stordal, Ole J., is a native of Norway, and was born on Christmas eve, 1843. He emig-rated to the United States and lived in Minnesota until he removed' to Dakota in June, 1873. He took up the northwest quarter of section 23, and the northeast quarter of section 22, in Lyons, which is now a well cultivated farm, with a commodious residence and g^ood farm building-s. He does not raise g-rain exclusively, but has some fine stock, especially horsesi. He has held the office of town treasurer and postmaster at W^st Point; is a g-ood farmer, a g-ood neig-hbor and a respected citizen.

Thompson, Thorsten, was born in Norway, in 1847. He came to Dakota in 1874 and settled in Minnehaha count}- on the northwest quarter of section 10, in Lyons, which he afterwards proved up as a homestead, and where he has since resided. He has a good farm and is a g-ood citizen.

TiDEMANN, Magnus, is a native of Norway, and was born July 1(), 1833. He emig-rated to the United States in 1866 and located in Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he eng-ag-ed in farming-, except for about three years when he taugdit school in Rock county. In 1873 he removed to Dakota and settled in this county, where he has since remained. He took up a homestead, pre-emption and tree claim in section 1*), in Sverdrup township, and insection 24, in Lyons township. He iirst resided in Sverdrup for about ten years, and then moved on to his land in Lyons, where he now resides on the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 24, and has a g-()()d farm.

Tidemann, S. H., was Ixjrn in Norway, September 2, 1853. He emig-rated to this countrv and settled in Minnesota for four years, then removed to Dakota, arriving- in this county in November, 1875. He took up the northeast quarter of section 13, in Lyons, as a homestead, and has resided there ever since. He has been school director three years, road overseer three years and town supervisor for several years. He is an enterprising- farmer, a gfooJ neig'hbor and a g-()()d citizen.

Tidemann, S. M., a son of Mag-nus, was born in Norway, March 6, 1862. He came to the United States with his father in i8()6, and remained with his parents until 1890, when he boug-ht the west half of the northwest quarter of section 24, in L\'ons, and eng-ag-ed in farming- for himself. He was assessor one year, and is a g-ood farmer and a g-ood citizen.

Trobak, Iver, a native of Norway, was born in 1851. He emig-rated to Dakota in 1873, and settled in Minnehaha county, filing- a homestead upon the southeast quarter of section 26, in Lyons, where he still resides, and has a good farm.

Wold, John J., a native of Norway, was born in 1824. He emig-rated to America and settled in Dakota in 1875. He took up as a homestead the south half of the northeast quarter and the east half ot the southeast quarter of section 3>3>, in Lyons, where he resided until his death, which occurred in October, 1896.

The hoiindarv lines of this township were surveyed bv Wm. J. Neeley in Aug-ust, 1859, and the subdivisions by Horace P. Austin in Julv, 1867. Its acreag-e is 22,598.15, and is well watered by several tributaries of Skunk creek. At the time of the first survey there was a lake in section 5 which covered 232 acres, and the water of Clear Lake in section 6 covered 91.20 acres. It is a g-ood townshi]), and farmino- is the only industry of its residents, who are industrious and thriftv. Among- the earliest settlers were Ole T. Brende, J. J. Foster, M. J. Tinkham, Winslow Braley and G. U. Bentley. The first post office was located on the southeast quarter of section 19, and was called Oran. Daniel Borst was postmaster, and he was succeeded by Wm. Van Horn. The next post office was located on section 8, and Wm. Daniels was postmaster until the appointment of J. J. Foster in 1880, when the office was located on the northwest corner of section 17, and remained there until the fall of 1891, when Mr. Foster was succeeded by G. A. Aldrich and the office removed to the northeast quarter of section 18. During- the summer of 1895, iMr. Aldrich resig-ned, and the office was discontinued.

1881. From the town records it a])pears that the first meetingof the town board was held on the 29th day of March, 1881. James Bovce was chosen chairman, and S. D. Berry seems to have been one of the supervisors, but the name of the third member of the board is not mentioned. Henry Stroebel was appointed clerk, and Wm. Van Horn constable to fill vacancies. The township was divided into four road districts. November 1, A. A. Disbrow was appointed town clerk to fill vacancy. The first warrant was issued to R. P. Jones for Sl() for services as assessor.

1882. The board met at the residence of L. Meyer on the 11th day of January, and the following- persons qualified for office: Supervisors, S. D. "Berry, J. J. Foster, E. P. Jones; S. D. Berry was chosen chairman; clerk, L. Meyer; treasurer, E. Tripp; assessor, Charles Farrel; justice, A. A. Disbrow. The treasurer's re])ort showed that he had received $156.44, and expended S122.24, duringthe vear.

1887. Supervisors, Ira P. Winter chairman, M. A. Karsrud, Merritt Tinkham; clerk, R. J. Wilder; justice. A. A. Disbrow; treasurer, James Van Horn; assessor, M. W. Winter, Sr.

1889. There is no record of the annual election, but from the proceeding's during the year it appears that the supervisors were E. G. Tripp chairman, M. A. Karsrud and Mathias Ginsbach; clerk, M. T. Austin; assessor, M. W. Winter.

1891. March 3, at the annual town meeting- the following" officers were elected: supervisors, G. A. Aldrich chairman, A. T. Austin, O. E. Anderson; clerk, M. T. Austin; treasurer and justice, C. P. Parrell; assessor, M. Tinkham. The assessed ^aluation of the township was, land, S97,061; personal property, S30,121, making- a total of $127,182. February 5, 1892, the resig-nation of M. T. Austin as town clerk was accepted and J. D. Love was appointed to fill vacancy.

1894. The first meeting of the town board after the annual election was held March 27, when the following officers filed their bonds: E. H. Evans assessor, C. P. Farrell treasurer, L. Mever justice, J. D. Love clerk, P. H. Hanson constable. The board con- sistt'd i)f J. J. Foster chairman, A. Clauson and E. (i. Tri])]). Jiil\ 10. tliL' hoard had a joint meeting- with the town board of Clear Lake and di\ided the wc^rk on the hiyhwax' between the two towns.

Aldrich, G. A., was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, September 24, 184b. He came west and lived in Wisconsin for some time, and located in this county in November, 1883, taking- up as a homestead the south half of the northeast quarter and the west half of the southeast quarter of section 18, in Grand Meadow, where he resides. He has added the other half of the southeast quarter to his real estate, and now has a g'ood farm of 240 acres. Has alwavs been prominent in town aifairs, has been chairman of the town board, clerk and treasurer of the school board, and postmaster of the (i-rand Meadow post office from 1890 until the office was discontinued. During- the war he enlisted in Company I, ^^\ Wisconsin Ca\alry. and served three years. He is one of the leading- men of the township, and is a hig-hly esteemed citizen.

Anderson, Carl E., came with his parents to this count i-\- fi-om Norway in 1868, when only four years of agfe, having- been born April 24, 1864. They located in Iowa and lived there until 1877, when thev removed to this county. The subject of this sketch is at the present time residing- on his tree claim in Cirand Meadow, the southwest quarter of section 13, eng-agfed in farming-, and is a g'ood citizen.

Anderberg, John, was born in Sweden November 11, 1831. He emig-rated to this country and lived in Chicag-o, Illinois, until the fall of 1887, when he came west and eng-ag-ed in farming- in this county, filing- a homestead upon the northwest quarter of section 4, in the town of Grand Meadow, where he still resides. His two sons, Augfust and C. J., are also eng-ag-ed in farming- in this countv, and are g-ood farmers, and g-ood citizens.

Anderson, Lars P., was born in the province of Halland, Sweden, June 23, 1856. He emig-rated to the United States and settled in this county in 1885, where he has since resided. He boug-ht the southeast quarter of section 35, and the southwest quarter of sec-

Anderson, Olaf R., was born in the city of Christianstad, Sweden, Aug-ust 9, 1837. He emig-rated to Illinois and lived there and in Iowa prior to his coming- to Dakota in the fall of 1877. He then filed upon 320 acres of land in this county, comprising- the southwest quarter of section 1, as a tree claim, and the northwest quarter of section 12, as a homestead, in the town of Grand Meadow, and has been eng-ag-ed in farming- ever since. He has a g-ood farm and is living- on his homestead. He is a respected citizen.

Austin, Austin T., is a native of Norway, and was born in 1848. He emig-rated to this country and lived in Iowa and Minnesota until March, 1884, when he removed to Dakota and located in this county. He has a very fine farm of 480 acres on the east half of section 2 in Grand Meadow, and in section 36 in Taopi, well improved, with g-ood building-s and a larg-e live stock. He resides on the northeast quarter of section 2. He has been a member of the town board of supervisors, is a g-ood farmer, and a respected citizen.

Bentley, Grant U-, was born in Wisconsin, July 2, 1864, and lived there and in Illinois until the spring- of 1876, when he located in Minnehaha county and eng-aged in farming-. He resides on his homestead on the southeast quarter of section 15, in Grand Meadow township, and has a g-ood farm.

Braley, Winslow, was born at Baraboo, Sauk county, Wisconsin, October 3, 1854. He came to Dakota from Iowa, February 12, 1876, and took up a homestead and tree claim comprising- the southeast quarter of section 8, and the southwest quarter of section 9, in Grand Meadow township, and eng-ag-ed in farming-. The only office he has held so far is that of poundmaster, but he adds in his statement that if he has g-ood luck he might be president yet.

BuNDE, GuNDER O., a son of Ole T. Bunde, was born in Norway, February 11, 1867, and came to the United States with his parents in 1871, and to this county in 1875. A few years ago he bought the southeast quarter of section 12, in Grand Meadow, of his father and has settled down to farming-. He is enterprising and industrious.

Bunde, Ole T., was born in Norway, in 1836, and emigrated to the United States in 1871 and settled in Iowa. He resided there until 1875, at which time he removed to this county. He took up as a homestead the north half of the northeast quarter of section 13, in Grand Meadow, and the west half of the northwest quarter of section 18, in Lyons, and has since then resided on his homestead in Grand Meadow. He also took up the southwest quarter of section 18, in Lyons as a tree claim, and has purchased the south half of the northeast quarter of section 13, in Grand Meadow. Mr. Bunde is a good farmer, and has enough of this world's goods to justify him in feeling contented on that point, even when the times are hard. He is a good neighbor and a good citizen.

Carson, Ole J., is a native of Norway, and was born Jul\' 15, 1838. He emig-rated to the United States with his father in 1843, and located in Wisconsin. After having" lived there thirteen years thev removed to Minnesota, where Mr. Carson bong-ht a farm and eng-ag-ed in farming- twenty-eigfht years. He then came to this county and located in Grand Meadow in 1884, buving- the northeast quarter of section 1, where he still resides and has a g-ood farm. He recently l)()Ug"ht the southeast quarter of school section 36, in Taopi, and is an industrious farmer, taking' cheerfullv the ad\ersities which ha\e befallen him during- his lifetime. During liis youth he accidentally lost three hng-ers, "otherwise," he says, "1 slioidd ha\e been in the military service in the sixties." A few years ag-o he was so badly injured in a runaway that the amputation of one leg- became necessary, but he manag-es to get about with a wooden substitute. He takes an active interest in public affairs, and is a g-ood citizen,

Evans, E. H., was born in Canada West, in 1842. Heemig-rated to the United States and lived in Michig-an and Iowa until in 1874, when he settled in the county of Minnehaha, upon the northeast quarter of section 2b, in the town of Grand Meadow, which he ])r()\ed up as a homestead. Mr. Evans resided on his homestead until the fall of 18%, when he sold his farm and remoxed with his familx to Tracy, Minnesota. He was assessor of (irand Meadow townslii]). a g-ood neig-hbor and a g-ood citizen.

Parrell, Charles P., was born in Erie county. New York, Pebruary 28, 1844. He removed to Wisconsin with his parents in 1849. During- the civil war he enlisted in Co. B, 1st Minnesota Cavalry, and was in the military service for about two years and a half. After his discharg-e he resided in Iowa until May, 1872, at which time he removed to this county and took up 220 acres of land in Lyons township and pre-empted a quarter section in Benton, which he afterwards sold. In 1880 he secured the southwest quarter of section 2 in (xrand Meadow, where he has since resided, eng-ag-ed in farming-. He has held the offices of assessor and treasurer for several years in (rrand Meadow, and has taken an active part in town affairs. His farm is a g-ood one, and he is a g-ood farmer and one of the most reliable citizens in the countw

Poster, John J., was born Sei)teniber 3, 1842, at Osweg-o, Tiog-a county. New York. He removed with his parents to Wisconsin in 1847, and obtained his education in the common and hig-h schools in that state. In 1861 he enlisted for three months in Co. E, 1st Wisconsin reg-iment, but served four months before being- discharged. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. P, 23d Wisconsin, and served until the close of the war. On the 21st day of May, 1876, he came to this county, and took up as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 17 in (xrand Meadow, where he has since resided. He has added to his homestead the southwest quarter of the same section, and has a good farm. He is not only a capable farmer, but also a good neighbor and highly respected citizen. In 1880, he \yas appointed postmaster of Grand Meadow post office which position he held until he resio-ned in the fall of 18<)0. He has been chairman

GiNSBACH, Henry, was born in Jackson county, Iowa, November 25, 1842. He lived there until he was twenty-seven years of ag-e, at which time he went to Kansas, thence to Nebraska, and in 1875 to the Black Hills. From there he returned to his native state, where he remained until 1883, when he came to this county and took up a homestead of 160 acres in section 32, Grand Meadow, where he resided until recently when he removed to Sioux Palls. He was justice of the peace and a member of the town and school board several years.

Haugen, Andrew N., was born in Norway in 1855, and emig-rated to Dakota in May, 1878. He settled in this county and secured the southwest quarter of section 3, in the town of Grand Meadow, which he proved up as a homestead, and has lived there ever since, and has a g-ood farm. He was supervisor of the town board in 1889, and is a respected citizen.

Haugse, Knut, a native of Norway, was born in 1855. He emig-rated to America and came to Dakota in April, 1880, when he settled in this county. He boug'ht and now owns the northeast quarter of section 11, in the town of Grand Meadow, where he resides. He has a g-ood farm and is a g-ood citizen.

HiSEY, William, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, February 17, 1830. He lived there and in Minnesota and Iowa before he settled in Minnehaha county in the spring- of 1878, where he resided until his death which occurred May 27, 1897. He owned considerable real estate in section 30 in Grand Meadow, and section 25 in Clear Lake; was an industrious, honest, uprig-ht citizen, and well liked by his neig-hbors.

Kadinger, John, was born in Dodg-e county, Wisconsin, on the 28th day of October, 1854. He lived there and in Illinois before he came to Dakota on the 17th day of March, 1879. He located in Clear Lake township, taking- up a homestead and a tree claim. The homestead he afterwards traded off for five lots in the city of Sioux Falls, where he also owns a house. The tree claim he still retains, which is a g-ood farm and has a living- spring-, furnishing- a larg-e suppl}^ of g-ood water; this place he leases, and resides in Grand Meadow township with his family, wife, six boys and a girl, where he is eng-ag-ed in farming- about 800 acres of land in sections 34, 35, 26 and 27. He is a good farmer and an enterprising citizen.

Karsrud, Martin, was born in Norway in 1853, and emigrated to the United States and settled in Iowa in 1869. In 1878 he came to this county and took up a homestead on the southeast quarter of section 10, in Grand Meadow, and the southwest quarter of section 11 in the same township as a tree claim. He resided on his homestead until his decease, which occurred on the 25th day of Septeml)er, 1895, having been kicked by a colt the day preceding, which caused his death. He was a very active, enterprising citizen; was a member of the town board of supervisors in 1888-9, and was chairman of the board in 1890.

Karsrud, Jacob A., was l^orn in Norway A|)ril 17, 1S55, and LMiiig-rated to the United States in 1875, and settled in Iowa. In 1S7S he removed to this county and took up the northwest (juarter of section 10 as a homestead, and the northeast quarter of the same section as a tree claim. The tree claim he since sold to his brother Anton, and resides on his homestead. He has quite a <^-ood farm, is in comfortable circumstances and is an honest uprio-ht citizen and ^vell liked by his neig'hbors.

Karsrud, P. Anton, a resident of (irand Mead(.w, was a l)rother of Jacob, and of Otto Karsrud, residing- in Taopi, and also of the late Martin Karsrud. There were seven l)rothers in all who emig-rated to this country, three of whom now reside in Colorado, and a sister who resides in Iowa. Notwithstanding- this larg-e emigration from one family there are others who still reside in Norwav. - Since writing- the foreg-oingf, Anton died at the hospital in Sioux- Falls, February 17, 1897.

Love, J. Dwight, was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Septemi)er 11, 1860. He was reared on a farm, and obtained a g-ood education before starting- out for himself. During- the spring- of 1801, he came to Grand Meadow in this county, and purchased the southeast quarter of section 20, and the northeast quarter of section 29. His residence is located on the southeast corner of section 20. In the fall of 1891, he was appointed town clerk, and was elected to that office at the four successive township elections. Before removing- from Wisconsin he taug-ht school several terms, and since coming- to Grand Meadow has taug-ht the school in his own district five terms. He is a good neig-hbor and a higfhly esteemed citizen.

Meyer, Lewis, was born in Hanover, Germany, Februar\ 15, 1845. He emig-rated to this country and lived in Wisconsin and Iowa until May 18, 1881, when he removed to Dakota and settled in this county. He is at the present time the owner of several hundretl acres of land in Grand Meadow, and has one of the largfest and best improved farms in the county, with substantial and commodious l)uilding-s. He resides on the southeast quarter of the southeast ([uarter of section 22. He has held several town offices,, is an enterprising-farmer and a g^ood citizen. During- the war of the rebellion he enlisted in the army for one year, and served until the close of the war.

Pearson, Nels E., is a native of Sweden, and was born June '>, 1861. After his coming- to the United states he lived in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa until in the spring- of 1889, when he settled in this county. He owns a g-ood farm of 240 acres on the south half of the northwest quarter of section 36, and the northwest quarter of section 31, in the town of Grand Meadow, where he resides at this writing-.

Radspinner, Charles H., was born in Germany in 1836. He emig-rated to the United States, lived in Indiana and Iowa, and settled in Dakota in 1879. He then secured as a homestead the south half of the northeast quarter and the north half of the southeast

Steinfurth, Constantine, is a native of Germany, and was born July 15, 1869. He came to Dakota in the fall of 1883, and eng-ag-ed in farming- in this county, w^here he now has a fine farm of 320 acres, comprising- the south half of section 33 in Grand Meadow, the building-s on which cost about S3,000. He resides on his farm, is an enterprising- farmer, and a g-ood citizen.

Thompson, Charles F., was born in St. Lawrence county. New York, April 4, 1841, and was raised on a farm. When twenty years of ag-e he enlisted in the 60th New York Infantry, and was in the military service three years, nine months and eleven days. After the war he settled down in Hardin count}^ Iowa, and eng-ag-ed in farming- for ten years. In February, 1876, he removed to Lincoln countv, Dakota, but the next May took up as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 12 in Clear Lake township, and in the fall made a tree claim filing- on the southwest quarter of section 7 in Grand Meadow township, where he has since resided. Mr. Thompson is a g-ood farmer and an esteemed. citizen.

Thompson, Mrs. Ulba, wife ol Charles F. Thompson, was born in Reedsburg-, Wisconsin. Her maiden name was Ulba Knowles. In 1876 she came to this county with her parents, who took up a homestead in Clear Lake township. In 1877 she married Mr. Thompson. In 1881 she w-as licensed to preach, by the Free Methodist denomination, but not until eleven years later did she avail herself of the privileg-e, except occasionally. In 1892 she commenced devoting a portion of her time to building- up the interests of the Free Methodists in Minnehaha and Lake counties. At Franklin, in Lake county, she organized a society with twenty-seven members. She also preached in the Vincent neighborhood in Wavne, and at other places as opportunity offered. During the last three years she has preached at Wall Lake, .and now holds two services "there every Sunday, and also one every Thursday at the same place. In addition to this work she preaches at stated times in the Vincent neighborhood, and also at tt^ Golden rod school house in Lincoln county. During the winter of 1897-8, while holding revival services at a school house in Wall Lake, the school district authorities decided that it was not expedient that the school house should be occupied for such purpose. Upon receiving notice to this effect she came to the conclusion that the society she had organized was strongenough to build a small church at Wall Lake, and she obtained a subscription of S325 for that purpose during the same evening that she received the notice. In connection with other members of the society the subscription was increased, and a church was built, twent3^-three by forty-two feet in sii^e, which was dedicated September 18, 1898. S. A.Hoytgavethesocietyoneacreandahalf of land on the west corner of section 21 in JVall Lake, where the church building is erected. When it is known that Mrs. Thompson has to drive eighteen miles every Sunday to preach to her congregation at Wall Lake, and that after her morning service there, she goes either to her Lincoln count}' or Wayne charg-e and preaches durinLi- the afternoon, and then returns to Wall Lake and holds evening- services, it is unnecessary to add that she has her heart in the work, and is a woman of more than ordinary energ-y and ability.

TiNKHAM, Merkitt J., was born at Baraboo, Wisconsin, September 23, 1852. He removed to this county and located a homestead and tree claim on the northwest quarter of section 7 and the southwest quarter of section b in Grand Meadow on the 21st dav of May, 1876, which was the same day that J. J. Poster located his land in section 17. Since then he has purchased the southeast (piarter of section 12 in Clear Lake, adjoining- his homestead, and the north half of the northeast quarter of section 18 in Split Rock, and now owns 560 acres of g-ood farm land in this county. He lived on his homestead the first seven years, and then moved on to his tree claim where he has a fine, larg-e house, surrounded by a g"rove of twenty acres. He has a larg-e number of horses and cattle, and has never had a mortgfag-e on either homestead or tree claim since taken. He moved into the city of Sioux Falls in the fall of 18')5, where he now resides. Mr. Tinkham's record shows what a man with grit and energ-y can do with only an old team and fifty dollars in money to start with, which was all he possessed when he first settled in (rrand iNIeadow. He has been a member of the town and school boards and town assessor two years, and has always taken a prominent part in town affairs.

Tripp, Egbert, is a native of Ohio, and was born November 1-1-, 1851. He resided in Wisconsin and Iowa a few years, and came to this countv May 5, 187'). He located a homestead on the northeast quarter of section 20, in the town of Grand Meadow, where he still resides, and has a good farm. He has held several offices, has been town treasurer five years, chairman of the town board one year and school district treasurer fivt years. He is a g-ood farmer, and highly esteemed as a neig^hbor and citizen.

WiLLiG, Phillip, is a native of Germany, and was born March 7, 1864. He became a resident of this county in 1883, and owns about 200 acres of land in sections 28 and 33, in Grand Meadow, where he resides eng-ag-ed in farming-, and has a very fine farm. He is an enterprising and g-ood citizen.

Wilder, Reuben J., is a native of Indiana and born December 22, 1849. He resided in Wisconsin for some time before he settled in Minnehaha county in May, 1876, when he secured the south half of the southeast quarter of section 7, and the north half of the northeast quarter of section 18, in the town of Grand Meadow, which he proved up as a homestead, and where he still resides. He has held several school and town offices and was town clerk for two years. He is well liked as a neighbor and is a good citizen.

Winter, Ira P., was born in New York, January 25, 185(1, and removed with his parents to Clayton county, Iowa, where he resided until 1874, at which time he came to this county and settled in Grand Meadow. He took up a homestead, tree claim and pre-emption in sections 23 and 25, but disposed of his homestead and made his home on the tree claim, the northeast quarter of section 23. He has been chairman of the town board several years; has always been quite active in political affairs, and consulted by a g-reat number of candidates for office since his residence in Grand Meadow about the time of holding- count}' conventions. He is energ-etic and persistent in whatever he undertakes, and is a respected citizen.

Winter, Sr., Milo W., was born in New York, in 1824. Before coming- to this county in 1874, he had resided in Clayton county, Iowa. He has always been a farmer, and when he decided to make his home in Minnehaha county, he took up a homestead in section 25, in Grand Meadow, and located there. He has held the office of town treasurer and assessor and has been a justice of the peace in Grand Meadow for about fifteen years. He is well liked as a neig-hbor, and is a g'ood citizen.

Winter, Jr., Milo W., was born in Clayton county, Iowa, in September, 1856, and was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. He came to this county in the fall of 1874 and settled in Grand Meadow on the southeast quarter of section 26, and resided there until he sold his farm in the fall of 1895. He is a g-ood neig-hbor and a respected citizen.

Clear Lake

This township is bounded on the west by McCook coiint\-, on the north by Buffalo, on the east by (irand Meadow, and on tlie south by Humboldt townships. The boundary lines of this township were surveyed by Wm. J. Neeley in Auo-ust, 185'), and the subdivision was made l)v H. T. Austin in June, 1867. It contains 22,5f)().82 acres of land. The name was sug-g-ested by a lake partly in section 1 called Clear Lake. This lake at the time of the survey, covered 550.81) acres in the townships of Buffalo, Taopi, Grand Meadow, and Clear Lake, where it covered 226.10 acres of section 1. There was also a lake in section 34, which covered 159 acres, called Lost Lake, and also a body of water in sections (> and 7 covering- 50.20 acres, in which one of the tributaries of Skunk creek had its source and flowed in a southeasterly direction. Edward Packard, who settled near Clear Lake in Buffalo township, in 1879, said to the writer: "When I went to Buffalo in 1879, Clear Lake was nearly dry, and in 18S0 there was onlv about one acre covered with water. During- the spring" of 1881, known as the spring- of the hig-h water, the lake filled up, and remained quite full of water for several years, during- which time perch, pike, bullheads, pickerel and a few suckers came into the lake, and became quite plentiful, but were finally destroyed by the freezing- of the lake."

Luther S. Gag-e and Charles F. Thompson settled in this township in May, 1876, taking- up land in sections 1, 2, and 12. In 1878, James Gilmore, Albert Larson, W. A. H. (rag-e, Patrick McAvary, John Studenmeier and Xavier Zimmer settled there, and became prosperous farmers.

The first school house was built in 1879, on the northwest (|uarter of section 12, and is known as the Clear Lake school house. Miss Clara Williams taug-ht the firs1 school.

The nearest shipping- points are on the Chicagfo. St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroad at Humboldt and Montrose. It is a strictly farming- community, and its citizens are industrious and ])r(>sperous.

ZiON Baptist Church. - This church was org-anized October 20, 1891, with nine members. In 1892 a church building- was erected on the northeast corner of section 11, at a cost of SI, 500. Its first pastor was the Rev. J. T. Gallag-her, and he was succeeded by the Reverends L. D. Worth and J. M. Hupp. There is a prosperous Sunday school with about fifty scholars, connected with the church, also a B. Y. P. U. and a Woman's Missionary Circle. Services are held every Sunday, and the membership at the present writing- is fiftv-four.

The records of the board commence with June 1, 1881, at which time it was ordered to post notices for holding- a special election for the purpose of deciding- whether the town was in favor of bonding- the county in the sum of S20,000 for the building- of bridg-es. The meeting- was held and the proposition voted down. The first town warrant was issued at this date in the sum of S7.40 to W. J. Hunt. L. S. Gag-e was chairman of the board, and the other members were John Lott and L. C. Summers, W. J. Hunt clerk.

1882. Supervisors, L. S. Gag-e chairman, John Lott, L. C. Summers; clerk, W. J. Hunt; assessor, E. S. Gag-e; treasurer, Daniel Kimball; justice, W. J. Hunt; constable, Oscar P. Coats. The town was divided into three road districts.

1883. Supervisors, L. S. Gag-e chairman, John Lott, L. C. Summers; clerk, W. J. Hunt; assessor, E. S. Gag-e; treasurer, David Kimball. The treasurer reported he had received $231.22 during- the year, and that there was a balance on hand of $13.95.

1885. There is no record of the annual meeting-, but from the proceeding-s of the board during- the year it appears that W. J. Hunt was chairman, J. R. Williams and John Ebersviller the other two supervisors, and G. H. Pinney clerk.

1888. Supervisors, Albert Larson chairman, James Gilmore, Xavier Zimmer; clerk, G. H. Pinney; treasurer, G. A. Boulette; assessor, O. P. Coats; justice, L. S. Gag-e. August 30, the board met in joint session with the board of Montrose township, McCook county, for the purpose of dividing the road work on the line between the two towns.

1803. Supervisors, Albert Larson, Sam Wood, John Staiuleiinieier; clerk, O. P. Coats; assessor, John Ciilmore; treasurer. 10. S. (iao-e; justices, James (xilmore; constable, Jos. Kapaun.

1895. Supervisors, A. Larson chairman, A. (). Williams, James Gilmore; clerk, G. A. Boulette; treasurer. John Lott; assessor, Prank Hanisch.

1890. Supervisors, Albert Larson chairman, James (iilmore, A. (t. Williams; clerk, (t. A. Boulette; treasurer, Charles Zimmers; assessor. Prank Hanisch.

1897. Supervisors, A. Larson chairman, E. S. Cxagfe, James Gilmore; clerk, (t. A. Boulette; treasurer, Charles Zimmer; assessor. Prank Hanisch.

Boulette, Melanchthon W., was born in New York, but came to Sioux Palls in 1876, and took up a farm near where the fair g-rounds are now located; this farm he sold in the early eigfhties to Harry HoUister, and then moved to Clear Lake township, and settled in section 13. He died several years ag-o, but his widow is still occupying- the homestead, and three sons, Pred, George, and William, are all residents of Clear Lake township. Pred is managing' the home farm, and Georgfe resides in section 1, and has been assessor, treasurer and clerk of the town l^oard several N-ears. They are g'ood farmers and respected citizens.

Boulette, W^. R., was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1873. He came with his father ]M. W. Boulette, to Dakota in 1876, and lived several vears in Sioux Palls township, but in the early eigfhties removed to Clear Lake township, where he has since remained. He resides on the southwest quarter of section 15, eng-ag-ed in farming-. He has held the office of school clerk, and is at this writing- clerk of the town board. He is an industrious farnier and a g^ood citizen.

Coats, Oscar P., was born in Wisconsin, March 31, 185(), and lived there until October, 1880, when he settled in Diikota. He made a homestead entry upon the northwest quarter of section 9, in the town of Clear Lake, and has lived there ever since. He has held several town and school offices, is a gfood farmer and a g-ood citizen.

Pinney, Georoe H., was l)orn in England. June 22, 1850. He emig-rated to America in 1860, and lived in Wisconsin, Nebraska and Colorado, and came to Dakota in the fall of 1882. He then filed a pre-emption upon 1()0 acres of section 5, but exchang-ed it for 1()(> acres of section 3 in Clear I>ake, where he now resides. He has been school district clerk, constable, and town clerk, and is a respected citizen.

Gage, Eugene S., was born in Addison county, Vermont, Ano-ust 30, 1836. During- his youth he worked on a farm and attended the district schools. He arrived in this county May 28, 1880, havinopreviously resided in New York, Illinois and Iowa, and has always been a farmer. He resides on his homestead, the southwest quarter of section 1 in Clear Lake, which he secured when he first came here. He has been assessor four years, supervisor of the town board, and town treasurer for several 3^ears, He is a good farmer, and a good citizen. His son, Luther K., is also engaged in farming in this county, on quite an extensive scale, although he resides across the line in Moody county, and during- 1898 raised more grain than probabh' any other farmer in the county.

Gage, Luther S., w^as born in Vermont, March 9, 1842, but removed with his parents when quite young- to New York, and later removed from there to Illinois and Iowa. During the civil war he enlisted in the 60th New York Infantry, and after receiving- his discharg-e, enlisted in the 15th Illinois reg-iment. He came to this county and settled in Clear Lake on the 14th day of May, 1876, He took up a homestead and a tree claim, and from time to time since then has purchased land in Clear Lake and adjoining- towns until he has become one of the larg-est farmers and land owners in the countv. Three horses and SlOO in money, constituted all his worldly possessions at the time he settled here. He has been chairman of the town board of supervisors of Clear Lake, and has held other town offices. He has taken active part in politics, is an enterprising citizen and g-ood neighbor.

Gage, Winfield Alton Hubbard, was born in New York in 1857; resided there and in Iowa until 1878, at which time he removed to Dakota and settled in Clear Lake, where he pre-empted the east half of the northeast quarter of section 2. He afterwards boug-ht about one hundred acres of land in sections 5 and 6 in Grand Meadow. In a postscript, after filling out a circular sent him by the writer, he said: "The above is only a part of my name, but I think this will do for a county history," Mr, Gage was an industrious, quiet farmer, a good neighbor and a good citizen, and his death, which occurred on the 24th day of December, 1894, was deeply reg-retted by all who knew him. His wife and five children survive him.

Gilmore, James, a native of Ireland, was born February 4, 1829, and lived there until in April, 1873, when he emigrated to' the United States. He lived in Michigan two years, in Iowa four years, and settled in Minnehaha county in 1878. He took up as a tree claim the southeast quarter of section 19, and as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 20 in Clear Lake township, where he still resides. He has been town supervisor about ten years, and also justice of the peace, and is a good farmer and citizen.

where lie arrixed on Christmas (lav of tliat \ear. He secured as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 1*), in Clear Lake, and still resides there. He has a o'ood farm, and is an industrious, u])- ri^-ht citizen. In 1893 he was assessor of Clear Lake t()wnshi]>.

Hanisch, Frank, is a native of Austria, and was horn the 'Hh day of Janurury, 1866. He emi,i>-rated to the United States in 1SS(., and has been a resident of this county ever since. He residi's on his farm in the southwest quarter of section 35 in Clear Lake, is a iiood farmer and citizen and has been clerk of the school board and assessor several years.

Larson, Albert, is a native of Norwav, and was born in 1850, He emio'rated to Wisconsin and lived there until he removed to Dakota. He arrived in this county May 15, 1878, and secured a timber claim on the northwest quarter of section 4, and a homestead on the west half of the northeast quarter of the same section, in Clear Lake, and the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter and the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of section 33 in Buifalo. He has been on the town board about ten years, ei^-ht years as chairman, and has held other offices in Clear Lake. He is a o-ood farmer, a o-ood neig-hbor, and an enterprising-, respected citizen.

McAvARY, Patrick, a native of Ireland, was born November 1. 1852. He emio-rated to the United States in 1873 and resided in JNIichig-an and Iowa five years. He came to Dakota in 1878 and settled in this countv, filing- a homestead upon the northwest quarter of section 20, in Clear Lake, where he now lives, having- a good farm. He has held the office of road supervisor, is an active farmer and ;i good citizen.

Staudenmeier, John, a native of Wurtenburg, (Termany, was born in 1826. He emigrated to this country and lived in Illinois and Minnesota until 1878, when he came to Dakota and settled in this county. He filed a timber claim on the northeast cpiarter of section 20, and a homestead on the southeast quarter of the same section, in Clear Lake, where he still resides.

Staudenmeier, Jr., John, was born in Minnesota on tlie 23d day of June, 1858. He came with his father to Dakota in 1878 and took up as a homestead the north half of the southeast (juarter of section 28, in Clear Lake. He has held several school offices and is a g-ood citizen.

WiLLEY, Edgar T., was born in Richford, Vermont, on the 4th da}^ of February, 1850. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. After stopping- temporarily in several states, he arrived in this county April 1, 1880. He took up land in Taopi and Clear Lake, and resided in the last named town until he removed to Montrose, McCook county. South Dakota, in 1803. He was constable three years and assessor in 1890. He was one of the pioneers in Clear Lake, and was hig-hly esteemed by his neig-hbors.

Williams, Joseph R., is a native of Illinois and was born June 25, 1859. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. After residing- in Wisconsin several vears he came to this county in 1882, and settled in Clear Lake where he secured the south half of the southwest quarter and the south half of the southeast quarter of section 5. He has held various town offices, and is a g-ood farmer, neig^hbor and citizen.

ZiMMER, Charles, was born in Minnesota, in 1857, and lived there until May 26, 1879, when he settled in Minnehaha county. He filed a homestead upon the northeast quarter of section 28, in Clear Lake, where he still resides. He has been school district and town treasurer several years. He is a prosperous farmer and a o-ood citizen.

ZiMMER, Xavier, is a native of Germany, and was born May 19, 1852. He emig-rated to the United States and located in Minnesota; removed to this county in 1878, and took up a homestead and a timber claim on the west half of section 28, in Clear Lake, where he still resides, and has a g-ood farm with substantial building-sand improvements. He has held the office of town supervisor, and is a g-ood citizen.

This township is bounded on the east hv the ^Minnesota state line, which was surveyed in 1859. The north, south and west lines were surve\'ed in October, 1864, by M. K. Armstrong", and the subdivisions by Carl C. P. Meyer in November, 18()4. Its acreag-e is 15.- 05'). 20, the surface g-ently rolling-, and the soil g-ood. Pipestone creek runs diagonally throug-h the north half from west to east. The first upon the records of this township is a brief history of its settlement, from which it appears that it was first settled in 1874. That year Ole (). Graves, S. J, Rislov, Christopher Benson, David Anderson, Gilbert E, Lee, and others, settled there. In 1875, J. J. Simenson located on the northwest quarter of section thirty, and a post office was established at this point, named Hig-hland, and Mr. Simenson was appointed postmaster. lu 1884, Albert Stromme succeeded Mr. Simenson and held the office two years when L. A. (rrant was a]>- pointed and held the office until it was discontinued in 1894. In 1870, several families were added to the settlement. In 1880, the name of Highland was g-iven to the township by a vote of the residents, the vote standing- 2>2/()r, and one ag-ahist. At an early date a road called the stag-e road went throug-h this township from east to west, on sections 27, 28, 29 and 30, and Hig-hland can boast of having- a hotel on this road as early as 1877, which was built by C. G. Auley.

The first school was taug-ht by Anna E. Ellefson in a sod house belong-ing- to Ole O. Graves located on the east half of the northwest quarter of section 15.

The nearest shipping- point is Shernian on the Great Northern railway line located near the south line. The farmers of this township are all up to date in their methods of farming-, and the fine farm building-s, school houses and churches are unmistakable proofs of a prosperous and law-abiding- community.

During- the spring- of 1899 a creamery company was organized in Highland under the name of Highland Creamery Stock Companv. Its place of business is on the northeast quarter of section (». In April, of this year, a post office was established at this point called Hig-hland, and Haider T. Bratsberg- was appointed postmaster.

Gust. Olson'S Recollections Of Pioneer Days

Late in the fall of 1877, when the nearest shipping point was Luverne, Minnesota, our informant took a load of wheat to that place by ox-team, and thinking- it would prove interesting*- reading for those who have settled here during the new era pro])erly termed "after the railroads" and only have to take an hour's drive to the nearest railroad station to dispose of a load of g-rain, we insert his account of the trip: "I started early in the morning-, and when I g-ot there at nig-ht I found there were so many teams ahead of me that it seemed as though I went half way to Rock Rapids, Iowa, to g'et in line. The teams were taken off, and the loads were moved up by hand. It was late in the afternoon of the third day before my turn came to unload. I had about seven dollars left after paying- my expenses, and returned home during- the nig'ht in the midst of a snow storm.

"Job Wood in those days kept a hotel on his farm in section 4 in Palisade township, and was also the postmaster. The road was running-by his place, and all the teams hauling- wheat from Lake and Brooking-s counties, sometimes as many as fifty loads, all in line, passed this point. On one occasion seven teams from Brooking-s countv stopped there, and the drivers asked Mr. Wood if they mig-ht sleep over nig-ht in his straw stack, which he told them they could do. Soon after he informed them that supper was ready, but thev said they had supper of their own with them. The next morning- he called them to breakfast, but they replied the}' had already had their breakfast. When ready to leave, Mr. Wood helped them hitch up their teams, and charg'ed them seventy-five cents each. They refused to pay, saying- they had only slept in his straw stack. Mr. Wood replied: 'I am keeping- a hotel, I had beds for you, I prepared your supper and breakfast, and it is your fault that you didn't occupy the beds and eat the supper and breakfast I had ready for you.' He insisted upon payment, and they finally paid the bill, and learnt^d a g-ood lesson."

RosENDAL Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation. - This church org-anization, which is connected with the American Synod of that denomination, was perfected in 1874 by the Rev. (). O. Sando. It has a g-ood church building- on the northeast quarter of section 28 in Hig-hland. The Rev. O. O. Sando had charg-e of the cong-reg-ation until 1885, and the Rev. H. Aanestad is its present pastor. It has a membership of one hundred and fifty, and eig-hty communicants. In connection with the church there is a parochial week day school for the relig-ious instruction of the children and youngpeople of the cong-reg-ation.

HicmLAND Evangelical Lutheran Church. - This church was org-anized on the 11th day of February, 1893, with eig-hteen charter members. Services were held in school houses until 1895, when an appropriate church building- was erected on the northwest corner of section 17, with a seating- capacity of two hundred. The cost of this church was about $1,800, which has all been paid for by its members. Services are held every third Sunday, and the minister in charg-e of the church is the Rev. S. J, Nummedal, who has been its pastor since the org-anization, except one year, when the Rev. (t. O. Skaret conducted the services about once^ a month. The present membership of the church is one hundred and fourteen. There is also a Sunday school connected with the church with about fiftv scholars, also a Woman's Missionary Society.

A Norwegian Lutheran church hiiildino- was crocted in 1(SS4 on the southeast corner of section 17, but on the 21st (la\ oF Jnlv, the same year, after having- been enclosed, and three ser\ ices held tlierein, the buildin^- was blown down durino- a heavy wind.

StORDAL EvANGELICAI. LuTHF:RAN CHriRCH.- This churcll belono-s to the l)ranch known as Hauo-e's Evant»-elical LuthcM-an Church of America. It was or^'ani/ed at an earlv date, but no church buildino- was erected in this township until 1804. It is located on the southwest corner of the southwest quarter of section 10, and cost about Sl,5()(). The following- ministers have been in charj^^: The Reverends G. L. Graven, C. C. Holter, Chr. C. Moe and O. E. Mortvedt of Dell Rapids, who is the present pastor. Services are held every other Sunday. There is a flourishinu- Sunday school, also the usual Ladies' Aid societies, the Youny Ladies' society being" known as Good Hope.

1<S<SI. The first officers elected in Highland township were: Supervisors, Ransom Walter, Andrew Anderson, Asle K. Wold; clerk, J. J. Simenson; assessor and poundmaster, S. J. Rislov; treasurer, Christian Aslesen; justices, Erik Ellefson and William Walter; highway overseer, A. C. Barnes; constables, E. C. Ronning and M. D. Barber. January 3, the board organized by electing Ransom Walter chairman. July 18, a vacancy having occurred in the office of treasurer, M. D. Barber was appointed to fill the vacancy.

1882. January 2, board met at the clerk's office, and organized bv electing Ransom Walter chairman, the other supervisors were Asle K. Wold and Christian Aslesen; J. J. Simenson, clerk. At this meeting the first township warrant was issued to Ransom Walter for services as supervisor during the preceding year in the sum of S6.25.

1884. Supervisors, S. J. Rislov chairman, Peter Benson, 10mbrick Olson; clerk, A. J. Stromme; treasurer, David Anderson; assessor, Ole A. Espeseth. June 2, the board met the t<nvn board of Palisade and divided the work upon the highway on the town line. June 23, Andrew C. Berg was appointed clerk to fill vacancy. Balance in treasury at the end of the year, S71.82.

1885. Supervisors, Ole O. Tofte chairman, h'rank \\'. l\'«i\ce and Ole Hermanson; clerk, (justave A. (irant; treasurer, S. J. Rislo\ ; assessor, O. A. Espeseth; justices. Ransom Walter, Ole < ). Graves; constables, E. Ronning, M. D. Barber. At this meeting a motion was made and carried that all elections and pul)lic meetings should be held at the school house in district No. 45.

1880. Supervisors, F. W. Royce chairman. S. I. .Megard, Horace Walter; clerk, A. C. Berg; treasurer, S. J. Rislov; assessor, Ole A. Espeseth; constable, (xust. Olson. May 18, the board established ancl ordered opened a highway north and south through the township one mile east of the west town line. At the end of the fiscal year there was a balance on hand in the treasury of S143.()2.

1888. Supervisors, Horace Walter chairman, S. I. Meg-ard, Knud Knudson; clerk, G. A. Grant; treasurer, L. A. Grant; assessor, Ole O. Graves. Twenty-six votes were cast. June 2, the board met in joint session with the board of Log-an and divided work on hig-hway on the line between the townships. Balance on hand in treasury, S7().56.

1889. Supervisors, Horace Walter chairman, Peter Benson, P. Estenson; clerk, G. A. Grant; treasurer, L. A. Grant; assessor, Ole A. Espeseth; justices, Ransom Walter, Ole O. Graves; constables, Peder O. Digfre, Gust. Olson. Thirty-six votes were cast. March 26, the board met with Jacob Lorentson, county commissioner of Moody county, to settle a site for a county bridg-e on the county line across Pipestone creek, and it w^as ag-reed that Highland should l)uild the bridg-e and W'hen completed Moody county should pav one half of its appraised value. A special town meeting- was called for May 14, to determine whether the township should be resurveyed or not, and on that date it was decided to resurvey the township by a vote of thirty-two for to twenty-nine ag-ainst. Horace Walter was appointed to receive bids for the survey. Julv 6, John O. Lang'ness was employed to chain the rang-e line, and on the 9th the board entered into a contract with John O. Lang-ness to resurvey the township for the sum of S140. On the 21st day of September a resolution w^as passed to release the surveyor from establishing- the section and quarter section corners on the north boundary line. October 26, the bill of John O. Lang-ness for S148 for resurveying- the township was allowed. At the end of the fiscal year there was a balance in the treasury of S13.87.

1890. Supervisors, Horace Walter chairman, Peter Benson, John C. Berg-; clerk, G. A. Grant; treasurer, L. A. Grant; assessor, Ole O. Graves. There were sixty-eig-ht votes cast. October 2, the hig-hways, according- to the new survey, w^ere declared opened. The balance of money in treasury at the end of the year was S6.66.

1891. Supervisors, Gust. Olson chairman, John C. Berg-, P. O. Dig-re; clerk, G. A. Grant; treasurer, L. A. Grant; assessor, Ole (). Graves; justices, Ransom Walter, Ole Graves; constables, G. E. Eee, P. O. Dig-re. Sixty-one votes were cast.

1892. Supervisors, O. A. Espeseth chairman, I. Ellefson, S. I. Megard; clerk, G. A. Grant; treasurer, L. A. Grant; assessor, Edward Olson. Sixty-three votes were cast. April 7, at a special town meeting it was decided by a voteof twenty-nine forandone ag-ainst, to again survey the township. April 13, a contract was made with County Surveyor T. M. Patten to survey the township, and his bond of SI, 000 was approved. At the end of the fiscal year there was S3().28 in the treasury.

Crraves; justices, Horace Walter ami Ole ( ). (iraves; C()nslal)lc^^, (Tiist. Olson, Ole Estensen. Forty-three votes were cast. March 18, Esten Ronning- was appointed constable in the place of Ole Estensen, who failed to qualify. May 27, the board met in joint session with the board of Alliance township in Moody county, and divided the road work on the hig-hway between the townships. The treasurer reported a balance on hand in treasury of S20.(j5.

1894. Supervisors, A. Wold chairman, I. E. Ellefson, S. I. Meo-ard; clerk, G. A. Grant; treasurer, L. A. Grant; assessor, ( )K' O. Graves; constables, Ole Skjellum, Gust. Olson.

1899. Supervisors, I. E. Ellefson chairman, Peter Benson, John J. Mong-er; clerk, (t. A. Grant; treasurer, L. A. Grant; assessor, Ole O. Graves; justices, G. A. Grant, Ole O. Graves; constables, E. Ronning-, G. E. Lee.

Aslesp:n, Chris, was born in Norway in 1844. When first coming- to this country he located in Minnesota, and removed to Dakota in 1878. He then took up a homestead and a tree claim in Hig-hland, this county, and afterwards purchased 280 acres of land adjacent to his homestead. He resides on the northwest quarter of section 10. He has always taken an active part in town and county affairs; was the first treasurer of Hig-hland after the county had been org-anized into townships, then supervisor of the town board, and in 1882 was elected county commissioner, acting- in that capacity until Janiiar\- 11, 1883, when he resigned.

Bf:im, Andrew Anderson, was born in Norway, November 14, 184*). He emig-rated to the United States and located in Minnesota, removed from there to Iowa, and came to Dakota in May, 1877. Iktook up a homestead on the southeast quarter of section 8 in Hig-hland, where he still resides and has a g-ood farm. He was one of t hefirst supervisors of the town board of Hig-hland, after the county had been org-anized into townships.

Benson, Peter, was born in Norway, January 27, 183'). IKemig-rated to this country, lived in Iowa for some time and located in this county May 26, 1876. He filed a homestead upon the northwest quarter of section 3 in Hig-hland, and still resides at that place. He has held the offices of town supervisor and overseer of hig-h\va\s several years, and is a prosperous farmer and a good citizen.

Berg, Chris. A., was born in Norway in 1830, He einig-rated and lived in Michigan two years, and came to this county in 1874. He secured the southeast quarter of section 19 where he still resides, and also the south half of the northeast quarter of the same section, and has a fine farm. He is an enterprising- farmer and a g-ood citizen.

BoLSTAD, Ole Thorson, emig'rated to the United States from Norway, and resided in Illinois and Iowa before he came to Dakota, where he arrived June 22, 1874. He located in this count}^ and secured a homestead upon the southeast quarter of section 21 in Hig-hland, where he has since resided, and has a fine farm. He was born in December, 1835, and was a soldier in the Norweg-ian army, but since coming- to this country he has been principally eng-ag-ed in farming-, and has made a success of it.

Braa, Torres, is a native of Norway, and was born Aug-ust 3, 1860. He emig-rated to Michig-an in 1881, and the year followingcame to this county. He first lived in Sverdrup, but later on he bought the southwest quarter of section 7 in Highland, where he now resides eng-aged in farming-, and has a good farm.

DiGRE, Peter O., was born in Norway, September 30, 1848. He came to the United States May 28, 1871, and lived in Kansas until March, 1874, when he removed to this county. He took up as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 18 in Highland, where he still resides with his family and has a g-ood farm. He has been constable six years, supervisor of the town board one year, and school director three years. He is a good citizen.

Ellefson, Iver E., was born in Rock county, Illinois, December 14, 1851. He lived there and in Iowa until 1874, when he came to this county. He took up as a homestead the west half of the northwest quarter and the west half of the southwest quarter of section 15 in Highland, where he has since resided, and has a g-ood farm. He has held several town offices, and is at present chairman of the town board. He is an enterprising and respected citizen, and a good neighbor.

Elveson, Erick O., is a native of Norway, and was born December 23, 1849. In 1869 he emigrated to this country, stopped in Illinois a week and then went to Iowa, where he lived five years. June 22, 1874, he came to this county together with S. Rislov and others, all of whom secured land and became permanent settlers. Mr. Elveson took up a homestead on the southeast quarter of section 17, where he still resides; also a tree claim on the northeast quarter of section 20, and has bought 40 acres of school land, all in Highland. He is a prosperous farmer, and an esteemed citizen.

Espeseth, O. a., came to the United States from Norway, where he was born February 8, 1849, in the vicinity of the city of Bergen. He lived in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota" before he came to Dakota, where he arrived on the 27th dav of May, 1879. He then filed a pre-emption upon the east half of the northwest quarter of section 27, and the east half of the southeast quarter of section 22, in Highland, where he resided until 1885.

Gallagher, Patrick, is a native of Ireland, and was I)(»rn in 1837. He emitrrated to America in 1804, and traveled about the country until in 1875, when he settled in this county. He took up as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 30, and as a tree claim the southwest quarter of section 29. He is well-to-do, has a trood farm, and is a g-ood farmer.

Grant, (tUSTAVE A., was born in Norway, ^larch 4. 18(.(). He emig-rated and lived in Marseilles, LaSalle county, Illinois, until 1874, when he came to Dakota. In 1875 he located in Minnehaha county, and in 1882 filed a pre-emption on the southwest quarter of section 10, in Hi«-hland. He married a daug-hter of Ole Tofte, and resides in section 30, and has a o-ood farm. He is a well-known and respected citizen, and has held several offices; was town clerk eleven years, deputy postmaster several years, and assessor.

Graxt, L. a., was born in Norway, June 28, 1861. He first resided in Illinois, but in 1874 removed to this county, and was amongthe first settlers of Highland township. He was appointed postmaster of Hig-hland postoffice in 1886, and held the office until it was discontinued, and has also been town and school treasurer for several years. He resides on the southwest quarter of sectit)n 30, has a g-ood farm, and is a hig-hly esteemed citizen.

Graves, Ole O., was born in Norway September 17, 1847. He eniig-rated and lived in Illinois six months, then removed to Iowa, where he resided eig-hteen years. May 22, 1874, he came to this county, and settled in Hig-hland, where he has since resided, and was one of the first settlers of that town. He took up as a homestead the east half of the northwest quarter, and the east half of the southwest quarter of section 15, which is now a g-ood farm. He has held several important town offices, and is a g-ood nei<^hbor, and an uprig-ht citizen.

Lef:, Gilbert E., is a native of Norway, and was born July 30, 1S4S. He emig-rated to the United States in 1869 and settled in 'Wisconsin, and remained there until 1873. In April of that year he came to this county and during- that month took uj) the southeast ({uarter of section 3 in Valley Spring-s, making- his liling-s the last day the land office was located at Vermillion. This claim he afterwards disposed of, and on the 21st day of June, 1874, removed to Hig-hland and took up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 34, and as a tree claim the northeast quarter of section 22. Since then he has purchased farm lands so that at this writing- he is the owner of 1,250 acres, (juite a larg-e portion of which adjoins his first entries in Hig-hland. He has a larg-e family, and will have to purchase more land to leave 100 acres for each one of his children. With such a record it is unnecessary to add that he is industrious and enterprising-. He is a g-ood neig-hbor and a respected citizen.

Megard, Severt I., was born in Norway in 1857. He eniig-rated to the United States and lived in Michig-an until he removed to Dakota, where he arrived September 9, 1874. Upon attaining- his majority he boug-ht the southeast quarter of section 20 in Highland.

where he now resides, and has a good farm. He has been supervisor of the town board seven years, and a member of the school board for several years. He is a g-ood farmer and a respected citizen.

Olson, Gust., is a native of Sweden, and was born January 11, 1848. He emig-rated to the United States and lived in Indiana and Illinois until he removed to this county, where he arrived on the 27th dav of April, 1876, and has been a well-known resident of Hig-hland since then. He filed a pre-emption on the southeast quarter of section 34, where he resides. He has been a successful farmer, and has purchased several hundred acres of land adjoining- and near to his home, which he is farming-. He has held the office of constable several years, and has been chairman of the town board* He is a man of more than ordinary energy and force, is a g-ood neig'hbor and an honest, uprig-ht citizen.

Rasmusson, Ole, was born in Norway September 29, 1861. He emig-rated to the United States in 1879, and settled in Dakota, where he has since resided. He boug-ht the southwest quarter of section 22, where he resides and has a g-ood farm. He is an enterprisingfarmer, and a g-ood citizen.

RiSLOV, Sever J., is a native of Norway, and was born February 21, 1841. He emig-rated to the United States, and arrived in Illinois Aug-ust 20, 1864, where he remained two years. He then removed to Iowa, and after having- lived there for eig-ht years removed to Hig-hland, this county, where he arrived on the 22d day of June, 1874. He took up as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 22, and as a timber claim the northeast quarter of section 21, where he now resides. He has held the office of assessor, and has been chairman of the town board of supervisors. When he first came to this countv quite a colony of people accompanied him, and on the 23d and 24th (lays of June, 1876, they took up 2,240 acres of land in Hig-hland. Among- them were Christopher Benson, Elias Bolstad and Hermund Opstedahl with their families, also Ole Bolstad, Ole Opstedahl, John Opstedahl, Erick Elveson and Edward Olson. This colony at once l)uilt three sod houses, one for Benson, one for Opstedahl and one for S. J. Rislov. At that time the only residents in Hig-hland were" Ole Graves, Iver Ellefson, Gilbert Lee, Ole Knutson and Ole Tofte. The northwest quarter of section 28 and the northeast quarter of section 29 had been taken up by some one, who after proving- up sold out and left the township. Mr. Rislov at one time assessed the townsliip when the snow was so deep that he w^ent about on snow-shoes. He has a g-ood farm, and is g-reatly respected by his neig-hbors.

Ronning, Esten, is a native of Norway, and was born June 24, 1850. He emig-rated and lived in Michig-an and Wisconsin before locating in Dakota in February, 1878. He filed a pre-emption on the south half and the northeast quarter of section 5, in Hig-hland, and has since resided there. He was the first constable in Hig-hland. and held that office four years, and has been treasurer of his school district eleven years. He is a g-ood farmer, and a respected citizen.

Skjegstad, Iver C, is a native of Norway, and was born on the 26th day of March, 1838. He emig-rated to the United States and settled in Illinois in 1872, and from there came to Dakota in March,

1874, and to this county on the 5th day of iMa\- followiiio-. He toi.k up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section IS, in lliiihland. While in Illinois, he worked at his trade - that of a ear])i'nter and since coming- to this county has done some carpenter work, hut fanniii',;- has been his ])rincipal occupation. He is a o-ood and rrliahlc citi/en.

ToFTE, ()LK, one of the very first settlers of Hi,o-hland, was horn in Norway, September 22, 1822. He emio-rated to this countr\- and li\ed in Illinois until 1874, when he removed to Dakota and located at Vermillion, but shortly after took up land in Hi^diland. He filed u[)on the northwest quarter of section 10, as a homestead, and upon the north half of the northeast quarter of the same section as a tree claim, and now has one of the best farms in that town, with very fine building-s and improvements. He built the iirst frame house in Hio-hland, which is still preserved as a memento of pioneer days. He is hi_o-hl\' esteemed as a neio-hbor and citizen, and in 18S5 was chairman of the town board of supervisors.

Wold, Asle K., was born in Norway, in 1840. He emio-rated and lived in Illinois until 1875, when he settled in this county. He took up as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 27, where he resides, and also owns the northeast quarter of section 28, in Highland. He was one of the first supervisors of the town board after the township was organized and its chairman three years. He is a good farmer, and highly respected as a neighbor and citizen.

Walter, Horacp:, was born in Bradford county, PennsyUania. January 26, 1854. He lived in Minnesota for several years, and removed from there to this county in April, 1876. He took up the southwest quarter of section 33, and the southeast (juarter of section 32, in Highland township, and has a very good farm, with fine improvements. He has been supervisor of the town board, and four years its chairman, also justice of the peace. He is an enterprising, industrious farmer, a good neighbor, and a highly esteemed citizen.