Barron County, Wisconsin - Chapter 13: Biographical and Geneological Review, 1922 (part 41 of 46)

Louis J. Breen, influential citizen, now deceased, eight years county clerk, eight years chairman of Prairie Farm Township, many years chairman of the county board, prosperous farmer of Section 32, Arland Township, and a most worthy man in every respect, was born in Osterdalen, Norway, Nov. 26, 1848, the son of John and Mary (Holemo) Breen, also natives of that country. He was reared in Norway, attended school there, and became a farmer and painter. In 1868, he came to America and landed in Fillmore County, Minne¬ sota. There he did general farm work and followed the trade of painting which he had learned in Norway. In 1875 he came to Barron County, and located in what is now Section 32, Arland Township. Forty-five years ago conditions were different from what they are now. The lumber camps were still flourishing, the early villages were just getting a start, the "tote" roads were still the principal routes of travel, the settlers were scattered, living in little cabins built in clearings among the trees, brush and stumps. The land Mr. Breen took was all wild. He put up a cabin, moved his family into it, and underwent all the hardships and privations while getting a start in life. In time he built up a good farm, with comfortable and sightly buildings, and well fenced and well tilled acres. He was a progressive and enterprising man who believed in modern methods, and as means permitted he acquired the best of equipment and machinery. While never of a type who pushed himself, and although finding his greatest delights in the quiet of his home life, Mr. Breen was a natural born leader and it was inevitable that his fellow men should call his talents into requisition for public service. For some years he was school clerk. In the town his first office was that of supervisor for two years. So efficiently did he fulfill the duties of this office that he was elected town clerk, in which position he served for seven years. In the fall of 1888, his friends placed him in nomination for county clerk. He was duly elected and served in all eight years. His work in this capacity is still remembered, and many of the systems he introduced are still in evidence at the courthouse. When he retired from this office his fellow townsmen elected him chairman of the township, a position in which he also served for eight years. His expe¬ rience naturally fitted him to make an unusually fine record both in handling the town's affairs, and in sitting on the county board. After a life of real use¬ fulness to his fellow men, he died April 12, 1908. At that time it was said of him: "As a man, Mr. Breen was modest, diffident and unassuming, while firmly holding to everything that he believed to be right; as a neighbor and friend he was kind-hearted, loyal, generous, true and helpful; as an official he was genial, efficient, attentive, courteous, exact and thoroughly informed; as a 'husband he was loving and considerate; as a father he was understanding, tender and indulgent; a fine type, whether as a man, citizen, friend, official or family man; his loss will long continue to be mourned; and his memory will remain forever in the annals of those whose worth and work went into the up¬ building of the county." Mr. Breen was married Nov. 27, 1870, to Anna Hilstahagen, at Fillmore, Minn. She was born in Norway on March 17, 1845, and died in Arland Township, March 17, 1882. This union was blessed with six children: Paul, Marie, Carl, Albert, Louise and Otto. April* 23, 1883, Mr. Breen married Augusta Margaretta Hanson, who was born in Norway, Sept. 29, 1863, the daughter of Hans C. and Henreka (Johanson) Hanson. This union has been blessed with eight children: Helmer, Anne, Helen, Christine, Laura, Clara, Hilda and Sophie. Paul is in Boville, Idaho. Marie is the wife of T. P. Breen of Minneapolis. Carl operates the home farm. Albert is farm¬ ing in Prairie Farm Township. Louise is a stenographer in the Fairview Hos¬ pital, Minneapolis. Otto operates a hardware story in Hendry, South Dakota. Helmer is a civil engineer connected with the United States government. His headquarters are now at Sand Point, Idaho. Anne is the wife of Albert Vadheim, of Bridger, Mont. Helen is the wife of Michael Schoemer of Northport, Wash. Christine is the wife of Dr. Alfred Vadheim of Tyler, Minn. Laura is the wife of Erick Bergstrom of Venn, Saskatchewan, Canada. Clara is the wife of Proctor Shelby of Omaha, Neb. Hilda is the wife of C. R. Brooks, of St. Paul, Minn. Sophie is a telegraph operator at Omaha, Neb. Mrs. Breen, a worthy woman of many gracious qualities, who was a faithful helpmeet of her husband in all his undertakings, is still living on the home place.

Carl Breen is one of the progressive young farmers of Arland Township, successfully operating the family homestead in Section 32. He is energetic and modern, he understands farming thoroughly, he is popular with all who know him, he is a useful citizen, and he stands high throughout the commu¬ nity. Born on the farm where he still lives, April 6, 1877, the son of Louis J. and Anna (Hilstahagen) Breen, he attended the local schools and was reared to farm pursuits by his father. He gradually took over the responsibilities of the place, of which he is now part owner, and after his father's death rented it from the other heirs. Like his father before him, he is interested in public affairs, and has served six years as town supervisor and for a number of terms as a member of his school district board. He was married June 26, 1912, to Alma Swergen, who was born March 16, 1887. She graduated from the Minne¬ sota State Normal School at Madison, Minn., in 1909, and then became a profi¬ cient teacher, having charge of various public and parochial schools for seven years. Like her husband she is taking her share in the affairs of the community.

Martin Clayton, an active and industrious farmer of Sections 31 and 32, Arland Township, was born in Norway, May 3, 1874, the son of Nels and Johanna (Johansdatter) Clayton. These good people were born and reared in Norway, and were there married. They came to America in 1887, landing in New York May 28, of that year. From that city they came directly to Menomonie, Wis., where they stayed for a while. In 1889 they bought 80 acres in Sections 31 and 32, Arland Township. He erected a set of log buildings and cleared about fifteen acres. There he carried on farming for many years. He was active in the upbuilding of the community, was interested in church and school, and helped to construct some of the early roads. In 1899 he retired but continued to live on the place until his lamented death, Oct. 26, 1908. His wife died Dec. 2, 1913. They were the parents of five children. Andreas and Ellen died in Norway. Curine is the wife of Anton Moen of Prairie Farm Township. Anna is the widow of Hans Thorson of Norway. Martin, the third child, attended school in Norway, and was thirteen years old in 1887, when his parents brought him to America, was reared on his present farm, and early learned the hard work of farm life in this region. He helped his parents de¬ velop the farm and in 1899 took over its management. He has erected a good set of modern buildings, has cleared 60 more acres, has put up fences and has purchased suitable equipment in the way of tools, implements and machinery. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying. He has a good graded herd, and raises the crops usual in this region. Mr. Clayton believes in helping every cause which is for the best interests of the community. He is a stockholder in the Hillsdale Northwestern Telephone Co. In 1904 Mr. Clay¬ ton homesteaded land in Marshall County, Minn., which he held for three years. Mr. Clayton married Alice G. Baker, who was born in Marquette County, Wis¬ consin, Aug. 28, 1876, the daughter of Frank and Christine (Nelson) Baker, now residents of Arland Township. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton have a daughter, Juna C., who was born March 6, 1901, and is at home. The family faith is that of the Concordia Church at Arland.

Robert Christiansen, who has been a resident of Arland Township for nearly thirty years, during which time he has operated a farm in Section 9, was born in Denmark, Dec. 27, 1860, son of Christ and Mary (Thorson) Chris¬ tiansen. He attended school in his native land and began industrial life as a farm laborer. In 1870 he enlisted in the Danish army, being attached to the Fourth Cavalry Regiment, in which he served two years. For ten years he was employed as a care-taker in the woods. In 1883 he came to the United States, landing at Castle Garden, New York, whence he proceeded to Hammond, Wisconsin. There he first worked as section hand on the railroad, but in a short time bought a small farm which he operated two years. In 1886 Mr. Christiansen went to St. Paul, Minn., where he worked for the street car com¬ pany and as a common laborer for six years. So far, with the exception of the time he had farmed near Hammond, he had been merely a wage earner, but in 1892 he came to Barron County, Wisconsin, and once more engaged in farming on his own account, buying 40 acres of wild land in Section 9, Arland Township. On this he erected log buildings, and has since cleared 40 acres. He now has a set of good modern outbuildings, and is carrying on general farming and dairying with success, his herd of Guernsey cattle including a pure bred sire. He is a stockholder in the Barron Co-operative Creamery. For three years he has served on the school board of his district, and as a citizen is a man who commands the respect of his fellow townsmen. Mr. Christiansen was married Aug. 10, 1873, in Denmark, to Anna Hanson, who passed away in June, 1891. He and his wife had nine children, but three of whom are now living, namely : Christina, now Mrs. Frederickson of Fresno, Cal.; Hannah, wife of Charles Kendall of St. Maries, Idaho, and Julius, who resides on the farm with his father.

Simeon Brown, the developer, and for many years the proprietor of Eastwood Farm in Arland Township, was born in Vernon County, Wisconsin, Nov. 6, 1861, son of George W. and Abbie (Adams) Brown. The parents, who were among the early settlers in Barron County, are now deceased. Simeon ac¬ quired his education in the district schools in Vernon County, and subsequently worked for and with his father. During that early period he had his youthful ambitions of carving out a modest fortune, and as a first step thereto bought a small piece of land in Clinton Township, Barron County, which he later sold. In 1890 he bought 80 acres in Arland Township, this county, located in Section 1, on which he erected a set of log buildings. Later he purchased 110 acres in the same section, putting up a set of modern buildings and naming the farm Eastwood. This place was his home until his death on April 26, 1921. During his active career he was engaged in mixed farming and dairying, keeping high grade Guernsey cattle with a pure bred sire, and his practical knowledge of all branches of agriculture, together with his diligent application to business, placed him finally in a position of comfortable independence. His character as a man was one that commanded the respect of his neighbors, and he proved himself a useful citizen, serving several years on the school board, also as town treasurer, and as a member of the Arland Township board. He was a consistent attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his family are members, and belonged to that class of men who, when they pass away leave a void in the community not easily filled. Mr. Brown was married July 27, 1898, in Barron, Wis., to Eva Knowlton, who was born in Wabasha, Minn., Jan. 31, 1871, daughter of Jason and Laura (Shirtlaff) Knowlton. Her parents are now deceased. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Brown, all now living, were born as follows: Margaret E., July 26, 1899; Laura M., Dec. 19, 1901; Myron L., March 9, 1903; Abbie A., Sept. 24, 1906, and Esther G., Oct. 10, 1910. Since her husband's death Mrs. Brown has continued to operate the farm with the assistance of her son, Myron L. The place is well improved and the Browns are among the respected and prosperous families of Arland Township.

Henry E. Broten, a representative farmer of Section 30, Arland Township, is a native of the place where he still resides, born Oct. 7, 1880, the son of Erick and Eliza (Halverson) Broten. These good people were born, reared and mar¬ ried in Norway. They came to America in the early seventies and located at Menomonie, Wis., where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., work¬ ing in the lumber woods and on the river drives. In 1872 he took a home¬ stead of 80 acres in Section 30, Arland Township. It was then covered with heavy timber. He had to cut a trail to get his provisions and supplies to his claim. There he built a log cabin and started to establish a home and a farm. He did his logging and clearing with a yoke of oxen, and continued to use oxen for some twenty years. Often he walked to Prairie Farm, bringing flour home on his back. It was some years before adequate roads were built in the vicin¬ ity. Mr. Broten worked hard and as the years passed got 60 acres of his place cleared. He continued actively engaged in farming until his death, Dec. 16, 1908. In the family there were five children : Matilda, wife of Martin Ander¬ son of Turtle Lake Township, this county ; Andrew, of Birchwood County, this state; Henry E., the subject of this sketch; Charles, of Saskatchewan, Canada; and George, who is dead. Henry E. attended the district schools, was reared on the home place, and learned farming from his father. In 1891 he started out, worked in the woods of northern Wisconsin and Minnesota for a while, then did railroad work at Seattle, Wash., several years, and for one year was employed in cattle roundups in Montana, his employer being an Indian named

Jack Galbraith, hi 1908 he returned home and bought the old homestead. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of mixed graded Holsteins. He has made many improvements on the place, in¬ cluding the erection of a pleasant new home. Here he and his aged mother live comfortably. Both are well known throughout the community, and both are well thought of by all who know them. The log cabin which was the family hbme for so many years is still standing.

Frank Baker,, a pioneer of Barron County, who has been a resident of Arland Township for 43 years, was born in Germany, July 1, 1855, son of Fred and Marie (Court) Baker. Coming to America in 1869 the family settled at Oconomowoc, Wis., but subsequently removed to Reeseville, Wis., where the father died Oct. 8, 1876, and the mother Nov. 27, 1900. They had seven chil¬ dren: Fred, now in Germany; William, who died Nov. 11, 1919; Christian, a resident of Marquette County, Wis. ; Frank, subject of this sketch ; and Sophia, Louisa and Augusta, who are deceased. Frank Baker attended school in Ger¬ many and was fourteen years old when he came to this country with his par¬ ents. For a while he did farm labor in Waukesha County, and was there until 1878, when he became a pioneer of Barron County, taking a homestead of 40 acres in Section 30, Arland Township. The tract was heavily covered with tim¬ ber and he cut the first tree on it, and also many others subsequently. For a residence he erected a log cabin, 18 by 24 feet, in which he lived for 23 years. The next building he erected was a log barn. Both buildings were constructed of logs cut on his land, and both are still standing. As for some years his farm produced no income, Mr. Baker worked during the winters for Knapp, Stout & Co., and also in the fall in the harvest fields of the state to earn money for running expenses. He also helped to build roads and was the first man to drive from his homestead to Turtle Lake. In 1887, having by that time made some progress, he bought an additional tract of 40 acres north of his home¬ stead. More recently, in 1918, he purchased 80 acres in Section 31, this giving him a total of 160 acres. Of his 80 acres in Section 30 he has cleared 35. In 1901 Mr. Baker erected a good, modern house, and in 1905 a modern barn, with the Phoenix equipment. He follows general farming and dairying, keeping mixed grade cattle, and is conducting a profitable business. On Oct. 14, 1875 Mr. Baker was united in marriage with Christina Nelson, who was born in Norway Nov. 26, 1851, daughter of Nels and Sophia (Anderson) Anderson, and came to America in 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have five children: Alice G., born Aug. 28, 1876, now Mrs. Martin Clayton ; Cora E., born Jan. 4, 1882, who is the wife of Julius Larson of Barron; Minnie F., born Nov. 28, 1886; Walter E., born March 13, 1889, and Olga C., born July 8, 1893, who are residing at home.

Andrew O. Wold, an early settler of Section 20, Arland Township, was born in Norway, in 1838, and was there reared and educated, and there married Anna Severson, who was born in that country in 1844. In 1872 he brought his fam¬ ily to America. After landing in Quebec, Canada, he went directly to Green County, in this state, where he remained for a year. In 1873 he located at Menomonie Junction, Dunn County, this state, where he did railroad construc¬ tion work. It was in 1874 that he came to Barron County and took a home¬ stead of 80 acres in Section 20, Arland Township. He was the first settler west on what is now the Clayton road, between the Hay river and the county line. When he first came he had to cut a trail among the trees for three miles in order to get his family and supplies onto his land. Even with that he had to carry bedding and provisions part of the way on his back. For a while the family lived in the open under the big pines, blankets being hung up to pro¬ tect them from the wind and the rain. When he got the log shack built, they moved into it. Then be opened the road and purchased a yoke of oxen. It was some time before he used horses. For a while he and his wife and children endured many hardships. Even food was scarce. Only 50 pounds of fiour could be obtained at one time from the store at Prairie Farm, and even then he had to bring it to his cabin on his back. Getting the farm cleared and broken was a task of great difficulty. The white pine logs had to be cut and skidded to the Hay river, where Knapp, Stout & Co. paid $2.50 a thousand feet. Little by little, Mr. Wold built up the place. When he retired in 1889 he had a good set of log buildings and 35 acres of the land had been cleared and cul¬ tivated. From 1889 to 1892 the son, John W., had charge of the place, and since then the son. Sever Anderson, has owned it. Mr. Wold died in 1893, and his wife Nov. 14, 1905. He was a man of energy and sterling character, who be¬ lieved in everything that was good, and his memory will long be cherished. His wife, a most worthy woman, was a faithful helpmeet in all his under¬ takings. They were the parents of fourteen children, of whom there are now living six. Inga is the wife of Ole Severson, of Arland Township. Bertha is the wife of Martin Halverson of Arland Township. Carrie is the wife of Peter Korbal of Minneapolis, Minn. Sever is farming the home place. John W. is a farmer in Prairie Farm Township. Hans W. now resides with his sister, Inga. The sons have taken the name of Anderson.

Sever Anderson, proprietor of the Riverdale Guernsey Farm, is one of the prominent men of Arland Township, and is taking his part in those modern movements which have for their object the agricultural progress of this com¬ munity. He is doing most efficient work as clerk of the Arland Township unit of the Barron County Farm Bureau, he is active in the Barron County Guern¬ sey Breeders Association, and he is a stockholder in the Barron Creamery Co., and in the Hillsdale Telephone Co. He has also served with credit as a member of the school board of his district. He was born on the place where he still lives, Sept. 11, 1874, the son of Andrew 0. and Anna (Severson) Wold, early settlers. He was reared on the hofae place and attended school in the old log schoolhouse in District No. 4. At the age of sixteen he started out for himself, and worked in the woods and on farms for a while. In 1892 he bought 120 acres of the old homestead. To this he has added so that he now owns 160 acres. He has cleared 5 acres more, has rebuilt the buildings, and has installed modern equipment including the Westinghouse system of electric lighting. He has a good place and successfully carries on general farming and dairying. His fine herd of Guernseys is headed by a full blooded sire and some of the cows are also full bloods. Mr. Anderson was married at Prairie Farm Jan. 9, 1905, to Gertie Bustgaard, who was born in Norway, May 30, 1874, the daughter of Lars and Mary (Thalberg) Bustgaard, natives of Norway, and both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have a fine family of five bright children: Andrew, Hawkin, Martin, Gunde and Lars. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Ole Moseng, for over forty-three years a resident of Section 32, Arland Township, was born in Norway, attended school there, grew to manhood, and married Bertha Troan. They came to America in 1871, landed at Quebec, and found their way to Perry, Wis., where they remained for over a year. From there they came to Menomonie, where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., working in the lumber camps and on the river drives. In 1875, he came to Barron County, and took a homestead of 80 acres in Section 32, Arland Township. This was all wild land. He blazed a trail to his place, through the woods, built a log cabin, and there established his family. For ftiany seasons he continued to work in the woods to get a little money to keep things going while he could get things well started oh the farm. Gradually he built up a good place, and he and his wife became respected and substantial people. In 1896 he turned the place over to his son, Charles E., but continued to live there until his death. He died Dec. 15, 1918, and his wife June 12, 1916.

Charles E. Moefeng, a leading farmer of Section 32, Arland Township, was born in Perry, Wis., Jan. 28, 1873, the son of Ole and Bertha (Troan) Moseng, who brought him to his present place in 1875. He was feared here, a'ttended the district school, and learned farming from his father. He took over the place in 1896, and has since conducted it, carrying on geheral farming and dairying. He has rebuilt the house, put up buildings, and made general im¬ provements. His herd consists of mixed Guernseys and Jerseys. He is inter¬ ested in everything that has for its object the betterment of the community, and he has been especially active in school affairs, serving his school district as director and being the present school clerk. He is well liked throughout the community, and stands well with all who know him. Mr. Moseng was mar¬ ried May 4, 1900, to Emma Aker, who was born in Arland Township on Sept. 30, 1884, the daughter of John and Bertha (Erlien) Aker, natives of Norway, and for some time farmers of Arland Township, the former of whom died in Sep¬ tember, 1895, and the latter of whom died Dec. 31, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Moseng have a fine family of six children: Ole J., born Aug. 6, 1901; Adolph B., born May 31, 1905; Orvel B., born Feb. 12, 1906; Clarence E., born Sept. 26, 1909; Selmer O., born Dec. 1, 1912, and Sigurd M., born March 5, 1916. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran Church.

Peter Marx, proprietor of a good farm in Section 9, Arland Township, which he has developed from wild land, was born in Luxembourg, March 9, 1867, son of John and Anna (Penning) Marx. The father still .resides in Lux¬ embourg, the mother being deceased. After relinquishing his school studies, Peter Marx took up farm labor to earn a livelihood, continuing thus engaged until he came to America in 1889, a young man of 22 years. From New York he went to St. Paul, Minn., where he found employment cooking in restau¬ rants and hotels. He then wandered about the West, following the same occu¬ pation in various cities in Kansas and in San Francisco, where he remained for two and a half years. In 1896 he returned east as far as Barron County, and bought 80 acres of wild land in Section 9, Arland Township. On this he built a frame shanty and log barn, which two years later were destroyed by fire, when he lost all he had except his land. In 1920 he found himself in a position to repair his losses and built a barn and out buildings, the barn measuring 34 by 66 feet and provided with the James equipment. He has now one of the nicest sets of farm buildings in Arland Township and has cleared 75 acres of his land. Aside from his direct farming interests, he is a stockholder in the Barron Co-operative Creamery and the Farmers' Co-opera¬ tive store at Poskin. In religion he is a Catholic. On June 30, 1894, Mr. Marx was united in marriage with Katie Kasel, who was born in Luxembourg, Sept. 17, 1866, daughter of Peter and Katie (Nesen) Kasel. Her parents have both passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Marx have been born seven children, of whom four are now living. The record of births is as follows: Joseph, Jan. 1, 1896; Edward, Nov. 2, 1898; Anna T., May 15, 1900; Gottfried A., Nov. 25, 1901; Mary J., Aug. 16, 1904; Lena M., May 3, 1907, and Nicholas T., Feb. 23, 1908. Those deceased are: Anna T., who died Oct. 4, 1900; Gottfried A., who died April 28, 1920, and Nicholas T., who died May 25, 1908. Though bereaved of three of their children, Mr. and Mrs. Marx still enjoy a happy home life at¬ tuned to harmony by the key of mutual affection.

Ole O. Mytroen, one of the early settlers of Arland Township, was born in Norway, and was there reared and educated. He came to America in 1872, landed at New York and came directly to Menomonie, Wis., where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. in the sawmills there. In 1873 he came to Barron County and homesteaded 80 acres in Section 28, Arland Township. This was all wild land. He erected a set of buildings, cleared some of the land, and there successfully farmed for many years. After a useful life of worthy ac¬ complishment, he died July 21, 1910. His good wife had passed away March 17, 1907. Mr. Mytroen was a man held in the highest esteem. He was a leader among his fellowmen, a kind and loving husband and father, a good citizen, a generous neighbor, and a genial companion. He will long be remembered as one of the prominent men in the township in its early days. Mrs. Mytroen was Ingrid Westeras. They had four children: John, now of Congress, Province of Saskatchewan, Canada; Hans, who farms in Turtle Lake Town-

Magnus Mytroen, a modern and progressive farmer of Section 32, Arland Township, where he has built up an excellent place which is a model in every respect, is a native of this township, born Feb. 2, 1884, the son of Ole O. and Ingrid (Westeras) Mytroen, early settlers. He was reared on the home place, and received his educational training in the district schools. In 1907 he bought his present place, and two years later, in 1909, moved into it. To the development and operation of this farm he has since devoted his attention. In 1920 he put up a modern 8-room bungalow, equipped with many conven¬ iences, including the Swanlite Electric system. In 1916 he built a barn, 32 by 64 feet, with full basement, and furnished with the Western Barn equip¬ ment. He has also erected some other good buildings. He has cleared about 20 more acres of the land, and has put up some good fences. His equipment in tools, implements and machinery is excellent. Mr. Mytroen is a man of ability and influence, and is already well along the road to success. He is a stockholder in the Prairie Farm Co-operative Association. Mr. Mytroen was married in Arland Township in 1909 to Marie Moen, who was born in Prairie Farm Township Oct. 29, 1886, the daughter of Anton and Gurina (Clayton) Moen. This union has been blessed with two children. Ida G. was born May 31, 1910. Mabel A. was born June 24, 1913. The family faith is that of the Concordia Church in Arland Township.

Ole Johnson, proprietor of a flourishing general store in the village of Arland, and who also contributed to the growth and agricultural resources of the township by the development of a good farm, was born in Norway, Nov. 13, 1850, son of John and Martha (Olson) Anderson. The parents never came to America but died in their native land. Ole Johnson attended common school in Norway and remained in that country until 1868, when he came to the United States, a young man with plenty of strength and not devoid of ambition. Locating in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, he worked in a store at Woodsite and also did farm labor for three years. In 1871 he went to Menomonie and entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., being placed in charge of the sleeping shanties at the mill, which position he held for two years, afterwards for a year taking care of the horses. In the fall of 1873 he came to Barron County and took a homestead of 80 acres in Section 20, Arland Township. Later he bought 200 acres in Sections 17, 20 and 29.' It was all wild land and he at once set about its improvement, erecting a set of log buildings. In course of time he cleared 60 acres of the land, making his home on that farm until 1899 and then started the store in Arland Vil¬ lage which he still operates. Mr. Johnson has grown up with the county, which, when he first came here was but thinly settled, many of the settlers also being transients engaged in the lumber business who moved away to other parts after the timber had been cut. He himself became closely iden¬ tified with local affairs and was soon numbered among the prominent citi¬ zens, taking an active part in all progressive enterprises. Among other things he went about and got signers to the petition to have the township of Arland set off from Clinton and Prairie Farm. He helped to organize the first school in Prairie Farm Township and was clerk of the board for 23 years. He also served eight years as supervisor on the Prairie Farm town board, and was the first chairman of the Arland town board and served eight years. In 1899, when he started his store in the village, he also organized and built the creamery in Arland, of which he was secretary and manager for two years, and for 18 months he served as postmaster of Arland. Thus his life has been full of action, well devised and successfully carried out, and few citizens of the township are better known or more highly respected. Mr. Johnson first assumed domestic responsibilities Oct. 10, 1882, when he was united in marriage with Olina Fristad, who passed away on June 13, 1903. By her he had eight children: James, who operates a garage in Arland;

Frank, an engineer on the Great Northern Railway, residing at Devil's Lake, N. D.; George, a baker in St. Paul, Minn.; Clarence, who died in 1915; Carl, who died in 1909; Alvin, who is operating the old home farm; Mabel, re¬ siding at home, and Lillie, who lives in Minneapolis. In November, 1909, Mr. Johnson married Mrs. Lisa Hagan, whose family name was Olson. She passed away in May, 1918. Mr. Johnson has been as successful as a merchant as he was as a farmer. He enjoys a good trade and is one of the most popular citizens of Arland Village.

Charles A. Westland, engaged in farming, dairying and the poultry busi¬ ness in Arland Township, where he has developed a good farm from wild land, was born in Norway, Sept. 12, 1869, son of Anders and Marn Christina (Peterson) Westland. The father died in Norway in 1884, but the mother is still living there. They had seven children : Bertha, now Mrs. Oliver Gulbransen of Racine, Wis.; Olof, residing in Christiania, Norway; Pauline, wife of John Johnson of Chicago; Johanna, wife of Andrew Anderson of Chicago; Charles A., subject of this sketch; Johan of Christiania, Norway, and Mary, who is deceased. Charles A. Westland was educated in his native land and began industrial life as an employee in a match factory, where he worked until he was 17 years of age. In 1886 he resolved to seek his fortune in America, and after landing at New York, proceeded to Chicago, where for one year he was employed in a chair factory. In 1887 he came to Dallas, Barron County, Wis., where he made his home for a year, being engaged in farm labor. After that he became connected with the lumber trade, working in the woods in northern Wisconsin and on drives in the spring, which occu¬ pation he followed until 1896. It was in that year that he started out for him¬ self as a farmer, buying 80 acres of wild land in Section 33, Arland Township, to which he later added 80 in Section 34. There being a log house on hia land, he proceeded to build a log barn and to develop a farm and home. Later he erected a better house, barn and outbuildings, and now has a complete set, besides having cleared 80 acres of his land. For several years after he settled on his place, having but limited capital, he was obliged to work win¬ ters in the woods. During the subsequent years he has made gradual but steady progress and is now numbered among the substantial citizens of his township. He carries on mixed farming and dairying, his cattle being grade Guernseys with a pure bred sire. As a poultryman he breeds pure White Leg*horns, at times having as many as 400 in his flock, and this business, scientifically conducted, adds materially to his income. Religiously he is con¬ nected with the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Westland was married Oct. 13, 1&96, to Anna Holman, who was born in Menomonie May 24, 1870, daughter of Ole and Anna (Gravle) Holman. He and his wife are the par¬ ents of three children: Archie, born May 26, 1898; Oscar, Aug. 27, 1901, and Olaf, June 22, 1908. Archie was married June 15, 1921, to Adrie Johnson, who was born Jan. 8, 1903, daughter of Alfred and Lena (Eggen) Johnson, now residents of Prairie Farm Township, Barron County.

Peter J. Hoff, a well known pioneer of Barron County, in early days a lumberman but later a farmer, though now retired, was bori^n Norway, Jan. 8, 1848, son of John and Bertha (Peterson) Anderson. Thejparents were na¬ tives of Norway who came to this country in 1871 and subsequently resided with their son, Peter, until their death. Peter J. Hoff was reared in his na¬ tive land, where he became acquainted with farm work. In 1869 he came to America, landing at Quebec, whence he proceeded to Columbia County, Wis¬ consin. There he did farm labor for three years; then in 1872 he went to Menomonie, where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co., for whom he worked in the woods and in sawmills for eighteen winters. In 1874 Mr. Hoff came to Barron County and took a homestead of 120 acres in Section 22, Arland Township. This was a wild tract and the country so unsettled that he had to cut a trail to his farm and carry provisions on his back from Prairie Farm. He had one of the first teams of oxen in the township and did "toting" for Knapp, Stout & Co. for many years. He also helped to build roads and get new settlers into the township, besides helping its development in various, other ways. In the meanwhile as he found opportunity he continued work on his farm, finally clearing 45 acres, besides erecting a set of . buildings, which he built himself, and hauling large quantities of logs for his neighbors. He also built several sets of farm buildings in the township in addition to his. own. These activities made him prominent and well known, as well as popu-: lar. He helped build the first schoolhouse in the township,' for 33 year* served as road boss and was clerk of the school board for ten years. He also helped to organize and build churches in the township, being himself a mem¬ ber of the Norwegian Lutheran Church. After a long and successful career in farming, Mr. Hoff retired from active work in 1915 and sold the farm to Ben Hughes, his son-in-law, but he still resides on the old homestead, which he has further improved by setting out an orchard. Mr. Hoff was married in Norway to Pauline Olson, who was born Sept. 16, 1844, daughter of Ole and Hilda (Mickelson) Olson. She proved an excellent wife and good mother, and by her he had eight children, as follows: Ole P., born April 12, 1867, a farmer in Arland Township; Betsey L., born March 27, 1870, now Mrs. Armand Lien of this township; Josephine, born Feb. 9, 1873, now the wife of Ole Borg of this township; Edwin, born Feb. 10, 1876, who is a farmer here; Agnes, born Dec. 29, 1877, who died in 1885; Christian, born Feb. 7, 1882, who is a farmer in Arland Township;- Anna, born Nov. 27, 1884, now Mrs. Ole Nelson of this township, and Petra, born Nov. 17, 1887, who is the wife of Ben Hughes and has two children, Carl, born Aug. 15, 1915, and Har¬ old, born April 19, 1920.

Peter Jasperson, whose work along agricultural lines during the last 17 years has given him a place among the well-to-do farmers and dairymen of Arland Township, was born in Denmark, Dec. 2, 1872, son of Jorgen and Christie (Peterson) Jasperson. His mother died in 1915 but the father is still living in Denmark. Peter Jasperson was educated in his native land and was subsequently engaged in truck farming there. In 1890, at the age of 18 years, he landed at New York, an immigrant seeking his fortune in a world of larger opportunity. Coming west to Minnesota, he remained for four years in the vicinity of Wilmer and Litchfield, engaged in farm work. In 1894 he returned to Denmark and remained there for a year. After his return to the United States he spent a short time in St. Louis Park, Minn., and then went to Hopkins, near Minneapolis, where until 1904 he operated a dairy. In that year he came to Barron County and settled on 120 acres of land in Arland Township that he had bought in 1895. On this property he has since cleared 80 acres, besides erecting a complete set of buildings. His cattle are of the Holstein breed, and he is improving his herd by the use of a pure bred sire. He is a stockholder in the Barron Co-operative Creamery and the Hillsdale Northwestern Telephone Company. He has stock in the Twin--3to» Cheese Factory. His religious affiliations are with the United LufhefarTChiuxh. Mr. Jasperson was married Dec. 31, 1898, to Patre Thomp¬ son, who was^korn March 1, 1880, in Norway, daughter of Thomas and Olive (Jefferson) Th^apson, who still reside in that country. Three children have been born to them: Albert, Oct. 18, 1900; Fred, Oct. 10, 1903, and Dora, Nov; 9, 1918.

Jacob Hawkinson, residing on a good farm of 200 acres in Arland Town¬ ship, -has been a resident of Barron County for 28 years, during which time he hks witnessed many improvements, some of which he has himself helped to make. He was born in Sweden, Sept. 1, 1852, son of Hawkin Jacobson and Maggie (Halverson) Jacobson. Both his parents died in Sweden. Jacob was educated in his native land, in which he resided for a number of years. He began industrial life working for a railway company and afterwards operated a farm'. In 1891, a young man of 40 years, he landed in New York and thence came on to Dunn County, Wisconsin, where he bought a half interest in a farm. He also followed his trade of stone mason for several years, though not altogether in that locality, as in 1898 he came to Barron County, locating near the village of Arland, where he resided for a year. In 1894 he bought 80 acres in Section 21, Arland Township, and in 1899 in¬ creased his landed possessions by the purchase of 40 acres of railroad land. Nine years later, in 1908, he bought another tract of 80 acres, so that he is now the owner of 200 acres in all. During the intervening years he has kept on improving his place, on which he erected all the buildings, besides clear¬ ing 60 acres of the land. As a general farmer and dairyman he has met with good success, keeping a mixed breed of cattle. He is a stockholder both in the co-operative creamery at Barron and the co-operative store at Poskin. In 1918 he retired from active work, renting his farm to his sons, Jacob H. and John. Mr. Hawkinson was married, Oct. 26, 1880, to Sigred Johnson, who was born in Sweden, April 11, 1849, daughter of Johan Nelson and Mary (Mar¬ tinson) Nelson, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkinson have a family of five children: Maggie, bom Sept. 8, 1881, now Mrs. Ernest Eckstrom, residing in Minnesota; Martha, born Oct. 16, 1883, who is the wife of Frank Bodin of Arland Township; Jacob H., born Dec. 24, 1886; John, born Jan. 20, 1888, and Anna, born Oct. 6, 1891, now Mrs. Frank Morley of River Falls, Wis. The two sons, Jacob H. and John, who are now operating the home farm, on which their parents live, were educated in Dunn and Bar¬ ron Counties, and up to 1913, when they rented the farm, worked for their father. In 1919 they purchased it, having previously helped largely in its de¬ velopment and improvement. They have improved the stock, keeping grade Guernsey cattle with a pure bred sire and as general farmers and dairymen are doing a profitable business. They are also agents for individual light plants and the Success Milking machines, and are interested in an auto ac¬ cessory business at Poskin, where they are erecting a garage. In addition they are stockholders in the co-operative store at Poskin and the Farmers State Bank there, and in the Hillsdale Western Telephone Co., of which Jacob H. was formerly president and director. Formerly they were agents for the Barnett lightning rods. Thus in various ways they have shown a progressive spirit which has made them widely known and advanced their personal interests, besides helping to develop the business interests of the county.

Joe Hain, who holds a place in the ranks of Arland Township's progressive farmers and dairymen, was born in Hungary, Jan. 14, 1864, son of Matt and Barbara (Krom) Hain. Both parents are now deceased. Joe Hain was edu¬ cated in his native land, where he learned the trade of wagon maker. He followed that occupation there until 1896, and then, in search of better for¬ tune, emigrated to the United States. From New York, where he landed, he went to Brunswick, Georgia, but not finding the south to his liking, he came in the same year to Wisconsin and identified himself with the development of Barron County, by purchasing 40 acres of wild land from Knapp, Stout & Co., in Section 6, Arland Township. During his first two years on the place he worked for Matt Dahl, of Almena, at his trade of wagon maker. For 13 years he and his family, for he had married in his native land, lived in a shack 14 by 16 feet in size, which he had erected. In 1900 Mr. Hain bought another tract of 40 acres, and in 1919, 80 more, making a total of 160 acres in the same section. He has cleared 66 acres and has a good set of build¬ ings. In 1908 he built an eight-room house, and in 1919 a barn, 34 by 70 feet in size, which is installed with the James equipment and with the Universal Light system. He is carrying on a profitable business as general farmer and dairyman, keeping grade Guernsey cattle, with a pure bred sire. In religion he is a Catholic. On Feb. 28, 1887, Mr. Hain was united in marriage in Hun¬ gary, with Mary Kompf, who was born May 26, 1868, daughter of Michael and Helen (Cook) Kompf. To him and his wife nine children have been born: Joe, born March 17, 1888, who is a farmer in Turtle Lake Township; Louis, born March 19, 1890, who is farming in Arland Township; Ludwig, born May 81, 1892, who died Sept. 7, 1902; Mary, born April 13, 1894, now Mrs. Ed Lundstrom of Grand Rapids, Minn.; Frank, born Nov. 20, 1896, a tele¬ graph operator. He married Sima Filby and they have one child, Dorothy; Celia, born July 14, 1899, now the wife of Edward Rhoades of Trego, Wis.; Victoria, born Aug. 6, 1902, who is a telephone operator in Minneapolis; Matt, born July 7, 1905, and Casper, born Sept. 20, 1907.

Ingebrigt Ween, a prominent representative of the agricultural and dairying interests of Arland Township, who has been a resident of Barron County for more than thirty years, was born in Norway, Aug. IT, 1858, son of Hans and Ingeborg (Yust) Hendrickson. He attended school in his native land and subsequently began industrial life as a common laborer. In 1877, at the age of nineteen, he came to America, landing at Philadelphia, whence he made his way directly to Menomonie, Wis. There he entered the employ of the well known lumber firm of Knapp, Stout & Co., for whom he worked in the woods, on drives and in sawmills until 1889. Then coming to Barron County, he settled on 80 acres of land in section 22, Arland Township, a tract which he had bought five years previously. On this he built a log house in which he lived for one year. In 1890 he bought the Ole Johnson homestead in the same section, also an uncultivated tract, but provided with a log house, in which he took up his residence, and which he made his home until it burned in 1895. In the intervening time he was engaged in improving his property, especially in the clearing of the land. For the first two years he was obliged to carry his supplies on his back from Barron and Prairie Farm. In 1891 he bought a team of oxen, which he used until 1895, when he bought his first team of horses. Most of the lumber for his buildings was manufactured from timber cut on his own farm, and he also disposed of many thousand feet to the Bundle Milling Co., located in section 14, Arland Township. In time Mr. Ween cleared 65 acres of his land, besides erecting a set of buildings. In 1900 he sold the east eighty, which is now owned by his son, Henry. During the early years he helped to build all the roads in his neighborhood, brought new settlers in, and took a prominent part in every movement for the benefit of the community. Thus he became one of the leading citizens of his township, a man widely known and respected. He is now engaged in operating the place formerly owned by his father-in-law, Ole Johnson, keeping high grade cattle with a pure bred Guernsey sire. He is a stockholder in the Barron Co-operative Creamery, the Farmers' Co-operative Store at Poskin and the Hillsdale Western Telephone Company. Religiously, he is affiliated with the Norwegian Lutheran Church. Mr. Ween married Bertha Olson, who was born in Norway, Jan. 22, 1863, daughter of Ole and Helen (Hanson) Johnson. He and his wife have been the parents of eleven children, who were born as follows: Henry, March 23, 1884; Olaf, Feb. 18, 1886; Helmer, Dec. 20, 1887; Iver M., June 13, 1889; Inga, Jan. 27, 1891; Ingvald, Aug. 20, 1892; Oscar, April 24, 1895; Helma, Dec. 24, 1898; Marie, Jan. 19, 1900; Ida, Nov. 27, 1901, and Carl, Jan. 24, 1904. Henry is now a farmer in Arland Township. Helmer died in his ninth year in August, 1896. Inga resides in Minneapolis, as also do Helma, Marie and Ida. Iver M. gave his life for his country in the World War. He was drafted into the army from Barron, Nov. 7, 1917; trained six months at Camp Grant, where he was attached to Company C, 59th Infantry, Fourth Division; then sent to Camp Greene, North Carolina, where he remained a short time; then to Camp Mills. He sailed for France May 7, 1918, and arrived there May 28. Shortly after he was sent to the front where, after being in action about three weeks, he was killed in the Argonne forest. He was buried in the National cemetery at Arlington, Va. Ingvald was also in the army, being drafted from Barron, Sept. 19, 1917. At Camp Grant he was attached to Company K, 134th Infantry, Rainbow Division. He was not sent overseas and was discharged Oct. 10, 1917. Oscar, the third of Mr. Ween's sons to serve in the World War, was drafted from Barron Aug. 20, 1918, and was also sent to Camp Grant, where he re- mained one month, being attached to Company F, 148d Infantry, Eighty-sixth Division. From there he was sent to Camp Mills and sailed for France Sept. 16, 1918. He was gassed while on his way to the front, and returned to the United States July 15, 1919, being discharged at Camp Grant July 22. He is now a farmer in Barron Township.

Ole Johnson, father of Mrs. Ingebrigt Ween, was a pioneer of Arland Township, where he settled nearly half a century ago, when most of Barron County was a wilderness. He was born in Norway and when a young man was there married to Helen Hanson..- In 1871 he came alone to the United States, landing in New York and coming west to Menomonie, Wis., where he entered the employ of Knapp, Stout & Co. In 1873 he was joined by his family and in the following year they came to Barron County and took a homestead of 80 acreq in section 22, Arland Township, which is the farm now owned by Engebrigt Ween. Here Mr. and Mrs. Johnson lived out the rest of their lives, the former dying March 19, 1906, and the latter in March, 1890, sixteen years before her husband. They were people widely known and esteemed.

Nicholas Gasper, a veteran of the Spanish-American War, who has a well improved farm in Arland Township, was born in Germany, Feb. 27, 1873, son of Pete and Anna (Schmidt) Gasper. The parents are deceased, the mother having passed away Oct. 15, 1881, and the father Feb. 14, 1902. They had three children: Nicholas, Fred and Maggie. Maggie died in 1903 and Fred is living in Germany. Nicholas acquired his education partly in Ger¬ many and partly in the United States. In his native land he worked for a while in an iron foundry. In 1890 he came to this country, landing at New York, whence he proceeded to St. Paul, Minn. There he worked for one year in a soap factory, after which he was engaged for two years in farm labor. He then rented a farm at Hampton, Minn., for a year. Then he took up farm labor for others again, also working in the Wisconsin woods in winter. In 1898 he enlisted in the United States army for service in the Spanish-Amer¬ ican War, and was attached to Battery I, Fourth Artillery. From Fort Snelling he went to Fort Mott, N. J., and from there to Cuba. On the completion of his service in the island he returned to Philadelphia, went from that city to Fort Trumbull, Conn., and thence to Minnesota, where he was discharged March 22, 1899, after about a year's service. Once more a civilian, Mr. Gasper found employment as an engineer in the Twin City brick yard at St. Paul and continued in that position for six years, with the exception of time spent in proving up a homestead in Burnett County, Wis. This homestead he had taken in 1896. He proved up in 1901, clearing ten acres and erecting a small set of buildings. In 1905 he sold the property, and in the same year settled on 60 acres of land in section 4, Arland Township, Barron County, which he had bought in 1903. In 1906 he bought 40 acres in section 9, thus acquiring the farm of 100 acres on which he is now living. Here he has erected a fine set of buildings, the barn measuring 32 by 60 feet and installed with the James equipment. Like the majority of farmers in Arland Township, he does general farming and dairying, his cattle being mixed but with a pure bred sire. Through intelligent industry he has advanced far on the road to pros¬ perity and is numbered among the substantial citizens of his township. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-operative Store at Poskin and in the co-operative creamery at Barron. For six years Mr. Gasper served as clerk of the school board of district No. 2, and in 1919 he was elected supervisor on the town board. He is a member of the Catholic Church. Mr. Gasper was married May 5, 1903, in Hampton, Minn., to Mary Rischette, who was born Dec. 7, 1868, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Zeien) Rischette. Her par¬ ents were natives of Luxembourg who came to America in the early sixties, settling near Hampton, Minn., where Mr. Rischette died March 15, 1914. His widow is now residing near Hampton. To Mr. and Mrs. Gasper three children have been born: Mamie N., Feb. 18, 1904; Nicholas P., June 25, 1906, and Frank J., Jan. 14, 1913.

William Wuorenma, a farmer and dairyman who is. making good progress in Arland Township, where he is well known and respected, was born in Finland, April 9, 1870, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wuorenma. The parents both died in Finland, their native country, and there William spent his early years up to the age of 22, engaged in farming. Then he joined the westward trend of emigration, in 1892 landing at New York and going directly to Mar¬ quette, Mich., where for a short time he worked in a stone quarry. From there he went to Lance in the same state and there followed the same kind of work during six summers, working in the woods in winter. The year 1898 witnessed his advent in Barron County, to which he came a single man on the lookout to better his fortunes. This was not a task of immediate accomplish¬ ment, for his only way to reach the goal was through the development of a farm. Accordingly he bought 80 acres of wild land in section 7, Arland Township, which he obtained from Knapp, Stout & Co., the lumbermen, and then took up his residence with a neighbor, Nels Tyni. He was not long in the township, however, before he decided to try a venture farther west and, going to Montana, worked in the coal mines of Cascade County till 1905. He then came back to his farm and settled on it, erecting a shack and log barn. He has since cleared 40 acres of the land and erected a good house; also, in 1919, a machine shed 22 by 60 feet, and is now engaged in building a fine barn, 34 by 86 feet, installed with the Farmers' barn equipment. As a general farmer and dairyman he is doing a successful business, his cattle being mixed Holsteins and Guernseys, with a pure bred sire. He also has a herd of Poland China hogs. Mr. Wuorenma helped to organize and build the Finnish Synod Church in Arland Township, of which he is a member. He is a stock¬ holder in the Twin Town Cheese Factory and the Hillsdale Northwestern Telephone Co. On Aug. 11, 1900, Mr. Wuorenma was united in marriage in Stockett, Mont., to Olga Autio, who was born in Finland, July 17, 1880, and came to America in 1890. He and his wife have eight children : Alma M., born Feb. 26, 1902, now Mrs. Henry Anderson of Turtle Lake Township; Selma G., born Feb. 12, 1904; Vaino A., born Feb. 2, 1905; Toivo W., born Dec. 2, 1907, who died Jan. 10, 1908; Hilda E., born March 5, 1910, who died April 5, 1910; August W., born Sept. 30, 1911; Fannie I., born Sept. 20, 1914, and John A., born July 21, 1916.

Fred L. Pichelmann, a prosperous farmer of section 31, Arland Township, was born in Le Sueur County, Minn., March 8, 1889, the son of John and Marie (Becker) Pichelmann, natives of Germany. He was reared to young boyhood on the farm where he was born and attended school there for a while. At the age of eight, in 1897, he was brought to this township. Here he finished his schooling in the district school, and learned farming from his father. For a while he worked with his brothers, Henry and John, who operated a sawmill in the same section as the home. In 1908 he purchased 80 acres from his father, but at once rented .it to his brother, Otto H. For six years thereafter he worked at home in the spring, in the harvest fields and with threshing crews in Wilkin County, Minn., in the fall, and in the logging woods of St. Louis County, Minn., in the winter. In 1914 he erected a set of buildings on his eighty, including an eight-room house; a barn, 36 by 76 feet, furnished with the Western' Barn Equipment; a silo, a chicken house, and other struc¬ tures. Then he moved into the place. He has cleared about 50 acres, and put up good fences. Here he successfully carries on general farming and dairy¬ ing. He has a good herd of Holstein cattle headed by a full-blooded sire, and he has a fine flock of pure blooded White Leghorn chickens, of which he makes a specialty. He has also set out a small orchard. Mr. Pichelmann is a useful citizen. He is a man of experience and energy, he believes in every¬ thing that is wholesome and good, and he is well liked throughout the com¬ munity. Mr. Pichelmann was married at Nashua, Minn., on Oct 13, 1914, to Dena Miller, who was born in Germany, Dec. 18, 1892, the daughter of Peter and Hannah (Nehause) Miller, natives of Germany, who came to America in

1893, and settled in Osceola County, Iowa. There Mr. Miller died. Later Mrs. Miller married Robert Arfsteen, and they now live in Wilkin County, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Pichelmann have four children: Fern A., born Jan. 15, 1916; Clarence L., April 1, 1917; Dorothy A., Nov. 2, 1918; and Merill A., June 15, 1920.

Nicholas Schenten, who since 1897 has developed a good farm of 140 acres in Arland Township, of which he is now a well known and respected citizen, was born in Luxembourg, Jan. 7, 1872, son of Michael and Katie (Miller) Schenten. His parents died in their native land. There Nicholas was educated and subsequently, until 1891, worked for his father. He then went to Rheims, France, in the vicinity of which place he was engaged for three years in farm labor. In 1894 he came to America, landing at New York, whence he came west to Dubuque, Iowa. There he remained for four years, or until the fall of 1897, when he came to Barron County and started in for him¬ self as a farmer. The tract he purchased consisted of 80 acres of wild land in section 3, Arland Township, and his first work was to erect a shack for a temporary residence, after which he began to clear the land. In 1899 he bought 60 acres more in section 10, the same township. In the meanwhile he was obliged to spend two summers in the harvest fields of Minnesota to earn money on which to live. In spite of such interruptions he made gradual progress and up to the present time has cleared 100 acres, besides erecting a set of modern buildings. He is engaged in mixed farming and dairying, keeping grade Holstein cattle and is making good financial progress, being also a stockholder in the co-operative creamery at Barron. In religion he is a Catholic. For twelve years he has served on the school board of district No. 2. Mr. Schenten was married Sept. 16, 1902, to Maggie Ehl, who was born Feb. 10, 1881, in Iowa, daughter of Peter and Katie (Stoffel) Ehl. Her parents are now deceased. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Schenten has re¬ sulted in the birth of twelve children, of whom ten are now living, the record being as follows: Katie, born Dec. 19, 1904; Marie, born June 19, 1906, who died Nov. 12 the same year; Anna M., born Nov. 3, 1907; Josephine E., born Jan. 3, 1909; Maggie A., born Jan. 20, 1910; Michael, born Feb. 6, 1911, who died in infancy; Lena, born Jan. 6, 1912; Susanna, bom Jan. 17, 1913; Michael and Nicholas P. (twins), bom Jan. 2, 1914; Marie, bom June 22, 1917, and Frances, bom July 4, 1920.

John Pichelmann, at one time an extensive land owner of section 31, Arland Township, and an honored and respected resident, was bora in Ger¬ many, and was there reared and educated. He was there married to Marie Becker, also a native of the same neighborhood. In 1873 they set out for America. After landing, they found their way to Chicago, where they stayed for a short time, and then continued to Le Sueur County, Minn., where they secured 40 acres of land. There they built up a good place, developing what is still one of the best farms in that neighborhood. There they lived in happi¬ ness, contentment and prosperity for nearly a quarter of a century. In 1897, Mr. Pichelmann brought his family to Barron County, and purchased 320 acres of wild land in section 31, Arland Township. On the southwest eighty of this he erected a set of log buildings. With this beginning he cleared up forty acres, and gradually got up a good set of buildings. There he success¬ fully carried on general farming and dairying until 1908. Then he sold the home eighty to his son, Otto H., the northwest eighty to his son, Fred S., and the east 160 acres to his sons, Henry and John. Since that time he has made his home with his son, Otto H. He is a pioneer of two states, he has developed farms in two different counties, he is a man of broad mind and experience, and his judgment is sound and conservative. He is much esteemed by all who know him, his worth and work are appreciated, and he is held in highest regard not only by his large family but also by all who know him. His wife has been a faithful helpmeet in all his undertakings. Mr. and Mrs. Pichelmann are the parents of sixteen children: Henry lives in Duluth, Minn. Frieda is dead.

John lives in Nashua, Wilkin County, Minn. Mary is the wife of Rudolph Friday of Turtle Lake Township, this county. Sophie is the wife of Henry Reetz of Turtle Lake, this county. Minnie is the wife of Albert Reetz of Nashua, Minn. Herman is dead. Reka is the wife of Robert Reetz of Almena Township, this county. Carl is dead. Otto H. is on a part of the home farm. Tillie is the wife of Fred Bunte of Nashua, Minn. Fred L. is on a part of the home farm in Arland Township. William is dead. Augusta is the wife of August Walum of Prairie Farm, Township. Anna is with her parents, and brother, Otto H. Arthur H. is dead. The children have all done well in life, all are a credit to their parents and to each other, and all are in excellent standing in the respective communities in which they live.

Otto H. Pichelmann, an enterprising farmer of section 31, Arland Town¬ ship, was born in Le Sueur County, Minn., Jan. 17, 1884, the son of John and Marie (Becker) Pichelmann, natives of Germany. He was reared on the farm where he was born, attended the district school and remained in his native state until 1897, when at the age of thirteen he was brought to his present farm. He here completed his common school education in the school of district 6, Arland. He worked at home, learned farming from his father, and helped in the development of the home place. In 1908 he took over his present place of 80 acres, which included his father's buildings. He has cleared 40 more acres, has repaired the buildings, put up a granary and garage and made other improvements. He has beautified the lawn, repaired the fences, purchased modern equipment and has a well kept farm in every particular. Here he carries on general farming and dairying on a successful scale, and has a good herd of Holstein cattle. He believes in progress and improvement, and is taking part in everything which he believes to be of real benefit to the com¬ munity. Mr. Pichelmann was married at Almena Township on Jan. 7, 1916, to Minnie Sass, who was born Nov. 13, 1896, in Turtle Lake Township, this county, the daughter of Carl and Bertha (Groth) Sass, natives of Germany, who came to America in the early eighties, and in 1895 settled in Turtle Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Pichelmann have two children: Helen H. was born Dec. 11, 1916, and Grace M. was born Nov. 12, 1919.

Fred Olson, among those who are prominently engaged in farming and dairying in Arland Township, is the subject of this sketch who, like many other successful men of Barron County, is a native of Norway. He was born Oct. 27, 1869, son of Ole and Mollie (Krigstad) Frederickson. The family came to America in 1886, settling in Hennepin County, Minn., near Minne¬ apolis, where the father worked in a brick yard until his retirement from active labor in the late nineties. He died in 1907, and his wife, Mollie, who survived him, now resides in Minneapolis with her daughter, Mrs. Bertha Velve. Their children, six in number, were: Bertha, above mentioned; Fred, subject of this sketch; Bella, now Mrs. Peter Thompson of Arland Township; Beaver and Gertie of Minneapolis, and Ole of Seattle, Wash. Fred Olson attended school first in Norway and later in Minneapolis. In his native land he worked on a farm, and when he landed in Boston in 1880, a young man of 20 years, he went at once to Minneapolis, in the vicinity of which city he continued for three years at farm labor. After that eight years were spent in a brick yard and another eight in a lumber yard as teamster. In the fall of 1899 he came to Barron County and began an independent career as a farmer by settling on 120 acres in section 14, Arland Township. This was a tract of wild land which he had purchased in 1897, and of which he has since cleared 20 acres, having also erected a set of buildings. His cattle are of the Guernsey breed, including a pure bred sire, and he is doing a successful business both as dairyman and general farmer. He is a stockholder in the Barron Co-opera¬ tive Creamery and a member of the Barron Shipping Association. For three years Mr. Olson served on the Arland Township board as supervisor and has been clerk nine years of district No. 1 school board. As a citizen he is well known and popular. Mr. Olson assumed the responsibilities of domestic life on April 14, 1895, when he was united in marriage with Isabelle Peterson, who was born in Norway, Sept. 16, 1866, daughter of Thomas and Belle (John¬ son) Peterson. Her father died in Norway, after which, in 1879, her mother came to the United States and settled in Meeker County, Minn., where she resided until her death in 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are the parents of five children: Oren T., born March 20, 1896; Ilnore M., July 20, 1900; Bessie J., July 6, 1908; Florence J., July 3, 1905, and Margaret O., April 24, 1908. Oren T. on Oct. 15, 1918, enlisted in the United States army from Barron, and was sent for training to Lake Charles, La. He was discharged Jan. 17, 1919, and is now in Chicago in the employ of the United Manufacturing and Distributing Company. Ilnore M. is with the Northwestern Electric Company of Minne¬ apolis. The others are residing at home. The family attends the Norwegian Lutheran Church at Barron.

Ferdinand Hellmann, one of the leading citizens of Arland Township, where he has an excellent farm of 200 acres, is a man widely known through¬ out this part of the county for his enterprise and helpful participation in all projects for the advancement of his township and county. As farmer, dairyman and beekeeper he has achieved financial success and as a useful citizen won the esteem of his neighbors. He was born in Steinfeldt, Aldenberg, Germany, Aug. 22, 1862, son of Frank and Dena (Roehte) Hellmann. His parents, who are now deceased, had six children, of whom five are now living: August, who is in Canada ; Henry, residing in Texas ; Minnie, now Mrs. Frank Krockmann, living in Germany; Lizzie, wife of Frank Balster of Minnesota, and Ferdinand of Arland Township, Barron County. Ferdinand Hellmann was educated in his native land and began industrial life there as a farm laborer. Knowing well that he was not on the road to riches, he resolved to bet¬ ter himself by emigration, and in 1880 came to the United States, landing in Baltimore and proceeding west to Delaware County, Iowa. There he remained six years working' on farms, after which he spent four years in Sioux County, Iowa. He then rented a farm for seven years in Sioux County, Iowa. In 1898 Mr. Hellmann made the important step of his life, coming to Barron County and buying from Knapp, Stout & Co. 120 acres of land in sections 2 and 8, Arland Township. Later he purchased 80 acres in section 11, the same town¬ ship. Thus he came into possesion of 200 acres of wild land, capable of producing abundant crops, but needing a vast amount of work before it could be brought under cultivation. Mr. Hellmann bent with hearty good will to his task, and every month saw it farther advanced. In time he cleared 100 acres, besides erecting a complete set of buildings. His present barn, which he built in 1915, measures 40 by 100 feet and is supplied with the James equipment. His cattle are Holsteins with pure bred sires, and besides carrying on general farming he gives special attention to dairying. His horses are pure bred Percherons. Mr. Hellmann, in addition to his direct farming inter¬ ests, is a stockholder in the co-operative creamery at Barron and the Farmers' Store at Poskin. On one occasion, some years ago, while he was engaged in road work, he happened to notice a swarm of bees in flight and, impelled by a sudden impulse, he captured them and made a start in the bee business. He subsequently added to his apiary until in 1916 he had 225 swarms. In 1900 his house was wrecked by a cyclone but was speedily rebuilt. Mr. Hellmann was married Feb. 4, 1891, to Mary Anna Meinars who, after sixteen years of "happy married life, passed away June 2, 1907. To him and his wife five chil¬ dren were born, as follows^ Bertha, born Feb. 29, 1892, died May 16, the same year; Frank, born April* 27, 1893; John, born Jan. 4, 1896, who served in the World Waf; Regina, bom Nov. 30, 1897, who is the family housekeeper; Antonia,' born: Nov;' 26,! 1899, who died Jan. 31, 1902; Antonia (second), bom Jan. 21, 1902; May S.\ bora Feb.- 28, 1905, and Aloysius, bom June 1, 1907, who died in infancy. The war record of John is as follows : Drafted from Wheaton, Minn., April 28, 1918; attached to 344th Machine Gun Co., 90th Division; sailed for overseas in June, 1918; saw action at St. Mihiel, the

Meuse-Argonne and Defensive Sector, and was with the army of occupation in Germany; returned to the United States in June, 1919. Since then he has resided at home and at present is serving as road commissioner of Arland Township. Mr. Hellmann and his family are members of the German con¬ gregation of the Catholic Church. They hold a high position in the community and have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

Lars Johnson, a former resident of Arland Township, who contributed his part toward the development of its agricultural resources, was born in Norway, July 10, 1846. He attended school in his native land, where he began industrial life as a common laborer, and as such continued for many years. Realizing at last that for him Norway was not a land of promise, he emigrated in 1892 to the United States, accompanied by Jacob Hawkinson, and after landing at New York came on directly to Barron County. In the following year he realized one object of his ambition, buying 80 acres of wild land in section 21, Arland Township, but to earn a livelihood he was obliged to work in sawmills and in the woods, living in a shanty that had been built by the sawmill company. Gradually he cleared 16 acres of his land and in time erected a good set of buildings, the work being all done by himself. On his little farm he worked hard, taking satisfaction in the fact that he was at last making substantial progress, and so continued until his death at the age of fifty-seven years and two days on July 12, 1903. Mr. Johnson married Bertha Jacobson, who was born in Sweden, May 1, 1858, daughter of Jacob Erickson and Gertie (Anderson) Erickson. Both her parents are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Lars Johnson seven children were born, namely: John J. Larson, born June 14, 1882, who was killed in the woods March 10, 1903; Gertrude, born March 16, 1884, who is the widow of Hugh Le Grand of Minneapolis who died in 1917; Erick Larson, born July 16, 1886; Gust Larson, born Aug. 11, 1892, who operates a garage in Barron; Emma C., bora Oct. 30, 1896, now Mrs. H. H. Moore of Minneapolis; Bennie Larson, bora May 18, 1899, who died Aug. 26, 1903, and Alma, bora May 9, 1901, now residing in Minneapolis.

Erick Larson, a thriving farmer and dairyman of Arland Township, was bora in Sweden, July 15, 1886, son of Lars and Bertha (Jacobson) Johnson. As a child he accompanied his parents to the United States in 1892 and grew up on their farm in Arland Township. After his father's death in July, 1903, he carried on the farm for his mother and continued as its manager until Sept. 12, 1917, when he bought it. He is successfully engaged in mixed farm¬ ing and dairying, keeping grade Guernsey cattle with a high grade sire, and is also a stockholder in the Barron Co-operative Creamery and the Hillsdale Western Telephone Company. Industrious and enterprising, he is making good progress and is already numbered among the substantial citizens of his township.

Ole Severson, a pioneer settler of Arland Township, whose active career in Barron County has bridged the distance from log cabin to modern home, was born in Norway, Jan. 12, 1846. There he grew to manhood and married Inga Anderson, continuing to reside in his native land until 1870. He then came to America, landing at Quebec, from which place he went on to Monroe County, Wis. In that locality he remained for 18 months. Then in 1872 he Came to Barron County and took a homestead of 80 acres in section 20, Arland Township, where he was one of the first settlers. The tract was wild and he commenced improvements by erecting a set of log buildings, of which the large log barn is still standing on the farm. To earn money on which to live Mr. Severson did contract skidding for Knapp, Stout & Co., being one of the first settlers in that locality to own a team of oxen. In the summer time he worked on his farm, of which in time he cleared 75 acres. He was successfully engaged in mixed farming and dairying until 1911, in which year he. retired, selling the farm to his son, Sever, who is now operating it. Among his useful Activities, ' aside from the clearing of his own farm, he did good work in inducing settlers to remain in the township, and organized the Arland creamj by Google ery, in which he was a stockholder. Mr. Severson was married, Sept. 16, 1877, to Inga Anderson, daughter of Andrew and Anna (Severson) Wold. Of this union nine children were born: Sever, above mentioned; Anton, deceased; Carrie, now Mrs. Andrew Knutson of Dallas Township; Thorval, a farmer in Arland Township; Albert, deceased; Ida, wife of Andrew Swanson of Scobey, Mont.; Julia, who is Mrs. Edward Thuftin of Arland Township; Gena, wife of Ernest Dreyer of Arland Township, and Ingval, residing at home.

Sever Severson, proprietor of one of the old pioneer homesteads in Arland Township, was born on this farm Nov. 11, 1879, son of Ole and Inga (Ander¬ son) Severson. His boyhood days were spent amid rough surroundings, as the country was wild and his parents' farm as yet but partly developed. In that development he, himself, had to take an active part, though for several years he attended school in district 4. Such as the place was, it suited him, and when he grew to manhood he felt no disposition to leave, but remained with his father, whose assistant and co-worker he was until he bought the homestead in 1901. Since then he has improved the buildings and erected some outbuildings, including a milk house, chicken house and woodshed. In addition to raising the usual crops, he follows dairying, keeping Holstein cattle with a pure bred sire. He is a member of the Arland Township Farm Bureau and of the Concordia Church.

Ingval Severson, born in Arland Township, Nov. 14, 1895, son of Ole and Inga (Anderson) Severson, has a similar early history to that of his brother. Sever, already outlined. Like him, he was associated with their father, both in the woods and on the farm, but at present is working on the same farm for Sever. He was married June 24, 1916, to Esther Peterson, who was born July 12, 1895, daughter of Elmer F. and Betsey (Ingwalson) Peterson. The parents were natives of Sweden who came to America in the early eighties and, settling in Barron County, Wis., took a homestead in Turtle Lake Township, which they developed into a good farm. That place was their residence for the rest of their lives with the exception of four years, from 1904 to 1909, during which Mr. Peterson was superintendent of the poor farm at Barron. He died May 3, 1912, and his wife Jan. 11, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Ingval Severson have three children : Elmer, Bessie and Eleanor.

Frank Osterkamp, who established a good farm in Arland Township, which he cultivated until his death on Feb. 2, 1915, was born in Germany, Aug. 28, 1846. After leaving school he learned the baker's trade, which he followed in his native land until 1889, during 14 years of that time operating a bakery for himself. In 1889 he came to America, landing at Baltimore, whence he went on to southern Nebraska, where he worked as a section hand for two years. For three years subsequently he operated a dray line and for five years was engaged in farm work. In 1904 he came to Barron County and bought 320 acres of wild land in section 6, Arland Township, which he began to improve and where he was industriously engaged in mixed farming and dairying for the rest of his life. He was for three years a director on the school board of district No. 3. Fraternally, he was affiliated with Almena Camp, M. W. A., and religiously with the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Osterkamp was married May 17, 1877, in Germany, to Johanna Hoff, who was born April 28, 1846. To him and his wife eight children were born, of whom four are now living, namely: Aggie, residing in Lincoln, Nebr.; John A., a farmer; Anna, at home, and Fritz D., who is a farmer. Those deceased are William, Dora, Eilt and Johanna.

John A. Osterkamp, who, with his brother, Fritz D., is operating the 320-acre farm in Arland Township, established by their father, known as the Ostland Stock Farm, registered, was born in Germany, Nov. 10, 1879, son of Frank and Johanna (Hoff) Osterkamp. He attended school both in Germany and Nebraska, and subsequently worked for and with his father until the latter's death in 1915. Then he and his brother, Fritz, bought the interests of the other heirs and now own the home place, of which John A. is the manager. They have erected a complete set of new buildings: a house in 1915; a machine shed, 24 by 60 feet, in 1918; and a barn, 36 by 110 feet, with the James equipment, and two silos, in 1919. Their cattle are pure bred Holsteins, and the brothers are members of the Holstein Breeders' Associa¬ tion, also of the Almena Farmers' Shipping Union. John D. has been six years clerk of the school board of district No. 3. Fraternally, he is connected with Almena Camp, M. W. A. Energetic and enterprising, he and his brother are making rapid progress in improving their farm, and are numbered among the well-to-do citizens of their township.

Fritz D. Osterkamp, whose industrial career has been connected with that of his father and of his brother, John A., was born in Germany, Sept. 29* 1882. He was educated in Nebraska and has always worked at home. Since 1915, when he became his brother's partner on the father's death, he has worked hard and done his share to improve their mutual property. In 1921 he was elected president of the Farm Bureau in Arland Township, and is also secretary and treasurer of the Almena Holstein Association, and president of Almena Cow Testing Association. Like his brother, he belongs to Almena Camp, M. W. A.

Andrew W. Anderson, a typical representative of the hard working and successful farmers of Arland Township, where he has resided for 18 years, was born in Finland, April 22, 1866, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wuorenmaa. After receiving some schooling in his native land, he became a farm laborer, in which occupation he continued until 1888. In that year, as an immigrant in quest of better fortune, he landed at New York and went direct to Marquette, Mich., which was his home for the next 15 years. Eleven years of that time were spent in the stone quarries and four years in an iron foundry. Realizing at last that working for others at a weekly wage was not the way to advance himself, Mr. Anderson turned his thoughts to agriculture, and coming to Barron County, bought a tract of wild land of 80 acres in section 17, Arland Township. Deficient in capital, however, he was unable as yet to settle on his property and was therefore obliged to continue as a wage earner for some seven years longer, or until 1903. He then settled on his farm, to the area of which he later added by the purchase of 40 acres more. As time has passed he has provided himself with a fine set of buildings. The residence is sightly and comfortable. In 1916 he erected a barn 34 by 78 feet, furnished with modem equipment. In 1921 he built a machine shed, 24 by 60 feet, with granary on the second floor. Other structures have been erected as the devel¬ opment of the farm has demanded them. Mr. Anderson, with the help of his sturdy family carries on general farming and dairying, making a specialty of a fine herd of Holstein cattle headed by a full blooded sire, and a good drove of pure blooded Poland China swine. Mr. Anderson helped to organize the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Arland Township, the only one of its kind in the county. In this church he has been one of the most active factors. He has served as superintendent of the Sunday school since it was first organized, and he has had a real influence for good on the lives of the young people who have attended the school. For thirteen years he was presi¬ dent of the congregation, giving freely of his time, ability and means, espe¬ cially during the building of the church edifice. He is now treasurer. For ten years he was a director on the school board of district No. 3. All in all, Mr. Anderson is a fine type of citizen, a God-fearing, hardworking man, whose example and influence are always on the side of that which is right and good, and his living here has been of real benefit to the community. Mr. Anderson was united in marriage April 7, 1892, with Elizabeth Schmitman, who was born in Finland, Feb. 2, 1867. She came to America in 1889, going to Marquette, Mich., where she and Mr. Anderson were married. Eight children have come to brighten their home, namely: Fannie J., bora July 29, 1893, now Mrs. James Halvorsen of Arland Township; John A., bora June 17, 1895; William A., Nov. 12, 1896; Andrew W., Dec. 29, 1898; Warner M.,

Sept. 19, 1900; Jacob G., June 30, 1902; August L., July 14, 1905, and George G., July 14, 1908. John and William both served in the U. S. army during the World War, their records being as follows: John Arthur Anderson was in¬ ducted into the United States service July 23, 1918, at Barron. He trained at Camp Grant with the 343rd Infantry, 86th Division. He sailed for France that fall and was later transferred to the 76th Division, the famous Lightning Division. With that division he saw active service in the Meuse Argonne offensive, Oct. 15 to Oct. 19. April 2, 1919, he was promoted to corporal. He was returned to the United States in due time, and on June 2, 1919, received his honorable discharge at Camp Grant. June 3, 1919, he re-enlisted in the ^Quartermaster Corps, and served one year at Fort Snelling. He is now farm¬ ing with his father in Arland Township. William Anslen Anderson was inducted into the service at Barron, Aug. 14, 1918. He was assigned to the Sweney Auto School at Kansas City, but that school was swept with the influenza and he was transferred to Camp Hancock, Ga., where he trained with the 43rd Machine Gun Company. The unit had received its overseas equipment when the Armistice was signed. Jan. 1, 1919, he was transferred to Camp Grant, and was there discharged Jan. 10. He is now engaged in farming with his father in Arland Township. The inherited family name is Wuorenmaa. But when A. W. Anderson, the subject of this sketch, came to this country from Finland, his new associates found Wuorenmaa difficult to spell and pronounce, and at the request of his employers and friends he took the name of Anderson, his present full name being Andrew Wuorenmaa Anderson.

Andrew Solberg, an energetic farmer of section 30, Arland Township, is a native of the place where he still resides, born Aug. 24, 1882, oldest son of John A. and Gertrude (Johnson) Solberg, early settlers. He attended the district school of the neighborhood, was reared on the home place, and learned farming from his father. He has had charge of the homestead since 1910. Here he carries on general farming and dairying, and has a good herd of Holsteins, headed by a full blooded sire. He is taking his part in all the affairs of the community, he is popular among the people of his community and liked by all who know him. Mr. Solberg was married Dec. 4, 1908, to Marie Aker, who was born Feb. 20, 1889, the daughter of Andrew and Bertha (Mytroen) Aker. Mr. and Mrs. Solberg have four bright children. Jennings G. was bom Feb. 14, 1910; Bernice A. was bora March 23, 1911; Clarence O. was bora June 26, 1913; and Joyce E. was born Feb. 15, 1921.

John A. Solberg, an early settler, now living retired on the farm in section 30, which he developed in Arland Township, is a man held in the highest esteem and honor for what he has accomplished. He was born in Norway, Aug. 2, 1849, attended school as he could, and did farm labor. In 1873 he came to America and found his way directly to Menomonie, Dunn County, this state, where he did railroad work for about two years. Then he went to Cedar Falls, in Dunn County, and cooked for a sawmill crew. In 1877 he took a homestead of 80 acres in Section 30, Arland Township, and by later purchases added from time to time until he owned 360 acres. When he first came to the place it was covered with heavy timber, and he had to cut his way through the woods to get his goods and supplies in. The nearest place from' which provisions could be obtained was at Prairie Farm, from which place Mr. Solberg often brought supplies on his back. At first he had a set of log buildings in a small clearing, and here he started to develop a farm. For a while times were hard. But by hard work he prospered. He replaced the log buildings with a good set of frame structures, fenced the entire tract and cleared about 75 acres. In the meanwhile he was ever mindful of his duties as a citizen. He was a real leader in the township, he was consulted on many important ventures, his judgment was valued, and was always ready to take his part in everything which he believed to be for the benefit of the community. Especially did he realize that good roads were needed to promote the welfare of the township. He therefore served for more than twelve years as road commissioner, and during this time not only advocated the improve¬ ment of old roads and the establishment of new ones, but also helped to build many himself. He also foresaw that schools and churches were necessary to the full growth of the community. He therefore helped to organize the Concordia congregation and assisted in building the church. For many years he did good service on the school board. All in all, he has been a good and useful citizen, of the type of unselfishness and cool sense needed in the devel¬ opment of a new region. In 1910 he turned over the management of the farm to his son, Andrew, but continued to make his home there. Mr. Solberg was married on Nov. 10, 1881, to Gertrude Johnson, who was born in Norway. She was a most worthy woman, a loyal and sympathetic wife, a loving and under¬ standing mother, a generous neighbor, and a true-hearted friend. She died Dec. 4, 1909, and her death was sincerely mourned. Mr. and Mrs. Solberg had seven children : Andrew, born Aug. 24, 1882, manages the home farm. Edward, born March 31, 1884, farms in Arland Township. Martin, born April 13, 1887, is in the insurance business at Turtle Lake, this county. Jennie was born Nov. 5, 1889, and is the wife of Oscar Rude of Rice Lake, this county. Clara was born Nov. 5, 1889, twin to Jennie, and is the wife of Paul Orfen of Min¬ neapolis. Clarence and Oscar, twins, were born Jan. 14, 1892, and died in infancy.