ity he assisted in advancing very materially the comfort and happiness of those with whom he associated. He was thoroughly progressive and always ready to assist a fellow traveler less fortunate than himself, his greatest happiness being found in service for others.
OSMOND J. VILAND.
Although he began as a school teacher and attained an enviable reputation in that calling, Osmond J. Viland, of Slater, felt attracted to a business career and embarked in the furniture and undertaking business, in which he has been highly successful. He is a native of Story county, born September 8, 1871, and is a son of Knute and Carrie (Fronsdahl) Viland, both natives of Norway. They were reared and married in that country and came to America in 1866, their destination being Story county, Iowa. The father purchased land in Palestine township, about one and one-half miles south of Huxley, and started upon what promised to be a highly prosperous career. In 1873, however, he passed away in the midst of a life of usefulness, leaving a widow and three children. The mother bravely took up the responsibility of rearing her family and continued upon the farm until about a month before her death, when she removed to Slater. She died January 20, 1900, leaving the memory of an unselfish character that will long be re-remembered by those who knew her.
Osmond J. Viland was reared upon the home farm and assisted as he grew up in providing for the wants of the family. He received his early education in the district schools and later attended the State Normal College at Cedar Falls, Iowa, also the United Church Seminary, at Minneapolis, Minnesota. After thoroughly preparing himself he taught school for five or six years, gaining a reputation as one of the most promising teachers in the county. In 1899 he joined Andrew Maland in the purchase of the furniture business at Halverson Brothers at Slater, the style of the new firm being Maland & Viland. On March 1, 1907, he acquired his partner's interest and has since conducted the business independently. He is a licensed embalmer and has acquired an extensive patronage both in the sale of furniture and as an undertaker.
On the 22d of June, 1904, Mr. Viland was united in marriage to Miss Inger Askland, of Slater, a daughter of Colben Askland, who was born in Norway and emigrated to the United States in the same year as the Viland family, stopping for some time in the state of Illinois. Finally he located in Story county and he is now one of the successful farmers of .Palestine township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Viland three children have been born: Clare Kenneth, Blanche Celestine and Lillian Margaret.
Mr. Viland gives his support to the republican party and has served in official positions for eight years past to the general satisfaction of the peo-