Emmet County IAGenWeb, 1917 Bios, M to Z/title>

HANS MADSEN

Among the up-to-date farmers and stock raisers of Denmark township who are not only prospering individually but are also contributing to the development of their localities, is Hans Madsen, whose birth occurred in Denmark, October 9, 1864. His parents, Paul and Maren Sophia (Mikkelsen) Madsen, were born in that country and there the father engaged in farming until his death. Subsequently the mother came to the United States and spent her last days with her son Hans, dying on the 29th of May, 1906. She is buried in St. John's cemetery. Her only daughter is still living in Denmark.

Hans Madsen attended school in his native country until he was confirmed and subsequently worked for others in that country until he attained his majority, when he came to the United States. He was employed as a farm hand in Brown county, Wisconsin, for a short time, and in 1885 arrived in Denmark township, Emmet county, Iowa. After remaining: in the employ of others for two years he purchased an eighty acre tract on section 14, which he still owns and upon which he has made
many improvements. He raises both grain and high grade stock and his well directed labors yield him a good financial return.

On the 14th of July, 1899, Mr. Madsen was united in marriage to Miss Nicolena Jensen, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Jensen, lifelong residents of Denmark. Mr. and Mrs. Madsen have become the parents of eight children, Paul C, Lars Herman, William F., Maren, Katrina M., Ella, Carl M. and Anna Eleanor.

Mr. Madsen is a Republican and takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs, but has never been an aspirant for office. He has made his own way in the world since a youth in his teens and has just cause to be proud of what he has accomplished.

HERMAN R. MADSEN

Herman R. Madsen, who is engaged in stock raising upon the family homestead on section 3, Denmark township, was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, August 14, 1889. His parents, Peter and Margaret (Madsen) Madsen, were born in Denmark, but were married in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The father was engaged in railroad work there and in the '90s removed with his family to Denmark township, Emmet county, and bought the south half of section 3, which was but little improved when it came into his possession. He succeeded in accumulating a competence and from time to time made improvements upon the place, which became at length one of the most highly developed farms of the locality. He was active in politics and filled practically all the township offices. He belonged to St. Paul's Danish Lutheran church and is interred in its cemetery. He passed away on the 2d of May, 1910, but was survived until April 1, 1915, by his wife, who is buried at his side. To them were born six children, namely: Herman R.; John and Eleanor, both residing in Ringsted; Sophia; Agnes; and Clara, who died at the age of eleven and is buried in St. Paul's cemetery.

The education of Herman R. Madsen was acquired in the district schools, which he attended until he was twelve years of age, and through assisting his father he became thoroughly familiar with all phases of farm work. Following the latter's death Mr. Madsen of this review acquired title to the home farm, which he has since operated on his own account. He raises considerable stock as well as the usual grains and so manages his affairs as to secure a handsome profit from the sale of the farm produce.

On the 3d of June, 1913, Mr. Madsen was married to Miss Ingeborg Thomsen, a daughter of Knud and Gina (Nielsen) Thomsen, who were born in Denmark but emigrated to America, locating first in Grundy county, Iowa, and later removing to Denmark township, Emmet county, where the father is still engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Madsen are the parents of three children, Amelia, Clara and Gina.

Mr. Madsen is a republican but his activity in politics has never extended beyond the exercise of his right of franchise. In religious faith he is a Danish Lutheran and his church membership is held in St. Paul's. He possesses the same perseverance, good judgment and industry that enabled his father to acquire a competence by his own unaided efforts and he, too, ranks among the prosperous and substantial agriculturists of the county.

CHARLES B. MATHEWS.

For almost half a centuiy Charles B. Mathews has been a resident of Emmet county, and he has taken a very active and prominent part in its development and improvement along agricultural lines. He was born in Erie county, Ohio, on the 12th of December, 1844, and is a son of John and Mary (Bowen) Mathews, both natives of England who came to America before their marriage and located in Ohio. There the father died in 1847 and subsequently the mother removed to Wisconsin, where she lived for several years. Her last days, however, were spent in Nebraska. In the family were two children both of whom are still living.

Charles B. Mathews was quite small when he accompanied his mother on her removal to Wisconsin, and there he was educated, attending the common schools. When the country became involved in Civil war he offered his services to the government, enlisting in 1863 in Company H, Thirty-third Wisconsin Infantry as a private. He participated in several hard fought battles including the engagement at Nashville and the siege of Mobile but fortunately was never wounded, and at the close of the war was mustered out at Mobile in 1865. On leaving the service he returned to Wisconsin but remained there only a short time and then removed to Minnesota, where he took up a claim. In 1871, however, he came to Emmet county, Iowa, and located on a farm in Armstrong Grove township, where he has since made his home, his time and energies being devoted to agricultural pursuits.

In 1870 Mr. Mathews was married to Miss Laura Matteson, who was born near Freeport, Illinois, and is a daughter of Truman and Maria (Chapman) Matteson, natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively. Both of her parents are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Mathews have been born eight children, namely: Claude A.; Eva, the wife of Thomas Akre of Algona, Iowa; Mary, the wife of Frank Dundar; George W., a resident of Wisconsin; Daniel W., of South Dakota; Martha E., a nurse who is a graduate of the City Hospital at Minneapolis; Nellie, who is a graduate of the Cedar Falls Normal School and is now teaching at Ashland, Oregon; and Hattie K., who is pursuing a three years' course at the City Hospital in Minneapolis.

Mr. Mathews is a prominent Mason and has filled all, the chairs in both the Blue Lodge and the Eastern Star Chapter. He is a Knight Templar and exemplifies in his life the teachings of the craft. He supports the democratic party at the polls and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called upon him to serve in several official positions of honor and trust. For four years he held the position of county supervisor and for the long period of sixteen years was a member of the school board. He has also been assessor, trustee and clerk of his township. At the present time he is practically living retired, having sold his land, but still owns a fine residence, which he occupies, in Armstrong Grove township. He is one of the honored veterans of the Civil war and is a man highly respected by all who know him.

JULIUS A. MATHIESON

Julius A. Mathieson, of Ringsted, is engaged in the collection business and is also a justice of the peace, his duties in that connection making considerable demand upon his time and attention. His birth occurred in Deimiark, July 31, 1847, and he is one of the four children born to Jacob and Louisa (Fredriksen) Mathieson. The father rented a large dairy farm in Denmark, but felt that still better opportunities were offered in the United States and accordingly in 1866 removed with his family to this country and located in Marinette, Wisconsin. There he and his son Julius were employed in a sawmill for about four years. Subsequently he removed to Palo Alto county, where he homesteaded land, and in that county both he and his wife passed away. They are interred in a cemetery near Cylinder.

Julius A. Mathieson attended the public schools until he was confirmed and also took a course in a dairy school, from which he was graduated at the age of eighteen. He became overseer of a dairy farm, working in that capacity until he accompanied the family to America. In 1870 removal was made to Fairfield township, Palo Alto county, Iowa, and there he homesteaded land on section 2. For thirty years he farmed his homestead and the energy and good judgment which have always characterized him led to his success as an agriculturist. In 1900 he removed to Ringsted and for a time engaged in merchandising in connection with his son-in-law, E. T. Sorem. After two years he disposed of his interests to Carl Iversen and subsequently was for a year engaged in the implement business, but sold out to Fink Brothers. He is now dividing his time between his duties as justice of the peace and the management of a collection business, in which difficult field he has been quite successful.

In 1873 Mr. Mathieson was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Nelson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Swendson, who passed their entire lives in Sweden. To Mr. and Mrs. Mathieson have been born eight children: Anna, who is now Mrs. Louis Christian and resides upon the homestead in Fairfield township, Palo Alto county; Emma, the wife of E. T. Sorem; Ida, now Mrs. J. J. Fink, of Ringsted; Nettie, who married Peter Nissen, of Orange City, Iowa; Fred, who died when eleven years old; Minnie, the wife of Carl Johnson, of Ringsted; Andrew, who died when three years old; and Clarence J., at home.

Mr. Mathieson believes thoroughly in the policies of the republican party and supports the candidates of that organization at the polls. He was a member of the town council for several years and for two terms filled acceptably the office of mayor of Ringsted, forwarding in every way possible the interests of the municipality. He belongs to St. Paul's Danish Lutheran church and no movement seeking to moral welfare of the community lacks his loyal support. He began his career without capital and has at all times been dependent upon his own resources, but has proven equal to the demands made upon him and has accumulated more than a competence. In addition to his fine farm in Palo Alto county he owns an attractive modern residence in Ringsted.

W. H. McCLUNE

W. H. McClune, who is successfully engaged in farming on section 21, Lincoln township, Emmet county, is a native of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Keokuk county on September 23, 1883. His parents, William R. and Elizabeth (Galbraith) McClune, were both born in Illinois, but during their childhood accompanied their respective parents to Iowa, one family settling on the county line in Keokuk county, and the other in Iowa county. After their marriage they located on a farm in the former county, where Mr. McClune resided up to the time of his death which occurred in 1909. His wife passed away in 1916.

In the common schools of this state W. H. McClune acquired his education and in early life became familiar with agricultural pursuits. In 1906 he began farming on his own account, operating rented land in Poweshiek county for a time. The following year, however, he came to Emmet county and located upon his present home farm which had previously been purchased by his father. After the latter's death he acquired the property through inheritance and has since engaged in its operation. In connection with general farming he breeds thoroughbred Shire horses, and in his undertakings he is prospering, being regarded as one of the most successful farmers in Lincoln township.

On the 11th of March, 1913, Mr. McClune was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Adams of Decatur county, Iowa, and to them have been born two children, Harland A. and Melba E. In politics Mr. McClune is a republican and he takes a commendable interest in public affairs, giving his support to all worthy enterprises calculated to advance the public welfare.

WILLIAM McCULLOUGH

William McCullough, devoting his time and energies to general farming in Jack Creek township, Emmet county, is a native of Pennsylvania. He was bom January 20, 1851, of the marriage of John and Mary J. (Anderson) McCullough, both of whom were natives of Scotland. They crossed the Atlantic in early life and became residents of Pennsylvania, where the father spent his remaining days. Following his demise the mother removed to Illinois, where she remained until her death. In their family were eight children, but only three are now living: James, a resident of Ames, Iowa; Margaret, the wife of David Sloper, whose home is in California; and William.

The last named was reared and educated in Iowa, spending his youthful days near Davenport, in Scott county. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and after working for a time on the home farm turned his attention to carpentering. He became a resident of Emmet county in 1892 and purchased his present farm, then a tract of raw prairie land, on section 35, Jack Creek township. With characteristic energy he began its development and has since added many modern improvements, including buildings which furnish ample shelter for grain and stock. He has engaged quite extensively in stock raising in addition to the cultivation of the crops best adapted to soil and climate here, and both branches of his business have proven profitable.

In July, 1879, Mr. McCullough was married to Miss Rozetta Bumbleson, who was born in Boone county, Iowa, a daughter of James and Nancy J. (Simms) Bumbleson, natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively. At an early perid in the development of Iowa they came to this state, where the father passed away, while the mother's death occurred in Kansas. In their family were nine children, all of whom are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. McCullough have become the parents of five children: Blanche, now the wife of Harry E. Reimer, of Des Moines; Oscar, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Nettie B., the wife of H. H. Lagrand, and James and Ralph B., both at home.

In his political views Mr. McCullough is a republican, and while he has never sought nor desired political office, he has served on the school board for a number of years, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and their well spent lives have gained for them the friendly regard of all who knew them. At the time of their marriage their financial circumstances were limited, but since starting out in life together they have won a handsome competence, being now numbered among the substantial residents of Jack Creek township.

JOHN L. MCDONALD.

John L. McDonald, proprietor of Sunny Crest Farm in Estherville township, is one of the representative agriculturists of Emmet county. He was born in Elgin, Kane county, Illinois, on the 1st of October, 1865, his parents being John and Rebecca (Frost) McDonald, natives of Scotland and England respectively. By occupation the father was a farmer. In the family were ten children, of whom John L. is the youngest. The others still living are Mary, now the widow of Henry Allenson and a resident of Minneapolis; G. H., of Pasadena, California; and Nettie, the wife of Archer Johnson, of Palo Alto county, Iowa.

During his boyhood and youth John L. AIcDonald attended the pubhc schools and also an academy at Elgin, Illinois, and on laying aside his textboods at the age of eighteen years began clerking in a dry goods store, where he was employed until 1899. In that year he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Palo Alto county, Iowa, which he operated for nine years. In 1909 he came to Emmet county and bought a tract of similar size in Center township, whereon he lived for two years. On selling that place he purchased the west half of the northwe st quarter of section 13, Estherville township, and fifty-five acres in the northeast quarter of section 14, the same township. Here he is now successfully engaged in general farming and dairying and has a well improved place, known as Sunny Crest Farm.

Mr. McDonald married Miss Kittie C. Briggs, a daughter of Henry J. and Sarah A. (Bartlett) Briggs. Her father was killed in the Civil war and her mother is also deceased. The father was buried at Springfield, Missouri, and the mother at Elgin, Illinois, where she made her home. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have three children: Boyd J., at home; and Marine and Glenn B., now in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

While a resident of Palo Alto county, Mr. McDonald filled most of the township offices, but has never taken an active part in public affairs since coming to Emmet county. In politics he is a republican, and in his religious connection is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is widely and favorably known and well merits the confidence reposed in him.

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NELS MICKELSON

Nels Mickelson, a resident farmer of Twelve Mile Lake township, living on section 2, is a representative of that substantial class of citizens that Norway has furnished to Iowa and that has contributed to the agricultural development of Emmet county. He was born in Norway, January 17, 1874, his parents being Mickel and Anna Mickelson, who were also farming people. They had a family of five children and in 1885 they left their native country for the new world. Crossing the Atlantic, they did not tary on the eastern coast but made their way at once into the interior of the country, establishing their home in Jackson county, Minnesota. The father was employed at farm labor there and subsequently engaged in farming in Dickinson county. His entire life was given to the cultivation of the fields up to the time when death ended his labors, and his remains were laid to rest in the Riverside cemetery at Wallingford. His widow survives and is now living with her son, Nels.

Having spent the first eleven years of his life in his native country, Nels Mickelson came to the new world with his parents and through the period of his boyhood and youth worked with his father, so that he early became familiar with the practical methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He has never cared to change his occupation, feeling that farm life gives him abundant scope for his energy and industry - his dominant qualities. He has purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on the southwest quarter of section 2, Twelve Mile Lake township, and his farm is an excellent property now highly cultivated and well improved.

It was in 1898 that Mr. Mickelson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Ellefson, a daughter of Ellef and Birgit Ellefson, who became residents of Twelve Mile Lake township. Her father has passed away and his widow is now living with her son, Ellef Ellefson, Jr., upon a farm in Twelve Mile Lake township. Mr. and Mrs. Mickelson have become the parents of three children: Adelia, Melvin and Norman, who are all at home. The family adhere to the faith of the Norwegian Lutheran church, to which Mr. and Mrs. Mickelson belong. His political views accord with the principles of the republican party and he regards its platform as the best exponent of the principles of good government. His life record indicates what may be accomplished by persistent, earnest effort, for he started out empty handed and has since been dependent upon his own resources. He early recognized the eternal principle that industry wins, and he has made industry the rule of his life.

JOHN MILLER

John Miller, who owns and successfully operates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Lincoln township, Emmet county, is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Whiteside county, Oct. 3, 1868. His parents, Andy and Fannie (Miller) Miller, were both born in Ireland, but in early life came to America, and settled in Pennsylvania. From that state they removed to Whiteside county, Illinois, and later came to Iowa, locating on a farm in Franklin county, where both continued to reside until called to their final rest. To them were born six children, George, Andrew, Mathew, John, Frank and Robert, all of whom are still living.

John Miller was reared upon the home farm in Franklin county, Iowa, and early became familiar with agricultural pursuits. His literary education was acquired in the local schools and after putting aside his textbooks he assisted in the operation of the home farm until he attained his majority. Subsequently he engaged in farming on rented land for five years, but in 1902 came to Emmet county and purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 34, Lincoln township. He has placed the land under excellent cultivation and has met with
success in its operation. For several years he has also engaged in auctioneering, being a graduate of an auctioneering school at Trenton, Missouri.

In 1890 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Schulz, a native of Franklin county, Iowa, who died in 1903 leaving three children, namely: Gladys I., now the wife of Clifford Martin, of New York state; William I.; and Robert G. On the 26th of April, 1910, Mr. Miller was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Jennie (Nau) Hunt, who was born in Sheffield, Iowa, and is a daughter of Jacob and Ellen (Morris) Nau. Her parents were natives of Wisconsin, whence they came to Iowa, but subsequently removed to Crookston, Minnesota, where they are now living. By the second marriage Mr. Miller has two children, Marvin J. and Ellen A. Mrs. Miller has a son by her former marriage, Melvin L. Hunt.

Mr. Miller takes a deep and commendable interest in public affairs and by his ballot supports the men and measures of the republican party, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his business interests. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodge at Grimes, Iowa, and is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. An upright, honorable business man, the success that comes to him is well deserved and he has the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

ANDREW MITCHELL

Many of the influential residents of Armstrong are retired farmers and among this number is Andrew Mitchell, whose birth occurred in Ontario, Canada, June 1, 1861. He is a son of James and Susan (McFarland) Mitchell, natives of Scotland, who settled in Canada in 1854. After farming there for sixteen years the father removed with his family to Emmet county, Iowa, and homesteaded land in Armstrong Grove township, one mile south of Armstrong. For many years he was identified with the agricultural development of that section but at length retired and removed to Armstrong, where he lived until his demise in
February, 1901. The mother died in September, 1898.

Andrew Mitchell received his education in the schools of Canada and of Emmet county, Iowa, and remained at home until he was twenty-eight years old. He then bought one hundred and sixty acres in Armstrong Grove township and concentrated his energies upon the operation of that farm for many years, or until March, 1916, when he sold the place and took up his residence in Armstrong. He is there enioving all the comforts of life.

On the 12th of December, 1888, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Carroll, a daughter of John and Mary A. (Dundas) Carroll, natives respectively of Ireland and of Canada. They became pioneer settlers of Kossuth county, where the father died February 13, 1879, and the mother in March, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are the parents of two children: Lila V., who was born in September, 1889, and is now the wife of George Beck, of Armstrong; and Nellie M., born June 17, 1902.

Mr. Mitchell is a staunch democrat and has held a number of local offices, having been trustee, constable and road superintendent while living upon the farm. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, the Yeomen and the Modern Woodmen of America. The fact that he is enabled to live retired although still a comparatively young man is proof of the ability with which he managed his affairs while actively engaged in farming and with the high esteem in which he is held is evidence of the high moral standards which he has constantly followed in all relations of life.

GEORGE E. MOORE

George E. Moore, actively engaged in general farming and stock raising on section 1, High Lake township, Emmet county, is a native of Schuyler county, Illinois. He was born May 24, 1866, of the marriage of William and Frances (Bagby) Moore, who were natives of Ohio and Kentucky respectively, the latter being a descendant of Daniel Boone. William Moore became a resident of Illinois when a lad of but twelve years and took up his abode upon a farm in Schuyler county where his remaining days were passed. There he was for many years actively connected with agricultural pursuits. His widow survives and is now living in Estherville at the age of seventy-six years.

In their family were three children: George E.; Homer O., now a resident of Schuyler county, Illinois; and Maggie M., the wife of J. A. Dunham. Tlie ancestry of the family can be traced back to Ireland, for it was in that country that the grandfather of George E. Moore was born in 1800. He came to America in 1819, crossing the Atlantic in a sailing vessel which was six weeks in making the trip. He afterward took up his abode upon a farm in Carroll county, Ohio, and subsequently removed to Schuyler county, Illinois, where he built a log cabin covered with a clapboard roof, while at one end of the building was a mud and stick chimney, the floor being of earth. He lived in that primitive home for about twenty years, but as he prospered in his undertakings added modern improvements to his farm, erecting good buildings and becoming one of the substantial agriculturists of his district. He died in the year 1882 and his wife also passed away in Schuyler county.

George E. Moore was reared and educated in Illinois, attending the common schools. During the summer months he worked in the fields and remained upon his father's farm until his marriage, which was celebrated in 1888, Miss Josephine Lillard becoming his wife. She was born in Christian county, Illinois, a daughter of Perry and Nancy J. (Finley) Lillard, who were also natives of that state. The father is now a resident of Kansas, but the mother passed away in 1896. In their family were five children, of whom four are yet living. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Moore has been blessed with two children: Raymond M., who is a graduate of Dubuque College at Dubuque, Iowa; and Ruby A., who is now attending college in Aurora, Illinois.

It was in the spring of 1892 that Mr. Moore came with his family to Iowa, settling in Emmet county. He took up his abode upon the farm on which he now resides, in High Lake township. He is today one of the extensive landowners of the county, having seven hundred and seventy acres of highly improved and valuable land, which he has converted into a very productive farm. He makes a specialty of dairying, having a fine herd of Holstein cattle, and he is also extensively engaged in the raising of Hampshire hogs, having over four hundred head upon his place at the present time. He is an excellent judge of stock, seldom, if ever, at fault in estimating the value of an animal, and his live-stock interests have long constituted an important branch of his business, adding much to his prosperity. He is a most progressive, energetic man, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He is now president of the Wallingford Creamery Company and also president of the Farmers Telephone Company.

Mr. and Mrs. Moore hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and guide their lives according to its teachings. His political support is given to the democratic party and he is a stalwart advocate of its principles but is not an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs, which have been capably and wisely directed, making him one of the most substantial and prosperous farmers of Emmet county.

JOHN H. MORRICE

John H. Morrice, a stockholder and the manager of the Farmers' elevator at Wallingford, belongs to that class of men who have based their success upon industry and resolute purpose. He is a native of Scotland, his birth having occurred in Aberdeenshire on the 9th of August, 1874, his parents being James and Elizabeth Morrice. The father was a sailor.

Spending his youthful days in his native country, John H. Morrice pursued his education in the common schools and in a business college of Scotland and when twenty-two years of age determined to seek his fortune in the new world, at which time he crossed the Atlantic to the United States. He did not tarry on the eastern coast but at once made his way to Emmet county, Iowa, and for three years was employed as a farm hand near Estherville. He then returned to Scotland, where he remained for six months, and then again came to the new world, accepting a position at an elevator at Wallingford in the employ of Joseph Hardy, there remaining for ten years. He afterwards spent two years as manager of an elevator at Graettinger, Iowa, and in 1907 he returned to Wallingford, where he has since had the management of the Farmers' elevator, of which he is one of the stockholders. He has carried on this business continuously now for the past ten years, carefully and wisely directing the interests of the elevator, in which connection he has built up a big grain trade, furnishing a market to a large percentage of the
producers in this section. He is thoroughly familiar with every phase of the grain business and long experience and sound judgment have contributed to his success. He is also secretary and manager of the Wallingford Telephone Company.

In 1902 Mr. Morrice was united in marriage to Miss Laura Everson. Her parents were residents of High Lake township, but are now deceased, their remains having been interred in Riverside cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Morrice have two children, Leroy and Victor.

Mr. Morrice belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 4740, at Wallingford, also to the Loyal Order of Moose and to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Estherville. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and at the present time he is serving as justice of the peace in Wallingford. He also belongs to the Presbyterian church and his has been an honorable, upright life characterized by many admirable qualities which have won for him the friendship and kindly regard for those with whom business or social relations have brought him in contact.

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JAMES WARREN MORSE

Prominent among the representatives of the Emmet county bar is James Warren Morse, who is now practicing as a member of the firm of Morse & Kennedy. He was born in Mitchell county, Iowa, October 21, 1877, and is a son of Isaac H. and Olive Morse, in whose family were three children. Those besides our subject are: Albert, now a resident of Mitchell county; and Mrs. Lois Wolff', also of that county. The parents are both living at Osage, Iowa.

A student in the State University of Iowa from 1898 until 1901, James W. Morse devoted that period to the study of law and the classical course in the college of liberal arts and following his admission to the bar located for practice in Estherville. He had no friends or relatives here and alone and unaided made his initial professional step. He practiced alone until 1903, when he became a partner of M. H. Kendall, with whom he continued until February, 1904. He then removed to Emmetsburg and was associated in a partnership with E. B. and P. H. Soper, father and son. In 1907 he returned to Estherville and entered into partnership with C. W. Crim, an association that was maintained until the 1st of July, 1910. For about four years thereafter Mr. Morse was again alone in practice, but on the 1st of April, 1914, entered into his present relation as a member of the law firm of Morse & Kennedy. He devotes his attention to the general practice of law and is recognized as a strong and able attorney. He is never surprised by the unexpected attack of an opponent, for he most carefully prepares his cases, preparing for attack as well as for defense. He follows a clear course of reasoning and his application of legal principles is seldom, if ever, at fault. He never seeks to enshroud his cause in any sentimental garb or illusion but presents it in the strong, clear light of reason and his close conformity to a high standard of professional ethics has won for him the high respect of colleagues and contemporaries. In the early years of his residence in Estherville he served as city attorney, resigning the office when he removed to Emmetsburg. In 1908 he was elected county attorney and filled that position in a most acceptable manner for four years.

On the 5th of August, 1903, Mr. Morse was married to Miss Winifred Williams, a daughter of John and Olive Williams, of Mitchell county, Iowa, and they have become the parents of two children: Olive, born November 24, 1907; and John, born September 22, 1911.

Mr. and Mrs. Morse are well known in Estherville, where high regard is entertained for them by the many friends whom they have won during the period of their residence in this city. Mr. Morse gives his political allegiance to the republican party and he is connected with several fraternal organizations, being a past master of the Masonic lodge and a member of the Yeomen, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

HANS MORTENSEN

Hans Mortensen, who is engaged in general farming and stock raising on section 35, Denmark township, is one of the representative agriculturists of Emmet county. He was born in Denmark on the 26th of January, 1856, and is a son of Martin and Karen (Wine) Mortensen, now deceased. In the family were nine children. The parents never came to the United States, but continued residents of Denmark throughout life. By occupation the father was a brewer.

Hans Mortensen attended the public schools of Denmark until confirmed and two years were later devoted to military training. In early life he learned the cigar maker's trade, which he followed in his native land until twenty-seven years of age, when he resolved to try his fortune in the new world and sailed for America. He first located in Cook county, Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand for two years, and then removed to Humboldt county, Iowa, where he continued in the employ of others for some time. At length, however, he was able to engage in farming on his own account upon rented land and in 1893 purchased the northeast quarter of section 35, Denmark township, Emmet county, to the improvement and cultivation of which he has since devoted his time and attention with good results. He has converted the tract into a fine farm and has devoted considerable attention to the raising of full blooded stock, making a specialty of Percheron horses.

In 1891, Mr. Mortensen was united in marriage to Miss Kate Koll, a daughter of Adolph and Mary (Engle) Koll, who are natives of Germany and Denmark respectively. On coming to this country they first located in Humboldt county, Iowa, but are now residents of Denmark township, Emmet county. Mr. and Mrs. Mortensen have twelve children, namely: Carl, Adolph, Peter, Caroline, Mary, Hans, Jr., Frederick, Anna, Amanda, Martin, Frances and Henrietta.

For a number of years Mr. Mortensen was president of the Forsythe Creamery Company, and he has served as school director and road supervisor in his district. In politics he is a democrat and in religious faith is a Lutheran, holding membership in St. John's church. He is one of the representative farmers of his community and is held in high esteem by all who know him.

GEORGE W. MURRAY

George W. Murray, of Estherville township, has the enviable distinction of being the owner of what is generally conceded to be the finest farm in Emmet county, Iowa. His land is in a high state of cultivation and the improvements leave nothing to be desired. He is specializing in the breeding of full blooded stock and is recognized as a leader in that field. He was bom in Sheridan, Ohio, on the 12th of March, 1861, and his parents, John and Marie (Underwood) Murray, were natives respectively
of Pennsylvania and of Ohio. The mother died in 1873 and the father in 1880 and both are buried in Sheridan, Ohio. To them were born two children: George W. and Kate, the wife of G. H. Wheelock.

After the death of his mother George W. Murray made his home with George and Sarah (Underwood) Wells, an uncle and aunt, living in Grundy county, Iowa, remaining with them until 1881. For twelve years he lived in first one place and then another but in 1893 formed a partnership with his uncle, Mr. Wells, settling on a farm owned by the latter in Kossuth county. Mr. Wells was one of the earliest settlers of Grundy county. He acquired large tracts of land in Grundy and Kossuth counties and also at one time held title to thirty-eight hundred acres of land in Emmet county, although he never resided here. Mr. Murray remained upon the farm in Kossuth county until 1905 and subsequently operated another tract in that county for three years but in 1908 came to Emmet county and purchased the south half of section 12, Estherville township, where he has since resided. He spares no time nor expense in bringing his farm to the highest possible state of development and all the improvements are thoroughly modem, the bams being of concrete and of the most approved design, while the residence is one of the finest farm houses
in Emmet county. He raises grain but pays particular attention to breeding full blooded Percheron horses and registered Duroc hogs.

Mr. Murray was married in 1892 to Miss Frances Gaines, a daughter of P. W. and Margaret (Tolen) Gaines, of St. Paul, Minnesota. They previously resided in Winona, that state, and there they are buried. Mr. and Mrs. Murray have two children: John Gaines, at home; and Kathryn Margaret, a student in the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Mr. Murray believes in the basic principles of the republican party but where no national issue is at stake votes independently. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and is well known in local Masonic circles, belonging to the commandery, shrine and consistory. His wife and children are communicants of the Catholic church. The success which he has achieved through his own efforts is proof of his ability and enterprise and the high esteem in which he is universally held testifies to his worth as a man.

ALBERT MYHRE

For thirty-eight years Albert Myhre has been a resident of Emmet county, which covers the entire period of his life, for he is a native son of the county, his birth having here occurred on the 20th of January, 1879. He is now engaged in general merchandising at Huntington under the firm style of Albert Myhre & Company and is numbered among the representative business men of his district. His parents were I. O. and Anna Myhre, both of whom were natives of Norway. Coming to Iowa in pioneer times, the father settled in High Lake township, Emmet county, in 1865 and there homesteaded, securing a tract of land which was just as it came from the hand of nature, not a furrow having been turned nor an improvement made upon the place. He at once began its development and his labors wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the farm. At the time of the Civil war he put aside all business interests and, responding to the country's call for troops, joined the Fifteenth Wisconsin Infantry, with which he served for three years. During that period he participated in a number of important engagements and on one occasion was wounded in the left side. He was promoted to the rank of corporal and in later years he maintained pleasant relations with his old army comrades as a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His
fellow townsmen, recognizing his loyalty in citizenship, called him to fill several township offices. He died in the year 1905 and was laid to rest in Riverside cemetery, in High Lake township, Emmet county. His widow survives and is now living in Estherville. In their family were eleven children, eight of whom are yet living, six being residents of Emmet county. The surviving members of the household are: Dorothy, now the wife of Thomas Storhow, of Estherville township; Oliver, who is married and makes his home in Twelve Mile Lake township; Oscar, who is married and resides in Wallingford; Martin, who is married and is located at Graettinger, Palo Alto county, Iowa; Caroline, of Estherville; Albert; Anna, the wife of J. Anderson, of High Lake township; and Elmer, who is married and makes his home at Swea City, Iowa.

After acquiring a district school education Albert Myhre attended the Decorah Institute and was graduated from the business department. He continued to work for his father until he attained his majority and then went to Huntington, where he entered the employ of C. L. Jeglum & Company, proprietors of a general store, with whom he remained for five years. He later spent two years in the general store of A. O. Myhre & Son, of Estherville, and in 1908 he became a partner in the firm of Albert Myhre & Company and has since been manager of the business. Theirs is a general store in which they carry a large line of clothing, shoes, groceries and dry goods, for which they find a ready sale, as their reliable business methods commend them to the confidence and support of the public.

On the 4th of July, 1904, Mr. Myhre was united in marriage to Miss Minnie H. Harvego, a daughter of H. and Amelia Harvego. The mother has now passed away and was laid to rest in the Harvego cemetery in Ellsworth township, while the father now makes his home in Morrison county, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Myhre have one child, John H., who was born May 27, 1914.

The parents are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in politics Mr. Myhre is a stalwart republican, serving at the present time as postmaster of Huntington. He is well known as a representative and progressive business man of his town and his well-directed labors in the management of his business are bringing to him deserved and gratifying success.

NAU BROTHERS

The clothing firm of Nau Brothers at Estherville is composed of Knut K. and Chris K. Nau, both prominent and representative citizens who through their commercial activity have contributed to the substantial development of this part of the state. Chris K. Nau was born in Norway in 1871 and Knut K. Nau in 1874. They are sons of Knut and Christina Nau. The father died in 1914 but the mother is still living in Norway, where a brother is engaged in merchandising and is also filling the oflice of postmaster. The sons acquired a common school education and afterward attended college in Norway and Germany. Chris K. Nau was a young man of twenty years when he came alone to the United States, first making his way to Chicago, where he was employed as a clerk in a clothing store until 1898, when with his brother Knut he came to Estherville.

It was in the year 1906 that Chris K. Nau was united in marriage to Johanna Isaakson, a daughter of Isaac and Marit Olson. In his political views Mr. Nau is a republican and, while never an oflice seeker, the fact that he is interested in the general welfare and progress of his community is shown in his identification with the Commercial Club. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

Knut K. Nau continued his education in the College of Languages in Norway until he reached the age of eighteen years, when he, too, crossed the Atlantic, making the voyage alone. He then traveled over the continent as far as Rochelle, Illinois, where he secured employment in a dry goods store, with which he was connected for five years. In the spring of 1898 he came to Estherville, where in connection with his brother Chris he established a store for the sale of men's clothing and furnishings and for the past eleven years they have occupied their present quarters. They handle the Hirsh Wickwire and Society Brand clothes, the Michaels Sterns and Keith "Tiger" hats and the Florsheim shoes. Theirs is the oldest clothing house in Estherville and they carry a large and atti'active stock, while their reasonable prices and honorable business methods have secured to them a constantly growing patronage. They are ever courteous and obliging in their treatment of patrons and their business integrity stands as an unquestioned fact in their career.

In 1904 Knut K. Nau was married to Miss Evaline Lein, a daughter of Thomas and Christina Lein. Her father was a veteran of the Civil war and became one of the early settlers of Emmet county. He is now deceased but his widow yet makes her home in Estherville.

Knut K. Nau gives his political support to the republican party and he belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of the Commercial Club and he is justly regarded as a progressive, enterprising business man and one whose record should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished through determination, energy and laudable ambition.

NELS P. NELSEN

One of the finest farms in Denmark township, Emmet county, is owned by Nels P. Nelsen, a native of Denmark and characterized by the sterling qualities which have enabled the men of his race to make so creditable a place for themselves in America. He was born on the 1st of June, 1850, and is a son of Nels and Mary (Clouson) Olsen, who passed away upon the home farm in Denmark.

Nels P. Nelsen, who is one of a family of ten children, received his education in his native country and remained there until he attained his majority. He then emigrated to the United States and after living in Clifton, Illinois, for four months was for a year and a half a resident of Chicago and later lived in Springfield, that state, for two years. He next spent two years in New York city and was then again a resident of Chicago for a year. Upon leaving that city he purchased a farm near Clifton, Illinois, but a year later disposed of that place and turned his attention to blacksmithing, which he followed there for a year. For a third time he located in Chicago and after working for the Pullman Car Company for a period he conducted a blacksmith shop in Roseland, now a part of Chicago, for four years. After selling that business he came to Emmet county, Iowa, and moved on the northeast quarter of section 14, Denmark township, which he had purchased four years before, or in 1880. He has since lived on that place and during the three decades intervening has brought it to a high state of development, sparing no expense nor labor that would increase its productiveness or its attractiveness as a place of residence. He also owns the east half of the southeast quarter of section 13 and for twelve years was president of the Denmark Cooperative Creamery.

On the 1st of December, 1880, in Hyde Park, Chicago, occurred the marriage of Mr. Nelsen and Miss Tomina Andersen, whose parents, G. P. and Christina Andersen, were natives of Denmark, but lived for a number of years in this country. They made their home with Mr. and Mrs. Nelsen in Chicago until 1882, when they came to Denmark township, where they passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelsen were bom six children: Martin M., of Ringsted; Mary, the deceased wife of Hans Christiansen, of Denmark township; Christina, the wife of Andrew Hansen, of Tyler, Minnesota; J. P., a partner of Chris Andersen in the hardware and implement business in Ringsted; and Lena and Minnus, both of whom died in infancy. The wife and mother passed away on the 2nd of March, 1892, and is buried in St. John's cemetery. She was a member of St. John's church and was a woman of many fine qualities of heart and mind. On the 10th of February, 1893, Mr. Nelsen was married in Denmark, where he had gone on a visit, to Miss Johanna Mikkelsen, whose parents were lifelong residents of that country. In 1893 Mr. Nelsen returned to America with his wife and they have become the parents of five children, Lawrence, Marius, Alma, Tomina and Alvilva, all at home.

Mr. Nelsen is a staunch democrat and has served as township assessor and as township trustee. His interest in the welfare of the schools is indicated in the fact that he was at one time school director and his concern for the moral obligations of life is manifest in his membership in St. John's Danish Lutheran church, of which he was formerly trustee and foreman. He had no unusual advantages but realized that energy, good management and perseverance would enable him to gain success and through making the most of the opportunities that were his has won a substantial competence.

WILLIAM NELSEN

William Nelsen is living retired in Ringsted save for the supervision which he gives to his property interests. A native of Denmark, he was born September 21, 1844, a son of Anders and Anna Nelsen, also natives of that country, where the father followed the profession of teaching. He died there in 1851 but the mother survived for many years, passing away in 1894 when ninety years old.

William Nelsen was reared in his native country and after completing his education worked as a farm hand for three years, but at the age of seventeen went to sea before the mast. He followed the sea until 1865, when he again turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he was engaged until 1869. In that year he emigrated to the United States and made his way across the country to Clinton, Iowa, where he worked as a farm hand for a year. He was next employed at a sawmill at Clinton and remained there for thirteen years, or until 1883, when he came to Emmet county, Iowa, and purchased land in Denmark township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devoted nine years. He then returned to Denmark, where he remained during the summer and then came again to the United States, settling at Algona, Iowa. He engaged in the dairy business for some time. He remained at Algona for seven years and during that period built a number of residences which he rented, thus adding in substantial measure to his income. When the town of Ringsted was founded about 1899 he took up his abode here and built four residences and a store building, which he still owns. He derives a good rental from these properties and is living practically retired. He is also interested financially in the Ringsted State Bank.

In October, 1872, Mr. Nelsen was married to Miss Riga Bossen and they have had two children: Ambrosina, the wife of F. M. Stacey, of Ringsted, by whom she has five children, Myrta, Clara, Carl, Helen and Florence; and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Nelsen is a Democrat in politics and served as trustee of Denmark township for some time, has been a member of the town council of Ringsted and has been honored by election to the office of mayor for three terms. He has also been a member of the school board and in whatever office he has served has invariably placed the public good above all other considerations. He belongs to the Yeomen and the Danish Brotherhood, and in religious faith is a Lutheran. His life has been a long and useful one and he is held in the highest esteem wherever known.

JOHN A. NELSON

John A. Nelson, assistant cashier of the Farmers Savings Bank at Wallingford, is a native son of Emmet county and is regarded as one of the progressive young business men of his city. He was born March 3, 1887, a son of Nels L. and Olina (Bendixson) Nelson, both of whom were natives of Norway. In early life they came to America and Nels L. Nelson took up his abode upon a farm in Emmet county, devoting many years to the further development and improvement of his land, which he converted into rich and productive fields. He passed away in 1911 and is still survived by his widow. In their family were eleven children, ten of whom are yet living.

John A. Nelson was educated in the common schools and in a college at Forest City, Iowa, from which he was graduated with the class of 1909. He made his initial step in the business world as a stenographer in the Iowa Savings Bank at Estherville, where he remained for a year, on the expiration of which period he removed to Mohall, North Dakota, where he remained in a bank for a year. He then came to Emmet county and through the intervening period has occupied the position of assistant cashier in the Farmers Savings Bank at Wallingford. He is making an excellent record in this connection, a record characterized by thorough reliability, faithfulness and efficiency in the tasks assigned him. He is also the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 14, Twelve Mile Lake township, which is well improved and returns to him a gratifying annual income.

In 1915 Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Emma Egertson, a native of Emmet county and a daughter of Halvor and Christina Egertson, who were natives of Norway and in early life came to the new world. Both are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have become the parents of a son, Norton Harold, who was born August 20, 1916.

They are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Nelson gives his political allegiance to the republican party, in the work of which he takes an active and helpful interest. He has served as commissioner, as one of the members of the city council of Wallingford and is now town clerk. In the discharge of his public duties he has ever been prompt and faithful, fully recognizing the obligations that devolve upon him, and at all times he is actuated by a public-spirited devotion to the general good that is above question. In a word he is an alert, enterprising young business man and citizen whose course commands the respect and high regard of those with whom he is brought in contact.

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NELS H. NELSON

On coming to the new world Nels H. Nelson was in limited circumstances but as the result of his own untiring efforts and sound judgment is today the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Emmet county, his home being on section 27, Denmark township. He was born in Sweden on the 19th of June, 1849, and is a son of Nels P. and Christine Catherine (Larson) Nelson, who continued to make their home in that country throughout life, the father following the occupation of farming to support himself and family. There were eight children, of whom Nels H. is the second in order of birth. At the usual age he entered the common schools, where he continued his studies until confirmed and for two years he trained for the army as is the custom in Sweden. Leaving home he worked on neighboring farms until twenty-two years of age and then engaged in cutting and hauling lumber until coming to the United States at the age of thirty-one years.

Before leaving Sweden Mr. Nelson married Miss Mary F. Johnson, whose parents were lifelong residents of that country and are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have four children: Henry, born in Sweden, and Herman, born in Fulton county, Illinois, who now aids in the operation of the home farm; Charles, who was born in Clinton, Iowa, and is now a banker of St. James, Minnesota; and Esther, who was born in Emmet county, Iowa, and is connected with a bank at Tyler, Minnesota. Charles is married and has one child, Richard Charles.

It was in 1880 that Mr. Nelson, accompanied by his family, sailed for the United States and on reaching this country proceeded to Fulton, Illinois, where he worked in a lumberyard for a time. Subsequently he moved across the Mississippi river to Clinton, Iowa, where seven years were spent, and in the spring of 1888 came to Emmet county and took up his abode in Denmark township, purchasing eighty acr«s of land comprising the north half of the southwest quarter of section 27. Later he bought the west half of the northwest quarter of the same section and the southeast quarter of section 28, so that he now has a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres, which he has placed under excellent cultivation. He has been a director of the Forsythe Creamery Company and has served as its president and treasurer. In politics he is a republican and in religious faith is a Lutheran, belonging to St. Paul's church. He is a progressive, up-to-date farmer who has met with success in his undertakings.

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GEORGE ALLEN NICHOLS

George Allen Nichols, editor and business manager of the Vndicator and Republican at Estherville, was born November 27, 1859, in Oneida county, New York, his parents being Charles B. and Henrietta E. (Taft) Nichols, who were natives of the Empire state and who is 1865 removed westward to Wisconsin, settling in Richland county among its early settlers.

It was there that George A. Nichols obtained his education by attending the district and high schools and in 1881 he was graduated from the Sextonville high school, after which he entered upon the study of law in the Wisconsin State University and also read under the direction of his uncle, N. F. Nichols, a well known attorney of Aurora, Illinois. Having been admitted to the bar, he practiced his profession in the territory of Dakota in 1885 and 1886 and then turned his attention to the newspaper business, which he followed in Dakota territory and in South Dakota after the admission of the state into the Union. There he remained until 1893, when he removed with his family to Estherville, Iowa, and purchased a half interest in the Emmet County Republican, of which he afterward became the sole proprietor. The Republican was later merged with the Northern Vindicator and the paper is now published under the name of the Vindicator and Republican with Mr. Nichols as editorial and business manager. He has devoted his entire time to newspaper work since taking his initial step in that field save for the three winters of 1896, 1897 and 1898, which he spent in Des Moines as journal clerk of the senate in the state legislature. He has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking but served for two terms as a member of the city council of Estherville. His influence, however, has always been on the side of progress and improvement, of right and reform, and he has done much to further advancement along those lines. His only financial
interests, save for some minor investments, are in Estherville property and in land in Michigan and in Florida.

On the 16th of February, 1885, in Richland county, Wisconsin, Mr. Nichols was united in marriage to Miss Adelaide M. Carson, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Carson, who were pioneer settlers of southwestern Wisconsin. The mother was the first white child born in what is now Muscoda, Wisconsin, and represented one of the oldest families of that portion of the state. The father remained an influential farmer and mill owner of southwestern Wisconsin until called to his final rest. Mrs. Nichols is liberally educated and is a graduate of the Minneapolis Conservatory of Music. By her marriage she has become the mother of a son and two daughters: Herbert T.; Emma E., now the wife of W. E. Deming, of Estherville; and Henrietta A., at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Nichols hold membership in the Episcopal church and fraternally he is a prominent Mason, belonging to North Star Lodge, No. 447, A. F. & A. M.; Jeptha Chapter, No. 128, R. A. M.; Esdraelon Commandery, No. 52, K. T.; and North Star Chapter, O. E. S. He likewise belongs to the Elks lodge, No. 528, of Estherville, and from 1894 until 1896 inclusive he was secretaiy of North Star Lodge and in 1892 was commander of Esdraelon Commandery. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. He is a man of wide interests and marked public spirit and his influence has been a potent factor on the side of progress, development and improvement in Emmet county for many years.

ALBERT C. NIELSEN

Albert C. Nielsen, who has met with gratifying success as a farmer in Denmark township, Emmet county, was born in Clinton, Iowa, March 9, 1881, a son of Niels and Nicolena (Matheson) Nielsen, natives of Denmark. In 1882 the family left Iowa and took up their residence in Denmark township, Emmet county. This region was just being opened up to white settlement and in fact the Nielsens were the third family to locate in that township. The father purchased the south half of the northeast quarter of section 13 and for about a quarter of a century, or until 1905, he concentrated his energies upon the cultivation of that tract. Upon retiring from active life he removed to Ringsted, where he and his wife still reside. All of their three children are living, namely: Carrie, now Mrs. F. C. Petersen, of Ringsted; Albert C.; and George K., also a resident of Ringsted.

Albert C. Nielsen attended the district schools until he was seventeen years old and subsequently worked for his father until the latter retired. He now owns the homestead and keeps everything about the place in excellent condition so that it is one of the model farms of the towaiship. He raises both grain and stock and derives a gratifying income from his well-directed labors.

On the 18th of December, 1907, Mr. Nielsen was united in marriage to Mrs. Anna M. (Simonsen) Duhn. Her parents, Simon K. and Margaret Simonsen, brought their family from Denmark to the United States when their daughter Anna was but eight months old. The family home was established at Graettinger, Palo Alto county, Iowa, and there the mother passed away and is buried. The father survives. Mrs. Nielsen was first married to Lars Duhn, who died July 7, 1906. By her second union she has three children, Ervin, Melvin and Harold.

Mr. Nielsen takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs, although not an office seeker and in the exercise of his right of franchise supports the man rather than the party. He is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America of Ringsted, the Denmarks Minde Society of Ringsted and St. John's Danish Lutheran church. He was trained to hard work and the success which is his is the direct result of his industry.

HANS P. NIELSEN

Hans P. Nielsen, who has resided in Denmark township, Emmet county, continuously since 1892, has been a factor in the agricultural development of his locality. A native of Denmark, he was born January 16, 1859, the only child of Rasmus and Martha (Hansen) Nielsen, who passed their entire lives in that country, where the father engaged in farming.

Hans P. Nielsen was educated in the public schools of Denmark, which he attended until he was confirmed, and subsequently he worked on farms there until he attained his majority. He then came to the United States and for the first three years was employed as a farm hand in Champaign county, Illinois, and for eight years worked in a similar capacity in Humboldt county, Iowa. In 1892 he bought the east half of the southeast quarter of section 9, Denmark township, Emmet county, and there he has since made his home. The high state of development to which he has brought the place is evidence of his knowledge of farming and his energy, and the sale of his crops and live stock annually nets him a substantial profit.

In 1897 occurred the marriage of Mr. Nielsen and Miss Catherine Petersen, whose parents, Rasmus and Marie (Stephensen) Petersen, were lifelong residents of Demnark. To Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen have been born three children, Marie Fredericka, Meta Otilia and Lydia Hansina, all at home.

Mr. Nielsen is a staunch supporter of the republican party and is recognized as one of the public-spirited citizens of his community, being always willing to aid worthy public projects. He belongs to St. Paul's Danish Lutheran church and has conformed his life to high ethical standards.

NIELS CHRIS NIELSEN

Niels Chris Nielsen, a retired farmer residing in Ringsted, was born in Denmark on the 28th of October, 1855, of the marriage of Niels and Johanna (Christensen) Nielsen. The father passed away in that country in 1857 and in 1871 the mother came to the United States and spent the remainder of her life here, dying in Parkersburg, Iowa.

Niels C. Nielsen was reared and educated in Denmark but his opportunities for schooling were very meager as when seven years of age he had to begin earning his own living, his father having died when he was but two years old. In 1874, when nineteen years old, he came to America and for three years worked on farms near Parkersburg, Iowa. During that period he carefully saved his money and at length was able to rent a farm, which he operated for two years. The following summer he was again employed as a farm hand but in the autumn he went to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he was connected with a flour mill for three years. The next seventeen years were devoted to the operation of rented land, but in 1900 he came to Emmet county, Iowa, and took up his residence upon a farm belonging to his wife. There he successfully engaged in farming and stock raising until 1912, when, having accumulated a competence, he retired from active life and built a comfortable residence in Ringsted, where he has since lived. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company at Ringsted and also in the opera house here.

On the 4th of March, 1881, Mr. Nielsen was united in marriage to Miss Christina Oster, who passed away in 1898. She was the mother of five children, namely: Andrew, who is the proprietor of a hotel in Ringsted; Mary, the wife of John Timmion, of Cedar Falls; Alfred, who is farming in Denmark township, this county; William, who died in 1894; and Elvina, the wife of Fred Timmion, who is living near Cedar Falls. In January, 1901, Mr. Nielson was married to Mrs. Christina (Kroh) Schultz, widow of Peter Schultz, by whom she had four children, John, Anna, Ole and Betilda C. Mr. Schultz, who was one of the first settlers in Denmark township, purchased land here which he cultivated until his death in 1895.

Mr. Nielsen supports the republican party at the polls and for the past twelve years has been road superintendent of Denmark township. He is a member of the Lutheran church and is also identified with Denmarks Minde, a society composed of those of Danish descent.

NIELS J. NIELSEN

Niels J. Nielsen, a well-to-do farmer of Denmark township, was born in Denmark, January 28, 1871, of the marriage of Karsten and Kirstina (Jensen) Nielsen. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, died when his son Niels J. was but three years old and the mother subsequently married Hans Nelsen, also an agriculturist. Five children were born to the second marriage and they and the parents are still living in Denmark.

Niels J. Nielsen, who was the third in order of birth of the four children born to the first marriage of his mother, attended the public schools until he was confirmed and later was for seven months a student at a military school. After leaving that institution he worked upon farms until he was thirty years old, when he came to the United States and located at Reinbeck, Iowa. For about two years he was employed as a farm hand but in 1902 rented a farm in Emmet county, near Dolliver, which he cultivated until 1911. He then purchased eighty acres in Swan Lake township and a year later bought the east half of the northeast quarter of section 7, Denmark towniship, upon which he has since resided. The excellent condition of the place is evidence of his good management and he realizes a gratifying profit from the sale of his grain and stock.

It was in 1904 that Mr. Nielsen was married, his bride being Miss Anne Enemark, a daughter of Peter and Henrietta Enemark, residents of Copenhagen, Denmark. Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen have three children, Gerda, Henrietta and Robert.

Mr. Nielsen does not consider himself bound by party ties but votes for the candidate whom he deems best fitted to discharge the duties of the oflice in question. He holds membership in St. John's Danish Lutheran church and is also identified with the Danish Brotherhood. When he began his independent career he was empty handed but was determined to succeed and as the years have passed his resources have steadily increased until he is now in comfortable circumstances.

J. W. OAKES

J. W. Oakes, a representative farmer of Jack Creek township, Emmet county, makes his home on section 27 and a well developed tract of land there pays tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. He is a native of Laporte county, Indiana, born March 22, 1866, and is a son of William Mc and Anna E. (Forseman) Oakes, who were natives of Pennsylvania. They were married, however, in Indiana, to which state .they had removed with their parents in early life. In 1867 they became residents of Ogle county, Illinois, and there the father continued to engage in the occupation of farming until death terminated his labors in 1899. His widow is still living and now resides with a daughter in Oregon, Illinois.

J. W. Oakes was educated in the common schools and in the high school at Valparaiso, Indiana, and in 1886 he began farming on his own account. He had been reared to the work of the fields and was thoroughly familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He first rented land in Ogle county and in 1887 he came to Iowa, where for four years he rented land in Lyon county. There he carried on farming until 1891, which year witnessed his arrival in Emmet county. The same year he purchased his present home farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres on section 27, Jack Creek township. On this place he has since made his home and his labors have been concentrated upon its further development and improvement with the result that it is today one of the fine farms of the locality.

In 1892 Mr. Oakes was united in marriage to Miss Eda Kent, of Polk county, Iowa, by whom he had five children, four of whom still survive, namely: William Mc, a resident of Ringsted, Emmet county; and Kent, Joseph W., Jr., and Grace E., all at home.

Politically, Mr. Oakes is independent, while fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Loyal Order of Moose. He is one of the best known men of Jack Creek township, respected as a progressive agriculturist and as a public-spirited citizen, his life record at all times having conformed to the highest standards of manhood and citizenship.

CHARLES OGILVIE.

Charles Ogilvie conducted a grocery business in Armstrong until November, 1916, when he retired. He was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, November 2, 1832, a son of William and Susan (Gilbert) Ogilvie. The father was a laborer and neither he nor his wife ever came to the United States. They were the parents of two daughters and three sons, of whom Charles was the only one to emigrate to America, coming here when sixteen years of age. He attended school in his native land until fourteen years old and during the intervening two years until his emigration to this country he was employed as a clerk in a dry goods store. After remaining for a year in New York City he went to the province of Ontario, Canada, where he worked on a farm for some time. At length he removed to Iowa and for a period engaged in teaching school south of Algona during the winter months and during the summer seasons worked on the farm of James Mitchell, with whom he made his home. At that time conditions in this state were largely those of the frontier and the schoolhouse in which he taught was made of sod. It was known as the Carroll school and was one of the first established in that section.

A year before Armstrong was platted Mr. Ogilvie removed to this locality and became one of the first merchants of the new town, carrying a well chosen general stock. He was thereafter continuously connected with the business interests of the town and conducted an up-to-date and well patronized grocery store until November, 1916. He is enjoying good health at the age of eighty-four years.

In 1899 Mr. Ogilvie was married to Mrs. Laura (Bunt) Dutton, a daughter of Reuben and Eunice (Springsteen) Bunt, natives of New York, who were among the first settlers of Estherville, Iowa. They drove from Winnishiek county with an ox team and knew by experience all the hardships of frontier life. Both are buried in Seneca, this state. Mrs. Ogilvie was first married to Ed Dutton, of Armstrong, and by that union had six children: Ella, who is the widow of E. P. Wood and with her five children is residing in Armstrong; Eunice, who married James Huff, of Armstrong; Lucinda, deceased; Edna, at home; Carrie, also deceased; and Alice, now Mrs. Harold Atwood, of Armstrong.

Mr. Ogilvie is a democrat in politics and although never an office seeker has always discharged to the fullest the duties of a good citizen. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Armstrong and is highly esteemed by all with whom he has come in contact as he has consistently ordered his life in accordance with high ethical standards.

THORVALD OLSEN

Thorvald Olsen, actively identified with farming interests in Swan Lake township, his home being on section 35, was born in Norway on the 14th of May, 1856, a son of Ole and Gunhilda (Thronson) Olsen. The father died in Norway, after which the mother came to the United States with her son Thorvald and made her home with a son in Illinois. She passed away in 1879.

Through the period of his boyhood and youth Thorvald Olsen attended the common schools of his native country and when eighteen years of age crossed the Atlantic to the new world, making his way to Lee county, Illinois, where he resided for nine years, being employed as a farm hand in that district. His brother, who was at that time a resident of Lee county, sent him his ticket to come to the United States. In 1883 Thorvald Olsen removed to Iowa and for eight months resided in Hamilton county but in the spring of 1884 came to Emmet county, where two years before, or in 1882, he had purchased eighty acres of land in Armstrong Grove township. On his arrival in Emmet county he located upon that land and for five years occupied the farm. He then sold out and bought his present home place, comprising one hundred and sixty acres on section 35, Swan Lake township. This farm he has improved and it is now one of the valuable properties of the district. It is well equipped according to modern methods of agricultural development and his labors have brought to him substantial financial returns.

In 1884 Mr. Olsen was united in marriage to Miss Julia Berven, a native of Norway, who came to America about 1882. Five sons and a daughter have blessed this marriage: Ole, at home; Knute, who is a ranchman of Montana; Thomas, who is farming in Emmet county; Gustav, a twin brother of Thomas and a resident of South Dakota; Alfred, at home; and Lizzie, the wife of Herman Sorum, of Estherville.

Mr. Olsen votes with the republican party and is thoroughly conversant with the leading questions and issues of the day. He has served as township trustee and as school director for several years. He and his family are members of the Norwegian church and they are people of genuine worth, esteemed and respected by all with whom they have come in contact. Mr. Olsen deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He arrived in America practically penniless and from that point has worked his way steadily upward, making good use of his time and opportunities. He has never been afraid of hard work and his diligence and determination have been the basic elements of his growing success.

ANDREW OLSON

Andrew Olson, a farmer of Jack Creek township, Emmet county, was born in Norway, May 7, 1847, a son of Ole and Anna Olson, who spent their entire lives in Norway, their native land. They had a family of seven children, six of whom are yet living.

Andrew Olson was reared and educated in Norway but came to America in 1870. He made his journey across the continent to Rock county, Wisconsin, where he secured employment as a farm hand, working there for six months. He afterward removed to Austin, Minnesota, where he resided for ten years and in 1882 he came to Iowa. Later he purchased his present farm, comprising eighty acres on section 5, Jack Creek township, and upon this place has since made his home, his time and attention being energetically given to the further development and improvement of his fields, from which he annually gathers good crops.

In 1877 Mr. Olson was married to Miss Ella Nelson, a native of Norway, who came to America in 1870 with her parents, Lars and Marie Nelson, both now deceased, the father having passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Olson, at the very advanced age of ninety-nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have become the parents of eleven children: Anna M., the wife of Ole Berkland; Lewis O., now living in South Dakota; Mary B., the wife of A. R. Hanson; Carrie A., the wife of Edward Holmes, a resident of Colorado; Ole O., living in Minnesota; James U., of South Dakota; Andrew, also of Minnesota; Martin E., who is living on a farm near Fenton; Christina, deceased; John, at home; and Christine, now a pupil in the high school at Estherville.

Mr. Olson votes with the republican party and has served as a trustee in his township and also as school director but prefers to leave office holding to others and concentrate his time and efforts upon his farm work. All that he possesses he has made since coming to America, for he arrived in this country empty handed, and that he is a successful agriculturist shows that his life has been well spent. Both Mr. and Mrs. Olson hold membership in the Lutheran church and the latter has been a member of the League for fourteen years. They enjoy the warm regard of all who know them and are numbered among the valued citizens of Jack Creek township.

CARL H. OLSON

Prominent among the energetic, farsighted and successful business men of Estherville is numbered Carl H.. Olson, who is the proprietor of a well equipped jewelry store, carrying a large and attractive line of goods. His progressive spirit has enabled him to work his way steadily upward in a business way and he has been dependent upon his own resources from the age of fifteen years. A native of Norway, he was born in Christiania, June 22, 1871, a son of Nels and Karn (Bolsoe) Olson, both of whom were natives of the land of the midnight sun, where they spent their entire lives, the father there engaging in business as a tailor.

Carl H. Olson was reared and educated in Norway and when a youth of fifteen years began learning the jeweler's trade, which he followed in his native country until he attained his majority. He then bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for America, hoping to benefit his financial condition by the opportunities offered in the new world. He located first at Moscow, Idaho, and there secured employment in a jewelry store, remaining in that city until 1896, when he removed to Milford, Iowa, where he was employed until 1898. He then came to Estherville, where he worked at the jewelry business for three years and then started a store on his own account. His first location was in the building now occupied by the drug store of Charles Kane and later he was where Strube Brothers' music store is now seen. In September, 1916, he removed to his new store and now has a thoroughly up-to-date jewelry establishment, carrying a large and attractive line. His reasonable prices, honorable dealing and earnest desire to please his patrons are the qualities which have secured to him a growing and representative trade, making him one of the prosperous merchants of his adopted city.

In October, 1907, Mr. Olson was married to Miss Anna Olson, a daughter of Halvor and Annetta Olson, the latter now deceased. Her father is still living and is engaged in farming in Emmet county. Mr. and Mrs. Olson hold membership in the Lutheran church and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is a loyal son of his adopted country, striving ever to further the interests and welfare of city and state. He has never regretted his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has made steady advancement along business lines.

EDWARD E. OLSON

Edward E. Olson, actively and prominently identified with agricultural interests in Emmet county, is now living on section 8, High Lake township, where he has a well-improved farm of eighty acres. He was born in Story county, Iowa, November 6, 1869, and is a son of Jeremiah and Inger (Danielson) Olson, the former a native of Norway and the latter of Lasalle county, Illinois. When a lad of twelve years Jeremiah Olson came to the new world and for some time lived in Chicago, after which he became a resident of Story county, Iowa, in 1864. There he took up his abode upon a farm which he still owns and occupies, and throughout the intervening period his time and energies have been continuously, carefully and successfully devoted to agricultural pursuits. In 1910 he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away leaving a husband and six children to mourn her loss.

Edward E. Olson, spending his youthful days upon the old home farm in Story county, there pursued his early education and when not busy with his textbooks assisted in the work of the fields, becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He later attended Red Wing Seminary for two years and Tilford Collegiate Academy at Vinton, Iowa, for one year. After reaching manhood he rented a farm in Story county and there resided until 1899, when he removed to Estherville and purchased a feed yard, which he conducted for two years. He then sold out that business and returned to Story county, where he occupied a rented farm for three years. He next removed to Hamilton county, Iowa, where he remained for four years, after which he purchased a farm in Dickinson county, Iowa, upon which he lived for two years. Subsequently he sold that property and went to Winnebago county, this state, where he purchased a farm which he owned for three years. He then sold out and bought the farm on which he now lives on section 8, High Lake township, Emmet county, comprising eighty acres of rich and productive land. His time and attention have since been given to its further development and improvement and he is now devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits there. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Hyde county, South Dakota.

In 1901 Mr. Olson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Lein, who was born in Story county, Iowa, a daughter of Thor A. and Christie (Ingerbritson) Lein, who were natives of Norway and in early life came to the new world, settling first in Illinois, whence they afterward removed to Story county. The father, who loyally served his adopted country as a soldier in the Civil war and in days of peace, was equally devoted to the welfare of America, has now passed away. His widow survives and is now living in Estherville. In their family were nine children, six of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have become parents of three children: Charlotte, born May 30, 1902; Jeremiah T., born October 14, 1904; and Eugene Marion, born August 31, 1907.

Mr. and Mrs. Olson are members of the Lutheran church and are ever loyal to its teachings. In politics he is a republican and for two years he filled the office of assessor. His entire life has been spent in Iowa and practically throughout the entire period he has been identified with farming interests, being now a well-known representative of agricultural activity in Emmet county.

O. C. OLSON

O. C. Olson, who is actively connected with farming interests in High Lake township, Emmet county, his home being on section 15, owns and cultivates two hundred and seventy-five acres of rich and valuable land. He was born in Norway, March 8, 1866, and is a son of Colman and Carrie Olson. The mother died in the land of the midnight sun and the father afterward came to the United States but has now passed away. In their family were eight children, seven of whom are yet living.

O. C. Olson was a lad of twelve years when he accompanied his father to the United States and through much of the time until he attained his majority he was employed at farm labor. After reaching man's estate he was married in 1892 to Miss Tena Peterson, a native of Emmet county and a daughter of William and Carrie Peterson, who were also natives of Norway, but became pioneer residents of Emmet county and homesteaded in High Lake township. They lived for a time in a log cabin and met the usual hardships and privations incident to settlement on the frontier. Both the father and mother are now deceased. Their family numbered eight children, of whom five are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Olson became the parents of seven children, Clarence L., Blanche L., Lloyd P., Artie A., Myrtle A., Orlando I. and Norman R., but Artie A., the fourth in order of birth, is deceased.

Following his marriage Mr. Olson began farming on his own account on rented land, which he continued to lease for eight years, but during that period he carefully saved his earnings until his industry and economy had brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase the farm where he now resides, situated on the south half of section 15, High Lake township. He owns altogether two hundred and seventy-five acres of rich and productive land, from which he annually gathers good crops. He is also a stockholder and one of the directors of the Farmers' elevator at Wallingford and his business interests have been so wisely and carefully conducted that he is now numbered among the substantial citizens of his part of the state.

Mr. Olson votes with the Republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served for the past eight years as township trustee and has also been township school director. Those who know him recognize him as a man of sterling worth, and in his business career he has so managed his interests and directed his efforts that he has won substantial success and his life history indicates what may be accomplished when there is the will to dare and to do.

OLE OPSAL

Ole Opsal, a well known and up-to-date farmer residing on section 3, Armstrong Grove township, was born in Norway, January 31, 1874. His parents, Johannas and Johanna (Christenson) Johnson, were likewise natives of that country, where the father engaged in carpentering during his active life. He passed away in 1875 but the mother is still living in Norway.

Ole Opsal grew to manhood in Norway and there received his education. On leaving home he went to sea and was a sailor for four years, during that time visiting most parts of the world. In 1893 he came to America and for a year was employed as a farm hand in La Salle county, Illinois. He next removed to Shelby county, Iowa, where he worked for others for seven years, after which he made his way to Emmet county. Here he operated rented land for five years but at the end of that time bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 3, Armstrong Grove township, which he has since converted into one of the best improved farms in the county. He is giving the greater part of his attention to the raising of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle, feeding about two carloads of cattle a year, and he has gained a high standing among the cattle raisers of this section of the state. He has prospered financially and not only owns his valuable farm but also is financially interested in the Farmers Elevator Company and the Farmers Creamery Company, both of Armstrong.

Mr. Opsal was united in marriage on the 4th of December, 1899, to Miss Mary Johnson, and they have become the parents of eight children, namely: Jennie, Mabel, Eunice, Otis, Orville, Theodore, Ruby and Sadie, but the last named died in November, 1904.

The republican party has a staunch adherent in Mr. Opsal and in religious faith he is a Lutheran. He has never regretted his emigration to this country, for here he has found opportunities, the utilization of which has enabled him to gain a gratifying measure of success. He has many warm personal friends throughout the county and is recognized as a man of genuine worth.

HERMAN ORANSKY

Herman Oransky, a dry goods merchant of Estherville, belongs to that class of progressive, energetic and farsighted business men who in promoting individual success contribute also to the public welfare, for the advancement of a city or district does not depend so largely upon the machinery of government, or even upon the men who fill the public offices, as it does upon those who are active in controlling its trade relations. Mr. Oransky was born in Poland in 1876, a son of the Rev. J. H. and Charnow Oransky, who were natives of that country, the father being a minister of the Jewish faith. In their family were ten children, all of whom were brought to America by the parents, the family home being established in Des Moines. All are yet living. One of the sons, Louis Oransky, came to Estherville in 1890 and established a dry goods business in the corner room of the Masonic building. A few years later he removed to the Opera House block.

Herman Oransky received special training for a commercial career through a course of study in the Capital City Commercial College of Des Moines, of which he is a graduate. He also completed three years' study in the East high school of Des Moines and his initial practical experience along business lines was obtained in a clothing store of the capital city. Coming to Estherville, he entered the employ of his brother and in 1900 succeeded to the business, the store being then conducted in the Groves building, which had been erected by his brother. He remained at that location for eight years and then sold out, building with his brother a modern business block, into which he removed his stock of dry goods, ladies' ready-to-wear and millinery. He occupies the entire building, which is situated on Sixth street, and he is today at the head of the oldest dry goods establishment of Estherville. He has always concentrated his efforts along this line and his progressiveness, diligence and determination have constituted the salient features in his growing prosperity.

In 1906 Mr. Oransky was married to Miss Lillian May Freedman, a daughter of S. S. and Carrie (Frank) Freedman, of Corsicana, Texas. The father has passed away and his remains were interred at Corsicana, where the mother still makes her home. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Oransky are two children: Merrill Bernard, born in 1907; and Cornelia, born in 1908.

Politically, Mr. Oransky is a republican and keeps well informed on the salient issues before the people. He is well known in fraternal circles, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite in Masonry, while with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine he has crossed the sands of the desert. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America. He became a charter member of the Commercial Club of Estherville, of which he has been one of the directors and the president, and in this connection he has put forth every possible effort to advance the interests of the city, extend its trade relations and uphold its civic standards. His has been a well-spent, active and useful life, fruitful of good results, and Estherville numbers him among its valued and representative citizens.

PAUL PAULSON

Paul Paulson, who is now successfully engaged in farming on section 36, Estherville township, has spent his entire life in Emmet county, his birth occurring in High Lake township on the 14th of December, 1871. His parents, Paul and Carrie (Ellingson) Paulson, were natives of Norway and were among the first settlers of High Lake township, where the father secured a homestead and engaged in farming for many years. He died in March, 1882, and the mother passed away in the following July. Paul is the youngest child and only son in their family of four children, his sisters being Sarah, deceased; Julia, now Mrs. A. J. Anderson, of High Lake; and Carrie, now Mrs. Ole Newgard, of Pierce county. North Dakota.

Mr. Paulson of this review began his studies in the district schools of Emmet county, which he attended until sixteen years of age, and in the meantime acquired an excellent knowledge of farm work while assisting his father in the labors of the home place. On starting out in life for himself he was employed on neighboring farms until he attained his majority and later operated the home place for a time and also engage in farming on rented land in High Lake township. In 1911 he purchased fifty acres on the southeast corner of section 36, Estherville township, and has since devoted his time and energy to its improvement and cultivation with good results.

In 1900 Mr. Paulson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Peterson, a daughter of William and Carrie Peterson, of High Lake township. Her parents are both deceased and lie buried in High Lake cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Paulson have three children, Myra, Chester and Francis. They are earnest and consistent members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and are most estimable people. By his ballot Mr. Paulson supports the men and measures of the republican party.

L. T. PETERSEN

For several years L. T. Petersen was actively identified with the agricultural interests of Emmet county but is now located at Graettinger, where he is engaged in business as a stock dealer. He was born in Germany in 1876 and there spent the first sixteen years of his life, most of that time being devoted to his education. It was in 1892 that he crossed the Atlantic to the new world and on reaching this country proceeded at once to Iowa, where for four years he worked as a farm hand. At the end of that time he was able to commence farming on his own account and for some years operated rented land. In 1906 he purchased three hundred and twenty acres in Emmet county, whereon he resided for ten years, devoting his attention to its cultivation and improvement during that time. He then rented his farm and removed to Graettinger and has since engaged in buying and shipping stock of all kinds. In this venture he has steadily prospered and has been able to add to his property, now owning one hundred and sixty acres of land near Graettinger and an eighty-acre tract in Florida which cost him fifty dollars per acre. He is a very enterprising, energetic and industrious business man and to these characteristics may be attributed his success, for on coming to the new world he was without capital and has since been dependent entirely upon his own resources.

MARTIN H. PETERSEN

Martin H. Petersen has passed his entire life in Denmark township and has continued the work of his father in the improvement and cultivation of the homestead on section 12. His birth occurred May 11, 1894, and his parents were Robert P. and Kirsten (Jensen) Petersen [Robert's sketch is found on this page, but the name is spelled Peterson, as in the book], natives of Denmark, the former of whom was taken to Michigan when he was but six years old. The paternal grandfather, Morton Petersen, was one of the earliest of the Danish settlers in Denmark township, Emmet county, and took up land under the homestead act. Robert P. Peterson subsequently joined his father in this county and worked in his employ until 1890, when he bought the farm now owned by Martin H. Petersen. There were eight children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. R. P. Petersen, as follows: Anna, the wife of J. E. Hansen, a banker of Crystal Lake, Hancock county, Iowa; Marie, who married O. E. Olsen, of Comfrey, Minnesota; Martin H.; W. E., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Ella, Dora, Eugene and Edna, all at home.

Martin H. Petersen entered the high school at Ringsted after completing the course oflfered in the district schools and still later was a student in the Iowa State Teachers' College at Cedar Falls, Dana College at Blair, Nebraska, and the Waterloo (Iowa) Business College, from the last of which he was graduated in 1913. His father died September 11, 1910, and after leaving business college Mr. Petersen of this review began cultivating the place for his mother and since 1915 has owned the farm. He gives a great deal of careful thought to the management of his work, keeps in touch with the most advanced methods of agriculture and is meeting with highly gratifying and well-deserved success.

Mr. Petersen was married on the 22d of December, 1914, to Georgina Henricksen, a daughter of John and Hannah (Madsen) Henricksen, early settlers of Denmark township, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Petersen is an adherent of the Republican party but has never sought office. He holds membership in the Danish Lutheran church, which indicates the standards which have detemiined his life, and is one of the most highly esteemed residents of his township.

PETER L. PETERSEN

Peter L. Petersen, who is living retired in Ringsted, has a wide acquaintance throughout the county and is recognized as a man of many sterling qualities. During his active life he engaged in farming and won a competence that enables him to enjoy a period of leisure. His birth occurred in Denmark on the 25th of November, 1852, and he is a son of Lars and Maria (Schot) Petersen, who passed their entire lives in that country. The father was a cabinetmaker and also followed agricultural pursuits.

Peter L. Petersen, the eldest in a family of seven children, obtained his education in Denmark and when nineteen years old came alone to the United States. For four years he was employed in Greenwich, Connecticut, and in New York city, but in 1876 removed to Clinton, Iowa, and for a decade worked as a cabinetmaker in that city. In the spring of 1886 he purchased eighty acres of raw land in Denmark township, Emmet county, and for a quarter of a century concentrated his energies upon the cultivation and improvement of his farm. He was enterprising and progressive and as the years passed his resources steadily increased and he now ranks among the substantial men of Ringsted, where he has lived since 1911.

In 1875 occurred the marriage of Mr. Petersen and Miss Christine Ganderup. She is a daughter of Hans and Catherine Ganderup, who resided in Stamford, Connecticut, for a number of years but eventually removed to Clinton, Iowa, where both passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Petersen have been born four children, two of whom died in infancy. L. A. married Clara Geronsin, a daughter of George Geronsin, who has resided successively in Clinton, Iowa, in Denmark township, Emmet county, and in Harris, Iowa, his present home. To this union have been born two children: Georgia, whose birth occurred in 1910; and Lawrence, born in 1914. L. A. Petersen is engaged in the furniture and jewelry business in Ringsted and fraternally is well known, belonging to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Loyal Order of Moose and the Danish Brotherhood. Anna M., the other surviving child of Peter L. Petersen, is now the wife of Sophus J. Lund, of Denmark township.

Mr. Petersen is a democrat in his political views and was for twelve years township assessor, for one term township trustee and is now town assessor. He served as school director for a number of years and has never ceased to feel a lively interest in educational affairs. His religious faith is that of the Danish Lutheran church and fraternally he is connected with the Danish Brotherhood lodge at Ringsted, of which he is now treasurer. The hope of success in this comparatively new country with large opportunities which led him to emigrate to the United States as a youth of nineteen years has been fulfilled and he has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his adopted country, becoming an American in spirit as well as in name.

PETER W. PETERSEN

For several years Peter W. Petersen has been prominently identified with the business interests of Ringsted where he is now conducting one of the best garages in the state. He handles the Oakland, Studebaker and Maxwell cars and also deals in farm implements. A native of Iowa he was born in Clinton, December 11, 1878, and is a son of Martin and Anna (Petersen) Petersen, who were born in Denmark but came to America in early life and located in Manistee, Michigan. There the father engaged in the furniture business for a short time and later was similarly employed in Chicago, Illinois. From the latter place he removed to Clinton, Iowa, where he worked in a saw mill for eight years and then came to Emmet county, buying land on section 1, Denmark township, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted his energies for many years. He then retired from active labor and removed to Ringsted, where he passed away in September, 1911. His wife survived him about two years, dying in August, 1913.

Reared upon his father's farm in Emmet county, Peter W. Petersen acquired his early education in the country schools but later attended college at Elkhorn, Iowa. He remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age and gave his father the benefit of his services in the operation of the home farm. In 1900 he embarked in the hardware and implement business in Ringsted, and continued along that line until November, 1916, when he sold out and purchased a well equipped garage. As previously stated he now handles the Oakland, Studebaker and Maxwell cars and is doing an excellent business as a dealer in automobiles. He also handles all kinds of farm implements and has built up a trade of extensive proportions.

On the 19th of October, 1905, Mr. Petersen married Miss Mary C. Linnett, by whom he has two children, Stella, born October 3, 1906, and Alice, born January 11, 1908. Mr. Petersen affiliates with the republican party and has been called upon to serve on the town council for nine years, while at the present time he is a school director. He belongs to the Lutheran church and is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Danish Brotherhood. He is one of the representative business men of Emmet county, is wide-awake, energetic and progressive, and usually carries forward to successful conclusion whatever he undertakes.

THORWALD B. PETERSEN

Thorwald B. Petersen, of Ringsted, is devoting his best energies to the conduct of his hardware business and his well directed efforts have been rewarded by a trade of gratifying volume. He was born in Clinton, Iowa, on the 23d of October, 1881, and is a son of Morton and Anna Petersen, natives of Denmark. For some time after the emigration of the family to America the father was employed in a sash factory in Clinton, Iowa, but in 1883 removed to Emmet county and purchased the southwest quarter of section 1, Denmark township, which he farmed until he retired from active life in 1902 and took up his residence in
Ringsted, where he passed away in 1913. He won a competence through his hard work and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was honored by election to a number of township offices and gave the same careful attention to the discharge of his official duties that he displayed in the management of his private interests. He was survived a year by his widow, who died in 1914, and both are buried in St. Paul's
cemetery. To them were born six children, namely: Robert P., who engaged in farming in Denmark township until his death in 1911 and whose widow resides in Ringsted; Christina, now Mrs. P. C. Petersen, of Denmark township; Chris M., who lives near Armstrong; Peter W., of Ringsted; Thorwald B.; and Marie, who is now Mrs. Sirl Nelson and lives near Ringsted. The mother also had a daughter by a former marriage, Augusta, the widow of Laua Juhl, Askov, Minnesota.

Thorwald B. Petersen attended the public schools until he was nineteen years old and was subsequently for one term a student in the United Lutheran College at Elk Horn, Iowa. He then returned to the home farm and worked for his father for a time, after which he entered Highland Park College at Des Moines, Iowa, remaining there during the year 1901-2, while the succeeding school year was spent as a student in the Iowa Teachers' College at Cedar Falls. He followed the profession of teaching in district No. 7, Denmark township, for one year, but in 1904 turned to commercial interests, joining his brother, Peter W. Petersen, and his father in the estabhshment of a hardware store in Ringsted. After the father's demise the two brothers continued the business until 1916, when Mr. Petersen of this review bought out his brother's interest and has since been sole proprietor of the store. In addition to handling a full line of general hardware he specializes in the sale of gasoline engines and also carries lightning rods, and his thorough familiarity with the conditions of the trade and his up-to-date business methods have made him one of the most successful merchants of the town.

On the 15th of December, 1909, occurred the marriage of Mr. Petersen and Miss Anna C. Sorensen, whose parents, J. A. and Marie Sorensen, were former residents of Denmark township but are now living retired in Ringsted. Mr. and Mrs. Petersen have two daughters, Elfredo and Phyllis.

Mr. Petersen endorses the principles of the republican party but at local elections votes for the best candidate irrespective of his political affiliation. He was city clerk for several years and is never indifferent to matters affecting the general v/elfare. He holds membership in the Danish Brotherhood lodge. No. 134, at Ringsted and also belongs to St. John's church. The gratifying measure of success which is his is the direct result of his own industry and good management and has never been won at the price of questionable dealings.

CLEM N. PETERSON

Clem N. Peterson, actively engaged in the grocery business in Estherville, has throughout the entire period of his business career been connected with the trade interests of this city. He was born in Solomon, Kansas, March 4, 1879, a son of Lawrence and Gertrude Peterson, who were natives of Sweden and of Germany, respectively. In early manhood the father was employed by a lumber company and when his son Clem was three years of age he removed with his family to Estherville, where he established a lumber business which he conducted for six or seven years. He then turned his attention to general merchandising and continued his operations in that field until his death, which occurred in 1906. His widow survived him for about seven years and passed away in 1913, the remains of both being interred in the Catholic cemetery, which indicates the fact that they were members of the Catholic church.

Clem N. Peterson, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, entered the public schools and was graduated from the high school of Estherville. He then became the active assistant of his father in the general merchandise store, with which enterprise he was associated as an employe until 1901, when he was admitted to a partnership by his father, this relation being maintained until 1906. He then engaged in the grocery business in partnership with his brother, Charles H. Peterson, and in 1913 he bought out his brother's interest and now carries on business alone, handling a complete line of staple and fancy groceries. He makes a specialty of the goods put up and handled by Reid, Murdoch & Company, the Monarch brand goods, and the Pillsbury and Golden Cream flours. His trade has steadily grown, for his business methods commend him to the patronage and support of the public and he now has a business of gratifying proportions, making his one of the fine stores of the town.

On the 5th of October, 1911, Mr. Peterson was married to Miss Mabel Thorson, a daughter of T. L. and Jennie Thorson, of Armstrong, Iowa, where her father is engaged in the hardware business. They have one child, Marian, born May 5, 1916. The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church, and Mr. Peterson is identified also with the Benevolent Protective Order oi' Elks. He votes with the Republican party and he has membership in the Commercial Club, thus co-operating in well-defined plans and measures for the upbuilding of his city and the extension of its commercial connections.

JAMES PETERSON

James Peterson, a highly esteemed farmer who is living retired in Ringsted, was born in Denmark, February 13, 1848, a son of Peter and Mary Anna (Sorenson) Rasmussen. The father was a shoemaker by trade and passed his entire life in his native country, as did the mother. Of their six children only James and a sister came to the United States, arriving in Pottawattamie county, Iowa, in 1881.

James Peterson attended the public schools in Denmark until he was fourteen years old and from that time until he entered the army for the required military service he worked for farmers. After eighteen months of military training he returned to civil life and for eight years was in the employ of a brewer. Following his emigration to the United States he worked as a farm hand in Iowa for two years and subsequently went to Council Bluffs and for three years was connected with railroad work. For a similar period of time he rented a farm in Denmark township, Emmet county, and next removed to Palo Alto county, where he bought land which he farmed for twelve years. On disposing of that place he returned to Demmark township, Emmet county, and purchased land, to the cultivation of which he devoted his energies for two years. He then put aside the work of the fields and removed to Ringsted, where he has since lived retired. He has also sold his land, so that he has no business cares to prevent his thorough enjoyment of a well deserved leisure.

In 1872 Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Lena Jensen, whose parents were lifelong residents of Denmark. To this union have been born four children, namely: Peter, who is farming in South Dakota; Mary, now Mrs. Raymond Buchan, of Spencer, Iowa; Joseph S., who is engaged in banking; and Sarah, the deceased wife of Peter Mickelson, of Melville, Missouri.

Mr. Peterson is a democrat in his political affiliations and loyally supports the candidates and measures of that party, although he has never taken an active part in public affairs. He holds membership in the Danish Lutheran church, which indicates the standards which have determined his conduct in the various relations of life and his social qualities have made him highly respected wherever known. He can justly be termed a self-made man, for from the age of fourteen years he has been dependent solely upon his own labor and through the exercise of sound judgment and through years of hard work he has gained a competence.

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JOSEPH SOPHUS PETERSON

Joseph Sophus Peterson, now acceptably serving as cashier of the Ringsted State Bank, is a native of Iowa, born near Neola in Pottawattamie county, March 4, 1882, and is a son of Mr. and Mrs. James Peterson, who came to this country from Denmark in 1881. They first located near Neola but in 1883 removed to Council Bluffs, where they resided for three years, and in 1886 became residents of Emmet county. Three years later they went to Palo Alto county and made their home near Emmetsburg for twelve years but in 1901 returned to Emmet county and have
since lived near Ringsted.

During his boyhood and youth Joseph S. Peterson accompanied his parents on their various removals and his early education was largely acquired in the country schools of Palo Alto county, his first teacher being Mrs. L. P. Stillman, then Miss Nina Wells. Later he attended Humboldt College at Humboldt, Iowa, for two years and a half. He began his business career as a bookkeeper in the Ringsted State Bank in August, 1904, and two years later was elected assistant cashier of that institution. In 1909 he resigned in order to become identified with the Bank of Hedges, at Hedges, Montana, of which he was cashier until December, 1910, when he resigned and returned to Ringsted to accept the cashiership of the Ringsted State Bank. In January, 1915, he bought an interest in the bank and was elected a director. He is a man of good business and executive ability, who makes a thorough study of financial affairs and much of the success of the bank is due to his untiring efforts and sound judgment. He is the owner of a nice home in the village and is also interested in two farms near Ringsted.

On the 19th of August, 1909, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Marthilda Petersen, of Randall, Iowa, who was born in Denmark and came to the United States to live with her brother. Her parents are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have three children: Inas Marie, born October 6, 1911; James Marlow, born October 20, 1913; and George Harold, bom November 6, 1915.

Fraternally Mr. Peterson is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Homesteaders and the Masonic order, while religiously both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a democrat and he takes a commendable interest in public affairs, never withholding his support from any enterprise calculated to promote the general welfare.

NELS PETERSON

Nels Peterson, who is concentrating his energies upon the operation of an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Denmark township, is a Dane by birth. His natal day was May 7, 1877, and his parents, Jens and Karen Peterson, never became residents of the United States, although the mother visited her son here for a year. The father had charge of one section of a government road and was conscieutious and efficient in the discharge of his duties.

Nels Peterson, the fourth in order of birth of a family of seven children, attended the public schools until confirmed and later was employed at farm work until seventeen years old, when he came with his sister to Emmet county, Iowa. From 1894 until 1904 he worked as a hired hand in this county but at the end of that time purchased the south half of the southeast quarter of section 4, Denmark township, to which he subsequently added the northwest quarter of that quarter, his present holdings comprising one hundred and twenty acres. The land is in a high state of cultivation, the buildings are substantial and of practical design and the appearance of the place bespeaks an energetic owner.

On the 28th of December, 1903, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Rasmussen, whose parents, Lars and Kate Rasmussen, were born in Denmark but emigrated to the United States. The mother died in New York when her daughter Bertha was very small and is interred there, but the father is still living and resides in Ringsted, Iowa. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, namely, Anina, Carl, Viola, Berthina and Christina.

Mr. Peterson is an advocate of republican principles and supports the candidates of that party when national issues are at stake but otherwise votes independently. He held the office of school director for four years and his support can be relied upon in the furtherance of any cause calculated to benefit the community. He belongs to St. Paul's Danish Lutheran church and his dominant qualities are such as invariably command respect and esteem.

NELS P. PETERSON

On the list of honored dead in Emmet county appears the name of Nels P. Peterson, who for a long period was actively, successfully and honorably identified with the agricultural interests of this section of the state. He made his home on a farm on sections 17 and 18, High Lake township. His birth occurred in Norway, July 5, 1835, and when a boy he came to the new world, first making his way to Wisconsin, where he attained his majority. In that state he was married May 14, 1860, to Miss Betsy Erickson, who was born in Norway March 26, 1836, and was a daughter of Ole and Julia (Goorie) Erickson. Her mother died while they were upon the sea enroute for the new world, in 1857, after which the father took his children to Wisconsin, where he lived for some time and then removed with his family to Emmet county, Iowa, where his remaining days were passed.

Mr. and Mrs. Peterson became residents of Emmet county in 1860 and established their home upon a farm on sections 17 and 18, High Lake township, comprising two hundred and thirty acres of rich and productive land. With characteristic energy Mr. Peterson began to develop and improve his place, but at the time of the Civil war he put aside all personal and business considerations in order to espouse the cause of the Union and went to the front. It was while serving his country that his health became impaired and he never afterward fully recovered but passed away in the '70s. He left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name and his memory is yet cherished by many who knew him.

To Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were born six children: Peter, deceased; Peter, who was the second of the name and is now living in the state of Washington; George, who has departed this life; Ole, living in Washington; and Julia and Gertenia, both now deceased.

Mrs. Peterson still owns the old homestead farm which she has always occupied but now rents the land, deriving therefrom a substantial income. She is a consistent member of the Lutheran church and is one of the well known residents of High Lake township, where she has now made her home for much more than a half century. She has lived to witness notable changes here as the work of transformation and improvement has been carried steadily forward and she can tell many an interesting tale of the early days when pioneer conditions were prevalent and the county bore little resemblance to present-day conditions.

PETER N. PETERSON

An eighty-acre farm on section 13, High Lake township, pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by Peter N. Peterson, who has long been one of the active and progressive agriculturists of that section of the county. He was born in Norway, March 20, 1848, a son of Peter and Gertrude (Olson) Peterson, wh*o were also natives of the same country. They brought their family to America in 1848, during the infancy of their son Peter, and first established their home in Wisconsin upon a farm. In the '60s they came to Emmet county, Iowa, which was then a frontier district, and the father took up a homestead claim which he converted from a tract of wild and unimproved land into a productive and valuable farm, giving his undivided attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his remaining days. To him and his wife wei'e born six childi'en, of whom three are now living.

Peter N. Peterson was largely reared and educated in Iowa, being indebted to the public schools of Ennnet county for the educational privileges which he received. He continued upon the old homestead to the time of his marriage and afterward purchased the property upon which he now resides, constituting a valuable tract of land of eighty acres on section 14, High Lake township. He has worked persistently and earnestly in the development of the place, to which he has added many modern improvements, and his practical methods of tilling the fields resulted in bringing forth good harvests.

In 1871 Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Martha L. Johnson, who was born in Wisconsin, a daughter of Lewis and Martha (Mohn) Johnson, who were natives of Norway and came to the United States in the '50s. They settled in Wisconsin and the family arrived in Emmet county, Iowa, in 1866. The mother had previously passed away in Wisconsin, but the father died in this state. In their family were twelve children but only two are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have become the parents of fiive children, namely: Peter P.; Mary J.; Lewis P.; Nels P.; and John P., now a resident of South Dakota.

Mr. and Mrs. Peterson hold membership in the Lutheran church and guide their lives according to its teachings. His political faith is that of the republican party and he served as road supervisor and also as a member of the school board. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as he started out in the business world empty handed and since that time has gradually worked his way upward through persistent energy and unfaltering effort.

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ROBERT P. PETERSON

Robert P. Peterson was for many years identified with the development of Denmark township, of which his father was one of the first settlers, and his life was so ordered that he won the respect and the warm regard of those who were brought into close contact with him. A native of Denmark, he was born May 8, 1867, and he was a son of Morton Peterson, who removed with his family to the United States in 1870 and located in Manistee, Michigan, where the home was maintained for three years. It was there that the wife and mother died. Subsequently the father and children lived in Chicago for two years and then resided in Clinton, Iowa, for a time, but in 1883 came to Denmark township, Emmet county, becoming the first of the Danish settlers of the township. The father purchased the southwest quarter of section 1, which he farmed until 1902, when he retired and took up his residence in Ringsted, where he passed away in 1912. In 1878, in Clinton, he was married a second time, choosing as his wife Anna Petersen, also a native of Denmark, where her parents passed their entire lives. She survived him for two years, dying in 1914, and is buried by his side in St. Paul's cemetery. By each of his two marriages he had three children.

Robert P. Peterson was brought to the United States when a child and received his education in the public schools of this country. He gave his father the benefit of his labor until he was twenty-four years of age and then purchased the northeast quarter of section 12, Denmark township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he devoted his time and attention until 1910. Everything about his place was kept in good repair and he used up-to-date methods in his work with the result that as the years passed his resources increased. He was still actively engaged in farming at the time of his death in 1910. Mrs. Peterson continued to reside upon the farm until 1912, when she retired and removed to Ringsted, where she erected a fine residence.

It was in 1891 that Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Kirsten Jensen, a daughter of Peter and Marie (Andersen) Jensen, natives of Denmark, where they lived and died. To Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were born eight children: Anna, now Mrs. J. E. Hansen, of Crystal Lake, Iowa; Marie, the wife of O. E. Olsen, of Comfrey, Minnesota; Martin H., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work [with the surname Petersen, as in the book]; Walter, who is living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Ella, Dora, Eugene and Edna, all at home.

Mr. Peterson supported the candidates and measures of the republican party at the polls but never had time to be an active participant in political affairs. He held membership in St. Paul's Danish Lutheran church and contributed to the support of its work. His was a life of unrelaxing effort and his death was not only the occasion of great sorrow to his family and friends but was also deeply regretted by the community at large as he was recognized as a man of sterling worth and as a public-spirited citizen.

GEORGE A. PORTS

George A. Ports, cashier of the Huntington Bank, has been continuously identified with banking interests since making his initial step in the business world in 1900. He has closely applied himself to his work and is now thoroughly conversant with all of the main points in banking and many of the details. He was born in Carroll county, Illinois, April 18, 1880, a son of J. J. and Lottie (Walters) Ports, who were natives of Maryland and of Illinois respectively. In 1892 they removed to Iowa, settling first at Iowa Falls, where they resided for five years. On the expiration of that period they established their home upon a farm in Emmet county, whereon they resided until 1912, the father becoming one of the leading agriculturists of the district. They then removed to Estherville, where they now reside, and they are among the highly respected residents of that place.

George A. Ports is one of a family of four children, of whom three are yet living. He pursued his education in the schools of Iowa Falls, becoming a high school pupil there, and eventually he entered a business college at Minneapolis, Minnesota, from which he was graduated in July, 1900, thus qualifying for life's practical and responsible duties. He afterward turned his attention to the banking business at Dolliver, where he remained for a year and a half, and in 1902 he removed to Huntington, accepting the position of cashier in the bank of that place. He has since served in that capacity, taking an active part in directing the policy and shaping the business interests of the bank.

In August, 1903, Mr. Ports was married to Miss Louise Rackliff, who was born at Humboldt, Iowa, and is a daughter of Eli and Addle (Neal) Rackliff, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ports have become the parents of three sons: Eugene H., born May 26, 1904; Jay N., September 22, 1906 ; and Paul P., January 2, 1909.

The family occupy a fine new home at Huntington which is the property of Mr. Ports. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and he belongs also to the Masonic lodge at Estherville and to the Modern Woodmen camp at Huntington, of which he has been clerk for ten years. In politics he is a republican and he is now filling the office of township school treasurer. He is actuated in all that he does by a public-spirited devotion to the general good and his energy and industry have made him a representative business man of the town in which he resides.

REV. P. A. QUESNEL

Rev. P. A. Quesnel, pastor of the St. Mary's Catholic church at Armstrong, Iowa, and of the Sacred Heart church at Ledyard, in Kossuth county, Iowa, is a well known figure in Catholic circles of this region. He was born at Lachine, province of Quebec, Canada, January 4, 1866, and is a son of Jean B. and Glaphire Quesnel, likewise natives of that province. The father engaged in farming during his entire active life, and was also prominent in politics and served as mayor of Lachine and Pointe Claire. His death occurred November 28, 1909, and on the 3rd of April, 1911, the mother also passed away.

Father Quesnel attended the district schools of his native town and was later a student in St. Therese College, where he took the degree of B. A. He prepared for the priesthood in the Grand Seminary of Montreal, and was ordained on the 21st of December, 1889. He came to Iowa in 1912. He was stationed at Early, Iowa, for some time and in November, 1913, the Right Rev. Phillip J. Garrigan, D. D., of Sioux City, Iowa, sent him to take charge of the Armstrong and Ledyard missions. Many improvements have been made on the church property since he has been in this locality, and he is planning now to erect a modern parsonage, which is badly needed. The affairs of the church are in splendid condition, and Father Quesnel enjoys the respect and friendship of all the Catholics and of the non-Catholics as well.

The parish contains forty families, and its record is an unusual one, as during the past three years only three deaths have occurred in the church membership. The church was built in 1894, Rev. Father James P. Taken, the pastor at Forest City at that time, erecting the building. Before the church was built the Catholics used to hear mass in the house of the late Peter Conlin. Father Taken is now located at La Porte City, Iowa. The first resident pastor. Rev. F. Carroll, was appointed by Most Rev. John Hennessy, D. D., of Dubuque, in 1895. In 1896 he built the present parsonage. His health failed and shortly afterward he died in California, where he had gone to recuperate. Father John Hassett replaced him in 1898. He passed away to his eternal reward in 1900. His kindness to all shall always live. In 1901 Father F. Wren, now of Duncombe, Iowa, took charge of the parish. In 1903 he was followed by Father Michael Bradley, who is now stationed at Hawarden, Iowa. In 1905 Father J. G. Perrault came and in 1906 he was succeeded by Father S. P. Roth, the present pastor of Larchwood, Iowa. Father Perrault died in Chicago in 1912. Father Roth remained here about five years. During his pastorate the old church at Estherville was bought for six hundred dollars and removed to Ledyard, where it became the house of worship for the Sacred Heart congregation. Father Roth was removed to Larchwood in 1911, regretted by all. Father H. C. Eckhart was then appointed to succeed Father Roth. He stayed here two years. He was then transferred to St. Benedict, Iowa, where after a few months he had to resign on account of poor health. He is retired at the St. Antonio Sanitarium, in Texas.

Father Quesnel has been in charge since November 1, 1913. He is continuing the good work of his worthy predecessors. He has great hopes in the Armstrong parish, and he sees the day when it will have a large membership and be equipped with a parochial school. The land here is very rich, and Father Quesnel believes that the northern part of Iowa is bound to become the very cellar of Iowa, with an inexhaustible larder filled with bounteous crops. Father Quesnel says Armstrong is the capital of the Promised Land in Iowa, where milk and honey flow. He wishes he had a voice loud enough to make himself heard wherever there is a man looking for a location. He would say to him, "Come to Armstrong or Ledyard and locate in the land of plenty."

R. W. RAEBEL.
Business enterprise at Montgomery finds a substantial representative
in R. W. Raebel, who is conducting a thoroughly modern and
up-to-date general store, while his business methods have gained for him
a liberal and well deserved patronage. He was born in Germany, May
10, 1880, a son of Edward and Wilhelmina Raebel, both of whom were
natives of Germany, where they remained through the period of childhood
and youth. In 1883 they came to the United States and first settled
in La Salle county, Illinois, whence they removed to Iowa in 1894.
Their remaining days were passed in this state and here they reared
their family, numbering five children, three of whom yet survive.
R. W. Raebel was a youth of fourteen when he came to Iowa and
his early education, acquired in Illinois, was supplemented by further
408 EMMET AND DICKINSON COUNTIES
study in the common schools of this state and in a business college.
He spent a year upon the road after putting aside his textbooks and later
went to Omaha, Nebraska, where he worked for a year, traveling for a commercial
college. Later he was employed in a drug store in Audubon
county for two years and afterward was deputy treasurer in that county
for a similar length of time. He also spent a year as a newspaper
reporter, at the end of which time he came to Montgomery and embarked
in merchandising, making investment of the capital which he had saved
from his earnings and which was the evidence of his industry and
economy. He is now conducting a general store which is well equipped
and appointed. He carries an attractive line of goods and his reasonable
prices and honorable dealing are features in his growing success.
In 1912 Mr. Raebel was united in marriage to Miss Esther White,
a native of Wapello county, Iowa. In 1915 Mr. Raebel was appointed
postmaster of Montgomery. He and his wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, in the work of which he takes active and helpful
part, serving as one of its trustees and also as superintendent of the Sunday school.

HANS J. RASMUSSEN

Hans J. Rasmusson, proprietor of a general store and one of the leading citizens of Ringsted, was born on the 15th of May, 1883, in Denmark, of which country his parents, John and Mary (Hansen) Rasmussen, were also natives. Deciding to try their fortunes on this side of the Atlantic the family came to America in 1888 and first located in Manistee, Michigan, where they resided for two years. From there they removed to Cerro Gordo county, Iowa, and made their home there until the spring of 1902, when they came to Emmet county. The father purchased land in Denmark township adjoining the town of Ringsted, and engaged in its operation for six years, since which time he has lived retired, making his home in Ringsted at the age of eighty-three years. The mother is now seventy-eight years old and they are numbered among the most highly esteemed citizens of the place.

Being a little lad of seven years on the removal of the family to Cerro Gordo county, Iowa, Hans J. Rasmussen was practically educated in the schools of that locality. He remained with his parents until reaching manhood and assisted his father with the operation of the home farm. Later he engaged in farming and threshing on his own account for a few years, but in 1911 he opened a general store in Ringsted and has since given his attention wholly to mercantile pursuits. He carries a well-selected stock and enjoys a liberal share of the public patronage. In September, 1913, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Jensen. They hold membership in the Lutheran church and by his ballot Mr. Rasmussen supports the men and measures of the republican party. He is now serving as a member of the town council and takes an active and commendable interest in public affairs.

JENS J. RAVN

The population of Denmark township consists chiefly of farmers and among them is numbered Jens J. Ravn, whose progressiveness and hard work have gained him a substantial competence. He was bom in Denmark on the 29th of November, 1867, and is a son of Hans Jensen and Signe (Hansdatter) Ravn. The father was during his active days a maker of wooden shoes and was also known as a violinist. He is still living at the age of seventy-seven but the mother died when sixty-seven years old.

Jens J. Ravn, who is one of a family of four children, attended the common schools until he was fourteen years old, when he was confirmed. For the next three years he worked as a bricklayer, but when only seventeen years old came alone to the United States and settled in Armstrong Grove township, Emmet county, Iowa. After working as a farm hand for several years he cultivated rented land in Denmark township for six years, during that time carefully saving his money, as it was his ambition to become a landowner. At length he bought the north half of the northwest quarter of section 15 and has since operated that place. He has made a number of improvements thereon, carefully conserves the fertility of the soil and keeps everything in excellent condition.

On the 22d of March, 1892, Mr. Ravn was married to Miss Helena Marie Gaarde, a daughter of A. N. and Anna Marie Gaarde, who were among the early settlers of Denmark township, living for a number of years upon the farm that is now the home of Mr. Ravn. They are both deceased and are buried in St. Paul's cemetery. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Ravn are nine in number, namely: Hans Martin, Myrtie Jensina, Ralph Peter, Adella Marie, Esther Martina, Arna Sievert, Lehmann Christian, Velinda Andrea and Brady Gordon.

Mr. Ravn does not consider himself bound by party ties but casts his ballot independently. He is identified with the Danish Brotherhood, thus keeping in touch with others of his race, and in religious faith is a Danish Lutheran, holding membership in St. John's church. His has been a life of hard work intelligently directed and the prosperity which is now his is well deserved.

S. B. REED

S. B. Reed, of Dolliver, manifested marked enterprise and industry in the development of his fine farm in Lincoln township, Emmet county, and since his removal to Dolliver has been an important factor in insurance and banking circles here, being president of the Farmers Mutual Aid Insurance Company and being one of the organizers and also a director 'of the Dolliver Savings Bank. His birth occurred in Carroll county, Illinois, December 22, 1849, and his parents were William and Mary (Buckmaster) Reed, who removed from Ohio, their native state, to Illinois with an ox team in 1840. The father became the owner of a farm there and the primitive conditions of life in that locality are indicated by the fact that their first home there was a log cabin with a clapboard roof. In 1859 removal was made to Missouri, where they remained until 1861, when on account of the strong feeling engendered by the Civil war he left as the alternative to such a course was to join the rebel army. He returned to Mount Carroll, Illinois, where both he and his wife passed their last years. Five of their nine children still survive.

S. B. Reed attended the common schools of Carroll county, Illinois, in the acquirement of his education and remained at home until he became of age, when he purchased a farm in Carroll county, upon which he lived until 1888. In that year he sold the place and bought three hundred and twenty acres of raw prairie land in Lincoln township, Emmet county, which he brought under cultivation as soon as possible. As the years passed the place was transformed into a highly developed and well improved modern farm and he derived a gratifying annual income from the sale of his grain and stock. In 1901 he retired from farming and has since lived in Dolliver. He has not led a life of inactivity, however, as his duties as president of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company demand a good part of his time and attention. He is also a director of the Dolliver Savings Bank, which he aided in organizing.

Mr. Reed was married in 1876 to Miss Sylvia E. Bailey, who was also born in Carroll county, Illinois, and is a daughter of Elijah and Elmira (Holman) Bailey. The parents removed from Vermont to Illinois at an early day in the development of that state and there both passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Reed ten children have been born, namely: Walter B., now a resident of Minnesota; Ruth, the wife of S. B. Caylor; Mira, who married Ben Trimble, a resident of Wyoming; James, who is also living in Wyoming; Mima, the wife of Roy Wertz, a resident of South Dakota ; Alice, who married A. L. Koenecke ; Bessie, the wife of Fred R. Dowden, a banker of Gruver, Iowa; Olive, the wife of Emil Eckhart; Bruce M.; and Sarah, deceased.

Mr. Reed is a republican and has served as trustee of his township. His record of official service in connection with the schools is unusual and highly creditable to his interest in the cause of education as for twenty years he was president of the school board. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and his wife is a member of the Baptist church.

INGVAL S. REFSELL

Ingval S. Refsell is a representative of a prominent and well known family of Emmet county. He has practically been a lifelong resident here, for he was only two and one-half years of age when brought by his parents to Iowa. He was born in Norway, December 3, 1864, a son of Ole and Mary Refsell, who in 1867 came to the United States and established their home in Emmet county, casting in their lot with its early settlers. The family home was one of the pioneer farms of the district and thereon Ingval S. Refsell was reared, while his education was acquired in the district schools not far distant. When not busy with his textbooks he worked in the fields and his youth was a period of earnest labor in which he learned to correctly value industry and perseverance as factors in the attainment of success. He remained at home until he attained his majority and then purchased the farm upon which he now resides, comprising two hundred and twenty acres of land on section 21, High Lake township. In the intervening years he has wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of his place, to which he has added many modern improvements, including fine buildings that furnish ample shelter to grain and stock. His home is an attractive residence and is the abode of warm-hearted hospitality. In addition to tilling his fields he makes a specialty of raising stock and in that undertaking is meeting with deserved success.

On December 12, 1894, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Refsell and Miss Bertha Nestegaard, a native of Norway and a daughter of Lars and Bertha (Swenson) Nestegaard, who were also born in the same country. They came to America in early life and spent their remaining days in Emmet county. Mr. and Mrs. Refsell have become parents of a son and three daughters: Ole L., Mabel S., Ina Bertha and Alice Irene.

Mr. Refsell supports the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served as school director but has never been a politician in the usually accepted sense of seeking oflice. He and his wife are consistent members of the Lutheran church, loyal to its teachings and its purposes, and they have gained many warm friends by reason of the spirit of Christianity which they display in every relation of life. Mr. Refsell has proven himself an enterprising and progressive business man, utilizing his time and talents to good advantage, and he has ever keep abreast with the spirit of progress in the methods in which he carries on his farm work.

JAMES REFSELL

James Refsell occupies a fine home in Wallingford, where he is now living retired in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He was long prominently connected with agricultural interests in Emmet county and is still the owner of valuable farming property. He was born in Norway, July 31, 1860, a son of Ole and Mary (Paulson) Refsell, who were likewise natives of that country, where they resided until 1866 and then came to the new world, establishing their home upon a farm in Emmet county, Iowa. Here their remaining days were passed, the father devoting his energies to the development and improvement of his land until his demise, which occurred March 2, 1895. His widow survived him for several years, passing away in October, 1900. In their family were four children, all of whom are yet living.

James Refsell was a little lad of but six years when brought by his family to the new world, so that he was largely reared and educated in Emmet county, attending its common schools. He remained at home until he attained his majority and through that period gained broad experience in the work of the fields, so that he was well qualified to begin farming on his own account when at the age of twenty-one he started out in business independently. He first rented a farm and made further arrangements for having a home of his own by his marriage in 1886 to Miss Annie Osher, who was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, a daughter of Nels and Ingeborg (Nordam) Osher, who were natives of Norway and in 1850 came to the United States, establishing their home in Wisconsin. Subsequently they removed to Emmet county, Iowa, and settled on a farm where they continued to reside until called to their final rest.

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Subsequent to his marriage James Refsell purchased a farm in High Lake township on section 18, becoming the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land which is now splendidly improved. With characteristic energy he began to develop that property and soon brought his fields to a high state of cultivation, receiving therefrom a substantial annual income. Year after year he gathered good crops and in time acquired a very substantial competence. He lived upon that first farm until 1900, when he sold the property and invested in two hundred and forty acres on section 16, Twelve Mile Lake township. This is also a finely improved property and he accupied it for two years. He then bought another farm on section 1 of the same township, comprising one hundred and eighty-seven acres of rich land which he still owns. His attention was given to its further development and improvement until 1915, when he retired and erected a fine residence in Wallingford, which he now owns and occupies, being there pleasantly situated. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Savings Bank, of which he is now the president, and his financial interest in that institution contributes to his success, as does the farm, from which he derives a gratifying annual income.

Mr. and Mrs. Refsell are the parents of two children, Emma, at home, and O. N. The son is a graduate of the Lutheran College at Red Wing, Minnesota, also of the University of Wisconsin and the University of Chicago and is now a professor in Jewell, Iowa.

Mr. Refsell is a staunch supporter of the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, He has served as township trustee but otherwise has not sought nor desired office. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church and take an active part in its work, doing all in their power to advance the moral progress as well as the material development of the community. Mr. Refsell is truly a self-made man and has become one of the prosperous residents of Emmet county.

OLIVER O. REFSELL

The sons of Norway in Iowa constitute a valuable asset in the citizenship of the state. Of this number Oliver O. Refsell is a representative. He was born in the land of the midnight sun October 8, 1854, and is a brother of James Refsell, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. He was but twelve years of age when brought by his parents to the new world, the family home being established in Emmet county, Iowa, where he was reared and educated, pursuing his studies in the public schools. He worked with his father upon the home farm until he reached the age of thirty-five years and then purchased the old homestead property, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 28, High Lake township. He has since bent his energies to the further development and improvement of his farm, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, the fields bringing forth bounteous harvests of those crops which are best adapted to soil and climatic conditions here. In addition to cultivating grain he is engaged quite extensively and successfully in stock raising, both branches of his business proving profitable. He is a very progressive and enterprising business man and owns in addition to his farm property an excellent residence in Wallingford, Iowa. He is also one of the directors of the Farmers Savings Bank at Wallingford, is a stockholder of the elevator and is secretary of the creamery there. Whatever he undertakes he accomplishes, for in his vocabulary there is no such word as fail. He is determined and energetic and his plans are carefully thought out and then promptly executed.

On July 18, 1889, Mr. Refsell was married to Miss Betsy Olson, a native of Norway, and to them have been born five children: Conrad O.; Morris S., who has departed this life; Lloyd G.; Martin K.; and Olga Beatrice. The parents are consistent members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part, and Mr. Refsell is serving now as one of the elders. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and in 1894 was elected to the office of county treasurer, which position he has filled for four terms. He has held nearly all of the township offices and has made an excellent record as a public official, being at all times loyal to the trust reposed in him. while his skill and efficiency in discharging the duties of his positions have won for him high regard. During the long period of his residence in this part of the state he has become widely and favorably known and everywhere is spoken of in terms of admiration and respect.

GLENN L. REISINGER

Glenn L. Reisinger is widely and prominently known as one of the extensive stock raisers of Emmet county and his home in pleasantly and conveniently located on sections 26 and 35, Center township, where he has four hundred acres of rich and valuable land, constituting one of the best farms of this district. In its management and control he displays excellent business ability and his plans are always carefully considered and promptly executed. He is a native of the neighboring state of Illinois, his birth having occurred at Baileyville on the 12th of July, 1866, his parents being Peter and Priscilla Reisinger, who were natives of Ohio and Canada respectively. The father was a blacksmith by trade.

Glenn L. Reisinger was reared by his grandparents between the ages of six and nine years, or from 1872 until 1875, and afterward remained with relatives until he reached the age of thirteen. He then started out independently and has since earned his living through persistent, able and determined effort. He continued to work as a farm hand for others until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when, desirous of engaging in business for himself, he rented land in Grundy county about 1888.

Mr. Reisinger was united in marriage March 5, 1891, to Miss Margaret Smith,, a daughter of Thomas H. and Eliza (Dulbert) Smith, then of Smith county, Kansas, but afterward residents of Grundy county, Iowa. The mother departed this life in March, 1908, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Reinbeck, Iowa, while the father made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Don Spaulding, of Center township, Emmet county, until his death, which there occurred December 18, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Reisinger have become the parents of five children. Wesley E., of Gruver, Iowa, married Leona Stagg, a daughter of Dr. W. A. Stagg, of Estherville, and they have a son, Glenn William. The other members of the family are Vera E., Rex Thomas, Ralph W. and Ruby B., all at home.

The family residence is situated on section 26, Center township, and theirs is one of the fine farms of the county, being equipped with substantial buildings and the latest improved facilities for promoting farm work. Mr. Reisinger makes stock raising an important feature of his business and is now extensively engaged in raising cattle, horses and hogs. His life has been one of untiring industry intelligently directed. He has made each move and investment count for the utmost and as the years have passed his labors have brought the substantial results which his laudable ambition sought. At the same time he has been appreciative of the opportunities of citizenship and had aided in many plans for the public good. He votes with the republican party and for three years he filled the office of county supervisor. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and his fellow townsmen recognize in him a man whom to know is to trust and honor.

CHARLES REPPIEN

Charles Reppien, manager and butter maker with the Farmers Creamery Company at Wallingford and thus well known in business circles of Emmet county, was born in Denmark, March 24, 1893. He is therefore yet a young man and all that he undertakes is actuated by the spirit of enterprise and progress. He was reared and educated in his native country and learned the butter making trade in that land, which is famous as a butter producing center. He worked at the business there for four years before coming to America and in 1913 he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the new world, hoping to find more remunerative employment on this side of the Atlantic. Crossing the country to Wallingford, he soon obtained a position as butter maker in a creamery there and his ability won him promotion to the position of manager. He is now conducting a large business at the creamery and has made its output famous for its excellence. There is no phase of the butter making trade with which he is not familiar and he is considered an expert in his line.

Mr. Reppien holds membership with the Modem Woodmen of America at Wallingford and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is esteemed as an enterprising, progressive young man and one whose advancement has been the legitimate and logical outcome of his own labors and ability.

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FRANK H. RHODES

Frank H. Rhodes, president of the First Trust & Savings Bank at Estherville and cashier of the Bank of Estherville, has figured prominently in financial circles of the city for twenty-three years. He was born in Brighton, Wisconsin, October 26, 1859, his parents being Thomas and Nancy Rhodes, who came from England in 1842 and settled in Kenosha county, Wisconsin, where they resided until called to their final rest.

After attending the public schools of Kenosha county, Wisconsin, Frank H. Rhodes continued his education in the Racine (Wis.) Business College and made his initial step in the business world as assistant bookkeeper and shipping clerk for the Dickey & Pease Manufacturing Company, with which he remained from 1879 until 1885. In the latter year he removed to Estherville, where he has since made his home, and was here engaged in merchandising for seven years. In 1892 he withdrew from commercial pursuits and turned his attention to the real estate and loan business in Estherville, in which he continued until 1894. He then entered the field of banking and is prominently known as a financier of northwestern Iowa by reason of his connection with the First Trust & Savings Bank and the Bank of Estherville, the combined resources of which are about seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. His high standing in financial circles in the state is indicated in the fact that he has been a member of the executive committee of the Iowa Bankers' Association for a number of years. He is also owner of the Rhodes block and other valuable properties in Estherville, which indicates his wise investment and sound judgment in business affairs. He is also a director and treasurer of the Home Investment Company.

In 1887, in Estherville, Mr. Rhodes was married to Miss Hattie Culver, a daughter of L. M. Culver. Her father came to Estherville in 1883 as agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company and for a number of years was a leading citizen here. He was one of the founders of the First Presbyterian church and was interested in many matters relative to the general good. Mrs. Rhodes is a graduate of the Estherville high school and has been very active in church and club work, serving for a number of years was regent of the Okamanpadu Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes have four children: Jennie C, the wife of Dr. A. R. Moon, of Williamsburg, Iowa; Edwin J., a student in the University of Wisconsin; and Cecil and Lillian, both attending the Estherville high school.

The parents are members of the First Presbyterian church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful interest, Mr. Rhodes serving as trustee and treasurer. He belongs to the Estherville Commercial Club, of which he is a director and the treasurer, and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He served for six years, from 1897 until 1903, as a member of the city council and exercised his official prerogatives in support of many plans and measures which have been of value in promoting the best interests of the city.

ROBERT E. RIDLEY.

Robert E. Ridley, a well known resident of Estherville, was born in Litchfield, Maine, July 5, 1833, a fact which makes him a venerable citizen of Emmet county, for he has passed the eighty-third milestone on life's journey. His parents, Robert P. and Sophronia (Watson) Ridley, were also natives of Maine and in the year 1857 they removed to Emmet county, Iowa, establishing their home upon a farm here at a period when the work of improvement and development had scarcely been begun within the borders of the county. Both passed away in this county and the community thus lost two of its worthy pioneer settlers. Their original home was a log cabin, which they occupied for a number of years. In their family were ten children, four of whom yet survive.

R. E. Ridley was reared and educated in Maine. In 1856 he started west, going first to Michigan, where he spent one winter, and in the spring of 1857 he came to Emmet county, Iowa, which was then a frontier district in which few settlements had been made. Much of the land was still in the possession of the government and Mr. Ridley took up a claim in Estherville township on what is now the site of the city of Estherville. There he built a blockhouse and he has since erected more than one hundred dwellings in the city, which he has sold. He thus contributed much to the development of the city and he also built the first mill there.

At the time of the Civil war Mr. Ridley put aside all business and personal considerations to espouse the cause of the Union and became a member of Company C, Second Iowa Infantry, in which he enlisted in 1864. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea and participated in several hotly contested engagements. With the close of the war he was mustered out at Washington, D. C, and returned to his home with a most creditable military record. Through the intervening period he has remained continuously in Emmet county.

In 1855 Mr. Ridley was united in marriage to Miss Esther A. Allen, who was born in Maine in 1832 and is a daughter of John and Sarah (Bennett) Allen, who were also natives of the Pine Tree state, in which they spent their entire lives. They had six children but Mrs. Ridley is now the only survivor. By her marriage she became the mother of two daughters and a son: Annie J., who was the first white child born in Emmet county and who is now the wife of Milo Dana, of Wisconsin; Lucy E., deceased; and George E., a resident of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Ridley are members of the Baptist church and he is serving as one of its deacons. In the work of the church he has taken most active and helpful interest, doing everything in his power to advance the cause of religion. In politics he is a republican and has been honored with the offices of both treasurer and recorder of Emmet county. He also served as justice of the peace and married the first couple in the county. It will thus be seen that he is closely associated with many events that have shaped the history of this section of the state. He and his wife are numbered among its honored pioneer people and have been witnesses of its growth and development through all the passing years since 1857, or for much more than a half century. Mr. Ridley has long been a moving spirit in promoting the upbuilding of the section in which he resides, and no history of Emmet county would be complete without the record of his life.

ANDREAS CARL C. RIES

Andreas Carl C. Ries, a well-known citizen of Ringsted, was for a number of years engaged in farming and also devoted a considerable period to merchandising. He was for a time the proprietor of a general store in Ringsted and later became connected with a cement tile manufactory, in which he still owns a financial interest although he is not actively engaged in its management. He was born in Schleswig, Germany, May 21, 1866, a son of Ludvig A. and Sabina Maria (Bruun) Ries, natives respectively of Schleswig and of Denmark. In 1881 they came to the United States with their family and after residing in Clinton, Iowa, for a year came to Emmet county and bought land on section 5, Denmark township. The father farmed that tract almost until his death in 1900, a year after the demise of his wife. Both are buried in St. Paul's cemetery at Ringsted. The father took an active interest in public affairs and held a number of local politcal offices and was also treasurer of the school board. He was one of the first settlers in his locality and was a factor in its development along agricultural lines.

Andreas C. C. Ries attended the public schools in Schleswig until he was confirmed and following the removal of the family to the United States gave his father the benefit of his labor until he attained his majority. From that time until 1890 he farmed in partnership with his father and brothers, Hans J. and Peter A. Ries. Upon serving that connection he went to Clinton, Iowa, where he was employed in a store for three years, and then was for four and a half years manager of a general store at Armstrong owned by his brother Hans. In the meantime he purchased the southeast quarter of section 5, Denmark township, and at length took up his residence on that place, devoting six years to its cultivation. Subsequently he bought a store building at Ringsted from William Nelsen. Upon disposing of that property he became part owner of a cement tile manufacturing business in Ringsted, in which he is still interested financially although he is no longer active in its management. He is living retired in the enjoyment of a leisure won by his industry and wise direction of his affairs in past years. He has built a fine modern home and is surrounded with all the comforts of life. He also owns the southeast quarter of section 5, twenty-six acres of the southwest quarter of the same section and the norheast quarter of section 9, all in Denmark township.

Mr. Ries was married in 1901 to Miss Petrina Nielsen, a daughter of Jens and Karen Nielsen, lifelong residents of Denmark. To this union has been born one son, Sarlock Manfred, at home. Mr. Ries supports the republican party at the polls and was formerly town councilman and is now township clerk. He has discharged to the full satisfaction of his constituents all of the obligations resting upon him as an official and has constantly placed the public w'elfare above all other considerations. He is a member of St. John's Danish Lutheran church and the sincerity of his faith is evidenced in the integrity of his daily life.

GEORGE H. ROBB

George H. Robb, one of the prominent and influential citizens of Emmet county, successfully engaged in farming and stock raising on section 13, Estherville township, was born on the 15th of February, 1881, in Morris, Illinois, of which state his parents, Wesley and Eudora (Clow) Robb, were also natives. In their family were seven children. Our subject was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Emmet county, Iowa. The father purchased the east half of section 13, Estherville township, on which he engaged in farming and stock raising on an extensive scale for ten years, but is now practically living retired in Estherville.

George H. Robb began his education in the district schools of Illinois and later attended the high school of Estherville, Iowa, and a business college at Kankakee, Illinois. Under his father's able direction he early became familiar with agricultural pursuits and since the age of twenty years he has been in partnership with his father in their farming and stock raising operations. He now owns one hundred and thirty-five acres in the south half of the east half of section 13, Estherville township, and the west half of the southwest quarter of section 18 of Center township, and the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of the same section. His place is well improved with good and substantial buildings and the fields are in a high state of cultivation. His stock is of a good grade and commands the highest price on the market.

Mr. Robb was married in 1902 to Miss Nellie Grim, a daughter of A. A. and Eva Grim, who are farming people of Center township. Mr. and Mrs. Robb have two children, Maurine and Merrill. The republican party finds in Mr. Robb a staunch supporter of its principles and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called upon him to fill many positions of honor and trust. He was a member of the republican central committee two years, was township assessor four years and has been township clerk for the past three years. He has also been president, treasurer and a director of the Farmers Institute and does all in his power to promote the interests of his community. In religious faith he is a Methodist.

WESLEY ROBB

Since 1893 Wesley Robb has been a resident of Emmet county and has been prominently identified with its farming and stock raising interests. He now makes his home in Estherville and is engaged in feeding and selling stock, doing quite an extensive business in that line. He was born in Grundy county, Illinois, February 13, 1855, and is the youngest of three children whose parents were Andrew Jackson and Betsey (Hultz) Robb, natives of Ohio. In the early '40s they removed to Illinois and for many years the father followed farming in Grundy county, where both parents died and were buried.

At the usual age Wesley Robb entered the district schools of his native county and continued his education until sixteen years old. During his minority he gave his father the benefit of his services in the operation of the home farm and in this early way acquired an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits. At the age of twenty-one he began farming on rented land in Grundy county, Illinois, and later purchased a tract of land in that county, where he continued farming until 1893. That year witnessed his arrival in Emmet county. Iowa, and he bought two hundred and forty acres in Denmark township but never farmed it. In 1894 he purchased a quarter section in Estherville township, to which he later added another one hundred and sixty acres, and he continued farming there for ten years. Since then he has made his home in Estherville, where he owns a nice residence at 515 North Seventh street, and is now engaged in feeding and selling stock. Besides his city property he owns six hundred and forty acres - all of section 29, Emmet township - also the east half of section 32, and a half interest in the southwest quarter of section 6, Twelve Mile Lake township, Emmet county.

In 1879 Mr. Robb was united in marriage to Miss Udora Clow, a daughter of John and Mary Clow of Grundy county, Illinois, where both passed away. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Robb are: George, who follows farming in Estherville township; Ida, the wife of Arthur Brown, of Emmet tovraship; Walter, a banker of Alexander, North Dakota; Ollie, the wife of Benjamin Rugtin, of West Bend, Iowa; Pearl, now Mrs. Carl Egbert, of Estherville; and Laura and Emmet, both at home.

Fraternally, Mr. Robb is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and religiously both he and his wife are identified with the Methodist church. His political support is given the republican party and he is now serving as a member of the school board of Estherville, while for two terms he was a member of the city council. He is a wideawake, energetic business man whose success in life is due to his own unaided efforts for he started out empty handed and the prosperity that has come to him is but the just reward of his industry and good management. He is now the owner of much valuable property and is numbered among the substantial citizens of the community.

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HON. B. F. ROBINSON.

Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable position among the citizens of Emmet county than Hon. B. F. Robinson, prominent banker and ex-member of the state legislature, whose devotion to the public good has ever stood as one of the unquestioned facts in his career. He has long been identified with financial interests as cashier of the First National Bank of Armstrong.

A native of Connecticut, Mr. Robinson was born at Hampton, but remained a resident of New England only until he reached the age of fifteen years, when he removed to the middle west, establishing his home at Lee Center, Illinois. There he remained until 1868, when he became a resident of Grundy county, Iowa, settling near Conrad. He purchased a quarter section of prairie land in the midst of a district which at that time was but slightly developed. He turned the first furrows upon his farm and continued its further cultivation and improvement until January 1, 1881, when he put aside the active work of the fields in order to enter upon the duties of county recorder of Grundy county, to which office he had been elected the previous fall. By reelection he continued to occupy that position for six years, after which he returned to the farm and thereon remained until 1892, when he became a resident of Armstrong, and in connection with William Stuart embarked in the banking business. On the 1st of July, 1900, they reorganized their bank under the name of the First National Bank, capitalized at fifty thousand dollars, at which time
Mr. Robinson was chosen president, with John Dows as vice president and L. P. Gjermo as cashier. On the 18th of April, 1902, Mr. Dows was elected president, with William Stuart as vice president and Mr. Robinson as cashier, and through the intervening period of fifteen years Mr. Robinson has continuously acted as cashier, largely directing the policy and
shaping the interests of this institution, which is regarded as one of the safest and most reliable banking concerns of northwestern Iowa. In 1892 the company erected the present bank building and through the intervening years the business has steadily grown and developed. The First National has ever most carefully safeguarded the interests of its depositors and to its patrons has extended all possible credit to a point that would not jeopardize the interests of the bank. In addition to his other
business interests Mr. Robinson has dealt quite extensively in land and has improved a number of farms, thus contributing to the substantial development of the county.

In 1869, in Marshalltown, Iowa, was celebrated the marriage of B. F. Robinson and Miss Elizabeth Barnes, a daughter of Stephen Barnes, a native of New York, who on removing to Iowa took up the occupation of farming near Conrad, in Grundy county. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have become the parents of five children, namely: Grace G.; Wilbert L., who is deceased; Fred S.; Edith, the wife of F. W. Ruef; and Clara.

Extensive and important as have been the business interests of Mr. Robinson, he has yet found time to serve the public in various important connections and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his ability and public spirit, have again and again called upon him for aid and support of matters of public moment He has been mayor of Armstrong, in which connection he gave to the city a businesslike and progressive administration. He was elected to represent his district in the twenty-ninth general assembly and so capable was he as a member of the house that he was returned for service in the thirtieth and thirty-first sessions. He was the author of the lake bed bill, was active in support of drainage bills and in fact was connected with much important constructive legislation that has furthered the interests of his constituents and the commonwealth at large. He is well qualified for political leadership and it is well known that he never subverts the public interest in an effort to promote personal welfare.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Robinson are active and earnest workers in the Presbyterian church and he served as a member of the building committee at the time of erection of the church in Armstrong. He is equally loyal to the teachings and purposes of the Masonic fraternity and in fact has at all times been an honorable and upright career, characterized by all those forces which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard.

IRWIN J. ROBINSON

Irwin J. Robinson owns and occupies the southwest quarter of section 26, Emmet township, in Emmet county, on which he has resided continuously for about thirteen years. He was born in Wright county, Iowa, November 2, 1870, and is a son of John M. and Martha (Rowan) Robinson, the former a native of Ireland, while the latter was born in New Hampshire. The father followed the occupation of farming in Wright county, but when his son Irwin was eight years of age removed with his family to Cerro Gordo county, where he lived for eight years. In 1886 he came to Emmet county and invested in land in Estherville township, where he carried on farming for eight or ten years. At length he retired from active business life, taking up his abode in Estherville, where he passed away in 1913, his remains being interred in the Oak Hill cemetery. His widow still survives and is now living with her daughter, who is the wife of Dr. W. E. Bradley.

Irwin J. Robinson completed his education by study in the Estherville schools, which he attended to the age of eighteen years, and by one winter's study in the Capital City Commercial College at Des Moines. He continued to assist his father until he reached the age of twenty-two years, when he purchased the old homestead, upon which he lived until 1897. Through the succeeding four years he cultivated a rented farm in Denmark township and in 1901 he purchased land upon which he lived for a year and a half. He then sold out and went to Manitoba,
Canada, but later returned to Emmet county and for a few months engaged in the grocery business in Estherville. He then repurchased his former property, comprising the southwest quarter of section 26, Emmet township, whereon he has since engaged in general agricultural pursuits, raising the crops best adapted to climatic conditions here.

In 1897 Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Florence Haynes, a daughter of C. I. Haynes, of Estherville, where he still resides. His wife, however, passed away during the early girlhood of Mrs. Robinson, who by her marriage has become the mother of three children, Merle, Dorothy and Ralph, all in school. In his political views Mr. Robinson is a republican and is filling the office of towniship clerk at the present time and also serving as secretary of the school board. His religious belief is that of the Methodist church and his life measures up to high standards, for he displays many sterling traits such as win respect and regard in every land and clime. His life has been one of diligence and his success is the legitimate and merited outcome of his own labor.

BRINGEL KNUTSEN ROKNE.

Bringel Knutsen Rokne, residing on a farm on section 10, High Lake township, has always devoted his energies to general agricultural pursuits and for forty-one years has lived at his present place of residence. He is still active although he has now passed the eighty-fourth milestone on life's journey and such a career of usefulness might well put to shame many a man of less resolute spirit, who, grown weary of the struggles of business life, would relegate to others the burdens that he should bear.

Mr. Rokne was born in Voss, Norway, April 15, 1833, a son of Knut Erickson and Bertha Helgeson, who were farming people of that country. The son pursued a common school education to the age of fifteen years and afterward worked out as a farm hand by the year until he reached the age of twenty. He then determined to try his fortune in the new world and came to the United States. His sister Anna came to the United States in 1850 with her husband, Lars Larson, located in Woodstock and died the same year.

Bringel K. Kokne made his way to Chicago and spent the succeeding seven years in various kinds of work and in various places. In 1854 his brother Gilbert came to the United States and located in Wisconsin, where he afterward passed away as the result of an illness contracted during the Civil war. Two sisters, Inga and Dorothy, came in 1856 and both passed away in Wisconsin. The same year Barney Rokne arrived in America and is now a resident of High Lake township. The remaining brother, Erick, never left Norway.

It was in 1860 that Bringel K. Rokne took up his abode in Columbia county, Wisconsin, and there married Inga Johnson, a daughter of Lars and Martha Anderson, who have since passed away in Wisconsin. For six years after his marriage Mr. Rokne worked on his father-in-law's farm and on the 7th of July, 1866, came to Emmet county and purchased a farm from the railway company, investing in one hundred acres, which he cultivated for ten years. He afterward traded that property to George Osher for his present home and there he has lived for more than four decades. His labors have wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the place, for he has converted it into a very valuable and productive farm equipped with modern improvements. He is still enjoying good health and is yet active at the age of eighty-four years.

In 1916 Mr. Rokne was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 1st of October after a year's illness and was laid to rest in High Lake cemetery. They were the parents of nine children: Knut, who died unmarried; Louis, who is married and follows farming in Kanabec county, Minnesota; Martha, now the wife of K. A. Traefald, also of Kanabec county; John, who died leaving a widow; Bertha, who became the wife of S. A. Traefald and died leaving two sons, Albert and Martin, who are living with Mr. Rokne; Anna, the deceased wife of T. Dahle, whose daughter, Luella, is living with her grandfather; Erick and Andrew, at home; and Emma, the wife of Louis Isaacson, a farmer of High Lake township.

Mr. Rokne has supported the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, casting his first presidential ballot for John C. Fremont. He has always been a stalwart champion of the principles of the party and has done everything in his power to promote its growth and ensure its success. He has held various township offices and for three years he was county supervisor, while for four years he filled the office of county recorder. In 1900 he became census enumerator for Twelve Mile Lake and High Lake townships. He is today one of the oldest pioneer settlers and one of the most venerable citizens of High Lake township, having reached the age of eighty-four years, although in appearance and interests he seems much younger.

AMASA D. ROOT

Amasa D. Root, living retired at Estherville, became a resident of that city in 1890 and for twenty-two years was prominently identified with its business interests as a dealer in lumber, coal and machinery. The unfailing enterprise and reliable business methods which he manifested brought to him a substantial measure of success that now enables him to rest from further labor. He was born in Delaware county, New York, in 1846, a son of Daniel and Cornelia (Grim) Root, who were also natives of the Empire state, where the father followed the occupation of farming. In 1852 he removed with his family to Richford, Wisconsin, and there carried on general agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1860. In the family were five children: Elmira, the widow of T. G. Bartlett and a resident of St. Paul, Nebraska; Anna, the widow of Henry Burgess and a resident of North Loup, Nebraska; Ora, who resided near Portage City, Wisconsin, but is now deceased; Elizabeth, the widow of Rufus Collins and a resident of Ord, Nebraska; and Amasa D., of this review.

The last named spent his youthful days in the usual manner of farm lads, working in the fields through the summer months and attending the public schools in the winter seasons until he reached the age of fourteen years, when his father died and he took over the management of the home farm, which he continued to cultivate for three years. On the expiration of that period he went to Nebraska and was engaged in farming near St. Paul. He resided in Butler county, Iowa, for ten years and for four years was engaged in the creamery business at Greene, Iowa. In 1890, as previously stated, he came to Estherville and until 1912 was actively engaged in the lumber and coal trade and in the machinery business, in which connections he won a patronage that was extensive and gratifying. His business methods were such as would bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and his unfaltering energy and determination brought him well-merited success. While still retaining a financial interest in the business he has retired from its active management and is now enjoying a well-earned rest, being most comfortably situated in a pleasant and attractive home at No. 502 South Ninth street.

In 1870 Mr. Root was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Montgomery, who passed away in 1909 and was buried in the Oak Hill cemetery at Estherville. They became the parents of three children: Mabel, who married Grant Hardman, of Greene, Iowa, and died in 1890; Charles A., who for six years filled the position of county auditor and is now a traveling salesman; and Frank O., who is employed in the superintendent's office of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company at Estherville. In 1910 Mr. Root was again married, his second union being with Lizzie Archer, a daughter of O. T. Archer, of Esthei'ville.

Politically, Mr. Root is an earnest republican and at all times keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has served as councilman and exercised his official prerogatives in support of various measures for the general good. He has also been vice president of the Iowa State Savings Bank. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and his entire career has commanded for him the confidence and respect of his fellowmen, for it has been guided by high and honorable
principles.

CHARLES ROSENBERGER

Charles Rosenberger, a prosperous farmer and influential citizen of Center township, Emmet county, claims Germany as the land of his birth, being born there June, 13, 1865. His parents were August and Kathrine (Untermann) Rosenberger, who spent their entire lives in Germany, and the father was a sea captain. In their family were four children of whom three are living. Like most boys living in Germany, Charles Rosenberger was given good educational advantages but later he believed he could better his financial condition by coming to America, and in 1881 he crossed the ocean and came direct to Iowa, first locating in Jackson ocunty, where he worked as a farm hand for a time. In 1892 he removed to Emmet county and purchased a farm on section 1, Center township, where he now owns two hundred and four acres of very valuable and productive land. He has made many improvements upon the tract and placed the land under a high state of cultivation, and in addition to general farming has also devoted considerable attention to the raising of stock of all kinds.

In 1892 Mr. Rosenberger was united in marriage to Miss Noemi Ahrens, also a native of Germany and a daughter of Paul and Amelia (Ingwersen) Ahrens, who were born in the fatherland and came to the United States in 1880, taking up their residence in Clinton county, Iowa. Mr. Ahrens, who is a shoemaker by trade, is now living in the state of Washington, but his wife passed away in 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberger have two children, August B. and Paul A., both at home.

Mrs. Rosenberger is a member of the Presbyterian church but Mr. Rosenberger is a Lutheran in religious faith. He is a staunch supporter of the republican party and is now serving as school director. He is a self-made man, for on coming to this country he was without capital, and the success that he has achieved is due entirely to his persistent efforts, for he is industrious, enterprising and progressive, his business methods are thoroughly reliable, and he usually carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He has traveled quite extensively and has spent a year and a half in California.

F. W. RUEF

F. W. Ruef, one of the proprietors and the general manager of the Maple Hill Mercantile Company, owning and conducting a general merchandise business, a grain elevator and an extensive lumberyard at Maple Hill, Emmet county, has in his life demonstrated the possibilities for the attainment of success even when one has to start out without the assistance of family or friends. Iowa claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Clermont, Fayette county, on the 2nd of January,
1883, his parents being Ferdinand and Margaret (Sutter) Ruef, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Switzerland. In young manhood and young womanhood they came to the new world, settling first in Fayette county, Iowa, where they were married and spent their remaining days. The father was a stone mason by trade and thus provided for the support of his family. He died in 1896, while his wife survived only until 1898.

F. W. Ruef was a lad of but thirteen years at the time of his father's death and was left on orphan when fifteen. Being an only son, at his father's death he became the bread-winner for the family and has not only made his own way in the world from that time forward, but also contributed to the support of his mother during her lifetime. He was first employed in a brickyard at Clermont, where he received a wage of three dollars per week. Following the death of his mother he made his home with an older sister in Armstrong, Iowa, and there found employment in a hardware store. During his three years' service in that connection he learned much of the plumbing business and in 1901 he went to the Pacific coast, where for eight years he was employed in a plumbing establishment, working throughout the state for a firm at Salem, Oregon. In 1910 he returned to Iowa and settled at Maple Hill, where he purchased the interest of Mr. Dows in the Maple Hill Mercantile Company, the present owners of the business being Mr. Ruef, Mrs. Grace Slessor and B. F. Robinson, the last named being also cashier of the First National Bank at Armstrong, Iowa. The firm conducts an extensive mercantile and lumber business and operates the Maple Hill elevator. In fact this firm is one of the most important in the business circles of Emmet county, controlling and directing large interests which contribute much to the commercial upbuilding and consequent prosperity of this section of the state.

In 1908 Mr. Ruef was united in marriage to Miss Edith Robinson, her father being B. F. Robinson, of Armstrong, senior member of the Maple Hill Mercantile Company. Mr. and Mrs. Ruef have two children, Elizabeth Margaret and Benjamin Edward. In his political views, Mr. Ruef is a Republican and has filled the office of postmaster at Maple Hill. He is also the treasurer of the Consolidated School of Maple Hill, one of the important educational institutions of the county, in which are employed five teachers. A new school building has been erected at a cost of twenty-one thousand dollars. Fraternally, Mr. Ruef is connected with Emmet Lodge, No. 565, F. & A. M., of Armstrong, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, guiding their lives according to its teachings. Mr. Ruef is a representative citizen and leading business man, and in the accomplishment of his purposes has followed honorable methods.

ISAAC N. SALYERS

Isaac N. Salyers, a prominent contractor of Estherville, has borne an important part in the upbuilding and development of Emmet county, where he has now made his home for a third of a century. He was born near Athens, Missouri, February 28, 1862, and is the fifth in order of birth in a family of ten children. He is of good old Irish and Yankee stock, though his parents, William and Elmira (Phillips) Salyers, were both natives of Ohio. At an early day they removed to Appanoose county, Iowa, where the father purchased land and engaged in farming for thirty-two years. He spent his last days at the home of a daughter living near Greenridge, Missouri, and died March 2, 1917, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He had six great-grand-children and one great-great-grand-child. During the Galveston flood his wife was crippled and remained an invalid the rest of her life, finally passing away in 1906. Her remains were interred at Windsor, Missouri.

At the usual age Isaac N. Salyers began his education in the district schools near his childhood home and continued his studies until seventeen years of age. He remained under the parental roof until twenty and for two years worked at the carpenter's trade in Keokuk, Iowa. From that city he came to Estherville and has since done an extensive business as a building contractor. His first contract was the Smithberg residence on South Sixth street and he has since erected most of the important buildings of the town, including the Coon block, the Armory, the Elks club house, the Methodist Episcopal church, the West Side school, the Oransky building, the postoffice and the residences of F. E. Allen and George Zeeman besides about two hundred and fifty others. Although he is still engaged in business as a contractor he now handles automobile supplies and repairs as a side issue.

In 1881 Mr. Salyers married Miss Laura A. Leek, a daughter of Charles and Cynthia (Hull) Leek, who made their home near Keokuk, Iowa, where both died and were buried. Mr. and Mrs. Saylers have lost two children and have five living, namely: Clyde, who is married and living in Estherville; Mabel, now Mrs. R. N. Perkins, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Louis, Paul and Maurice, all at home.

The republican party finds in Mr. Salyers a staunch supporter of its principles and he holds membership in the Mystic Toilers of Des Moines and the Christian church. In business circles he occupies an enviable position owing to the confidence and trust reposed in him and the success that has crowned his eff'orts is certainly well deserved for he started out in life for himself empty handed and has gradually worked his way upward wholly by his own efforts. He is a man of keen insight and sound judgment as well as of reliable business methods and he always faithfully fulfills his part of any contract.

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TOLLEF O. SANDO

Tollef O. Sando is now living retired in Wallingford but for many years was closely and prominently connected with agricultural interests in Emmet county and is still the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and eighty acres, which returns to him a gratifying annual income. He is a native of Wisconsin, his birth having occurred in Rock county, December 22, 1845. His parents, Ole E. and Barbara (Opsata) Sando, were both natives of Norway and in 1845 they came to the new world, taking up their abode upon a Wisconsin farm, which they occupied until 1849, when they came to Iowa, settling in Clayton county upon a farm which remained their home for four years. They then removed to Mitchell county, Iowa, where they resided until 1863, which year witnessed their arrival in Emmet county. They took up their abode upon a farm in Estherville township, the father homesteading this land, for up to that time it had been in possession of the government and was a wild and totally unimproved tract, not a furrow having been turned upon the
place. His first buildings were constructed of logs and covered with clapboard roofs and amid such conditions the family lived for several years or until the father could earn a sufficient sum to introduce modern improvements. As soon as possible he built a more commodious and attractive home and in time he added substantial barns and outbuildings, converting his place into one of the best improved farms of the district. He was a very energetic, industrious man and his success was the measure
of his enterprise and determination. He died in the year 1882, while his widow, surviving him for more than two decades, passed away in 1903. In their family were six children, of whom three are now living.

Tollef O. Sando has practically been a lifelong resident of Iowa and to its public school system is indebted for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. His early training was that of the home farm and he continued to assist in the development of the fields until he attained his majority, when he took up a homestead in Estherville township. He, too, first built a log cabin upon his place and his was one of the primitive homes of the district [pictured below].

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With characteristic energy he began the arduous task of developing his fields and his labors soon wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of his land. Later he sold his original property and bought a farm in Twelve Mile Lake township which he occupied until 1914, converting it into a very valuable place. In that year he retired and removed to Wallingford but still owns his farm of two hundred and eighty acres, constituting a splendidly improved property which adds materially to his income. In addition to his Emmet county property he owns an interest in eighty acres of land in Minnesota. His life has been well spent and his prosperity is the deserved and merited reward of his persistent, earnest and honorable labor.

In 1871 Mr. Sando was married to Miss Berget Sando, a native of Norway, and they have become the parents of nine children: Barbara, the wife of G. Gilbert; Randina and Beatta, at home; Herman, now a resident of Jackson, Minnesota; Erick, living in Estherville, Emmet county; Helen and Otto, who have passed away; Emma, the wife of Antony Story; and Ferdinand, deceased.

The parents are consistent and faithful members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which they take an active and helpful part. They are highly respected in the community where they reside, having many warm friends who greatly esteem them for their personal worth. Mr. Sando has justly won the proud American title of self-made man. Through his own efforts he has acquired a handsome fortune and is now reaping the benefit of his former toil, his success making it possible for him to enjoy all the comforts and some of the luxuries of life without further recourse to labor.

EDWARD D. SCHAEFER

Edward D. Schaefer, who owns a fine farm on section 3, Armstrong Grove township, is making a specialty of raising high grade Chester White hogs and has been a leader in the development of the stock raising interests of the county. He is also financially interested in the Farmers Elevator Company and the Farmers Creamery Company, both of Armstrong. A native of Wisconsin, he was born in Dane county, December 29, 1859, a son of John and Marguerite Schaefer, both of whom were born in Germany. Upon crossing the Atlantic they located in Canada, but after a short time removed to Chicago, whence they went to Milwaukee. Subsequently they removed to Dane county and there the father purchased land which he farmed until his death in 1891. He had survived his wife for ten years.

Edward D. Schaefer grew to manhood in Dane county, Wisconsin, and after completing his education gave his entire time to assisting his father. When he became of age he was given charge of the home farm and operated it for two years, but in 1882 he went to South Dakota and took up land under the homestead act, cultivating that tract for seven years. He then disposed of the property and went to Jackson county, Minnesota, whence, three years later, he came to Emmet county, Iowa. For four years he rented land here and at the end of that time was able to buy eighty acres on section .3, Armstrong Grove township, which he still owns. He has given particular attention to the breeding of Chester White hogs and has found that business highly profitable. He has investments other than his farm as he is financially interested in the Farmers Elevator Company and the Farmers Creamery Company of Armstrong.

On the 24th of August, 1880, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Schaefer and Miss Lizzie Ulrich and they have three children: Barbara, the wife of George Paul, of Armstrong, Iowa; Clara, who married Fred Mussen, a merchant of Gruver, Emmet county; and Elmer, who married Pearl Helgason and is farming the home place.

Mr. Schaefer is a staunch advocate of the principles of the democratic party and takes a commendable interest in public affairs, although never an office seeker. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, which indicates his interest in the moral welfare of his community, and his life has conformed so closely to high standards of ethics as to win him the sincere respect of his fellows.

EBEN SEELYE

Eben Seelye, a valued resident of Huntington, where he has made his home since 1914, was bom in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, August 8, 1836, and is a son of Shoobel and Martha (Moon) Seelye, who were natives of New York. They removed to Pennsylvania, where the death of the father occurred, and subsequently the mother became a resident of Minnesota, where her remaining days were passed. In their family were nine children but Eben is the only one now living.

Spending his boyhood and youth in Pennsylvania, he mastered the branches of leaming taught in the common schools and was a youth of nineteen years when he left the Keystone state for the west. He spent one winter at Elgin, Iowa, and then went to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he resided until 1871. In that year he became a resident of Martin county, Minnesota, and took up a homestead claim, upon which he lived for six years, during which period he carefully and systematically developed the fields. He then sold out and returned to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he resided for a number of years. He afterward again became a resident of Martin county, where he made his home until 1911. In thatyear Iowa gained a substantial citizen through his removal to Estherville. After living for a short time at that place he returned to Minnesota, settling in Jackson county, but in 1914 established his home in Huntington, Emmet county, where he owns a residence and seventeen lots.

In 1885 Mr. Seelye was united in marriage to Miss Jane Potts, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Ephraim and Elizabeth Potts, both now deceased. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Seelye were seven children: Ella, the wife of G. Payne; Charles; Lanson; Cora; Etta, the wife of F. K. Celley; Walter; and Addie, the wife of Louis Barth.

Mr. Seelye gives his political allegiance to the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served on the town board but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church and his life has been guided by its teachings. He has now passed the eightieth milestone on life's journey and his has been an honorable and upright career and characterized by fidelity to duty and by straightforwardness in all business relations. In spirit and interests he seems much younger, keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought and progress, and Huntington numbers him among its valued as well as its venerable citizens.

GEORGE W. SHADLE

Commercial activity in Estherville finds a substantial, well known and highly respected representative in George W. Shadle, who is numbered among the native sons of the state. He was born in Pleasantville, Iowa, in 1873, a son of F. M. and Ann (Pence) Shadle, who are natives of Pennsylvania, but removed westward to Iowa, where since 1879 the father has been identified with mercantile pursuits. To him and his wife have been born seven sons: Owen, who is residing at Pleasantville; George W., Christian, Merlin, who is a widower; Lee, Elton, and Willard,
deceased.

George W. Shadle, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools of Pleasantville, continuing his studies through successive grades until he became a high school pupil. He afterward worked for his father until he reached the age of twenty-five years and later spent three years in the drug business at Pleasantville. In 1901 he came to Estherville and has since been identified with the commercial interests of the city. His stock of goods was destroyed by fire in 1914, but with characteristic energy he resumed business operations and is today one of the progressive and reliable merchants of the city, dealing in dry goods of all descriptions and Stylecraft garments. His store displays the latest output of the manufactories of the country and the progressive methods of the proprietor insure to him continued and growing success.

In 1906 Mr. Shadle was married to Miss Emma Thorson, a daughter of T. L. and Jennie Thorson, the former proprietor of the pioneer hardware store of Armstrong, Iowa. They have two children, Francis, born in 1907; and Virginia, in 1912. Theirs is an attractive home on Maple street and its hospitality is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Fraternally Mr. Shadle is connected with the Elks and with the Knights of Pythias. His religious belief is that of the Presbyterian church, while his political support is given to the Republican party. He has never sought to figure prominently in any public light outside of business, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his commercial interests which, carefully, wisely, systematically and intelligently directed, have brought to him substantial success.

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KNUT K. SKATTEBO

Knut K. Skattebo is now living retired in Wallingford but for a considerable period was actively connected with farming interests in Twelve Mile Lake township and was accounted one of the leading and progressive farmers of Emmet county. Wisconsin claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Manitowoc county, January 14, 1859, his parents being Knut and Emma (Roble) Skattebo, who were natives of Norway. The father followed the occupation of farming in order to provide for the support of his family, which included nine children.

Reared under the parental roof, Knut K. Skattebo attended the district schools until sixteen years of age and then concentrated his efforts upon the farm work, continuing to assist his father in the further development and improvement of the fields on the old homestead until he reached the age of twenty-five years. Seeking opportunities offered elsewhere he came to Emmet county in 1885 and for three years rented farm land, residing for two years of that period in High Lake township and for one year in Twelve Mile Lake township. With the money which he had thus earned he then purchased the northeast quarter of section 1, Twelve Mile Lake township, and thereafter was busily engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1915, when he put aside the work of the fields and retired to Wallingford, where he now makes his home. His labors wrought a marked change in the appearance of his place, for he brought his land to a high state of cultivation and annually gathered good crops as the reward for the care and labor which he bestowed upon his fields.

On July 3, 1884, Mr. Skattebo was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary O. Odegard, her parents being Ove and Mary (Berge) Odegard, of Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, both of whom have passed away. They were the parents of seven children, of whom five survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Skattebo have been bom nine children, as follows: Clarence I., who is married and resides on the home place; Mable, the deceased wife of Clarence Clemensen; Charlotte, who is the wife of John Graff and lives near Raleigh, Iowa; Minnie, at home; Augusta, who is residing at Ames; and Lloyd, Arthur, Frances and Leonard, all at home.

Mr. Skattebo is a republican in his political views and strongly indorses the principles of his party. For a number of years he has served as a member of the township school board but has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. He belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran church and his has been an honorable, upright life, commending him to the confidence and good will of those who have known him. He started out empty handed and his success is due to industry and perseverance, those qualities constituting the foundation upon which he has built his prosperity. He is justly entitled to the rest which he is now enjoying, for his earnest and persistent labor in former years brought to him the capital that now supplies him with all the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.

ANDREW SMITH

Andrew Smith, well known in financial circles in Emmet county as the cashier of the Estherville State Bank, entered upon his present relation in 1914 and in so doing the town gained a substantial, enterprising and progressive citizen. He was born in the north of Holland on the 6th of December, 1872, a son of Walter and Janet Smith. The father departed this life in Holland, where his remains were interred, and the mother is still living in that country. In their family were five children, Andrew, Nick, Kate, John and Walter. Three of the number are now in the United States, John being a resident of Spencer, Iowa, while Walter makes his home in Lennox, South Dakota.

Andrew Smith was a youth of seventeen years when he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the United States. He had acquired a common school education in Holland and after making his way to the new world he settled at Rock Valley, Iowa, and soon afterward secured employment as a farm hand in that vicinity. He worked at farin labor for two years and afterward spent four years as a journeyman blacksmith in South Dakota. At the call of President McKinley in May, 1898, on the outbreak of the war with Spain, he enlisted in a South Dakota regiment, becoming first sergeant of Company D, with which he served for more than a year in the Philippines, being on active duty for one hundred and thirty-two days. Two months were spent on the ocean. When the treaty of peace between the two countries was signed he received an honorable discharge, but returned to San Francisco to reenlist for service in putting down the insurrection of the Filipinos. He was honorably discharged in September, 1899.

When the country no longer needed his military aid Mr. Smith returned to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and afterward went to Emery, that state, where he filled the position of cashier in the Farmer s Bank until October, 1914. In that year he came to Estherville and has since been closely associated with the Estherville State Bank, of which G. Zeeman is the president and A. D. Root vice president. Mr. Smith has continuously served as cashier with Sever T. Egerton and A. D. Schnapp as assistant cashiers. A general banking business is successfully conducted and the patronage of the institution is steadily growing. The bank is capitalized for fifty thousand dollars and has a surplus of ten thousand dollars. Its policy has tp a considerable degree been formulated and promoted by Mr. Smith, whose previous banking experience well qualifies him for the responsibilities that devolve upon him in this connection.

On April 16, 1904, occurred the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Katherine E. Zeeman, a daughter of G. Zeeman, who is the president of the Estherville State Bank, and they now have one child, Russell C., who was born June 14, 1905. Mr. Smith and his wife attend the Episcopal church and their sterling worth ensures to them the hospitality of the best homes of Estherville. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and in his fraternal relations he is a Mason, loyal to the beneficent spirit of the craft and exemplifying at all times in his life its teachings concerning the brotherhood of mankind and the obligations thereby imposed.

PETER C. SMITH

Peter C. Smith, who is devoting his time and attention to the operation of his well-improved farm of eighty acres on sections 22 and 23, Armstrong Grove township, was born in Germany, of Danish stock, on the 9th of June, 1862. His parents, Ahrindt and Eleanora (Grav) Smith, were natives of Denmark. The mother died in Germany in 1880 and the father came to this country in 1890. During his active years he was a blacksmith but after his emigration to this country lived retired, making his home with his son, J. P., in Clinton, Iowa, and passing away in August, 1895.

Peter C. Smith was reared in his native country and there attended the public schools. He learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed until 1882, when he came to the United States and located in Clinton county, Iowa, where he was employed in the saw-mills for some time. Later he worked as a farm hand and then became connected with a wholesale hardware store in Clinton. After seven years spent with that concern he came to Emmet county, Iowa, in 1899 and in connection with his brother purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 10, Jack Creek township. They made a number of improvements upon the place, which they operated for nine years, but at the end of that time Peter C. Smith came to Armstrong Grove township and purchased eighty acres on sections 22 and 23. The buildings, which are located on section 23, are substantial and well adapted to their purposes and everything about the place is kept in excellent condition. He engages in general farming and derives a gratifying income from his well directed labors.

On the 2d of January, 1900, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Maria S. Lund, a daughter of Jens N. and Carolina C. (Thomsen) Lund, natives of Denmark, who in 1864 came to America and located in Clinton county, Iowa. There the father bought a farm which he operated for many years but he is now retired and resides at Camanche, Clinton county. He has reached the age of seventy-seven years and his wife is seventy-two years old. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born three children: one, who was born in February, 1901, and died in infancy ; Eleanora C, who died March 21, 1903, at the age of six months; and Florence, who was born June 21, 1904, and is attending school.

Mr. Smith gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. He has been quick to recognize and utilize the opportunities offered him here in this relatively new country and as a result has won a gratifying measure of success.

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ALFRED C. SNYDER

Alfred C. Snyder, actively engaged in general farming on section 35, Emmet township, is one of the honored veterans of the Civil war and since 1892 has made his home in Emmet county. He was born in Washington county, Maryland, on the 26th of March, 1843, and is a son of Christian and Jane (Wright) Snyder. In 1855 the family removed to Indiana and in 1862 became residents of Ford county, Illinois, where the parents spent their remaining days. They had ten children, of whom three are yet living.

Alfred C. Snyder was a little lad of twelve years at the time the family left his native state and went to Indiana, and he was a young man of nineteen at the time of the removal to Illinois. He there remained at home until he attained his majority, when he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting as a member of Company B. Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in 1864. He served with that command for one year in defense of the Union and was mustered out at New Orleans with the close of the war. When the country no longer needed his military aid he returned to Illinois and was there engaged in farming for many years or until 1892, when he came to Iowa, establishing his home on section 35, Emmet towmship, in Emmet county. He first purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and afterward extended his possessions by the purchase of a quarter section on section 16 of the same township. He now has valuable farming interests and from his fields annually gathers rich and substantial harvests which place him in comfortable financial circumstances.

Mr. Snyder was married about 1870 to Miss Vermelia Steinbaugh, a native of Indiana, by whom he had three children, namely: Effa J., who gave her hand in marriage to M. R. Weir and has six children; Henry N.; and Fletcher C. The wife and mother passed away October 12, 1905, and was laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery.

Mr. Snyder is a republican in his political views, having supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has served as township assessor, as collector and for a number of years as school director and is ever deeply interested in the welfare and progress of the community in which he makes his home. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Vandenberg Post, No. 365, G. A. R. He is a self-made man and owes his success entirely to his indefatigable effort, his persistency of purpose and his honorable business methods. During the years of his residence in Emmet county he has become widely known and enjoys the friendship of many with whom he has been brought in contact.

SOLOMON SOLOMONSON

Thrift and enterprise have characterized the business career of Solomon Solomonson, who is now farming on section 6, Swan Lake towmship, Emmet county. He was born in Lee county, Illinois, September 4, 1864, and is a son of Lars and Ragnilda (Winterton) Solomonson, who were natives of Norway and in 1858 came to the United States, establishing their home in Lee county, Illinois, where the father passed away in 1876. His widow still survives and yet makes her home in that county.

At the usual age Solomon Solomonson became a pupil in the public schools of his native county and no event of special importance occurred to vary for him the routine of farm life during the days of his boyhood and youth. On the 8th of July, 1886, however, occurred an important event - his marriage to Miss Emma Johnson, who was born in La Salle county, Illinois, and whose parents came from Norway in the '.50s.

It was in March, 1888, that Mr. Solomonson left Illinois and removed to Iowa, establishing his home in Swan Lake township, Emmet county. Six years later he bought his first farm land, making investment in his present place of two hundred and seven acres, on which he has now resided for twenty-three years. His labors have wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of the place, converting it into highly productive fields from which he annually gathers good harvests. The place is well fenced and well improved with modern buildings and an air of neatness and thrift pervades the farm and indicates Mr. Solomonson as one of the progressive agriculturists of his county.

Mr. and Mrs. Solomonson are the parents of five children, as follows: Retta L., who is the wife of Jacob Taylor, of Gruver, Emmet county; Harvey A., who follows farming in Center township, Emmet county; Laurence M., a carpenter living at home; and Orvie A. and Albert, who are also yet under the parental roof. In his political views Mr. Solomonson is a republican and has served as a member of the school board, but otherwise has not sought nor cared to fill public office. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and he holds membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church. His life is actuated by high and honorable principles and worthy motives. There have been no sensational chapters in his career, but fidelity to duty and unfaltering industry in business have won him success and an honored name.

DANIEL SORENSEN

Daniel Sorensen, who is operating the family homestead in Denmark township, has chosen to devote his time and energy to dairying and has given careful study to the various phases of that business. He was born in Franklin county, Iowa, November 27, 1881, a son of John A. and Mary (Davidsen) Sorensen, who are living retired in Ringsted and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He received his education in the district schools and later attended Des Moines College, being a .student there during the year 1902-3. After completing his education he worked as a carpenter for four years, or until he was twenty-five years old, and during the succeeding seven years operated a farm belonging to his father in Kossuth county. In 1913, when his parents retired, he purchased the home place in Denmark township, Emmet county, and has since resided there. His farm comprises the south half of the northwest quarter of section 13 and the north forty acres of the northwest quarter of section 24 and is as good land as can be found in the township. The improvements upon the place are modern and everything is kept in the best of repair. He is specializing in dairying, has a fine herd of cows and receives a gratifying annual income from the sale of his milk.

Mr. Sorensen was married in 1909 to Miss Ida Carrie Henricksen, a daughter of John and Hannah Henricksen, of Denmark township. Two children have been born to this union, namely: Arnold, whose birth occurred December 9, 1910; and Edna, born December 16, 1914.

The republican party has a staunch supporter in Mr. Sorensen but he has never had the time nor the inclination to take an active part in politics. Fraternally he is connected with the Yeomen at Ringsted and his church membership is held in St. Paul's. The same qualities which have enabled him to win a place among the substantial men of his locality ensure his continued success.

J. ANTON SORENSEN

J. Anton Sorensen so managed his affairs while actively engaged in farming that he secured a gratifying profit from the sale of his grain and stock and his resources are now such that he is able to live retired in Ringsted. He was born in Denmark, September 30, 1856, and is a son of Soren and Hannah Sorensen. The father was a farmer by occupation and passed his entire life in Denmark, dying when his son J. Anton was a year old. His death was due to disease contracted as the result of exposure while serving in the Prussian war. The mother survived for fifteen years.

J. Anton Sorensen, who was one of a family of three children, attended the public schools until he was confirmed and subsequently was employed on farms until he was eighteen years old, when he came to the United States and located in Dakalb county, Illinois. He remained there for five years, during the greater part of which time he wor ked as a hired hand, and later he purchased eighty acres of good land in Franklin county, Iowa, to which he subsequently added one hundred and sixty acres. For twenty years he farmed in that county, but in 1902 bought the northwest quarter of section 24, Denmark township, Emmet county, upon which place he resided for eleven years. He also acquired by later purchase the south half of the southwest quarter of section 13 and the north half of the southeast quarter of section 24 and the operation of those tracts left him little time for outside interests. In 1913 he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Ringsted, where he erected a fine modern home.

In 1878 occurred the marriage of Mr. Sorensen and Miss Mary Davidsen, a daughter of Daniel and Maren Davidsen, natives of Denmark. The mother passed away in that country, but the father came to the United States and for the last twenty years of his life made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Sorensen. He died in 1901 and is buried in Franklin county. To Mr. and Mrs. Sorensen have been born eight childien: Daniel, who is married and is operating the home place; John, of Ringsted; Anna, the wife of T. B. Petersen, of Ringsted; Torvald, who is farming in Kossuth county; Peter, who is with his brother Torvald; Alfred, who died when eighteen years old and is buried in St. John's cemetery; and Lena and Helga, both at home.

Although Mr. Sorensen believes in the basic principles of the republican party he votes independently when he believes that he can best serve public interests by so doing. He is now the incumbent in the office of township trustee and has made an excellent record in that capacity, performing his duties promptly and efficiently. He belongs to St. John's Lutheran church and takes a commendable interest in the furtherance of its work.

DON H. SPAULDING

Don H. Spaulding, who is connected with farming interests in Emmet county as the owner of a good tract of land on section 26, Center township, was born on the 11th of February, 1875, in Carroll county, Illinois, of the marriage of Harris and Frances (Knox) Spaulding. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Wisconsin, and in early life they removed westward to Illinois, living for a time in Carroll county, while subsequently they became residents of Grundy county, Iowa, where they continued to make their home until called to their final rest. They had a family of two children, both of whom are
yet living.

Don H. Spaulding was largely reared and educated in Grundy county and through the period of his minority he assisted in the work of the fields, thus becoming well qualified by practical experience to undertake work of that character on his own account after he had reached man's estate. He continued to engage in farming in Grundy county until 1909, when he came to Emmet county and subsequently he purchased the farm upon which he now resides on section 26, Center township. This is a tract of two hundred and forty acres, now well improved. He tills the soil according to most modern methods, practicing the rotation of crops and recognizing the need of the soil in every way. In addition to general farming he engages in stock raising and is meeting with success in that field.

In 1900 Mr. Spaulding was married to Miss Marie Smith, a native of Grundy county, Iowa, and a daughter of Thomas and Eliza (Dubert) Smith. Her mother is now deceased, but the father yet survives. Mr. and Mrs. Spaulding have twins, Wayne and Wava, who were born June 26, 1910. Mr. Spaulding is a democrat in his political views but has no time nor inclination for office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his farming interests, which are of growing importance, making him one of the representative and successful agriculturists of the community.

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HORACE I. SPEAR

Horace I. Spear, engaged in general farming in High Lake township, Emmet county, his place being situated on section 9, is numbered among the native sons of the state, his birth having occurred in Dallas county, Iowa, March 17, 1877. His parents, John and Mary M. (Blackman) Spear, were natives of Ohio and Indiana, respectively, and are well-known farming people of Dallas county, where they yet reside. In their family were seven children, Lillian May, Edward O., Roscoe R., Horace I., Darius,
Ethel and Floyd, four of whom are residents of Dallas county. Roscoe R. is living in Los Angeles, California, and Darius makes his home in Oregon.

The youthful experiences of Horace I. Spear were those of the farmbred boy. He assisted in the work of the fields until he attained his majority and in the meantime had acquired a common school education. For a time he engaged in cultivating land which he rented from his father and others and in 1911 he removed from Dallas to Emmet county and made investment in one hundred and sixty acres of land, constituting the southeast quarter of section 9, High Lake township. Through the intervening period of six years he has continuously and successfully cultivated his fields, bringing the farm to a high state of development and adding to it various modern improvements which indicate his practical and progressive spirit.

On the 7th of November, 1906, Mr. Spear was married to Miss Katherine Wacht, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nick Wacht, natives, respectively, of Germany and of New York. The father is a prominent farmer residing in Dallas county but the mother died when her daughter Katherine was but five years of age and was laid to rest in Booneville cemetery. There were six children, all of whom are living in Dallas county, Frances, Nicholas, John, Henry, Mrs. Spear and Harmon. Mr. and Mrs. Spear have become the parents of six children, namely, Nicholas, Paul, Thelma Ruth, Katherine, Dorothy and William.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and they are communicants of the church at Graettinger. Mr. Spear votes with the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has never been an aspirant for office, preferring always to give his undivided attention to his agricultural pursuits, which are now bringing to him deserved success.

FRANK J. STEINER

Frank J. Steiner, who for a number of years has successfully engaged in the hotel business in Armstrong, Emmet county, is a representative of the fine class of citizens that Germany has given to Iowa. He was born in that country October 25, 1859, and there his parents spent their entire lives. He received his education in the schools of the fatherland and in his youth learned the shoemaker's trade, which he followed there until twenty-three years old. He then, in 1882, came to America and was employed as a farm hand near Emmetsburg, Iowa, until his marriage, after which he removed to Dubuque, Iowa. Still later he located at St. Paul, Minnesota, and there he followed his trade until 1894. He then came to Armstrong, Emmet county, Iowa, and during the twenty-three years which have since intervened he has concentrated his energies upon the conduct of the hotel. Since October, 1908, his wife and their son, Frank J. Steiner, Jr., have engaged in the restaurant business. They also operate a bakery and the success with which their efforts have been attended is remarkable. They do an enormous business in their restaurant, their trade being the largest in the county, and also find a ready sale for their bakery goods. In the management of their interests they have displayed foresight and business acumen and they hold to the highest standards in regard to the quality and purity of the food served. They also own two business properties in the town.

On the 23d of June, 1885, Mr. Steiner was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Namer, a daughter of John and Anna Namer, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America in the '50s and located in Ohio, where the father farmed. Later removal was made to Palo Alto county, Iowa, and there he passed away in February, 1889. His wife, however, is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Steiner are the parents of five children, Mamie, Jennie, Frank J., William and V.

Mr. Steiner is a democrat in his political belief and in religious faith is a Catholic. The family are well known not only in Armstrong but throughout the county and are held in the highest respect because of the many admirable qualities which characterize them.

FRED STERNBORG

A representative of general farming interests in Ellsworth township, Emmet county, is Fred Sternborg, who is living on section 9, where he has an excellent tract of land of two hundred and thirty acres. A native of Germany, he was born November 19, 1863, of the marriage of Albert and Christina Sternborg, who were also natives of that country, where the father followed the occupation of farming in order to provide for his family, which numbered seven children. When the son Fred was seventeen years of age the family came to the United States, the father settling in Grundy county, Iowa, where for seven years he engaged in the cultivation of rented land. There he passed away and his remains were interred in the cemetery at Grundy Center. He had lost his wife ere he brought his children to the new world.

Fred Sternborg pursued his education in the schools of Germany and, as previously stated, accompanied his father to the United States, after which he worked on the home farm until he had attained his majority. Anxious to engage in business for himself, he then rented land in Grundy county, where he continued to engage in farming for nine years. In 1901 he removed to Emmet county, settling upon the place where he now resides. The money which he had saved from his earnings was invested in his present farm, comprising a fraction more than two hundred and thirty acres of rich and productive land, situated on section 9, Ellsworth township. Hard work has been his rule of life and his unfaltering industry and perseverance have constituted the basis of his success, for he started out in the business world empty handed.

In 1887 Mr. Sternborg was united in marriage to Miss Eka Sternborg, who is his cousin. They have become the parents of seven children: Richard, who is married and resides upon his father's farm in Ellsworth township; and Albert, Fred, Katherine, Edna, Pearl and Ellen, all at home.

Mr. Sternborg belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp at Huntington and he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. For thirty-seven years he has been a resident of northwestern Iowa and for sixteen years has lived in Emmet county, where he has become known as a representative citizen and thoroughly reliable business man.

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GEORGE STEWART

Among the highly respected residents of Armstrong is George Stewart, who devoted the greater part of his active life to farming and was for a few years a general merchant of Armstrong. He has now put aside all business cares, however, and is giving himself over to the enjoyment of a well earned leisure. He was born in Ontario, Canada, October 8, 1853, and is a son of George and Jane (Richmond) Stewart, natives of Scotland, who became residents of Ontario, Canada, in 1849. The father followed farming there for twenty years but in 1869 removed to Kossuth county, Iowa, where he purchased land. He passed away on the 4th of July, 1899, more than thirty-five years after the death of his wife, who was called to her last rest on the 23d of December, 1863.

George Stewart began his education in the schools of Ontario and completed it in those of Kossuth county, Iowa. He remained with his father until he attained his majority and then taught school in Kossuth county, Iowa, for two terms, after which he came to Emmet county and homesteaded land in Armstrong Grove township in 1877. As soon as possible he brought his land under cultivation and as the years passed added to the improvements upon the place. He cultivated his land until 1912 with the exception of five years when it was rented to others, during which time, from 1898 until 1904, he was engaged in the milling business at Armstrong. At the end of that period he returned to the farm but in 1913 took up his permanent abode in Armstrong. For two years he conducted a general store here but in September, 1915, disposed of that property and has since lived retired. While upon the farm he gave particular attention to raising thoroughbred Poland China hogs and from that business received a gratifying profit. He has disposed of his farm in Armstrong township but still owns land south of Estherville in Emmet county and holds title to his residence in Armstrong. He likewise owns stock in the Farmers Elevator Company.

On the 20th of July, 1878, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Georgiana P. Steel, by whom he had seven children: Mary J.; Louise; James; John, who was killed by a train September 11, 1911; Ada; Minnie V.; and Guy. The wife and mother died on the 24th of March, 1898, and on the 6th of June, 1900, Mr. Stewart was again married, choosing as his second wife Miss Ella J. Dodds, who died on the 10th of October, 1905. On the 12th of October, 1910, he married Miss Fannie S. Kennedy.

Mr. Stewart is an advocate of repubHcan principles and supports the candidates of that party at the polls. He has been active in local affairs, having served as assessor and trustee of Armstrong Grove township and having also been a member of the town council of Armstrong. While living on the farm he served on the school board for some time and he operated a store and had charge of the postoffice at Armstrong Grove before the town of Armstrong was even thought of. In all of his official connections he has displayed the same energy and foresight which have been such important factors in his individual success. He belongs to the Knight Templar Commandery of the Masonic order and to the Mystic Shrine and his religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He has been a leader in his community along various lines and has the satisfaction of knowing that his life has been well spent.

L. P. STILLMAN

Among the prosperous and highly esteemed residents of Dolliver is L. P. Stillman, cashier of the Dolliver Savings Bank. He was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, January 1, 1872, and is a son of L. P. and Mary G. (Phipps) Stillman, natives respectively of New York state and of Canada. Both came to Iowa, however, in youth and their marriage occurred in this state. The father passed away in 1886 but the mother is still living at the age of fifty-nine years. Six of their seven children survive.

L. P. Stillman received his education in the common schools of Palo Alto county, Iowa, and remained with his mother until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began farming on his own account, which occupation he followed for six years. He decided that he would prefer another line of activity and secured the position of bookkeeper in the First National Bank at Emmetsburg, Iowa. Two years later, or in 1899, he came to Dolliver as cashier of the Dolliver Savings Bank, which had just been established, and he is still filling that position. He has been very successful in his direction of the policy of the bank and its enviable standing in the community is evidence of his ability and trustworthiness. He realizes the value of real estate as an investment and owns three hundred and twenty acres of land in Emmet county and has an interest in several other farms.

In 1899 occurred the marriage of Mr. Stillman and Miss Mina F. Wells, a native of Hardin county, Iowa. Her parents, A. A. and Mary A. Wells, were born respectively in New York state and in Illinois but in 1855 became residents of Iowa. The father is deceased but the mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Stillman have become the parents of five children, namely: Linus P., Bernice N., Gerald W., James and Nadine C.

Mr. Stillman casts his ballot in support of the republican party. He belongs to Emmet Lodge, No. 533, A. F. & A. M., at Armstrong and has taken the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also identified with the Yeomen and the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee, and the work of that organization profits by their moral and financial support. Although his duties as cashier receive his first attention he finds time to aid those movements which are working for the development of his community along various lines. For nine years Mr. Stillman was a member of the National Guard of Iowa and on leaving the service was holding the rank of lieutenant. During the Spanish-American war he entered the United States service as a member of Company K, Fifty-second Iowa Volunteei- Infantry, and for some time was stationed at Chickamauga, Georgia, returning home in the fall of 1898.

REV. N. C. STRANDSKOV.

For more than seven years Rev. N. C. Strandskov has been pastor of St. John's Danish Lutheran church in Denmark township, Emmet county, and during that time has done much for the material and spiritual growth of the church. He was born on the island of Moen, off the coast of Denmark, March 31, 1863, a son of L. C. and Maria (Kasperdatter) Strandskov. In 1872 the family removed to the United States and the father purchased land in Freeborn county, Minnesota, where he followed agricultural pursuits until his demise, which occurred in 1890. The mother survives and resides with a daughter, Mrs. J. P. Jacobsen, at Dagmar, Montana. There were thirteen children in the family but only six are living, namely: H. C, pastor of the Danish Lutheran church near Brayton, Iowa; M. P. R., who is farming near Dagmar, Montana; N. C.; L. M., a farmer residing near Milltown, Wisconsin; Maren, now Mrs. J. P. Jacobsen, of Dagmar, Montana; and Line, who is the wife of N. C. Olsen and resides near Flaxton, North Dakota.

Rev. N. C. Strandskov obtained his education in the United States as he was but nine years of age when he was brought to this countiy. He attended the Danish Seminary in West Denmark, Wisconsin, and the high school in Shelby county, Iowa, and was graduated from a theological seminary at West Denmark, Wisconsin. In 1892 he was ordained to the ministry at Viborg, South Dakota, and his first pastoral assignment was to Diamond Lake, Minnesota. After remaining there for two years he was for seven years stationed at Lookingglass, Nebraska, was next for two years at Cordova, Nebraska, and was later at Denmark, South Dakota, and Latimer, Iowa. Since October 25, 1909, he has been the pastor of St. John's Danish Lutheran church in Denmark township, Emmet county. His sincerity and zeal for the cause to which he has devoted his life have gained him the high respect of all who have come in contact with him irrespective of their creed and he has a secure place in the affection of his parishioners.

Rev. Strandskov was married in 1892 to Miss Maria Sorensen, a daughter of Jens and Matte (Kirstine) Sorensen, natives of Denmark, who in 1881 emigrated to Viborg, South Dakota. However, they spent their last days in Tyler, Minnesota, and are buried in the Danish cemetery there. Eleven children have been born to Rev. and Mrs. Strandkov, namely, Holger, Ingeborg, Thyra, Heiluf, Marie, Astrid, Thorvald, Helva, Frede, Alma and Karl, all at home.

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WILLIAM STUART

One of the most prominent and influential citizens of Armstrong is William Stuart, who has taken a very active part in the development of the town and has also borne a prominent part in public affairs. He was born in Ireland, January 10, 1851, and is a son of Alexander and Margaret (Ellis) Stuart, both natives of Ireland, though the father was of Scotch descent and the mother of English. In that country the former died and in 1857 Mrs. Stuart crossed the Atlantic with her family and located in Canada. Later she removed to Michigan, where her death occurred in 1876. In the family were eight children, six sons and two daughters, of whom four still survive.

William Stuart was practically reared and educated in Canada where he attended both the common and high schools. In 1864 he went to Fulton, Illinois, where he learned the blacksmith's trade and continued to work at the same for some years. In 1879 he removed to Grundy county, Iowa, where he was also engaged in blacksmithing and wagon making for a time but later engaged in the implement business. Since 1892 he has been a resident of Armstrong and on locating here embarked in the banking business, becoming identified with what is now known as the First National Bank, of which he is still vice president and one of the directors. This institution was organized as a national bank in 1901 and is regarded as one of the leading banks of this section of the state. Mr. Stuart is also president of the Armstrong Cement & Tile Company, which was organized about 1910, and is the owner of four hundred and thirty-two acres of land, and also a third interest in one thousand, six hundred and thirteen acres, all in Emmet county, and all improved and under excellent cultivation. Besides the property already mentioned he owns a fine residence in Armstrong.

In 1882 Mr. Stuart was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Dunn, a native of Rock county, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Jacob and Maria (Dockstadter) Dunn, who were born in New York state but at an early day removed to Wisconsin and later to Iowa. Both are now deceased and of their eight children two have also passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart have four children, namely: Grace M., now the wife of Dr. J. B. Knipe; Alta, the wife of O. Z. Burkhead, of Idaho; Hazel, the wife of Howard Smith; and Mildred, who is now attending high school in Armstrong.

Mr. Stuart is a member of Armstrong Lodge, No. 335, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled all the chairs, and he also belongs to the Eastern Star Chapter. The republican party finds in him a staunch supporter of its principles, and he has been elected to represent the ninety-sixth district in the state legislature. He is now serving his second term as president of the school board and has also filled the office of supervisor for three years. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is one of the trustees. He has borne a prominent part in the development of his locality and his influence is always found on the side of right and order. In business circles he occupies an important position, and in all the relations of life he has been found true to every trust reposed in him.

PATRICK J. SULLIVAN

Patrick J. Sullivan, a well known engineer on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, residing in Estherville, was born in County Cork, Ireland, February 14, 1858, and is a son of John and Julia (Shea) Sullivan, in whose family were nine children. The parents never came to the United States, but continued to reside upon the Emerald isle throughout life.

During his boyhood Patrick J. Sullivan attended the common schools of his native land, but at the age of fifteen years he left the parental roof and started out to make his own way in the world. Going to Glamorganshire, South Wales, he worked in a blast furnace factory for two years and then came to the new world at the age of seventeen years. He obtained a position as fireman on the Old Colony Steamship Line, running between New York and Boston, and remained with that company for four years. At the end of that time Mr. Sullivan came to Iowa City, Iowa, to visit relatives, and for a short time worked as a farm hand in that locality. He next went to Cedar Rapids and entered the service of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad as brakeman, but was subsequently made fireman and still later promoted to engineer, in which capacity he has since served, though the road has since become a part of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad system. He became a resident of Estherville, the division point, when the road was built through there, and has since lived at that place, now owning a fine home on the west side.

In 1883 Mr. Sullivan married Miss Bessie Harrington, at Belmond, Iowa, where she was then living with relatives. She is also a native of County Cork, Ireland, of which country her parents, Cornelius and Bessie Harrington, were lifelong residents. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan have six children: John, who is married and is an attorney of Mandan, North Dakota; Mary, now Mrs. G. T. McKibben, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Bessie, the wife of Fred Parsons, who is connected with the Iowa Savings Bank of Estherville; William, an attorney with his brother in Mandan, North Dakota; Joseph, a law student in the University of Minnesota; and Margaret, who is attending the high school of Estherville.

Besides his home in Estherville, Mr. Sullivan owns considerable land in Emmet county, consisting of the northwest quarter of section 27, Estherville township; the southeast quarter of section 21; and the west half of the southeast quarter of section 22. All of this property has been acquired through his own unaided efforts, for he came to this country empty handed, and through his industry and good management has acquired a competence. He and his family are communicants of the Catholic church, and he is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.

HENRY L. SUNDE

On the list of Emmet county's substantial citizens who have passed away appears the name of Henry L. Sunde, who for a considerable period was a worthy and valued resident of this section of the state. He was born in Norway, June 20, 1867, and is a son of Lars and Engebor Sunde, both of whom were natives of the land of the midnight sun, where their entire lives were passed. There they reared a family of five children, but only two are now living.

Henry L. Sunde was reared and educated in Norway and in 1892 came to America, then a young man of twenty-five years. He had heard many favorable reports concerning business conditions and opportunities in the new world and he believed that he might better his financial condition on this side the Atlantic. Accordingly the long sea voyage was made and Emmet county gained a substantial citizen. Following his arrival here he purchased land on section 15, Ellsworth township, and at once began the active work of further developing and improving his farm, upon which he lived until called to his final rest.

In 1899 Mr. Sunde was married to Miss Julia Cure Lowik, a native of Norway and a daughter of Odd and Christina Lowik, who were also born in the land of the midnight sun, where the father still makes his home, although the mother has now passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Sunde became the parents of eight children: Laurence, Oscar, Karl, Christina, Clara, Henry, Emma and Selma. The family circle was broken by the hand of death when in May, 1913, the husband and father was called to the home beyond, leaving behind him a large circle of warm friends to mourn his loss as well as his immediate family. During the period of his residence in Emmet county he had displayed many substantial qualities that gained for him the kindly regard and genuine respect of those who knew him. He belonged to the Lutheran church, in which Mrs. Sunde still holds membership. She yet owns and occupies the old home farm which was left to her by her husband and, like him, she is widely and favorablv known in this section of the state.

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THOMAS SUNDE

Among the successful and progressive farmers of Ellsworth township is Thomas Sunde, a native of Norway. His birth occurred on the 6th of December, 1859, and he is a son of Lars and Engeborg Sunde, who passed their entire lives in the land of the midnight sun. They had a family of eight children, but only two are now living.

Thomas Sunde obtained his education in the schools of Norway and remained in that country until 1884, when he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, having heard much concerning the opportunities here offered the young man of industry and enterprise. For some time he was employed as a farm hand in Grundy county, Illinois, but since 1887 has resided in Emmet county, Iowa. He owns three hundred and twenty acres of rich and well improved land on section 15, Ellsworth township and his annual income is such as to insure him the comforts of life. He raises stock on an extensive scale and is thoroughly familiar with all phases of that business.

Mr. Sunde was married in 1906 to Mrs. Gertrude (Mathison) Olson, who as a child accompanied her parents, Knut and Sarah Mathison, from Norway to America. Both her father and mother are still living in Grundy county, Illinois. By her first marriage Mrs. Sunde has three children: Torkel, residing in Ellsworth township; Amos T., of Estherville; and Sadie C, at home. To Mr. and Mrs. Sunde have been born two children, Elvin L. and Hazel I.

Mr. Sunde is a republican and has served acceptably as trustee of his township. He is also a trustee of the Lutheran church, to which his wife likewise belongs, and all forces seeking the moral advancement of their community receive their hearty support. The determination, sound judgment and energy which have enabled him to win success have also gained him the respect of those who know him, and added to these admirable qualities are unswerving honesty and a scrupulous regard for the rights of others.

A. D. TAYLOR

A. D. Taylor, engaged in general farming on section 28, Jack Creek township, Emmet county, was born near Columbus, Ohio, on the 26th of July, 1867, a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Taylor, who were also natives of the Buckeye state, where they spent their entire lives, the father devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits.

A. D. Taylor is indebted to the common school system of Ohio for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and on putting aside his textbooks at the age of nineteen he started out to earn his own living and made his way to Iowa, settling first in Marshall county, where he was employed as a farm hand. He worked there for two years and in 1888 bought his first land, becoming the owner of eighty acres in Jasper county. Three years later he sold that property and invested in one hundred and sixty acres in Marshall county. In subsequent years he bought and sold various farms and he has probably made more money on his farm investments than he has in the tilling of the soil. He displays sound judgment concerning the value of property and his purchases are therefore judiciously made, while his sales bring to him a substantial profit. In 1909 he removed from Tama county to Emmet county, where he has since lived, and here he acquired four hundred acres of valuable land but in 1916 sold eighty acres, making his present possessions three hundred and twenty acres in Emmet county, constituting one of its valuable and highly improved farms. He also owns four hundred and eight acres in Morton county, North Dakota. For several years he has been extensively engaged in feeding stock, especially sheep, but in 1916 concentrated his efforts more largely upon the feeding of cattle. His business affairs are most carefully and wisely managed and his success is the legitimate outcome of his persistent, earnest efforts.

In 1888 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Leretta Jones, a daughter of Hugh Jones, one of the earliest pioneers of Marshall county, where he located in the '50s on coming to the new world from Wales. He is still residing there in his ninety-first year. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have been born six children, Hugh, Earl and Effie, twins, Glenn, Nellie and Mae, all at home.

In his political views Mr. Taylor is a republican but while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and is interested in all that pertains to public progress, he has never been an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs and the result of his close application, indefatigable effort and keen insight is seen in the splendid success which is today his.

JOHN H. THOMPSON

John H. Thompson, a successful farmer residing on section 1, Denmark township, Emmet county, is a representative of the first family to settle in the township and was one of the first white children born there, his birth occurring in a log cabin upon his father's homestead in Emmet county on the 15th of January, 1874.

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Thompson
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His parents, James L. and Mary (Riebhoff) Thompson, were natives respectively of Fife county, Scotland, and Jesup, Iowa. When a young man of twenty-four years the father came to the United States and for some time he worked as a coal miner near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but in 1865 removed to Emmet county, Iowa, and took up a homestead in Denmark township, of which he was the first settler, arriving seventeen years before the Danish immigration. He came to this county from Pennsylvania and his capital amounted to only about one hundred dollars and he not only had to provide for his own support but for that of his family. His first wife died not long after their removal to the west and subsequently he married Miss Riebhoff. It was all that he could do to make a living and during the hard times he walked to Fort Dodge, Iowa, at the beginning of each winter and there worked in the coal mines to earn enough money to provide the barest necessities of life for his family. Under the homestead law he took up the south half of the northeast quarter and the north half of the southeast quarter of section 1, Denmark township, and subsequently bought the northwest quarter of section 1 and thirty-four acres on section 36, Armstrong Grove township. He followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred on the 30th of April, 1904, six weeks after the demise of his wife, who died March 16th. They are buried in Armstrong cemetery. To their union were born four children: Jennie, now Mrs. W. G. Vandenburg, of Sioux City, Iowa; John H.; Margaret, who is teaching in Lewiston, Idaho; and Elizabeth, who owns a controlling interest in a bank at lone, Washington.

John H. Thompson attended the Armstrong Grove school until he was ten years old and subsequently went to the Morton Petersen school on section 2, Denmark township, which was established following the settlement of the Danish colony there. From the time that he was seventeen years of age until he attained his majority he gave his entire attention to working for his father upon the home farm. In 1897 he was given eighty acres of the homestead, which he cultivated on his own account, and at the same time he assisted his father in the operation of the remainder of the home place. At the end of three years he rented his father's farm, which he continued to cultivate under lease until the death of his parents in 1904. He has erected fine buildings upon his land and spares no effort to make his farm one of the most highly improved in the township. His up-to-date and practical methods are rewarded by large crops and all phases of the farm work are well managed, so that his annual income is a gratifying one.

Mr. Thompson was married June 10, 1896, to Miss May M. Miller, a daughter of D. S. and Harriett L. (Hall) Miller, natives of New York. They removed from the east to Wisconsin and thence to Algona, Iowa, where the mother died Novmeber 28, 1908, and where the father is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have been born three children: Lillian, whose birth occurred January 16, 1900; Harold M., born October 21, 1901; and Donald J., born March 17, 1905.

Mr. Thompson gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has never been an office seeker, being content to confine his political activity to the exercise of his right of franchise. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and can be counted upon to further movement seeking the moral welfare of his community. His first interest has always been farming and the betterment of the conditions of country life and he is a director of the Emmet County Farm Improvement Association. He has witnessed the development of the county from the earliest period of white settlement to the present day and finds great pleasure in the knowledge that he and his father before him aided in the transformation of an unbroken prairie region to the present prosperous and up-to-date farming section. In the first years of the residence of the family in this county there seemed little else than hardships in the life here as the crops were barely sufficient to buy provisions, which were brought by stage from Fort Dodge. It was impossible to get credit; there was no market within many miles and the prices of all farm products were ridiculously low. The contrast between conditions in those days and the present is so great it hardly seems possible that the change could have been wrought within the lifetime of one man, but such has been the marvelous history of the West.

KNUD THOMSEN

Knud Thomsen, one of the excellent citizens of Denmark township, Emmet county, who are natives of Denmark, is devoting his time to farming and has never had occasion to regret his choice of a life work. He was born on the 30th of January, 1867, and is a son of Thomas and Marie (Jensen) Thomsen, who removed from Denmark to Schleswig, Germany, when their son Knud was but a year old. The father was a laborer and passed his entire life in Europe. The mother also died there. To them were born five children, but Mr. Thomsen of this review was the only one to emigrate to the United States.

The public schools of Schleswig afforded Knud Thomsen his educational opportunities and following his confirmation he worked on farms until he was twenty-three, with the exception of a year devoted to military training. The first five years of his residence in the United States were spent in the state of New York, where he worked on farms. In 1894 he went to Grundy county, Iowa, and there he rented land for eleven years, but in 1905 removed to Swan Lake township, Emmet county, where for four years he operated land belonging to others. He next rented three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 8, Denmark township, and in 1914 bought one hundred and twenty acres located on section 34, that township, on which he expects to take up his abode in the spring of 1917. He began his independent career empty handed but enterprise and progressiveness, which are among his most salient characteristics, have enabled him to realize his purpose of becoming a landowner. He understands thoroughly the methods of agriculture best adapted to this region and his continued success seems assured.

In 1889 Mr. Thomsen was united in marriage to Miss Gina Nielsen, a daughter of Johannes and Ingeborg (Balmer) Nielsen, natives of Denmark, where the father is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Thomsen have seven children, namely: Thomas; Ingeborg, the wife of Herman Madsen, of Denmark township; Marie, who married Hans Carstensen, also of Denmark township; and John, Andrew, Frederick and Eleanore, all at
home.

Mr. Thomsen is a strong republican and can be counted upon to loyally support the candidates and measures of that party. He is serving his third term as township trustee, his continuance in that office being evidence of his efficiency. His religious faith is indicated by the fact he is a communicant of St. Paul's Danish Lutheran church and fraternally he is connected with Denmarks MInde. He is highly spoken of wherever known and his personal friends are many.

HANS C. TOFT

Many of the most highly esteemed residents of Ringsted are retired farmers and among this number is Hans C. Toft, who was born in Schleswig, Germany, of Danish descent, the sixth in order of birth in a family of seven children born to George and Ellen (Jessen) Toft. The father was a carpenter and mason.
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Hans C. Toft was the only one of the family to come to the United States save his youngest brother, who was accidentally scalded to death on a steamboat running from San Francisco to Portland. Mr. Toft of this review attended school in his native country until he was sixteen years old and later spent eighteen months in the Danish army according to the requirements of the country. Upon returning to civil life he was employed as a farm hand for two years, but in 1881 came to the United States and made his way to Battle Creek, Iowa. There he took out his first naturalization papers as it was his intention from the beginning to thoroughly identify himself with his adopted country. He worked for farmers in that locality for a time, but as soon as possible bought land, becoming the owner of eighty acres in Ida county. After farming that place for four years he went to Clinton, Iowa, where he was employed in a sawmill until 1893, in which year he removed to Kossuth county. He rented a farm near the Emmet county line and for three years was engaged in its operation, but at the end of that period purchased the west half of the southeast quarter of section 13, Denmark township, Emmet county. There he engaged in farming and stock raising until he retired from active life in 191-5 and removed to Ringsted, where he is now making his home. He was thoroughly familiar with the most approved methods of cultivating the fields and caring for the live stock and was energetic and industrious, allowing nothing to interfere with his farm work, and thus it was that he gained a coinpetence.

In 1887 Mr. Toft was married to Miss Abilena Wilson, a daughter of Andrew and Katherine Wilson, natives of Schleswig, who, however, emigrated to the United States. They lived for some time in Clinton, Iowa, but subsequently made their home in Hancock county, Iowa, with their son Jesse, now a resident of Armstrong, Iowa. The mother died in Hancock county, but the father passed away in Emmet county while living with Mr. and Mrs. Toft. He is buried in St. John's cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Toft have become the parents of six children: Alma, who died at the age of eighteen and is buried in St. John's cemetery; Tina, now Mrs. Knut Bonnicksen, of Denmark township; and Andrew, George, Olga and Siegfried, all at home.

Mr. Toft is a stalwart advocate of republican principles and can be depended upon to support the candidates of that party at the polls. He has made his own way in the world, having neither capital nor influential friends to aid him in gaining a start, but the necessity of depending upon his own resources did not discourage him as he believed that persistence and careful management would enable him to gain success. This faith has been more than justified and he now ranks among the substantial men of Ringsted.

PETER TORNELL

Peter Tornell, who gained a competence through the operation of his farm in Armstrong Grove township and moved to Estherville in the spring of 1917, was born in Sweden in September, 1862. His parents, Olof and Carrie (Sundberg) Tornell, came with their family to America in 1865. The father became a landowner in Boone county, Iowa, and followed agricultural pursuits there until his death in 1896. Five years later the mother passed away.

Mr. Tornell received his education in the public schools of Boone county, Iowa, but when fourteen years of age was compelled to begin providing for his own support. He worked as a farm hand for several years and later cultivated rented land in Webster county, Iowa, for three years in partnership with a brother. In 1891 he came to Emmet county and bought three hundred acres of fertile land on section 30, Armstrong Grove township, on which he resided with the exception of three years until his removal to Estherville. He took care to maintain everything about his place in good condition and followed such methods of cultivating the fields as would conserve the fertility of the soil. In the fall of 1916 he sold his agricultural implements and the greater part of his live stock and retired from farming in the spring of 1917.

Mr. Tornell was married in March, 1893, to Miss Lottie Gifford, by whom he has had six children: Leonard, who is twenty-three years old and is at home; Florence, who died in 1899, at the age of three years; Gladys, who is nineteen years old and is clerking in a store at Haifa; and Robert, seventeen; Harriett, thirteen; and Luella, eleven years old, all of whom are at home.

Mr. Tornell is a republican and for ten years has been the trustee of Armstrong Grove township and for a still longer period has served on the school board. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church and his salient qualities of character are such as commended him to the respect and esteem of all who know him.

JOHN T. VIGDAL

Since 1906 John T. Vigdal, a farmer and stock raiser of Iowa Lake township, Emmet county, has lived on his fine farm on section 23. He was born in Chickasaw county, Iowa, in September, 1874, of the marriage of John and Anna (Wickman) Vigdal. The father was born in Norway but in early life came to America and located in Algona, Iowa. He was an engineer in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway for several years and helped to construct the road as far west as Algona. He afterward engaged in farming in Chickasaw county and there passed away in 1888. His wife, who was born in Clayton county, Iowa, is still living.

John T. Vigdal passed the days of his boyhood and youth in Chickasaw and Kossuth counties, Iowa, and remained with his mother until he became of age. He then bought from her a farm in Kossuth county which he operated for four years, after which he sold it back to his mother. He then went to Armstrong, Emmet county, and for two years farmed rented land. It was in 1906 that he bought his present property, which comprises eighty acres on section 23, Iowa Lake township. The improvements upon the place compare favorably with those found on neighboring farms. Every facility is provided for the care of live stock and he feeds about a carload of cattle a year. His well-directed activities are rewarded by a gratifying profit and he ranks among the best farmers of his locality.

In February, 1895, occurred the marriage of Mr. Vigdal and Miss Martha Lubka and they became the parents of seven children, Laura, Emma, John. Hazel, Myrtle, Roscoe and Martha. Tlie wife and mother died in April, 1907, and in July, 1908, Mr. Vigdal wedded Miss Ida Lubka, a sister of his first wife. To the second union have been born three children, Theodore, Ida and Willie.

Mr. Vigdal gives his political support to the republican party and is now serving his second term as township trustee and has also held the office of constable. Furthermore his interest in educational matters has been recognized by his election as a school director. Fraternally, he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and in religious faith he is a Lutheran.

JAMES D. WEIR

For half a century James D. Weir has now witnessed the development and upbuilding of Emmet county and in its progress he has borne an important part since reaching man's estate. He is now successfully engaged in the hardware, implement and live stock business in Huntington, being the senior member of the firm of J. D. Weir & Son, and has built up an excellent trade along those lines.

Mr. Weir was bom in Quebec, Canada, on the 3d of August, 1863, and is a son of David and Christine (Richmond) Weir, natives of Scotland. On coming to the new world they first located in Canada, but afterward came to the United States, becoming residents of Emmet county, Iowa, in 1867. The father purcha.sed a farm in Armstrong Grove township, which he operated for eight years, and then removed to Emmet township, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land near Eagle Lake, whereon he followed farming for fourteen years. At the end of that time he retired from active labor and took up his abode in Estherville, where he was living when called to his final rest on Christmas Day, 1900. His wife had died in June of that year and both were interred in Oak Hill cemetery. To them were born nine children, of whom seven survive, namely: William and George, both residents of Emmet township; James D., of this review; Henry of Martin county, Minnesota; Robert, of Otis, Colorado; Valentine, of Sterling, Colorado; and Matthew, of Alberta, Canada.

James D. Weir was only four years of age when brought by his parents to Emmet county, where he attended the district schools and assisted his father in the farm work until he attained his majority. During the following three years he engaged in farming in Texas and on his return north located in Martin county, Minnesota, where he rented land and followed farming for eight years. In 1900 he became a resident of Huntington, where he built a hardware and implement establishment, and has since carried on business along those lines, at the same time shipping stock quite extensively. He owns one hundred and forty acres of land on the outskirts of the village and all vacant lots within the limits of Huntington, having purchased the remainder of the town site the year after locating there. His son Roy is now a member of the firm, which is doing business under the name of J. D. Weir & Son.

In 1887 Mr. Weir was united in marriage to Miss Libbie M. Wade, a daughter of Elisha and Othelia Wade, of Jackson county, Minnesota, who are now deceased and are buried in Oak Hill cemetery of Estherville. Mr. and Mrs. Weir have six children : Roy, who is married and is engaged in business with his father; Rene, the wife of Elmer Chambers of Emmet towiiship; Ruby, the wife of Russel Heneman, of Estherville; and Richard, Rose and Ray, all at home.

The family attend the Presyterian church, of which Mr. and Mrs. Weir are members, and he is past venerable consul of the camp of Modern Woodmen of America, to which he belongs. The democratic party finds in him a staunch supporter of its principles and he is now efficiently serving as county supervisor. He has also filled the offices of school director and town trustee and has always been found true to any trust reposed in him. As a business man he stands high in the community and he well merits the success that has come to him for he started out in life for himself with no capital and his prosperity is due to his own industry, enterprise and good management.

WILLIAM WERTZ

William Wertz was well known in Emmet county and his death on the 12th of November, 1909, was widely regretted and was recogiiized as a loss to his community. His birth occurred in Knox county, Ohio, December 16, 1839, but when seven years of age he was taken by his parents to Scott county, Iowa, where he remained until 1879. He then removed to the vicinity of West Branch, in Cedar county, and seventeen years later, or in 1896, came to Emmet county, where he remained until his death. He was a man of ability and energy and his well directed efforts were rewarded by a gratifying success. He was laid to rest in the cemetery in Iowa City.

In 1870 Mr. Wertz married Miss Julia A. Waldron, who was born in Pennsylvania. Her parents, John L. and Elizabeth (Stewart) Waldron, were natives respectively of the Keystone state and of Ohio, but in 1856 removed to the vicinity of Iowa City, Iowa, where both passed away. To them were born six children and by her marriage Mrs. Wertz became the mother of five children, all of whom survive. She is a woman of fine business ability and now owns and manages the Dolliver Telephone Company. She is thoroughly conversant with the details of the business and keeps in close touch with what is being done in all phases of the work. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and her support can be counted upon to further movements seeking the moral advancement of the community.

GEORGE H. WEST

A well improved farm property is that owned by George H. West, who has one hundred and sixty acres on section 8, Center township, Emmet County. He was bom on that section May 25, 1871, a son of George and Ann (Cousins) West, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Canada. It was in 1859 that the father crossed the Atlantic to America, making his way first to Ohio, while in 1866 he became a resident of Emmet County. The work of development and improvement had scarcely been begun in this section of the state, much of the land being still in possession of the government. He took up a homestead on section 8, Center Township, to which he afterward added by additional purchase, increasing his holdings from time to time until he had four hundred and eighty acres at the time of his death, which occurred in 1909.'

George H. West of this review is one of a family of fourteen children, twelve of whom are yet living. He was reared and educated in Center township, attending the common schools through the winter months, while the summer seasons were devoted to farm work. He continued to assist his father until he reached the age of twenty-seven years and then began farming on his own account on rented land. He was thus engaged until 1911, when he purchased the farm upon which he now resides, comprising a quarter of section 8, Center township. His labors have been productive of splendid results in the development and improvement of this tract. He has erected fine buildings, has purchased the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and has divided his farm by well-kept fences. In fact, none of the accessories of the model farm property of the twentieth century are lacking.

On the 1st of January, 1904, Mr. West was married to Miss Anna Maniece, a native of Ireland and a daughter of Frank and Eleanor (Burrell) Maniece, who were also natives of the Emerald isle, whence they came to the United States in 1883, at which time they settled in Wisconsin. They afterward removed to Iowa and took up their abode upon a farm in Emmet township, Emmet county. Mr. and Mrs. West have become the parents of four children, Margaret M., Elizabeth E., Kenneth E. and Florence F.

Mr. and Mrs. West hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and are loyal and consistent Christian people. Fraternally he is connected with the Modem Woodmen of America. His political support is given to the republican party and he has served as township clerk and as school director. He is always interested in matters pertaining to the general welfare and cooperates in many plans and measures for the development and upbuilding of the county. A lifelong resident here, he has witnessed its many changes through forty-five years and is today numbered among the honored early settlers.

FRED J. WHITE

Fred J. White is president of the Northern Lumber Company, with general offices in Estherville. This is one of the important business concerns of northwestern Iowa, owning a chain of yards in the northern part of the state. He was born in Grand Island, Nebraska, September 3, 1874. His father. Jay E. White, is a native of Michigan and has devoted his attention to the insurance and real estate business. He married Eliza Watts, a native of England, and they became residents of Grand Island, Nebraska, and subsequently of Lincoln, Nebraska.

Fred J. White attended the public schools of his native city to the age of fourteen years and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Lincoln, where he became connected with his father in business, that association being maintained from 1892 until 1902. In the latter year he came to Emmet county to enter upon the duties of treasurer of the Northern Lumber Company, with general offices in Estherville. He continued to fill that position until 1914, when he was elected to the presidency and so continues. This company owns a number of lumberyards in northern Iowa and is constantly extending its trade relations. The other officers of the company are: M. P. Chumlea, vice president; G. A. Lyon, secretary; and J. E. Howard, treasurer. Their business constitutes one of the most important commercial concerns of this section of the state, supplying the trade in large measure, its annual sales now reaching an extensive figure.

In 1901 occurred the marriage of Mr. White and Miss Susan Spalding, a daughter of James D. and Sarah Spalding, of Sioux City, Iowa. They have become parents of three children: James, Susan and Mary, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. White hold membership in the Episcopal church. His political allegiance is given the republican party but he never seeks the honors nor emoluments of office as a return for party fealty, preferring to concentrate his undivided attention upon his business affairs.

MAURICE EDWARD WILSON, M.D.

Almost every section on the face of the globe has contributed to the citizenship of Emmet county, and it is a recognized fact that the quota furnished by Canada is of a most substantial and valuable character. A recognition of the fact comes in the review of the life records of such men as Dr. M. E. Wilson, who for a number of years has been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Estherville. A native of Ontario, Canada, he is a son of John M. and Isabelle Wilson. With the removal of the family to Iowa he received his professional training in the State University of Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1897 on the completion of the medical course. He then located for practice in Estherville, where he has since remained, and with the passing years his practice has constantly grown in volume and importance. He has kept in touch with the trend of modern scientific thought and investigation and is continually reading and studying along lines that promote his knowledge and advance his efficiency, being recognized today as one of the most eminent physicians and surgeons of northeastern Iowa. He has also extended his business interests by becoming a stockholder and one of the
directors of the First National Bank.

On the 18th of October, 1899, at Sparta, Wisconsin, Dr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Margaret A. Jones, daughter of E. R. Jones. They have one child, Dorothy E. In his political views Dr. Wilson is a republican but cannot be said to be a politician in the sense of office seeking, although from 1908 until 1916 he served as coroner of Emmet county. He is an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity, demonstrating in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church and their social position is an enviable one in those circles where culture and personal worth are accepted as the passports into good society.

FRANK B. WING

Frank B. Wing, engaged in the restaurant business in Estherville since 1910, has through the intervening period been accorded a liberal patronage because of the excellent service which he renders in that connection. He has ever recognized the fact that satisfied customers are the best advertisement and he has put forth every effort to please. A native of Iowa, he was born at New Providence, September 30, 1877, his parents being J. Bentley and Jane Wing, in whose family were two children who are yet living, Frank B. and Eva, the latter now Mrs. Cotant, of Estherville. The father, who was a railroad employe, has passed away, but the mother is still living in Estherville.

Frank B. Wing was accorded a common school education and also continued his studies in the Quaker Academy at New Providence, Iowa. He started upon his business career as an employee in a hotel in Estherville and also worked at the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific buffet. He continued in the service of others at New Providence until 1895. In 1900 he embarked in business on his own account, conducting a restaurant at Lake Park and at Spencer, Iowa, before coming to Estherville in 1910. Here he opened a restaurant which he has since conducted and with the passing years he has enjoyed an increasing patronage that makes his business a profitable one.

In 1905 Mr. Wing was married to Miss Ethel Hoover, a daughter of Jacob and Evelyn Hoover, who were natives of Virginia and of Estherville respectively, the latter being a daughter of R. E. Ridley. Mr. and Mrs. Wing have become the parents of one child, Mildred Evelyn. The parents are members of the Baptist church and guide their lives according to its teachings. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and his political support is given to the republican party, for he firmly believes that its principles contain the best elements of good government.

P. P. WOLDEN

P. P. Wolden, deceased, was one of the representative farmers of Emmet county, his home being on section 14, High Lake township. He was a native of Norway and on coming to America in 1866 first located in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he resided for thirteen years. In 1880 he came to Emmet county, Iowa, and took up his abode upon the farm in High Lake township, where he continued to reside throughout the remainder of his life.

In early life Mr. Wolden married Miss Bertha Bergum, who was also bom in Norway, and they became the parents of ten children, seven of whom are still living, namely: J. M., who was born September 21, 1880, is a registered pharmacist, and is now one of the supervisors of Emmet county; A. T., who was born December 25, 1883, is engaged in keeping bees in partnership with his brother J. M., they having one of the largest apiaries in northern Iowa, and is now township clerk of High Lake township; B. O., who was born October 23, 1886, and now has the management and operation of the home farm; C. F., who was born December 24, 1889, and is now proprietor of a music store at Graettinger, Iowa; Hannah, the wife of C. H. Danielson, of Estherville; Petra, the wife of L. B. Nelson, of Wallingford; and Ella, the wife of Iver Nelson, of Swan Lake township, Emmet county.

Mr. Wolden was one of the active and enterprising farmers of his locality, owning and operating sixty-five acres of land on section 14, High Lake township, and he continued to make his home thereon until 1908, when called to his final rest. He held several township and school offices. His widow survives and is still a valued resident of Emmet county.

OSCAR N. YOUNG

The feeling of deep sorrow that spread through Emmet county when it was learned that Oscar N. Young had passed away showed that death had removed one whom the community could ill afford to lose. His splendid qualities of manhood and of citizenship had given him high place in public regard, and his work was of substantial worth to the district in which he lived, contributing to general development and progress as well as to individual success. A native of Mahaska county, Iowa, he was born June 24, 1859, of the marriage of Amos T. and Sarah J. (Sleeth) Young, who with wagon and ox team removed from Indiana to Iowa, casting in their lot among the pioneer settlers of Mahaska county, where the father followed farming for many years. Both he and his wife lie buried at Lacey in that county.

Oscar N. Young, who was one of a family of six children, divided his time between farm work and attendance at the district schools until seventeen years of age, after which his entire attention was given to the work of the fields on the old home place for four years longer. On attaining his majority he rented a farm in his native county and subsequently purchased land there, which he cultivated until 1896. In that year he arrived in Emmet county and purchased a farm in Jack Creek township which at that time was a tract of raw prairie without improvements. His labors wrought an immediate transformation in' the appearance of the place whereon he remained until 1905, when he removed to Ringsted to give his children the better opportunities of the public schools. In 1908 he returned to the farm but again took up his abode in Ringsted, after which he spent his winters in the city and the summer months on his farm near Winnipeg, Canada. He was one of the original directors of the Hoprig Creamery and his business judgment was a contributing element to the success of that undertaking. He was also a member of the board of directors of the Emmet County Mutual Insurance Company. His farm interests were carefully and wisely managed, bringing to him substantial success. He was a man of too great energy to be content without some business interest, and following his removal to Ringsted, having purchased a large amount of stock in the Ringsted Bank, he was elected to its presidency and so continued until his demise.

On the 12th of February, 1888, Mr. Young was married to Miss Ada B. Kelly, a daughter of John and Kathryn (Gross) Kelly, who lived in Henry county, Iowa, for a considerable period but afterward removed to Mahaska county. Her father passed away but her mother still survives. Mr. and Mrs. Young became the parents of three children: Edith, the wife of H. W. Jensen, of Ringsted; Blanche, a teacher in the public schools of Sioux Falls; and Harry L., who is a student in the Iowa College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts at Ames.

Mr. Young was a stalwart supporter of the republican party and held a number of township offices, although he was not a politician, preferring to give the greater part of his time and attention to the management of his business affairs. Since her husband's death Mrs. Young has had the management of his interests, in which work she displays most creditable ability. She owns a half section of land twelve miles from Winnipeg, Canada, besides the interests left her in Emmet county. The death of Mr. Young occurred on the 16th of July, 1915. He was then a man in the prime of life and it seemed that he should have been spared for years to come. One of the local papers wrote of him: "He was a man of generous impulses and never forgot the hospitable ways of the pioneer. He had borne adversity bravely and enjoyed prosperity quietly. In the relations of son, brother, husband, father and friend he had met every duty and obligation. At all times and under all circumstances he walked in the well beaten path of righteousness, and from the beauty of his life one may well gain inspiration."

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