Cottonwood County, Minnesota Biographies A & B

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Cottonwood County, Minnesota Biographies A & B

Cottonwood and Watonwan Counties, Minnesota
Their People, Industries and Institutions
With Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families
John A. Brown
Volume II : 1916: B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.

Transcribed by Vicki Hartman

Adrian, John
Page 189-190
John Adrian was born in Russia, August 21, 1865 (Russian calendar). He is a son of Peter and Anna (Fry) Adrian, both natives of Russia, where they spent their earlier lives, immigrating with their family to America in 1875, locating at Dalton, South Dakota, where they spent the rest of their lives on a farm, both dying some years ago. The father took up a homestead near Dalton upon his arrival there and developed a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His family consisted of eleven children. He and his wife were members of the Mennonite church, in which they reared their family.

John Adrian grew up on the farm where he worked hard when a boy. He was ten years old when his parents brought him to America, He had little opportunity to obtain an • education. He remained at home until he was eighteen years of age, then went to his brother, who owned a farm near Halstead, Kansas, and worked on farms in that vicinity for seven years, then returned to Cottonwood county, buying a farm of one hundred and sixty-seven acres north of Windom, on which he spent three years, then purchased his present place of one hundred and sixty acres in Mountain Lake township. Prospering here he added another one hundred and sixty acres to his holdings, joining his first tract on the south. He has made 'many valuable improvements and has an excellent farm and carries on general farming and stock raising successfully.

Mr. Adrian was married in 1902, to Sarah Schultz, a daughter of Isaac Schultz, a native of Russia, where her birth also occurred. To Mr. Adrian and wife four children have been born, all living, namely: Isaac, John, Peter and Mary.

Politically, Mr. Adrian is a Republican. He is now a member of the local school board. He belongs to the Mennonite church, in which he is an elder and an active worker.

Albrecht, Richard
Page 311-312
Richard Albrecht, a progressive young farmer of Germantown township, Cottonwood county, who is the owner of a farm of two hundred and forty acres in that township, is a native of Germany, but has lived in Minnesota since his early childhood, he having been but an infant when his parents came over here. He was born on January 18, 1888, son of August and Wilhelmina (Thram) Albrecht, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1889, proceeding directly to Minnesota and settling on a farm in Germantown township, Cottonwood county, where they are still living, having for years been among the best-known and most influential residents of that community. August Albrecht and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church and their children were reared in that faith. There were eight of these children, of whom Richard was the fifth in order of birth, the others being Augusta, Herman, Otto, Mary, Emma, Ernest and Minnie.

Richard Albrecht was little more than a year old when his parents came to Minnesota and he grew to manhood on the paternal farm in Germantown township. He received his education in the public schools of that township and from the days of his boyhood was a valuable assistant to his father in the labors of developing the home place. When he reached manhood's estate he began farming on his own account and has been very successful, now being the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in Germantown township, the same being in an, excellent state of cultivation. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Albrecht has given considerable attention to the raising of live stock and has done, very well. In 1915 Richard Albrecht was united in marriage to Olga Steve, daughter of Henry Steve. Mr. and Mrs. Albrecht are members of the German Lutheran church and take a proper interest in parish affairs, as well as in all local good works, being willing promoters of such movements as are designed to advance the common welfare. They have a pleasant home and take an earnest part in the general social activities of their home neighborhood. Mr. Albrecht is a Republican in his political views, ever taking a proper interest in local governmental affairs.

Anderson, Albert
Page 180-181
Albert Anderson, a substantial farmer of Westbrook township, proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the vicinity of Westbrook and a well-known surveyor and drainage contractor, is a native of Illinois, born on a farm in Kendall county, that state, January 5, 1871, son of J. A. and Sarah (Jacobson) Anderson, natives of the kingdom of Norway, who later moved to Kankakee county, Illinois, where they are now living. J. A. Anderson came to the United States in 1863 and became a substantial farmer in Illinois. He and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and their children were reared in that faith. There are seven of these children, of whom the subject of this sketch is the firstborn, the others being Nellie, Anna, Ida, Emma, Bertha and Jay.

Upon completing the course in the public schools of Kankakee county, Illinois, Albert Anderson entered the University of Illinois and spent two years there in the study of civil engineering, becoming a very competent surveyor. He then spent a year in a business college at Janesville, Wisconsin, and then for a year was engaged in the service of the Western Union Telegraph Company at Chicago. He then transferred his services to the Rock Island Railway Company and for a year was engaged as a station agent in Iowa, after which he became employed as a clothing salesman at Humboldt, Iowa, and was thus engaged for three years. He then returned to the old home in Kankakee county, Illinois, and after farming there for two years returned to Iowa, locating in Kossuth county, where for eight years he was engaged in farming. In 1910 Mr. Anderson came to Minnesota and bought a quarter of a section of land in Westbrook township, Cottonwood county, where he has made his home ever since and where he and his family are very comfortably situated. Upon taking possession of that farm Mr. Anderson began a general course of improvement and practically all the buildings on the same have been erected by him, while other improvements have been made in keeping with the same. Though Mr. Anderson gives close attention to the management of the general details of his farming he finds his time chiefly taken up with the extensive surveying and drainage contracts with which he almost constantly is engaged, he having for some years been actively engaged in the general surveying and engineering line, with particular reference to drainage work, handling both private and public contracts, and is one of the best-known contractors in that line in this part of the state, though his labors in that connection are chiefly confined to Cottonwood and Murray counties. Mr. Anderson is a Republican and gives a good citizen's attention to local political affairs, but has never been a seeker after public office.

On January 31, 1896, Albert Anderson was united in marriage to Lena Gunderson, daughter of Ole and Carrie (Rasmussen) Gunderson, and to this union four children have been born, Corriene, Ruth, Alberta and Sarah. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Lutheran church and give proper attention to the various beneficences of the same, as well as to all neighborhood good works and are earnestly interested in all measures having to do with the advancement of the best interests of the community at large. Mr. Anderson is a Mason and takes a warm interest in the affairs of that ancient order.

Anderson, Andrew H.
Page 396-398
Among the Danes who have cast their lot with the people of Cottonwood county is the Anderson family — Andrew H., who is engaged in mercantile pursuits in Storden and his father, the late Hans Anderson, who died about twenty-seven years ago, and who was a prosperous farmer.

Andrew H. Anderson was born in Denmark, April 27, 1864, and is a son of Hans and Mary (Nelson) Anderson, both natives of Denmark where they grew up and were married. In 1865 the father came to America, and the mother followed with her son, Andrew H., in 1867. Hans Anderson located first at Muskingum, Michigan, where he worked as a laborer. The second year sickness overtook him, which incapacitated him for a long time.

Upon his recovery he found he had spent all his earnings, but he went to work again and continued as a laborer until 1870. He was at that time at Rochester, Minnesota, and had a capital of about five hundred and fifty dollars, and he decided to go farther west. He bought a team of oxen and a new wagon. Leaving his wife and child at Byron, near Rochester, he made the overland trip to Cottonwood county, taking up a homestead two miles north of the present site of Storden, and he and his brother, Rasmus Anderson, constructed a dugout, eighteen by eighteen feet on the land of the latter, which joined that of Hans. The shack was covered with willows and clay. There was one small window, and in this small hut two families spent the following winter. The following spring Hans Anderson built a rude home on his own land. It was a sod house. He went to work with a will and prospered with advancing years, developed a good farm and finally built a large and comfortable home. He accumulated one hundred and sixty acres, his widow later acquiring eighty more acres. His estate sold in 1914 for the sum of about eighteen thousand dollars. This is an instance of what courage and industry can accomplish when put to the test.

Mr. Anderson endured many hardships and privations, but did not permit them to overwhelm him. On the morning of the great storm which visited Cottonwood county, he and his brother Rasmus went to the timber to work. The storm started as they reached the edge of the timber after loading on their way back home, and made their way to the home of Joe Christiansen, which was on the western edge of the timber. They had two yoke of oxen, only one of which could be accommodated in their neighbor's barn, so they took the other yoke to a barn across the timber. With difficulty the three men got the oxen through the timber. The snow storm was so intense they could not see each other, depending on their voices to keep together, Mr. Christiansen going ahead and locating a way out by the trees which he had marked. The home of Rasmus Anderson was completely snowed under; Mrs. Rasmus Anderson not being able to obtain wood, was compelled to saw up her chairs and table for fuel. It was three days before the Anderson brothers could return home. They had to search diligently for the Rasmus Anderson home, as it was entirely covered up in snow, only the stove-pipe showing.

Hans Anderson was influential in the affairs of his community. He was a member of the township board, also of the school board and was a trustee of the Lutheran church. His death occurred in 1887. His widow remained on the place until 1903. Her death occurred in the state of Washington in 1911 at an advanced age. To these parents seven children were born, namely: Andrew H., Christina, now deceased, was the wife of Ole Akerlund; Anna, who is the wife of William Bates and they live in Windom; Christian is deceased; Matilda is the wife of Peter J. Halverson, and they live in Wenachee, Washington; Petrena died when two years old; Henry A. is engaged in farming on land adjoining the old homestead, north of Storden.

Andrew H. Anderson grew up on the home farm and there he worked hard when a boy. Pie went to school only seven months in all. In the fall of 1887 he started a small grocery in Lamberton, Minnesota, remaining there until 1906, in which year he came to Storden, where he has since been engaged in general mercantile pursuits. He has built up a very satisfactory trade with the town and surrounding country. He assisted in organizing the Farmers State Bank of Storden in December, 1915, and since has been vice-president of the same.

Mr. Anderson was married in 1887, to Paulina Wagner of Sandburn, Redwood county, this state. She is a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of George L. Wagner and wife. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, of whom three are now living, namely: Wilhelmina, Harry E., Elaine Lucile.

Politically, he is a Republican. He has been a member of the local school board since coming to Storden, and has been treasurer of the same for two terms. While living at Lamberton he served as township clerk, also village clerk for many years. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Lutheran church.

Anderson, C. H.
Page 171-173
C. H. Anderson, former register of deeds of Cottonwood county and for many years one of the best-known and most influential residents of that county, now living in quiet comfort on the old homestead farm in Ann township, his first home after coming to this state with his parents back in 1868, is a native of the state of Wisconsin, but has lived in Minnesota since he was ten years old. He was born in Racine county, Wisconsin, January 31, 1858, son of Hogan and Ann Anderson, natives of Norway, who had come to this country some years previously, settling at Racine.

In 1865 Hogan Anderson and his family came to Minnesota, attracted by the glowing reports then going out from this part of the state, and located in Dakota county, removing in the year 1868 to Cottonwood county, where Hogan Anderson homesteaded a quarter of a section of land and established his home, he and his wife thus being among the earliest settlers in that section. Some time afterward when the township was organized it was given the name of Ann township, in honor of Ann Anderson, the pioneer wife and mother, whose influence for good in the community in which she and her husband had settled was felt from the very first. Hogan Anderson became a successful farmer and was a man of leading among his pioneer neighbors. In 1879 he retired from the active labors of the farm and moved to Lamberton, where both he and his wife spent their last days, his death occurring in 1895', and hers in 1898.

C. H. Anderson was but a boy when his parents came to Minnesota in 1865, and he early took his place in the pioneer life of Cottonwood county, even from boyhood being a prominent participant in the various activities of the rapidly developing community. He was a valuable assistant to his father in the labors of developing the home farm and became a very capable farmer, at the same time giving much attention to the civic affairs of the community, and was early recognized as one of the leaders in the public life of the county. In 1883 he was elected register of deeds for Cottonwood county, as the nominee of the Republican party, and so effectively did he' perform the exacting and important duties of that office that he was twice afterward re-elected, serving for three terms. In the meantime, in the early eighties, he had married and upon completing his term of public service returned to the old homestead farm, but presently went to Lamberton, where he engaged in the real-estate business for ten years, at the end of which time he moved to Minneapolis, where he continued the same line of business and was thus engaged until his return to the old home farm in 1905. He further improved the place and added by purchase of adjoining land until now he is the owner of a fine farm of three hundred and sixty acres and has long been rated as one of the leading farmers and stock raisers in Cottonwood county.

It was on March 16, 1881, that C. H. Anderson was united in marriage to Julia Alfson, who was born at Ridgeway, in Winneshiek county, Iowa, in 1860, daughter of Alf and Thavan Alfson, who were among the early settlers in Cottonwood county, and to this union ten children were born, Anthony, Jessie, Alfred T., Josie, Joseph, Sherman, Maurice, Naomi, Viola and Everett, all of whom except Anthony and Joseph are living.

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are members of the Lutheran church and their children were reared in that faith. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Alfred T. Anderson, eldest son of C. H. and Julia (Alfson) Anderson and cashier of the Farmers State Bank at Windom, was born at Windom on December 27, 1885, his father at that time being register of deeds of Cottonwood county, with residence at the county seat. He received his early schooling in the schools of Lamberton and Minneapolis and was graduated from the high school in the latter city in 1904, after which he entered the University of Minnesota, but before completing the course there was placed in charge of the bookkeeping department of the C. S. Christensen Company, millers, at Madelia, where he remained for nearly three years, at the end of which time he transferred his services to the First State Bank of Storden, which institution he served as assistant cashier for four years, or until he was elected cashier of the Farmers State Bank at Windom on March I, 1915, since which time he has made his home in the latter city.

On November 14, 1911, Alfred T. Anderson was united in marriage to Lila Dossett, of Madelia, and to this union one child has been born, a son, Willard Holmes, born on April 21, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have a very pleasant home in Windom and take a proper part in the various social and cultural activities of their home town. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen of America and takes a warm interest in the affairs of all these organizations.

Anderson, Carl Cornelius
Page 46-47
CARL CORNELIUS ANDERSON, D. V. S.
Dr. Carl Cornelius Anderson, a well-known veterinary surgeon, of St. James, is a native of Denmark, born in the city of Elsinore, on the island of Seeland, at the narrowest part of the Sound, the point where for many years the Sound dues were collected and the assumed scene of Shakespeare's tragedy of ""Hamlet."" Upon completing the course in the Latin school of his home town, he entered the Royal Veterinary College at Copenhagen and was graduated from that institution in 1892. Thus admirably equipped for the practice of his profession, Doctor Anderson came to the United States in that same year and proceeded straightway to Minnesota. After a short stay at St. Paul, he came to this part of the state, arriving at St. James on August 17, 1892, and has ever since made his home in that city.

Upon arriving at St. James, Doctor Anderson opened an office for the practice of his profession and was soon firmly established in practice there, for years having been recognized as one of the leading veterinary surgeons in this part of the state. In 1895, about three years after locating at St. James, Doctor Anderson married and established his home in that city. He has a delightful home in Armstrong Park, in the northern side of the city, and he and his family are pleasantly situated. Doctor Anderson is a Republican and gives a good citizen's attention to local political affairs, but has never been included in the office-seeking class. He is a Mason, a member of Libanus Lodge No. 96, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at St. James; a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and for twenty-two years a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Doctor Anderson stands high in the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He has filled all the chairs in the local aerie of that 'order and is now department president of that body for the aeries situated in the second congressional district, including the cities of Mankato, Worthington and St. James. He also has served as a delegate to the state conventions of the Eagles and has done much to advance the cause of that order throughout Minnesota. He and his wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran church and they take a proper part in the general good works of the community, ever displaying their interest in such movements as are designed to advance the common welfare hereabout.

It was on December 23, 1895, that Dr. Carl C. Anderson was united in marriage to Emma Matilda Carlson, who was born in Sibley county, this state, November 17, 1869, daughter of John and Ingred Carlson, natives of the kingdom of Sweden, who came to the United States in 1869, proceeding to Minnesota and settling in Sibley county, whence, the following year, 1870, they moved over into Watonwan county and homesteaded a tract of eighty acres of land in Nelson township, one-half mile east of the East Sveadahl church, where they established their home and where John Carlson spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1879, he then being forty-six years of age. His widow survived him twenty years, her last days being spent in the home of Doctor Anderson, where she died in 1899, at the age of sixty-nine years. Mrs. Anderson is the fourth in order of birth of the five children born to her parents, the others being as follow : Marie, deceased; Augusta, deceased; Caroline, wife of Nels Tropp, of Minneapolis, and Carl Herman Carlson, of northern Minnesota. To Doctor and Mrs. Anderson have been born five children, namely: Berda Eleanor, born on January 30, 1897, who was graduated from the St. James high school in 1915 and is now a student at Gustavus Adolphus College at St. Peter; Eman- uel Cornelius, who died in infancy; Blanche Eugenia, born on January 30, 1901, now a student of the St. James high school; Harriet Roxanna, June 7, 1904, and Margaret Viola Walburga, February 24, 1910

Anderson, Christian
Page 367-368
One cause for emigration is the attraction which another country holds out to the newcomer in various ways. The farmer coming from Denmark to Minnesota expects to become greatly interested in the new methods he will find here in carrying on husbandry, and in learning how to do better work and increase his earning powers. Some such motive induced Christian Anderson, farmer of Great Bend township, Cottonwood county, to make the long sea voyage and extended land journey to this country from Denmark, where he was born February 22, 1857. He is a son of Andres and Margaret (Matson) Gertson. These parents were both born in Denmark and there grew up, were married and established their home, the father devoting his active life to farming and died there some time ago, and the mother is still living in the old home. To these parents seven children were born, namely: Mathias, Gerhart, Masena, Marie, Christian, Andres and Jens.

Christian Anderson grew to manhood on the home farm in Denmark, and he received his education in the common schools in his native community. When twenty-five years of age he immigrated to the United States, locating first in Shelby county, Iowa, where he bought land and engaged in farming nine years; then moved to Clay county, that state, where he continued farming until 1901, when he moved to Cottonwood county, Minnesota, locating on a farm in Springfield township, which he rented the first year, then purchased two hundred acres in Great Bend township, on which he still resides, and is engaged in general farming and dairying on an extensive scale. He has made valuable improvements on the place and has a comfortable home and numerous convenient outbuildings.

Mr. Anderson was married in 1886, to Margaret Kroeger, who was born in Germany, and is a daughter of Thomas Kroeger, who immigrated from Germany to Shelby county, Iowa, where he established the future home of the family. To Mr. and Mrs. Anderson the following children were born : Katie, Andrew, Anna, Tora, Mary, Harry, and Christine.

Politically, Mr. Anderson is a Democrat. He is now a member of the school board. He belongs to the Lutheran church.

Anderson, Nels
Page 55-56
No foreign born citizens who come to America are more heartily welcomed than the Swedes, for they are industrious, loyal to American institutions and make excellent citizens. One of this vast number in Cottonwood county is Nels Anderson, a highly skilled merchant tailor of Windom.

Nels Anderson was born in Sweden, October 16, 1858, and is a son of Andrew and Inger (Larson) Nelson, both natives of Sweden, where they were married and spent their lives, dying there some years ago. Nels grew up in his native land and was educated in the public schools there. He came to the United States in 1886, locating at Darlington, Lafayette county, Wisconsin, where he worked at the tailor's trade several years, engaging in business for himself part of the time. He then went to Pierre, South Dakota, where he resided from 1889 to August, 1895, when he came to Windom, where he has since been engaged in merchant tailoring, enjoying a large patronage, drawing many of his customers from remote parts of the surrounding country. He has a neat, well-equipped and modern shop and turns out high-grade work promptly. He built a fine, up-to-date residence in this city in 1914. Although starting out a poor boy he has accumulated a comfortable competency through his industry and good management.

Nels Anderson was married in 1891 to Ellen S. Warneck, who was born in the state of New York in 1858, and is a daughter of Carl and Salig (Nicholes) Warneck, who came to South Dakota in 1883, and where they both died. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson has been without issue, but they have two adopted children, Earl and Pearl, twins, born in 1903; they are both now attending school in Windom.

Politically, Mr. Anderson is a Republican. He has been a member of the city council of Windom. He belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

Anton, Frank T.
Page 105-106
The late Frank T. Anton was a man who believed in making the most of life's little span and in assisting, whenever practicable, those whom he came in contact with along the journey, consequently he was admired and esteemed by all who knew him and was rated a good citizen in every respect. He was a leading merchant at Windom.

Mr. Anton was born near Staughton, Wisconsin, September 17, 1866, and was a son of Ola and Maritl Anton, both natives of Norway, from which country they came to Wisconsin when young and were married in that state, removing to Iowa about 1868, where they remained a short time, then moved to Jackson county, Minnesota, locating three miles southeast of Windom, where they engaged in farming until they retired and moved to Windom. Their family consisted of ten children, seven of whom are living at this writing, namely : Anthony, Albert, Martin, Godfrey, Caroline, Anna and Ida.

Frank T. Anton grew up on the home farm where he worked hard when a boy, and he received his education in the public schools of Jackson county. After leaving school he came to Windom and clerked in a store for Robison & Freeman, and during this period he attended night school, being ambitious to obtain a higher education to fit him properly for his life work. Later, he worked for Thurston Brothers for a number of years, during which time he learned the various phases of the mercantile business, and in 1893 he entered partnership with J. E. Johnson in the general merchandise business, in which he remained for some time, when he and his partner sold out, Mr. Anton and his family removing to Minneapolis, where he engaged in the laundry business for two years and then returned to Windom. In partnership with O. E. Seines he bought the Hutton general store, which they operated several years, then sold out, Mr. Anton forming a partnership with Gustav Muller, they buying out the clothing stock of J. E. Jennis. The partnership with Muller continued until Mr. Anton's death. He was very successful as a merchant, always living up to the precepts of the Golden Rule, and his customers were always sure to receive honest and courteous consideration at his hands. He was a man of sound business judgment and foresight.

Mr. Anton was married on August 28, 1893, to Anna Erickson, a daughter of Carl G. and Charlotte (Olson) Erickson, and to this union three children were born, namely: Arthur, Clinton and Delbert. Mrs. Anton, who was born in Jackson county, Minnesota, where she grew to womanhood and was educated in the public schools, was the daughter of Swedish parents, both born, reared and educated in Sweden, in which country they were married. They finally came to Minnesota and homesteaded land in Jackson county, where they farmed until 1893, when they retired and moved to Windom where they spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in 1912 and the mother in 1915. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are still living, namely: Emma, Anna, Ida, Marie, Julia, Helda and William.

Frank T. Anton was a Republican. He took an active interest in the welfare of his town and county, and served as alderman for a number of years, also on the local school board. Fraternally, he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

He was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. The death of Mr. Anton occurred on December 2, 1913, at 'the early age of forty-seven years, when in the prime of life and usefulness.

Arneson, Theodore J.
Page 99-100
As a jeweler, Theodore J. Arneson, of Westbrook, Cottonwood county, has made a decided success while yet a young man, but he has been willing to apply himself closely to his chosen line of endeavor and deal honestly with his fellow men.

Mr. Arneson was born in Westbrook township, this county, September 22, 1883, and is a son of Edward J. and Olena (Pederson) Arneson, both natives of Norway. The father came to Wisconsin when a young man, where he worked for a short time. The mother came to Stearns county, Minnesota, when young. He came to Cottonwood county about 1875 and entered a homestead in Westbrook township, and there these parents were married and developed a good farm and a comfortable home by their industry, accumulating in all three eighties. They removed to South Dakota about 1905 and later to Texas, where he is still engaged in raising cotton. His wife died there in 1913. They became the parents of four children, all still living, namely: Alfred, Theodore, Hannah and Laura.

Theodore J. Arnesort grew up on the home farm and he received a public school education, later attending the Southern Minnesota Normal School at Austin, then took a correspondence course with the Northern Illinois Optical College, receiving a state certificate in 1912. He learned the jeweler's and watchmaker's trade by home study from text-books. Since 1907 he has been engaged in the jewelry business, also as an optometrist, for which he is exceptionally well equipped and is doing some excellent work and he has built up a very successful and rapidly growing business. He owns eighty acres of the old homestead, also the building in which his business is located.

Mr. Arneson was married in 1909 to Tina B. Amundson, of Murray county, Minnesota, and to their union two children have been born, namely: Leslie Evert and Thelma Harriet.

Politkally, he is a Republican. He has been justice of the peace in Westbrook township, filling the office very satisfactorily. He is a member of the Modern Brotherhood of America, and is secretary of the local lodge. He is a member of the Lutheran church.

Balzer, Frank
Page 318-320
Frank Balzer, veteran lumber dealer at Mountain Lake, one of the best- known business men in Cottonwood county, president of the North Star Telephone Company of Mountain Lake, vice-president of the First State Bank of that city, a director of the State Bank of Darfur and for more than twenty years treasurer of his home town, is a native of Germany, born on March 19, 1859, son of Jacob Balzer, who later became a prominent pioneer of this section of Minnesota and regarding whom further reference is made elsewhere in this volume of biography.

On July i, 1877, the Balzer family landed in Philadelphia to settle on the new lands that then were being opened to settlement in this part of Minnesota, and in due time they were established on a homestead farm in the near vicinity of Mountain Lake. Jacob Balzer was a man of energy and resourcefulness and it was not long until he became recognized as one of the substantial farmers and useful citizens of that part of the county. He and his wife were of the Mennonite faith and were among the leaders in the work of the considerable colony of Mennonites that then was being established in this part of Minnesota.

Frank Balzer was eighteen years old when he came to this country with his parents and the first few years of his residence here were spent in assisting in the development of the homestead farm. When he was twenty- three years of age he went to St. James, where he was engaged for a year as a grain buyer. He then, in 1883, married and a few years later, on April 5, 1886, engaged in the lumber business at Mountain Lake and has ever since been thus engaged, thus being one of the oldest lumber men, in point of continuous connection with that business, in this part of Minnesota. Mr. Balzer not only for years has been one of the leaders in the lumber trade hereabout, but he has been actively identified with other business interests in and about his home town and has long been regarded as one of the leading men of affairs. He is vice-president of the First State Bank of Mountain Lake, a director of the State Bank of Darfur and president of the North Star Telephone Company, of Mountain Lake. Mr. Balzer is a Republican, for years one of the leaders of that party in his part of the county, and has been for twenty-one years treasurer of Mountain Lake and for about twenty years a member of the school board of that city, now serving as treasurer of the board; while in other ways he has shown his interest in the civic and business life of his home town.

It was in 1883, at Mountain Lake, that Frank Balzer was united in marriage to Agatha Hiebert, who was born in Russia on December 13, 1860, daughter of David and Sarah (Penner) Hiebert, who came to the United States in 1877, and came to Minnesota, locating at Mountain Lake. There David Hiebert erected a grist-mill and was there engaged as a miller and grain buyer until his death, and his widow is still living in her home in that city. To Mr. and Mrs. Balzer seven children have been born, namely: Jacob F., now a member of the faculty of Bethel College at Newton, Kansas; Sarah, who married Prof. C. C. Regier, former member of the faculty of Bethel College, who is now doing post-graduate work in the University of Chicago; David C., an associate of his father in business at Mountain Lake, under the firm name of Frank Balzer & Company; Susie, who is at home with her parents; Frank, Jr., who is now at Carleton College at Northfield; Martha, who died at the age of ten years, and Olga, who has just completed the work in the grade schools, ready for high school. Mr. and Mrs. Balzer are earnest members of the Mennonite church and for years have taken an active interest in the various beneficences of the same, as well as in all local good works.

Balzer, Jacob J.
Page 144-146
One of the useful, versatile and many-sided men of Cottonwood county is Jacob J. Balzer, of Mountain Lake, who was born at Gnadenfield, Russia, October 14, 1860, a son of Jacob and Susan (Edgar) Balzer, both natives of Prussia, Germany, but who located in Russia about 1852, and lived twenty-one years at Pass Fik. The father was a joiner and farrier.

He engaged in manufacturing fanning mills for some time and employed a number of men. He removed with his family to America in 1877, arriving at Mountain Lake, Minnesota, on July 3 of that year, and the following day they helped celebrate their first Fourth or Independence Day. They made their advent here in a box car. Jacob Balzer well remembers how he burned his fingers with the first firecracker he ever saw, which was upon his arrival at Mountain Lake. The father bought a farm four and one- half miles northeast of Mountain Lake, purchasing a homestead at twelve dollars and fifty cents per acre. He established a comfortable home here through his industry. His death occurred on April 9, 1912, at the age of seventy-seven years. His widow is still living in Mountain Lake, being now advanced in years.

Jacob J. Balzer spent his boyhood in Russia and attended school there. After coming to Minnesota he was a student at the German College at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, also at the Methodist Episcopal University at the same place. However, prior to attending college he had taught a private school at Mountain Lake, and after his return from the university he took up school work for a time in Mountain Lake, which he continued until 1888, when he turned his attention to the ministry and to establishing a German English school, a private school, or to a certain extent, a Mennonite parochial school. A building was rented until 1901, when the present commodious structure was erected. Mr. Balzer accomplished this useful and necessary work in thirty-six days. There was not one cent in the treasury when he began. He was the only instructor when the school was first started, but in due course of time several others were added, and he became superintendent. English, German, Latin and theology were taught, and are still the principal branches. There are now over twenty alumni who are useful missionaries, doing excellent work in foreign lands.

In 1888 Jacob J. Balzer began Sunday school work. I. I. Bargan was the first superintendent. Out of this movement the Bethel church was built in 1888 and Mr. Balzer has been the active pastor of the same ever since. He was a teacher for a period of thirty-four years, the last four years of which period he was principal of the Mennonite Educational Institution, at Altoona, Manitoba, Canada, which school was under government supervision, and it turned out many capable teachers. He was principal of the school he established in Mountain Lake until 1910. He remained at the head of the Canadian institution until 1914, when he retired from educational work, in which he had won a wide and envied reputation. He has remained a wide student and is a man of profound learning. For a period of twenty-four years he was secretary of the general conference of the hpme missionaries of the Mennonites of North America, a position he filled in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned, retiring from that office in September, 1914. He has traveled quite extensively, in the interest of the evangelistic department of the above named conference.

Jacob J. Balzer, although a very busy man with his school and church work, has proven himself to be a capable business man, and in 1889 he entered the general mercantile field, under the firm name of Balzer & Hiebert, at Mountain Lake, which store is still operated, having been very successful, enjoying a good trade all the while, the style of the firm now being Balzer, Hiebert & Company.

On May 4, 1884, Jacob J. Balzer was united in marriage to Susan Franz, a native of Russia, who came to Mountain Lake, Minnesota, July 5, 1878, with her parents, John Franz and wife. Her father was a merchant tailor. The following children have been reared by Jacob J. Balzer and wife: Jacob S., now a senior in the pharmaceutical department of the University of Minnesota, is president of his class; Marie Ennis is the wife of Dr. H. R. Basinger, of Chicago, an instructor in Rush Medical College and also in the University of Chicago, his wife is a capable music teacher, having decided natural talent in music; Marie Gortz Balzer lives at home. These two girls were both adopted by Mr. Balzer and wife.

Mr. Balzer has taken an interest in public affairs and has served as city clerk, also as road master in his earlier years. He has done much to encourage a taste for music in this locality. He had to fight a religious prejudice against music. He is a capable music director. He is an earnest, logical and eloquent speaker, and is a man of true culture and progressive ideals.

Balzer, Solomon
Page 95-96
An enterprising druggist at Mountain Lake, Cottonwood county, is Solomon Balzer, who was born in southern Russia, August 18, 1865, and he is a son of Jacob Balzer and wife, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work.

Solomon Balzer spent his boyhood in his native land and there attended the public schools. Coming to America before he reached his majority he finished his education at Mountain Lake, Minnesota, whither he came with his parents in 1877. Deciding upon a career as druggist he attended the Minneapolis Institute of Pharmacy, where he was graduated in 1890. Returning to Mountain Lake he bought out the drug business of F. J. Kane, which he has since conducted with success, enjoying a good trade with the town and surrounding country, and carrying at all times a large and carefully selected stock of drugs and drug sundries. He also assisted in organizing the local telephone company. He has been a member of the board of health for about twenty years and was village clerk for two years. He belongs to the Mennonite church.

Mr. Balzer was married in 1895, to Anna Bauman of Mountain Lake, and a daughter of George Bauman, one of the pioneer settlers in the vicinity of Mountain Lake, having come here about 1871. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Balzer has been without issue.

Beise, Henry C. (D.M.D.)
Page 146-148
Dr. Henry C. Beise, well-known dentist at Windom, former councilman and now a member of the school board of that city, who has been practicing his profession at Windom since 1896, is a native son of Minnesota, born on a farm in Medo township, Blue Earth county, this state, December 16, 1872, son of August and Sophia (Lader) Beise, the former a native of Germany, born on October 13, 1835, and the latter of New York City, born in 1842, both of whom later came West, locating in Wisconsin, where they were married, and thence to Minnesota, becoming pioneers of Blue Earth county, their last days being spent in the village of Mapleton, that county.

August Beise received his schooling in his native land and was fourteen years of age when his parents, Henry Beise and wife, came to the United States with their family in 1849, settling in Dodge county, Wisconsin. Henry Beise, the grandfather, homesteaded a farm in that county and there established his home ; later he came to this state and bought a farm in Winona county in 1866, continuing, however, to hold his land in Wisconsin, and became a substantial pioneer of Winona county, where he spent the rest of his life, his last days being spent in the village of Lewistown; his widow later moved to Good Thunder, Blue Earth county, Minnesota, and resided there until her death. August -Beise grew to manhood in Dodge county, Wisconsin, and there he homesteaded a tract of land, which he presently sold to advantage and bought another farm in that same county. He married there Sophia Lader in 1859, who was born in the city of New York, daughter of Jacob and Mena (Lutz) Lader, the former of whom was born in France on February 22, 1812, who came to this country, locating in New York City, but after about two years' residence there came West and homesteaded a farm in Dodge county, Wisconsin, later, in 1866, coming to Minnesota and settling in Blue Earth county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Jacob Lader entered a homestead claim in Blue Earth county and there established his home, becoming a substantial pioneer farmer. His wife died in 1869, two years after settling in the new home, and he thereafter made his home with his daughter, Mrs. August Beise, in Medo township, that same county, until his death, in 1899.

It was in 1866 also that August Beise and wife moved from Wisconsin to Blue Earth county. They first bought a quarter section in Lyra township, where they lived for about three years, at the end of which time they moved over into Medo township and bought another quarter section, on which they lived for five years, when they bought an adjoining farm of three hundred and twenty acres, where they lived until 1900, in which year they retired from the farm and moved to the village of Mapleton, where their last days were spent, Mrs. August Beise dying on July 7, 1904, and August Beise, December 24, 1915. They were the parents of ten children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the seventh in order of birth, the others being as follow: Elizabeth, who died in infancy; Amelia, wife of John, Frey, of Clear Lake, Iowa; Edward, who is living on and operating the old Beise home farm in Medo township, Blue Earth county; Ida, who lives at Mapleton, in that same county; Emma, wife of C. L. Sulrud, of Halstad, Norman county, this state; Dr. Charles J. Beise, who died at Maple- ton, at the age of forty-two years; Judge George W. Beise, former county attorney of Stephens county, this state, and now municipal judge of Morris, that same county; Dr. Rudolph Beise, of Brainard, this state, and Minnie A., wife of O. Lovsines, of Halstad, Minnesota.

Henry C. Beise was reared on the home farm in Medo township, Blue Earth county, receiving his elementary education in the district school in the neighborhood of his home, supplementing the same by one year in the high school at Mapleton, after which he took a three-year course in the Mankato Normal School, after which he began teaching school, but after one year's experience in that vocation in Norman county, turned his attention to the study of dental surgery in the office of Dr. L. C. Cruttender, of Northfield, under whose preceptorship he was prepared for entrance into the dental department of the University of Minnesota, from which he was graduated in 1896. Thus admirably equipped for the practice of his profession, Dr. Beise opened an office at Windom, June 15, 1896, and has ever since been very successfully engaged in practice there, being one of the best known members of his profession in this part of the state. The Doctor is a Republican and has given close attention to local political affairs, having served as a member of the city council, and is now a member of the city school board. He is' a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Modern Woodmen of America and in the affairs of these organizations takes a warm interest.

On December 22, 1897, the vear following his arrival in Windom, Doctor Beise was united in marriage to Blanche Johnson, of that city, daughter of Seth S. and Margaret (Evans) Johnson, pioneers of Windom, the former of whom, for years engaged in the flour and feed business in that city and later in the agricultural-implement business, and who died in 1900, since which time his widow has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Beise. To Doctor and Mrs. Beise three children have been born, Clark, born on October 13, 1898; Margaret, July 12, 1901, and Dorothy, April 22, 1905.

Doctor and Mrs. Beise are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the Doctor is a member of the official board and one of the trustees. He has taken much interest in the affairs of Methodism in Minnesota and was a delegate to the general conference of that church in Minneapolis in May, 1912.

Bondhus, Thomas
Page 155-156
Thomas Bondhus, a well-known and progressive young farmer of Amo township, Cottonwood county, proprietor of a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres, known as ""Fairview Farm,"" south of the village of Storden, treasurer of Amo township, former assessor of that township, secretary of the Storden Grain Company and of the Storden Co-operative Company and otherwise active in the general affairs of that part of the county, is a native of Iowa, born on a farm in Clinton county, that state, February 3, 1880, son of Ole and Olena (Oyre) Bondhus, natives of the kingdom of Norway, who came to the United States in 1868 and located in Clinton county, Iowa, being thus among the pioneers of that section of the state, and remained there until 1883, in which year they moved to Ida county, same state, where they lived until coming to Minnesota in the fall of 1895.

Upon coming to this state, Ole Bondhus and his family settled in Amo township, Cottonwood county, where they established their home. There Mr. Bondhus and his wife lived until their retirement from the active labors of the farm and removal to the village of Storden, where they are now living, very comfortably situated in their declining years. They are members of the Lutheran church and their children have been reared in that faith. There were nine of these children, of whom the subject of this biographical sketch was the sixth in order of birth, the others being as follow: Thomas, who died in infancy; Lena, who married Oscar Thompson; Sella, who married A. J. Tjentland ; Mary, who married Simon Olson ; Hattie, Torris, John and Herman.

Thomas Bondhus was about fifteen years old when he came with his parents to Minnesota and he grew to manhood on the home farm in Amo township. When he was eighteen years old he supplemented the schooling he had received in the public schools by a course in a business college at Minneapolis and upon returning from college was employed as a bookkeeper in Johnson Brothers store at Westbrook and was thus engaged for two years and six months, during which time he also served in the capacity of assistant postmaster. Not finding a mercantile life at all to his liking, Mr. Bondhus then returned to the farm and ever since has been engaged in farming. He remained on the home farm until after his marriage in 1908 and has lived on his present farm since 1911. He has a half section of land, well improved and profitably cultivated and has done very well in his farming operations. Mr. Bondhus has not been unmindful of a good citizen's duty toward the public service and has contributed of his time and his energies in that behalf.

For three years he served as assessor of Amo township and is now serving in the capacity of township treasurer. In the general business life of the community he also has displayed much activity and has long been regarded as one of the most public-spirited and progressive citizens of that township. He helped to organize the Storden Grain Company and the Storden Co-operative Company (mercantile) and ever since their organization has served as secretary of these two useful companies.

In the fall of 1908 Thomas Bondhus was united in marriage to Carrie T. Thompson, who was born in the kingdom of Norway and who came to this country with her parents in 1904, and to this union four children have been born, Agnes L., Ole H., Helma I. and Truman A. Mr. and Mrs. Bondhus take a warm interest in the general social life of the community in which they live and are regarded as among the leaders in all movements designed to advance the common interest in and about Storden and throughout the county at large.

Braathun, C. O.
Page 219-220
C. O. Braathun, a well-known and well-to-do farmer of Storden township, Cottonwood county, proprietor of a well-kept farm of one hundred and twenty acres in the vicinity of Storden, and actively identified with the best interests of that community, is a native of Norway, born on September 24, 1876, son of Ole and Bol (Aarvig) Braathun, natives of that same country and the parents of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth, the others being Ole, Margaret, Lars, Anna, Peter and John. After the death of the mother of these children, Ole Braathun married, secondly, Kari Oyre, and to that union two children were born, Jens and Bol. Ole Braathun was a farmer and all his life was spent in his native land.

C. O. Braathun was reared on a farm and received his education in the public schools of his native land. When fifteen years of age, in 1892, he came to the United States and made his way to Iowa. He had no one he knew in this country, and for some time after his arrival here had a hard struggle to get along, but he presently obtained employment in the railroad service in Iowa and was there thus engaged for nine years, at the end of which time, in 1902, he came to Minnesota and located in Cottonwood county, where he has made his home ever since and where he has done very well. Upon Mr. Braathun's arrival in Cottonwood county he began working on farms in Storden township and was thus engaged for some time.

After his marriage, in 1904, he began to farm as a renter on his own account, and in 1909 bought a farm of eighty acres, where he now lives and where for the last two years has made his home. He improved the place in good shape, erecting good buildings and presently was very comfortably established. He prospered in his farming operations and in 1911 bought a tract of forty acres adjoining his home place and is now the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres and is accounted one of the substantial citizens of that community. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Braathun has given considerable attention to the raising of live stock and has done very well.

In 1904 C. O. Braathun was united in marriage to Anna Pederson, daughter of Eli Pederson, of Benton county, Iowa, which union has been without issue. Mr. and Mrs. Braathun are earnest members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, in the affairs of which they take a warm interest, and Mr. Braathun has served as a member of the choir in the church. He is a Republican and gives a good citizen's attention to local political affairs, but has not been included in the office-seeking class.

Bradley, George P.
Page 174-175
George P. Bradley, a well-known and well-to-do farmer of Lakeside township, Cottonwood county, proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the neighborhood of Bingham Lake, is a native of Iowa, born on a pioneer farm in Jones county, that state, April 19, 1869, son of Marshall B. and Ellen (Dowden) Bradley, the former a native of the state of New York and the latter of Indiana.

Marshall B. Bradley came West as a young man and settled in Jones county, Iowa, where he bought a farm and established his home and was there engaged in farming until 1879, in which year he moved to Boone county, in that state, where he farmed until 1882, when he moved to Calhoun county, same state, moving thence, in 1883, to Nebraska, where he spent the rest of his life. Marshall B. Bradley was twice married. On June I, 1847, he married Matilda A. Lee, and to that union were born five children, Emily, Horace, Viola, Harvey and Myra, of whom Horace is now the only survivor. The mother of these children died on November 8, 1858, and on May 24, 1861, Mr. Bradley married Ellen Dowden, to which union were born eleven children, Benjamin, Ira, Emma, Alfred, George P., Ida, Letitia, Martha, Cora, Daisy and Qara, of whom Ira, Alfred, George and Martha are the only survivors.

George P. Bradley was reared in Jones county, Iowa, and grew up to the life of the farm. When eleven years of age he was compelled to discontinue his studies at school on account of failing eyes and his youth was devoted to assisting in the work of the home farm. As a young man he began farming on his own account in Sac county, in his native state, and after his marriage, in 1905, established his home there, continuing to make that place his residence until he came to Minnesota in 1913. Upon coming to this state, Mr. Bradley bought a quarter of a section of partly improved land in Lakeside township, Cottonwood county, the farm on which he has since made his home, and proceeded further to improve the place until now he has a well-improved and well-kept farm. Most of the buildings on the place he has erected and all the fences on the place have been built by him.

In addition to his general farming, Mr. Bradley has given considerable attention to the raising of high-grade Shorthorn cattle and has done very well.

It was in 1905, in Iowa, that George P. Bradley was united in marriage to Ida Peck, and to this union two children have been born, Paul D. and Daisy I. Mr. and Mrs. Bradley have a very pleasant home and take a proper part in the general social activities of their neighborhood. Mr. Bradley is a Republican and gives a good citizen's attention to local political affairs.

Brown, John A.
Page 440-441
One of the best known citizens of Cottonwood county is the editor of the historical portion of this work, John A. Brown, of Windom, who is rendering efficient service as county commissioner and who has in many ways contributed to the welfare and advancement of his county. Mr. Brown was born in Symington, Ayrshire, Scotland, on August 8, 1841, and is the son of John and Elizabeth Brown. To these parents were born, besides the subject of this sketch, three other sons, namely: S. W., of West Salem, Wisconsin; J. S., of Eugene, Oregon, and W. L., of Linton, North Dakota. After securing some schooling in his native land, John A. Brown, in June, 1856, came to the United States, locating first at West Salem, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1878. He then came to Windom, Minnesota, where, until 1890, he engaged in agricultural pursuits. In November, 1890, Mr. Brown moved into the village of Windom, where he has since resided. In former years Mr. Brown was active and successful as a farmer, but has now relinquished the heavier labor of the farm and confines his active work to lighter gardening. He is financially interested in several local enterprises, being a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Elevator Company, at Windom, and the State Bank of Storden.

Politically, Mr. Brown is a Republican and has taken an active part in public affairs. In 1890 he was elected auditor of Cottonwood county, serving two years; was deputy county auditor from 1893 to 1900, when he was again elected county auditor and, by successive re-elections, served as such until 1910. In ""1912 he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, his term as such expiring the present year (1916), thus making practically twenty- four years of almost continuous service in the public offices of his county. This record is not only remarkable because of the years of service, but is a marked testimonial to the personal popularity of Mr. Brown, as well as to his efficiency and faithfulness as a public servant.

Fraternally, Mr. Bown is a member of Prudence Lodge No. 97, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and I^aGrange Post No. 79, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he is adjutant. Mr. Brown's membership in the last- named order suggests an important epoch in his career. At the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion he enlisted, at LaCrosse, Wisconsin, in Company B, Second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry, of which he was appointed corporal, and then, quartermaster-sergeant. The regiment served in Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi and was engaged in numberless raids and expeditions, and participated in the successful siege of Vicksburg, serving under Generals Grant and Sherman. After the conclusion of the Civil War, the Second Cavalry, with other cavalry regiments, under the command of General Custer. marched overland from Alexandria, Louisiana, to Austin, Texas, there being signs of trouble with Mexico. They remained in Texas until November 15, 1865, when they were honorably discharged, and on December 10, 1865, were paid off and mustered out at Madison, Wisconsin.

In his religious views Mr. Brown is a Presbyterian, but is affiliated with the Baptist church at Windom.

Mr. Brown was married, on October 22, 1880, at Windom, Minnesota, to Edith C. Allen, who was born near Lansing, Iowa, in October, 1857. To this union have been born the following children: S. Allen Brown, born August 19, 1881, is now auditor of Cottonwood county; E. Robert Brown, born March 22, 1883, is engaged in the banking business at Minneapolis; Lucy E. Brown, born December 26, 1885, is at home.

Burton, William C.
Page 383
William C. Burton, farmer of Great Bend township, Cottonwood county, is of that large class of citizens who take delight in nature and cares little for the metropolis. He was born on the farm on which he still resides, May, 1873, and is a son of John O. and Mary J. (Rank) Burton. They were both natives of Indiana, the mother born near Rochester and the father in the southern part of the state. He was a soldier in the Civil War, after which he went to Rice county, Minnesota, where he spent about one year, then came to Cottonwood county, about 1869, and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres, a part of the place on which his son William C., still lives on. John O. Burton developed a good farm and lived here until the spring of 1881, when he went to Duluth and engaged in railroad work until 1900. He was a locomotive engineer, but he finally left the road and turned his attention to farming again. Returning to Indiana, he died there in 1909.

His wife preceded him to the grave in November, 1895, in Duluth. Their family consisted of four children, namely: William C., Omer E., who is a locomotive engineer; A. Jay, also a locomotive engineer, was killed in a wreck, and Frank A., who is division storekeeper of the Northern Pacific railroad, and lives in Jamestown, North Dakota. John O. Burton, the father, owned one-half section of land in one body. He was a member of the Episcopal church.

William C. Burton was educated in the public schools of Cottonwood county and the city of Duluth. After finishing the grades he attended a business college in Duluth, then went into railroad service and was a clerk in the offices of the Northern Pacific at Duluth for eight years, and for twelve years was foreman of the car shops there, his long retention indicating that his services were satisfactory in both capacities. He returned to the old homestead in Cottonwood county in 1914 and has since successfully operated five hundred and sixty acres, carrying on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale.

Mr. Burton was married on August 9, 1899, to Grace M. Fish of Duluth, a daughter of Francis A. and Elizabeth Fish, and to this union four children have been born, namely: John O., Francis F., William C., Jr., and Grace Anna.

Mr. Burton is a member of the Episcopal church, and he belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Royal Arcanum, and the Knights of the Maccabees.

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