Cottonwood County, Minnesota Biographies C, D, E & F

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

Cadwell, Mason N. Page 62-63 MASON N. CADWELL, a well-to-do retired farmer, for years an influential resident of Amo township, Cottonwood county, now living at Windom; former president of the old Mutual Telephone Company, of which he was the original promoter, and a pioneer of this section of Minnesota, is a native of the great Empire state, but has been a resident of Minnesota since 1871, in which year he became a homesteader in Cottonwood county, where he has lived ever since. He was born in Allegany county, New York, September 29, 1846, son of George and Melissa (Hatfield) Cadwell, the former a native of Connecticut, born in 1812, and the latter of Cattaraugus county, New York, born in 1813. In 1864 George Cadwell and his family came West and settled in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, where they established their home on a farm. There Mrs. Cadwell died in September, 1868. Her husband survived her about eleven years, his death occurring on October 29, 1879. They were the parents of five children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the youngest, the others being Marvin (deceased), Evalyn (deceased), Mason N. and one infant (deceased). Mason N. Cadwell obtained his schooling in the East and was about eighteen years old when he located with his parents in Wisconsin, where he remained until 1872, a year after his marriage, when he and his wife came to Minnesota and settled in Amo township, Cottonwood county. There Mr. Cadwell entered a homestead claim to a quarter of a section of land and established his home. To that homestead tract he later added by purchase an adjoining quarter of a section and still owns his fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres there. In 1901 he went into Morrison county and bought eleven hundred acres of land, and still owns six hundred dred and fifty acres. In 1904 he retired from the farm and moved to Windom, where he and his wife have since made their home and where they are very comfortably situated. Mr. Cadwell formerly was an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party in his home county and was for years clerk of Amo township, as well as a member of the school board, but of recent years has been inclined to be wholly independent in his political views. He ever took an active part in such movements as were designed to advance the interests of his community and was one of the organizers and for five years was president of the Mutual Telephone Company, organized in 1902, with a capital stock of four thousand five hundred dollars, and which a year later was reorganized with a capital of forty-five thousand dollars, thirty-one thousand dollars paid up. This company constructed exchanges at Windom, Westbrook and Jeffers and built intermediate lines and was eventually taken over by the Tri-State Telephone Company, the present owners. In January, 1872, in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, Mason N. Cadwell was united in marriage to Mary J. Waite, who was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, August 14, 1854, daughter of Martin and Jane (Van- ocker) Waite, who moved to Wisconsin at an early day and later moved to Iowa, where their last days were spent, Martin Waite dying in 1886 and his wife in 1912. To Mr. and Mrs. Cadwell three children have been born, Arthur, born November 7, 1873; Myra, born December 23, 1876, and Guy E., born September 5, 1882, all of whom are living. Mrs. Cadwell is a member of the Methodist church and takes an earnest interest in the various beneficences of the same. Carpenter, Frederick J. Page 107-109 Frederick J. Carpenter, a well-known and well-to-do retired farmer of Cottonwood county, now living retired at Windom, a stockholder and former director of the Windom National Bank and for years actively interested in the civic affairs of that city and this section of Minnesota in general, is a native of New York state, born at Hudson, July 20, 1848, son of Chauncey and Deborah (Worth) Carpenter, both natives of New York state, the former born on July 16, 1810, and the latter, March 28, 1819, who were the parents of six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth, the others being as follow : Jane, deceased, who was the wife of Horace Goodill; Emily, who married William Lake and died in Chippewa county, Wisconsin; Margaret, who died at the age of fourteen years; Cornelia, who married Perry Norton, of Dodge county, this state, and now lives at Claremont, that county, and Hannah, now deceased, who was the wife of Eugene Newton of Minneapolis. Chauncey Carpenter was a merchant in New York and in 1854 he sold his store and with his family came West, settling in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, for a time living retired at Kingston, that county, and later moving to a farm in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, where he died in 1868. His widow afterward made her home with her son, the subject of this sketch, in Cottonwood county, where she died in 1878. Frederick J. Carpenter was about six years old when his parents moved to Wisconsin and he received his schooling at Kingston, that state. He was eighteen years old when the family moved onto the farm in Fond du Lac county and there he remained for six years, assisting in the development of the same. In 1872 he came to Minnesota and homesteaded a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in section 8, Carson township, Cottonwood county, at the same time buying, for six dollars an acre, eighty acres of railroad land adjoining. The first season he put out forty-one acres of flax, being one of the first farmers in this region to sow flax, and the product of that first crop almost paid for his land. Mr. Carpenter prospered in his farming operations from the very first and it was not long until he was being looked upon as one of the leading farmers of that part of the county. In 1888 he bought one-half of section 8 in Lakeside township and in 1899 bought one-half of section 9 in the same township, near Bingham lake. In the fall of that latter year he retired from the active labors of the farm and moved to Windom, where he ever since has made his home and where he is very comfortably situated. Since moving to town Mr. Carpenter has sold all of his landholdings save the half section near Bingham lake and has made other investments. For years he has been a stockholder in the Windom National Bank and was formerly a member of the board of directors of that financial institution. Mr. Carpenter is a Republican and for years has given his close attention to local political affairs and has attended every county convention of his party in Cottonwood county. He was on the school board in Carson township when there were but four schools in that township. He was a member of the town board in both Carson and Lakeside townships and was treasurer of the school board at Bingham Lake; also a member of Windom school board for twelve years; also a member of the committee of five under whose direction the new school at Windom was established. He also superintended the building of the Masonic temple and Independent Order of Odd Fellow buildings. He attends the Presbyterian church, of which his wife is a member, and has ever taken a proper part in local good works. In 1877 Frederick J. Carpenter was united in marriage to Clara McNeal, of Blue Earth county, this state, and to that union three children were born, Alice, May 9, 1884, wife of Edward Hartz, of Leeds, North Dakota; Hattie, born September 5, 1885, who died on January 28, 1911, at the age of twenty-six years, and Frederick Chester, born October 26, 1887, employed by the state as weighmaster, who for four years was located at Minneapolis, but who has had his headquarters at Duluth since 1911. The mother of these children died on January 29, 1889, and on September 10, 1890, Mr. Carpenter married Georgia Schofield, born December 28, 1866, in Iowa, daughter of Aaron and Rhoda (Smith) Schofield, the latter of whom was born in Indiana, a cousin of Whitelaw Reid. Aaron Schofield was a native of England. He moved with his family from Iowa to Minnesota in 1873 and homesteaded eighty acres in section 28, Carson township, Cottonwood county, and there made his home until 1881, when he retired from the farm and moved to Windom, where he and his wife spent the rest of their lives and where, on November 20, 1911, they celebrated their ""golden wedding."" Mrs. Schofield died on February 20, 1914, at the age of seventy- two years, and Mr. Schofield died on February 21, 1916, at the age of eighty-four years. Christensen, Fred T. Page 183-184 Fred T. Christensen, a retired farmer, now living in Windom, is one of Cottonwood county's worthy citizens who has ever taken a delight in nature and existence, because he has been in touch with the springs of life, having spent most of his years on the farm. Mr. Christensen was born in Denmark, November 22, 1846. He is a son of Christopher and Dorothy Christensen, both natives of Denmark, where they grew up, were married and established their home on a farm, the father being a farm laborer, and they both spent their lives in their native land. Eight children were born to them, the subject of this sketch and his sister being the only ones to come to America. Fred T. Christensen received his education in the common schools of Denmark, and he began life as a farmer there and when twenty-three years of age came to the United States, locating at Lake Superior, Michigan, where he worked in the iron mines for several years, then moved to Minneapolis and worked at loading lumber for two years, then went back to Michigan, where he worked at loading iron ore on lake steamers for one year, then came to Minnesota and took up a claim in Wadena county, but on account of the many Indians in that locality, who were not by any means desirable neighbors, he returned to Minneapolis and worked there until 1876, then bought a homesteader's right on eighty acres, for fifty dollars, in Amo township, Cottonwood county. When leaving Minneapolis for Cottonwood county, subject and wife drove all the way in an open wagon with two horses and two cows tied behind. They arrived in Amo township, where he had bought eighty acres during the previous fall, before moving here. He worked hard and managed well, added many important improvements and succeeded as a general farmer and stock raiser, and increased his holdings to two hundred and forty acres of valuable and productive land in one section and eighty in another section. Having accumulated a comfortable competency he retired from active life in 1906, moved to Windom, where he purchased a commodious home and about three acres of ground, and is now enjoying his declining years in peace and plenty. He is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished all unaided. When he arrived in America he was without funds and was compelled to work his way to Michigan. Mr. Christensen was married in 1875 in Michigan to Mary Jensen, a daughter of Jens and Christena Hansen, and not having any children they adopted a son, John, who married Esther Nelson, is now farming in West- brook township, Cottonwood county, and they have two children, Delbert and Evelyn. Politically, Mr. Christensen is a Republican of the old school. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Christenson, Ole L. Page 387 The time has arrived when intensive and diversified farming is a necessity. The farmer must now look more to soil fertility; breed better and more live stock. One of the intelligent farmers of Cottonwood county, who realizes that he must employ different methods in his vocation to those employed by former generations, is Ole L. Christenson, who was born in Denmark, May 14, 1856, and is a son of Godfrey Christenson and wife, natives of Denmark, where they grew up and were married. They brought their family to America about 1881, locating in Iowa. Ole L. Christenson spent his boyhood in his native land, and there attended the common schools. He accompanied his parents to the United States when about twenty-five years of age. He engaged in farm work in Iowa until 1904 when he came to Cottonwood county, Minnesota, locating in section 28, Great Bend township, on a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, which he still owns. He has added many modern improvements, has enhanced the fertility of the soil and is carrying on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, making a specialty of raising a good grade of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs. He has a pleasant home and numerous convenient outbuildings. Everything about his place denotes thrift and good management. Mr. Christenson was married in 1886, to Nettie Larson, and to them the following children have been born : Lawrence, Millie, Orvin, Iva, Earl, Fred and Bessie. Politically, Mr. Christenson is a Republican. He has never been very active in public affairs, and has not sought office; however, he has served as road overseer. He is a member of the Lutheran church. Churchill, Leroy C. Page 369-370 LeRoy C. Churchill, editor and publisher of the Citizen at Windom, secretary of the Commercial Club of that city and otherwise actively identified with the rapidly developing interests of this part of the state, is a native of Kansas, born in the city of lola, that state, February 17, 1873, son and only child of E. S. and Harriet E. (Anthony) Churchill. Upon completing the course in the high school Mr. Churchill took a course in a business college. For years he was connected with the postoffice, both as clerk and postmaster. The Cottonwood County Citizen was established at Windom in 1883 and he has been editor and proprietor of the paper since the year 1895. Mr. Churchill is a Republican and his paper ever stands stanchly for the maintenance of the principles of that party and is an ardent advocate of the same throughout the wide field which it weekly covers. Mr. Churchill ever since locating in Windom has given his earnest and thoughtful attention to local affairs and has been an active factor in the development of the same. He is secretary of the Windom Commercial Club and takes an enthusiastic interest in the affairs of that useful organization. He also is secretary of the Cottonwood County Agricultural Society. He is a substantial business man and is a stockholder in the Union Savings Association of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In the social and fraternal life of his home town Mr. Churchill also takes an active and influential position and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Royal Arcanum, of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, in the affairs of all of which organizations he takes a warm interest. On January 19, 1915, LeRoy C. Churchill was united in marriage, at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Mabel I. Watts, daughter of Robert and Bertha Watts, of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Churchill are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take a proper interest in church affairs, as well as in all local good works, and are regarded as among the leaders in the social and cultural life of their home town. Clark, Willis J. Page 69-71 In a large measure the success of the present time in all branches of business is largely the result of the present banking methods. One of the flourishing and substantial banks of Cottonwood and adjoining counties is the First National Bank, of which Willis J. Clark is president. Mr. Clark, who is one of the county's most substantial and public- spirited citizens, was born in Richland county, May 9, 1867. He is a son of Hugh M. and Lucinda (Duke) Clark, both natives of Ohio, where they grew up, were educated and married. They removed to Wisconsin in 1864, and about 1871 the father came to Windom, Minnesota, removing his family here in the spring of 1872. Here he conducted a meat market. He had learned the butcher business in Christian, Wisconsin, although he followed farming for the most part while living there. He continued in the meat business and dealing in live stock in Windom until about 1890, when he retired from active life. His death occurred November 9, 1915. His widow survives, being now advanced in years. He was a man of many sterling attributes and was influential in his community. He held a number of minor public offices. His family consisted of three children, namely: Mrs. Ida C. Sherwood lives at Lake Crystal, Minnesota ; Willis J. and Harold M., who is engaged in the hardware business at Lakefield, this state. Willis J. Clark grew to manhood in Windom and here he received his education, completing the course that the local schools offered at that time. When nineteen years of age he entered the employ of the Bank of Windom, a private institution, as bookkeeper, and he has been connected with the same continuously ever since. Being alert, industrious, trustworthy and courteous his rise was rapid, passing through all the positions and offices of the bank, becoming president in 1913, which position he still holds, in fact, he has done more by his conservative and straightforward business methods, his able management and honorable methods to advance the institution and increase its prestige from year to year than any other man. It has passed through two reorganizations since he has been connected with it. As a private bank it was owned by Sevatson & Perkjns, but was called the Bank of Windom, later it was made a state bank but retained its former name. In 1897 it became the First National Bank of Windom. In 1904 Mr. Clark organized the State Bank of Storten, at Storten, Minnesota, and has since been its president. He is also president of the Farmers State Bank of Wilder, at Wilder, Minnesota. His rare business acumen and sound policies have made both these institutions pronounced successes. Mr. Clark was married in 1895 to Ada M. Ellis of Windom, and a daughter of H. S. Ellis, a pioneer homesteader of Cottonwood county. Politically, Mr. Clark is a Republican. He has been mayor of Windom and held a number of other local offices. He has done much for the general welfare of his town and community. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Royal Arcanum and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Collins, Thomas C. Page 34-35 The late Thomas C. Collins, former mayor of Windom, president of the Cottonwood County Bank at Windom and later president of the Farmers Bank of that same city and for years actively engaged in the milling business, which is now being carried on there by his son, was a native of Canada, born on January 26, 1857, son of Samuel and Tamar (Kaye) Collins, both natives of England, who were married in Canada and who came to Minnesota in 1859. Samuel Collins was a millwright and an experienced miller. Upon coming to this state he first located at Faribault, where he was engaged in the milling business for a time, after which he moved to Northfield, thence to Owatonna, where he built a mill, which he later sold and then went to Minneapolis, whence, after a sometime residence, he went to Hastings, where he remained until his removal to Windom in 1878. At Windom he became associated with E. F. Drake, the first president of the Omaha Railroad Company, and erected a mill, with which he was connected the rest of his life, his death occurring in 1882, he then being fifty-five years of age. His widow survived him for more than thirty years, the most of which time she spent in Minneapolis, her death occurring at Faribault on November 17, 1914, she being seventy-nine years of age at the time. Thomas C. Collins was but an infant when his parents came to this state from Canada and was twenty-one years old when they located at Windom in 1878. He had received an excellent education and had also been carefully trained in the mills of Northfield and Minneapolis in the details of the milling business. Not long after the Collins mill was built at Windom he was made superintendent of the same and about two years after his father's death he bought the mill and continued to operate the same the rest of his life. Thomas C. Collins from the very beginning of his residence in Windom took an active part in the business and civic life of that city and was one of the organizers of the old Cottonwood County Bank, whichhe served as president as long as it existed, and when it went into voluntary liquidation and the Fanners Bank of Windom was organized he was elected president of the latter institution and held that position until death. Mr. Collins also held extensive commercial and realty interests in the city and was otherwise active in business affairs. He was an ardent Republican, had served his party as a delegate to national conventions and was mayor of Windom for two terms. He was prominent in Masonic affairs, having been a Royal Arch Mason, a Knight Templar and a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, affiliated with Osman Temple, of the latter order, at St. Paul. He was likewise a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, of which his widow is still a member, and was also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, affiliated with the lodge of that order at Mankato, and of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Woodmen of the World, also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He was an active member of the Episcopal church at Windom and for years served that church as warden. His death on October i, 1914, was therefore deeply felt in all circles hereabout, for he had done well his part, not only in the business life of the city, but in the civic and religious life of the same and his memory will long be cherished in this community. It was on December 15, 1880, something more than three years after his arrival in Windom, that Thomas C. Collins was united in marriage to Ada Belle Smith, who was born in Livingston county, New York, December 13, 1860, daughter of Lyman Delos and Diantha (Combs) Smith, both natives of New York state, the former born on July 15, 1835, and the latter, April 22, 1833, who moved to Michigan in 1866, thence, in 1868, to Wisconsin, and from the latter state, in 1871, to Windom where they spent the rest of their lives. Lyman D. Smith erected a store building upon his arrival at Windom and became one of the foremost merchants of the town in its early days. He was a Republican and took an active part in local political affairs, for some time acting as a member of the school board. He was a charter member of the Masonic lodge at Windom and was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Smith had been reared a Baptist, but his wife was a member of the Episcopal church, in the beneficences of which she took a warm interest. Lyman D. Smith died on February 27, 1881, and his widow survived him many years, her death occurring on November 22, 1910. To Thomas C. and Ada Belle ((Smith) Collins, two children were born, a son and a daughter, Richard Delos and Mabel. Richard D. Collins was born at Windom on May n, 1883, and received his elementary education in the schools of his home town. Upon completing the course in the high school he entered the University of Minnesota, from which he was graduated in 1904. He then became actively associated with his father in the milling business at Windom, under the firm name of T. C. Collins & Son, and since the death of his father has continued to operate the mill. He is a Republican and has served several terms as a member of the Windom city council. On June i, 1905, Richard D. Collins married Edna Kinyon, of Owatonna, this state. He is a Royal Arch Mason and Knight Templar at Luverne and warden of the Episcopal church. Mabel Collins was born on January 6, 1887, and following her graduation from the Windom high school attended St. Mary's School for Girls at Faribault. She married the Rev. E. Lofstrom, professor of Greek at Seabury Divinity School at Faribault, who died on February 22, 1916, leaving four children, Marjorie, Thomas Collins, Caroline and William Kaye. Mrs. Lofstrom and family reside at Faribault. Mrs. Collins, widow of Thomas C. Collins, still makes her home at Windom and retains her earnest interest in the various social and cultural activities of her home town. She has large property interests, her late husband having had extensive land holdings in Cottonwood county besides considerable real estate in Windom, including that section of the city known as the Hutton & Collins addition to the city, about half of the houses in the north part of Windom having been built on that addition. The family also owns a valuable farm in Amo township. Mrs. Collins's father also was the owner of a valuable farm and property in Windom. Comnick, Gottlieb Page 249-250 Gottlieb Comnick, one of the best-known citizens of the western part of Cottonwood county, proprietor of a fine farm of two hundred and seven acres in Rose Hill township, for years a member of the official board of that township, former township assessor and in other ways actively interested in the civic affairs of his community, is a native of Russia, but has been a resident of Cottonwood county since 1876 and has therefore been a witness to and a participant in the development of this region since pioneer days. He was born on a farm in southern Russia on November 19, 1859, son of Michael and Anna (Zeller) Comnick, the former also a native of Russia and the latter of Germany, who were the parents of four children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the last-born, the others being William, David and Christian. Michael Comnick died on his home farm in Russia in 1861, Gottlieb then being hardly three years of age, and the widowed mother kept her family together. In 1876 she and her sons came to the United States and proceeded directly to Minnesota, coming on out to this part of the state. Mrs. Comnick homesteaded a tract of one hundred and twenty-seven acres in Rose Hill township, Cottonvvood county, and there she and her sons established their home, becoming useful and influential pioneers of that part of the county, ever active in promoting the development of the community. Mrs. Comnick lived many years to enjoy the rewards of the early years of pioneer privation and hardship and had the satisfaction of seeing her homestead place developed into a well-improved and profitably cultivated farm. Her death occurred in 1907 and she was widely mourned, for she had been helpful in many ways in that neighborhood, not only in the pioneer days, but long after a proper social order had been established thereabout. Gottlieb Comnick was about seventeen years old when he came to Minnesota in 1876 and he has lived here ever since, long having been regarded as one of the most substantial and public-spirited citizens in the western part of Cotton wood county. Upon coming here he entered vigorously into the work of aiding in the development of his mother's homestead. After his marriage in 1884 he came into possession of the home farm and has since added to the same, now being the owner of two hundred and seven acres of excellent land, which he has improved in admirable fashion and which is in a fine state of cultivation. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Comnick has given considerable attention to the raising of high-grade live stock and has done very well in his operations. He is a Republican and has given his careful thought to local governmental affairs, ever doing his part to advance the cause of good government hereabout. He also has contributed of his time and his energies to the public service and has served as township assessor and for twelve years a member of the township board. In 1884, Gottlieb Comnick was united in marriage to Elizabeth Deitchmann, daughter of Edward Deitchmann, and to this union five children have been born, Fred W., Bertha, Josephine, Gottlieb D. and William E., all of whom are doing well their respective parts in the community in which they reside. Mr. and Mrs. Comnick are members of the German Lutheran church and for years have taken an active interest in the affairs of the congregation to which they are attached, Mr. Comnick having served for some time as secretary of the congregation. Cook, William A. Page 422-423 Those who succeed usually look at life from an optimistic viewpoint, finding this attitude more conducive to success. Understanding this, William A. Cook, of Windom, Cottonwood county, who holds the responsible position of state road overseer, never permits the little things of daily life to unduly annoy him. Mr. Cook was born at Ripon, Wisconsin, July 19, 1861, and is a son of W. B. and Jane E. Cook, both natives of the state of New York. The father spent his boyhood in that state and attended school, finally moving with his parents to Ohio, where he was married. He took up the wagon-maker's trade, also that of wheelwright, continuing to follow these all his life, becoming quite expert. He removed with his family to Ripon, Wisconsin, about 1854, working at his trades there until 1873, when he came to Cottonwood county, Minnesota, taking up a homestead of eighty acres, one-half mile northeast of Windom, where he farmed and followed his trades for about fifteen years, then moved to Windom and retired from active life. He had increased his holdings to one hundred and sixty acres. His death occurred on April 4, 1909. His wife preceded him to the grave in 1906. They were parents of five children, namely: Eva, who married C. P. Lyman; Frances, who married B. F. Clement; William, the subject of this sketch; Alice, who married Leonard McClintock, and Josie, who married C. W. Lowrey. William A. Cook spent his boyhood on the farm, and he received his education in the schools of Windom. He started out in life as a brakeman on the Omaha railroad, later was promoted to freight conductor. He followed railroading for a period of sixteen years, during which he was regarded as a very faithful and trustworthy employee. In 1897 he located at Windom, buying a livery barn, which he conducted for two years, then sold out and rented his father's farm, which he operated with success until 1910, when he went to South Dakota and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres, remaining there two years, then returning to Windom. In 1913 he was appointed state road overseer, which position he has held ever since, and has discharged his duties in a manner that has reflected much credit on himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. He has done much to encourage better roads all over the commonwealth. Mr. Cook was married in 1886, to Minnie Espey, a daughter of S. M. Espey and wife, and to this union four children have been born, namely: Gertrude, Esby, Richard, and Frank. They all survive and are all single. They have been well educated. Politically, Mr. Cook is a Republican. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Rebekahs. He is a member of the Presbyterian church. Curtis, Will Page 64-65 WILL CURTIS, editor and proprietor of the St. James Plaindealer, and who also is actively engaged in the real-estate business in the city of St. James, is a native of Wisconsin, born on a farm in the vicinity of Patch Grove, Grant county, that state, January 18, 1865, son of J. A. Curtis and wife. He received his elementary education in the district school in the neighborhood of his home and remained on the home farm until he was nineteen years of age, after which he entered the Michigan Agricultural College, from which he was graduated in 1889. Previous to going to college, Mr. Curtis had taught school one year in his home county and was also engaged as a teacher during his vacations from college. After his graduation he was employed as principal of the high school at Beetown, Wisconsin, and after one year of service in that capacity engaged in the newspaper business, which has been his calling ever since. It was in 1890 that Mr. Curtis bought the Kewanee Star at Kewanee, Illinois, and entered upon his career as editor and publisher. Five years later the Kewanee Printing and Publishing Company was organized, with Mr. Curtis as manager. It took over the Kewanee Star, the Kewanee Courier and a job plant, and consolidated the two papers, under the title of the Star-Courier. Mr. Curtis continued as manager of that paper for thirteen years, at the end of which time, in 1908, he disposed of his newspaper interests in Illinois and came to Minnesota, locating at St. James, where he bought the Plaindealer, and has since been editor and sole proprietor of that excellent newspaper, which has become an influence for much good hereabout during the period of his able management. Mr. Curtis is an energetic, enterprising and public-spirited citizen and his newspaper is ever found on the right side of all public questions affecting the welfare and progress of this community. In addition to giving close attention to his newspaper interests, Mr. Curtis also is actively engaged in the real-estate business at St. James and is regarded as one of the liveliest "" hustlers"" in that city. He gives thoughtful attention to local political affairs, but has never been an aspirant for public office. In 1895, at Kewanee, Illinois, Will Curtis was united in marriage to Lida Jane Giffin, of that city, and to this union five children have been born, as follow : Harold, who is now a student at Hamlin College, St. Paul ; Lucile, who was graduated from the St. James high school in 1916; Leslie, also a high-school student; Elizabeth, who is still in the grade school, and Bruce William, all of whom were born at Kewanee save the latter, who was born at St. James. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take a proper interest in the various social and cultural movements of their home town. Mr. Curtis is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and in the affairs of these two popular orders takes a warm interest. Davies, James T. Page 158-159 James T. Davies, a well-known and well-to-do farmer of Amo township, Cottonwood county, proprietor of a fine farm of three hundred and fifteen acres south of Storden, chairman of the board of supervisors of Amo township and for years actively interested in the general affairs of that part of the county, is a native son of Minnesota, born on a pioneer farm in Antrim township, in the neighboring county of Watonwan, August 10, 1871, son of William and Gertrude (Thomas) Davies and grandson of William and Mary (Williams) Davies, who were the first settlers in Antrim township. The elder William Davies and his wife, natives of Wales, came to the United States about th.e year 1850 and settled in Wisconsin, where they remained until they came to this state, about 1864, and settled in Antrim township, Watonwan county, being the earliest arrivals in that township and becoming useful and influential pioneer citizens. They homesteaded a tract of land there and on that homestead farm spent the remainder of their days. The younger William Davies was a well-grown lad when he came to the United States with his parents from his native Wales about 1850 and he grew to manhood on a pioneer farm in Wisconsin. There he married Gertrude Thomas, who was born in England, daughter of James and Sophia ( Dibbs) Thomas, natives of England, who came to the United States with their family about 1850 and settled in Wisconsin, where Mrs. Thomas spent her last days. Later James Thomas joined his daughter, Mrs. Davies, in Watonwan county, and his last days were spent in her home. It was about a year after his parents came to Minnesota that the younger William Davies and his wife came out here. They also settled in Antrim township, Watonwan county, arriving there in 1865, and were thus among the early pioneers of this part of the state. They spent the rest of their lives on their homestead farm there, useful and influential citizens, and left good memories behind them. William Davies was active and diligent in his own affairs and also took an active part in the public affairs of his home township in the early days, having served in several offices of trust and responsibility. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth, the others being Joseph, Mary (deceased), Morgan (deceased), Fred, Bertha and Mark (deceased). William Davies and his wife were earnest members of the Christian church and their children were reared in that faith. James T. Davies was reared on the homestead farm in Antrim township, where he was born, and received his education in the schools in the neighborhood of his home. He grew up a farmer and has been actively engaged in that vocation all his life. He was married in the summer of 1901 and three or four years later, in the spring of 1905, moved to the farm on which he has since then made his home, in Amo township, Cotton- wood county. Mr. Davies has an excellent farm of three hundred and fifteen acres, well improved and highly cultivated and has done very well in his farming operations. He also has found time to give a good citizen's attention to the public service and is now chairman of the township board and treasurer of his local school district. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and take a proper part in the good works of their home community. It was on June 5, 1901, that James T. Davies was united in marriage to Katie Radcliff, of Amo township, daughter of C. N. Radcliff, a former prominent farmer of that township, now living retired at Los Gatos, California, and to this union four children have been born, Ruth (deceased), Harry, Archie (deceased) and Catherine. C. N. Radcliff is a native of Illinois. His wife was born in Wisconsin. Both came to Minnesota and were married here. He came to Minnesota in 1864, and settled in Blue Earth county; later came to Cottonwood county in 1885; settled in Amo township, where he lived until 1912, when he moved to California, where he and his wife are still living. They were the parents of ten children, namely: Katie, George, Myrtle, William, Lila, and five who are deceased. C. N. Radcliff • served as a member of the board of supervisors of Amo township. He is a Republican. Dempsey, Gerald Page 425-427 While the late Gerald Dempsey carried on a special line of work in such a manner as to gain a comfortable livelihood, ranking for many years among the leading fanners of Great Bend township, Cottonwood county, he also belonged to that class of representative citizens who promote the public welfare while advancing individual success. Mr. Dempsey was born in County Carlow, Ireland, August 29, 1845. He was a son of Charles and Lizzie (Kelly) Dempsey, both natives of the same locality in which Gerald was born, and there they grew up and were married. Both father and son were born on the same farm, which had been in the Dempsey family for several generations. Charles Dempsey and wife had two children, Louis, who still resides on the old homestead in Ireland, and Gerald, of this memoir. The great grandfather was a captain in the British army. The family has still in their possession a valuable ring which was given the captain by his troops in recognition of the esteem in which they held him. Gerald Dempsey grew up on the homestead in his native land, and there he received his education, attending the monastery. He was twenty years of age when he immigrated to America. After spending a short time in Boston he went to Rochester, New York, then west to Iowa City, Iowa, in 1871, and there he was married on Thanksgiving Day, 1873, to Mary Ann Moore, who was born in Maryboro, Queens County, Ireland. She was a daughter of John and Ann (Fitzpatrick) Moore, both natives of Maryboro, Ireland, where they grew up, married and established their home, removing to America in 1861, arriving at Frankford, Pennsylvania, June 4, that year. Remaining there until after the Civil War, they came to Iowa, where they spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in March, 1908, and the mother in August, 1910. Mr. Moore was a carpenter by trade, but he always owned and lived on a farm. After their marriage, Mr. Dempsey and wife moved to a farm in Greene county, Iowa, where they spent twenty years, then came to the place on which the widow still resides in Cottonwood county, Minnesota. It formerly belonged to Allen Gardner, and it now contains six hundred and thirty- four acres, having originally contained four hundred and twenty acres. Mr. Dempsey addd many improvements here, including the erection of a commodious dwelling house and other buildings. He was very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser, and was a breeder of Hereford cattle. He always kept large numbers of cattle. He was a man of sound judgment and executive ability and was very successful in his chosen life work. He was independent in politics, but usually supported the Republican party. When Mr. Dempsey left Ireland he was given a letter of recommendation by Lord Wolseley, who owned an estate adjoining that of Mr. Dempsey's father. The brother of the subject of this sketch now owns both the homestead and the Lord Wolseley estate. To Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Dempsey ten children were born, namely: Anna V. is the wife of Hugh Hammel; Elizabeth, Margaret and Mamie. Alice G. is a milliner by trade, but is now managing the home farm; Jane was next in order of birth; Sadie V. and Winnifred B. are teaching school; Catherine, who is now the wife of Walter Berger of Comfrey, Minnesota, was formerly a teacher; Martha A., the youngest child, is also a teacher. The late Mr. Dempsey was a Catholic and his family are members of that church. The death of Gerald Dempsey occurred on June 29, 1914. There were in him sterling traits which commanded uniform confidence and regard, and his memory is today honored by all who knew him. Dewolf, Milo T. Page 43-45 MILO T. DEWOLF, former mayor of Windom, former commissioner of Cottonwood county, former postmaster of Windom, a member of the board of directors of the Windom National Bank, a well-known retired farmer and stockman, who for years has taken an active and influential part in the general affairs of Cottonwood county and this section of the state, is a native of the great Empire state, born on a farm in Herkimer county, New York, October 7, 1847, son °f William and Melissa (Place) DeWolf, both natives of that same state. William DeWolf also born in Herkimer county, member of one of the old families thereabout and was reared on a farm. Later he bought a farm in Paris township, Oswego county, same state, where he established his home and there he and his wife spent their last days. They were the parents of seven children, of whom the subject of this biographical sketch was the second in order of birth, the others being as follow : James, a veteran of the Civil War, who served in the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, came to Minnesota in 1871 and settled in Cottonwood county, where he passed away; Harley, who also came to Minnesota in 1871, settling in Cottonwood county, and died in Illinois in 1906; Andrew L., of Paris, Oswego county, New York; Mary, wife of George Lynch, who lives near that same town; Nettie, wife of Austin Whiteman, also of Paris, New York, and John, who also came to this section of Minnesota in 1886 and died at Windom in 1898. Milo T. DeWolf was reared on the paternal farm in Oswego county, New York, receiving his education in the public schools, a select school at Amboy and the Whitesboro Academy. He taught school for three years and then, in 1871, came to Minnesota with his brothers and an uncle, Moses L. DeWolf, settling in Cottonwood county, all taking claims near to each other and becoming influential factors in the early development of that part of the county. When the township in which they settled was organized the the DeWolfs were given the honor of naming the same and they gave it the name ""Amboy,"" in honor of their old home town in New York, and it is thus that Cottonwood county has an Amboy township. Milo T. DeWolf preempted a quarter of section 34, in that township and upon his marriage the next year established his home there. From the first he took a prominent part in early real-estate activities hereabout and bought and sold considerable land. For three years he also acted as manager of the R. Bardon farm. After awhile he moved to Bingham Lake, where he engaged in the live-stock and dray business and was thus engaged until July i, 1889, when he moved to Windom, where he ever since has made his home and where from the very beginning of his residence there he has been one of that city's most enterprising and progressive citizens. For years he continued his live-stock operations and other business activities, but for some years past has been living practically retired. In 1902 Mr. DeWolf went to Canada and bought three sections of land, all of which he since has sold save three hundred and twenty acres. He owns a fine home on Fourth street in Windom, where he and his wife are very pleasantly and comfortably situated. They spend a part of their time in Canada with their sons and make occasional visits back to their old home in New York state. Mrs. DeWolf is active in local church work and for many years has been regarded as one of the leaders in the social life of this community. She also for years has been one of the leaders in the work of the Order of the Eastern Star at Windom. Mr. DeWolf is a Republican and ever since settling in this region back in pioneer days has taken an active and earnest part in civic affairs. For two terms he served as county commissioner from the fourth district and was thus serving at the time the first court house in Cottonwood county was erected. During the McKinley administration he was postmaster of Windom and has also served two terms as mayor of that city, having been the city's chief executive officer at the time the waterworks and the electric-light plant were constructed. In addition to his extensive realty and live-stock operations he also gave much attention to the general enterprises of the community and is still serving as a member of the board of directors of the Windom National Bank. Mr. DeWolf was made a Mason in New York in 1872, a member of West Amboy Lodge No. 650, and his membership long ago was transferred to Prudence Lodge No. 97, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Windom, and of the Royal Arch Chapter No. 48, at Windom. He also is a Knight Templar, a member of Laverne Commandery No. 22, and a noble of Osman Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at St. Paul, and, with his wife, is connected with the local chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, taking a warm interest in all these several branches of Masonry. He also is a me'mber of the Woodmen of the World, and he and his family- ire affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. On November 8, 1871, in Oswego county, New York, Milo T. DeWolf was united in marriage to Louise E. Gardner, who was born in that county, daughter of William H. Gardner and wife, the latter of whom was a Rath- bone, whose last days were spent at Hartford, Connecticut, both living to advanced ages, and to this union three children have been born, namely : Blanche, wife of John Ruff, cashier of the Windom National Bank; Archibald, now of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land and assistant manager of the affairs of E. J. Meilicke & Sons, and Earl G., now with the Goose Lake Grain and Lumber Company at Ardath, Saskatchewan. Archibald DeWolf was formerly postmaster of Windom. Doerksen, Jacob P. Page 470-471 Jacob P. Doerksen, a well-known farmer of Midway township, Cottonwood county, proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the vicinity of Mountain Lake, is a native of Russia, born on a farm in the southern part of that country, on October 7, 1863, son of Peter and Anna Doerksen, who came to the United States in 1876 and proceeded to Minnesota, settling in Cottonwood county, where they spent the rest of their lives. Upon coming here, Peter Doerksen bought two hundred and forty acres of land in Mountain Lake township and there established his home. He later added to that farm by the purchase of an adjoining eighty"" and became a very substantial farmer. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth, the others being Katherine, Peter, Frank, George, Bernard, John and Abraham. The mother of these children died in 1877, the year after coming to this country, and Peter Doerksen married, secondly, Lena Dick. His death occurred in 1895. Jacob P. Doerksen was about fourteen years of age when he came to this country with his parents in 1876 and he spent his youth on the home farm, proving of valuable assistance to his father in the work of developing the home farm and when he was grown began farming on his own account and presently bought a quarter of a section of land in Jackson county, where he settled, proceeding to develop the same and there he lived until 1910, when he returned to Cottonwood county and bought a quarter of a section in section 20, Midway township, where he established his home and where he has lived ever since. Upon taking possession of the latter place he began improving the same by the erection of a substantial house and farm buildings in keeping with the same and now has a well-improved and profitably cultivated place. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Doerksen gives considerable attention to the raising of high-grade live stock and has done very well.- 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. In 1891 Jacob P. Doerksen was united in marriage to Sarah Thaisen, who was born in Russia in 1873, and to this union ten children were born, of whom eight are living, Jacob, Sarah, Peter, Frank, Bernard, Anna, Lena and Lizzie, and two who died in infancy, Peter and David. The mother of these children died at her home in Midway township in 1913. Dryden, T. N. Page 53-54 T. N. DRYDEN, a well-known stock buyer, of Windom, is a native of Illinois, born on a farm in Coles county, that state, December 8, 1850, son of W. A. and Amizilla Dryden, who were the parents of eight children, only one of whom, the subject of this sketch, is a resident of Cottonwood county. W. A. Dryden was born in Bedford county, Tennessee, and grew to manhood there. He then moved to Illinois with his parents, the family settling in Coles county, that state, where he worked with his father in a blacksmith shop. Not long after his arrival in Coles county he married a daughter of one of the pioneers of that section and in the early fifties moved to Wisconsin, settling on a farm in Dane county, about twenty miles west of Madison, where he established his home and where he remained until 1862, in February of which year he and his family moved to Marion county, Iowa, making the trip by ox-team. After a residence of three years there he moved, in 1865, to Lafayette county, Wisconsin, where he bought a farm and remained there until his retirement from the farm and removal to the town of Argyle, that state, where for a number of years he was engaged in the buying of live stock. He then moved to Castana, in Monona county, Iowa, where he remained until he came to this state and located at Windom, where his last days were spent. T. N. Dryden was little more than an infant when his parents moved from Illinois to Wisconsin and his schooling was obtained in the latter state. Not long after leaving school he rented a farm in the neighborhood of the paternal farm and was engaged in farming there until 1874, in which year he moved to Pottawattomie county, Iowa, where he rented a farm on which he made his home for two years, at the end of which time he went to Monona county, same state, where he bought a farm and was there engaged in farming until 1900, when he sold out and came to this part of Minnesota, locating at Windom, where for a time he was engaged in the general real-estate business, but presently turned his attention to the buying and selling of live stock and has been thus very successfully engaged ever since, being now recognized as one of the leading stockmen in this part of the state. Mr. Dryden is a Republican and gives a good citizen's attention to political affairs, but has never been included in the office-seeking class. T. N. Dryden was united in marriage to Joan E. Howery, and to this union five children have been born, Guy, George, Reuben, Vernie and Genevieve. Guy Dryden married Clara Lanham and has two children, Ruth and Glenn. Reuben Dryden married Florence Barber and has one child, a son, Lowell. Genevieve Dryden married Dana Goss, and Vernie married Helen Kerr and lives at Harlan, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Dryden are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mr. Dryden being a member of the official board of the church, and they take an active interest in the various beneficences of the same, as well as in all local good works. They have a very pleasant home at Windom and take a proper interest in the general social and cultural activities of their home town. Dummett, William Henry Page 121-123 William Henry Dummett, a well-known and well-to-do farmer of Lakeside township, Cottonwood county, chairman of the board of supervisors of that township and proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the vicinity of Bingham Lake, is a native of Iowa, born on a pioneer farm in Franklin township, O'Brien county, that state, February 26, 1878, son of William Henry and Mary E. (Daily) Dummett, the former a native of the state of New Jersey and the latter of Ireland, she having come to this country with her parents when a child. The senior William H. Dummett was born in 1841, son of Henry J. and Christina (Westkett) Dummett, the former a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1809, wno was a glass-blower by trade. Later he moved to Ohio and still later, in 1856, moved with his family to Iowa, which then was being rapidly opened to settlement, and settled on a farm in Benton county, where he spent the rest of his life. He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, of whom but two are now living. William H. Dummett, father of the subject of this sketch, was about fifteen years old when his parents settled in Iowa and there he grew to manhood. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in Company H, Sixth Iowa Cavalry, and served until that command was mustered out at Sioux City, Iowa, October 17, 1865. Although Mr. Dummett participated in many hard-fought battles and underwent many trying experiences, he came through the war unwounded and with health unimpaired. At the close of the war he returned to his home in Benton county, Iowa, and there, in 1869, was married. In 1871 he and his wife moved up into the northwestern part of Iowa and settled in O'Brien county. There, in Franklin township, he homesteaded a quarter of a section of land and established his home, later increasing his farm to two hundred and eighty acres and spending the rest of his life there, his death occurring in 1915. He was a Republican, an enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic and he and his family were supporters of the Methodist Episcopal church. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom five still survive, namely: Mary E., who married Frank Merrill and lives in Iowa; Sarah, who married William Brahan and also lives in Iowa; Elmer B., who lives in Iowa; William H., the subject of this sketch, and George, who is also a resident of Minnesota. The junior William H. Dummett was reared on the pioneer farm in O'Brien county, Iowa, receiving his schooling in the district schools in the neighborhood of his home and as a young man started farming there on his own account. In 1902 he married and and established his home in his native county, where he continued to live until 1909, in which year he disposed of his interests there and came to Minnesota, settling in Cortonwood county. He bought a quarter of a section of land in Lakeside township and there has made his home ever since. The place was but partially improved when Mr. Dummett took possession and he has erected new buildings and otherwise improved the farm, bringing it up to a high standard of cultivation. In addition to his general farming he has given considerable attention to the raising of high-grade live stock and has done well with his Shorthorn cattle and Chester White hogs. Mr. Dummett is a Republican and since coming to this state has given his thoughtful attention to political affairs. He served as a member of the school board for three years and is now serving as chairman of the board of supervisors in Lakeside township. In 1902, in O'Brien county, Iowa, William H. Dummett was united in marriage to Bertha May DuBois and to this union four children have been born, Forrest Wayne, Averil, Doris and Berdine. Mr. and Mrs. Dummett take a proper part in the general good works of their community and are ever ready to promote such movements as are designed to advance the common weal hereabout. Mr. Dummett holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America, the Yeomen and the Modern Brotherhood of America, in the affairs of all of which organizations he takes a warm interest. Dyer, Francis M. Page 328-330 Francis M. Dyer, a well-known and well-to-do farmer of Lakeside township, Cottonwood county, one of the real pioneers of this section of the state, for some years superintendent of schools of Cottonwood county, who also served the public as supervisor and as assessor in his home township and who for years has been clerk of the school board, is a native of the state of Maine, but has been a resident of Minnesota since 1864 and has consequently been a witness to and a participant in the marvelous development of this section of the great Northwest during the past generation. Mr. Dyer was born in the town of Jackson, in Waldo county, Maine, August 28, 1841, son of Thompson and Lucy Bruce (White) Dyer, both natives of the state of Massachusetts, the former born on March 31, 1804, and the latter, October 16, 1808. Thompson Dyer received his education in the Massachusetts public schools and at the age of eighteen went to Belfast, Maine, whence, after a few years, he moved to Jackson, in that same state, where he made his home until 1852, in which year he moved to Skohegan, county seat of Somerset county, Maine, where he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring in March, 1883. Thompson Dyer was a miller and carpenter and an active, energetic citizen. He served as a soldier during the Aroostook dispute with England and the United States over boundary lines between Maine and New Brunswick. Upon the formation of the Republican party he became allied with the same and remained faithful to the principles of his party to the end. He was twice married, by his first wife, who was Judith Chase, having had four children, Henry, Samuel, Woodbridge and Alma. Upon the death of the mother of these children he married Lucy Bruce White, and to that union two children were born, the subject of this biographical sketch and a daughter, Almatia. Francis M. Dyer was reared in his native town in Maine, receiving his schooling in the local schools, and there he learned the trade of millwright. He early began teaching school and while thus employed became engaged as a clerk in a drug store, which latter vocation he followed for about eighteen months. In 1862 he married and two years later, in 1864, came to Minnesota, settling at Plainview, in Wabasha county, where he lived for seven years, teaching school during the winters and engaged in farming during the summers. In 1870 Mr. Dyer came over this part of the state and entered a claim to a quarter of a section of land in Lakeside township, Cottonwood county. The next year, 1871, he moved his family out here and established his home on that homestead tract and there has made his home ever since. Mr. Dyer was a valuable factor in the pioneer life of this region. As a school teacher his services were immediately in demand and with the exception of four or five years, he taught school in Cottonwood county from the time of his arrival until in 1908, when he retired from the county's teaching force, after many years of useful service. He was appointed county superintendent of schools not long after arriving in Cottonwood county, the third incumbent in that office, and later filled the unexpired term of L. J. Robinson. In the meantime, during the summers, Mr. Dyer was engaged in developing his homestead farm and it was not long until he had one of the best farms in that part of the county, well improved and profitably cultivated. He and his family endured all the hardships of pioneer life, but persevered in the face of what now no doubt would be regarded as almost insuperable difficulties and presently were well and substantially established. In addition to his valuable service as superintendent of schools, Mr. Dyer also has rendered valuable service to the public in the capacity of township assessor, in which office he served for three years, and also has served as supervisor and for many years as clerk of the school board. It was on June 29, 1862, that Francis M. Dyer was united in marriage, in his native state, to Harriet U. Weld, daughter of Zebina and Esther ( Ridgeway) Weld, and to this union nine children have been born, namely: Willis F., who married R. Redding and died, leaving one child, a son, Leland D. Redding, who has always made his home with his maternal grandparents; Abbie May, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Marion Clyde, who married Ruth McCurdy; Blanche, unmarried; Elsine, unmarried; Grace R., who married Frank Benham, and Merton W., who married Mrytle Chadderdon. Mr. and Mrs. Dyer are members of the Presbyterian church at Windom and have ever given their support to measures designed to advance the common welfare hereabout. Mr. Dyer formerly was an elder of the Presbyterian church at Bingham Lake and in the early days did much to advance the work of the church hereabout. His children have, in turn, taken their places worthily in the common life of this community and the family, very properly, has long been regarded as one of the useful and earnest factors in the social and cultural development of this region. Eichstad, Emil H. Page 455-456 Emil H. Eichstad, a well-known and progressive young farmer of Storden township, Cottonwood county, and the proprietor of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the vicinity of Jeffers, is a native son of Cotton- wood county and has lived there all his life. He was born on a homestead farm in Amboy township, April 9, 1884, son of August and Louise (Borg- holz) Eichstad, natives of Germany, the former of whom was born on March 8, 1840, and the latter, May i, 1847, who became pioneers of this section of Minnesota and are now living at Jeffers, comfortably retired. August Eichstad and his wife came to America in 1882 and proceeded to Minnesota, coming on out to this part of the state and settling in Cottonwood county. Mr. Eichstad homesteaded a tract in Amboy township, established his home there and proceeded to develop his farm. He was successful in his operations and became the owner of a half section of land, for years being regarded as one of the most substantial farmers in that vicinity. He continued his residence on the farm until 1913, when he and his wife moved to the village of Jeffers, where they are now living, pleasantly situated. Mr. Eichstad is a Republican and ever since coming to Minnesota has taken an earnest interest in local political affairs. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church and their children were reared in that faith. There are five of these children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth, the others being Frank, William, Anna and August. Emil Eichstad was reared on the paternal farm in Amboy township, receiving his schooling in the district school in the neighborhood of his home, and grew up to the life of the farm, a valuable assistant to his father in the labors of developing the same. In 1906, the year of his marriage, he bought the northeast quarter of section 2 in Storden township, established his home there and has ever since resided there. He has brought his farm to an excellent state of cultivation and has the same well improved. In addition to his general farming, he has given considerable attention to stock raising and has done very well. He has a good farm residence and he and his family are very comfortably situated. On October 3, 1906, Emil H. Eichstad was united in marriage to Martha Krahn and to that union four children have been born, Elmer, Ervin, Ada and a baby boy. Mr. and Mrs. Eichstad are members of the Lutheran church and take an earnest interest in the general l>enencences of the same, as well as in all local good works, willing promoters of all movements having to do with the community welfare. Mr. Eichstad is a Republican and takes a popular interest in local political affairs. Engeswick, John A. Page 464-465 John A. Engeswick, a well-known and substantial farmer of Storden township, Cottonwood county, proprietor of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in the vicinity of Lamberton, treasurer of his school district and in other ways actively identified with the civic life of his community, is a native of Norway, but has been a resident of Minnesota since his boyhood. He was born at Namsos, a harbor town on the middle coast of Norway, January 26, 1861, son of Michael Johnson and Ellen Sophia Engeswick, natives of Norway, who came to the United States in 1868 and settled in Allamakee county, Iowa. Three years later the Engeswicks came to Minnesota and settled in Cottonwood county. Michael J. Engeswick homestead the northeast quarter of section 8 in Storden township, established his home there and there spent the rest of his life, an industrious farmer and a good neighbor. He was a Republican and he and his wife were members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. They were the parents of two sons, the subject of this sketch having a younger brother, Segvert Engeswick. John A. Engeswick was about seven years old when his parents came to this country and settled in Iowa and was about ten when they came to Minnesota. He was reared on the homestead farm in Storden tonwship, completing his schooling in the district school in the neighborhood of his home, and from the days of his boyhood was a valued assistant to his father in the labors of developing the home place. He early began farming on his own account and in 1884 became proprietor of the farm on which he is now living and where he has since made his home. Starting in a small way there, he prospered in his farming operations and gradually enlarged his holdings until now he is the owner of a well-kept and profitably cultivated place of two hundred and forty acres and has long been looked upon as one of the leading farmers in that section of the county. In addition to his general farming he has given considerable attention to the raising of high- grade live stock and has done very well. Mr. Engeswick has given thoughtful attention to local civic affairs and is now serving as treasurer of his home school district. He has a pleasant home and he and his family are very comfortably situated. Mr. Engeswick married Senna B. Olson and to this union fourteen children have been born, Hilda, Ella, Anna, Edna, Sidney, Mattie, Clifford, Neva, Cora, Arnold, Raymond, Willard, Russell and Zola. Mr. Engeswick has served as trustee of his church. He and his wife have ever given their earnest attention to local good works and are helpful members of the community in which they live. Englund, A. W. Page 327-328 A. W. Englund, clerk of Amboy township, Cottonwood county, and one of the best-known and most progressive farmers of that part of the county, proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the vicinity of Jeffers, is a native of Sweden, but has lived in this country ever since he was six years old. He was born on a farm on August 17, 1863, son of John and Catherine (Monson) Englund, who came to the United States in the spring of 1869 and settled on a farm in Buena Vista county, Iowa, where both spent the remainder of their lives. Catherine Englund died in 1874, leaving three children, of whom A. W. was the eldest, the others being John E. and Amanda. John Englund later married Maria Larson, and to that union three children were born, Charles H., Emma and Hilda. John Englund died in August, 1904. A. W. Englund was reared on the paternal farm in Buena Vista county, Iowa, receiving his schooling in the neighborhood schools, and when a young man started farming in that county on his own account. In the spring of 1901, the year of his marriage, he quit farming there and moved to Marathon, Iowa, where he engaged in the real-estate business and was thus engaged for two years, at the end of which time he bought a general hardware and implement store in that town and conducted the same until he sold out in 1904 and moved to Murray county, Minnesota, where he lived for two years. He then, in 1906, moved into Cottonwood county, bought the northeast quarter of section 18 in Amboy township, established his home there and has lived there ever since, he and his family being well situated. Mr. Englund is a progressive and up-to-date farmer and has prospered in his operations until he has come to be regarded as one of the most substantial farmers in that neighborhood. He is a Republican and is now serving as clerk of the township. On May 1, 1901, A. W. Englund was united in marriage to Minnie Anderson and to this union six children have been born, Edna, Carrie, Arnold, Ada, Bena and Marjorie. Mr. and Mrs. Englund are members of the Lutheran church and take a proper interest in the general beneficences of the same, as well as in all neighborhood good works. Erickson, Nils Page 365-366 Nils Erickson, a well-known and substantial farmer of Germantown township, Cottonwood county, owner of a farm of two hundred and sixty- two acres in that township, is a native of Norway, but has lived in Minnesota since he was nineteen years old. He was born on November 8, 1861, son of Erick and Anna Quam, natives of that same country, both now deceased, who spent all their lives in their native land and who were the parents of six children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth, the others being Christie, Thorsen, Erick, Anna and Anna, second. Nils Erickson's father was a farmer in Norway and he was reared to the life of the farm. When nineteen years old, in the year 1880, he came to Minnesota and located in Cottonwood county. For the first ten years after coming to this state, Mr. Erickson worked on various farms in Cottonwood county and then, in 1891, bought a farm of eighty acres in West- brook township, and presently added to that an adjoining eighty acres. The year after he bought his farm he married and established his home there. In 1901 he sold one-half of his quarter section and in 1902 bought the farm of two hundred and sixty-two acres on which he is now living and where he since has made his home. In 1903 he sold the remaining half of his quarter section in Westbrook township and since then has been devoting his time wholly to the cultivation and improvement of his home farm. In 1914 he built his present substantial residence and he and his family are very pleasantly situated. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Erickson has given considerable attention to the raising of live stock and has done very well, for ten years or more having paid particular attention to his fine herd of Holsteins. Mr. Erickson is a Republican, but has not been a seeker after public office. It was in 1892 that Nils Erickson was united in marriage to Lina Molberg and to this union four children have been born, Alfred Ingvald, born on January 21, 1895; Ella Louise, November 26, 1896, and Clarence Alvin, January 4, 1903, and an infant, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Erickson are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and take an active interest in church work, Mr. Erickson having served twice as a local delegate to the state conventions of his church, once at Minneapolis and once at St. Paul. Ewert, David Page 45-46 It was in southern Russia, October 6, 1838, that David Ewert, the subject of this sketch, first saw the light of day. His father, William W. Ewert, and his mother, whose maiden name was Anna Buhler, were both natives of southern Russia. William W. Ewert was a farmer and lumberman in Russia, and lived all his life in that country. He died in 1871. Some years after his death the mother came to America with her children, arriving in 1878. They finally came to Minnesota and found a location in Mountain Lake township and engaged in farming. The children of the family were: Jacob, Wilhelm, David, and Abraham (deceased). David Ewert received his education in Russia, and came to this country with his mother in 1878. For two years after arriving in Cottonwood county he remained with the family on the farm, assisting in the farm work. In i88q he engaged in the general merchandising business in partnership with H. P. Goetry. After two years this partnership was dissolved and Mr. Ewert has since conducted the business alone. In 1881 he was married to Elizabeth Goetry, a daughter of Peter Goetry, and to this union two children have been born : Elizabeth and Anna. They are both students at the State University. Politically, Mr. Ewert is a Republican. He has served as mayor of the village of Mountain Lake for about thirteen years; as commissioner of Cottonwood county for about thirteen years; and as a member of the school board for twenty years. He is at present serving as president of the First State Bank of Mountain Lake, and is also a stockholder in the State Bank of Jeffers, Cottonwood county, Minnesota. He also has an interest in the Mountain Lake Milling Company. Fast, Herman J. Page 187-188 Herman J. Fast was born in Russia, June 5, 1860. He is a son of John and Sarah (Peters) Fast, both natives of Germany, from which country they removed to Russia, he with his parents when only nine years old, she with her parents when sixteen years of age. They were married in Russia and lived there until 1875, when they came to America and located in what is now Midway township, Cottonwood county, Minnesota, purchasing a farm of a homesteader four miles north of the village of Mountain Lake, in section 18, the place consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, also bought one hundred and sixty acres of railroad land some months later. John Fast worked hard and improved his land and became very comfortably situated and there his death occurred, after which his widow re-married, her last husband being Henrick Regier. They moved to a place near the village of Mountain Lake, where she died. Mr. Fast lived only a few months after coming to America, arriving here in June and dying the following December. He was twice married, the following children having been born by his first wife : Anna and Lena both remained in Russia, John, Katherine and David all came to America. By his second wife, mother of the subject of this sketch, the following children were born: Henry, Sarah, Gerhardt, Herman and Elizabeth, all came to America; Agatha died in Russia. Herman J. Fast spent his boyhood in Russia, where he attended school, and after coming to America went to school two years to the Mankato Normal, and one year at the Rochester Seminary, Rochester, New York, after which he took up farming, remaining on the homestead until his marriage, in 1886, when he removed to the farm on which he now lives and has since resided here, owning one of the best farms of Mountain Lake township, Cottonwood county, which place consists of four hundred acres, well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Part of the land lies in Odin township, Watonwan county. This land was taken in its wild prairie state. He has put on all the improvements, including the present attractive and substantial buildings. He carries on general farming and stock raising successfully, also takes some interest in the breeding of fullblood Percheron horses. He is president of the Farmers Elevator at Mountain Lake, and is director and treasurer of the Mountain Lake Creamery Association. He is a man of sound judgment and excellent business ability and is one of the well-to-do men of his locality. Mr. Fast was married to Aganetha Becker, who was born in Russia. She is a daughter of John Becker, and came to Watonwan county, Minnesota, in 1878. To their union seven children have been born, namely: Herman, Aganetha, John, Sarah, Henry, Mary and Olga. Mr. Fast has long been one of the most influential men in public affairs in his community. He is a director in school district No. 62, treasurer of Mountain Lake township, secretary of the Evangelical committee of the Northern District Conference of the Mennonite church. He is secretary of Bethel church, and is one of a committee of three to look after the welfare of the same. He is statistician of the general Mennonite conference. He is superintendent of the Ebenezer Sunday school, which he organized some time ago. From 1886 to 1911 he served continuously, twenty-five years, as township clerk. He has done much for the general upbuilding of his community, especially in a moral and civic way, and has also encouraged better farming and the raising of a better grade of live stock. Fast, Jacob J. Page 320-321 Jacob J. Fast, a well-known and well-to-do farmer of Lakeside township, Cottonwood county, proprietor of a fine farm of four hundred and eighty acres in the vicinity of Windom, former chairman of the board of supervisors of Lakeside township and for years interested in the civic. and industrial life of that community, is a native of Russia, but has been a resident of Minnesota since he was fifteen years old and is very properly regarded as one of the pioneers of this region. He was born on a farm in southern Russia, May 14, 1860, son of John and Ann (Peters) Fast, the former a native of that same district in the czar's domain and the latter a native of Germany, who had moved with her parents to that district when nine years of age. In 1875, deciding that the New World across the sea offered a better opportunity for his family than he could hope to secure for them in the old country, John Fast came to the United States with his family and proceeded straightway to Minnesota, settling in. the village of Mountain Lake, in Cottonwood county. After a brief residence there, he bought a quarter of a section of land in Carson township, established his home there and there spent the rest of his life. He and his wife were members of the Mennonite church and their children were reared in that simple faith. There were eleven of these children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth, the others being Henry, Abraham ( deceased), Gerhard (deceased), John, Bernard, Anna, Sarah, Lena, Peter and Herman (deceased). Jacob J. Fast was about fifteen years old when he came to Minnesota with his parents in 1875. He had received the benefit of tuition in the government schools of his native land and after coming here attended school for a while. As a young man he began working out for neighboring farmers, but after his marriage, in 1882, made his home in Mountain Lake, where he lived for eight years, two years of which time he spent working on the railroad section ; three years as a carpenter and three years as a drayman and at farm labor. In 1890 Mr. Fast bought a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in section 6, Lakeside township, and ever since has made his home there. The place was wholly unimproved when he took possession and he has made on it all the substantial improvements which go to make it one of the best farms in that locality. As he prospered in his farming operations, Mr. Fast added to his land holdings until he now is the owner of a fine place of four hundred and eighty acres, well improved and profitably cultivated. In addition to his general farming, he has given considerable attention to stock raising and keeps a good herd of Shorthorn cattle and a fine flock of sheep. He has given proper attention to general industrial conditions hereabout and is interested in the farmers elevator at Delft. Mr. Fast is a Republican and for years has taken an active part in the civic affairs of his home township. For ten years he has served as a member of the township board and for six years of that period was chairman of the board. It was in 1882, seven years after coming to this country, that Jacob J. Fast was united in marriage to Lena .Penner, who died in 1902, leaving seven children, Lena, Anna, Catherine, Mary, John, Jacob and Henry, who are doing well their respective parts in the community in which they live. Mr. Fast has been seriously handicapped by several cyclones which did considerable damage to his property, and he has also lost some crops through hail storms. Fast, John H. Page 356-358 John H. Fast, a well-to-do fanner of Midway township, Cottonwood county, proprietor of a farm of two hundred and forty acres in the vicinity of Mountain Lake and actively identified with the rapidly developing interests of that part of the county, is a native son of Cottonwood county, born on a farm in Midway township, March 15, 1880, son of the Rev. Henry and Mary (Hamm) Fast, prominent and influential residents of that community, who now live in the village of Mountain Lake. The Rev. Henry Fast, one of the best-known ministers of the Mennonite faith in Minnesota, is a native of southern Russia, born on August 28, 1849, son of John and Sarah (Peters) Fast, natives of that same country, who came to the United States with their family in 1875, and in August of that year settled in Cottonwood county, becoming influential members of the considerable Mennonite colony that even then had gathered hereabout. John Fast homesteaded a quarter of a section of land in Midway township, bought an adjoining quarter and there established his home, but did not live to realize the hopes he had built up in connection with his coming to the new country, his death occurring in the December following his arrival here, he then being sixty-six years of age. His widow survived him many years, her death occurring on July 4, 1908, she then being seventy-nine years of age. They were the parents of six children, Henry, Sarah, Gerhart, Herman, Elizabeth (deceased) and Agatha (deceased). By a previous marriage John Fast was the father of five children, Anna, John, Lena, Katherine and David, all of whom are dead save Lena. Henry Fast was twenty-six years of age when he came to Minnesota with his parents and the other members of the family. He had received an excellent education in his native land and had studied with particular reference to entering the gospel ministry in the service of the Mennonite church. When his father died he bought the home place of three hundred and twenty acres and upon his marriage, in 1876, die year after his arrival here, established his home there, continuing to make that his place of residence for thirty-six years, or until 1910, when he and his wife moved to Mountain Lake, where they now live. The Rev. Henry Fast was ordained a minister of the Mennonite church in 1877, two years after locating in Minnesota, and ever since then has been an active and influential minister of that faith, being known widely throughout that connection in Minnesota and the Dakotas, now pastor of the church at Mountain Lake. He also has been a farmer and before his retirement from the farm had brought his place in Midway township up to a high state of development. In 1876 Rev. Henry Fast was united in marriage to Mary Hamm, who also was born in southern Russia, April 25, 1853, daughter of David and Mary (Eitzen) Hamm, earnest Mennonites, who also had come to Minnesota in 1875 and settled in Cottonwood county. David Hamm bought a quarter of a section of land in Midway township, and there he established his home and spent the rest of his life, his death occurring on July 29, 1891, at the age of seventy-three years. His widow survived him but a year, her death occurring in 1892, she then being sixty-three years of age. They were the parents of five children, of whom Mrs. Fast was the first born, the others being David, Abraham, Anna and Susanna. To Rev. Henry and Mary ( Hamm) Fast ten children have been born, namely: Sarah, born in 1877; Mary, 1878; John H., the immediate subject of this biographical sketch; David, born in 1881; Henry, 1885; Helena, 1885, now deceased; Gerhard, 1887, also deceased; Gerhard, second, 1889; Elizabeth, 1891, deceased, and Abraham, who died in infancy. John H. Fast was reared on the paternal farm in Midway township, receiving his schooling in the public schools, and remained at home to assist his father in the work of developing and improving the home place, until after he had attained his majority, when, in 1902, he went to North Dakota and homesteaded a quarter of a section of land in Billings county and proceeded to ""prove up."" The next year he married a daughter of one of the pioneer families of that section and established his home on his homestead place, continuing to make his home there until 1910, in which year he sold out to advantage and returned to his old home in Cottonwood county. Upon returning here, Mr. Fast bought a tract of two hundred and forty acres in sections 17 and 18 of Midway township, and there has made his home ever since, being now regarded as one of the most substantial farmers in that part of the county. He has added quite materially to the improvements that were on the place and has brought the farm up to a high state of cultivation. In addition to his general farming he has given considerable attention to the raising of high-grade stock and has done very well. Mr. Fast gives proper attention to local civic affairs and is now serving as a member of the local school board. On June 25, 1903, John H. Fast was united in marriage to Helena Schmidt, who was born in that state on March 8, 1880, daughter of John and Elsie (Schultz) Schmidt, pioneers of Billings county, both of whom died in 1891, she in October and he in the following December, and to this union eight children have been born, as follow : Henry, born on May 14, 1904, who died in infancy; Mary, May 28, 1905, who died on June 8, of that same year; Henry, September 28, 1906; Mary, March 15, 1908; Lena, November 14, 1909; Sarah, July 8, 1911; John, March 31, 1913, who died in infancy, and Elsie, December 18, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Fast are members of the Men- nonite church and give proper attention to the various beneficences of the same, as well as to all local good works and are doing well their part in the community in which they live. Fast, Peter P. Page 427-428 One of the farmers of Mountain Lake township, Cottonwood county, who is contented with his lot, is Peter P. Fast. He was born in Russia, March 10, 1868. He is a son of Peter and Anna (Tieszen) Fast, both natives of Russia, but the grandparents on both sides were born in Germany. Peter Fast, Sr., brought his family to America in 1874, locating in Turner county, South Dakota, where he took up a homestead. He came to the village of Mountain Lake, Minnesota, in 1898, retiring from active life, and here his death occurred in 1908. His widow is still living here. He was a deacon in the Mennonite church. Peter P. Fast, the only child of his parents, grew up on the home farm and received a limited education, in a private school, kept up by the community in which he lived in South Dakota. He engaged in farming there until 1900, when he came to his present farm in Mountain Lake township, Cottonwood county, where he now owns six hundred and twenty acres. He has made many valuable improvements here, including the erection of most of the buildings on the place, which are substantial and modern. He carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. He assisted in organizing the First National Bank at Mountain Lake, in which he has been a director since its organization. Mr. Fast was married in 1889, to Katie Duerksen, a native of Russia, and ten children have been born to their union, namely: Abram P., who lives in Midway township, this county; Peter P., Jr., who is farming in Mountain Lake township; Katie, who is the wife of John Stoesz; Mary, Lizzie, Jacob, Henry, Anna, Frank and George are living at home. Politically, Mr. Fast is a Republican. He is now serving as clerk of the district school board, and is a member of the Mennonite church. Fering, Severt J. Page 67-68 The present efficient and popular register of deeds of Cottonwood county, Severt J. Fering, was born in Cottonwood county, Minnesota, December 2, 1869. He is a son of John and Ragna (Neshien) Fering, the father a native of Norway and the mother of Iowa. The father was brought by his parents to Wisconsin when six years old. John Fering's father, Lars Fering, later taking his family to Winnisheik county, Iowa, thence came to Cottonwood county, Minnesota, where he took up a homestead, but went on west to Washington territory, but returned to Cotton- wood county, where his death occurred in Highwater township. John Fering, mentioned above, was educated in the public schools of Iowa. He married in Decorah, that state, and came to Cottonwood county in 1869 and took up a homestead in Highwater township and here his death occurred in 1895. His wife preceded him to the grave in 1887. They spent their lives on a farm. He was a Republican. He enlisted for service in the Civil War, in 1861, and was in the Union army three years. He saw much hard service, being in many engagements, and was wounded at Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was a member of the Lutheran church. His family consisted of the following children: Lewis is the eldest; Severt J. ; Caroline is deceased; Laura is deceased; Julia, Iver, Christ, Otto are all living; Caroline and Robert are deceased; Gertie E. is the youngest of the family. Severt J. Fering was reared on the home farm, where he worked* when a boy and he received a public school education, later attended the Valley Business College at Decorah, Iowa. He began life for himself as a farmer. He came to Windom, Cottonwood county, in January, 1905, and later he was selected as deputy county register of deeds and later as register of deeds for two years. In 1907 he was elected to this office which he still holds, having been re-elected at the expiration of each term since. His term of office expires January i, 1919. He has discharged his duties as a public servant in an able, faithful and highly satisfactory manner. Politically, he is a Republican. He also served as town clerk for about ten years in Highwater township. He belongs to the Lutheran church, and is a member of Windom Lodge No. 108, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Sons of Norway. Mr. Fering owns forty acres of the old homestead in Highwater township, which originally consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, eighty acres being sold eventually. Two uncles, Andrew and Charley Fering, both came from Winne- sheik county, Iowa, to Cottonwood county in 1868, taking up homesteads in Highwater township, section 26. Later, Andrew moved to Redwood county, Minnesota, where he still lives, making his home in Lamberton. He was a successful farmer, but is now retired from active life. Charley Fering moved to the state of Washington, where he lived several years, but now lives on a farm at the edge of the town of Alvarado, Marshall county, Minnesota. The town was built on his land. Fester, E. O. Page 358-359 E. O. Fester, former chairman of the board of supervisors of High- water township, Cottonwood county, and one of the most substantial farmers of that township, is a native of Norway, but has lived in Minnesota since he was eighteen years old. He was born on July 18, 1875, son of Olai and Juditte (Ericksen) Fester, who were the parents of two sons, E. O. and Johan. The mother of these sons died and Olai Fester married Karen Carlson, to which union four children were born, Olaf, Carl, Juditte and Henrika. Olai Fester was a fisherman in his native land and his eldest son, E. 0. Fester, was reared to that calling, which he followed until he was eighteen years of age, when, in 1893, ne came to Minnesota and located at Lamberton. For about two years thereafter he worked at various occupations there and in that vicinity, his principal occupation, however, being farming, and in the fall of 1897, following his marriage, bought the farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he is now living in section 27 of Highwater township, Cottonwood county, and has since made his home there. Mr. Fester set about the improvement and cultivation of his place in up-to-date fashion and has one of the best-improved and most profitably cultivated farms in that section. In addition to his general farming he has given considerable attention to stock raising. In his political views, Mr. Fester is a Republican and has given close attention to political affairs since he came to this country. For ten years he served his home township as a member of the board of supervisors and for three years was chairman of that board, while in other ways he has ever done the part of a good citizen in the advancement of the interests of the community in which he lives. In 1897 E. O. Fester was united in marriage to Amelia Jensen, and to this union nine children have been born, Olaf, Mabel, Hilda, Harold, Alfred, Elmer Joseph, Agnes and Juditte. Mr. and Mrs. Fester are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, in the general beneficences of which they take an active interest, Mr. Fester having been for six or seven years a member of the board of trustees of the church, and they also are concerned in all movements having to do with the betterment of conditions in the community in which they live. Fisch, Michael L. Page 119-120 One of the enterprising and successful merchants of Cottonwood county, Minnesota, is Michael L. Fisch, of Windom. By his thrift and honest dealings he has built up a large trade with the town and surrounding country. Mr. Fisch was born in Houston county, this state, July 19, 1866, and there he grew to manhood and received his education in the public schools. He followed civil engineering which line of work he followed three or four years in his earlier career, then engaged in mercantile pursuits in Faribault county, Minnesota, where he remained until 1899 when he came to Windom, where he has since been engaged in general mercantile pursuits, carrying a large and well-selected stock at all seasons. Five years ago his store was destroyed by fire, but with characteristic energy he soon rebuilt on a more substantial basis and has a large and well-arranged store. He has been very successful in a business way, and besides his store he is a stockholder in the Windom National Bank, of which he is also a director. Mr. Fisch is a public-spirited man and has done much for the general upbuilding of Windom, whose interests he has very much at heart. He has been mayor of the town two terms. Politically, he is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Fisch was married in 1891 to Mary Pietruss, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Pietruss, both natives of Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Fisch three children have been born: Adrian, Mildred, and Marian. Flaig, Arthur J. Page 293-294 Arthur J. Flaig, clerk of Germantown township, Cpttonwood county, and one of the best-known and most progressive young farmers in that part of the county, who, in partnership with his younger brother, Oliver Flaig, is operating the old Flaig home farm in Germantown township, is a native son of Minnesota, born at Sanborn, not far from his present home, and has lived there all his life. He was born on October 28, 1887, son of Michael J. and Cecelia (Trach) Flaig, early settlers in that community, who are now living retired at Mankato. Michael J. Flaig was born in the state of Wisconsin on March 23, 1861, son of Michael and Helen Flaig, a native of Ireland, the father a native of Germany, who settled in Wisconsin in an early day and there the elder Michael Flaig was engaged as a blacksmith until the early seventies, when he came with his family to Minnesota, settling in Redwood county. He homesteaded a quarter of a section of land in the Sanborn vicinity and there spent the rest of his life, his death occurring in 1909. His wife had died some years before that date. They were the parents of ten children, Michael J., Walter, who died in infancy; Charles, George, Richard, William, Edward, Margaret, Helen and Marie. Michael J. Flaig was about sixteen years old when he came to Minnesota with his parents and he grew to manhood on the homestead farm in the vicinity of Sanborn. A year or two after his marriage he secured one hundred and twenty acres of school land across the line in Germantown township, Cottonwood county, and there established his home, soon becoming recognized as one of the substantial and influential residents of that part of the county. He planted a three-acre grove on his place, improved the place and gradually enlarged his holdings until he became the owner of a fine farm of three hundred and fifty acres, on which he made his home until 1912, when he and his wife retired from the farm and moved to Mankato, where they are now living. To them five sons were born, of whom Arthur J. is the eldest, the others being Walter, who died in infancy; Oliver, born on July 20, 1892, who is now, in partnership with his brother, Arthur J., operating the old home farm; Roy, who is with his parents in Mankato, and Harold, who also is with his parents and who is in school at Mankato. Arthur J. Flaig grew up on the home farm in Germantown township, receiving his schooling in the local schools of that township, and was a valued assistant to his father in the work of developing the home place and after his marriage in 1909 continued to make his home there. When his parents moved to Mankato in 1912 he and his wife continued to occupy the old home and are still living there, Mr. Flaig and his brother, Oliver, fanning the place, a fine farm of three hundred and sixty acres belonging to their father. They are up-to-date young farmers and are doing well. Arthur J. Flaig has given considerable attention to local public affairs and is now serving as township clerk. He also for some time served as justice of the peace. He is a stockholder in the State Bank at Sanborn and in the Farmers Elevator Company at that place and in other ways is interested in the general business and civic life of the community. On November 24, 1909, Arthur J. Flaig was united in marriage to Fannie Cottingham, who was born in Winona county, this state, daughter of William and Charlotte Cottingham, the latter of whom is now deceased, the former making his home at Springfield, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Flaig take a proper interest in the general social affairs of the community and are willing supporters of all movements for the advancement of the common interest thereabout. Mr. Flaig is a Mason, a member of Fides Lodge No. 246, at Sanborn, and he and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star, affiliated with Magnolia Chapter No. 167, at that same place, Mr. Flaig being tyler of the lodge and a sentinel in the chapter. Foss, Julius E & William H. Page 201-203 FOSS MERCANTILE COMPANY. Two of the most progressive business men and influential citizens of Cottonwood county, Minnesota, are Julius E. Foss and William H. Foss, of the Foss Mercantile Company, of Windom. They are sons of Mickel and Mary (Komprud) Foss. The father was born in Norway, on May 14, 1847, and the mother was born in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, on February 14, 1851. The paternal grandparents, Anton and Martha Foss, came from Norway to Wisconsin in 1868, and the following year located in Jackson county, Minnesota, where Anton Foss took a tree claim of eighty acres, adding to this until he had a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1883. Mickel Foss grew to manhood and was educated in Norway, coming to the United States with his father's family. In 1869 he took a tree claim in Jackson county, Minnesota, of eighty acres, and devoted a part of his active life to farming, and later retired to live at Windom. His wife died in 1912. To these parents the following children were born : Mandy, deceased ; Julius E., of this review; Emma, deceased; William H., of this sketch; Edith, Manick Edwin, Howard Elmer and Ernest D. Mickel Foss, in partnership with Erick Sevatson, engaged in the mercantile business in Windom in 1877, a short time later removing to Lakefield, Jackson county, and established a general store in that place, which business he conducted for about three years. He also served as postmaster at Lakefield for two years. After leaving the latter place, he engaged in mercantile business at a number of places before retiring from active business life. He was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. His death occurred on June 6, 1916. Julius E. Foss, the elder member of the firm, was born in Jackson county, Minnesota, on November 28, 1870, and lived on the farm until he was fourteen years of age. He received his education in the public schools. After reaching manhood he first engaged in the grocery business at Heron Lake, Minnesota, in which he continued for eight years. He had a natural bent toward this line of endeavor and soon had a good start. Upon leaving Jackson county, he went to Mankato, where he conducted a general store one year, then had charge of the Farmers Co-operative store at Lakefield for three years, after which he and his brother, William H., purchased the store of Ole Seines, at Windom, in 1911, and began doing business under the firm name of the Foss Mercantile Company, which has been successful from the first and is now one of the most popular stores in the county, doing a vast annual business. The firm owns the substantial and modernly appointed store building in which its large and carefully-selected stock is housed. Julius E. Foss was married in 1893 to Bertha May Wood, of Heron Lake, Minnesota, and to this union two sons have been born, namely: Cyril C. and Wesley W. Mr. Foss is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Modern Woodmen of America, while he and his family are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church. William H. Foss, junior member of the firm of the Foss Mercantile Company, was born on May 24, 1875, m Jackson county, Minnesota. He received a public school education in Jackson and Watonwan counties, and began his business career by engaging in the hardware and machinery business at Madelia, Minnesota, where he enjoyed a good trade for ten years. Disposing of this business in 1910, he came to Windom, and he and his brother, Julius E., organized the Foss Mercantile Company, and has since been engaged in the conduct of a general store with pronounced success. William H. Foss was married in 1911, to Edna Clark, of Madelia, Minnesota. He and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking an active part in the affairs of the local congregation. Mr. Foss is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. Franz, Martin Page 317-318 Martin Franz, a well-known and up-to-date farmer of Midway township, Cottonwood county, proprietor of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in the vicinity of Mountain Lake, is a native of southern Russia, born on March 4, 1859, son of John and Susanna Franz, who came to the United States in 1878, proceeding directly to Minnesota and coming to this part of the state, arriving at Mountain Lake on July 6, of that year. John Franz bought eighty acres of school land in that neighborhood and later added to his place by the purchase of an adjoining quarter of a section. He died in 1886 and his widow is still living, being now in the eighty fifth year of her age. Martin Franz was about nineteen years of age when he came to this country with his parents in 1878 and he has been a continuous resident of the Mountain Lake neighborhood ever since. He early began farming on his own account and is now the owner of a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Midway township, where he carries on general farming and stock raising. He set out all the trees that at present adorn his farm and has erected a substantial class of buildings on the place, a comfortable residence and farm buildings in keeping with the same, as well as a capacious silo. Mr. Franz is a Republican and for many years has been a member of the school board, at the same time ever taking an active interest in the general civic affairs of his home township, and is regarded as one of the leaders in the common life of that community. In 1883 Martin Franz was united in marriage to Susanna Balzer, daughter of Jacob Balzer, a sketch of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume, and to this union nine children have been born: John, Jacob, Susanna, Peter, Anna, Solomon, Elizabeth, Frieda and Ferdinand, all of whom are living. Of the children, John is in Canada in the ministry; Jacob is in Montana; Susanna and Anna are at present in California, doing mission work. Mr. and Mrs. Franz are members of the Mennonite church and for years have taken an active interest in the affairs of the same. Franz, Peter J. Page 211-212 It was a fortunate thing when the Russian colony decided to locate in Cottonwood county, for ever since others from their native land have been coming here and they have made good citizens and established comfortable homes, benefiting themselves and us. Among this number is Peter J. Franz, a farmer of Mountain Lake township, who was born in Russia, October i, 1872 (Russian calendar.) He is a son of John and Susanna (Dickman) Franz, both natives of Russia, where they grew up, married and established their home, residing there until 1878, when they came to America and located two and one-half miles north of the village of Mountain Lake, Minnesota, buying a farm of eighty acres there. The father was a tailor by trade and continued to work at it during spare hours on the farm. His death occurred about 1886. His widow moved from the farm after his death and is still living in the village of Mountain Lake. He is of German blood. Six children, who grew to maturity, were born to John Franz and wife, namely: Martin, Susie, Anna, Cornelius, Peter J., and John J. These children were reared in the faith of the Mennonite church, to which their parents always belonged. Peter J. Franz received his education in the German parochial schools and in our public schools. He worked on the home farm when a boy and when starting out in life for himself, learned the painter's trade, which he followed in the village of Mountain Lake for a period of sixteen years, becoming highly skilled. On April 5, 1910, he moved to the farm on which he still resides, in Mountain Lake township. It consists of one hundred and twenty acres and is a good farm and he is making a very comfortable living there. Mr. Franz was married in 1900, to Regina Miller, of South Dakota, and to their union four children have been born, all living, namely: Oscar Jacob, Silas John, Susie Rosella, and Elmer Martin. Fredrickson, August Page 353-354 August Fredrickson, assessor of Storden township, Cottonwood county, former chairman of the board of supervisors of that township and for years one of the best-known farmers of that part of the county, is a native of Sweden, born on September 17, 1865, son of Capt. Frederick and Ellen (Peterson) Nelson, natives of that same country, both now deceased, who were the parents of four children, of whom August is now the only survivor, the others having been as follow: Carl G., who died at the age of twenty-eight; Emma, who died at twenty-six, and Hulda, who died at twenty-five. Captain Nelson was the owner of a merchant vessel engaged in the coasting trade in Sweden. He died in 1884. His wife had preceded him to the grave about two years, her death having occurred in 1882. After completing one year in the high school in his native town, August Fredrickson took to the sea and for a couple of years was engaged as a sailor on his father's vessel, after which he was1 for a year engaged as a sailor on another merchant vessel. In 1882, being seventeen years of age, he came to the United States and proceeded to Minnesota, locating in Storden township, Cottonwood county, where he has made his home ever since. He married in 1889 and the next year established his home on the farm of one hundred and twenty acres he now owns in Storden township and where he ever since has resided. He has improved his farm in excellent shape and has the same under profitable cultivation. In addition to his general farming, Mr. Fredrickson has given considerable attention to stock raising and has done very well. He is a Democrat and for years has given close attention to local political affairs.- For years he served as chairman of the board of supervisors of his home township and is now serving in the important capacity of township assessor. In 1889 August Fredrickson was united in marriage to Fredericka Person and to this union six children have been born: Carl, who is deceased; Ellen, Axel, Elmer, Amelia and Amanda. Carl was twenty-five years old and was a telegraph operator at Milton, North Dakota, when he was drowned while bathing. Mr. and Mrs. Fredrickson are members of the Swedish Lutheran church and take an active interest in the various beneficences of the same, as well as in all local good works, Mr. Fredrickson having served as trustee and as treasurer of the church. Friesen, Abraham B. Page 140-141 Abraham B. Friesen, of Carson township, Cottonwood county, one of the best-known and most substantial farmers and stockmen of that part of the county, is a native of southern Russia, born on a farm there, August 18, 1871, son of Peter and Anna (Berg) Friesen, natives of that same country and early settlers in Cottonwood county, the former of whom is still living, a prosperous retired farmer at Mountain Lake. Peter Friesen and his family left Russia in 1875 and came to Minnesota, locating at Mountain Lake, in Cottonwood county. A little later he bought a farm of eighty acres in Carson township and there established his home. He was a good farmer and a thrifty, energetic citizen and as he prospered in his farming operations added to his holdings until he became the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres. About 1902 he retired from the active labors of the farm and he and his wife moved to Mountain Lake, where she died in 1910 and where he is still living. He is a member of the Men- nonite church, as was his wife, and their children were reared in that faith. There were ten of these children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fourth in order of birth, the others being Peter P., Anna, John, Jacob, Aaron, Catherine, Mary, Susanna and Sarah, all of whom are living. Abraham B. Friesen was not quite four years old when his parents came to Minnesota from Russia in 1875 and he grew to manhood on the paternal farm in Carson township, receiving his education in the public schools of that township. He married when he was twenty-one years old and then began farming on the place on which he still lives, and on which he has made practically all the improvements that now go to make it one of the best farms in that part of the county. From the very beginning of his fanning operations, Mr. Friesen prospered and he gradually added to his holdings until he is now the owner of a fine farm of four hundred and four acres and is regarded as one of the most substantial farmers in Cottonwood county. In addition to his general farming he has given considerable attention to the raising of live stock and has done very well. He has long made a specialty of pure-bred Belgian draft horses and his breeding stables are known far and wide among the farmers of this part of the state. Mr. Friesen is a Republican and has long given careful attention to local political affairs, and for six years served as treasurer of Carson township. It was on January 3, 1893, that Abraham B. Friesen was united in marriage to Helena Fast, daughter of John Fast, of Carson, and to this union twelve children have been born, John, Helena, Sarah, Abraham, Anna, Peter, Catherine, Henry, Jacob, Bernard, Aaron and Herman. Mr. and Mrs. Friesen are members of the Mennonite church and for years have been among the leaders in the work of that congregation, ever also exhibiting a proper concern in behalf of all other movements designed to advance the interests of the community in which they live. Fuller, Walter A. Page 185-186 Walter A. Fuller, a well-known, well-to-do and progressive farmer of Lakeside township, Cottonwood county, owner of a fine farm of six hundred and forty acres in the vicinity of Bingham Lake, is a native of Iowa, born on a farm in College township, Linn county, that state, August 31, 1862, son of Ambrose and Alice J. (Woodward) Fuller, both of whom were born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, members of old families in that community. Ambrose Fuller, who is now living at Elmira, Illinois, is a son of Ambrose and Hannah (Munson) Fuller, both natives of Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, the former of whom was seventh in descent from the Fuller who came to this country in the good ship ""Mayflower"" in 1620. Grandfather Fuller and his family left their home in Pennsylvania in the early days of the settlement of the country southwest of Chicago and home- steaded a tract of land in Stark county, Illinois, where he established his home and where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Their son, Ambrose, grew up on that homestead farm and as a young man moved over into the neighboring state of Iowa and settled in Linn county, where, in 1853, he homesteaded a tract of land and began farming. In 1885 he sold his farm there and moved to Marshall county, same state, where his wife died the next year, 1886. Four years later, in 1890, he returned to his old home in Stark county, Illinois, and is now conducting a general store in the village of Elmira, that county. He is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the third in order of birth, the others being James M., Ambrose C, George A., Harriet J., Myrtle O. and Ralph W. Walter A. Fuller received his schooling in the schools of College township, Linn county, Iowa, not far from Cedar Rapids, and grew to manhood a valuable assistant to his father in the work on the farm. He was about twenty-three years of age when the family moved to Marshall county and there he began farming on his own account. In 1890, when his father moved back to Illinois, Walter A. Fuller moved up into O'Brien county, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming until he came to Minnesota in 1913. He had done well in his farming operations in Iowa and upon locating in Cottonwood county bought the whole of section 15, in Lakeside township, and there established his home. Though the place was partially improved when Mr. Fuller took possession, he has made material improvements to the same, particularly in the way of tiling and otherwise draining, and now has one of the best-kept and most profitably cultivated farms in that neighborhood. In addition to his extensive general farming he has given considerable attention to the raising of high-grade cattle and has a fine herd of Shorthorns. Mr. Fuller is a Republican and gives a good citizen's attention to local political affairs. Mr. Fuller has been married twice. By his first wife, who was Lillian R. Macy, he has five children, Mary L, Joseph A., Ambrose, Rachel and Orlando. Upon the death of the mother of these children he married, secondly, in 1903, Catherine A. Davis, daughter of L. L. Davis, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and to this union two sons have been born, Theodore and Walter A. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller are members of the Methodist church and take a proper part in all local good works.

Return to Biographies Index


©2008 Genealogy Trails