EDWIN G. BARNES. As a representative citizen, a man of executive ability, a prominent position is accorded this gentleman. He has managed the vast stock interests and farms of his father for many years, and the results have been successful in an unlimited degree. He resides on section 21, township 129, range 60, in Port Emma township, and his farm is complete in every appointment, and furnishes a handsome income and all the comforts of rural life.

Mr. Barnes was born in Walpole, New Hampshire, July 1, 1873. His father, Harrison G. Barnes, was a native of Jamaica, Vermont, and was born in 1826. When a young man he went to sea, and served three years in the United States navy, and was a seaman on the old frigate Constitution. After leaving the sea he engaged in the roofing business for some time in New York, and then, on account of failing health, removed to New Hampshire and purchased the Prospect Hill farm, near Walpole, in 1870, on which place he still resides. His estate is one of the most beautiful country estates in the vicinity, and Mr. Barnes is regarded as one of the most prominent men of his community. He was married, in 1832, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Miss Eliza L. Hall, a native of that city. Six children were born to this worthy couple, four of whom are now living, as follows: Jennie L.. Charles H.. Alidia M. and Edwin G., our subject.

Edwin G. Barnes completed his .education in his native place, graduating from the high school in the class of 1890. He went to Dickey county. North Dakota, in 1892, to assume the management of his father's vast holdings, amounting in all to twenty-five quarter-sections of land, lo the portion on which he resides he is constantly adding modern improvements, and the balance of the land is given to grain and stock raising. He raises sheep extensively, and in addition the annual yield of wheat is many thousand bushels.

Our subject was married, December 8, 1897, to Louisa Eaton, a native of Norridgewock, Maine , who was born February 14, 1877. Mrs. Barnes is a daughter of Hamlin V. and Lizzie S. Eaton, one of the leading families of Dickey county, a sketch of whose lives appear elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Barnes is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America. He is interested in the welfare of his community, and keeps pace with the times in all matters of a public nature, but does not seek public preferment, choosing to serve his community otherwise. Politically he is a Republican, and is strong in his convictions.

IRA M. BARNES, a proprietor of a fine estate in Yorktown township, Dickey county, has devoted his entire career to that line of work, and has met with eminent success. He is constantly increasing his farming interests, and adding more improvements to his property, enhancing its value, and making for himself a home of comfort, to enjoy when retired from active labors. He resides on section 32, township 131, range 61, and is one of the early settlers of that locality.

Mr. Barnes was born on a farm near the village of Martville, Cayuga county. New York, April 6, 1855, and was a son of Hiram and Laura (Bishop) Barnes, both of whom were natives of New York. His father was of French descent, and died in 1891, aged-fifty-seven years, and the mother was of English descent. She is still living on the old homestead.

Our subject lived at home until twenty-four years of age, when he secured a position on pier work for the government near his home, and continued thus employed until he went to Dickey county, North Dakota, in March. 1881. He filed claim to the northeast quarter of section 30, in Yorktown township, and is now the fortunate possessor of one section of fine land. He has over fifty head of cattle, nine work horses, and about seventy head of sheep.

Our subject was married near his old home in the Empire state, March 23, 1886, to Miss Agnes McFadden, a native of that county, who was born December 27, 1859, and was a daughter of Benjamin and Elenor McFadden, farmers of that locality. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Barnes, as follows: Laura, Basil, Maud, Howard, Barbara, Bertha and Belva. Mr. Barnes devotes most of his time and attention to his farm work, and does not take an active part in public affairs, but is deeply interested in the welfare of his community, and is a man who keeps pace with current events, and lends his influence for the upbuilding of the enterprises which tend to the upbuilding of that section. Politically he is an independent voter.

ABRAM L. BEGGS, register of deeds of Dickey County, is deservedly popular throughout that region. He was one of the pioneers of that county, and his career in Dakota has been a successful one and marked with persistent efforts to advance the civilization of that locality. Until recently he was actively engaged in farming, and is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land, comprising one of the finest farms of the county.

Mr. Beggs was born on a farm in Dundas County, Ontario, Canada, July 10. l86l, and was the eighth in a family of ten children, born to Hugh and Mary (Robinson) Beggs. His father was born in Ireland and came to Canada when a young man.  He followed the pursuit of agriculture and is now enjoying a retired life in Canada.

Our subject attended the schools near his home until sixteen years of age, when he went to California and worked on a dairy farm for a short time, after which he returned home and remained until the fall of 1882, when he went to Ellendale, North Dakota. He at once filed claim to land in the eastern part of the county on the James river, where he lived fourteen years, and which comprises his present farm land. He was one of the first men to settle in that part of the county and his estate is now a valuable one. He was elected to fill the office of register of deeds of Dickey County in the fall of 1896, when he removed to Ellendale. His popularity is best evidenced by the fact that he was re-elected in the fall of 1898 by the largest majority given any candidate on the ticket, excepting one instance where there was no opposition, a testimonial of his worth as a citizen and public-spirited man.

Our subject was married near his home in Canada, in 1881, to Miss Manda Bush, a native of Canada. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Beggs, four of whom are now living, as follows: Oscar C, Ethel. Mabel and Ruth. Mr. Beggs is a in ember of the Baptist church and the Masonic and Eastern Star lodges. He is a Republican in political sentiment and strong in his convictions. Since taking up his residence in Dakota be has rapidly risen in prominence, and is one of the trusted men of Dickey County, and merits his high name.

NELS H. BJOMSTAD, the enterprising and progressive hardware merchant of Ellendale, was one of the first settlers of that region and during the pioneer days assisted many in locating claims and settlements. He now enjoys an extensive patronage and is among the leading merchants of Dickey county.

Mr. Bjomstad was born near the village of Gjovik, on Lake Mjosser, Norway, September 7, 1857, and was the fifth in a family of eleven children born to Hans P. and Bertha O. (Evenrud) Bjomstad, both of whom were natives of Norway. His father was a painter by trade, but farmed in his native land and after coming to America he engaged in painting, which occupation he followed many years. He died in Lanesboro, Minnesota, in 1892, aged seventy-eight years and the mother died in the same place in 1872.

Our subject attended school in his native land until fifteen years of age, when the mother and children, in 1872, came to America to join the father, who had preceded them one year. They located at Lanesboro, Minnesota, where our subject worked on a farm until the spring of 1875, when he accepted a position as clerk in the store of O. Knudson, Jr., in Albert Lea, where he worked during the summer, and the following winter attended school, after which he clerked in the store of Skinner & Hazeltine one year and in the fall of 1878 went to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he secured a position in a drug store. He pre-empted land near the city and after two and a half years returned to his Minnesota home and after a short time went to Racine, Wisconsin, where he worked in a drug store and later in a lumber yard and in the spring of 1882 went again to Dakota, intending to locate on the Mouse river. His stay there was of two weeks duration only, when he proceeded on foot to Bismarck, then to Jamestown, over one hundred and fifty miles, and thence to Ellendale. He at once engaged in the meat business and also acted as guide to home seekers and in the fall of 1882 returned to Sioux Falls and sold his pre-emption claim, after which he established himself in the furniture business in Ellendale and in 1888 purchased an interest in the stock of goods owned by W. G. Lockhart and one year later bought his partner's interest, becoming sole owner, which business he has since conducted.

Our subject was married, near Ellendale, North Dakota, at the home of the bride, October 17, 1886, to Miss Anna Peterson, a native of Wisconsin, who was born June 1, 1871. Mrs. Bjomstad is a daughter of P. A. Peterson, now a resident of Marshall county. South Dakota. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bjomstad, as follows: Harold N., Blanche J., Clarence E. and Mildred V. Our subject is prominent in secret society circles and is keeper of records and seal of the Knights of Pythias and has been clerk of the Modern Woodmen of America for two years, and is now district deputy head consul for the state. He is a communicant and secretary of the Norwegian Evangelical church and is also a member of the city school board and an earnest worker for educational advancement. Politically, he is a Populist and advocates reform principles. In 1898 he was candidate for the office of railroad commissioner. He is a man of sterling character and well merits his success.

PETER BJOMSTAD, the leading harness dealer of Ellendale. North Dakota, has been a resident of that locality since the early settlement and is well known as a successful business man and worthy citizen.

Our subject was born in Norway, November 6, 1853, and was a son of Hans P. and Bertha O. (Evensud) Bjomstad. His father was a native of Norway and came to America in 1871, locating in Minnesota, where he worked at painting. He died in Lanesboro, in 1892. aged seventy-eight years and the mother died in Minnesota, in 1872.

Our subject came to America in 1872 and located in Lanesboro, Minnesota, and later learned his trade at Rushford, that state, which he followed at different points in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and in 1884 went to Ellendale, North Dakota, where he established his present business.

Mr. Bjomstad was married, in Montevideo, Minnesota, in 1885, to Miss Julia Thorson, a native of that state, who was born in 1859. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bjomstad. as follows : Hannah B.. Hans T., Emma M., Clara J. and Edwin.  Mr. Bjomstad is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically, he is a Republican and is a man who keeps pace with current events and is strong in his convictions

EDWARD S. BLY, editor of the "Oakes Independent," is a man of broad mind and one of the rising young men of Dickey county. He was born on a farm in Grundy county, Illinois, March 28, 1870, and was a son of Louis and Malinda (Carev) Bly.

The father of our subject was born in the Empire state and was a farmer by occupation. He died in 1899, aged sixty-eight years. The mother of our subject was also a native of New York, and is now living in Oakes. Four sons were born to them, our subject being the third in order of birth.

Mr. Bly assisted his father on the farm and attended school until he reached .his manhood, and in 1893 entered the office of the "Oakes Independent," and learned the printer's trade in that office, and in July. 1899, became editor of the paper. Mr. Bly is now recognized as one of the leading newspaper men of that region, and is a man of broad mind and excellent characteristics.

Our subject is sergeant major of the Salvation Army corps of Oakes, and is a representative citizen and faithful worker.

WILLIAM A. CALDWELL, one of the most enterprising and prominent business men of Monango, is one of the early pioneers of Dickey County, and has become closely linked with the history of that part of the state. He was born in the village of Honesttown, Blair County, Pennsylvania, February I, 1853, and was the youngest in a family of thirteen children, nine sons and four daughters, born to William and Martha (Lloyd) Caldwell.

The father of our subject was a tanner by occupation and was a man of practical business judgment, and led a busy life, taking an active part in the affairs of his community. He was highly esteemed for his upright character, and the town of Honesttown was named in his honor. He was of Scotch extraction and the mother of our subject was of Welsh descent. She died when he was but a young boy.

Our subject attended school in his native village until twelve years of age, when he entered the Academy at Belle Mills, now Bellwood, and at the age of seventeen completed his schooling. He then accepted a position in the bank of Tyrone, and from that institution went into the employ of R. B. Caldwell & Company, of Renova, Pennsylvania, where he was cashier and bookkeeper until the bank became insolvent, when he was appointed assignee, and after closing the affairs of the bank took a position with the Pennsylvania Railroad as stenographer in the car department of the Altoona shops.  After a short service in that department he was assigned as a correspondent in the engine department and was clerk of the principal assistant of the department. He next entered the civil engineer's office, remaining there until he went to St. Paul, Minnesota, in the fall of 1881. He there entered the land office of the Graves & Vinton Company, and remained in their employ six months, during which time he formed a colony and accompanied them to Keystone, Dickey County, located two and a half miles east of Monango. He platted the village, purchasing the land from the government prior to it being put on the market. He was the first postmaster, merchant and banker of Keystone, and continued in business there until 1888, and was also engaged extensively in the real estate business.  He sold his mercantile business to D. P. Kuhn, and in 1888, when the St. Paul Railroad surveyed their line through Monango, and the village was laid out, he moved his interests to Monango and continued the banking business, organizing under the state laws as the State Bank of Monango. He opened up a mercantile business in 1896, having purchased a store and stock of D. J. McDonald ; he has since increased the building extensively; and has steadily increased his stock, and now carries a complete line of general merchandise and enjoys an extensive patronage. He is president of the State Bank of Monango, and, together with other enterprises, is engaged in the grain trade. He is a man who possesses more than ordinary business ability, and every enterprise in which he has embarked has met with unbounded success.

Our subject was married in Monango. North Dakota, June 15, 1885, to Miss Ida M. Ingersoll, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, who was born March 20, 1864. Mrs. Caldwell was a daughter of Henry D. and Harriet Ingersoll. Her father was engaged in the lumber business in Cleveland, and was successful business man. He died in Cleveland when Mrs. Caldwell was a child, and his widow survives him and makes her home in Monango. Mrs. Caldwell's grandfather, Gould Ingersoll, was one of the founders of the city of Cleveland, Ohio. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell, as follows: William L., born November 7, 1890; and Harriet M., born August 6, 1894.

BENJAMIN R. CRABTREE is one of the best known business men of Dickey county. He is yet in the prime of vigorous manhood, but has attained a position of prominence and is a man of excellent education and capacity. He is the popular cashier of the State Bank of Ellendale and is also a director and secretary of the Ellendale Milling Company.

Mr. Crabtree was born near the village of Centerville, in Rush River township, St. Croix county, Wisconsin, August 13. 1863. His father, Richard Crabtree, was born in Yorkshire, England, and was a weaver in his early life. He came to the United States in the late '40s and at once engaged in farming, continuing in that line until his retirement from active pursuits. He is now vice-president of the State Bank of Ellendale, and resides in that city. He served in the Thirteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry about one year, at the end of which time he was taken sick and subsequently discharged. He was born January 12, 1827, and the mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Ramsden, was born January 9, of the same year. To this worthy couple four children were born, as follows : John W., now engaged in the hardware business at Herman, Minnesota; Mrs. Christiana Newton, of Dickey county. North Dakota: Mrs. C. A. Morrison, of Ellendale. and Benjamin R., our subject.

Benjamin R. Crabtree attended the district school and assisted his father on the farm until fourteen years of age, when, in May. 1883, he went to La Moure county. North Dakota, where the family settled on a farm. In the fall of 1884 he returned to Wisconsin and entered the River Falls State Normal, where he studied one year, after which he spent three years in Dakota at his home, later entering the Groton (South Dakota) Institute. He then assisted his father two years and in the fall of 1887 he hired out at threshing to obtain money with which to continue his studies. He entered the high school at Ellendale, acting as janitor of the school for two years and also keeping a set of books for the city. He graduated with high honors in 1889 and immediately accepted a position with C. A. Morrison, of Ellendale, as bookkeeper, and soon became deputy county treasurer under T. W. Millham, which position he efficiently filled four and a half years. He studied shorthand in the meantime and after resigning the deputy ship went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he took a course in shorthand in Bower's Institute, preparatory to entering upon the duties of bookkeeper and assistant cashier of the State Bank of Ellendale. He was appointed cashier of the bank in 1894, since which time he has held that position.

Our subject was married, at Eaton Rapids, Michigan, in May, 1894, to Miss Anna M. Long, a daughter of Dr. D. H. Long. Mrs. Crabtree was born in Michigan, August 17, 1872, and had resided in North Dakota for a number of years, where her father was a man of much prominence. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Crabtree, as follows: Lillian L., born in Ellendale, North Dakota, October 14, 1895, and William H., born in Ellendale, North Dakota, May 19, 1897. Mr. Crabtree is one of the trustees of the State Industrial School of Ellendale, and has also been clerk of the city school board for five years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. and is a Scottish Rite Mason.

JACOB H. DENNING, the first settler of Norway township, Dickey county, is one of the representative agriculturists of that region, and has one of the finest estates in his township. He resides on the homestead farm, on section 35, township 131, range 60, to which he entered claim in the early days and which bears no semblance to the wild country as he first beheld it. He has gained his comfortable circumstances by persistent efforts and is a worthy and highly esteemed citizen.

Mr. Denning was born on a farm in Holmes county, Ohio, October 29, 1850, and was a son of Jacob and Mary Ann (Wiley) Denning. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and was a boot and shoe manufacturer. He died when our subject was but six years of age and the mother survived him many years and died in Bloomington, Illinois.

Our subject moved with his parents to Stark county, Ohio, when he was one year of age and resided twelve miles from Canton, until he reached the age of nine years, when they removed to McLean county. Illinois, locating near Bloomington. Here our subject grew to manhood and received his schooling and in 1874 rented land on which he engaged in farming until 1879, and then purchased land and resided thereon until he went to Dickey county, North Dakota, in March, 1883. He filed claim and made his home there. He has added to his possessions from time to time and is now the fortunate possessor of four hundred and eighty acres of land, on which he has placed improvements of the best character and is surrounded by modern conveniences and enjoys rural life.

Our subject was married in McLean county, Illinois, December 23, 1874, to Miss Mary Etta Price, a native of that place, who was born October 2, 1853. Mrs. Denning is a daughter of Burwell R. and Elizabeth (Bishop) Price, who were early settlers of Illinois. Mr. Price was a successful farmer and sheep grower. He died in 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Denning are the parents of seven children, as follows: Lillie May, Warren W., Annie B., Roy A., Ira P., Ina E. and Addison H. The oldest three children were born in Illinois and the four younger were born in Dickey county, North Dakota. Mr. Denning is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is active in matters of a public nature and casts his influence for good local government. He is the present justice of the peace and has held numerous township offices of trust and enjoys the confidence of the people among whom he has resided for so many years.

HAMLIN F. EATON, residing on section 27, in Port Emma township, Dickey county, is one of the successful and prominent stock raisers of that region. His farm is equipped with every arrangement for lessening labor and the economical conduct of the place, and is the best improved estate in that part of the state. Mr. Eaton is a gentleman of intelligence and is an influential citizen, working for the better interests of his community, and enjoys an enviable reputation.

Our subject was born in Trenton, Maine, August 12,1838, and was a son of Herrick M. and J. L. (Hopkins) Eaton. His father was born in Sedgwick, Maine, and followed the sea until he attained his majority, when he entered the Theological Institute at Bangor, Maine, from which he graduated, and entered the Methodist ministry. He was an eminent divine and preached in several of the New England states, his ministry extending over more than half a century. Three sons were born to Rev. and Mrs. Eaton, as follows: Amos H., Russell W. and Hamlin F., (our subject).

His father being stationed at various places in the state, our subject moved to several places until fourteen years of age, when he entered the Maine Wesleyan Seminary at Kents Hills, and pursued his studies there four years. After leaving the institution he established a family hoarding school for boys at Kents Hills, and conducted it until he was forty-five years of age. During the time he removed the institution to Norridgewock. in 1866, and the school constantly increased under his management until six to seven teachers were engaged in the work. Our subject left the school in charge of his brother, Amos H., in October, 1861, and answered the call for troops, and enlisted as lieutenant in the Fourth Maine Batter}-, and served with distinction in the Army of the Potomac. He was mustered out in Washington, D. C., in 1863, and returned to Maine to again take charge of his school, which he conducted until 1882. he then sold his interests and removed to Dickey county. North Dakota, spending the fall of that year in traveling throughout the territory. He settled on the farm on which he now lives in the spring of 1883, and first conducted a wheat farm, but finding the soil and climate undesirable for that line of farming became interested in the raising of stock. He invested in cattle, and now has a fine herd of Here-fords on his ranch, and also keeps a large flock of fine sheep. His buildings are of the most substantial and convenient design, and excellent water is bountiful from artesian wells.

Our subject was married in Kents Hill, Maine, in 1861, to Elizabeth Goodwin. One daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Eaton, who bore the name of Fannie. Both mother and daughter passed away in 1866. Mr. Eaton married Lizzie S. Wheeler, a. native of Norridgewock, in that city in 1867. Mrs, Eaton was born in 1840. Five children have been born to bless this union, as follows: Mrs. Charles S. Brown, of Oakes; Mrs. E. G. Barnes, residing about two miles from her parents; H. W., a graduate of the Fargo Agricultural College, who is now reading law at the University of Minnesota; Jane H., attending school at Oakes; and Ruth A., also a student at Oakes. Mr. Eaton is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Masonic fraternity.

FRED S. GODDARD, a member of the publishing firm of Goddard & Wright, and the present efficient postmaster of Ellendale, is an interested worker for the interests of his community and is held in the highest esteem throughout Dickey county. He has made a success of his vocation and is a man of excellent business qualifications.

Mr. Goddard was born in McGregor, Iowa, March 6, 1862, and was a son of A. M. and Jennie (McMannus) Goddard. His father was a native of Ohio and was a printer by trade, having started at the work at the age of twelve years. He was foreman of the "North Iowa Times" for twenty-two years, at McGregor, Iowa. He died in March. 1883, and the mother of our subject died February 12, 1900, at McGregor.

Our subject attended the schools of his native place until about seventeen years of age, when he entered the "Times" office and there learned the printer's trade, which he followed five years in that office. He went to Ellendale, Dickey county. North Dakota, in 1883, and at once entered claim to land, which at the end of one year he sold. He then took a position on the "Leader" and worked on that paper and in the "Commercial" office until 1887, when he bought an interest in the "Leader," which was the first paper published in Dickey county. Under the management of Goddard & Wright the paper has prospered and is among the bright exchanges of that region.

Our subject was married, in McGregor, Iowa, in 1886, to Miss Anna Erickson, a native of Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Goddard have been the parents of two children: Hubert J. and Robert M. The last named died in infancy. Mr. Goddard is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Modern Woodmen of America, Ancient Order of United Workmen and the auxiliaries of these orders. He was appointed postmaster of Ellendale under President McKinley, which office he now holds and he has also served the city as mayor. His efforts have at all times been given toward the advancement of his city and county and is one of the recognized public-spirited men of his locality.

BENJAMIN GRAHAM. The mature years of this gentleman have been devoted to the pursuit of agriculture, in which he has met with unbounded success and is the proprietor of one of the finest farms to be found in that part of North Dakota. He makes his home on section 14, township 131, range 65, in Whitestone township, and is one of the early settlers of Dickey county.

Our subject was born on a farm in Orange county, New York, August 20, 1849, and was the third in a family of four children, three sons and one daughter, born to Edward and Jane (Groton) Graham. His parents were natives of Ireland and the father was born in 1801. He was a farmer by occupation and died in Ingham county, Michigan, at the age of seventy-eight years, and the mother died in the same state in 1889.

When a child of two and a half years our subject was taken to Washtenaw county, Michigan, where he attended school and later moved to Ingham county, that state, where the family resided near the village of Stockbridge. He remained at home until he attained his majority, when he learned the blacksmith's trade in the village and followed the same in Stockbridge until the spring of 1884, when he went to Dickey county. North Dakota. He entered claim to the southeast quarter of section 34, township 131, range 65, which land he now owns, and his home farm comprises three quarter-sections of land. On this he has placed valuable improvements and his barn is the best structure of the kind in the locality, if not in the southern counties of the state. He has sixty-five head of well graded Durham cattle and thirteen head of good work horses.

Our subject was married in Stockbridge, Michigan, in 1877, to Miss Helen Kellogg, a. native of Ingham county and a daughter of Benjamin Kellogg. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Graham, the eldest and youngest of whom died in infancy. The two surviving children are names as follows: Fred J. and Ethel. Mr. Graham is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a Republican. He is public-spirited and has held various township offices and is highly esteemed throughout the county.

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