EDWARD BARNUM is well known as a prosperous merchant of Lakota, Nelson county, where he has been a resident for several years. He was born in Kent, Ontario, Canada, November 27. 1837.
The Barnum family in America originated with the arrival of three brothers in Colonial times, and they were patriots in the Revolution. The grand-fattier of our subject served in the war of 1812. The father of our subject, David W. Barnum, was of Welsh extraction, and the mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name of Hannah Snooks, was of German descent.
Mr. Barnum was the second in a family of four children, and was raised on the Canadian farm until 1853. when he removed with his parents to Stillwater. Minnesota, where the father operated a hotel. Our subject went to Hastings in 1856 and bought wheat, and in April, 1863, enlisted in 1856 and bought wheat, and in April, 1863, enlisted in Company L, First United States Veteran Volunteer Engineers. He was engaged at Mission Ridge, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, in October, 1865, and then returned to Hastings and engaged in the real estate, loans and insurance business, which he followed until the spring of 1886. He then went to Nelson county, North Dakota, and pre-empted land in section 6, in Wamduska township, and engaged in farming a half-section of land, and his home was on the banks of Stump Lake for ten years. He raised small grains, sheep and other stock, and in 1897 became manager, and also owned an interest in the Wamduska Land & Live Stock Company. He purchased the mercantile business which he now operates in Lakota in 1898. This was formerly owned by F. A. Rahders, and the stock is valued at ten thousand dollars. Mr. Barnum has prospered in his business and enjoys a liberal patronage.
Our subject was married, in 1853, to Miss Catherine McLaughlin, who died in 1865. Three children were born to this union, named in order of birth as follows: Caroline A., now Mrs. E. C. Clemmens, D. D.; Hannah L., now Mrs. P. S. Dimham, of Lakota; and George W., now residing in San Francisco, California. Mr. Barnum was married, in 1866, to Miss Mary J. Hodgson. One son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Barnum, named Lewis E., now deceased. Mr. Barnum is a member of G. K. Warren Post, No. 41, Grand Army of the Republic, and he also holds membership in the Knights of Pythias. He is a Republican in political sentiment.
JOHN W. BLISS, one of the prominent citizens of Lakota, Nelson county, has for many years been identified with the farming interests of Osago township, and has made a success of his vocation, and now owns and operates more than twelve hundred acres of land on which he held his residence until recently. He has now settled his family in a comfortable home in Lakota and enjoys the fruit of many years of hard labor, which was shared equally by his faithful companion, Mrs. Bliss.
Mr. Bliss was born in Geauga county, Ohio, March 21, 1859, and was the fourth in a family of five children born to Olney and Mahala (McFarland) Bliss, both of whom now reside in Kansas . He was reared on the Ohio farm and attended several terms of college at Oberlin, Ohio, and taught school a short time in his native town, and then devoted his attention to agriculture and in the spring of 1882, with very little money in his pockets, but with a heart filled with pluck and determination, started out to make his fortune in the West. The place chosen for this was Dakota. He filed on a claim, and with an ox team began his career. The first winter spent in Dakota was, indeed, a tough one for tlie eastern boy, who, with another bachelor, spent the winter on the claim, going through about all the hardships known to a new country, seeing no one and living on scanty and frozen rations. The following season he worked for others, and during the summer, after putting in a small crop on his own claim, which crop was entirely hailed out, he became thoroughly discouraged and wrote to Miss Alice Cowles, a teacher in Geauga county, Ohio , to whom he was affianced, and urged a hasty marriage. She accordingly made arrangements, and together with her father and sister, came west. They were met at Grand Forks by Mr. Bliss, also by Mr. Fairbanks, who was affianced to her sister. The party proceeded to Harrisburg, where they were married November 16, 1883, by Justice of the Peace Hennessy, after which they drove to their claim, where they partook of such a feast as we think very few wedding parties ever sit down to, viz:. Fried salt pork, water gravy and biscuits (such as only bachelors can make), and served upon dishes of every description-tin lard pail covers and jack knives playing an important part. And there, in their one-room, with a homemade pine bedstead and table, an old cook stove and three chairs, the bride and groom began housekeeping, and then began also the years of successes and failures which came to their lot. They have now a comfortable home and one which may well be the pride of our subject and wife, who have labored together with a will and cheerful hands and hearts. Land was purchased from time to time and they now own a tine estate in Nelson county. Three .children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bliss, who bear the names of Jay W., Vera M. and Eva Gertrude. Mr. Bliss served continuously on the town and school board during his residence in Osage township and in 1895 was elected to the office of county commissioner of Nelson county, in which capacity he served three years. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and politically is a Republican.
LARS O. BUE, postmaster and general merchant at Bue post office. Nelson county, is the owner of one of the finest and most valuable homes in Nelson county.
Mr. Bue was born in Bergenstift, Norway, April 8, 1861. He was the youngest of five children born to Ole and Christe (Davidson) Bue. The father now lives in Winnishiek county, Iowa, the mother having died several years since. The father still lives upon the farm where he located on first coming to America in 1866.
Lars O. Bue was reared to farm labor and at the age of nineteen years he began clerking in a store. In the spring of 1881 he went to Dakota, landing at Valley City, and then started on foot for the "Big Bend" in the Cheyenne river. After a walk of sixty miles he located the farm he now occupies, built a 6x6 log shanty and held the land as a squatter. During the fall of 1881 he worked in the Red river valley and the following autumn in the Goose river valley. In the meantime he had secured a yoke of oxen and in the spring of 1883, filed a claim to his land and began farming operations. In the month of May, 1882, the post office was established and named Bue, in honor of our subject, and he became the first postmaster and has continued to hold that position since. In 1890 he invested in a stock of general merchandise and ha done a In 1890 he invested in a stock of general merchandise and ha done a prosperous business in that line. He is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of valuable land, well improved and highly cultivated. He erected a fine residence in 1898.
Mr. Bue was married, in 1883, to Miss Olina Mikkelson, and this union has been blessed by the birth of nine children: Clara, Oscar, Gilbert, Albert, Nels, Clarence, Oliver and Ludwig, twins, and Oliver. Clara, Clarence and Oliver, one of the twin brothers, are now deceased. Mr. Bue is a Republican and has taken an active part in party affairs in his county. He was one of the organizers of the township and was elected township clerk. He was a delegate to the first Republican convention in Nelson county and has attended most of the county conventions of his party and three state conventions. In 1888 he was elected county commissioner from his district. He is a member of the Lutheran church and a member of the A. O. U. W. He is well known throughout the county and enjoys the confidence and esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
NILS E. DAHLEN. The family to which this gentleman belongs is known as the pioneer family of northeastern Nelson county. The father, Elling Dahlen, and eight sons are located near together on well-improved farms, and the subject of this review is the eldest son of the family. He is a gentleman of influence in his community and as identified with the social interests of Nelson county is widely and favorably known. He is a resident of section 12 in Dahlen township, which is named in honor of its pioneer family.
Nils E. Dahlen was born in Norde Aurdal, Walders, Norway, on the farm Dahlen, a property which has been owned by the family for many generations. The date of his birth is May 11, 1858. The family emigrated to America and settled at Red Wing, Minnesota, in August, 1865, and there conducted a farm in Goodhue county, and in the spring of 1877 removed to Chippewa county. Three of the sons had reached the age required for entering claims in 1881 and they decided to try Dakota and the father also went there to be near his sons. The goods were shipped to Ojata and they then started out to locate land, and followed an old Indian trail toward what is now Forest river. Reaching timber on the upper part of the river they located claims in that vicinity, and built one log house and all passed the winter therein and in the spring small log houses were erected on each of the claims chosen. They had no neighbors for a year and even game was not to be found in those early days. Each now has a fine farm, well developed and improved and enjoys prosperity.
Our subject was married, in 1885. to Miss Maret Vika. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dahlen, named as follows: Minnie, Emma, Elling O.. Agnes, Henry C. and Martin. Mrs. Dahlen died January 22, 1900. She was a faithful wife and mother, and an active worker in the church and well known socially. In the development of the farm and the establishment of their beautiful home she devoted all her energies and patiently endured the hardships of early life in the new country, aiding and sympathizing in all good work around her, and she is sadly missed by a large circle of relatives and friends. Mr. Dahlen is a member of the Lutheran church, and is active in public affairs, having served as assessor of his township six years.
NELS H. ELVICK. This gentleman is well known both in farming and mercantile circles in Nelson county. He is engaged in general merchandise in Michigan City, and for many years followed agricultural pursuits in that region and met with success in his calling. He has made his way single-handed and is a striking example of a self-made man.
Our subject was born on the farm Elvick, in Modalen. Bergen stift, Norway. September 1, 1860. His father bore the name of Hans Elvick, and the mother bore the maiden name of Maria Nelson. The father died when our subject was ten years of age and from that time young Nels was dependent upon his own resources and he earned but a scanty livelihood. When he was sixteen years of age he received thirty-five dollars through an uncle's death and with ten dollars borrowed money set out for America. He went directly to Worth county, Iowa, and there worked on a farm until June, 1882, when he went to Grand Forks, North Dakota, and with two hundred and fifty dollars took land in Grand Forks county. He went to Michigan township. Nelson county, in the spring of 1883 and bought improvements of another farm in section 32. Much of the time until 18S6 he lived in Grand Forks county and then lived two years alone on the Nelson county farm and would not allow debt to come upon him for anything. He now owns nine hundred and fifty acres of land in one tract and has a finely-developed farm with good improvements and a comfortable residence, erected in 1898. He purchased a stock of general merchandise in company with Nels Orvik in 1899, and they now conduct a good business in Michigan City.
Our subject was married, in 1888, to Miss Rosa B. Wise, a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Elvick have been the parents of five children, named as follows: Bert M., deceased; Mary C, deceased; Cora; Nels and Lillie. Mr. Elvick is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and in political sentiment he is a Populist. He is a man of broad ideas, public-spirited and energetic and well merits his success in North Dakota.
ERIK O. ENGESATHER, county treasurer of Nelson county. North Dakota, is a gentleman of foreign birth, but has become a thorough American citizen, and is devoted to the best interests of his adopted land. He was born in Sogndal. in Sogn, North Bergenhus, Amt, Norway, July 8, 1858.
Mr. Engesather and his twin brother had three brothers and sisters older than themselves in a family of eight children, who were born to Ole S. and Johanna (Olson) Engesather. The mother died July 18, 1873, and the father survives and lives in the old country. Our subject worked on a farm and attended the common schools, and at sixteen years of age entered Sogndale Folkeshoi College, where he completed a six-months business course. He had subsequently clerked in a general store three years, and in the spring of 1878 he decided to try his fortunes in the New World, and accordingly emigrated to America, landing at New York. he at once went to Red Wing, Minnesota, and engaged at farm work two years near Kenyon, Minnesota, and in the spring of 1880 went to Grand Forks county. North Dakota, and entered a homestead claim to land, and then returned to Goodhue county. Minnesota, where he worked during the spring of 1882. and then went to Larimore and engaged in clerking and during the summer of that year "squatted" on land in section 33, in Dahlen township, and in April, 1883, filed claim to the land and built a shanty thereon and went there to reside. He bought a yoke of oxen and worked on the farm summers and followed clerking in Larimore in the winters until 1890, and then owned a well developed farm of three hundred and twenty acres. He is now the fortunate possessor of one section of land in Dahlen township, upon which he has placed valuable improvements. and the place is entitled to rank among the finest farms of the locality. He devoted himself to his farm work until 1896, when he was elected county treasurer, and in the tall of 1898 he was again elected to the office, and is now ably discharging the duties of his position.
Our subject was married, in 1885, to Miss Anna Barsness, a native of Norway. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Engesather, who was born September 22, 1886. and bears the name of John. In 1896 Mr. and Mrs. Engesather adopted Karen M. Heland. who was born July 15. 1894, and is now known as Maria Engesather. Our subject is a member of the United Lutheran church of America, and politically he is a Populist, with which party he has been identified since its organization.
JOHN O. ENGESATHER, one of the most remarkably successful agriculturists of Nelson county, makes his home in section 33, Dahlen township, in which his valuable estate lies.
Mr. Engesather was born in Sogndal Sogn, Norway, December 17, 1860. He was the fifth child in a family of eight children born to Ole S. and Johanna (Olsen) Engesather. He was reared in his native land and had the advantages of the high schools for two years, and then was given a primary course in English. Two of his brothers had already come to America, and in 1883 our subject crossed the ocean and proceeded directly to Nelson county,. North Dakota, and in April of the same year filed a pre-emption claim and later a tree claim to the lands upon which his present residence and buildings stand. When he arrived in Nelson county he had fourteen dollars in cash and was sixty dollars in debt. He erected a small shanty, 7x7 feet, of boards purchased from the neighbors, and he had no team. The roof was of hay and sod. With his brother's ox-team he broke land for himself and his brother, aggregating seventy-five acres the first season. He raised a crop in 1884, and the next spring purchased an ox-team of his own, and he and his three brothers lived upon his land and worked in common. He met with success notwithstanding the loss of one or two crops, and is now the owner of eight hundred and eighty acres of valuable lands, and has it well stocked and largely improved. He has a comfortable residence and convenient farm buildings for the shelter of his stock and the storing of his crops. His barn, built in 1892, is 40x48 feet, and water is found in abundance at a depth of twenty-four feet. In the summer of 1900 he built another barn, 64x52, with room for thirty-two head of horses and ninety tons of hay.
Mr. Engesather was married, in 1889, to Miss Salvei Vangen. They are the parents of five children, named as follows: Odine J., Henry E., Wilhelm G., John Arthur (deceased) and Selma M. Mr. Engesather is a valued member of the community and takes an active interest in the public questions of the day. In political views he is a Republican and favorable to prohibition. He has attended most of the county conventions of his party, and also the state conventions. He is at present school treasurer of his district. He is a consistent member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran church.
WILLLAM C. FAIRBANKS. In the person above named Lakota finds one of her most energetic and practical men, as well as one of the influential citizens of Nelson county. He at present holds the appointment of United States commissioner, and also conducts a real estate and loan business.
Our subject was born in Geauga county. Ohio, July 11. 1857, and was the only child born to John M. and Julia (Houghton) Fairbanks, both of whom are deceased. The family dates in America to 1636, when the first settler of that name made a home in Dedham, Massachusetts, and the old homestead near that place is still in possession of the family. The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation, and our subject assisted with the work of the place until sixteen years of age. when the father embarked in the mercantile business, and our subject entered the Grand River Institute and later attended Spencer's Business College. When about twenty years of age he began his career independent of home aid and kept books one year for a wholesale house in northern Pennsylvania, and then established a grocery store in Youngstown, Ohio, and in the fall of 1881 went to Fargo, North Dakota, for his health. He passed the winter there, and in the spring in company with J. W. Bliss and J. C. LeBeau, secured land in Osago township. Nelson county. He owned a half-interest in a team of horses, and arrived at his farm with fifteen dollars in cash, and each of the settlers erected a small shanty and assisted each other in a small shanty and assisted each other in every possible manner. Our subject devoted himself to agricultural pursuits until 1894, and gained a pleasant home. He was elected county clerk of courts in 1894. and held the position five years, and established his family in a comfortable home in Dakota. In August, 1899, he was appointed United States commissioner and at once entered upon the duties of his office.
Our subject was married, in 1883, to Miss Eva M. Cowles, a native of Ohio. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks, who are named as follows: Ruth and Miles. Our subject took an active part in the organization of Osago township, and served as chairman of the first township board. He was chosen chairman of the Republican county central committee in 1890, and is now serving in the same capacity.
KNUD.O. FJELD, one of the first settlers of Field township. Nelson county, is one of the most successful agriculturists of that region, and has a comfortable home in section 26. The township was named in honor of his family, who were the first settlers of the locality and our subject has always been wide awake to its needs and has striven to develop its resources and further its financial ang social interests.
Mr. Fjeld was born in Sondre Aurdal Valders. Christian Amt, Norway, October 3, 1856, and was the eldest in a family of eight children born to Ole K. and Ingre (Malum) Fjeld. The father owned the farm Fjeld and our subject worked at home and the father died when our subject was but seventeen years of age. He continued on the home farm untiri878, when he was married and with his wife sailed to America and went to Kandiyohi county, Minnesota, where relatives lived, and he there worked at farm work until June, 1882, when he drove overland to Dakota and stopped in Traill county a few days, where he left his family and then went alone to Nelson county in search of land. He located on the land on which he now resides and built a small sod house and his family joined him on the farm in the fall of that year. He had a yoke of oxen and a few cows and some money and worked in Traill county during the harvest season and thus earned enough to keep his family during the winter and he also worked for others during the next season. He has devoted his time to the development of his own farm since 1884 and has met with good success. He erected a frame and sod house on his homestead in 1885 and in 1896 this was supplanted by a comfortable and commodious dwelling, which forms a pleasant home.
Our subject was married, in 1878, to Miss Maria Gottenberg. Mr. and Mrs. Fjeld are the parents of eleven children, named as follows: Ole, engaged in farming in Field township; Carrie, now Mrs. Martin Hulberg, living in Scott county, Minnesota; Ingvold ; Sever, deceased ; Selmer ; Olive ; Christian ; Martin ; Albert: Christina, deceased, and Carl. Mr. Fjeld is a member of the United Norwegian church. He is a Republican politically and is prominent in party affairs and is a member of the county central committee. He is now township treasurer and school clerk and is active in local affairs.
SAMUEL FOSTER. In the farming and stock-raising interests of Nelson county the gentleman above named takes a leading part. He has been identified with the progress of that locality from its earliest settlement, and now has one of the best farms to be found on the banks of Stump lake, and is one of the best known and most highly esteemed men of Wamduska township. His home is in section 10 and is one of great comfort and even luxury.
Our subject was born inLondon, England, and was the second child and oldest son born to Samuel and Martha (Hall) Foster, both of whom are now deceased. The mother was a sister of Lady Somerset, and the father was in the boot and shoe trade, and thus the families became estranged. The father died November 20, 1874, and in the winter of 1879-80 the mother and children came to America, and, arriving at Grand Forks, North Dakota, he remained there until spring, when they located on Turtle river. The mother dying in the fall caused the family to become separated, Samuel Foster coming west to Stump lake. Nelson county, where he arrived in the winter of 1880-81, and the remainder of the family residing at Grand Forks.
He at once erected a settler's shanty of boards and tar paper, and there passed a very severe winter. The nearest neighbor was C. T. Harris, and our subject was one of the first three settlers on the east bank of Stump lake, and is at present the oldest resident settler of that bank of the lake. He invested in a yoke of cattle and broke fifty acres of land, and in 1882 rented plots of land in that vicinity which had been vacated by pioneers, and cropped about three hundred acres of land, and he farmed with profit until 1888, when frost and drought caused a failure of crops for three successive years and the township became almost depopulated.
Our subject now owns one thousand acres of fine farming land and keeps about four hundred head of sheep and sixty head of cattle, and has an abundance of excellent water which cannot be equaled in the county. Mr. Foster appreciated this by erecting a sixty-five-foot tower and fourteen-horse-power windmill with which the pumping, grinding feed, churning, etc., is done, and he also has large barns, outbuildings, granaries, etc., and is just completing a comfortable and commodious residence.
Mr. Foster was married, in 1887, to Miss Frances D. Englesbee. One son has been born to this union who bears the name of Lionel E. Mr. Foster is a genial, social gentleman and has a host of friends in Nelson county, and is a leading man in his township. He is a Republican in political sentiment, and is a gentleman of firm convictions and honest industry, and his success is well merited.
JUDGE ANDREW L. FREEGORD, one of the most popular and influential citizens of Nelson county, has held the office of county judge for many years, and is a gentleman of broad mind, intelligent and progressive and thoroughly awake to the needs of his community.
He was born on the farm Klevan, Stordalen, north Trondhjems Amt, Norway. June 24, 1856. He was the only child born to Lars and Ingeborg (or Emily) Frigord. The father died when our subject was two years of age, on the passage to America, and his resting place was in the waters of the St. Lawrence gulf. The mother and son went direct to Red Wing, Minnesota, and the mother was left without support in a destitute condition, worked hard to earn a livelihood for herself and boy. She later married Mr. Lindstrom, and they made a home in Goodhue county, Minnesota, and there our subject was reared to farm labor. When he was eighteen years of age he entered the St. Anskarius Academy at Carver, Minnesota, and at the age of twenty years began teaching and entered St. Gustavus Adolphus College, at St. Peter, and then taught school until 1882, when he went to Larimore and engaged in clerking in a store and also took land in section 17, in Lee township, in what is now Nelson county, and in the fall of 1882, at a cost of twenty-six dollars per load for hauling of lumber, built a small frame house, and he was the first settler of Lee township on the prairie. The following spring he was appointed notary public, and also located settlers and made loans for Eastern parties and then entered final proofs and contests. The same spring he made final proofs on his own farm, and in the fall of 1883 began the development of the place.
He served as notary public eight years and county justice six years, and assisted in the organization of the township for both civil and school purposes. He was elected county judge in 1892 and re-elected in 1894, 1896 and 1898. He now owns five hundred and twenty acres of land in Nelson county, most of which he operates by hired help.
Our subject was married, in the summer of 1882, to Miss Sigri Kristoferson, who was born in the same locality as Mr. Freegord. Seven children have been born to bless their home, named as follows : Lorenze; Soren ; Joel, deceased : Philip E.; Joel W.; Genevieve E.; and Manilla V. Mr. Freegord is a member of the Lutheran church and politically is a Populist. He is one of the best known and most highly esteemed men of Nelson county, and well merits his high standing and success.
CARL N. FRICH, one of the young men of North Dakota who has succeeded in winning for himself a high place as a citizen and attorney, is now serving in the capacity of state's attorney for Nelson county and enjoys a good practice in the city of Lakota. He is a native of Wisconsin, and was born in LaCrosse August 4, 1867.
Our subject is the second in a family of five children born to Professor John B. and' Caroline (Nelson) Frich, who are now residents of Hamlin, Minnesota. His parents were natives of Norway, although the family name is German. The father was president of the Norwegian Lutheran Seminary at Hamlin. Our subject attended the high school at La Crosse and also attended Norwood St. Olafs College, and spent two years at the Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa. He was then a reporter on the "Republican Leader" at La Crosse, Wisconsin, and was thus engaged about two years. He entered the State University at Minneapolis and was graduated from the law department with the class of 1896, and in July of that year established a law office at Lakota, North Dakota. He has succeeded in building up a good practice and has fast become one of the prominent men of his profession and is one of the rising young men of the state. He was elected without opposition in 1898 to the office of state's attorney for Nelson county, and is faithfully performing his duties in that capacity.
Our subject was married, in 1891, to Miss Mary Hurley. Mr. Frich is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and is an exemplary citizen and an earnest worker for the better interests of the community in which he makes his home. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party and is a man of broad ideas and firm in his convictions of right.
ROBERT J. GARDINER. Among the gentlemen who are engaged in agriculture in Cleveland township, Nelson county, none are more useful in sustaining and extending its farming interests than Mr. Gardiner. He is one of the substantial and successful agriculturists and has a pleasant home on section 14.
Our subject was born in Lanark county, Ontario, Canada, January 13, 1867, and was the fourth in a family of eight children born to William L. and Jeane (Cuthbertson) Gardiner, both of whom live in Canada. The family settled in Lambton county when our subject was two and a half years of age, and the earliest recollection he has of farm life is stump grubbing. When of age Mr. Gardiner went to North Dakota, and he had but a few dollars, and in July, 1888, he tiled a homestead claim and tree claim to land in sections 14 and 15 and the following spring went on homestead for permanent residence. He built a small shanty and a year later a small frame house, and for ten years he did his own cooking and claims he is the prize cook of the locality. He took his stock to Dakota for winter shelter and during two winters attended school and during the summer months he did all his farm work alone, with the exception of harvesting his grain. He now owns a section of land and crops about four hundred acres, and in 1896 he erected a stone basement barn and has good improvements on the place.
Our subject was married, in 1898, to Miss Isabel Campbell, who went to Dakota with her parents in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner are the parents of one daughter, yet unnamed. Mr. Gardiner is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is now serving as township clerk and is actively interested in the general welfare of his community. He is a member of the Republican party and is prominent in party affairs, and since 1894 has served as a member of the Republican county central committee, and is a leader of his party in the northwestern part of Nelson county. Mr. Gardiner is honest and industrious and well merits his success as a farmer and high standing as a citizen.
JULIUS G. GORDON, county auditor of Nelson county and a resident of Lakota, is one of the most popular officials of the county and has to his credit thirteen years of public service in county affairs. He is a gentleman of unassuming character, is conservative and is possessed of a strong mind and good sense of humor. In social life he is popular with all who know him.
Our subject was born in Huntington county, Quebec, Canada, December 17, 1850, and was the eldest in a family of seven children born to Charles and Ann B. (Edwards) Gordon. The father was a native of Canada and the mother was born in Scotland. The paternal great-grandfather of our subject, Thomas Gordon, was a soldier of the American Revolution and the grandfather, Daniel Gordon, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and later he settled in Canada. The Gordon family have now all drifted back into the United States. The father was a carpenter and railroad contractor, Mr. Gordon was reared on a dairy farm until eighteen years of age and then he was employed a year in clerking and then followed railroad work six months and then entered Bryant & Stratton's Business College at Montreal, from which institution he received a diploma and he was then employed as timekeeper and paymaster with a construction gang and also contracted some until 1880. In the spring of that year he went to Grand Forks, North Dakota, and entered land on the Minnesota side of the Red river in Polk county, and in 1883 worked on the Canadian Pacific Railroad and was thus engaged two years. He went to Michigan City in the spring of 1885 and entered claim to land as a tree claim and homestead in Michigan township, and followed farming there until 1890. He was then elected county commissioner for district No. 5 in 1887 and served nine successive years, during six years acting as chairman. From 1890 to 1899 Gordon Brothers operated a store in Michigan City and our subject was engaged as manager and the business was a success. Mr. Gordon was elected county auditor in 1897 and is ably filling that office. He is interested in twenty-four hundred acres of land, known as the Gordon Grain and Stock Farm, which is one of the most extensive farms of the county.
Our subject was married, in 1877, to Miss Eliza Richardson, a native of Canada. Mr. Gordon is a member of the Congregational church and he holds membership in the Ancient Order of Unit membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is non-partisan in politics, but has been identified with many of the movements of the Populist party and favors reform principles.
GEORGE W. GROVES. The agricultural interests of Illinois township. Nelson county, find an excellent representative in the person of George W. Groves. He resides in section 23 and his farm consists of four hundred and eighty acres, a good share of which is under cultivation. He was one of the earliest settlers of his township, and is widely known as a man of active public spirit and good citizenship.
Our subject was born in the town of Hastings, Sussex county, England, in April, 1863, and was the eldest in a family of eight children, born to William and Charlotte M. (Barnes) Graves, both of whom are deceased. The father was mason by trade and a contractor and builder, and with a desire to gain land for his family he emigrated to Canada in the spring of 1879 and remained in Ontario one year, and in the spring of 1880 went to Grand Forks and worked at this trade and took a homestead in Walsh county. In the spring of 1882 our subject and his father went to Nelson county and the father entered a pre-emption and tree claim on section 25, and the parents resided there until their death. In the spring of 1884 Mr. Groves located on the land where he now resides. He has made a success of his calling and enjoys a comfortable competence.
Our subject was married, in 1892, to Miss Emma M. Raebel, a native of Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Groves are the parents of four children, named as follows: Edward W., Ruth, deceased; Mildred and Grace. Our subject has been prominent in county affairs since taking up his residence in North Dakota, and has held the office of county surveyor two terms, and is now township clerk, in which capacity he has served for eleven years. He is an old-time Democrat in politics. He holds time Democrat in politics. He holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is the oldest settler now living in Illinois township, his father's shanty being the first here, the lumber for the home being hauled from Grand Forks.
MICHAEL GUTTING, possessor of one of the fine farms of Wanduska township, Nelson county, is one of the earliest settlers of the so-called Peninsula of Lake township, and with Mr. Wishert was the first to settle in that locality. He has a comfortable home in section 18. and has made a success of diversified farming.
Our subject was born in Baden, Germany, August 8, 1842. He was the eldest of a family of seven children, born to Ferdinand and Magdalena (Vogal) Gutting. He remained at home until he was twenty-four years of age, and engaged in farming and oil manufacturing, and in 1866, with two hundred dollars, he started for America. He arrived at Castle Garden, New York, and went direct to Newark, New Jersey, and worked at odd jobs, and in 1871 returned to his native land. After a few months he again came to America, and a year later was joined by his brother, Joseph. He went to Minneapolis in 1876. and worked there until 1881. when he invested in a team and prairie schooner, and with his wife and two children drove overland to Grand Forks. He there heard of Stump Lake, and May 21 arrived on the farm which he now occupies. The timber of the place attracted him as a settler of that locality, and with the aid of the one settler who lived on the peninsula he constructed a small log house with thatched roof, and then hauled his household goods from Grand Forks and lumber for a floor. The country was wild at that time, and our subject was one of about six settlers in the county, but in 1882 it fast became settled. A frame house was later built for the comfort of the family, but traces of the log house are yet to be seen. Mr. Gutting now owns a section of land and is classed among the most successful farmers of the locality. He built a fine barn in 1896, which has since been re-modeled and enlarged.
Our subject was married, in 1873. to Miss Christina Engel. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gutting, who bear the following names: George, deceased; Charles, now at home; Christina, Fritz, Lena and Rosa. Mr. Gutting is now serving as school treasurer, and is actively interested in the development and growth of his locality socially as well as financially. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is non-partisan in politics.
CLARKSON A. HALL, county superintendent of schools of Nelson county, is one of the efficient educational workers of North Dakota. He is a native of Wyoming county, New York.
Mr. Hall was raised on a farm and educated in the common schools, at Pike Seminary, Cazenovia and Alexander. He began teaching at rather an early age. but continued attending school five or six year later. He enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Thirtieth New York Volunteers, and did his best for the flag that he had been teaching his former pupils to love and defend. Returning from the front, being unable to perform manual labor, he resumed teaching, his experience in this work being in Michigan, Iowa and New York. In the last named state he held the office of county commissioner of schools, which corresponds to county superintendent of schools in North Dakota, for nine years, removing with his family at the close of his term of office, to Nelson county. North Dakota.
Since settling in North Dakota his life has been a busy one. Landing in Lakota in March, 1888, he seeded one hundred and thirty-five acres. The great frost harvested the field in a night. He hired a man and had every acre plowed back, just as he had agreed to do by the terms of the lease, but himself taught the Bartlett school from October, 1888, until June, 1889. The Lakota school was offered to him and together with his daughter, Jennie, he taught here three years, when he was elected to the office of county superintendent of schools, which office he now fills.
The records of the state association and of the county associations show that Superintendent Hall has been active in school affairs. His institutes are always provided, not only with a leading conductor, but also an instructor in primary work, he believing that the little ones should be started right. The superintendent gives his whole time and attention to his school work. He believes in North Dakota people. North Dakota soil and North Dakota opportunities ; has secured control of a half-section and delights to plant a tree or shrub or willow cutting, to enhance or shrub or willow cutting, to enhance the beauty of the prairie farms in the years that are coming. He delights in beautiful tree, a bird's song, a flower, a good horse, a promising boy or girl and cares more to be useful than to be rich.
LEWIS S. HELGELAND. One of the farms of Norway township, Nelson county, best adapted to diversified farming is owned and operated by the subject of this review. It consists of three hundred and twenty acres, of which seventy acres is meadow land, forty acres in timber and the balance is prairie and well adapted to crops, and the entire place furnishes a model farm. Mr. Helgeland has a comfortable home in section 24, and was one of the early settlers of Nelson county.
Our subject was born in LaFayette county, Wisconsin, November 28, 1858, and was the second-in a family of eleven children. His parents, Sever and Catherine Helgeland, were natives of Norway, and reside in Worth county, Iowa.
Our subject remained on the Iowa farm from his third, to his twenty-first year, and worked for others one year, and in the spring of 1881 came by team to the Sheyenne valley, in what was then Grand Forks county. He settled on land on the banks of the river, and erected a small log house and passed the winter with neighbors, and in the spring of 1882 filed claim to the land, taking a memorable trip to Larimore for the purpose. It was in March, and the snows were heavy and there were no roads. Four days were consumed, and during two days on the trail blizzards raged. Our subject and his brother lived together and became proficient cooks. He erected a house on his homestead on the prairie and lived there from 1883 to 1888, when he moved to his present location, and until 1893 he worked much for others, but has since devoted himself to diversified farming on his own estate and has made a success of his work.
Our subject was married, in 1894, to Miss Hannah Tenold. Mr. and Mrs. Helgeland are the parents of three children, Simon A., Emma C. and George D. Mr. Helgeland was the leading spirit in the organization of Norway township, and he was elected county commissioner for district No. I and served six years. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and politically is affiliated with the Republican party, and has attended many county conventions, and is now a member of the county central committee.
JAMES D. HOVEY. Among the pioneers of Dayton township, Nelson county, may well be mentioned Mr. Hovey. He has a pleasant home in section 9 and has been identified with the development of that locality and the extensive agricultural interests of the county since the early days and is well known and most highly respected.
Our subject was born in the state of New York, January 16, 1852. He was the third in a family of eight children born to Andrew J. an third in a family of eight children born to Andrew J. and Lydia (Lines) Hovey. He is of Scotch-Irish extraction, although the ancestors for many generations have been in America on the father's side. The parents and family moved to Du Page county, Illinois, in 1855 and after two years there removed to Butler county, Iowa, where our subject was reared on a farm and secured a common-school education. He worked at home until nineteen years of age, and then rented land and engaged in farming in Butler county, and in the spring of 1877. after the death of his father, he assumed charge of the home farm until the spring of 1882, when he hired to T. S. Edison, and with his wife went to Larimore, North Dakota, where he remained several months. In the fall of 1882 he purchased a yoke of bob-tailed oxen and an open wagon and with his personal effects within the wagon and two cows tied behind he started in the midst of a snow storm for his claim, which he had located in October. A shanty had been erected, which was the first building on the prairie in Dayton township, and the land had for some time been supposed to belong to the reservation. Our subject was known in those days as "the man with the bob-tailed cattle." He borrowed fifty dollars with which to. establish himself on the farm, and they lived on scanty rations and he worked at anything he could find to do, but met with poor success and after failure of crops a few years gave up the place and homesteaded land adjoining in 1893 and began building up a new home. He raises Short Horn Durham cattle and has succeeded well in stock raising, an abundance of water being secured at a depth of twelve feet.
Our subject was married, in 1877, to Miss Helen Barker. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hovey, named as follows: Arthur R., Herbert E., deceased, and Edna M. Mr. Hovey is chairman of the township board and politically is a Republican.
JAMES M. HOWSER, residing on section 14 in Illinois township, Nelson county, is one of the pioneer farmers of that locality, and with his three sons conducts a farm of one section of land.
He is a native of Spencer county, Kentucky, and was born February 22, 1834, and was the third child and oldest son, born to Joshua and Rebecca (Miller) Howser, both of whom are deceased. The father died in September, 1896, at the advanced age of ninety-one years. The Howser family were originally settlers in Pennsylvania, and were of Dutch descent. When Mr. Howser was but one year of age the father removed to Logan county, Illinois, and there our subject was raised to agricultural pursuits and received a common school education and at the age of twenty-one years settled on one hundred and sixty acres of land in Logan county, and remained there until 1883, in the fall of which year he visited Dakota, with the idea of establishing his sons on farms for themselves. He moved to Dakota in the spring of 1883 and in the fall of that year, when the land was placed on the market filed a pre-emption where he established his home. The eldest son broke about sixty acres of land in 1882, and this was cropped to wheat in the spring of 1883, and was the first wheat crop in Illinois township, and yielded fourteen bushels per acre, and was sold as seed wheat. Tlie sons held the land, but remained at home most of the time, the work of the farms being conducted in common. They began sheep culture in 1890, which proved unsuccessful, since which time they have followed diversified farming and have met with good results.
Mr. Howser was married, in 1855, to Miss Matilda Moyer, a native of Ohio. Mrs. Howser died in 1869. Four children were born to this union, who are as follows; Hortense, deceased; Joshua, teaching at Lincoln, Illinois, one of the oldest settlers of Illinois township; Mary, deceased; and Edgar, clerk of courts of Nelson county. Our subject was married to Miss Maggie A. Patterson, in 1870, and again in 1878 he was called upon to lose his life companion, Mrs. Howser passing away in that year. Three children were born to this marriage, as follows: Frank, now at home; John C., at home; and Maggie A., living in the state of Illinois. Mr. Howser was married, in 1882, to Miss Mary Scarth. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Howser, who bears the name of Emma, and is now attending high-school at Lakota. Our subject is a present member of the township board, and is prominent in affairs of local importance. He is a lifelong Republican and firm in his convictions.
"THE LAKOTA HERALD." under the editorial management of Charles E. Cox, is the leading paper of Nelson county, and is well known throughout the state for its bright and newsy style and the thoroughness of its editorial work.
"The Herald" was established in 1894, by St. John & Lovett, as the "Nelson County Herald," but in 1895 it passed into the hands of the Herald Publishing Company, with E. H. Kent as managing editor, and the paper assumed the name of the "Lakota Herald." and has since that time espoused the cause of the Republican party. On May 1. 1899, Charles E. Cox took charge of the publication as managing editor. "The Herald" is now a six-column quarto sheet, and has a circulation of upward of twelve hundred copies. The office is one of the best equipped in the state, being fitted out with a Potter book and job press, a three-horse-power gasoline engine and turns out a high grade of job work. The circulation of "The Herald" is steadily increasing, and is growing in popularity, and wields a great influence in general political matters, as well as in public affairs of a local nature. It is the official paper of Nelson county.
Charles E. Cox, managing editor of the "Lakota Herald," is a young man of varied and extended experience in the rigid school of life, and is well fitted and mentally equipped for the work he has undertaken. He was born in Ellenville, New York, June 24. 1874. He is the youngest of six children born to Jacob and Emeline (Eastgate) Cox. In 1881 our subject accompanied his parents to Grand Forks county, North Dakota, where the father took up lands and followed farming.
At the age of thirteen years Charles E. Cox left home and entered a printing office at Northwood, North Dakota. For several years he worked at various places in the state, being employed a few years on the "Larimore Pioneer," and also on the ""Grafton News and Times." As stated in another place, he took editorial charge of the "Lakota Herald" May I, 1899. Mr. Cox is thoroughly informed on general affairs, and in touch with the conditions in North Dakota to a degree that entitles him to t to a degree that entitles him to the confidence and respect of the reading public.
CHARLES K. LASKI, a prosperous farmer of Enterprise township, whose pleasant home is situated on section 10, has contributed his share to the general prosperity of Nelson county.
Mr. Laski was born at Iso Kyro, division of Waasa, Finland, September 16, 1870. He was the second of three sons born to John and Mary Luhtaupaa. The parents reside in Enterprise township Nelson county. North Dakota. The father, since coming to America, has taken the name of Laski.
Our subject was nine years of age when he came to .America. The family located in Calumet, Michigan, where the father was employed in the copper mines. When Charles was fourteen years of age he was also employed about the mines and continued there for two years. In the spring of 1885 the family removed to Dakota, locating in Enterprise township. Nelson county, and taking land in section 3, of that township. In 1893 our subject filed a homestead claim to the tract of land where he now makes his home and in 1895 began farming on his own account. He is the owner of a team and built upon his land a small dwelling and a sod barn. Since that time he has steadily prospered and is now the owner of an additional three hundred and twenty acres of land. In 1898 he erected a large and commodious barn for the housing of his stock and the storing of his farm products. He is a thrifty farmer and turns his means to the best uses. He operates a threshing machine each season and has made this a profitable business for the past eleven years.
Mr. Laski was married, in 1895, to Miss Lizzie Erickson Ruff, who was born in Calumet, Michigan . To Mr. and Mrs. Laski four children have been born, named in the order of their birth as follows : Bernhardt, deceased, Lilia, John Werner, deceased, and Bessie. Mr. Laski has proved himself a good citizen and useful member of the community. He is a Republican in political sentiment and a member of the central committee of that party in the county, and is regarded as one of the party leaders in Enterprise township. He is school treasurer and has been a member of the township board. In 1897 Pelto post office was established and Mr. Laski received the appointment of postmaster. He is a member of the Lutheran church and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
CAPT. PETER LATOURETTE is now living in retirement in the village of Lakota, and in one of the well known and honored residents of Nelson county. He was engaged in farming near Petersburg, Nelson county, many years, and but recently disposed of his interests in land there, and now enjoys a well earned rest from active pursuits.
Our subject was born in Orange county, New York. June 8, 1834, and was the fourth in a family of seven children, born to Jacob and Caty (Tremper) La Tourette. The families of both parents have been in America since colonial times, and the father's family came to America in 1685, from France after the edict of Nantes. Our subject's mother was of the family of Ten Eyck, who were known as the first Holland family to settle in New York. The LaTourette family are blacksmiths for many generations, and our subject and his son followed in the footsteps of the forefathers, making seven generations of workers of iron.
Mr. LaTourette was reared on a farm and followed the blacksmith's trade, and he was captain of Company G, Nineteenth New York Militia, and in ;May, 1862, was mustered into the service, and served till the fall of that year when he returned home and met with an accident which crushed his limb, and he was then unable to rejoin his regiment, which was re-organized as the One Hundred and Sixty-eighth New York. His father died in 1879, and our subject then conducted the farm about one year and then removed to New York city and worked at his trade until failing health decided him in trying the northwest. He went to Polk county, Minnesota, in 1882, and assumed management of a well stocked farm, and operated the same until 1884. He took land in 1882 in section 27, in Nash township, Nelson county, and built a small shanty thereon, which he completed in time to shelter himself, three companions and a team of mules from a severe storm during that fall. He took up his residence in Nash township permanently in 1884, and at once developed a grain stock farm and lived entirely different from most farmers of the early days in Dakota, planting trees, vegetables, and kept plenty of chickens and stock, and during the severe winters which followed found themselves amply provided for from their own place, and they were one of two families in Nash township who remained in the country. He recently disposed of this farm in Nelson county, and makes his home at Lakota.
Our subject was married, in 1835, to Miss Hannah Newkirk, a native of New York. five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. LaTourette, who are named as follows: Mary, now Mrs. George Dickson, of Grand Forks; Peter, farmer in Nash township: Hamlet, mechanical engineer; Margaret and Ten Eyck, farming in Nash township. The daughter, Margaret, has been thoroughly identified with the educational interests of Nelson county. She filed claim to land in Nelson county, whereon she built a shanty, and in 1888 began teaching at which profession she has been engaged until the year 1900. She taught in Petersburg and taught the first school in Nash township, the school room being her father's claim shanty, and tar paper served as a blackboard. Miss LaTourette has been in the Lakota school two and a half years, and with her retirement from the school room Nelson county loses from her list of educators one of the pioneer teachers of the locality. Mr. LaTourette is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and politically is a Republican.
HON. SEVERT M. LEE. one of the most successful farmers and popular citizens of Nelson county, resides upon his valuable farm in Ora township, and is the owner of one and one-half sections of land.
Mr. Lee was born in Borsen, Prebjeld, Throndhjem, Norway, September 14, 1847. He was the eldest of the three surviving children of Mons and Marrit (Larsdatter) Lee. The father was the owner of the farm Leaklivt. where our subject lived until he was twenty-four years of age Then, in 1871, he came to America, with the intention of remaining three years, becoming better acquainted with the world, earning some money, and then it was his intention to return to Norway. He went to Michigan and was there employed for ten seasons in the lumber districts. He then converted all his personal property into ready money and started for Dakota. He reached Fargo in July, 1881, and began a search for desirable land. In 1882 he went to Portland. Traill county, and opened a hotel, the Lee House, the first hotel in Portland. In February, 1887, he came to Nelson county and located on land to which he had filed claim in 1883. The first three years were most discouraging: he lost money each year and he was on the point of abandoning the attempt when, in 1891. he was rewarded by a fine crop and determined to remain. From two hundred acres he harvested seven thousand bushels of wheat. He has since added to his holdings by purchase until his tillable lands aggregate about nine hundred acres and he is today the most extensive farmer in Ora township. He erected a suitable residence in 1887 and also a fine barn and other outbuildings, and has his farm fitted up with all modern conveniences for the conduct of the business of agriculture.
Mr. Lee was married, in 1876, to Miss Ingeborg Solberg, and to them six children have been born, named as follows: Martine, a graduate of the Grand Forks Business College; Ole, a student in the same institution: Gertina, Maria. Louis and Clara. Mr. Lee is a Populist in political views and has been active in local political matters. He served two years as deputy sheriff of Traill county and has taken a leading part in party affairs in Nelson county. In 1892 he was elected on the fusion ticket to the state legislature and served on some of the most important house committees during his term of service, including the committees on public printing, railroads, schools and school lands, warehouse commission and forestry. He favors woman's suffrage and is an ardent supporter of the reform movement. He is a member of the Populist county central committee and has attended all state conventions of his party. He is one of the most popular and successful men of the county and has won his way into the confidence of all who know him.
HALVOR K. LOILAND. This gentleman ranks among the intelligent and progressive farmers of Nelson county, and has a fine estate in section 2 of Lee township. His farm comprises three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, and his residence is on the homestead in which he located in 1885, and is a modern structure recently erected to take the place of the pioneer sod house in which he lived for fifteen years.
Our subject was born on the farm in Loiland, in Satersdalen, Cristiansand Stift, Norway. August 22, 1862. He was the sixth in a family of nine children born to Knute and Joraand (Roisland) Loiland, and the father was one of the extensive farmers of that locality and our subject was reared to farm work. He entered the seminary at the age of seventeen years and took a two years' course and prepared himself for teaching and engaged in that profession about one year in his native land. In the spring of 1882 he crossed the ocean and landed at Quebec, and went direct to Grand Forks county. North Dakota, and worked a season there, and in the spring of 1883 took land in Osage township, Nelson county, but was employed on a farm in Grand Forks county, and taught Norwegian school until 1885, when he took the farm on which he now makes his home. He began permanent residence thereon in 1886, investing in a team and cow, and developed his farm and added to his income by teaching. He experienced pioneer life as a bachelor and engaged in farming with success. He erected a fine barn in 1896. and in 1900 a fine two-story house, 42x16, with addition 16x16, and his place now bears substantial improvements, he enjoying a good competence.
Our subject was married, in 1892. to Miss Anna Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Loiland are the parents of four children, who are named as follows: Knute: Carl G.: Peder O.. deceased: and Josephine J. Mr. Loiland has mixed freely in affairs of Lee township and the public life of Nelson county. He was elected chairman of the township board in 1887 and has held the office successively to date with the exception of one year. He is a member of the Lutheran church and is a Republican in political sentiment and is a member of the county central committee from his township.
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