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HON. FRANK J. LANGER. cashier of the First National Bank of Casselton, is a gentleman of rare ability and the intricate affairs of the institution with which he is connected are successfully attended to by him. He has been identified with the development and advancement of the social and financial interests of Cass county for nearly a quarter of a century and has always had the welfare of his adopted country in his mind. He has gained a high position and is worthy the confidence reposed in him.
Our subject was born near Prague, Germany, August 22, 1849, he is a son of Franz and Rosa (Miller) Langer, both natives of Germany. The family came to America in 1852 and located at Watertown, Wisconsin, and later moved to Plainview, Minnesota, where the mother died and the father still resides. Three sons and one daughter were born to this worthy couple, two of whom are now in Cass county, North Dakota.
Our subject was reared and educated in Wisconsin and Minnesota and followed farming in the last named state until 1877, when he went to Cass county, North Dakota, and entered claim to land near Casselton, which he improved and he now owns and operates four sections of land in that vicinity. He became a director in the First National Bank of Casselton in 1894, and was elected to the position of cashier about the same time and is now ably filling the same.
Our subject was married, in 1874. to Miss Mary Webber, a native of Germany . Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Langer. Mr. Langer was elected to the legislature in 1890 and served one term in the lower house and was efficient in his work for the interest of his constituents. He was elected county commissioner of Cass county in 1892 and served six years and has also filled many minor offices, including town clerk and chairman of the town board. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has been a member of the Masonic order for many years. Politically, he is a Republican and is an earnest worker for party principles and lends his influence for good government.
 JOSEPH LANGER. The fine farms of Everest township form a goodly proportion of the wealth of Cass county and among the prominent men of that vicinity who have devoted their attention to agriculture and are enjoying well earned success Mr. Langer deserves special mention. He was one of the earliest settlers of that locality and has lent his influence for the up building and strengthening of the social and financial interests and labored earnestly to the end that he is now the owner of one of the carefully cultivated tracts of Everest township, his home being located in section 4.
Our subject was born in Germany January 22, 1852, and was a son of Franz and Rosa (Miller) Langer, both natives of Germany. The family came to America when our subject was but three months old and they settled in Wisconsin and later went to Wabasha county, Minnesota. Joseph Langer was reared in Wisconsin till nine years of age and then made his home in Minnesota with his parents, where he grew to manhood and began farming in Wabasha county and later owned a farm there. He went to Cass county. North Dakota, in the fall of 1877, and entered claim to land as a tree claim and pre- emption. He improved the claims and made his home with his brother and later purchased the farm where he now resides. He is now the possessor of three sections of land, all of which is fully improved, and he is also interested in a general merchandise store at Hope, but devotes his attention to farming, in which vocation he has been remarkably successful.
Our subject was married, in 1883, to Christina Weber, a native of Germany. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Langer, as follows: Arthur, Frank, Joseph, Hattie, deceased, and Lawrence. Mr. Langer is a man of active public spirit and has filled the office of supervisor for the past twelve years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Politically he is a Republican and is an earnest worker for the principles of his party.
HANS LARSON, who is conducting an extensive farm in Harwood township. Cass county, has accumulated his wealth single-handed, and is a striking example of what can be accomplished by strict business methods and industrious habits. He has risen to an assured position among his fellow men by his integrity and honesty, and is now enjoying a happy home and financial success, and resides in section 10, Harwood township.
Our subject was born in Denmark, October 1, 1850. His father died when Mr. Larson was but thirteen years of age, and he remained in his native country about four years thereafter, and when seventeen years of age came to America with his widowed mother. They made their home in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and after two years our subject went to Dakota. He located at Fort Randall in the spring of 1870, and was employed for one year there, and the spring of 1871 went to Cass county and entered claim to land, as a "squatter's claim," on which he has since resided with the exception of thirteen months when he was employed in different capacities on the Northern Pacific Railroad. He has followed farming entirely with that short exception, and on his home farm has erected a complete set of commodious and substantial buildings, and his holdings now amount to eight hundred and thirty-eight acres of land. He follows general farming, and is classed among the substantial men of his calling in Harwood township.
Our subject was married in Fargo, January 11, 1881, to Miss Julia Harrison. Mrs. Larson was born in Norway, and came to America with her parents when she was an infant, and was reared in Iowa county, Wisconsin. Three children born to Mr. and Mrs. Larson died in infancy, and three are still living. The deceased children bore the names Lulu, James and Maud, and the surviving children are named as follows: Josephine C, William H. and Lulu L Mr. Larson is a true and public-spirited citizen, and ably seconds all projects which tend to the protection and up building of the financial interests of his community. He has served as a member of the township board of supervisors, and lends his influence for good local government. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Ancient Order of United Workmen.
HENRY LARSON is proprietor of one of the well-regulated farms which form so large a part of the wealth of Gardner township, Cass county. It is located in section 12, and he also owns lands in Wiser and Harwood townships and is recognized as one of the leading farmers of the county. On his home estate he has placed substantial and commodious buildings and made various arrangements for the easy disposition of the crops and the comfort of the inhabitants. He is industrious, intelligent and possessed of untiring energy and is highly esteemed throughout that locality.
Our subject was born near the city of Maribo, Denmark, April 5, 1845, and was reared on a farm and remained there till after he attained his majority. He emigrated to America in the spring of 1866, landing at Quebec, from whence he proceeded to New York, and then went to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he resided until 1870. He then went to South Dakota and remained one year and then located in North Dakota, taking land as a "squatter's claim," in what is now Harwood township, Cass county, and there lived till the fall of 1873, when he returned to Oshkosh. He remained in Wisconsin till the spring of 1878, and then located permanently in Dakota, entering claim to land as a homestead and tree claim in Gardner township, Cass county, where he has since resided. He is now the owner of one section and a quarter of land in Gardner, Wiser and Harwood townships, and is known as an agriculturist who is conducting an extensive business. He has given his attention wholly to farming since taking up his residence in Dakota and has acquired a thorough knowledge of his calling and met with eminent success. His home farm is well improved and he enjoys a pleasant country home.
Our subject was married, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Ellen Connors, a native of Ireland. Mrs. Larson died in Fargo, North Dakota, in 1885, leaving one son, Arthur. Mr. Larson was married to Miss Carrie Maddison, in Fargo, North Dakota, December 2, 1887. Mrs. Larson was born in Norway, January 3, 1852. Six children have been born to this union, as follows: Frank, Charles, Albert, Mary, William and John. Mr. Larson is an earnest worker for the welfare of his community and has been a member of the board of supervisors of Gardner township for many years. He is strong in his convictions and keeps abreast of the times in all matters of a public nature and lends his influence for good local government.
JENS O. LEE, one of the substantial agriculturists of Cass county, North Dakota, makes his home in section 25, in Noble township, and is held in the highest respect by his fellow men. He is energetic and industrious, and his fine farm evidences careful tillage and the most approved methods in its operation.
Our subject was born in Norway, March 23, 1861, and was a son of Ole J. and Johanna Lee. The mother died in Cass county, North Dakota, in the latter part of the '70s. Our subject came to America with his parents when he was seven years of age, and lived with them in Goodhue county, Minnesota, two years, and in the spring of 1871 went to Cass county and settled one mile south of Fargo, North Dakota, and lived there several years. He then settled in Norman county, Minnesota, where he resided until he removed to Noble township, Cass county, North Dakota, in March, 1898. He is now the fortunate possessor of one hundred and ten acres of land in Noble township, Cass county, and two hundred and forty acres in Norman county, Minnesota.
Our subject was married in Hillsboro, North Dakota, November 9, 1886, to Miss Sophia Grandol, a native of Norway. Three children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lee, named as follows: Julia, Annie and Clarence. Mr. Lee is intelligent and progressive, and is heartily interested in the welfare of his adopted land, and in all local matters takes a prominent part. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and enjoys the confidence of the people among whom he resides.
STEINER O. LEE, a diversified farmer, residing in township 148, range 65, has made a success of his vocation and is entitled to special mention as a man of excellent character and enterprise. He is a foreign-born citizen, but has become thoroughly identified with American customs and methods and ii- a man of practical nature and broad mind and as such is highly esteemed in his community.
Our subject was born in Numedal, Norway, on a farm, in 1851. His father, Ole K. Lee, was a farmer by occupation and came to America with his family in 1861 and settled in Iowa, and later moved to Freeborn county, Minnesota, where his death occurred.
Our subject attended the common schools in his native land and after coming to America he remained at home on the farm many years and followed farming in company with his father. He engaged in farming on his father's place during 1881, and 1882 was spent on another farm in Minnesota, and the following year he went to North Dakota, locating in Cass county, where he bought land and began farming. He had no teams or machinery and nothing on which to depend but his own labor and he farmed the first four years with oxen. He visited Eddy county in the fall of 1893 and removed his family to township 148, range 65, taking one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, on which he built a 12x18 shanty and began farming there. He had three horses, some cattle, a few sheep and a little farm machinery, and the first crop was good. He has experienced losses from hail and other causes, hut in the main has prospered and now has a farm of three hundred and twenty acres and engages in wheat and flax raising, and also has taken some interest in horse raising. His land is made to yield abundantly and he is enjoying a good income.
Our subject was married, in 1881. to .Miss .Mary Larson, who was born in Mitchell county, Iowa, and was raised in Minnesota, and her father was an old settler of Dakota. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lee, as follows: Lena, born March 25, 1883; Stella, born April 19, 1885; :Martha, born August 21, 1887; Rosa, born December 16, 1889; LeRoy, born July 18, 1894; and Mabel, born February 11, 1897.
Mr. Lee has taken an active part in public affairs wherever he has resided, and while living in Minnesota served as supervisor in his township four years and was school clerk some two years, when he resigned the office, and he was active in Republican affairs and attended every county convention since attaining his majority, and since taking up his residence in Dakota has attended numerous state conventions of his party. He was elected on the Republican ticket as assessor in Cass county. North Dakota, and also served as school clerk in that county four or five years, and in his present township has served as school clerk since 1894. He is a member of the Lutheran church.
ADDISON LEECH, deceased. In the death of the late Addison Leech of Fargo, North Dakota, the farming community of Warren township lost a most worthy citizen and prominent man. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Warren township, and was at one time the most extensive farmer of the state, and prior to his demise disposed of his lands, and was one of the wealthy and influential citizens of that locality.
Our subject was a native of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, and was born February 20, 1824. His parents, David and Phebe (Finley) Leech, were natives of Pennsylvania, and were among the pioneers of the western part of the state. Three sons and one daughter were born to them, all of whom are now deceased.
Mr. Leech was reared and educated in Pennsylvania and graduated in Allegheny College of Meadville, Pennsylvania. He followed farming and milling and was also interested in the canal trade, and remained in Pennsylvania until 1880, when he went to Cass county, and purchased seven thousand three hundred acres of land in Warren township, and later bought forty thousand acres in western Cass and Barnes counties. A portion of the land has been partially improved, but he at once opened up an extensive farm and operated the land for many years and then sold most of the estate. Fie was a large stockholder of the "Anchor Line," or Erie & Western Transportation Company, of Erie, Pennsylvania, and was manager of Erie ports for ten years.
Mr. Leech was married at St. Louis, Missouri, in 1852, to Mary 1. Watson, a native of Pennsylvania. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Leech: John W.. Mary R., William F., Isadora, now Mrs. Chester W. Bliss, of Springfield, Massachusetts: Addison, Isbelle, now Mrs. W. A. Luce of Erie, Pennsylvania; Ella and Louise. Mr. Leech died April 10, 1899, and was survived by a wife and eight children. He was a member of the Constitutional convention of 1889, and was a man of excellent character and deeply mourned by all who knew him. He was a Republican politically, but never sought public preferment or filled office, and was a man of strict integrity, and attended to his business affairs in all details and made a success of his career.
MICHAEL M. LENHART. one of the early settlers of Davenport township, has a well-improved estate and has gained an assured position and the highest esteem of his fellowmen by his earnest efforts toward success in his calling.
Our subject was born in Baden, Germany, August 22, 1849. and was a son of Michael and Leona (Hawk) Lenhart. His parents were natives of Baden. Germany, and emigrated to America in 1853 and settled at St. Louis, Missouri, and from there went to Fountain City. Wisconsin. His father was a farmer by occupation and died in Minneapolis, where also the mother died. They were the parents of seven children, of whom our subject is the only one in North Dakota.
Mr. Lenhart was. reared and educated in Wisconsin and resided there until 1879, when he went to Cass county, North Dakota, and entered a homestead claim on section 8, in Davenport township, where he has resided continuously since. He was among the first settlers of that region and now has a half-section of choice land in Cass county and a tree claim in Richland county. His buildings on his home farm are modern in design and finish and form a home of more than usual comforts and with other improvements of the place make a valuable estate.
Our subject was married, in Wisconsin, in 1872, to Anna Plath, a native of Illinois. Five sons, all of whom are living, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lenhart, as follows: Emil P., Christ R., Frank A., George A. and Benjamin B. Mr. Lenhart has served in various local offices and is active in matters pertaining to the general welfare or up building of his community. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a Democrat politically and is a stanch adherent to party principles. His farm is well located in every particular and he is enjoying well merited success.
NEWTON A. LEWIS, the well-known president of the Merchants' State Bank and a prominent business man of Fargo, North Dakota, is a native of Vermont, born in Orleans County, April 4, 1855, and is a son of Harvey and Emily D. (Tomlinson) Lewis, farming people, who spent their entire lives in the Green Mountain state. In their family were four sons, three of whom are now living, but our subject is the only one who makes his home in the West. He was reared and principally educated in his native state, but also took a course of study at Gaskill Business College, Manchester, New Hampshire.
Mr. Lewis began his business career as a clerk, and followed that occupation in the East for three years, after which he was engaged in business there for himself one year. It was in 1882 that he came to Fargo, North Dakota, and here he clerked in a grocery store for a time. Two years were spent as mailing clerk in the post office, and he then embarked in the grocery business as a member of the firm of Vidger & Lewis. They soon became interested in a wholesale produce and commission business, which they successfully carried on together until January, 1898, when Mr. Lewis retired from the firm, but Mr. Vidger still continues the business. Mr. Lewis has been a director of the Merchants' State Bank since its organization, August 18. 1890. It began business with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, which has since been increased to one hundred thousand dollars, and its first officers were Hon. B. F. Spalding, president; Thomas Baker. Jr., vice-president ; and L. S. Champirie, cashier. Mr. Spalding continued as president for about four years and was succeeded by Col. J. D. Benton, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Lewis was chosen as vice-president and also served as cashier and general manager. In 1896 H. W. Gearey was elected cashier, in which capacity he had served for some months previous, and is still filling that position. When Colonel Benton retired in 1898, Mr. Lewis was chosen president in his stead and Oscar G. Barnes, vice-president. The hoard of directors are all residents of Fargo and leading business men of the place. They do a general banking business and their annual deposits amount to about four hundred thousand dollars. The bank is one of the most solid financial institutions of the state, and its officers are straightforward and successful business men of known reliability. Mr. Lewis is also a stockholder of the Fargo Packing & Cold Storage Company, and is interested in other business enterprises. Since coming to this state he has met with most excellent success in his undertakings and has become the possessor of a handsome competence secured through his own well-directed efforts. Besides the property already mentioned, he is also the owner of some real estate.
In 1878 Mr. Lewis was married in Vermont to Miss Cora E. Baker, a native of that state. Socially he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and politically is identified with the Republican party. He has been treasurer of the Agricultural College for four years, and today he is one of the best known men in North Dakota, especially in business circles. His life affords an example to the young, in that he commenced life here without money or friends, but having a determination to succeed he industriously applied himself until he has acquired a handsome property.
ROBERT S. LEWIS, vice-president of the Red River National Bank, of Fargo, North Dakota, has risen to prominence by dint of his own efforts, supplemented by the strictest honesty of word and deed. He came to Dakota with limited means, but is now one of the wealthy and highly esteemed citizens of the state.
Our subject was born in Tennessee, August 15, 1856. His parents were Josiah F. and Mary (Steele) Lewis, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Louisiana. His father was a college professor and was connected with the State Female Seminary. He removed to Minnesota in 1863, and was county superintendent of schools of Wright county for many years. Both parents died in Minnesota. Our subject and one brother, now superintendent of schools in Minnesota, are the only sons.
Robert S. Lewis was reared and educated in Minnesota, and began his career as a clerk in Minneapolis, which he followed one year, and in 1882 went to Fargo, where he entered the employ of the Red River National Bank as collector. He held this position a year and a half and was then teller two years, after which he was promoted to the position of assistant cashier, and in 1891 was made cashier. He was in this position till 1897, and was then elected vice-president, which office he ably fills at present. He has been a director in the bank many years, and he also owns and operates five thousand seven hundred acres of land in Cass county. He is secretary of the Fargo Packing Company, and in each of the enterprises in which he has embarked he has met with eminent success, and is one of the solid men of North Dakota.
Our subject was married in Minnesota, in 1879, to Alice Carpenter, a native of that state. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis, as follows: Roy C., Olive E. and Alice. He is active in educational matters, and is president of the board of education, and also of the board of directors of the Agricultural College. He is a member of the various branches of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and has passed the thirty-second and Scottish-rite degrees of the Masonic fraternity. Politically, he is a Republican, and takes an active interest in party matters, and was a member and secretary of the state convention.
WILLARD H. LINCOLN, a pioneer settler of Cass county, is one of the most highly respected and influential citizens of Webster township. He resides on section 4, and in company with his brother operates two and a half sections of choice land.
Our subject was born in Michigan, August 21, 1843, and was a son of George L. and Sarah ( Covee) Lincoln, natives of New York. His father was a farmer and lumberman and went to Michigan in an early day, settling at White Pigeon, where he resided some years and then removed to Adrian, Michigan, where his death occurred in 1854. The mother survives and makes her home in North Dakota. Three sons and one daughter constituted the family of which our subject was a member and all now reside in North Dakota.
Mr. Lincoln was reared and educated in Michigan and Wisconsin, removing to the latter state when he was twelve years of age, and settling in Green Lake county. After two years he removed to Waseca county, Minnesota, in 1857, where the mother took land as a homestead and there our subject grew to manhood, assisting in making a home on the frontier. He enlisted in Company F, Tenth Volunteer Infantry, in 1862, and served on the frontier fighting Indians nine months, when he was discharged from the service on account of disability. He returned to Minnesota and remained there until 1880, when he went to Cass county. North Dakota, and took land as a homestead in section 2, in Webster township, where he resided five and a half years. The land was all wild land and he at once began to make a home there, but removed to his present location in section 4 later, and is now conducting a tract covering two and a half sections. His brother and he are interested together in farming, and are among the substantial men of Webster township.
Mr. Lincoln was married, in 1871, in Dodge county, Minnesota, to Mary E. Perley, a native of Green Lake county, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Stephen and Sarah E. {nee Wells) Perley. Mrs. Lincoln's parents were natives of New Hampshire and Pennsylvania and were among the pioneer settlers of Green Lake county, Wisconsin. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln: Leonard W., C. Herbert, Richard S., Nellie I., F. Fern, Mary E., S. Elizabeth, Sarah E., Emma P. and Dorothy B. Air. Lincoln assisted in the organization of his township and is actively interested in the general welfare of his community. He has served as a member of the town board, and in political faith is a free-silver Republican. He holds membership in the G. A. R. and is highly esteemed by his associates.
DRAPER A. LINDSEY, attorney-at-law, with residence at Fargo, North Dakota, is well known throughout the state, not only as a well-versed lawyer, but also a man of public spirit and moral influence. His name has been associated with the history of that region for many years, and he has a host of friends.
Mr. Lindsey was born at Fairfax, Monroe county, Indiana, June 1, 1848, and was a son of William H. and Zerelda (Long) Lindsey, both of whom were natives of Indiana. The grandfather of our subject, William Lindsey, was a soldier under William H. Harrison, in Indiana and the Northwest, and the father of our subject was a veteran of the Civil war. He was mustered out as captain of Company M, Fifth Kansas Cavalry, and was an early settler of Kansas. He saw service in the border warfare in 1858, and his death occurred in Kansas in 1885. The mother still resides in that state. Of the family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, our subject is the only one residing in North Dakota.
Draper A. Lindsey was accorded a liberal education, attending the Baker University, of Kansas, after which he entered the Northwestern University of Illinois, from which institution he graduated in June, 1873. He went to Plainview, Minnesota, the same year, where he served as superintendent of schools for seven years. He went to Fargo, North Dakota, in 1880. and filled the office of superintendent of schools there for two years, and began the study of law in January. 1883. under Stone & Newman. He was admitted to the bar in 1885, and remained with the firm under whose guidance he had completed his course, until January. 1887, when he established his practice, and has continued thus engaged since that time. He has given his entire attention to his practice and has built up an extensive and lucrative business. He served as city attorney two years.
Our subject was married. in 1877, to Carrie A. Stone, a native of Minnesota . Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey, named as follows: Ralph A., Maude M. and Gladys. Mr. Lindsey is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, having passed the thirty-second degree of that order, and has been elected to the thirty-third and Mystic Shrine. He is master of the local lodge, and has filled some of the offices of the Grand Lodge. Politically he is a Republican, and on various occasions has canvassed the state for the principles of his party.
EDWARD LITTLE. This gentleman is one of the leading and most influential farmers of Highland township, Cass county. One of the early settlers of the township, he has been identified with its interests since its organization, and in all matters pertaining to the civil government, and in every way relating to the welfare of the township he has taken an active part. His residence is located on section 2, in township 37, range 54, where he purchased his present farm in 1884. He has a well improved estate and enjoys the comforts of country life and the respect and esteem of his fellowmen.
Our subject was born in Onedia county. New York, July 15, 1853, and was a son of Edward and Grace (Thompson) Little, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Scotland. His parents came to America when young and were married in New York and later removed to Illinois, and from there to Missouri, and finally located in Dodge county, Minnesota, where the father still resides. They were the parents of four sons, two of whom now live in North Dakota, and one daughter, now Mrs. South of Cass county.
Our subject was reared and educated in Minnesota and followed farming there until 1881, when he went to Cass county and first settled at Mapleton, and in 1884 removed to his present home, in Highland township, Cass county. He was engaged in the butcher business at Enderlin two years and also sold farm machinery. He has made a success of his vocation and now has a well improved farm.
Our subject was married in Minnesota in 1881 to Fanny Penny, a native of Wisconsin. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Little, as follows: Laura M., Lulu F., Edward J. J. and Ellen Jane. Mr. Little has served in various township offices and is active in public affairs. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Brotherhood of American Yeomen, and Knights of the Maccabees. He is a man of industrious habits and his success is well merited.
 JOHN B. LOCKHART. Canada has furnished to the United States many bright, enterprising young men who have left the dominion to enter the business circles of this country with its more progressive methods, livelier competition and advancement more quickly secured. Among this number is Mr. Lockhart, a prominent real estate dealer of Fargo, North Dakota.
He was born in the town of Woodstock, Oxford county, Canada, November 18, 1868, and is a son of James and Mary (Walton) Lockhart, natives of Scotland and England, respectively. They were married in Canada, and there both died when our subject was only six years old. He was reared and educated in his native land, completing his education in the University of Toronto in 1890. The same year he came to Fargo, and in 1893 entered the law office of Francis & Sully, with whom he studied for some time. In 1893 he also took charge of the real estate business of H. C. Southard, and on the death of that gentleman, in the same year, succeeded to it. He handles lands and loans quite extensively in North Dakota and western Minnesota, and now does an extensive business amounting to one million five hundred thousand dollars per annum. Being enterprising, wide-awake and energetic he has met with most excellent success during his residence in this state, and has personally become the owner of a large amount of farming land and city property.
In January, 1899, Mr. Lockhart was united in marriage with Mrs. Dr. Turner, of Fargo. He is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, but has never sought nor desired public office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business interests. Socially he is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias.
 COLONEL CLEMENT A. LOUNSBERRY, member of the historical commission of the North Dakota Historical Society and editor of the "Record," published under the auspices of the North Dakota Historical Society, at Fargo, North Dakota, was born at Newville, Dekalb county, Indiana, March 27, 1843. He was educated in the public schools at Hicksville, Ohio, where he went to reside after the death of his parents, which occurred before his seventh year; also at the public schools in Michigan. At fourteen years of age he went to Fort Wayne to learn the machinist's trade, but there being no opening he started on a tramp in search of work, landing finally at Marshall, Michigan, where he secured work on a farm, near Albion, and spent three winters in the vicinity in the country schools. April 21, 1861, he enlisted in response to Lincoln's first call for troops and became a private in Company I, First Michigan Volunteers and was mustered into the United States service for three months. Three days before the expiration of his term he was wounded and taken prisoner at first Bull Run and remained a prisoner at Libby prison, in Richmond, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Salisbury, North Carolina, until June 17, 1862, nearly a year. Mustered out July 6, 1862, at Detroit, Michigan, he enlisted again in the Twentieth Michigan, August 9, 1862, and upon the organization of the regiment he became first sergeant of Company I; January 26, 1863, he became second lieutenant Company K; November 19, 1863, first lieutenant Company H; May 12, 1864, captain Company A; December 2, major by brevet "for gallant and meritorious services in the campaign before Richmond. Virginia." This appointment was made by President Lincoln. December 20, 1864, he was appointed lieutenant-colonel and March 2, 1865, colonel. This latter commission was received by him on his twenty-second birthday and his friends claim for him that he was the youngest colonel in the service who rose from the ranks. The colonelcy was offered him some months before, but declined on the ground that it belonged to his old captain. His military record, as stated above, will be found on page 875, Michigan in the War, published by the state of Michigan. He was wounded, as stated, and taken prisoner at the First Bull Run; again he was wounded and taken prisoner at the Cumberland river, Kentucky, in a battle with Morgan's forces, when they were starting on their raid into Ohio, but escaped from this imprisonment through inducing one of the enemy to desert. General Burnside sent out a force to recapture him, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Jacobs, afterward governor of Kentucky. At the close of the war his was the first regiment to leave Washington under the order mustering out the troops. He commanded the two regiments which took possession of Petersburg and received the surrender from the three committees sent out by the city council to surrender the city. Masons will be interested to know that a member of the Masonic lodge, of which Washington was W. M., was placed at the head of each of these committees and by those signs which one Mason may know another in the dark, as well as in the light, made themselves known to Colonel Lounsberry, then a master Mason, a member of St. Albans, Michigan. Masonry, received credit for the protection which was extended to the citizens. Greeley in his great work on the Rebellion calls attention to the fact that at Petersburg there was no disorderly conduct on the part of the soldiers who took possession. There was no drunkenness and in no single instance was private property disturbed nor public property injured. The war was over and under Colonel Lounsberry the Union troops became their protectors. The mayor and common council and sixty citizens of Petersburg waited on General O. B. Wilcox and requested that Colonel Lounsberry be appointed provost marshal of the city, but this was refused on the ground that Colonel Lounsberry's services were invaluable at the front. He marched on with Wilcox and was present with the Army of the Potomac when Lee surrendered, as he was at Alexandria when Ellsworth was killed. He was at the first battle of Bull Run, heard the roar of cannon and rattle of musketry at Antietam, participated in the battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Horse Shoe Bend, Kentucky, where the Colonel was wounded and taken prisoner. Blue Springs, Loudon, Lenoir Station, Campbell Station, siege of Knoxville, Fort Saunders, Thurley's Ford, Strawberry Plains and Chucky Bend, Tennessee, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House (where he was again badly wounded), Hatcher's Run, Fort Steadman, capture of Petersburg and siege of Petersburg, Virginia, from October l0, 1864, to April 3, 1865. During all these months there was not an hour when the whistle of minie ball could not be heard, and casualties were of almost constant occurrence, while there were frequent sharp engagements. During most of this time Colonel Lounsberry was an aide or adjutant-general on the staff of General Byron M. Cutcheon. commanding the brigade General Cutcheon spoke of him as having served under him as sergeant, lieutenant, captain, adjutant-general and also of my staff, and succeeded later as colonel and I regard him as the bravest soldier I ever saw.
After the war he went into the real estate business at Fairmount, Minnesota. He and his associates had purchased the town site and became the founders of the bright little village. In September, 1866, he was appointed county auditor, Martin county, Minnesota, and in November was elected to the same position. He was re-elected in 1868, but having established the "Martin County Atlas," which he moved to Wells in 1870, he resigned and published the "Wells Atlas" till 1872, when he accepted a position on the "Minneapolis Tribune" and during the campaign of 1872 was engaged as a leading editorial writer on that paper, contributing articles, also, for the "Times," which after various changes became the "Journal." In 1872 he established the "Bismarck Tribune," the first newspaper published in North Dakota, with which he remained until 1884.
In February, 1876, he was appointed postmaster at Bismarck and held the position until Cleveland's election, when he resigned. During Harrison's administration he served as special agent of the general land office and had over four thousand cases for investigation and many for trial in the states of North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, California, Washington and Oregon. His work was especially investigating the cases of alleged fraud held for cancellation under the Spark's administration of the general land office. Colonel Lounsberry was the correspondent of the "New York Herald," who furnished that paper with the fourteen-column account of the Custer massacre. He has repeatedly been employed by the associated press, by the "Chicago Times," and all of the St. Paul and Minneapolis dailies for special service, and resigned his position as managing editor on the "Fargo Argus" to begin the publication of the "Record," which has been a success from every standpoint from the beginning.
There are many traits in the character of Colonel Lounsberry which deserves attention. He hates shams and the men pretending to be what they are not, no matter to what profession they may belong or what profession they may espouse. It was noticed in him as a child when he declared he would not ride a stick and call it a horse, though he was willing to drag it by his side and continue to play with his associates. When he came home from a year in southern prison, it is related of him in the History of Calhoun county, Michigan, that "he sought the first opportunity to re-enlist, declaring that he wanted to go back and pay his board bill, as he was indebted to the Confederates for a year's free entertainment." When in camp at Alexandria the Confederates came down one night and fired on the Union pickets. It was just before July 4, 1861. On the 4th Colonel Lounsberry, a lad of eighteen, and William H. Smith, of his company, shouldered their muskets, stole out of camp and through the pickets, and taking the main road to Fairfax Court House, fourteen miles distant, where Beauregard's army was stationed, fired on their pickets in broad daylight, killing one and wounding another. They heard the long roll beat in the rebel camp, in ten minutes were surrounded by the enemy, but through the friendly offices of an old negro managed to escape and get back into camp. The colonel says he was as badly frightened as the rebels were when they opened fire on them. When wounded at first Bull Run he refused to leave the field and afterward fell into line with the fragments of a hundred broken regiments to assist in repelling that famous charge of the Black Horse Cavalry. At the time his regiment met Morgan's command in Kentucky the Colonel had command of the advance guard and though the numbers against him were overwhelming, forgetful of danger, he stepped from shelter in the woods into the middle of the road, followed by Charles Benham of his company. Captain Chenault and a sergeant on the Confederate side followed their example. The four fired. Captain Chenault and Benham were killed, the Confederate sergeant was shot through both hips and Lounsberry through the right thigh, the ball passing through between the bone and the main artery. At Spottsylvania Court House his command consisted of Sergeant William Gleason, now of Jamestown, North Dakota, and twenty-five men. Twenty-two of the twenty-seven, including Gleason and the Colonel, fell under the murderous fire. It was a hand-to-hand conflict as to a portion of the men who clubbed their muskets when to load and fire was impossible. It was in this engagement that the tree, cut down by minie balls, exhibited at the World's Fair, was found. At Fort Saunders the conflict was also hand to hand and at one point of the angle .of the fort the dead were five deep, and the Confederates claimed there was blood enough in the ditch to drown a cat. Each man of Colonel Lounsberry's command had from two to three muskets loaded and used them with terrible effect. Muskets were clubbed and in some instances the rebels were cut down with axes and in others bayonetted. Lieutenant Benjamin fired his artillery with deadly effect, even after the rebels had laid hands on his guns. The Colonel promises to make war reminiscences a feature later in the '"Record." Twenty-two years after the battle at Spottsylvania Court House his leg, weakened by the gunshot received in that engagement, broke from his weight.
FRANK LONG. The early settlement of North Dakota called to that state many men of energetic spirit and good character. They entered into all trades and vocations, and perhaps one of the most important was the farming interests which have been so materially enhanced by this class of citizens. Among those who now enjoy a comfortable home and the esteem of their fellow men stands the gentleman above named. He located first in Traill county, North Dakota, but for the past seventeen years has been a resident of Cass county and is well known as an old settler and exemplary citizen of Ayr township.
Our subject was born in Dodge county. Wisconsin. May 20. 1857. His parents, John and Francis (Schwaher) Long, were born in Germany and came to America about 1837 and settled in New York, and in 1840 moved to Dodge county, Wisconsin, where the mother still lives and the father died there. They had two sons and two daughters who grew to maturity, and our subject is the only one in North Dakota.
Mr. Long spent his boyhood and early youth in Dodge county, Wisconsin, and in 1880 went to North Dakota and entered a claim to land in Traill county, which he sold in 1883 and then settled in Cass county, where he has since resided and has met with remarkable success as an agriculturist.
Our subject was married, in 1886, to Sarah E. Preston, a native of Oakfield, Wisconsin. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Long, as follows: Francis, Thomas A. and Inez E., all of whom are living. Mr. Long was one of the organizers of Ayr township and is a man of active public spirit. Politically he is a Republican and stands firmly for the principles of his party. He holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen
JAMES LONG. A striking example of what can be accomplished by persistent labor and strict attention to business is afforded in the life of Mr. Long. He is possessed of activity and a good capacity for well-directed labor, and has placed himself in a foremost rank among the agriculturists of his vicinity. His home farm in Rich township is in section 8, and he has operated the same successfully for the past twenty years, and is well and favorably known as one of the pioneers of that locality.
Our subject was born in Dublin, Ireland, August12, 1842. His parents, Peter and Mary ( Cartley) Long, were natives of Ireland, and lived there throughout their lives. They had five sons and two daughters and one son now resides in Dublin and two sons in the United States.
Mr. Long was reared in his native isle and received his education there and in 1866 emigrated to America and located at LaSalle, Illinois, where he followed farming until 1881. He then went to Cass county. North Dakota, and entered a homestead claim in section 10, of Rich township, where he remained six years. He then removed to section 8, where he has since resided. He is now the owner of a section and three-quarters of land, all of which is improved and furnishes a comfortable income. He has about sixty head of cattle and thirty-five horses.
Our subject was married, in Illinois, in 1870, to Johanna McEagan, a native of county Carey, Ireland. Mrs. Long came to America in 1868 and settled at LaSalle, Illinois, where she and our subject were married. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Long, five sons and two daughters, named as follows: John E., Peter, Eugene, James, Jr., Patrick H. and Helena M., all of whom are living. Mary died in 1898. Mr. Long and family are members of the Catholic church of Page and are highly respected m their community. Mr. Long assisted in the organization of his township and has filled numerous local offices and is well known as a public-spirited citizen, devoted to the interests of his adopted land. He is independent in politics and is a man who keeps pace with the times and lends his influence for good local government.
ALMON L. LOOMIS, a leading representative of the business interests of Fargo, North Dakota, is the junior member of the firm of March & Loomis, a well-known liveryman of that place. Of excellent business ability and broad resources, he has attained a prominent place among its substantial citizens and is a recognized leader in public affairs. He has won success by his well-directed, energetic efforts, and the property that has come to him is certainly well merited.
Mr. Loomis was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, January 3, 1854. a son of Almon and Amelia (Morgan) Loomis, who spent their entire lives in that state, the father dying when our subject was only two years old, the mother five years later. In his native state the son passed his boyhood and youth, attending the Grand River Institute of Austinburg and the Orwell Normal Institute of Ashtabula County. In 1874 he went to Chicago, Illinois, and filled the position of traveling salesman for five years. He came to Fargo, North Dakota, in 1879, and for three years was employed as clerk in the post office at this place. Subsequently he spent a short time in Montana, but in the fall of the same year returned to Fargo, where he was employed as bookkeeper and was in the real estate business for some time. In the spring of 1887 he embarked in the livery business, which he has since most successfully conducted and now as a member of the firm of March & Loomis is doing a large and profitable business.
Socially Mr. Loomis is a prominent member of the Masonic order and politically is an ardent Republican, taking an active interest in political affairs. In 1890 he was elected to the state legislature from Cass County for a period of two years, and in 1891 was appointed deputy United States marshal, in which capacity he served for eight years. He was appointed postmaster of Fargo in May, 1898, and is now filling that office in a most efficient and satisfactory manner.
GUSTAV J. LOUBERGET. The farming community of Stanley township, Cass County, has an able representative in the person of Mr. Louberget. He is yet in the prime of vigorous manhood and has resided in North Dakota from his boyhood days, and has been identified intimately with its growth and development and is proprietor of an excellent farm, his home being located on section 3. He is a man of strict integrity and careful and methodical habits, and carries these characteristics into every detail of his life. He has made many friends by his push and energy and active public spirit.
Our subject was born in Norway, January 27, 1867. and came to America with his parents when he was but a few months old. The family settled in Rice County, Minnesota, and lived there till the spring of 1870, when they removed to Cass County, North Dakota, and settled in Barnes township, where the parents have since resided. Our subject was reared to manhood in Cass County, and educated in the public schools, and assisted on the farm where he remained till the spring of 1891, when he began farming for himself in Barnes township, and lived there till the fall of 1897, and then settled on section 3, in Stanley township, where he has since resided. He is now the owner of four hundred and fifty-nine acres of land, on which are good improvements, and he is enjoying the comforts of a pleasant country home. He has spent his entire career in the pursuit of agriculture, and is meeting with eminent success. He and his brother, Ole Louberget, own the farm in partnership, and are classed among the substantial farmers of Stanley township.
Our subject was married in Barnes township, Cass County, April 17, 1891, to Matilda Hanson, who was born in Norway, August 23. 1875. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Louberget: Carl, Maria, Jennie, Henry and Mildred. One daughter died in infancy. Mr. Louberget possesses a good capacity for well-directed labor, and is intelligent and progressive. He keeps pace with the times in public affairs, and stands for right and justice.
VERNER R. LOVELL, one of the ablest lawyers practicing at the bar of Cass county, is now a member of the well-known firm of Benton, Lovell & Bradley, of Fargo, North Dakota. A native of Minnesota, he was born in Hastings, Dakota county. May 8, 1863, and is a son of Royal and Rosella (Elliott) Lovell, natives of Vermont and New Hampshire, respectively. In their family were two sons, who are still living. As early as 1855 the father became a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota, and later made his home in Hastings, where he engaged in business as a grain dealer. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Captain Frink Lovell, of Connecticut.
The subject of this sketch obtained his education in the school of Iowa, in which state his parents are now living, and he was graduated from the University of Iowa in 1886. He came to Fargo the same year and here began the study of law, but completed' his preparations for entering the legal profession at Moorhead, Minnesota. On his admission to the bar, in 1888, he opened an office in Casselton, Cass county, North Dakota, forming a partnership with Hon. S. B. Bartlett and was successfully engaged in practice there until 1898, since which time he has been a member of the firm of Benton, Lovell & Bradley at Fargo. He gives his entire time and attention to practice and has met with well-deserved success in his chosen calling.
In 1894 Mr. Lovell married Miss Bertha F. Taylor, a native of Ohio, and they now have a little daughter, Lois Virginia. Since casting his first ballot he has been a firm supporter of the Democracy and has served on both the state and county central committees. During his residence in Casselton he filled the office of city attorney and also mayor for. some years and has always taken a deep and commendable interest in public affairs. Socially, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pvthias.
CHARLES A. LOWELL, a pioneer settler of Cass County, resides at Casselton and is now retired from active farm life. He is interested in two sections of land in Cass County and has made a success of the pursuit of agriculture, now enjoying the result of his efforts and esteemed by his fellowmen.
He was born in Washington County, Minnesota, November 24, 1858, and was a son of Albert and Abbie B. (Read) Lowell, both of whom were natives of Maine. His father was a farmer by occupation and went to Minnesota in 1852 or 1853 and settled in Washington County, where he engaged in farming and lumbering and later in the hotel business until his death in 1888. The mother died in 1890. leaving three sons and one daughter. He and one brother in Stillwater. Minnesota, are the only ones of the family now living.
Mr. Lowell was reared and educated in Washington County, Minnesota, and remained there until 1876, when he went to Fargo, North Dakota, and made his home near his uncle. Jacob Lowell. He entered claim to land in Maple River township, as a homestead, in 1878, and resided thereon for some years, and in 1894 went to Casselton, where he has since lived. He conducts general farming on two sections of land in that vicinity and has met with remarkable success in his vocation.
He was married, in 1881, to Sarah Ross. Mrs. Lowell died in 1886, leaving two children, Abbie and Lilly. Mr. Lowell was married to Maud Whitman, a native of Wisconsin, in 1894. Three children have been born to this union, as follows; Maude, Elinor and Margaret. Mr. Lowell is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Modern Woodmen of America and in the first named is a Mystic Shriner. He is interested in the welfare of his community and keeps abreast of the times, but does not take part in political affairs and has never sought public preferment. He is a gentleman of the best of character and well merits his success.
JACOB LOWELL, an honored pioneer and highly-esteemed citizen of Fargo, pre-empted a part of the land on which the city now stands and has been prominently identified with its development and progress for almost thirty years. He has seen the wild lands of the state transformed into beautiful homes and farms, its hamlets grow into villages and flourishing towns, and all of the interests and evidences of advanced civilization introduced.
Mr. Lowell was born in Somerset County, Maine, May 7, 1843, a son of Jacob and Climena (Thompson) Lowell, also natives of the Pine Tree state, where the father engaged in business as a lumberman and was also collector of customs for some time. Coming to Fargo, North Dakota, in 1871, he took a claim near his son, but died in Stillwater, Minnesota, in 1884. The wife and mother died in Fargo. In their family were four children, three sons and one daughter, but our subject is the only one now living. The grandfather, Jacob Lowell, spent his entire life in Maine.
The subject of this sketch was but eleven years of age when, with his parents, he removed from Maine to New Hampshire, and in 1854 they became residents of Stillwater, Minnesota, where he grew to manhood. He completed his literary education at Hamlin University, Red Wing. Minnesota, where he was a student in 1861 and 1862, and in 1865 and 1866 attended a business college at St. Paul. In 1868 he entered the law department of the Michigan University at Ann Arbor, and on the completion of the course was admitted to the bar. In 1870 Mr. Lowell came to North Dakota, by way of St. Cloud and Abercrombie, and after spending the winter on Elm river, came to the present site of Fargo in the spring of 1871. Here he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres on section 18, Fargo township, and began to break and improve his land, but did not follow farming, most of his time being devoted to locating settlers in the neighborhood. Fargo was laid out in 1874, and he took an active part in promoting its interests. He engaged in the practice of law until 1882, when he retired from that business. He was the first County attorney appointed by the governor, and held that position a short time, and later served as County superintendent of schools. He was also a member of the constitutional convention in 1889. He has handled considerable real estate and has met with most excellent success in business affairs, becoming one of the substantial and prosperous residents of the city.
In June, 1874. Mr. Lowell was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Dinsmore. a native of Maine, who died in August, 1878. Three children were born of that union. Anna L.. Jacob. Jr., and Alphcus J., but only Jacob is now living. Mr. Lowell was again married, in September, 1892, his second union being with Etta M. Thompson. Fraternally Mr. Lowell is a Knight Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine. In his political affiliations he is a Republican, but has never sought public office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. His father was one of the first County commissioners of Cass County, which was organized in 1873, and served one year. All of that body are now deceased. When our subject located in Fargo his nearest neighbor was fourteen miles away, and is the oldest settler now living in North Dakota with the exception of Martin Skow, who located here in June, while our subject came in October, 1870. He is widely and favorably known and is recognized as a valued citizen of the community with whose interests he has been long and prominently identified.
 FRANK LYNCH, who is well known throughout Cass county as a business man of marked ability and integrity, is extensively engaged in the real estate and ,loan business and is also one of the pioneer implement dealers of Casselton. He is a valued and respected citizen and a representative man of that region, and his labors since taking up his residence in North Dakota have done much to further the advancement of the state and add to the wealth of Cass county more especially. He has various business interests and conducts each with progressive ideas and forethought.
Our subject was born in Coshocton, Coshocton county, Ohio, December 19, 1853, and was a son of James and Sarah (Piatt) Lynch. His father was a native of Ireland and the mother of New Jersey. The father came to America when a young man and passed his life in Ohio, Wisconsin and Minnesota. He was a farmer by occupation and was a pioneer of the last named state, and died at Plainview, Minnesota.
Mr. Lynch was reared and educated in Wisconsin and Minnesota and received a common school education. He engaged in the farming implement business at Plainview, Minnesota, in 70's and continued there four years, and in January, 1882, went to Casselton, Cass county, North Dakota, and established in the same business, which he has conducted there since. He later added real estate and loans. He owns and operates extensive tracts of land in that vicinity, and platted the towns of Lynchburg and Chaffee, and in company with H. T.. Chaffee organized the Red River \alley and Western Railroad in 1893, and was president of the road. He held this position, and Mr. Chaffee acted as secretary, till the fall of that year when the railroad was sold to the Great Northern. Mr. Lynch was president of the American & Sharon Land Company, who were the owners of twenty-five thousand acres of land in Cass county, and acted in that capacity in the organization one year. He owned the Occidental hotel of Casselton for some time, and has built some of the best business blocks in the city. In 1897 he established a farming implement, and real estate and loan business in Fargo, which he still conducts.
Our subject was married in Plainview, Minnesota, in 1879, to Miss Georgia Allen, a native of New Hampshire. Mr. Lynch is a man of broad mind and true to his convictions he has served twice as mayor of the city of Casselton. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and politically is associated with the Republican party. He has attended all state and county conventions of his party, and is prominent in public affairs.
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