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THE STATE BANK OF PAGE. This institution was founded as a private bank by Hon. L. B. Hanna, in June, 1886, and continued as such until September 1, 1891, when it was incorporated as the State Bank of Page with a capital stock of five thousand dollars. George Todd was the first president, and L. B. Hanna was cashier, and L. L. Hanna vice-president, the directors being the above named gentlemen. Mr. Todd continued as president until 1893, when he was succeeded by E. M. Lewis, who acted in that capacity until January 1, 1900, when he was succeeded by L. B. Hanna. L. L. Hanna is vice-president, and W. J. Morrish is cashier. The bank has an average deposit of fifty thousand dollars, and a surplus and undivided profit of five thousand dollars, and does a general banking business. Hon. L. B. Hanna, the president of the State Bank of Page, is a gentleman of exceptional business ability, and is interested to a greater extent in the financial growth of that region than any other man in Cass county. He has met with unbounded success in every enterprise in which he has embarked, and is widely known as one of the early settlers of North Dakota.
Mr. Hanna was born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, in 1861, and was a son of Jason R. and Margaret A. (Lewis) Hanna, natives of Ohio and Massachusetts, respectively. His father was interested in the iron trade in Pennsylvania, and was a soldier in the Civil war. He served in the Sixty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry as captain of Company I, and later as lieutenant-colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-third Pennsylvania. He served with the Army of' the Potomac and saw service in Virginia, and at the close of the war died from the effects of his long and brave service.
Our subject was reared and educated in Massachusetts and New York, and in 1881 went to Hope, North Dakota, and engaged in farming one year, and the following year went to Page, Cass county, and opened a lumber yard, which he conducted until 1886, and then engaged in banking. He was also interested in general merchandising and wheat buying. He became largely interested in the First National Bank of Fargo in May, 1899, and was elected vice-president of that institution, and he is also president of the First-National Bank at Cooperstown, North Dakota.
Our subject was married, in 1885, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Lottie L. Thatcher, a native of Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna are the parents of two daughters, named Jean and Dorothy. Mr. Hanna is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a Knight Templar. He represented the eleventh district as senator of North Dakota four years and two years as member of the lower house, and was a very efficient officer. He has filled numerous local offices and is one of the best-known and most highly esteemed men of the state.
P. S. PATTERSON. Among the well regulated farms of Lake township, which have added materially to the wealth of Cass county, that owned by the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article should be mentioned. Mr. Patterson is a pioneer settler of that region, and has striven to bring his farm to a high state of cultivation and is now the owner of a remunerative tract, which he devotes to general farming. He is a tradesman, a cooper by trade, and his success as a farmer has been due to his most earnest efforts and strict integrity.
Our subject was born in La Grange, Maine, March 4, 1850, and was a son of Brock and Syrena (Stinson) Patterson. They were natives of Maine, and the father died there, and was a farmer by occupation.
Mr. Patterson was reared in his native state and received his education there and remained in Maine until 1875, when he went to Boston and remained there until 1882. He then went to Cass county, North Dakota, and entered a homestead claim to land in section 14, of Lake township. He has followed farming thereon since and is now the owner of one half-section of choice land.
Our subject has one son, Edwin C, who assists his father on the farm. Mr. Patterson has devoted his mature years to the pursuit of farming, and has become intimately associated with the agricultural interests of Cass county, and enjoys a high standing among his associates. He is thorough and industrious in his farming and loyal and determined in his adherence to the right and to his friends.
EUGENE M. PATTON, clerk of the district court of the third district of Cass county. North Dakota, was born on the 8th day of March. 1857, in Montgomery county, New York, a son of Robert and Harriet (Mayer) Patton, also natives of the Empire state, where they spent the greater part of their lives and where the father died. One brother and our subject are the only representatives of the family in North Dakota.
Reared in his native state, Eugene M. Patton is indebted to its common schools for his educational privileges. He began his business career as a clerk in a hardware store, where he remained for ten years. In 1882 he went to St. Paul, Minnesota, and after spending one year there he came to Fargo, North Dakota, as assistant clerk in the United States land office, where he was employed for three years. The following ten years he was bookkeeper for W. Strehlow & Company at Casselton. North Dakota, filling that position until elected clerk of the district courts in 1896. He was reelected to that office in 1898 and is now filling the same with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.
In 1888 Mr. Patton was married, in Wisconsin, to Miss Grace H. Hartwell, a native of Michigan, and to them have been born three children, who are still living, namely: Robert F., Earl H. and Eugene L. Mr. Patton has always been a stanch supporter of the men and measures of the Republican party and does all in his power to insure its success. Socially, he holds membership in the Masonic fraternity and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He came to this state a poor boy, but with a determination to succeed and has steadily worked his way upward, overcoming the difficulties in his path by his own unaided efforts. He has not only met with success, but has gained the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact either in business or social life.
ANDREW PETERSON. Among the well-to-do and influential citizens of Hunter township, Cass county, the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article is deserving of prominent mention. He went to that locality with no means and by dint of his own efforts and strict integrity of word and deed has placed himself in the foremost rank as an agriculturist and gentleman of worth. He is proprietor of a fine farm of three quarter-sections of land near tlie village of Hunter, and the appointments of his place bespeak prosperity and good taste.
Our subject was born in Denmark, March 10. 1848, and was a son of Peter and Moren (Hansen) Polson. His parents were natives of Denmark and passed their lives there, where the father was a farmer by occupation. Our subject had three brothers and three sisters.
Mr. Peterson was reared in his native land and received his education there and continued his residence in Denmark until 1871, when he came to America and located at Marquette, Michigan, remaining there until 1876, when he went to Moore county, Minnesota. He resided in Minnesota until 1881 and rented land on which he now resides ward purchased the land on which he now resides in Hunter township, Cass county, and has continued farming thereon since that time. He has met with eminent success, and owns three quarter-sections of land which he has improved and the buildings on the place entitle it to rank among the well improved farms of that region. He resides within one mile of the village of Hunter, and enjoys the comforts of country life and the conveniences offered by the neighboring town.
Our subject was married, in 1872, to Sine Hanson, a native of Denmark. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, two of whom are deceased. The surviving children bear the names of Albert and Arthur, and the deceased were Charles and Lydia. The family are members of the Presbyterian church, and are highly respected in the neighborhood in which they reside. Mr. Peterson is a Democrat in political sentiment, but does not take an active part in party affairs.
CHARLES A. PETERSON. Good judgment based on close observation, supplemented by honest industry has placed this gentleman among the substantial men of Cass county. North Dakota. He is successfully pursuing farming in Howes township, and is proprietor of an excellent farm.
Mr. Peterson is a native of Davenport, Iowa, and was born January 15, 1855. His parents, Peter and Cecelia (Ohlander) Peterson, were natives of Sweden, and settled in the United States in 1853, near Moline, Illinois. They are now residing in McHenry county, that state. Six sons .and two daughters were born to them, and our subject has one brother now residing in North Dakota.
Our subject was reared in Illinois and educated in that state, where he followed farming until 1882. when he went to Mapleton, Cass county, and the following year located in Buffalo, and in the fall of 1884 engaged in the livery business and also followed farming six years. He has since devoted his entire attention to agriculture and is now the owner of a well-improved estate and has a comfortable income.
Our subject was married, September 29, 1885, to Mrs. Lucy K. Healy, formerly Miss L. K. Brown, a native of Rockland. Maine. Mrs. Peterson's parents, William H. and Jane C. (Arey) Brown were natives of Maine and still reside in that state. Mrs. Peterson has a daughter by her former marriage, named Gertrude, who is known as Gertrude Peterson. Mr. Peterson takes an active interest in the welfare of his community and has filled some local offices. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of United Workmen. His career has been that of an honorable, upright citizen, and he is deservedly held in high esteem by those among whom he has resided for so many years.
GEORGE H. PHELPS, a well-known and successful lawyer and an enterprising citizen of Fargo, Cass county. North Dakota, was born in Lowell, Vermont, July 17, 1862, and is a son of Symonds F. and Susan (Critchett) Phelps, the former also a native of Vermont, the latter of New Hampshire. The father was an agriculturist and lived and died in his native state. He had only one brother, George H. Phelps, who entered the Union army during the Civil war as first lieutenant of Company I Sixth Vermont Infantry, and died in Virginia during his service. The grandfather of our subject, Seth Phelps, also a farmer, was born in New Hampshire, and from there removed to Vermont, where his death occurred. He was one of the highly respected citizens of his community and held several minor offices.
The subject of this sketch, who is an only son, was reared and educated in Vermont, pursuing his studies in the Johnson Normal School of Johnson, and the St. Johnsbury Academy. After spending some time in teaching school, he read law under the direction of Judge L. H. Thompson, now of the supreme bench of Vermont, and for one year served as deputy clerk of courts in Caledonia county, Vermont.
On leaving the east in 1888, Mr. Phelps came at once to Fargo, North Dakota, and the same fall was admitted to the bar here. He began practice with Hon. Mr. Spalding, being in partnership with him from 1890 until June, 1893. Seth Newman was then admitted to the firm and business was conducted under the name of Newsman, Spalding & Phelps until February, 1897, when Mr. Phelps was appointed private secretary to Governor Frank A. Briggs, which position he most acceptably filled until the Governor's death. He then returned to Fargo, September 1, 1898, purchased the practice of O. W. France, deceased, and is now doing a large and constantly increasing business. His success at the bar is due entirely to his skill, ability and well-directed efforts for prominence in the legal profession comes from merit alone and can not be secured by money or influence. Mr. Phelps is quite prominent in Masonic circles, and has taken all, including the thirty-third degree, and is the past grand high priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the state.
On the I2th of October. 1887, he led to the marriage altar Miss Julia L. Leach, of Vermont, and they have one son, Kenneth A., born in 1888.
ALBERT F. PINKHAM has spent twenty years in the pursuit of agriculture in Cass county and is widely known as a man of ability and good citizenship. He is conducting grain raising extensively in Empire township and enjoys the result of a well-spent career.
Our subject is a native of Kennebec county, Maine, and was born at Sidney, May 24, 1847. His parents, William and Maria (Fowler) Pinkham, were natives, respectively, of Maine and England. His father was a carpenter by trade and also followed farming to some extent. He went to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in 1850, and was later employed by the Northwestern Railroad Company, building bridges and water tanks. He now resides in Wells county, North Dakota. The mother died when our subject was thirteen years of age. The grandfather of our subject, Rhuben Pinkham, was a native of Maine and served in the war of 1812, as a private in a Maine regiment. Our subject was one of a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, all of whom reside in North Dakota, with the exception of one brother, who makes his home at St. Louis, Missouri, and one brother, who died in Fargo, in 1892. Mr. Pinkham was reared and educated in Wisconsin, and there followed farming and school teaching and in 1864 removed to Minnesota, where he remained until 1871 and then removed to Cass county, North Dakota, and settled at Fargo. He entered claim to land as a pre-emption near the city and resided thereon four years and then disposed of his land and spent the six years following in Montana, Wyoming and the Black Hills, returning to Cass county. North Dakota, in 1881, when he took the homestead upon which he now resides. He at once began improving the farm and now owns two and a half sections of land, all of which is under plow, and he raises annually from twenty-five to thirty thousand bushels of grain. He has met with remarkable success in his calling since taking up his residence in Cass county.
Our subject was married, in Wisconsin, in 1887, to Miss Sarah Pebles, a native of Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Pinkham are the parents of three children, as follows: Margarette H., Ezra C. and Sherman F., all of whom are living. Mr. Pinkham was elected county register of deeds in 1890 and was re-elected in 1892, serving two terms. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias and in political faith is a Republican and stands firm for party principles. He was chairman of the first Republican convention of the county in 1874 and is a member of the county central committee.
HON. NAHUM B. PINKHAM. As an all around prominent man of Cass county there is probably no one of its citizens who more justly deserves the title than Mr. Pinkham. He is the oldest American settler of the county and is the owner of three quarter-sections of land in Reed township, his home being located there in section 30. He is a man of broad ideas and practical nature, and has become one of the most highly-esteemed men of the community, and has earnestly labored for the advancement and development of that region, both as to its financial and social interests.
Our subject was born in Anson, Somerset county, Maine. August 21, 1842, and was reared on a farm and resided there until 1868, with the exception of the time spent in the Civil war. He enlisted in July, 1863, in Company H, Nineteenth Maine Regiment, and served till the close of the war. He passed through a long and brave service and was wounded at the battle of Spotsylvania. Upon his return to his native state he attended the State Normal, at Farmington, Maine, for two years, and then moved westward, and in April, 1871, went to Cass county, Dakota, and took land as a homestead, on which he still resides. He studied law in Maine, and at the first term of court held in Fargo, North Dakota, was admitted to the bar, but he has made farming his chief business, and has met with eminent success in that vocation, and is now possessed of a comfortable income and a good farm.
Our subject was married, in East Livermore, Maine, February 6, 1875, to Miss Rose E. Knapp, a native of Maine . Mr. and Mrs. Pinkham are the parents of five children, as follows: Rosabel, now Mrs. W. D. Miller, of Edgeley, North Dakota; Emma, now Mrs. Hugh Stoddard, of Minnesota ; Estel; Grace, who died in infancy, and N. Clifford. Mr. Pinkham was the first county attorney elected in Cass county after its organization, and during that time held the position of deputy United States attorney, under Colonel Pound. He was elected a member of the legislature in the fall of 1889, when the state was organized, and in the fall of 1890 he was elected state senator and held the office four years. He has been justice of the peace for several terms, and is chairman of the town board of supervisors. He has taken an active part in all public affairs, and was a bitter opponent of the Louisiana State Lottery Company, when that company endeavored to gain a foothold in the state. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and John F. Reynolds Post, No. 5, Grand Army Republic . He is a man true to his convictions, and his career has been that of an honorable, upright citizen, and his success and position are well merited.
CARL A. PIPER, deceased. For over a quarter of a century prior to his demise Cass county had a worthy representative citizen in the person of Carl A. Piper. He went there when it was an unsettled region and his career there was one of an upright and industrious man, earnestly laboring to advance the community's interests where he had chosen his home, and much of the solid prosperity now enjoyed in that section is due to his many years of service. At the time of his death he was accounted a wealthy man, and his possessions were gained entirely by his own efforts, supplemented by the strictest integrity. His home farm is in Addison township and he had financial interests in the town of Addison.
Mr. Piper was born in Germany, March 9, 1846, and was a son of Luise and John Piper. His mother died there, his parents spent most of their lives in Germany, and the mother died their. but the father passed away in North Dakota.
Our subject was reared and educated in his native land and followed farming there until 1868, in the meanwhile serving three years in the German army, when he came to America and located in Winona county, Minnesota. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and continued farming there until 1871,when he went to Cass county, North Dakota, and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in Maple River township as a homestead, which he improved and later sold and removed to Addison township, continuing his residence on section 14 until his death. He became the owner of three sections of land and was a successful agriculturist. He also conducted a general store, lumber yard and elevator at Addison and was one of the substantial men of Cass county.
Our subject was married, in Minnesota, in 1868, to Paulina Hans, a native of Wisconsin. Eleven children were born to Mr. and .Mrs. Piper, as follows : Annie, Adolph R., deceased, Hulda, Edmund P., John I., Paul J., Elizabeth, Arthur R., Carl, Ella, deceased, and Florence. Mr. Piper died in North Dakota January 9, 1899, leaving a wife and family to mourn their loss. He was a consistent member of the Moravian church and was one of its first members. He served in all the offices of his township and was earnest in his support of public enterprises. Politically he was an advocate of Republican principles.
 J. H. PLATH, Sr., one of the earliest settlers of Davenport township, Cass county, successfully pursued farming in that locality for many years and acquired a comfortable home and an enviable reputation. He is a native of Hanover, Germany, and was born June 14, 1821. He now resides in Galena, Illinois, with his aged wife, and is retired from active pursuits, and enjoys the result of a well-spent career.
The parents of our subject, John H. and Freda (Goldwin) Plath, were natives of Nerstine and Hanover, Germany, respectively, and lived and died in their native land. The father was twice married and two sons were born to each marriage, who now make their home in the United States.
Mr. Plath was reared and educated in Germany, and there learned the carpenter's trade, and June 5, 1851, emigrated to America and settled in Galena, Illinois, where he followed his trade three years. He then moved to Buffalo county, Wisconsin, and followed farming there until the spring of 1878, when he entered a homestead claim to land in section 6, of Davenport township, Cass county, North Dakota, and was among the first to begin the cultivation of land in that locality. He followed his calling there until 1894 and then retired to a comfortable home in Galena, Illinois, and the property is now conducted by his son. J. G. Plath. He owned three and a half sections of land on which he made excellent improvements, and his farm furnished a home of more than usual comforts and is among the finest pieces of property in Davenport township.
Mr. Plath was married at Galena, Illinois, November 2, 1852, to Helen M. Hanken, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Plath are the parents of four sons and four daughters, named as follows: Annie, now Mrs. Lenhardt; Christina, now Mrs. Hoefer; J. Henry, Jr., Minnie, now Mrs. Snyder of Galena, Illinois; Hannah L., now Mrs. F. F. Lenhardt, of Minneapolis; William L., August A. and John G. All the sons and one daughter live in Cass county, North Dakota. The family are members of the German Lutheran church and are held in high esteem where they reside. Mr. Plath was active in public affairs while a resident of North Dakota, and served as chairman of the township board, and assisted in the organization of Davenport township. He has met with success in his business and is well-to-do.
John H. Plath, the youngest son of the subject of this review, who is the owner of the old homestead farm in Cass county, is a young man of energetic spirit and is well and favorably known. He was born June 21, 1871, in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, and was reared in North Dakota . He was married, in 1894, to Josephine Bucklin, a native of Minnesota. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Plath. named as follows: Harry W. and Gladys M. Mr. Plath has served on the township board in Davenport township two years, and is one of the rising young men of Cass county.
 J. HENRY PLATH, JR. This gentleman is readily recognized as one of the leading business men of Cass county. He is vice-president of the State Bank of Davenport, and also has valuable farming interests in Davenport township. He has met with success in every enterprise to which his attention has been directed and is one of the well-to-do and influential early settlers of that locality.
Our subject was born in Buflfalo county. Wisconsin, October 1, 1856, and was a son of J. Henry and Helen M. (Henken) Plath, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany. His father was a carpenter by trade and followed the same for some years, and about 1850 emigrated to America. He settled at Galena, Illinois, where he passed some years, and then removed to Fountain City, Wisconsin, and resided there until 1878. He then went to Cass county. North Dakota, and entered a homestead claim to the southwest quarter of section 6, in Davenport township, and opened up a farm of two thousand acres, most of which he acquired by purchase. He followed farming in that township until 1897, and then went to California and spent some time and then returned to Galena, Illinois, where he now resides. He was married in Galena, Illinois, and four sons and four daughters were born to the union, all of whom reside in North Dakota, with the exception of three daughters. He filled various local offices while a resident of Davenport township, and is well known there and held in high esteem by all.
Our subject, J. Henry Plath, Jr., was reared and educated in Wisconsin, and there began his business career as a farmer. He went with his parents to Dakota and entered a pre-emption claim and also a tree claim in Davenport township, Cass county, and has resided in that township continuously since that time. His farm is a model in every particular, he has a fine residence, good barns, and other outbuildings, and enjoys a home of more than usual comforts.
Our subject was married, in 1885. to Minnie Berger, a native of Illinois . Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Plath, named as follows: Clarence H., Carrie H., Floyd W. and Lillian C, all of whom are living. Mr. Plath has served on the township board as chairman and treasurer, and is active in public affairs of his township and county. He is a trustee of the Valley City Normal School, of Valley City, North Dakota . He and family are closely associated with the Moravian church, and Mr. Plath is a member of the Knights of Pythias. **The photo above is that of the Plath residence in Cass County North Dakota.
HORATIO C. PLUMLEY, manager and part owner of the "Forum," of Fargo, North Dakota, is a man of more than ordinary intelligence and business capability. He has made a success of his vocation, and is one of the influential citizens of the state, and his paper is widely known. He holds many important commissions and ever performs his duties faithfully and well.
Mr. Plumley was born in Addison County, Vermont. June 15, 1856, and was the son of Frederick S. and Sarah (Clark) Plumley. His father was a fanner by occupation and died in Vermont, and his mother died in Fargo, North Dakota. His father served in the legislature of the state of Vermont, and was a public-spirited and respected citizen.
At the age of thirteen our subject left his native state and went to Mexico, New York, where he was educated in the Mexico Academy, and the high school of Syracuse. He then entered the office of the "Mexico Independent" as "devil." and there learned the trade of a printer, continuing there until 1881, when he went to Fargo. North Dakota, and became associated with the "Argus," first as traveling solicitor and then as night editor and local reporter. In 1883 he was appointed managing editor and continued with that paper until 1891. In October of that year, in company with Major A. W. Edwards, he founded the "Forum," since which time he has been manager of that paper. He is thoroughly acquainted with the calling which he has chosen, and since 1893 has been state printing expert.
Mr. Plumley was married in 1888 to Miss Helen S. Green, a native of New York. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is deputy inspector general for North Dakota, and secretary of the board of trustees of the Scottish Rite Cathedral. He is also a member of the Sons of the Revolution, his great-grandfather and his great-great-grandfather serving in the American army from Massachusetts.
He has been president of the State Press Association. He served as a member of the state prison board for several years, and was chief clerk of the territorial census for 1885. Mr. Plumley stands for the principles of the Republican Party.
JUDGE CHARLES A. POLLOCK. North Dakota has already become distinguished for the high rank of her bench and bar. Perhaps none of the newer states can justly boast of abler jurists and attorneys. Prominent among these is Judge Pollock, of Fargo, who now occupies the bench of the third judicial district. He is a native of New York, his birth occurring in Elizabethtown, Essex county, September 27, 1853.
His parents. John and Eunice E. (Ellis) Pollock, were natives of Ireland and New York, respectively. The father, who was a teacher by profession, came to the new world in 1830, at the age of nine years, and was graduated from the Troy Conference Seminary of New York, then presided over by Bishop Jesse T. Peck. He was ordained as a clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal church, but he devoted the greater part of his time to teaching. He founded the Rainsburg Seminary at Rainsburg. Bedford County, Pennsylvania, where he remained for some years, and in 1856 went to Iowa, and the following year opened the Epworth Seminary at Epworth, Dubuque County, remaining there two years. He then went to DeWitt, Iowa, as principal of the public schools at that place, and later served as county auditor of Clinton county for four years, and as deputy treasurer eight years. In 1895 he came to Fargo, North Dakota, where he died a year later.
His wife had passed away in 1895. To them were born four sons; one a resident of Dubuque. Iowa; another of San Francisco. California, while our subject makes his home in Fargo, North Dakota, and the fourth died in infancy. The paternal grandfather, James Pollock, was a farmer by occupation.
Judge Pollock, of this review, was educated by his parents, and at the age of fourteen commenced work as deputy in the office of the register of deeds in Clinton county, Iowa, where he remained six years. He then entered Cornell College at Mt.. Vernon, Iowa, from which he was graduated in 1878, and the following two years was principal of the public schools of Lowden, Iowa, during which time he also studied law. He graduated from the law department of the State University of Iowa, in 1881, and on the 15th of July, that year, opened a law office in Fargo, North Dakota, where he has since engaged in practice, meeting with marked success in his chosen calling. He has recently been chosen to lecture in the law department of the State University of North Dakota and has accepted.
In 1882 Judge Pollock married Miss Martha Clinton, daughter of Rev. John W. Clinton, a native of Ontario, Canada, and by this union four children were born, namely: John C., who died at the age of three years and a half; Clara A.; Martha L. and Dewitt C. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, and the Judge is a member of the Masonic order and the Bar Association. Politically he is an ardent Republican and as an orator has taken an active part in campaign work throughout the state. In 1885 he was elected district attorney and creditably filled that office for two terms. He was elected judge of the third judicial district in which position he is now serving with distinction. He is absolutely fearless in the discharge of his duties, favor cannot tempt him from the straight path, and he has been successful in en-forcing the prohibition law and in reducing the number of divorces granted by the court. His sentences are models of judicial fairness, and he is a type of the law that respects and protects, not condemns humanity.
RICHARD POLLOCK, a prosperous and intelligent farmer of Cass County, resides on section 9 of Pontiac township. He was born on a farm in Huron County, Ontario, Canada, June 4, 1850. His father, William Pollock, was a native of Ireland, and was there married to Margaret McSherry, also a native of that country.
Our subject remained at home until after he attained his majority, and then located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he engaged in the horse business, and continued there six years, and then removed to Battle Creek. While residing there he made a trip to Scotland, purchasing four head of fine horses, two Shires, one Clyde, and one Coach, and continued in business in Michigan till 1889. In that year he went to Pontiac township, Cass County, North Dakota, and there settled on a farm, on which he has since resided, and has met with success in general farming.
Our subject was married in Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1889, to Miss Mary E. Moore. Mrs. Pollock was born in Michigan, in 1860. Mr. Pollock is a member of the Modem Woodmen of America. In political sentiment he is a Democrat, and keeps pace with the times in all public matters. He is widely and favorably known as a farmer and worthy citizen.
ROBERT M POLLOCK. Not by gift, purchase or influence can one rise at the bar, but solely by merit must he gain his reputation, his ability winning him greatness and enabling him to pass on the highway of life many who had accomplished a part of the journey where he started out. Through his own well-directed efforts Mr. Pollock has become one of the prominent lawyers of Fargo and has become a leader in public affairs.
He was born in Racine County. Wisconsin, December 16, 1854, a son of James H. and Eveline (Halstead) Pollock, of New York. The father, whose life was devoted to farming, removed to Wisconsin in 1848 and there made his home until his death. He had nine children, four sons and five daughters, seven of whom are now living, and five are now residents of North Dakota. During his boyhood and youth our subject attended the public schools of his native state, and then taught school for three years, during which time he also read law. Subsequently he entered the law office of Judge Elbert O. Hand, of Racine, and in 1879 was admitted to practice at the bar of Wisconsin. In 1880 he came to Casselton, North Dakota, and opened an office, being engaged in practice there for seventeen years. While there he was city attorney, mayor, a member of the board of education, was a member of the constitutional convention in 1889, and in 1891 was appointed by Governor Burke as a member of the compilation commission to compile the laws of the state. He also served as state's attorney for Cass County for four years from January, 1893. He removed from Caselton to Fargo in January, 1897, and here he has since successfully engaged in practice. In 1891 he formed a partnership with H. G. Scott which still exists, and they retain a clientage of so representative a character as to alone stand as evidence of their professional ability and personal popularity.
Mr. Pollock was married, in December, 1881, to Miss Christine Corse, at Racine, Wisconsin, and their family consists of seven children, namely: Evelyn H., Mina, James W., John C, Hal, Robert B. and Hew. In his political affiliations Mr. Pollock is a pronounced Republican and has taken an active part in the campaigns of the state. Socially he belongs to the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
MENZO W PORTER. As a representative farmer and citizen of Bell township, Cass county, the name of Mr. Porter may well be mentioned. He has devoted his entire attention to the cultivation and operation of his farm since taking up his residence in North Dakota over fifteen years ago, and now has one of the best farms of his vicinity. He is energetic and industrious and occupies a high position in the minds of the people.
Our subject was born in Madison county. New York, February 26, 1827. His parents, Roswell and Nancy (Shattuck) Porter, were natives of Connecticut. His father was a carpenter and joiner, and settled at Hamilton, Madison county. New York, where he spent his career and died April 7, 1853. He served in the war of 1812 with the rank of lieutenant. . Tlie grandfather of our subject, Eleazer Porter, was a native of Connecticut, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and passed the last of his years in New York state.
Our subject was one of a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters, and is the only one of the number in North Dakota. He was reared and educated in New York and began his career as a farmer, which he followed in that state until 1853, when he removed to Boone county, Illinois, and purchased land and made his home there until 1863, and then moved to Pennsylvania, and located near Oil City, and was engaged in the oil business there. He resided in Pennsylvania until 1883 and then went to North Dakota, and settled in Bell township, Cass county, and opened up a new farm. He has made his home there continuously since that date, and has met with success in general farming.
Our subject was married, in 1846, to Mariah A. Muir, a native of New York. Mrs. Porter died August 28, 1891, leaving three sons and one daughter, as follows: De Elbert, De Azro and De Elwin and Alice E., now Mrs. E. H. Austin. Mr. Porter assisted in the organization of his township and has served in various local offices. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in political faith is independent.
CHARLES L. POWERS is a prosperous farmer of Maple River township, and stands among the foremost men of his calling in Cass county. He is one of the early settlers of that locality and has transformed the raw land into a highly cultivated tract and now enjoys a comfortable income and a good reputation as an industrious and public-spirited citizen.
Our subject was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, January 26, 1855, and was a son of Simon and Frances F. (Lansing) Powers, who were natives of New York. His father was a farmer and saddler and went to St. Paul, Minnesota, in a very early day and in 1847 started the first stage line that ever ran in that state. His death occurred there in 1868. Our subject has one brother, now residing in California.
Mr. Powers was reared and educated in St. Paul and at Madison, Wisconsin, and remained in St. Paul until 1871 and then assisted in surveying the Northern Pacific Railroad westward to Morehead. He went to North Dakota to reside in 1874 and settled in Mapleton, where he was joined by his widowed mother. Later he moved to Maple River township and entered a homestead and tree claim and at once began the improvement of the land. Mr. and Mrs. Powers now own twenty-eight hundred and eighty acres of land in Cass county, which is under cultivation and thoroughly improved.
Mr. Powers was married, January 15, 1879, to Delia Arnesen, of Iowa. Mrs. Powers is a daughter of John and Rachel Arnesen, of Dane county, Wisconsin. Her mother died in Wisconsin in 1865, and the father now resides in Worth county, Iowa. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Powers, as follows: Simon C. and Ruth D. Mr. Powers is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Modern Woodmen of America, Knights of the Maccabees and Fraternal Union and Yeomen of America. He is a breeder of English coach horses, fancy road and draft horses and mules. Mr. Powers is a dealer in all kinds of horses, having shipped six carloads of western horses from Montana this season and owns a ranch in Montana.
ALLEN L. POWLISON. A prominent position as a citizen and a member of the farming community of Dows township, Cass county, is held by the gentleman whose name heads the present article. He was one of the first settlers of- the township, and has a finely developed farm which is the result of his earnest and persistent industry and judicious care.
Our subject was born in Michigan, August 22. 1859, and was a son of Isaac and Elizabeth Powlison. Ivlention of his parents will be found in the sketch of his brother who resides in Wheatland. Our subject was reared and educated in Michigan, and engaged in farming there until 1881, when he went to Cass county. North Dakota, and entered claim to land as a homestead in section 32 in Dows township, where he has since resided. He now owns three quarter-sections of choice land, and has met with unbounded success in the pursuit of agriculture.
Our subject was married in Michigan, in 1887, to Clara Hathaway, a native of Michigan, and a daughter of Emerson and Lucy Byington Hathaway, natives respectively of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Powlison are the parents of three children, as follows: Leslie D., Arthur H. and Agnes M. Mr. Powlison assisted in the organization of his township and is chairman of the township board, in which capacity he has served for the past three years, and is also a member of the school board. He holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in political sentiment is a Republican.
EUGENE Q. POWLISON. This gentleman is well known as a pioneer business man of Wheatland, and the present efficient postmaster. He is proprietor of a general merchandise store and is also owner of a fine farm near that city, and has prospered by the exercise of energy and prudence, and is one of the highly esteemed men of his community.
Our subject was born at Bentonville, Arkansas, August 21, 1849. His parents, Isaac and Elizabeth (Ford) Powlison, were natives of New York, and the farm was a farmer by occupation. He removed to Michigan in 1834 with his parents and settled near Galesburg, where he grew to manhood, and from there removed to Arkansas in 1849, but returned to Michigan in 1852 and remained there until he went to North Dakota in 1882. His death occurred October 22, 1888. Five sons and four daughters were born to this worthy couple, all of whom live in North Dakota, with the exception of one daughter.
Eugene Q. Powlison was reared and educated in Michigan, and after attaining his manhood engaged in farming there until 1880, when he went to North Dakota and entered claim to land in Erie township, Cass county, which he improved and still retains. He is also owner of land which he entered as a tree claim. Soon after his arrival in Dakota he became a resident of Wheatland, and for many years purchased wheat for Barnes & McGill, and for each of the firms who succeeded them in that elevator until 1893, when he began purchasing for the Great Western Elevator Company and continued until 1897. He then purchased an interest in a tobacco and confectionery store which he operated in connection with general merchandise and furniture. He was appointed postmaster of Wheatland in March, 1898, and has ably discharged the duties of that office since.
Our subject was married in Michigan, in 1872, to Miss Sarah Wheeler, a native of New York. Mrs. Powlison died in 1878, leaving two children, as follows: Sina and Flora. Mr. Powlison was married to Susie Mosher, a native of Vermont, in 1881. Two children have been born to this union, as follows: Howard and Bessie. Mr. Powlison has served as clerk of the school board for nine years, and chairman of the town board three terms, and later as clerk of the town board. Politically he is a Republican, and stands firmly for the principles of his party. He holds membership in the Masonic fraternity, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Brotherhood of American Yeomen. His labors in Dakota have been crowned with success, and he enjoys the results of a well spent career.
ALBERT M. PRATT. The mature years of this gentleman have been devoted to the pursuit of agriculture and he has met with success and is proprietor of a fine farm in Amenia township. He was among the early settlers of that region and his labors have been extended toward its development and advancement and his name is closely connected with the history of his community. He is thoroughly practical and prudent and by these characteristics has acquired a comfortable home.
Our subject was born in Sagadahoc county, Maine. April 24. 1857, and was a son of Charles and Lottie (Woodworth) Pratt, both of whom were natives of Maine. The father was a ship carpenter by trade and still resides in his native state. The grandfather of our subject, Jonathan Pratt, was also a native of Maine, and was a carpenter and lived and died in his native state. Four sons and two daughters comprised the family of which our subject was a member and he is the only one residing in North Dakota.
Mr. Pratt was reared in Maine. He went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1878, and there learned the carpenter's trade and remained there until 1880, when he went to Cass county, North Dakota, and took land as a homestead in Traill county, but soon afterward disposed of the claim. He settled in Amenia township and worked some years for the Amenia & Sharon Lumber Company as foreman of carpenter work and in 1889 purchased land and has followed farming thereon continuously since. He is now the fortunate possessor of one half-section of land, which he has fully improved, and has prospered in his vocation.
Our subject was married, in 1883, to Lizzie Plumber, a native of Massachusetts. five children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Pratt, named as follows: Florence C, Edith E., Theron R., Marion L. and Verna B. Mr. and Mrs. Pratt are members of the Congregational church and are highly respected throughout that locality. Mr. Pratt is a director of the Congregational church He is active in public affairs and assisted in organizing Amenia township and has served in various local offices and is at present a member of the town board. He holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
THOMAS PUNTON. This gentleman is one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of Cass county, and has successfully followed farming for many years and is now proprietor of an excellent farm of one section in Ayr township. He is possessed of a thorough knowledge of his calling, which made him an invaluable aid in the development of the agricultural resources of that region, and he was manager of the Park farm for many years and conducted the same with marked success.
Our subject was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, September 29, 1856. His parents, Thomas and Agnes (Turnbull) Punton, were natives of the same shire, Haddingtonshire, in Scotland, and passed their lives in their native land. The father was a farmer by occupation.
Mr. Punton was the only son, and was reared and educated in Scotland and there learned the trade of an engineer. He emigrated to America in 1883 and entered the employ of Thomas Park as engineer of steam plows and operated the same two years, breaking a total of six thousand acres of land. The plows were then sold and shipped to California. Mr. Punton continued as foreman of the Park farm for ten years and successfully operated the same, and then purchased two thousand acres of land, which he later sold, and bought a section of land which he now operates. He has a well-improved estate and enjoys rural life.
Our subject was married, in 1880, to Elizabeth W. Bell, a native of Scotland . Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Punton, named as follows : Elizabeth, Thomas, William, George, Agnes, Robert, Charles, Ellen and Alexander, all of whom are living. Mr. Punton is a Republican in politics, but never sought or filled public office. He holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Modern Woodmen of America and Order of Foresters.
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