Watonwan County, Minnesota Biographies M, N, O & P

Cottonwood and Watonwan Counties, Minnesota
Their People, Industries and Institutions
With Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families
John A. Brown
Volume II : 1916: B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.

Transcribed by Vicki Hartman

Madson, Mabel S. Page 136-137 Few counties in the state of Minnesota have a better system of education than Watonwan. This is due in a measure to the commendable work of Mabel S. Madson, the present county superintendent of schools, a lady who has spared no pains in order to properly equip herself for this responsible position and who takes a deep interest in advanced and progressive methods of instruction, keeping fully abreast of the times in all that pertains to her chosen vocation. Mabel S. Madson was born near the village of Madelia, Watonwan county, and there she grew to womanhood. She is a daughter of Henry and Christina Marie (Thompson) Madson, an old and highly respected family of this locality, a biographical sketch of whom will be found on another page of this volume. Miss Madson received her education in the public schools, graduating from the Madelia high school in 1907, and later attended the State Normal School at Mankato, Minnesota, making an excellent record. Thus well equipped for her professional career, she began teaching school, which she followed with success for five years, her services being in great demand. Her ability and general qualifications attracting attention throughout the county, she was elected superintendent of schools for Watonwan county in the fall of 1912 and took office on January i, 1913, which position she still holds. She has discharged her duties in a manner that reflects much credit upon herself and to the eminent satisfaction to all concerned. She possesses rare executive ability and has inaugurated a splendid system in all the schools and is popular among teachers and pupils. Personally she is kind, congenial, obliging, and finds her chief pleasure in helping others. Martin, Henry A. Page 330-332 Henry A. Martin, a well-known and substantial farmer of Madelia township, Watonwan county, proprietor of a farm of four hundred and thirty acres, four and one-half miles northeast of Madelia and generally recognized as one of the most progressive citizens of that part of the county, was born on the farm on which he is still making his home and has lived there all his life, having been a witness to and a participant in the development which has marked this region within his lifetime. He was born on April 19, 1866, son of Alfred and Syneva (Johnson) Martin, pioneers of this section of the state, who for years exerted a wide influence in the general life of the community in which they lived. Alfred Martin was a native of Norway, born in 1828, and was a young man when he came to the United States with his parents, the family settling at Madison, Wisconsin. When the Civil War broke out Alfred Martin was a resident of Minnesota, having come to this state in pioneer days from Wisconsin, and he enlisted for service in the Eleventh Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for a year, at the end of which time he received his honorable discharge on a physician's certificate of disability, his health having been shattered by the hardships he was compelled to undergo. He homesteaded a quarter of a section in section 2, Madelia township, Watomvan county, and there established his home, he and his wife becoming useful pioneers of that section. They were members of the Lutheran church and did much to advance the common welfare in the neighborhood of their home in early days. Alfred Martin was an excellent farmer and added to his homestead tract until he became one of the considerable landowners of that township. He improved his farm in excellent shape, planted trees, built a good home and did well in his farming operations. His wife died on July 14, 1892, and he survived until 1909, his death occurring at Lake Benton'. He was buried, however, in the cemetery near his old home. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom Henry A. was the fifth in order of birth, the others being Bertha, Sarah, Jennie, Elizabeth, John, Peter and Anthony, all of whom are living save the latter. Henry A. Martin was reared on the pioneer farm on which he was born and is still living there, having years ago bought a tract of four hundred and thirty acres, including the old homestead, from his father. He received his schooling in the district schools in the neighborhood of his home and continued at home, a valuable aid to his father in the development of the home place. He married in 1892 and established a home of his own, early becoming recognized as one of the substantial farmers of that neighborhood. His fine new home was built about seven years ago. The house is lighted with gas and is well equipped as a comfortable residence. The barn and other farm buildings are in keeping with the residence and the farm is well improved. Mr. Martin is a progressive farmer, a believer in modern methods of agriculture, and has done very well. He has a fine, big, seven-passenger automobile and has a gasoline engine to lighten the labors about the barn. Mr. Martin has given considerable attention to the dairy side of farming and has done well in that line, having a fine herd of Durhams. He also raises Shropshire sheep and Poland China hogs and has had excellent success in both these directions. Mr. Martin has for years given thoughtful attention to local civic affairs and since 1914 has been serving as a member of the board of supervisors of his home township. It was on December 15, 1892, that Henry A. Martin was united in marriage to Mary Schalcben, who was born at Linden, in Brown county, this state, on October 25, 1870, daughter of Valentine and Emily (Halver- son) Schalcben. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have four children living, Stella, Willard, Howard and Oliver. The Martins are members of the Lutheran church and take a proper interest in the general social and cultural activities of their neighborhood, ever having been among the leaders in the promotion of movements looking to the advancement of the general welfare thereabout. Mather, James S. Page 333-335 The fact that agricultural pursuits have not progressed as they should have done in this country during the past ten years, is recognized by far- seeing men to such an extent that at the present time we find some of the strongest minds of the country grappling with the problem of putting agriculture on a permanent and sound basis. James S. Mather is one of the wide-awake farmers of Madelia township, Watonwan county. He was born in Waushara county, Wisconsin, January 8, 1852, and is a son of John and Mary E. (Bedient) Mather. The father was a native of Vermont. His death occurred in 1875, at the age of fifty-three years. In his earlier career he moved to Lockport, New York, where he worked at the carpenter's trade and where he was married, later moving to Wisconsin, locating near Green Bay, buying a small farm on which he spent about eight years; then came to Rice county, Minnesota, and bought one hundred and sixty acres, on which he spent the rest of his life. His family consisted of the following children : Harriet, Mary A., James S., F. W. and J. H. The father of these children was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and active in the work of the same. His widow died in November, 1912, at the advanced age of eighty-six years, having survived him thirty-seven years. James S. Mather grew up on the home farm, and received his education in the public schools of Rice county, Minnesota. On November n, 1871, he married Emma E. Fanning, who was born in Wabasha county, this state, February 22, 1857. She is a daughter of George W. and Sophronia A. (Bradford) Fanning. William Bradford, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Mather, was a native of Vermont, devoted his active life to farming, living in Switzerland county, Indiana, on a farm for many years. He was a member of the Baptist church. The paternal grandparents, David and Mary (Hoyt) Fanning, first lived in the state of New York, then moved to Illinois, among the pioneers of that state. They finally moved to Wabasha county, Minnesota, and spent the rest of their lives near Lake City. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. The father of Mrs. Mather was twelve years old when his parents moved with their family to near Henry, Illinois, and he was married in that state. He was one of the band of gold seekers to cross the plains in the days of the gold excitement on the Pacific coast, but being sick the entire time that he spent in the gold fields, he returned unsuccessful. He came to Wabasha county, Minnesota, in 1855, where he became owner of one hundred and sixty acres, later moved to Rice county, this state, where he spent eight years, then came to Madelia township, Watonwan county, where he continued farming about twenty years, owning a farm here of five hundred and thirty acres. His death occurred here on September i, 1912, at the advanced age of eighty-six years. His wife preceded him to the grave on May 19, 1907, at the age of seventy-nine years. To these parents the following children were born: Emma E., wife of Mr. Mather; Annie is deceased; Olive M. was next in order of birth; Eliza A. is deceased, and William D., the youngest. The parents of these children were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and active in the work of the same. James S. Mather located on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Rice county, Minnesota, where he spent sixteen years, then sold out and bought a farm in Madelia township, Watonwan county, purchasing part of the farm of his father-in-law before moving here. He spent two and one- half years in Faribault, this state, where he engaged in the pump and windmill business; then spent three and one-half years in Westbrook, Cotton- wood county, in the hardware and implement business, under the firm name of Swain & Mather Hardware Company. All the while he retained his farm in Madelia township, Watonwan county, which place consists of two hundred acres, which is now looked after by his children. He also owns two hundred acres in Cass county, Minnesota, and a half interest in a tract of five hundred and twenty-nine acres in Polk county, this state. Politically, Mr. Mather is a Prohibitionist. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is a steward and was formerly a trustee. He was at one time superintendent of the Sunday school. His wife belongs to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mather, namely : Olive M., who is the wife of Wesley Tate, of Madelia township, and they have one child, Lyle; George A. was next in order of birth; Carrie B. is the wife of Clyde Maberry, an electrician of Minneapolis, and they have two children, Everett and Vera; Clarence E., who lives in Watonwan county, married Marjory Cisney, and they have one child, Richard; Clinton B., who lives in Westbrook, Cottonwood county, married Olive Archard; Earl E., farming in Fieldon township, and Perry J., at home. McCarthy, Dr. W. J. Page 280-282 Dr. W. J. McCarthy, of Madelia, one of the best-known physicians in this part of the state, is a native son of Watonwan county and has lived there practically all his life, being thus thoroughly conversant with the growth and development of this region since the days of the pioneers. He was born on a pioneer farm in Antrim township, Watonwan county, March 2, 1868, son of John and Margaret (Thompson) McCarthy, early settlers in that section of the county, who are now living comfortably retired in their pleasant home at Madelia. John McCarthy was born near the city of Belfast, in the north of Ireland, August 15, 1840, son of Edward and Esther (Casement) McCarthy, both natives of that same section of Ireland, the former of whom, a shoemaker, died when his son, John, the eldest of his four children, was six years old. When not yet twenty-two years of age, in May, 1862, John McCarthy left his native land and came to the New World, landing at Quebec. The next year he came into the Northwest and settled at Westfield, Wisconsin, where he married Margaret Thompson, and in 1864 came to Minnesota, locating in Wabasha county, whence, in 1866, he came over into this part of the state and pre-empted a homestead tract, at the same time taking a timber claim in section 12 of what presently became Antrim townhsip, Watonwan county. That fall he assisted in the organization of his home township and secured for it the name of Antrim, in honor of the county in which he was born in Ireland. He took an active part in early civic affairs, was the first clerk of Antrim township and later served for some time as supervisor. John McCarthy was a good farmer and his affairs prospered from the very start. He lived on his homestead farm for fourteen years, at the end of which time, in 1880, he sold his place to advantage and moved over into Lincoln township, Blue Earth county, where he bought a farm of four hundred and seventy-nine acres and there established his home, remaining there for thirty-four years, or until 1914, in which year he and his wife retired from the farm and moved to Madelia, where they are now living and where they have a beautiful home. During his residence in Blue Earth county, Mr. McCarthy also was active in public affairs and for years was chairman of the local board in his home township. He took an earnest interest in the cause of the schools and his children were given every opportunity to acquire a good education, four of them being graduates of Carleton College. Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy are members of the Presbyterian church and their children were reared in that faith. There are twelve of these children, all living, of whom Doctor McCarthy is the third in order of birth, the others being as follow: E. F., who is living on the old home farm in Blue Earth county; Robert H., who is living on his own farm; James N., also a farmer, who makes his home at Madelia; Garfield, on the old home farm ; Oscar, also on the farm ; Richard, who was graduated from Carleton College and is now engaged as an assayer in the mines at Butte, Montana; Esther, at home with her parents; Bessie, also at home; the Rev. Samuel McCarthy, a graduate of Carleton College, now pastor of the Congregational church at Chamberlain, South Dakota; Rachel, at home, and Margaret, a graduate of Carelton College, who is now a member of the faculty of the Normal School at Bellingham, Washington. Dr. W. J. McCarthy is a student as well as a physician and is ever keeping abreast of the wonderful advancement that is being made in modern medical science. He was well equipped by preparatory study for the practice of his profession and from the days of his youth his studies were pursued with his ultimate profession in view. Upon completing the course in the public schools of Antrim township, he entered Carleton College, from which he was graduated in 1894. In the fall of that same year he matriculated at the medical department of Northwestern University at Chicago and was graduated from that excellent institution, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 1897. This admirably equipped for the practice of his chosen profession, Doctor McCarthy returned to his home state and located at Madelia, where he opened an office and where he has been practicing ever since, long having been regarded as one of the leading physicians of this part of the state. He is a member of the County Medical Association, the Minnesota State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and takes an earnest interest in the affairs of these several professional organizations. Doctor McCarthy is ""independent"" in his political views and gives a good citizen's attention to local political affairs. For two years he served as mayor of Madelia and in other ways has done his part in the civic life of the community. He was president of the school board for twelve years and a member of board for three years more. Doctor McCarthy has a most competent and admirable helpmate in the labors of his exacting profession, Mrs. McCarthy, who, before her marriage, was Leila Clark, a daughter of John Clark, taking her part, together with the Doctor, in the various social and cultural activities of Madelia and ever interested in such measures as are designed to advance the common good hereabout. Doctor and Mrs. McCarthy have two sons, Donald and Richard. They are members of the Presbyterian church and take a proper interest in the various beneficences of the same. Doctor McCarthy is a Royal Arch Mason and a Knight Templar, a member of the blue lodge at Madelia; of the chapter at St. James and of the commandery at New Ulm. He also is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the affairs of these several organizations takes a warm interest. McClean, Alfred J. Page 458-460 Alfred J. McClean, well-known dealer in real estate at Madelia and for years one of the most active factors in the development of this region, is a native son of Minnesota, born at Lake Crystal, in Blue Earth county, April 22, 1877, son of James and Annie (Smith) McClean, both natives of the state of New York, the former born in Niagara county and the latter near the city of Albany, the capital of that state, who became residents of the state of Minnesota in the days of their youth and have ever since resided in this state, now living pleasantly situated on a fine farm in Madelia township, Watonwan county. James McClean was about seventeen years old when he came to Minnesota with his parents, the family settling in Blue Earth county, where, in the vicinity of Lake Crystal, James McClean was engaged in fanning until 1870, when he moved into Cottonwood county and homesteaded a quarter of a section of land, remaining there for a few years, or until after his marriage, when he returned to Lake Crystal and there engaged in business, remaining there until 1892, in which year he moved onto a farm near Madelia, where he remained ten years. In 1902 he sold that farm and moved -to Lewisville, in Watonwan county, where he and his eldest son, Alfred J., engaged in the general mercantile business. After a year thus engaged, James McClean left the store in the charge of his son and bought a farm of five hundred and sixty acres in the vicinity of Madelia, where he remained until 1910, when he sold that farm to advantage and moved to Madelia, where he and his son engaged in the lumber business and were thus engaged for four years, at the end of which time, in 1914, he sold his lumber interests and in the spring of 1915 moved to another farm in Madelia township, where he is now living. James McClean is a Republican and has ever given his thoughtful attention to local political affairs. He and his wife are members of the Christian church and their children were reared in that faith. There were seven of these children, of whom Alfred J. was the first-torn, the others being Gertrude, Jessie, Mary, Ray, Frank and James. Alfred J. McClean received his schooling in the public schools of Lake Crystal and in the schools of Minneapolis, in which latter city he lived for two or three years, between the ages of eight and eleven, and during which time he sold newspapers on the street. He later lived on the farm with his father and was engaged in farming the home place until he was nineteen years old, when he began running a huckster wagon throughout that part of the county and was thus engaged for two years, at the end of which time he became connected with his father in the general mercantile business at Lewisville, at the same time continuing to run his huckster wagon. In 1904 he and his father sold their store at Lewisville and he returned to Lake Crystal, but a little more than a year later, in the spring of 1906, he went to northern Wisconsin, where, in Sawyer county, he engaged in the lumber business, running an extensive logging camp until 1911, when, having exhausted the timber in the tract with which he was connected, he returned to Minnesota and engaged in the lumber business with his father at Madelia. Three years later, in 1914, he sold the lumber yard and has since given his whole attention to the development of his growing real estate interests, he now being recognized as one of the leading dealers in realty in this part of the state. Mr. McClean is a Republican and has ever given his thoughtful attention to local political affairs. He was one of the first members of the town board of Lewisville and during his residence in Sawyer county, Wisconsin, was a member of the board of county commissioners; chairman of the township board and also chairman of the school board. In 1899 Alfred J. McClean was united in marriage to Edith Rice, daughter of Allen Rice, and to this union three children have been born, Lucile, Evelyn and Mildred Isabel. Mr. and Mrs. McClean take a proper part in the social and cultural activities of their home town and are interested in all movements having to do with the general advancement of the interests of the community. Mr. McClean is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Brotherhood of America Yeomen and the Modern Brotherhood of America, in the affairs of all of which organizations he takes a warm interest. McLaughlin, William Wallace Page 274-275 The New Englanders have been noted as a hardy race. Wherever they have settled they have been noted for their thrift, fortitude and good citizenship. Among this class, who have cast their lot with the people of Watonwan county, are the McLaughlins, of Fieldon township. William Wallace McLaughlin was born at Hartford, Vermont, January 27, 1848. He is a son of Lewis H. and Sarah H. (Hatch) Mclaughlin, The father was born in Canada in 1799, grew up on a farm and married there, finally moving to Cook county, Illinois, where they lived until 1864, when they came to Rice county, Minnesota, where they lived two years, locating in Watonwan county in 1866, homesteading eighty acres, and there spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in 1886, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. The mother, who was born in 1807, died in 1884. They came here in pioneer days and developed a farm from the wild prairie, living in a sod house for sometime. They were menaced by prairie fires and many other things which would have discouraged people of less sterling mettle. They were active members of the Methodist church. To these parents seven children were born, named as follow : James and Jane, who are both deceased; Phineas and Adelia, who are both living; Abigail is deceased; Emma is living, and William Wallace, the subject of this sketch. William W. McLaughlin grew up on the home farm and he received his education in the district schools. He has followed general farming and stock raising all his life and owns eighty acres of good land, which was originally prairie. He has planted the following varieties of trees on his land: Cottonwood, ash, soft maple, willow. He has a cosy home, which he has remodeled a number of times. Politically, he is a Republican, and has been treasurer of the township of Fieldon for twenty-nine years. During the past twenty years the township elections have been held at his place. Mr. McLaughlin was married in 1875 to Christine Siharffenberg, who was born in Easterdahlen, Norway, January 26, 1851. She came to Minnesota when young. Mrs. McLaughlin owns forty acres joining the homestead on the south. To this union the following children have been born : A. U., born on December 15, 1875, was reared on the homestead and educated in the local public schools. He married Emma Colebank, a daughter of E. Colebank. Their union has been without issue, but they have an adopted son, Loren C. A. U. McLaughlin holds title to one hundred and twenty acres and farms his father's place also, making two hundred and forty acres in all. He has been engaged for the past eleven years in raising and shipping to all parts of Minnesota a fine grade of Yorkshire hogs, which, owing to their superior quality, find a very ready market, and he has become widely known in this business. He is a Prohibitionist. He served his township as assessor several terms. He belongs to the Presbyterian church, is president of the County Sunday School Association and of the local creamery. May McLaughlin, second child of the subject of this sketch, was born May 6, 1878, married John P. Erickson, and they have two children, Elna and Eunice. Nellie McLaughlin, the third child of the subject of this sketch, was born October 29, 1880, married Frank M. Colebank, also a son of E. Colebank, and they have two children, Donald and Lloyd. In 1870 Mr. McLaughlin lost his crops through the grasshopper plague; in 1871 blight visited and destroyed his crops, which again in 1879 were ruined by a hailstorm. Melheim, Claus Page 428-429 Among those who have come to Minnesota from Scandinavia, is Claus Melheim, implement dealer of Butterfield, Watonwan county, who was born in Norway, January 17, 1856, and is a son of Iver and Karn (Moe) Melheim, both natives of Norway, where they grew up and were married, emigrating with their family to Madelia, Minnesota, in 1871, where the father purchased eighty acres of land, but in 1872 moved to Odin township, Watonwan county, and bought a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he lived until 1902, when he moved to Butterfield, in which place his death occurred in March, 1906. His widow is still living in Butterfield, having attained the advanced age of eighty-eight years. The paternal grandparents, Bodollf and Gertrude Melheim, were natives of Norway, where he spent his life, but she came to America with the parents of Claus Melheim, and died on the farm in Odin township. The maternal grandparents, Peter and Karn Moe, lived and died on a farm in Norway. Iver Melheim, mentioned above, devoted his entire active life to general farming. His family consisted of seven children, namely: Bodollf, Peter, Claus, Gertrude, Karn, Dorothy, and Enner. Claus Melheim spent his boyhood in Norway and there he received most of his education, and began life as a farmer on the old homestead, where he remained until coming to Butterfield in 1892. He was in his sixteenth year when he accompanied the family to the United States. Upon locating in Butterfield, he engaged in the farm implement business which he has continued to the present time with ever-increasing success. He carries a large line of all kinds of farming machinery and other articles. Mr. Melheim was married in December, 1890, to Gertrude Falk, who was born in Norway, from which country she came to Wisconsin with her parents, and later the family located in Stephens county, Minnesota. She is a daughter of John Falk and wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Melheim four children were born, namely: Karn, Gertrude, Tver and Bodollf. They all survive. Mr. Melheim has been active in public affairs. Politically, he is a Republican. He was chairman of Odin township for five years, and was county commissioner in 1893 an^ 1894 at the time the court house was built. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Butterfield. Meyer, A. F. Page 335-336 A. F. Meyer, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Owatonna, Steele county, Minnesota, May 29, 1886, a son of H. A. and Sophia (Hom- meyer) Meyer, the father a native of Germany and the mother a native of Steele county, Minnesota. When a boy of nine years, the father came to America and located in Steele county, Minnesota, where he grew to manhood and was married. He is now living at Claremont, Dodge county, Minnesota. A. F. Meyer was educated in the public schools of Steele county, and later attended the high school at Claremont, following this by taking a course in the business college at Owatonna. He then engaged in the banking business, first taking a position in the bank in Claremont, in 1902. In January, 1904, he went to Madelia, Minnesota, and took a position in the First National Bank, at that place, and continued there for about four years. In October, 1908, he took a position in the First National Bank, at Belle- plaine, Scott county, and remained there until July, 1915, when he came to Westbrook to accept the position of cashier of the First National Bank of this place, the position which he holds at the present time. Mr. Meyer has practically grown up in the business and is thoroughly familiar with modern banking methods in all its details. He is a progressive, public-spirited young banker. The Masonic order is his only fraternal affiliation. Meyers, John Page 133-134 Rev. John Meyers, pastor of the Catholic church of St. James, Watonwan county, was born in Germany in 1874. He is a son of George and Anna Mary (Bures) Meyers, both natives of Germany, where they grew up, were educated and married. In 1881 she brought their family to St. Paul, Minnesota, where the father secured employment in the great flour mills, later moving to Dakota county, this state, on a farm, later locating near Hastings, that county, where he purchased a farm on which he spent the rest of his life, dying there in 1905. His widow is now making her home in Hastings. The farm, which the family retains, is rented. To these parents the following children were born: Catherine, is the widow of John Schmitz and lives at Hastings, Minnesota; Nicholas operates the home farm near Hastings; Frank is farming in Dakota county; John, the subject of this review ; Lucia makes her home with the subject of this sketch ; Leonida is superintendent of the Holy Angels Academy at St. Cloud, this state; Mary is the wife of Jerry Kenny of Bradwell, Canada; George is connected with the postoffice service in Minneapolis. Rev. John Meyers received his early education in the parochial schools of St. Paul and the public schools of Dakota county, Minnesota; later attended St. Francis Seminary at Milwaukee and was graduated from St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota, in 1903, in which year he was ordained priest He then went to Claremont, Dodge county, Minnesota, and had charge of the churches at Kasson, Mantorville, Deerfield and Dodge Center for six years. He came to St. James in 1909 as pastor of St. James Catholic church and here he has since remained. He organized the church at Mantorville. Miller, Michael P. Page 196-197 The record of Michael P. Miller, of St. James, Watonwan county, doubtless could not be equaled by that of many men in Minnesota, for he has been a locomotive engineer continuously for nearly four decades and will in a comparatively short time round out a half century in railway service, and all the while he has been with the same road. His long retention would indicate able and faithful service. Mr. Miller was born in Germany, October 14, 1849, and is a son of Peter and Anna (Thiel) Miller, both natives of Germany, the father born in 1818 and the mother in 1820. There they grew up and were married. They immigrated to America in 1872, locating at St. James, Minnesota, where they spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in 1890 and the mother in 1912, at the age of ninety-two years. They were the parents of the following children: Nicholas, Magdalena (deceased), Michael P., Peter, Jacob (deceased), Nicholas L. and John. Michael P. Miller spent his boyhood in Germany, where he attended school. Coming to America in 1868, he spent about six weeks in New York City, then moved to Scott county, Minnesota, where he remained until 1870, then came to St. James, in which town he has since made his home. He at once took a position as fireman with the Omaha railroad, with which he has remained for a period of forty-seven years, continuing as fireman four years, then was promoted to engineer and has thus teen in charge of an engine for a period of thirty-nine years. He has been one of the company's most trusted and faithful employees. He took a homestead in Nelson township, Watonwan county, in 1871, which he held about ten years and sold. He has remained in the residence he still occupies for a period of thirty-seven years. He has seen the town grow from almost the beginning and has taken much pride in the same. Politically, he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He was a member of the school board for a number of years and also has been a member of the city council for many years. He and his family belong to the Catholic church. Mr. Miller was married on May 3, 1875, to Katherine Sieren, who was born in Ohio, February 14, 1855, and is a daughter of John and Margaret (Wagner) Sieren, both natives of Germany, the father's birth occurring on February 17, 1833, and the mother's on January 10, of the same year. He was brought to the United States when twelve years old, and she was a child when her parents brought her to this country. The parents of each located in Ohio and there these children were reared and married. In 1858 they came to Minnesota and located at Mankato, where they spent one year, then took up a homestead of eighty acres in Blue Earth county, to which forty acres were later added, and they continued to live on this farm until 1901, when they removed to St. James, where they spent the rest of their lives, Mr. Sieren dying in 1909, his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1907. They were parents of ten children, namely: Katherine, Margaret, John (deceased), Peter, Mary L., Ida, Elizabeth, Magdalena, Appelona (deceased) and Anna B. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller ten children have been born, namely: Josephine M., John W., Herman N., Edward P., Ida M., Elizabeth I. died in 1888, when three years old; Rosalia M. ; Caroline L. and Clara M. are twins; Frederick M. is the youngest. Minder, Emil F. Page 68-69 It seems that the Swiss have a natural bent for the jewelry business. Everybody knows that there are no better watches and clocks than those of Swiss manufacture, and never has been. A theory as to why this is true would be merely speculative, but the fact remains irrefutable. Emil F. Minder, a highly skilled workman and a widely known jeweler of St. James, Wantonwan county, is one of this number, he having been born in Switzerland, land, February 16, 1861. He is a son of John Wilhelm and Elizabeth ( Voegeli) Minder, both of whom spent their lives in Switzerland, both dying in middle life, the father in 1879 at the age of forty-six years, and the mother in 1877, when forty-eight years old. They were the parents of the following children : Emma is the wife of Nicholas Zoderelle of Toledo, Ohio; Emil F., the subject of this sketch; and Louise who married in Russia, Dr. Sokolouk, whose death occurred in that country, after which she came to Illinois, and later to St. James, Minnesota, where her death occurred in 1913, leaving one child, a daughter, Lola Sokolouk, who makes her home in St. Paul. Emil F. Minder spent his boyhood in Switzerland, where he received his education. In 1886 he came to Rockford, Illinois, where he worked in a watch manufacturing establishment until 1894, when he came to St. James, Minnesota, where he has since been engaged in the jewelry business with pronounced success. For six months he was at the stand where the Boston store is now located, but he has since occupied convenient and neat quarters on Main street. He is a highly skilled workman, having learned his trade in Switzerland and his work has always given satisfaction in every respect. Politically, Mr. Minder is a Republican. He is a member of Watonwan Lodge, No. 207 Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, Mutual Benefit Association and the Equitable Fraternal Union. Mr. Minder was married in Switzerland in 1882 to Emma Sophia Hentzi, who was born in Switzerland, June 6, 1860. To this union four children have been born, namely: Emil George, born in Switzerland; Georgine Blanche, born in Switzerland; Helen Louise, born in Switzerland; and Paul Louis, born in Rockford, Illinois. They all survive at this writing. Emil George Minder, who is located at Slayton, Minnesota, is chief engineer of the southern district of the state. Paul Louis, also of Slayton is now state's highway engineer. Mrs. Mary Minder, Emil's grandmother, died in Switzerland in 1912 at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. Arnold Minder, his uncle, who was an engineer in Switzerland, had charge of the railroads there for some time. He built the famous Rega railway, a feat that was formerly deemed impossible. The ancestors on both sides of the house have been educators, many of them. Mr. Minder is, himself, a man of much learning, being well versed in modern and ancient history. He has remained a student and is familiar with the world's best literature along many lines. Mitchell, Harris Page 473-474 The history of the past decades proves that the agriculture of the United States, if not actually on the decline has not made the strides forward that it should have, and the result of this affects the producer and consumer alike in one respect — a rapid increase in the high cost of living. One of the wide awake farmers of Madelia township, Watonwan county, is Harris Mitchell, who was born in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, March 27, 1863, and is. a son of T. J. and Anna C. (Harris) Mitchell. The father was born and reared in the northern part of Scotland, from which country he came to America when a young man, locating in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, where he bought a farm. He was the son of John Mitchell, a farmer, who spent his life in Scotland. T. J. Mitchell married after coming to Minnesota. He spent his last days in retirement near Los Angeles, California, where his death occurred in September, 1910. His widow is now living in Potterville, California. To these parents the following children were born: W. J., Anna C., Harris, Luella and Cyril. Harris Mitchell grew up on the farm where he worked when a boy during the crop seasons, and he received his education in the public schools in Blue Earth county, also attended the Curtis College, or Minneapolis Academy, for some time, after which he returned to the farm and lived at home until he was twenty-nine years of age, when he married Fannie Estes, to which union three children have been born, Harold, Eldon and Cyril. He became owner of a good farm of about two hundred acres in Blue Earth county, where he farmed until he sold out and moved to Watonwan county, locating in Madelia, engaging in the ice business for two years, then moved to the country, buying the cherry farm, which he sold a few years later and purchased the place which he now owns. In 1913 his barn burned, containing a large quantity of hay and grain, but he rebuilt a large substantial barn the following year. His place consists of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he has placed all the improvements, including the planting of many box-elder and soft maple trees. He built a good residence in 1913. He believes in modern methods and pumps his water with a gasoline engine; has a large silo and other up-to-date improvements. In connection with general farming he handles annually from six hundred to twelve hundred Western sheep, and large numbers of hogs, especially Duroc-Jerseys. Mr. Mitchell belongs to the Masonic Order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he was reared, his father having been quite active in the work of the same during his life time. Moore, John Edwin Page 421-422 For many years John Edwin Moore, the present postmaster at Lewisville, has been one of the most public-spirited men of Watonwan county and influential in public life, and he has the confidence of those who know him. He was born in Polk county, Wisconsin, November 14, 1872, and is a son of John R. Moore, a contractor and builder, who lived in Wisconsin, Washington and Virginia. He died on April 25, 1916, at Richmond, Virginia. John R. Moore, subject's father, was a veteran of the Civil War. He served in the Tenth Wisconsin Light Artillery, and was mustered out with his regiment at the close of the war, having seen service throughout the entire war, and participated in many battles, but was never wounded or captured. John E. Moore grew up in his native state and there attended the public schools, after which he engaged in farming for some time, finally moving to Minnesota and lived on farms in Cass and Blue Earth counties, prior to coming to Lewisville, in 1901. Here he purchased the barber shop and jewelry business of T. A. Barker, which he conducted three years, then sold the barber business to Elmer Olson, but continued to handle jewelry, drugs, books and confections, until April 17, 1909, when he succeeded Richard Lewis as postmaster, and has held the office ever since, to the satisfaction of the people and the department. Mr. Moore was married on August 29, 1897, to Ethel H. Kelley, of Vernon Center, Minnesota, a daughter of John C. Kelley and wife, and to this union three children have been born, namely : Kermit, Lyle, Elsie Ruth and Elmer Dale. Politically, Mr. Moore is a Republican. He is now president of the village council, which office he has held several times since coming to Lewis- ville. He is also clerk of the local school board. While living in Hiram township, Cass county, Minnesota, he was a member of the township board. He has always been active in public affairs wherever he has lived. Fraternally, he belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons at Madelia. Mr. Moore and family affiliated with the Christian churches. Mullen, William A. Page 411-412 William A. Mullen, merchant of Madelia, Watonwan county, has been able to succeed at whatever he has turned his attention to. because he plans well, is energetic in execution, ""preparedness"" being his motto, in other words; he first decides that he is right, then goes ahead. Mr. Mullen was born in the above named town and county, January 25, 1869, and is a son of Charles G. and Mary E. (Johnson) Mullen. The father was a native of the state of New York and the mother of Norway. Grandfather Thomas Mullen was a native of the state of New York, from which he moved to Madelia, Minnesota, during the latter fifties. He was for many years door-keeper of the United States Senate, which position he held until about 1890. He spent the last years of his life in Madelia, where his death occurred. The maternal grandfather, Paul Johnson, was a native of Norway. Emigrating to Minnesota, in an early day he homesteaded land in Lincoln township. Blue Earth county. The parents of the subject of this sketch were married in 1868, each having come to Minnesota with their parents. The father devoted the early years of his life to farming, finally started a book store and sewing machine shop in Madelia, later adding other lines and became a successful general merchant, continuing as such until 1892, when he sold out to his three sons. Removing to California he spent his last years in that state, dying there in 1897. His widow still lives at Long Beach, California. He was postmaster at Madelia during President Harrison's administration. During the Civil War he enlisted in Company G, Sixth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and served throughout the conflict. His family consisted of three sons, namely: William A., Frank L. and Walter G. After the father's death the sons continued the business as Mullen Brothers; Walter G. withdrawing from the partnership in a few years and is now engaged in the real estate business in Los Angeles, California. William A. and Frank L. are still conducting stores, which enjoy an extensive trade. A large and well-selected stock of general merchandise is carried at all seasons and honesty and courtesy have continued to be watchwords. William A. Mullen grew to manhood in his native town and was educated in the public schools. He was married on August 9, 1901, to Ada M. Williams, of Fremont, Iowa, and to their union three children have been born, namely: Marcella, Fannie Eloise and Jean Elizabeth. Fraternally, William A. Mullen belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons, the Mystic Workers and the M. B. A. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he is an elder. He was once state commander of the Sons of Veterans. Frank L. Mullen was born in Madelia, in December, 1871, was educated in the public schools here and when a boy entered the store of his father and has since devoted his life to mercantile pursuits. He was married in 1899, to Bertis Hagen, of Janesville, Minnesota, and to this union one child has been born, Charles Mullen. Fraternally, Frank L. Mullen is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Presbyterian church. Nickel, David A. Page 386-387 David A. Nickel is a native of southern Russia, where he was born, March n, 1873. He is a son of Abraham Nickel, who was twice married, first to Helen Bowman, second to Maria Evvert, all natives of southern Russia. Abraham Nickel came to America in 1877 and located on a farm near Mountain Lake, Watonwan county, Minnesota. He rented a farm for about nine years and then bought one hundred and sixty acres in Odi township, Watonwan county, where he made his home for the rest of his life. In addition to farming he worked at the carpenter's trade during his residence here. He died on February 26, 1869. His second wife is still living. Helen (Bowman) Nickel, first wife of Abraham Nickel, was the mother of two children: Helen and Abraham. After her death Mr. Nickel married Maria Ewert, a sister of David Ewert, whose personal sketch appears in another place in this volume. Maria (Ewert) Nickel is the mother of six children: David A., subject of this sketch; William, Jacob, Bernard, Mary and Henry. David A. Nickel was educated in the public schools of Odin township. Watonwan county. At the age of fifteen years he found employment in an elevator in Bingham Lake, operated by Ewert Brothers, and worked at this place for some time at ten dollars a month. In 1896 he took a position with the Hubert & Palmer Elevator Company, at Bingham Lake, at a salary of forty-five dollars a month, and continued in that position for about seven years. In July, 1903, he came to Butterfield and took a position as manager of the Farmers' elevator and has been thus engaged since that time. In 1899 David A. Nickel and Ann Hiebert were united in marriage. Mrs. Nickel is the daughter of D. J. Hiebert, of Bingham Lake. She is the mother of four children : Pearl, Elizabeth, Ruby and Ethel. Mr. and Mrs. Nickel are members of the Mennonite church. Politically, Mr. Nickel is a Republican. He has served as president of the village council of Bingham Lake for four years, and a recorder of the village of Butter- field for two years. Offerdal, Thomas Page 130-131 Thomas Offerdal was born at Long Lake, Watonwan county, July 30, . 1875. He is of Norwegian ancestry, his parents being among the large num- . ber of Norwegian families who found a home in this, and in other counties of Minnesota, in the early history of the state, and who contributed so large a part in the state's physical and social development. The parents of the subject of this sketch were Ole and Mary (Jensen) Offerdal, both natives of Norway. The father was a farmer in his native country. He came with his wife to America in 1867, and followed the footsteps of other of his neighbors and countrymen to Minnesota. In the case of these worthy emigrants ""following the footsteps,"" is not altogether a figurative expression, for their means to pay travel expenses were exhausted when they reached Mankato, and they walked all the way from that place to Watonwan county, Minnesota, carrying a small child. Their meager belongings were hauled by Hans Johnson BerdeU, who was fortunate enough to own a yoke of oxen. They found a desirable location in Long Lake township, Watonwan county where they took a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres of government land. Here they established a home and lived the rest of their lives. They both died the same year, 1910. They were a frugal, industrious people and their industry was rewarded with a very desirable competence. They were the parents of seven children: Jens, Sarah, Thomas, Mary, Nelius, Carl and Emma. They were both members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Thomas Offerdal was educated in the public schools of Long Lake township, Watonwan county, and in the high school at St. James, from which he was graduated in 1892. During his school days he worked with his father on the home farm, and afterward engaged in farming on the same on his own account. From 1889 to 1914 he bought grain and conducted a general store at Echols, Watonwan county. In 1914 he moved to St. James and the following year he engaged in the real-estate business, and also acted as agent for the Studebaker automobile. In 1915 he was elected vice-president of the Citizens National Bank, of St. James, and in September, of that year, he became actively engaged in the business of the bank. Mr. Offerdal was married, in 1901, to Hilda Schoyen, daughter of H. M. Schoyen of Long Lake township, Watonwan county, Minnesota. He is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Olsen, Ole A. Page 338-339 Ole A. Olson, a well-known and well-to-do farmer of Madelia township, Watonwan county, now living comfortably retired in the city of Madelia, is a native of Wisconsin, born in Green Bay county, that state, December 29, 1855, son of Andrew and Anna (Effson) Olson, natives of Norway, whose last days were spent in Minnesota, they having become earnest and influential pioneers of Watonwan county in the days preceding the Civil War. Andrew Olson, an honored veteran of the Civil War, came to this state from Wisconsin. He was the son of Ole Olson and was reared on a farm in Norway. He married in his native land and he and his wife shortly afterward came to the United States, settling in Green Bay county, Wisconsin, in 1852, some time later coming over into Minnesota and settling in Watonwan county, being among the pioneers of this section of the state. Andrew Olson homesteaded a tract of sixty-three acres in Madelia township and there established his home. He prospered in his farming operations and at the time of his death in 1909, he then being seventy-five years of age, was the owner of a farm of one hundred and twenty acres. During the Civil War Andrew Olson served for three years as a member of the Eleventh Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. His wife preceded him to the grave two years, her death having occurred in 1907. They were members of the Lutheran church and their children were reared in that faith. There were nine of these children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth, the others being Julia, Andrew, Ellef, Anon, Gunder, Halvor, Mary and Lena. Ole A. Olson was reared on the paternal homestead farm, receiving his schooling in the district school in the neighborhood of his home, and pres^ ently became a farmer on his own account, eventually becoming the owner of a farm of two hundred and twenty acres in Madelia township. He married in 1884 and continued farming until 1910, in which year he retired from the active labors of the farm and moved into Madelia, where he and his wife are now living and where they are pleasantly situated, their son, Oscar, now managing the home farm. During his long residence on the farm, Mr. Olson took an active interest in local affairs; for twelve years was treasurer of his school district and for three years served as a member of the board of supervisors. On June 16, 1884, Ole A. Olson was united in marriage to Lizzie Mary Anderson, daughter of Andrew and Julia Anderson, homesteaders of Riverside township, Watonwan county, the latter of whom is still living, and to this union six children have been born, namely: Albert, now living in Brown county, this state, who married Emma Melser and has one child, a daughter, Edna Emma, who married Carl Skrean and now lives in North- field, this state, and Ella, Amelia, Oscar and Gilmer. The Olsons are all members of the Lutheran church and take a warm interest in the various beneficences of the same, as well as in all local good works; ever willing to help promote the cause of good citizenship hereabout. Olson & Degonda Page 380-382 There were few better-known firm names in the bustling business life of the thriving little city of St. James than that of Olson & DeGonda, former proprietors of the leading restaurant in that city. Hilmer J. Olson and Anthony P. DeGonda, both energetic and enterprising young men, conducted for the benefit of the people of St. James and the surrounding country an up-to-date and well-equipped eating place, which kept open night and day, and in addition to which they carried a full line of confectionery and cigars and maintained a first-class soda-water fountain. They are brothers-in-law, Mr. Olson having married a sister of Mr. DeGonda, and succeeded to the restaurant business established in St. James by the latter's father, John C. DeGonda, who now again owns the business. Hilmer J. Olson was born at St. Paul, this state, July 21, 1890, son of John W. and Caroline (Johnson) Olson, both natives of Sweden, the former born in 1860 and the latter in 1859, who came to this country in 1887, locating at St. Paul, where Mr. Olson has ever since been employed as yardmaster for the St. Paul Flour and Feed Company. John W. Olson and wife are the parents of five children, Hilmer J., Frank, Rudolph, Harry and Russell. Hilmer J. Olson obtained his schooling in the public schools of St. Paul and in 1911 went to Duluth, where for two years he was engaged as weighmaster for the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad Company. He then went to St. James, where he began working in the restaurant of John C. DeGonda, whose daughter, Anna, he married in June of that year, and was thus engaged until in July, 1914, when he and his brother-in-law, Anthony P. DeGonda bought the restaurant from the elder DeGonda and conducted same under the firm name of Olson & DeGonda. On June 25, 1913, Hilmer J. Olson was united in marriage to Anna DeGonda, sister of his business partner, and to this union one child has been born, a son, Donald R., born on August 27, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are members of the Catholic church and take a proper interest in parish affairs. Anthony P. DeGonda is a native son of Minnesota, born in LeSueur county, April 3, 1895, son of John C. and Mary DeGonda, both natives of the republic of Switzerland, the former born in 1860 and the latter of 1869, who are now living at St. James. John C. DeGonda was but six years of age when he came to the United States with his widowed mother, Mrs. Mary (Muckley) DeGonda. in 1866, his father having died in the old country in 1865. Mrs. DeGonda established her home in LeSueur county, this state, and there spent the rest of her life, her death occurring in 1890. John C. DeGonda was reared in that county and grew up to the life of the farm, becoming a farmer by occupation and thus continued until he came to this part of the state in 1900 and settled at Madelia, where he remained until his removal in 1912 to St. James, where he engaged in the restaurant business and was thus engaged until he sold his place to Olson & DeGonda, in July, 1914. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church and their children have been reared in that faith. There are four of these children, Anna M., who married Hilmer J. Olson; Mamie, who married Fred Miller; Anthony P. and Ixniise. Anthony P. DeGonda was about five years old when his parents moved to Madelia and there he received his education and in St. Mary's Seminary at Winona, Minnesota. Upon removing to St. James in 1912 he became actively associated with his father in the restaurant business and has been thus engaged ever since, with a pro- prietory interest since July, 1914, when he and Mr. Olson assumed the ownership, which they subsequently passed over to the present owner, J. C. DeGonda. Olson, Knut Page 235-236 Knut Olson, one of the best-known and most progressive farmers of Watonwan county, proprietor of a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres in section 7 of Riverdale township, situated a mile and a half northwest of LaSalle, is a native of Sweden, born in the southern part of that country, November 28, 1850, son of Ole and Ellen (Peterson) Munson, natives of Sweden, who owned a small farm. Ole Munson was a soldier and he and his wife spent all their lives in their native land. They were members of the Lutheran church and their children were reared in that faith. There were five of these children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the last born, the others being Nels, Bengt A., Hannah and Elna. When he was thirty-one years of age Knut Olson came to the United States and located at Rockford, Illinois. After a year there he came to Minnesota in 1882, and located in Watonwan county. In 1890 he bought the farm of one hundred and eighty acres on which he is now living and proceeded to develop the same. The next year he married and established his home there, the year following erecting his present comfortable and substantial residence. In 1907 he built his present large and well-equipped barn and for years has given special attention to dairying, long having been regarded as one of the most progressive dairy farmers in that part of the county. Upon taking possession of his farm, Mr. Olson planted trees liberally, including a fine orchard, and these now add wonderfully to the general attractiveness of his well-kept place. In addition to his general farming and dairying, he also has given considerable attention to stock raising and has done very well. It was in 1891 that Knut Olson was united in marriage to Ida Mary Johnson, and to this union three children have been born, Frithjof, who married Eleanor Youngquist, and has one child, a daughter, Vera, and Albin and Arthur. The Olsons have a very pleasant home and take a warm interest in the general social activities of their neighborhood, being identified with all measures promising to promote the welfare of the community. Olson, Mathias Page 364-365 Mathias Olson, well-known merchant at Madelia, for many years one of the leaders in the commercial life of that thriving city, former member of the city council and in other ways deeply interested in the growth and development of his home town, is a native of Norway, born at Gausdal on May 21. 1846, son of Ole and Anna (Peterson Torgerson, farming people, natives of Norway, who spent all their lives in their native land and who were the parents of seven children, Torger, Jacob, Rena, Amund, Peter, Mathias and Mathia. Ole Torgerson and his wife were members of the Lutheran church and their children were reared in that faith. Mathias Olson began his commercial career in his native land. Upon completing the course in the government schools he began clerking in a store and for eight years was thus employed, during which time he obtained a thorough grasp of the mercantile business. In 1868 he came to the United States and proceeded to Minnesota, locating at Mankato, where for about two years he worked on the railroad. He then, in 1870, located at Madelia, where he ever since has made his home. For four years after locating at Madelia Mr. Olson was engaged as a clerk in the store of J. N. Cheney, and then, after his marriage in 1874, he formed a partnership with Mr. Bisbee in the store, which partnership continued for seventeen years, or until 1891, when Mr. Olson bought the Bisbee interest in the store and has since continued the same alone, long having been recognized as one of the leading merchants of Madelia, as he is one of the very oldest in point of continuous mercantile service in this part of the state. Mr. Olson is a Republican and has for many years given his close attention to local political affairs. For some time he served the public as a member of the Madelia city council and also for some time as a member of the school board, in all of his public service giving his most careful thought to the needs of the community and has done much during his long residence in Madelia to promote the general interests of that town. In 1874 Mathias Olson was united in marriage to Mary Stenerson and to this union have been born eight children, Alfred M., Stella O., Minnie, Hazel and Lydia, and three deceased. The Olsons are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and for years have been accounted as among the leaders in good works in and about Madelia. Mr. Olson has long been active in the affairs of the church with which he is connected and has served the congregation of the same in the capacity of trustee, deacon and secretary. Olson, Oluf T. Page 247-248 Oluf T. Olson, a well-known and substantial farmer of Madelia township, Watomvan county, owner of a fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres, is a native of Watonwan county and was born on the farm in section 6, Madelia township, where he lives. He was born March 31, 1873, son of Torger Olson and Brit (Burley) Voge, natives of Norway, the former of whom came to this country in the days of his early manhood and the latter of whom was but a girl when she came here with her parents from the old country. Torger Olson Voge left his native land when he was well grown and came alone to Minnesota, where he met and married Brit Burley and later homesteaded eighty acres in section 6, Madelia township, Watonwan county, where he established his home and where he and his wife spent the rest of their lives, Mrs. Voge dying in 1896, at the age of fifty-five years, and Mr. Voge dying on September i, 1911, at the age of fifty-eight. Torger Olson Voge was an excellent farmer and not long after locating in Madelia township bought an additional eighty acres in section 7, forty acres in section 8 and eighty acres in section 5, thus becoming the owner of two hundred and eighty acres and was recognized as one of the substantial and progressive farmers of that neighborhood. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran church and their children were reared in that faith. There were five of these children, Turine, Oluf T., John, Louise and Lena, all of whom are living save John, who died in 1910. Oluf T. Olson was reared on the homestead farm of his parents and received his education in the district school in the neighborhood of his home. He remained on the home farm, a valuable assistant to his father in the development and improvement of the same, and became a very successful farmer, later coming into possession of the old home place, buying the interests of the other children after the death of their father. In 1913 he built the present substantial farm house on the place and he and his family were very comfortably situated there. Mr. Olson, in addition to his general farming, gave considerable attention to the raising of live stock and did well, raising Durham cattle and Chester White and Duroc-Jersey hogs. He has ever given close attention to local civic affairs and for some time has been a member of the board of supervisors of his home township. They are still living on the farm. It was on September 24, 1892, that Oluf T. Olson was united in marriage to Anna Nelson, who was born in Norway and who was but one year old when she came to this country with her parents. To this union five children have been born, Stella, Bernice, Edwin, Loyd and Ruth. The family are members of the Lutheran church and have ever given their warm support to all local measures designed to advance the common welfare hereabout. Otesa, O. A. Page 193-194 A well-known and popular traveling salesman of St. James, Watonwan county, is O. A. Otesa, who was born in Norway, August 17, 1865. He is a son of A. and Hester Otesa, both natives of Norway, where they spent their lives, the mother dying in 1890 and the father in 1903. O. A. Otesa spent his boyhood in Norway and there received his education in the common schools. In 1882 he came to America, locating in St. James, Minnesota. He secured employment as clerk in the store of G. H. Herrick, who is now deceased, remaining with him about two years, after which he was employed at the Park Hotel for about six years. He finally purchased four hundred and eighty acres of land. He engaged in the real-estate business several years, was also proprietor of the Boston Hotel for a short time, then lived on his farm in Nelson township for about three years. In the spring of 1912 he moved back to St. James and since then has been traveling salesman for the St. James Milling Company, and has been very successful, greatly increasing the company's business. He owns a fine residence in St. James. Mr. Otesa was married on September 20, 1889, to Mary Nymon, who was born in Norway, May 3, 1871. She was brought to Clear Lake, Wisconsin, about 1878 by her parents, Ole O. and Gunoel Nymon. The father is now deceased, but the mother is still living at Clear Lake at the advanced age of eighty-four years. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Otesa, namely: Grace, born on June 2, 1893, was graduated from the St. James high school; Arthur, July 28, 1898, was graduated from the St. James high school with the class of 1916; Mabel, March 9, 1900, is a student in the local high school; Eunice, November 7, 1913. The wife and mother passed to her eternal rest on December 4, 1913. She was a woman of many estimable characteristics. Politically, Mr. Otesa is a Republican. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Norwegian Lutheran church. Ottum, Chris L. Page 442-443 Chris L. Ottum, a successful farmer, of Long Lake township, Watonwan county, was born in Norway, March 18, 1859, and is a son of Lars C. and Gertrude (Serum) Ottum, both natives of Norway, where they lived until immigrating to America with their family in 1862, locating in Wisconsin, but a year later they came on to Olmstead county, Minnesota, where they spent two years, then moved to Steele county for one year. In 1866 they came to Watonvan county, locating in section 22, Long Lake township, homesteading eighty acres, later buying eighty acres additional, and improving a good farm from the raw prairie, on which these parents spent the rest of their lives. They and their children helped to organize the Long Lake Norwegian Lutheran church. There are five of the children, namely: Anna is the wife of Ed. Olson, Christina, Chris L. of this sketch, John, and Julia is the wife of John H. Burdell. Chris L. Ottum was three years old when his parents brought him to America. He received his education in the public schools here and helped his father with the work on the farm and has remained a farmer. He has lived on the same farm, which consists of two hundred acres, for the past thirty-two years. He also owns eighty acres of the old homestead and forty acres in Martin county. He has placed his land under excellent improvements, especially his home place, which he has developed from the wild prairie. He has a comfortable home and such convenient outbuildings as his needs require. In connection with general farming he raises considerable live stock, especially a good grade of Hereford cattle and Poland China hogs. Mr. Ottum was married, March 18, 1883, to Mary K. Qualley, who was born in Moore county, June 13, 1857, in Nevada township, Moore county, Minnesota. She is a daughter of Knut and Anna J. (Rudie) Qualley, natives of Norway, who came to Minnesota many years ago. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ottum : Anna Josephine, born December 31, 1883, died April n, 1914; Clara Louisa, born July 23, 1885; Ella Celina, born August 3, 1887; Gertrude, born July 19, 1889; Selma Melissa, born September 6, 1891; Otto Leonard, August 16, 1896; Clarence John, born November 24, 1894; died February 2, 1898, and Clarence John, born September 13, 1898. Politically, Mr. Ottum is a Republican. He was formerly township supervisor. He is a member of the Long Lake Norwegian Lutheran church. He came to Minnesota four years before his wife came, and married in Iowa; then came to Minnesota. Palmer, U. H. Page 384-385 U. H. Palmer, for many years a prominent farmer of Watonvan county, now living in retirement in St. James, was born in Broom county, New York, May 2, 1845, son of Urban and Catherine (Boomhour) Palmer, both natives of the state of New York, his birth occurring in 1808, and she was born on July 18, 1809. They grew up and were married in their native state, and in 1848 came west, locating in Green Lake county, Wisconsin. The father was a physician in his earlier career, but in later life was a farmer. He removed from Wisconsin to Iowa, thence to South Dakota, and finally to Mankato, Minnesota, where his death occurred on December 28, 1890. He was a soldier in the Civil War for one year, enlisting in February, 1862, in Company G, Fifth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. The mother of the subject of this sketch died in early life, February 4, 1868. U. H. Palmer was four years old when his parents brought him to Wisconsin. He was educated in the public schools. In February, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, Eighteenth Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in which he served gallantly until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Altoona Pass, Georgia; Ft. McAllister, near Savannah, and others. His regiment was a part of the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps. He was with Sherman on his march from Atlanta to the sea. At Altoona Pass, Georgia, his clothing was literally shot off, thirteen bullets having cut through his clothes, also had the rim of his hat shot off. After the war, when he had been honorably discharged and mustered out, Mr. Palmer returned to Wisconsin, and in 1873 moved to Olmstead county, Minnesota, where he took charge of a farm of one thousand acres, which he managed for three years, then came to Janesville, this state, where he took charge of the DeGraff farm of two thousand and two hundred acres, operating it for five years. In 1882 he accepted a similar position in Watonwan county, managing the St. James stock farm of sixteen hundred acres. Later he bought one hundred and sixty acres in St. James township, which he sold and bought two hundred and forty acres in South Branch township, then bought one hundred and twenty-seven acres adjoining St. James on the east. He has since sold both these farms, also buying and selling other lands, but it is now living retired from active life. Politically, Mr. Palmer is an independent voter, and he never aspired to public office. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Palmer was married in Berlin, Wisconsin, in 1868, to Anna E. Eastman, of that place, and to this union seven children were born, named as follow: Mary M., Chester A., Margaret, Clarice E., Cassius (deceased), Maud and Clara. Mr. Palmer married in 1893 for his second wife, Ella Lowe, of Boonville, Missouri. This union has been without issue. Mr. Palmer is one of a family of seven children, namely: Mary E., born on October 3, 1836; Julia E., July 23, 1838; Franklin G., September 19, 1840; Elizabeth J., March 28, 1843; U. H., of this sketch; Emily M., October 10, 1848, died in 1882; Elbert M., February 27, 1853, died on December 7, 1908. Pankow, Rev. Erdman A. Page 216-217 Erdman A. Pankow was bom in Dodge county, Wisconsin, May 2, 1849, a son of Rev. Erdman and Sophia ( Moldenhauer) Pankow, both natives of Germany, where they spent their earlier years, immigrating to America in 1843 and settling in Dodge county, Wisconsin, when it was a territory. The father was teacher in the Lutheran congregation at Lebanon, Wisconsin, and in 1848 he became minister of the church of his denomination there, continuing preaching until 1905, although far advanced in years. His death occurred in 1907, at the age of eighty-eight. He was a grand old man in Israel and a powerful preacher in his day. He was connected with the church at Lebanon as teacher and preacher for a period of sixty- three years, a record that it would be difficult to equal. He was twice married, his first wife dying in 1859. To their union six children were born, namely: Minnie was the eldest; Herman is editor of the Democrat, at Marshfield, Wisconsin; Rev. Erdman A., the subject of this sketch; Michael is a minister and lives at Waterloo, Wisconsin; Sophia died, leaving five children; John died when seventeen years old. The second wife was Mrs. Michaels, with whom he lived for a period of forty-eight years, and to their union nine children were born, namely : Augustine died when eighteen years old; Albert is a minister at Cambria, Wisconsin; Adolph is ex-mayor and now postmaster at Mansfield, Wisconsin; Anna was next in order of birth; Eva died in 1814; Agnes was the sixth child; Oswald is farming in Wisconsin; Pauline and Agela are the two youngest. The mother of these children had one child by her first husband, whom they named Louisa. This large and happy family grew up in harmony and were all much devoted to each other. Mrs. Pankow died on February 1, 1914. Erdman A. Pankow was reared at Lebanon, Wisconsin, and there he attended the public schools, later studied at Northwestern College, Water- town, Wisconsin, being the first person to enter that institution as a pupil, the college being opened in 1865. He was graduated with the first graduating class in 1872. He then attended a theological seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, for three years, graduating therefrom in 1875. Thus exceptionally well equipped for his chosen life work, he began his career as minister at Bloomfield, Wisconsin, also preached at Winneconne, that state, for two years, then preached at Tomah, Wisconsin, five years. Ill health compelled him to retire from active work two years, after which he became a professor at St. Paul College, Concordia, Missouri, where he spent ten years, then took charge of the congregation at Caledonia, Minnesota, in 1889, remaining there until 1911, when he came to St. James and has been pastor of the German Lutheran church here ever since. He is a man of profound education and is a forceful, earnest and eloquent pulpit orator and he has given the utmost satisfaction in all his work, whether as preacher or teacher. He is popular not only with his congregation but with all who know him. Erdman A. Pankow was married on May 6, 1878, to Emma Kalbfleisch, who was born in St. Louis, Missouri, September 16, 1859. She is a daughter of Henry and Barbara (Sheiffelen) Kalbfleisch, both natives of Germany, from which country they came to America when young, both spending the rest of their lives in St. Louis, his death occurring in 1889, at the age of sixty-five, and her death occurred in 1904, at the age of seventy-two. To Reverend Pankow and wife eight children have been born, namely: Gustav, Arthur, Theodore, Carl, Helen and Angela, twins, deceased; Hugo and Eugene. Mrs. Pankow is one of a family of twelve children, named as follow: Henry; Louisa and August are deceased; Emma is the wife of the subject; Carl; Lillie and Martin are deceased; Marie, Gustav; Katie; Julia and Barbara are deceased. Parr, M. W. Page 413-414 M. W. Parr, the subject of this sketch, was born in Wabasha county, Minnesota, November 29, 1869, a son of Thaddeus Parr, born in Franklin county, New York, and Esther (Washburn) Parr, a native of Canada. Thaddeus Parr was a farmer boy in Franklin county, New York, and, while still a youth, came West and located in Wisconsin. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Twentieth Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry. On December 7, 1862, this regiment was part of the army of the frontier and was engaged in the battle of Prairie Grove, or Fayettville, Arkansas, in which the Federal forces sustained the loss of a considerable number of killed and wounded. Thaddeus Parr was among those wounded in this engagement. He never sufficiently recovered from this wound to enable him to return to his regiment for active duty, and consequently was discharged after service as soldier for nine months. He returned home and some after the war he bought a farm in Wabasha county, Minnesota, and turned his attention to farming. He followed this occupation for thirty years and then retired from active work. He is now living in Owatonna, Steele county, Minnesota. Mrs. Esther (Washburn) Parr was the mother of three children: M. W., Esther, who married L. W. Godfrey, and Catherine, who married Dr. G. A. Grove. M. W. Parr was educated in the public schools of Wabasha county, Minnesota, and worked on a farm during his youthful years. Beginning in 1892 he was for five years employed as a clerk in a store, at Plainview, Minnesota. About 1897 he decided to turn his attention to agricultural pursuits. He went to South Dakota and located on a farm and was engaged in farming for fourteen years. In 1911 he disposed of his Dakota interests and returned to Minnesota, locating in Kenyon, Goodhue county, where he was engaged in the real estate business for three years. In March, 1915, he disposed of his business in Kenyon and came to Madelia. Here he opened up a hardware and implement store, in which business he is at present engaged. Mr. Parr was married to Louisa M. Burgess. To this union three children have been born : Roland, Esther and Thaddeus. Mr. and Mrs. Parr are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Parr is a Republican. His fraternal affiliations are with the Order of Foresters, and with the American Order of Woodmen. Paulson, Samuel Page 379-380 Samuel Paulson, a well-to-do farmer of Madelia township, Watonwan county, proprietor of a fine farm of two hundred and twenty acres situated four miles north and two miles west of the town of Madelia, is a native of Norway, but has lived in Minnesota since he was six years old and has consequently been a witness to and a participant in the development and progress of this part of the country during the past generation. He was born on October 1, 1856, son of Tarson and Christiana (Samuelson) Paulson, natives of Norway, who came to the United States in 1862 and proceeded to Minnesota, becoming pioneers of the neighboring county of Brown. Tarson Paulson homesteaded a farm in the southern part of Brown county, within sight of the farm of the subject of this sketch, and there established his home. To his original homestead of eighty acres he gradually added by purchase until he became the owner of a farm of two hundred acres and was recognized as one of the substantial farmers of that section. There he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1911, he then being eighty-eight years of age. He was active in church work and his children were reared in the Norwegian Lutheran faith. Tarson Paulson was twice married. To his first marriage four children were born, Peter, Samuel, Anna and Christina. Upon the death of the mother of these children, Mr. Paulson married Mrs. Johanna Mikleson, a widow, who had two children, Knute and Gilbert, by her first marriage, and to this second union nine children were born, Carl, Jergenna, John, Alfred, Samuel, Julius, Gena, Lena and Lettie. Samuel Paulson was about six years old when his parents came to this country from Norway in 1862 and he was reared on the homestead farm in Brown county, this state, receiving his education in the district school in the neighborhood of his home, and proving a valuable assistant to his father in the work of developing and improving the farm. In 1885 he married and immediately afterward settled on the farm on which he now lives, over the county line from his old home and within sight of the latter, and there he has lived ever since, long having been regarded as one of the most substantial farmers in that section of Watonwan county. Mr. Paulson has an excellent farm of two hundred and twenty acres, well improved and profitably cultivated, and he and his family are very pleasantly situated. Upon taking possession of the farm he planted many trees, cottonwood, willow, box-elder and ash, which now add wonderfully to the attractiveness of the place. In 1902 Mr. Paulson built his present house and some years before, in 1898, had built a commodious barn. The other farm buildings are in keeping with the same and all bespeak the progressive methods of the owner. In December, 1885, Samuel Paulson was united in marriage to Ida Jolinson, who was born in Norway, daughter of Christopher Johnson and wife, who became pioneers of Brown county, this state, and to this union eight children have been born, Christine, Carl, Emma, Sigward, Tolef. Joseph, Lillian and Kenneth. The Paulsons are earnest members of the Lutheran church and take an active interest in all local good works and in the general social activities of their neighborhood. Pedvin, John Page 286-287 It is not every man that can become a good locomotive engineer. Some lack the courage, the keen eye, the steady nerve and the prompt decision, as well as other characteristics, necessary to the successful engine driver. John Pedvin, of St. James, Watonwan county, seems to possess such attributes, for he has made good on the road. John Pedvin was born in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, December 15, 1863, and is a son of Daniel and Jane (Moore) Pedvin. The father was a native of the Island of Guernsey in the English Channel, his birth having occurred on April 9, 1820, and the mother was born on February 24, 1828, in London, England. They were married in England in 1850, and they came to Minnesota in 1852, locating near St. Peter, later moved to Rapidan, Blue Earth county, and in 1868 to Watonwan county, where the father took up a homestead of eighty acres in Riverdale township, later buying eighty acres more. He developed a good farm and finally made a visit to his old home in Guernsey Island, where he married his second wife. Coming back to America he spent some time at St. James and at Beatrice, Nebraska, but went back to Guernsey Island, where his death occurred in 1906. His first wife, the mother of John Pedvin, died on June 27, 1878. Nine children were born, namely: Daniel, born in England, December i, 1852, died on May 28, 1903; Jane, August 23, 1855; Thomas, July 19, 1857, died on February 25, 1895; Rachael, November 20, 1859; Elizabeth, October 7, 1861 ; John, subject of this sketch; Julia Ann, September 24, 1866, died on November 13, 1896; Frederick W., February 2, 1868, died on October 8, 1907; Evaline Carrie, September 18, 1870. Daniel Pedvin was a Republican, and he held a number of local offices. He was a member of the Episcopal church. John Pedvin was reared on the farm in Riverdale township and he received his education in the district schools there, walking four miles daily to school. He began life as a farmer, owning a good place, which he finally sold, and entered the railroad service in 1882, in which he remained until 1885, when he farmed again for two years, returning to the road in 1887 and has worked continuously on the road ever since. He was fireman on the Omaha railroad until September n, 1890, when he was promoted to engineer and he has had charge of an engine ever since. He lived eleven years at Sioux City, but the rest of the time since 1887 he has lived in St. James, returning here in 1897. He built a residence here, in which he lived until 1913, when he sold it and built an attractive modern residence, where he now lives. On July 1, 1884, he married Carrie Olson, a native of Washington county, Minnesota, where she was born on August 16, 1866. She is a daughter of Adam and Isabel (Wright) Olson. He was born in Sweden, January n, 1834; she was born in England, February 18, 1828. Adam Olson came to Minnesota when a young man. He served in the Union army during the Civil War. He was married in this state and lived in Washington county until 1878, when they moved to Riverdale township, Watonwan county, where the father bought a farm of two hundred and forty acres, which is the amount of land he still owns. He purchased more land, but sold it later. He is now living retired in St. James. Mrs. Olson died on March 10, 1895. They were parents of four children, namely: Oliver Andrew, who lives in Noonan, North Dakota ; Carrie, wife of the subject of this sketch; Adam, who died in March, 1888, when twenty years old; Eva Isabel lives in Noonan, North Dakota. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pedvin, namely: Esta Luella, born in 1885, died in St. James in 1887; Laura Isabel, February 12, 1891, is a graduate of St. James high school. The farm which is owned by the father of Mrs. Pedvin is the one on which the Younger brothers were captured after the famous Northfield bank robbery. Mr. Olson has been twice married, his second wife being known before marriage as Anna Nasman, and to this union one son, John, was born on January 2, 1900. Politically, Mr. Pedvin is a Republican. He is a member of the Episcopal church. Fraternally, he belongs to the Free Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Peterson, August E. Page 398-399 It is a pleasure to be permitted to live on the old homestead, where cluster memories that are not to be found elsewhere. August E. Peterson has continued to reside on part of the old homestead in Long Lake township, Watonwan county, which he has kept well cultivated and on which he has erected new buildings. He was born here on September 14, 1881. He is a son of John and Mary (Carlson) Peterson, both natives of Sweden, from which country they came to America in the early seventies. The father spent five years in St. James, Minnesota, working at various things. About 1878 he homesteaded eighty acres in Long Lake township, soon buying eighty acres adjoining. He and his wife spent the rest of their lives on this farm. He was active in the Kansas Lake church and held offices in it. Their family consisted of the following children : Selma E., who is the wife of Ed Lindquist; August E., Julia, who lives in Watonwan county; Carl V., who is engaged in the lumber business at Finley, North Dakota; P. Edward and Victor C. are both seniors, members of the graduating class of 1916 at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota. August E. Peterson grew up on the home farm and received his education in the common schools of his community later taking a commercial course at Gustavus Adolphus College. After finishing his education he returned home and has since farmed eighty acres of the homestead. He has erected new buildings, which are modern and substantial and make many other important improvements. He operates forty acres additional nearby, and is a successful general farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Peterson was married in 1911, to Ida M. Swenson, who was reared and educated in Watonwan county and Gustavus Adolphus College for four years. She is a daughter of A. D. Swenson and wife. To this union two children have been born, namely: Evangeline M. and Wendell Isidore. Mr. Peterson is president of the Long Lake Farmers Club. He is an active member of the Kansas Lake Swedish Lutheran church, of which he was formerly treasurer and trustee and is now a deacon. Politically, he is independent. Peterson, Laurits Page 268-270 Laurits Peterson, one of the most substantial pioneer farmers of Madelia township, Watonwan county, proprietor of a farm of one hundred and eighty acres in the vicinity of Madelia, where he has made his home for more than forty years, is a native of Norway, born on November 7, 1847, son of Peter and Carrie (Lumberg) Peterson, natives of that country, who became pioneers of this section of Minnesota and spent their last days here. Peter Peterson was the son of Peter Peterson, a Norwegian farmer and a trained soldier, who spent his whole life in his native land. The younger Peter Peterson grew up to the life of the farm in his home country and there married, continuing to farm there until he and his wife came to the United States, locating in Washington county, Iowa, where they remained for two years, at the end of which time they came to Minnesota and joined the pioneer settlers who were beginning to occupy the choice lands in this part of the state. Peter Peterson bought a tract of land in Madelia township, Watonwan county, established his home there and there he and his wife spent their last days, honored pioneers of that community, the former dying in 1901 and the latter in 1902. They were earnest members of the Lutheran church and their children were reared in that faith. There were four of these children, of whom Laurits was the first born, the others being Catherine, Gillis (deceased) and Nicholas. Laurits Peterson was twenty-two years old when he came to this country. He had received his schooling in the government schools of his native land and had grown up to the life of the farm. Upon coming to Minnesota in 1873 he took an active part in the work of developing the homestead farm, a valuable assistant to his father, and early became recognized as one of the substantial pioneers of that community. In 1876 he homesteaded the farm of one hundred and eighty acres, on which he still is living and after his marriage, in 1879, established his home there and quickly brought the place to a high state of cultivation. Twenty-eight years ago he replaced the pioneer house in which he and his wife began their home-keeping by the present substantial residence and later erected more substantial buildings in keeping with the general well-kept condition of the farm. Mr. Peterson, in addition to his general farming, gave considerable attention to the raising of high-grade cattle and hogs and did very well. Of late years he has practically been retired from the active labors of the farm, the management of which he has turned over to his son, Carl, who is carrying on the work of the farm in progressive fashion, in accordance with modern agricultural methods and is recognized as one of the substantial farmers of that neighborhood. It was .on December 6, 1879, that Laurits Peterson was united in marriage to Augusta Marie Sunberg, who was born in Norway on December 19, 1858, and who had come to this part of Minnesota with her parents in pioneer days, and to this union were born five children, four sons and one daughter, all of whom are living, as follow: Peter, unmarried, who lives at Montrose, South Dakota; Carl, also unmarried, who has traveled extensively throughout the middle West, and who is now managing the old homestead farm for his father ; Joseph, who married Minnie Winder, and is now living in southern Minnesota; Edward, who married Clara Winder, and is also living in Minnesota, and Mary,- who married Bert Johnson. The Petersons are members of the Lutheran church and for many years have been regarded as among the leaders in the work of the local congregation of that church and in the general good works of the community in which they have lived since pioneer days, ever active and influential in the promotion of movements designed to advance the cause of the common weal thereabout.

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