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Ransom
County, ND Biographies RUSH S. ADAMS Rush S. Adams, president of the First National Bank of Lisbon and president of the Adams & Frees Company, a landholding company, ranks with the foremost business men of his part of the state. He is the oldest bank president of southern North Dakota and his activities along this and other lines have proven a potent element in advancing the material progress of the section in which he lives. He was born near Union Grove, Kenosha county, Wisconsin, on the 18th of November, 1854, a son of Homer and Philinda (Cadwell) Adams, both of whom were natives of the state of New York, whence they removed with their respective parents to Wisconsin in the year 1846. There they were subsequently married and the father for many years followed farming in that locality but afterward retired and took up his abode in Union Grove, where he passed away. Rush S. Adams was a pupil in the district schools of his native county and afterward attended the preparatory department of Beloit College. He next entered the employ of the firm of J. Miller & Company, boot and shoe manufacturers of Racine, Wisconsin, in the capacity of bookkeeper. In 1875 he became a member of the firm, with which he was actively associated until 1883, when he sold his interest in the business and came to North Dakota, settling in Lisbon, where, in company with B. M. Frees, of Chicago, and H. K. Adams, of Racine, he organized the Ransom County Bank under the firm style of Adams & Frees. He became president of the institution, with Mr. Frees as the vice president and H. K. Adams as the cashier. In 1887 the bank was nationalized with the same officers and there was no change in the personnel from 1883 until 1915. On the 1st of January of the latter year H. K. Adams retired and his son, W. S. Adams, succeeded him in the position of cashier. Mr. Frees, who resides in San Diego, California, is still vice president of the bank, with Rush S. Adams as the president and chief executive officer. For a third of a century he has now been active in control of the institution and has made it one of the safe financial concerns of the state, its business maintaining ever an even balance between conservatism and progressiveness. In 1876 Mr. Adams was married to Miss Susan W. Sage, of Racine, Wisconsin, and to them were born six children, of whom three are living: Sidney D., a prominent attorney, who is practicing as a member of the firm of Rourke, Kvello & Adams in Lisbon; Gertrude L., the wife of Dr. John B. Kinne, of Aberdeen, Washington; and Marie, who is connected with the Associated Charities of Chicago. Mrs. Adams died in New Orleans in December, 1911, and in March, 1914, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Alma Whitman, of Boston, Massachusetts. In his political views Mr. Adams is a republican and for six years he served as a member of the state board of pardons, while for many years he has been treasurer of the State Soldiers' Home. He was mayor of Lisbon for one year and served for several years as a member of the board of education, of which for two years he was president. He has ever maintained a most progressive attitude in public affairs, standing loyally for those forces which are of greatest value to the community and the commonwealth at large. He belongs to Sheyenne Valley Lodge, No. 12, F. & A. M.; Lisbon Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M.; and to Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 8, K. T., and has made his life an expression of Masonic teachings and purposes. He also belongs to Lisbon Lodge, No. 63, A. 0. U. W. He has been grand receiver of the Grand Lodge of North Dakota since July, 1895. During this time he has paid out to the widows and orphans over two million dollars. He is also chairman of the investment committee, which has over a million and a half of invested funds. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and they are continually reaching out a helping hand to those less fortunate. Their work has been a potent force for public benefit and for the support of high standards and wherever they are known they are spoken of in terms of highest respect and regard. Their genuine worth entitles them to mention as representative citizens of this great state, their work along many lines being of value in promoting the material, intellectual, social, politiial and moral progress of North Dakota. North Dakota History and People: Outlines of American History, Volume 2; By: Clement Augustus Lounsberry; The S. J. Clarke publishing company, 1917 Submitted by Jennifer Zimmerman
FRED
D. APLIN, editor and part owner of the "Ransom County Gazette,"
has ably conducted the various departments of that paper, and has built
for himself an enviable reputation as an editor, and a large patronage
for his paper. He is also connected with other financial enterprises
and is one of the substantial men of the county. He has made his home
in Lisbon for the past fifteen years and is well known as an excellent
business man and true citizen. MATTS ANKARFELT, a well-to-do farmer, residing on section 25, in township 134, range 53, is the oldest settler of the township. He has experienced the privations of a pioneer, and surmounted the difficulties which meet the early settler of a country, and has acquired a comfortable competence to enjoy in his declining years. Our subject was born in the northern part of Sweden, April 27, 1846, and was the oldest of a family of three children born to Erick and Christina (Matts) Mattsen. The father died when our subject was but nine years of age, leaving the widowed mother to care for three young children, and while yet a small boy our subject began working for neighbors. At the age of twenty years he was employed in a lumber yard, and almost four years later entered the employ of Oscar Dixson, a lumberman, in whose employ he remained ten years. He accompanied relatives to America in 1880, and located in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, and in April, 1882, started across the country, selling a tailor's cutting chart. He made a few sales and secured money sufficient to purchase transportation to Dakota, and he arrived in Wilcott with but thirty-five cents in cash. While working on a railroad the year previous he had filed a claim to land in Ransom County, and there he made his way, stopping at his brother's and his sister's homes for food. The sister's family assisted him with a team, and a sod house 12x14 feet was soon constructed. He sold his overcoat to pay for the hauling of a few poles for the frame of his house. His family joined him in June, 1882, and the winter was a severe struggle for them. It was over two years before our subject secured a team for his work, and he tramped many miles over the prairies hauling his scanty supply of eggs and butter to market on a hand sled. He made Wilcott his trading point, and there he secured the necessaries of life in exchange for the products he hauled. His first home was on section 24, where he built a sod house, which was part dugout and boarded up, and in 1894 he erected his present dwelling and other buildings on section 25. He purchased five calves during the first of his farming in Dakota, and now has a fine herd of cattle. He has made a success of farming, and is one of the substantial men of southeastern Ransom County. Our subject was married, in 1871, to Miss Annie Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Ankarfelt are the parents of twelve children, as follows: Christina, now Mrs. Bowden, a resident of Ransom County; Erick, deceased; Andrew; Annie, deceased; Jennie; Sophie, deceased; Sophie; Emil; Gustaf; Alfred, deceased; Allie and Edwin. A family group portrait appears on another page. Mr. Ankarfelt is a Republican and Prohibitionist in political sentiment. He is well-known throughout that region as a prosperous farmer and worthy citizen. History Biography of North Dakota. Transcribed by Laurel Durham EASTON K. AUS. As a pioneer of Ransom county, and a prosperous farmer this gentleman deserves special mention. He has aided in the development of that region, and his labors have always been given heartily and with a oneness of purpose commendable in every respect. He is proprietor of a fine estate in Preston township, and makes his home on section 6, where he has added modern improvements, and perfected arrangements for enjoying the comforts of life. Our subject was born in Filmore county, Minnesota, April 2, 1861, and was the oldest in a family of eight children born to Knud and Ingeborg E. (Aus) Aus, who were natives of Norway. Our subject went to Lisbon, Ransom county, in 1882, and worked in the Sheyenne valley for some time. He removed to the farm he now owns in 1891, and is now the possessor of one half-section of land. The farm and the improvements thereon represent his labors in Dakota, and bespeak honest industry and careful management. He has become interested in stock raising in recent years, and is breeding to purify the short horn Durham strain, which he is confident is the best for Dakota. Good water is obtainable on the farm from a depth of one hundred and forty-two feet, and is abundant for domestic and farm use. Our subject was married, in 1888, to Miss Gertie Randall. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Aus, as follows: Carl, Anna, Oscar, Emma, Edwin and an infant, Arthur. Mr. Aus is a member of the Lutheran Church. From 1892-94 he served as county commissioner for the fourth district, is chairman of the township board, serving two terms, and has also served as treasurer, and in the organization and naming of the township he took an active part. He is a man of good education, having completed his studies at the Decorah Lutheran College, and is a man of influence wherever he resides. He keeps pace with the times, and in all matters of a public nature takes an active interest. Politically he is a Republican and Prohibitionist. He is a thorough student of the questions of the day, and is strong in his convictions. A portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Aus is shown in connection with this sketch. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Janice Louie] JAMES P. AYLEN, M. D. Among the professional men of North Dakota, Dr. James P. Aylen, physician and surgeon, whose office is in Sheldon, stands in the foremost rank. He is well fitted by education and training for the position he holds, and his genial and social temperament has endeared him to the people of Ransom county, and he is especially popular in his home town of Sheldon. He has met with unbounded success in his practice, and his field of labor extends twenty-five miles in each direction from Sheldon. He has successfully competed with others of his profession, and since 1895 has been the sole physician of that city. Our subject was born in Aylmer, Quebec, Canada, September 25, 1863. His ancestors for generations back were professional men, devoting themselves either to law or medicine. The father of our subject was Dr. John Aylen, and the mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Saloma Prentiss. Their family consisted of three sons and one daughter, and true to the professional instincts, the sons, of whom our subject was the eldest, devoted themselves to medicine. At an early age our subject entered Collegiate Institute at Ottawa, and later attended Woodstock Baptist Theological College. He next entered Cornell University, but soon left the institution to pursue his medical studies at McGill University, which institution he attended four years, and then entered Bellevue Hospital college, graduating therefrom in March, 1888. He chose Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a location, where he established his office and to practice orthopedic surgery. His health soon began failing, and in May, 1888, he went to Sheldon, since which time he has followed his profession there. He is devoted to his work, but by way of recreation has not only the largest kennel of dogs in the state, but also some of the best bred, and speediest coursing hounds. Among them is the celebrated dog “Oakes,” out of Vallaire and Raven. Mr. Aylen was married in 1887, to Miss Florence Carter. Mrs. Aylen is a lady of rare attainments, and presides over the household in a truly gracious manner. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Aylen, as follows: Gerald Valley Lee, deceased; and Walter C. Our subject is a member of the Ransom Medical Society, the North Dakota Medical Association, the American Medical Association, and has been for two and a half years a member of the state medical examining board, and since 1888 has been county physician. In the fraternal world he has attained prominence, and is a Scottish and York Rites Mason, and is grand master of the state Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also holds membership in the Knights of the Macabees, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Modern Woodmen of America, and Brotherhood of American Yeoman. Politically he is a Republican and is strong in his convictions. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Maggie Saggio] WILLIAM D. BIXBY, of the firm of Bixby Brothers & Marsh, owners of an extensive stock ranch, is a resident of section 12, in township 154, range 53, in Ransom county. He has resided in Dakota since he was a boy and has become thoroughly identified with the farming interests of that state. Our subject was born in Geauga county, Ohio, August 27, 1864. He was the fourth in a family of five children, born to Dewitt C. and Louisa (Dunbar) Bixby, and was reared on a farm, assisting with the work. He went to Dakota when he was twenty years of age in company with his brother and settled at Lisbon. After a few years he took land in Sargent county and lived there about five years, when he settled on a farm south of Lisbon and engaged in dairying and stock raising. He disposed of his interests in the spring of 1899, and joined in the partnership above named. The buildings of the ranch owned by the firm are located in Richland county, and the range consists of two and a half sections of land in Ransom and Richland counties. It is among the sand hills of which the southeastern portion of Ransom county is composed, and the land presents a most desolate appearance, but is excellent for stock raising. The soil is sandy, but water is obtained at a depth of eight to fifteen feet and range is abundant. The ranch is one of the most extensive in that region, and usually winters from three to four hundred head of stock. The Galloway strain of cattle is being introduced as a special feature of the stock raising interests. Mr. Bixby is a practical farmer and stock raiser, and occupies a sound financial position in his locality. Our subject was married in 1889 to Miss Lyda Parkhurst. Mr. and Mrs. Bixby are the parents of four children, as follows: William, Tracy, Austa, and Ora. Mr. Bixby is a man of ability and keeps pace with the times in all matters. Politically he is a Republican and prohibitionist, and stands firm for the principles of his party. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Janice Louie] P. H. BUTLER, Lisbon, of the fourteenth legislative district, was born at Fort Dodge, Ia.. September 5, 1876. Received his education in the common schools of Iowa, Tobin College, Fort Dodge, Ia., and Freemont Normal School, Freemont, Neb. Come to North Dakota in the fall of 1901, and to Lisbon, January, 1904. He is engaged in the business of abstractor of titles which he has engaged in fur the past seventeen years. He is married and has four children. He was elected representative as a republican. [Source: North Dakota Blue Book, 1913 Legislative Manual, Published under the direction of Thomas Hall, Secretary of State, 1913. Submitted by Linda R.] THOMAS A. CURTIS, state’s attorney of Ransom county, residing in the city of Lisbon, is a man of estimable character and has gained the confidence of those among whom he has chosen his home. He has become a leader in his profession by dint of his own efforts and well merits his success. Our subject was born at Magnolia Corners, Rock county, Wisconsin, January 27, 1862, and was the youngest in a family of four children, born to Israel and Elizabeth (Fitzpatrick) Curtis, both of whom are deceased. The mother was of Irish birth and the father was of colonial English descent. Three of five sons of an English lord of the Curtis family were kidnapped and brought to America, where they were sold or bound out to pay for passage and our subject is a descendant of the son who chanced to settle in New York. Soon after the birth of our subject his father went to the Civil war and the family removed to Janesville, Wisconsin, and the father never returned from the service. A common-school education was afforded our subject and he worked in a shoe factory until sixteen years of age, when he became a painter, which occupation he followed four years, during which time he read law, under the guidance of J.B. Cassoday, who is now chief justice of Wisconsin. Mr. Curtis went to Marshalltown, Iowa, in 1881, where he worked in a barbed-wire factory one year and then went to Minneapolis, and from thence to Fargo, Dakota. He arrived at Lisbon, Ransom county, May 7, 1883, and followed lathing and carpenter work, in the meantime pursuing his law studies. He entered a law office at Lisbon in the fall of 1884, and March 23, 1885, was admitted to the bar. He then entered the real estate office of Judge Allen and was also city clerk and October 1, 1886, began work with C.D. Austin and the following April established an office for himself. He was appointed city attorney in 1890 and was elected to his present office in 1898. He defended the only murder case ever tried in the county and secured acquittal for his client, in state vs. Frank Welch. Our subject was married, in 1886, to Miss Phebe Forward. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Curtis, as follows: Loren B., Walter G., Rollo A., Elsie S. and Alice L. Mr. Curtis was elected mayor of Lisbon in 1892 and served two years, the honor being conferred upon him through the efforts of the G.A.R. He was a candidate for state’s attorney in 1892 and county judge in 1894 and 1896, but was defeated and in 1898 was elected state’s attorney by a large majority. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Modern Woodmen of America and Knights of Maccabees. He is a young man of prominence and has a bright future in North Dakota. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Kim Mohler] CLARENCE S. DUNBAR, a prosperous agriculturalist of township 135, range 56, Ransom county, stands among the foremost men of his calling in that locality. He is the owner of one and a half sections of land on which he engages diversified farming, and is one of the early settlers of Dakota. He attends strictly to his farm duties, is intelligent and well educated, and as a citizen and farmer is highly esteemed and respected. Our subject was born in Lake county, Ohio, June 14,1852, and was the second child and only son in a family of three children born to Sceva and Lucina (McUen) Dunbar. His parents were of Scotch extraction, and the father died December 30, 1857, aged thirty-two years. The mother survives him and makes her home with our subject. After the father's death, the care of the family devolved upon the mother, and they were quietly reared in a country home. Our subject was given a common-school education, and spent one year in Willoughby Methodist Episcopal College. At the age of sixteen years he began clerking in a grocery store, and when about nineteen years of age secured a position as brakeman on the Lake Shore Railroad, working thus three years, at the end of which time he returned to the old home in Ohio. He engaged in farming there, and in 1877 engaged in the grocery business, and the following year went to Waseca county, Minnesota, where he engaged in farming until 1882, when he removed to Dakota. He took land under his pre-emption and tree-claim rights south of Lisbon, and began the raising of wheat, and soon was farming one thousand acres, investing all his capital in that line. In the spring of 1888 he purchased the farm on which he now resides, in section 6, township 135, range 56, and changed his method of farming somewhat. He invested in cattle, and is now breeding the Galloway strain. His farm is well improved, and admirably adapted to general farming, and he is making a success of his work. Our subject was married, in 1878, to Miss Mina Hopkins, a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar are the parents of five children, named as follows: Danie, Marion, Mabel, Merton and Ella. Mr. Dunbar is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically, he is a Populist and Prohibitionist, and stands firm in his convictions. He has attended numerous county conventions, but does not take an active part in political affairs nor seek public favor, preferring to serve his community by other methods. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Janice Louie] OLE ERICKSON. This gentleman is a representative citizen of Ransom county, and is a resident of section 18, in Moore township. He is widely known and highly respected, and his life affords an example worthy the emulations of others. He started in life without capital outside of his physical and mental abilities and the good habits he had formed, and is today one of the solid men of his community. He went to Dakota as a pioneer settler, and his labors for the first few years were discouraging in their results, but persistent efforts and careful management surmounted every difficulty, and he has attained a comfortable competence and a valuable property. Our subject was born in Norway, November 3, 1855, and soon after attaining his majority came to America. He worked in Fillmore county, Minnesota, until 1881, when on May 12 he arrived at Valley City, and then went to his present location. He had about two hundred dollars in money, and he erected a sod shanty, wherein he lived alone for several years. He is now the owner of one and a half sections of land, and devotes the farm to stock and wheat raising. He crops about seven hundred acres of land, and winters about one hundred head of stock, and he is at present the most extensive farmer of Moore township. He has improved his estate and has a convenient and neat residence, and a 44x46-foot barn for the shelter of his stock. Our subject was married, in 1887, to Miss Mary Knudson. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Erickson as follows: Carl, Ole, Andrew and Criste. Mr. Erickson is a member of the Lutheran church. He is non-partisan in politics, and is a man who keeps pace with the times in all current events. He has gained an enviable reputation by his good sense, and quiet manner of conducting his affairs, and cannot be spoken of too highly in connection with his life labors. He has always been ready for any task which came to his lot, and no labor ever tired him or danger turned him from his way, when he saw the desired results. He persistently went forward to conquer every difficulty which beset his path, and he is now one of the prosperous and substantial men of Moore township. A portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Erickson appears on another page. [History Biography of North Dakota. Transcribed by Sally Masteller] EBERHARDT O. FAUSETT. Among the better class of agriculturists, whose fine estates evidence good management and enterprise, this gentleman stands in a high rank. He resides in section 30, of Liberty township, Ransom county, and is surrounded by every comfort of a rural home. He is the owner of one section of land, and has acquired his property by the exercise of honest industry and strict economy. Our subject was born in Norway December 16, 1848, and was the eldest of nine children born to Ole and Olive (Hanson) Fausett at Jatrud, both of whom are now living in Iowa. The family came to America in 1866, settling in Mitchell county, Iowa, and in 1872 our subject began in the hardware business in Lyle, Minnesota, and continued till the spring of 1881, when his business failed, and he saved but sixty dollars. He then went to Ransom county, North Dakota, and worked one year at Fargo at carpenter work, and in the spring of 1882 went to his farm to reside. Sickness visited his family, and he worked at carpenter work for another year, and also got fifty acres of land broke, and the second year from the proceeds of his crop purchased a team of horses for $400. He has since purchased three quarter-sections of land. His residence, 38x38 feet with a fine stone cellar, is well finished and is valued at about $1,500. It is the finest dwelling in Liberty township, and was built by our subject. His barn is fifty-six feet square, and furnishes abundant shelter for stock and projects. He keeps Durham and Hereford cattle, and makes a specialty of butter making. Our subject was married in 1872, to Miss Rande Hagen, who died in 1874, leaving two children, Olaf and Rosina, now Mrs. Mr. Johnson, of North Dakota. Mr. Fausett married Miss Oline Goldburg in 1875. Three children were born to this union, as follows: Anna, deceased; Nora and Edwin, deceased. Mr. Fausett is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a communicant of the Lutheran church. He is active in public matters, and has served as township clerk, and assisted in the organization of the school and civil townships. Politically he is a populist, and an earnest worker for his party principles. He was a delegate to the national convention at Omaha in 1892, and served on the platform committee, and was one of the organizers of the first Farmers’ Alliance of Ransom county, and is a man whose influence is felt throughout that locality. A portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Fausett appears on another page. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Maggie Saggio] MURDO A. FINLAYSON is recognized as one of the leading ranchmen and general farmers of Ransom county, North Dakota. He is a man of excellent education and business ability, and has made a success of his labors in Dakota. He resides on section 2 in Sydna township, and he and Mrs. Finlayson together own eight hundred acres of land, which is excellent grazing land, and they derive a handsome income from the stock kept thereon. Our subject was born in the parish of Contin, county of Ross, Scotland, May 12, 1854, and is a descendant of the old Highland-Scotch clan Finlayson. He received a high-school education in his native land, after which he began work in the local freight department of the highland Railway, at Muir-by-Ord, Scotland, as a bookkeeper and cashier. After four years of this work he worked four years as cashier and bookkeeper for the Ord distillery Company at Muir, of Ord, and gained a fine business training. He emigrated to Quebec in May, 1882, and proceeded from thence to St. Louis, Missouri, and after a short stay there went to Fargo, North Dakota. He worked in the harvest fields during the fall of that year, and then worked a few months for the N. P. Elevator Company, and this was followed by eight years’ work as bookkeeper and assistant general agent for the Deering Company at Fargo. He took land in Ransom county in 1887, on which his wife resided two years, while he forked in Fargo. He devoted himself to the improvement of his farm interests in 1890, and began the cultivation of his land and the raising of stock. He had purchases fifteen sheep in 1888, and now has a flock of four hundred. He also has a herd of about fifty cattle, and annually crops from five to seven hundred acres of his land. Our subject was married, in 1888, to Miss Jane Ross, a native also of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Finlayson, of whom a portrait is shown on another page, have adopted son, named James R. Mr. Finlayson is a member of the Presbyterian church, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Modern Woodmen of America. He takes an active interest in affairs of a public nature, and has served as township clerk two years and director of the school board three years. He occupies a prominent position and is highly esteemed. Source: COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY. Transcribed by Carol Eppright. HORACE S. GATES, a prosperous and enterprising farmer and dairyman, residing on section 34 of township 134, range 55, is one of the earliest settlers of Ransom county, and has gained his prominent position by dint of honest industry. He has gained a comfortable competence, and soon will retire from active labors to spend his declining years in quiet, a fitting reward for a life well spent. He has engaged in farming in Ransom county many years, and is now contemplating renting his estate. Our subject was born in Windham county, Vermont, September 15, 1833, and is of English descent. He was the only son and eldest child in a family of three children born to Arad and Louisa (Eames) Gates. He was reared on a farm and assisted with the labor, and at the age of twenty-one went with his father to Nicollett county. Minnesota. At that early day there were but two white families in the township, and the Indians were numerous. They later settled in Redwood county, and soon despaired of getting a start there, and then loaded their effects into wagons, and located on the Dakota land. Our subject was one of the first residents in the township, and one of the earliest pioneers of Ransom county. His first adobe in Dakota was 16 x 20 feet and was dug on the bank of the Sheyenne River, with logs built above. The roof was of poles, with a thick covering of clay, and the ground was the only floor. This was the home of our subject and wife for two years, and although a humble abode they were furnished with plenty of food, trapping and hunting bringing in an abundance of game to their board. He had about fifteen head of stock when he started in Dakota, and devoted himself to general farming. He became a patron of a creamery in 1887, and the following year began the operation of a home dairy, with success, proving the feasibility of the dairy business in Dakota. He now has about twenty-five cows, and devotes his attention to the dairy business mostly. His arrangements are simple and inexpensive, and a separator run by hand or horse-power is the only machinery in connection with the dairy. He sells most of the butter to private customers in Lisbon, and the surplus he ships to Duluth, his sales averaging about twenty cents per pound, the year around. On account of failing health and his advanced age he is completing arrangements to rent the farm, and will probably make his home in Lisbon. His son is now interested with him in the work, and together they own four hundred and eighty acres of valley land, altogether a fine estate. They have raised horses quite extensively on the farm. Mr. Gates was married, in 1858, to Miss Olive Dean, a native of Vermont. Seven children has been born to them, as follows: George, engaged in farming in Ransom county; Alice, now Mrs. Dye; Jesse D., farming with our subject; Hattie, now Mrs. Daniels, of Montana; Abbie, now Mrs. A. L. Murray; Cora, now Mrs. M. E. Murray; and Mabel, who was born in Dakota Territory. In political faith Mr. Gates is a Republican. Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Gates will be pleased to find their portrait in connection with this sketch. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Syndi Phillips] JOSEPH GOODMAN, proprietor of “The Pioneer Store,” of Sheldon, is a business man of practical nature and a capacity for well-directed labor. He has made a success in Dakota, and is now one of the substantial men of Ransom county. His store is one of the best in the locality, and carries a complete stock of general merchandise valued at ten to twelve thousand dollars. Mr. Goodman was born in Stark county, Ohio, March 1, 1854. He removed to South Bend, Indiana, with his parents in 1859, and there remained until twenty years of age and engaged in farming. He went to Fargo, Dakota, in 1879, and worked for his brother, and in 1881 erected a store on the old survey of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and the firm of Goodman & Green continued business there until October of that year, when the survey was changed, passing about three miles north of their location. Our subject then removed his business to Sheldon, and was one of the first two mercantile businesses in the town. His patronage has steadily increased, and he now enjoys an extensive trade. Our subject was married, in 1882, to Miss Jennie Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Goodman are the parents of three children, as follows: Marion, Harriet and James. Mr. Goodman is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Ancient Order of United Workmen and Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He is interested in the general welfare of his community, and has served as a member of the town board. Politically, he is non-partisan, casting his vote for the candidate which in his opinion will best serve his people. He is a man who keeps abreast of the times in all matters of a public nature, and is a citizen of true worth and held in the highest esteem. [History Biography of North Dakota. Transcribed by Sally Masteller] PETER P. GOODMAN, a well-to-do and enterprising farmer of Shenford township, Ransom county, is a man of much force of character and business ability. For many years he was one of the leading business men of Fargo, and since retiring from a commercial life has purchased an extensive farm and operates twelve hundred acres of land. He makes his home in the village of Anselm, and is one of the pioneers of that locality. A portrait of Mr. Goodman appears on another page. Our subject was born in Star county, Ohio, June 29, 1846, and was the eldest son and fifth in order of birth in a family of ten children, born to Theobald and Catherine (Gulling) Goodman. The father came to this country from France in 1823 and engaged in farming in Ohio, where he cleared a farm, and was one of the earliest settlers of that state. At the age of twenty years our subject left his home, in 1866, and joined his brother-in-law, who was stationed on the Red river of the North at Georgetown, as agent of the Hudson Bay Company. The following fall our subject took a contract from the Hudson Bay Company to cut cord wood on the banks of the Red river, and in 1868 began flat-boating between Fort Abercrombie and Winnipeg, and his life during those days was full of adventures. He later went to Fargo, in 1871, when the Northern Pacific Railroad was built to Moorehead, and in Fargo he worked in a restaurant owned by J. B. Chapin. He had invested in land along the Red river, and in 1875 disposed of the same and engaged with W. A. Yerxa in the general merchandise business. They were successful, and were known as the most extensive business men of the city. Our subject disposed of his interest in 1882 and invested in from three to four thousand acres of land in Ransom county. He soon had sixteen hundred acres under cultivation, and now conducts farming on an extensive scale. He entered claim to land in Cass county in November, 1868, and was the earliest settler of that county. Our subject was married in 1877 to Miss Jannet Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Goodman have been the parents of five children, as follows: Emeretta, deceased; Mary J.; Frank, deceased; John, and Ruth. Mr. Goodman is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. [History Biography of North Dakota. Transcribed by Rhonda Hill MARION GRANGE, who is well known as a prosperous general merchant of Sheldon, North Dakota, has passed through varied experiences and is a man of thorough knowledge of men and the world and profits by his business experiences. He has been associated with the financial interests of Sheldon for many years and occupies a prominent position in the minds of his associates. Our subject was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, October 24, 1846. His parents, Claude and Christophine (Sebuette) Grange, were natives of France and came to America prior to their marriage, which occurred in New York. They were the parents of eleven children, four of whom were older than our subject and his twin sister. Until fourteen years of age our subject remained at home and assisted on his father’s farm and then entered Notre Dame University, in Indiana, remaining there two years. He then worked for others about one year and drifted back to his Ohio home and in September, 1864, enlisted in the Twenty-sixth Ohio Light Artillery. He was on garrison duty at Natchez and Vicksburg during the greater part of his service, which lasted nine and a half months. He began farming in St. Joseph county, Indiana, in the fall of 1867, and in 1882 went to Dakota. He invested in a farm southeast of Sheldon and purchased the junior member’s half-interest in the general store owned by Goodman & Greene. After about five years he entered the employ of A. B. Rudd, in the general merchandise business and remained with him one year, then purchased a stock of goods in company with A. D. Walter, which business they conducted about two years, when our subject sold his interest and in July, 1898, purchased the building and general merchandise business of C. F. Schroeder and is now well established in a brick building 25x80 feet in measurement. He now enjoys an extensive patronage and steadily increases the stock. Our subject was married, in 1873, to Miss Christina Goodman, who later died, leaving no children. Mr. Grange married Miss Mary Stoltz in 1886. Three children have been born of this union, as follows: Ina F., Leo and Louise, who died in infancy. Mr. Grange is a communicant of the Catholic church. He is well known in secret society circles and is a charter member of the Knights of the Maccabees and Brotherhood of American Yeomen and also holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He was postmaster of Sheldon under both of Cleveland’s administrations and was an efficient officer. In political faith he is a Democrat. [History Biography of North Dakota. Transcribed by Sally Masteller] WILLIAM F. GRANGE, county treasurer of Ransom county, throughout his career in North Dakota has been one of the most prominent public men in the locality in which he has lived. His counsels and executive ability have been utilized to the benefit of his county and state, and he well merits his enviable reputation. Our subject was born in St. Joseph county, Indiana, December 26, 1862, and was the eldest in a family of three children born to Phelix and Elizabeth (Goodman) Grange. His grandparents were of French birth and his parents were natives of America. When seventeen years of age our subject left his father’s farm to enter the University of Notre Dame, and completed the commercial and classical courses in that institution. He engaged in farm work one year, and after attaining his majority went to Dakota in the fall of 1883, and entered a general store at Sheldon, Ransom county, as bookkeeper and clerk. He was elected superintendent of schools in 1866, and removed to the county seat, serving three terms in that capacity, until 1892. He then invested in general merchandise in Lisbon, and disposed of his business in the fall of 1893 and again made his home in Sheldon, where he followed bookkeeping. He was elected county treasurer of Ransom county in the fall of 1898. Our subject was married, in 1891, to Miss Addie T. Taylor. Mr. and Mrs. Grange are the parents of three sons, named as follows: Myron, Mark and Marshall. Mr. Grange is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a communicant of the Catholic church, and in political faith is a Democrat. Throughout his business career Mr. Grange has been remarkably successful, and is a man of careful, systematic habits, and is of a conservative turn of mind, and all matters with which he is connected are materially benefited when the management thereof is left to his care. [History Biography of North Dakota. Transcribed by Rhonda Hill HANS P. GRINAGER, clerk of courts of Ransom county, is a man of capability and true citizenship. He has been associated with the public interests of Ransom county for the past fifteen years and in every in stance has proven his loyalty and is held in highest esteem by his fellows. He is one of the well-known residents of Lisbon, North Dakota. Our subject was born in Gran, Hadeland, about fifty miles north of Christiania, Norway, June 30, 1844, and was the eldest in a family of thirteen children. He completed his education at an agricultural school in his native land and subsequently attended the high school in the city of Hamar, Norway, and assisted his father for some years in the pursuit of farming and the lumber business and lived two years at Gjovik, clerking in a saw-mill. In 1880, at the age of thirty-six years, he came to the United States, as did also his parents and several brothers and one sister. An uncle and two of the brothers of our subject were living in Minnesota at the time. After one year spent in Minnesota near where his brother resided, our subject went to Iowa and in 1883 went to Lisbon, subsequently pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in Sargent county, North Dakota, later going to Lisbon, Ransom county, where he worked in the Lisbon lumber yards. He became clerk in the county treasurer’s office about 1884, and was there about four years, and in 1888 he was elected treasurer of Ransom county. After the expiration of his term he purchased wheat for two seasons and then served two years as deputy auditor. He was elected clerk of courts on the fusion ticket in 1896 and is now serving his second term in that capacity. Our subject was married in 1876 to Miss Ingeborg A. Haug. Mr. and Mrs. Grinager are the parents of nine children, as follows: Peter, Martha, Lars, Adolph, Lizzie, Inga, Henry, Alma, and Edwin, who died at the age of one year. Mr. Grinager is a member of the Lutheran church, and a member of the I. O. O. F.. He is one of the men in whose coming to America all who honor honest and faithful service can rejoice. [History Biography of North Dakota. Transcribed by Rhonda Hill ALBERT HAUGE, a prosperous grain buyer and stock
raiser, residing in Sandown, Ransom county, is one of the well-known
young men of his locality. He is an early settler of North Dakota, and
his career there has been for the advancement of the agricultural
interests of that region. He is the owner of one half section of land,
on which he conducts stock raising. C. O.
HECKLE, (Lisbon), of the fourteenth
legislative district, was born in Winnesheck county, Iowa. November 8,
1865, and is a graduate of the Highland Park Law School, Des Moines,
Ia. Came to North Dakota, July 9. 1886. He has held no political
position previous to his election to his present position in 1912. He
is unmarried. Has been engaged in the practice of his profession,
attorney at law, for the past fifteen years. GUSTAF C. HOFOS, a leading farmer of Bear Creek township, Ransom county, is the owner of three hundred and seventy-five acres of prairie land, on which he conducts general farming. He has made a comfortable home, by earnest and persistent effort, and is well known in his community for his industrious habits and practical ideas. His home is located on section 33, his original homestead farm, and he is enabled to enjoy the comforts which he well merits. Our subject was born in Solor, near Kongs Vinger, Norway, September 27, 1848, and was the tenth in a family of twelve children born to Ole and Inger (Noer) Hofos. When about seventeen years of age he was apprenticed to learn the cabinetmakers' trade. After attaining his majority he came to America and worked at his trade in Decorah, Iowa, nine years. He went to Fargo, Dakota, in the fall of 1880, and after working at his trade there three years took a homestead farm, and the following year went with his family to reside thereon. He has added to his possessions by purchase, and his estate is one of the well-improved farms of Bear Creek township. Our subject was married, in 1881, to Miss Christie Myhre. Mr. and Mrs. Hofos are the parents of the following children : Inga ; Oscar ; Carl, deceased : Charlotte ; Gertie ; Ovidie, deceased ; Ida ; Gilbert ; Grace and Otto. Mr. and Mrs. Hofos have adopted one son, Carl Myhre. Mr. Hofos is a member of the Lutheran church. He has been called upon to serve his township as school director, and has been township clerk since the organization of the township. Politically he is a Populist, and stands stanchly for the principles of his party. He is a man of enlightened views, and keeps pace with current events and advocates reform movements. He is now a member of the Populist county central committee, and has attended as a delegate numerous county and state conventions. He is deservedly held in high esteem by his associates, and labors earnestly for the better interests of his community. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Susan Ripley] CHARLES J. O. JACOBSON, an intelligent and enterprising general merchant of Preston, Ransom County, enjoys prosperity, mainly through the exercise of good management and honest dealings. He is the present postmaster of Preston, and is efficient in the service. Our subject was born in Lillehammer, Norway, February 5, 1856, and was the oldest son and second in order of birth in a family of eight children born to Carl J. and Anna (Olson) Jacobson. His father was a goldsmith by trade and passed his days in his native land. Our subject was educated in the high schools of Norway, and learned both German and English in connection with his own language. He was employed in clerking in his native country, and in 1880 came to America on a visit, intending to return after a short stay. He went to Minnesota and there accepted a position in a store at Alexandria, and about 1887 went to Valley City, where he was employed in a store. He formed a partnership with Mr. Lovelace in 1891, at Fort Ransom, and in 1894 disposed of his share of the business, and located his present store. He carries a complete stock of general merchandise, which, when invoiced last winter, amounted to $4,000. He enjoys his share of the patronage, and has extended his possessions by earnest labors. Our subject was married, in 1883, to Miss Eva Olsen, a native of Rushford, Fillmore County, Minnesota, who was born January 1, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson are the parents of five children, as follows: Annie, Mary, Edwin, Rush, and Chester. Mr. Jacobson has served as school treasurer, and taken an active part in educational matters, continually urging more competent instruction and longer terms of school. He is progressive, and public-spirited, and is deservedly held in the highest esteem by his fellows. Politically he is a Republican. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Laurel Durham]
JAMES
H.
JOHNSON,
M. D. The profession to which this gentleman belongs
is well represented in Ransom county and a prominent position among the
members is accorded Mr. Johnson. He has been a practitioner in North
Dakota for the past fifteen years and is widely known as a skilled
physician and surgeon. He is established in Lisbon and is also surgeon
of the Soldiers’ Home. WILLIAM
M.
JONES, county auditor of Ransom county, is one of the early
settlers of North Dakota. He has passed through the experiences of
pioneer life, and has surmounted the difficulties which beset the early
settler, and is among the prosperous men of that region. He has engaged
in various business enterprises, and is a gentleman of much ability and
practical labor. GILBERT
LA
DU.
register
of
deeds of Ransom county, is one of the early settlers of
North Dakota. He has been interested in various business enterprises
and is a gentleman of marked business ability and well qualified for
the important commission which he is at present filling. He is well
known as a worthy citizen and faithful officer. WARREN H. LAMB, sheriff of Ransom county, residing in Lisbon, is a man who has attained a comfortable competence and an enviable position among his fellowmen by the exercise of those traits of character which came to him from thrifty and enterprising ancestors. He began his career with no financial aid and is now one of the substantial men of his community. He has been a resident of Ransom county for many years and is the owner of a fine estate of three hundred and twenty acres. Our subject was born in Winneshiek county, Iowa, September 18, 1857, and was the eldest in a family of three children born to LaFayette and Zylpha (Ellison) Lamb. His father was a soldier of the Civil war and died in camp. The Lamb family is of Scotch descent, and dates in America prior to the Revolutionary war, by the coming to this country of three brothers from Scotland. The grandfather of our subject, Judge Lamb, resided in Cattaraugus county, New York. After the death of our subject’s father the family was wholly dependent on the support of the mother, and our subject at the early age of eight years began aiding in their support by herding cattle, at which work he was engaged until about twelve years of age, when the mother remarried and our subject was given some educational advantages. From his boyhood he made his way in the world and finally adopted farm work. He went to Cass county, North Dakota, and worked one year, meanwhile locating land near Fort Ransom, in Ransom county. He had no stock and little means and built a sod shanty and cared for stock during the winter of 1883-1884, and the following spring secured an ox-team and began the improvement of his farm. He now has a well-improved estate of three hundred and twenty acres and raises horses, sheep and hogs. His residence is a comfortable and commodious one and every convenience of farming is supplied. Mr. Lamb was elected sheriff of Ransom county in 1896, and re-elected in 1898, when he removed his family to Lisbon and invested in a comfortable home in the city. Our subject was married, in 1878, to Miss Mary E. Keckle, a native of Iowa. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lamb, as follows: Grace, Anna and Delnor. Mr. Lamb is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America. Politically, he is a Republican, and is a delegate to the numerous county and state conventions. He is an efficient officer, loyal to his duty and honored throughout the county regardless of party affiliations. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Kim Mohler] LOUIS LINDSTRUM. In the south central part of Ransom County the foreign-born citizens have formed an extensive settlement and a leading place among them for thrift and honest endeavors is accorded the subject of this review. He is a representative citizen and has labored for the interests of his community, meanwhile laying a foundation for his own prosperity and good name. His farm is one of the pleasant estates of that region and is in section three of township 133, range 55. Our subject was born in Sweden, July 18, 1867, and was the elder of two sons born to Nels and Hannah (Jacobson) Lindstrum. When sixteen years of age he came to the United States and worked at ditching in Illinois. He went to Dakota in 1883 and worked near Milbank, in what is now South Dakota, and in 1893 purchased land and began farming for himself. His land has produced abundantly and he has met with marked success in the pursuit of farming. He owns a comfortable home and is provided with the usual comforts of rural life. Our subject was married, November 19, 1893, to Miss Emma Sivertson, a native of Minnesota of Norwegian descent. Mr. and Mrs. Lindstrum are the parents of one son, upon whom they have bestowed the name of Neal. In political faith, Mr. Lindstrum is a Republican and stands firm for his convictions. He has attended as a delegate numerous county conventions and is an earnest worker for his party. He is public-spirited and progressive and is a young man whose future in Dakota is already assured. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Lindstrum are shown on another page. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Laurel Durham] HON. EMIT S. LOVELACE, who enjoys an extensive business as a general merchant of Fort Ransom, Ransom county, is one of the pioneer business men of that locality. He started with but limited means, and is now the proprietor of a well-equipped establishment, and also owns two hundred and forty acres of land on which his store building stands. Mr. Lovelace was born in Clark county, Illinois, June 30, 1849, and was the third in a family of eleven children born to Captain Reason L. and Anna M. (Hadden) Lovelace. The father was of English descent and the mother of Scotch-Irish extraction, both descendants of Colonial families. Our subject was reared to farm labor, and when about eighteen years of age removed to Stearns county, Minnesota, where he engaged in farming. He remained with his father until he was twenty-six years of age, the last two of the time being spent at cabinet work. He then went to Black Hills and prospected for gold there, and spent four years in Montana and Idaho, and then engaged in business in Minnesota, and in the spring of 1881 went to Valley City, Dakota, from where he walked down the Sheyenne river valley to his present location. He had three hundred dollars in money, and formed a partnership with H. Parsons, and they located a small general store in a 14x16 building on our subject’s pre-emption claim, about one-half mile east of the present location of his store. In 1875 he had driven cattle across the plains and had then camped at Fort Ransom, where he found pleasant camping grounds and excellent spring water, and on his return to the spot a mill was in course of erection, which decided him in choosing the place for permanent settlement and investment. The store was started with a capital of five hundred dollars, and after a few months our subject became sole proprietor. The store was small, but it was at first thirty-five miles from a railroad station, three years later was reduced to seventeen miles, and was the trading point for the whole country round, and has steadily increased in patronage to the present time. He is extensively interested in valuable mining property in Oregon and Washington. Our subject was married, in 1894, to Miss Betsy Peterson. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lovelace, as follows: Florence E.; Philip J., deceased; and Nora. Mr. Lovelace is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically he is a Republican, and was elected by his party as a state representative in 1896. This was one of the hardest fought political battles of Ransom county, but our subject was favored to the extent of carrying his own township, a strong Populist locality. He is an efficient worker for the advancement of his community, and is highly esteemed by those among whom he has resided for so many years. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Kim Mohler HON.
HARRY S. OLIVER, postmaster of Lisbon, Ransom county, is a
gentleman of excellent characteristics and one in whom all who honor
true citizenship can find a ready friend. He has labored faithfully for
the better interests of the state and his community. He has been called
upon by his fellow citizens to occupy various important official
positions, and in every instance has proven his efficiency and has
administered the duties of his various offices with rare fidelity and
increasing popularity. He is owner of a fine estate about twelve miles
from Lisbon, and makes his home in the city, placing a tenant on the
farm. ISAAC J. OLIVER. The
mature years of
this gentleman have been devoted
almost exclusively to the calling of a farmer and he has acquired a
valuable knowledge of this occupation in performing the duties and
labors incident to the management of one of the fine estates of
Springer township, Ransom county. His career previous to engaging in
the pursuit of agriculture was an eventful one, and the quiet of his
rural life on a Dakota valley farm is valued because of its comforts
and enjoyments. His home is on section 17, of township 135, range 57,
and his farm consists of one half-section of valley and prairie land. PETER O. PETERSON, a prosperous and highly esteemed agriculturist of Casey township, Ransom county, has acquired an extensive knowledge of his calling and his success is due alone to his own efforts. He has a home of more than usual comforts on section 10 and is truly a self-made man. Our subject was born near Christiania, Norway, January 10, 1850, and was the oldest son and second child born to Ole and Gunda (Olson) Peterson. At the age of twenty years he came to America and located in Mitchell county, Iowa, where he worked at farm labor and on the railroad. He rented land in 1873, on which he farmed until 1877. He then began stave making, at which trade he had worked from his boyhood. He went to Moore county, Minnesota, and in August, 1888, went to Dakota and worked out, securing land in 1890. When he entered the state he owed fifteen dollars, had no clothes or effects aside from those he wore, and had a large family dependent on him for support. He was a successful grain raiser and although discouragements came he met them with persistent efforts and now enjoys a comfortable competence. He erected a two-story residence in 1898 and has otherwise improved the property, making it a fit habitation. Our subject was married, in 1874, to Miss Carrie Culbertson. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have been the parents of thirteen children, as follows: Charles; Martin, deceased; Olaf; George; Martin; Clarence; Norman; Clara, deceased; Mabel; Annie; Eleanor; Lloyd and Arthur. Mr. Peterson is a member of the Lutheran Church and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically, he is a Republican and has served as delegate to numerous county conventions. He is a man of practical nature and earnest efforts and well merits his standing in his community. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Janice Louie] EDWARD PIERCE. This gentleman, of whom a portrait will be found on another page, has acquired by the exercise of his abilities alone a business standing and professional reputation attained by few. He is a prominent attorney of Sheldon, and President of the State Bank of Sheldon, and the Enderlin State Bank, and is well known throughout Ransom and adjoining counties as a young man of exceptional business tact and broad mind. Mr. Pierce was born in Huron county, Ontario, Canada, July 6, 1863, and was a son of Patrick and Mary (Cronan) Pierce, both of whom were natives of Ireland. They were laboring people and reared a family of eight children, of whom our subject was the eldest, and of necessity he was early thrown upon his own resources. The family moved to Marquette county, Michigan, when he was but two years of age, where the father worked in the mines, and when our subject reached the age of twelve years they located in Glyndon, Minnesota, where he began work with a construction gang on the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba, now the Great Northern Railroad, and he followed that work four years, so that his boyhood was spent without opportunity to acquire an education. He was injured during the summer of 1880, and while recovering obtained light work in a general store in Buffalo, and later in Jenksville, Dakota. He assisted in platting the town of Sheldon in 1881, and soon afterward began the study of law in the office of S. N. Sanford, at Sheldon. He was admitted to the bar in 1888, and immediately established himself in his profession, in which he has met with unbounded success. He organized the State Bank of Sheldon in 1890, and was vice-president of the institution one year, when he became its president. He purchased the town site of Enderlin in 1892, and in company with the Soo Railroad established that flourishing little city. The Enderlin State Bank was established in 1892, and Mr. Pierce became president of the same, and still retains that position, and is the principal owner of the bank. In 1899 he organized the Ransom County Immigration Association, and in less than one year succeeded in bringing over two hundred well-to-do farmers into the state from southern Minnesota and Iowa, locating them on lands in Ransom, Sargent and southern Cass and Barnes counties. Our subject is well known in the fraternal world, and holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, Modern Woodmen of America, Knights of the Maccabees and the Elks. He is a member and prominent supporter of the Catholic church. In political sentiment he is a Republican, takes an active interest in and is well known in the councils of the Republican party of the state, although he has never been a candidate for nor held aught but honorary official positions. [Source: History Biography of North Dakota. Transcribed by Susan Ripley] HON. ANDREW SANDAGER is one of the most extensive business men of Lisbon, Ransom county, and is widely known as a progressive and public-spirited citizen. He has aided materially in the upbuilding of the city, and its present name as a beautiful residence and business place is due largely to his labors and influence. Mr. Sandager is president of the State Bank of Lisbon, senior partner of the general merchandise firm of Sandager & Hangan, and is also connected with the Enterprise Milling Company. He was born in Winneshiek county, Iowa, August 31, 1862, and
was the
fourth in a family of eight children, born to Endre P. and Ragnil
(Hanse) Sandager, both of whom were natives of Norway. His mother
is
still living and resides on the old homestead in Iowa, where the family
settled in 1850. CHARLES S. SHANK, residing on section 17, in Sydna township, Ransom county, was the first settler of that township, and has witnessed the growth and development of that region, passing through the pioneer experiences, and gaining a comfortable competence for himself. He has a well-improved estate, and his labors have been earnest and honest and have given him an enviable reputation throughout that locality. Our subject was born in Wabasha county, Minnesota, March 25, 1860, and was the second child and only living son of Peter and Mary (Loyes) Shank, both of whom were natives of Germany. When he was about sixteen years of age he began clerking in a general store in Wabasha, and after attaining his majority took his savings which amounted to about seven hundred dollars, and went to Dakota, intending to invest in farm lands, and thereby engage in open air occupations. He filed a claim to land in section 8, in April, 1881, as a homestead, and thereon erected the first building of the township, a 12x12 foot shanty, built of lumber, which he hauled from Fargo, sixty miles distant, his nearest trading point during the first summer. He lived alone in his shanty seven years, and experienced pioneer life. The first season he broke twenty-three acres with an ox team, and also broke land for others at prices ranging from four to five dollars per acre. He removed to his present location in section 17. in 1897, and on his home farm has erected a comfortable residence, and otherwise improved the place with barns, well and wind-mill attachment, completing a home of more than usual comfort. Our subject was married, in 1887, to Miss Eliza Montgomery. Mr. and Mrs. Shank are the parents of seven children, as follows: Louise, Clara, George, Allen and Alice, twins; Lilian and Marjorie. Mr. Shank is prominent in public affairs, and in 1890 was elected county commissioner for the fifth district. He has been a member of the township board since the organization of the township, and is the present chairman of that body. Politically he is a Republican, and has served his party as a member of the county central committee. He is a man who keeps abreast of the times and is strong in his convictions. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Janice Louie] HERMAN
G.
SHIRLEY,
register
of
deeds of Ransom county, is one of the most popular and
efficient public officers of the county. He is a young man of much
business capacity, and is interested in an extensive drug business in
Enderlin, Ransom county, and is one of the substantial men of that
region. He has gained his possessions and good name through his push
and energy, having taken up his residence in Dakota without means and
but little business experience. He makes his home in Lisbon, and is
well known throughout the county.
THEODORE
P.
SLATTUM, who enjoys the distinction of being the most
extensive farmer and land owner in the Sheyenne valley, Preston
Township, Ransom County, has accumulated his fortune by honest industry
and skillful management. His home is in section 30, township 136, range
57, and is one of comfort, and although a quaint log house serves as
his dwelling it shelters hospitality and brotherly kindness. Mr.
Slattum owns about one thousand acres of land and it is a praiseworthy
fact that he has never placed a mortgage on any of his possessions,
having steadily gone forward to fortune and prosperity.
JAMES
H.
SUMMERS, who is gaining a good support by tilling the soil of
township 134, range 56, in Ransom county, and incidentally laying aside
a competence for future years, is a representative citizen of his
community. He has gained his possessions unaided and it is to his
industry and honesty that his success is due. He makes his home on
section 22, and is surrounded by all the comforts of country life. JOHN L. TANNER has been identified with the business and farming interests of Ransom county since its early settlement and is a man of ability and energetic effort. He makes his home on section 30, in Sydna township, and is proprietor of a fine estate on which he conducts general farming and the raising of draft and driving horses. He also engages in carpenter work and many of the buildings of that locality are his work. Our subject was born in Porter county, Indiana, February 3, 1861, and was the third in a family of four children born to Norman B. and Sophonia (Draper) Tanner. His father was of Scotch descent. Our subject was reared on a farm and when eighteen years old took a special course in the preparatory department of the Valparaiso (Indiana) Normal. He went to Wadena county, Minnesota, when he attained his majority and worked in the lumber woods and in 1882 went to Red river valley, Minnesota. He went to Milnor, Sargent county, North Dakota, in March , 1883, and purchased wheat during the fall, after which he entered the employ of N. Linton, dealer in lumber and general merchandise and was connected with him until 1884, and then engaged with Mr. Thompson in the implement business. This venture proved unsuccessful and our subject worked for J. Riddle, lumber dealer, who sold his business in 1884 to Rose Brothers, continuing with them as foreman until 1885. The firm sold out to J. J. Howe & Company, with whom he continued as foreman until 1892. He then went to reside on his farm, located four miles northwest of Milnor, since which time he has met with success in that pursuit. John L. Tanner was married, in 1885, to Miss Sydna A. Lanningan, a native of Wisconsin, who went with her parents to North Dakota in 1882, Mr. and Mrs. Tanner are the parents of five children, as follows: Cora, Charles, deceased, Olive, Frances and Mabel. Mr. Tanner is prominent in local affairs and assisted in the organization of Sydna township, which was named for Mrs. Tanner. In 1896 Mr. Tanner was elected county commissioner for the fifth district and he has served his township as clerk. In political faith he is a Republican and twice served one the Republican county central committee. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Janice Louie] WILLLIAM TRUAIBULL, who is well known as one of the most extensive farmers of township 133, range 57, is an early settler of that locality, and was for many years connected with the business interests of Lisbon, Ransom county. He makes his home on section 10, and aside from grain raising is interested largely in stock raising. He is a man of careful management, and possessed of business ability, which, when supplemented By the strictest honesty, brings abundant reward. Our subject was born in Juneau county, Wisconsin, Alay 22, 1856, and was the fifth in a family of nine children, born to William and Anna (Browne) Trumbull, both of whom were natives of Ireland. When eighteen years of age he went to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and worked at farm labor and well digging. He went to Cass county, Dakota, in the spring of 1880, and dealt in horses for some time, and in 1882 located butcher shops in Lisbon, and also dealt in stock. He was one of the early day business men of that place, and aided in its upbuilding. He secured land in 1882, and he and his brother did an extensive business in farming, well digging, and dealing in horses and cattle. Fie located on his farm to reside in 1895, and is now the fortunate possessor of four hundred and eighty acres of land, and crops about eleven hundred acres annually. He has a flock of three hundred sheep, which proves profitable, and intends following stock raising more extensively. His farm is well supplied with water, and range is plentiful, and the farm is admirably adapted to that line of agriculture. Our subject was married, in 1895, to Miss Addie Lebo. Mr. and Mrs. Trumbull are the parents of one daughter, upon whom they have bestowed the name of Ruth. Mr. Trumbull is one of the prominent men of his community, and has served in various important commissions. He takes an active interest in the welfare of his locality, and is now serving his third term as county commissioner for the third district. Politically he is a Republican, and has served as a member of the Republican county central committee, and has attended as delegate numerous county and state conventions. He holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Modern Woodmen of America. O. B. OLSON. Probably no man has been more intimately associated with the business interests of Buxton and surrounding country than the gentleman whose name heads our present article. He is conducting the farming implement business, and also the livery business and Buxton House hotel. He is a man of ability and has prospered in North Dakota and is well known throughout Traill county. Our subject was born in Waseca county, Minnesota, July 6, 1856. His parents had emigrated to the pioneer home in Minnesota and had not erected a dwelling when he was born in the emigrant wagon. He was the oldest of a family of eight children born to Berguff and Julia (Anderson) Olson, and his father now lives on the homestead farm. Our subject was reared on the farm and remained there until after attaining his majority, when he began work with a grading crew and later was engaged as a brakeman on the M. & St. L. Railroad. He followed that work one year and then began dealing in horses, and in April, 1881, went to Dakota. He arrived at Hillsboro without resources, and secured a position as the first foreman of the Gould farm, which he held two years. He removed to Buxton in the fall of 1882, where he handled the collection business about two years and then established the implement business which he still conducts. He purchased the livery barn and Buxton hotel in 1888, and has prospered in every enterprise which he has undertaken. Our subject was married in 1881 to Miss Betsey Rogn, a native of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are the parents of five children, as follows: Josephine, Beatrice, Berto, Oscar and Ada. Mr. Olson was appointed constable of Buxton soon after his arrival in the village, and in 1884 he was appointed deputy sheriff and served as such about nine years. He served as sergeant-at-arms at Bismarck in 1897, and is well known in public affairs. He is a Republican in political sentiment, and has served on the county central committee, and is a well known figure of the North Dakota Sporting Club and manager of the Buxton base ball team, and is an authority on athletics, having been given a thorough training in that line when a young man. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Susan Ripley] PETER O. VIE, whose career has been devoted to the pursuit of agriculture, in which he has been eminently successful, is one of the earliest settlers of Moore township, Ransom county. He is the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land, and cultivates annually about three hundred acres, and is also engaged in stock raising, wintering about thirty head of cattle, and raising hogs quite extensively for that locality. Mr. Vie was born near Hammer, Norway, June 25, 1839, and was the only son and third child in a family of four children born to Ole P. and True Enaason. He was reared on a farm and assisted with the farm work, and after the death of his father took charge of the home farm. He disposed of his interests in Norway, in 1867, and with his wife and children came to America and settled in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he secured work on the railroad, which he followed most of the time until he located in Dakota, in the spring of 1881. He then had a cow, a few household effects and about one hundred dollars in money, and he built a small frame house, 14x16 feet, sodded on the outside, and made a permanent residence on section 34, in Moore township. He worked for others the first summer and hired ten acres of breaking done on his farm, and the following season secured a yoke of oxen and put in a small crop and broke more land , also working some for others. He added improvements to the place as circumstances would permit, and is now the owner of a fine estate, and enjoys a comfortable income. Our subject was married, in 1863, to Miss Mary Vie. Mrs. Vie was an able helpmeet to her husband in the pioneer days, and after assisting in bringing about the easy circumstances which the family now enjoys, she was called to her last rest, in 1897. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Vie, as follows: Ole; Tina; John; Martin, deceased; Christ; Oscar, deceased; Oscar; Paul and Arthur. Mr. Vie takes an active interest in public affairs in his township, and is present township treasurer. He is well known as a gentleman of true worth, and commands the respect and esteem of his fellow men. Politically he is a Republican. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Janice Louie] ORVILL E. VOSBURG belongs to that class of intelligent and enterprising farmers who have attained a high position among the people. He has pursued farming in Ransom county for many years and amid pioneer experiences and the discouragements which beset the early settlers of a country had steadily gained a place as a well-to-do and worthy citizen. He resides on section 24, in township 134, range 55, and has gathered about him the comforts of life. His farm comprises one half-section of land, on which he has placed good improvements and made such arrangements as tend to the economical conduct of the same. Our subject was born in Wayne county, New York, June 15, 1857, and was a son of Charles and Charity (Earles) Vosburg. He is of German descent, his grandparents hailing from Germany. Our subject went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1879 and upon his arrival there he had but twenty-five cents in his possession. He worked at Woodside about one month and then spent nine months in working in Pine county and in June, 1881, went to Dakota and entered claim to land on which he erected a 12x14 board house and where he lived along until 1884. He has a well-improved farm, with good buildings and a well fitted with a windmill and attends personally to the work of the place. He has six cows, of the Durham breed, and the income from the dairy products is no small share of the income of the place. Our subject was married, in 1884, to Miss Lizzie Howell. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Vosburg, named as follows: William, Clara, Ruby, Adelia, John, Charles and Charlotte, deceased. Mr. Vosburg is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Modern Woodmen of America. In political faith he is a Republican and is a leader of his party in Ransom county. He has served four years as county central committeeman and has also attended various conventions in the county as a delegate. His labors for the advancement of his community have been given freely and he is respected and esteemed wherever he is known. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Kim Mohler TYLER
J.
WALKER, general merchant and proprietor of the Fort Ransom
Roller Mills, resides in one of the most pleasant spots in Fort Ransom.
He is a pioneer of that region, and his efforts have been rewarded by
the acquisition of a fine property and an extensive business. His home
is one of social comfort and every appointment bespeaks the refinement
and culture of its occupants. WALTER L. WILLIAMSON, one of the most extensive real estate dealers in Ransom County, is a resident of Lisbon, North Dakota, where he has resided for many years. He is well known as pioneer of North Dakota, and enjoys an enviable reputation as a worthy citizen, and able business man. A portrait of Mr. Williamson will be found on another page. Our subject was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, April 3, 1859, and was the eldest in a family of six children, born to Dr. Walter M. and Mary P. (Raymond) Williamson. His mother is now living in Philadelphia. The family in America dates to 1682, when Daniel Williamson settled in what is now Newton Square, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, twelve miles from the center of Philadelphia. The family became well known in the state of Pennsylvania, and Daniel Williamson was a member of the Pennsylvania assembly from 1687 to 1 72 1. Various ones of the family fought in the Revolutionary war, and John Williamson was lieutenant in Anthony Wayne's regiment. From the time our subject was about two years of age he spent his life in Philadelphia, and his education was completed at the Episcopal Academy. He entered a wholesale dry goods house at the age of fifteen years, and then spent three years as traveling salesman. He went to Brown's Valley, Minnesota, in 1882, and from there drove to Lake Kandiotta, in what is now Sargent County, North Dakota, under the guidance of a half-breed Indian. After remaining a short time he returned to Minnesota, and in 1884 again went to Dakota, and was engaged in a general merchandise business in Milnor, and later became connected with the real estate business of the Bank of Sargent County at Milnor. He moved to Lisbon, Ransom County, in 1892, and for four years was manager of the real estate and insurance business of F. P. Allen, and later established his present business. He now handles real estate in the counties of Sargent, La Aloure, Cass, Richland and Ransom, and also does a mortgage and loan business. Our subject was married, in 1889, to Miss M. Ethleen Knuppenburg, a native of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Williamson is one of the pioneer educational women of the state, and was engaged in teaching in Richland County about twelve years. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson have been the parents of three children, as follows: Walter K., deceased; Mary E., Francis V. Mr. Williamson is a gentleman of the best characteristics, and does very effective service in the up building of the educational interests of the community in which he makes his home. History Biography of North Dakota. Transcribed by Laurel Durham JAMES O. WOLD, an enterprising member of the farming community of Ransom county, has devoted the greater part of his life to agriculture, in the pursuit of which he has been very fortunate. He is proprietor of a fine farm in Liberty township, his homestead being located there in section 8. Our subject was born near Bergen, Norway, March 25, 1842, and was the second in a family of eight children born to Ole J. and Maria (Johnsen) Wold. The mother now lives in Minnesota and our subject is now the oldest of her living children. He worked in his native country by the year until he became of age, and then crossed the ocean to America, locating in Dane county, Wisconsin, where his cousin resided. Later he went to Winneshiek county, Iowa, and there passed his first winter in America, attending the public school and soon acquired a good English education. He purchased a farm in Moore county, Minnesota, and there resided until the spring of 1882, when he disposed of his interests and went to North Dakota. He spent one month in Cass county, and then located on the farm which he now owns, filing a homestead claim to the land. He had seven head of cattle and three horses, but was without means, and for the necessaries he and his sons worked out by the day. He is careful in the conduct of his farm and by the best of management has acquired a well improved property, consisting of one half-section of land. His barn, 46x50 feet, furnishes shelter for his stock and products and a good well, with windmill attached, supplies an abundance of good water. Our subject was married, in 1863, to Miss Orine Andersen. Mr. and Mrs. Wold have been the parents of eight children, as follows: Andrew, now married and living in Eddy county; Ole, at home; Maria, now Mrs. K. Syverson, living in Eddy county; John, farming in Eddy county; Albert; Annie, deceased; Christian and James. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Wold appear on another page. Mr. Wold is a member of the Lutheran church. He occupies a prominent position as a citizen and takes an active interest in local affairs. Politically he is a Republican and a usual delegate to county conventions of his party and a recognized leader. [Source: Compendium of History and Biography of North Dakota, Publ. 1900. Transcribed by Kim Mohler
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