Biographies

North Dakota History and People
S. J. Clarke Publishing Company Chicago, Ill. 1917

HERBERT FULLER CHAFFEE, of Amenia, Cass county, was a prominent factor in the development of that section and was interested in many enterprises that aided in the upbuilding of the whole state.

He was born in Sharon, Connecticut, on the 20th of November 1865. His parents were Eben Whitney and Amanda (Fuller) Chaffee. On the paternal side the family has had many distinguished members in every period of American history—among those to attain fame being General Adna R. Chaffee, U. S. A., and Senator Jerome Chaffee, of Colorado. The family came to this country in 1635, when they settled in New England near the Plymouth colony. His mother was a daughter of Cyrus Fuller, and traces her ancestry to the Fullers of Mayflower fame, an immediate ancestor being captain of a regiment in the Revolutionary days. Before the Revolution, Mr. Chaffee’s family settled in Sharon, Connecticut, and the old home is still in the possession of his family.

Mr. Chaffee received his early education in the common schools of Sharon, a seminary in Amenia, New York, and later attended Williston Seminary, a scientific school at Easthampton, Massachusetts, graduating in 1885. Before completing his education, he made several trips to North Dakota, the first being in 1881, and upon his graduation took an active part in the business that had been established some years before by eastern capital, in which his father, the late Eben Whitney Chaffee, was largely interested, and a few years later, in 1893, all the remaining eastern investors in The Amenia & Sharon Land Company sold their interests to the young man, who from that time was the president and general manager of the company and owner of a large proportion of its holdings. Through his sound scientific and business judgment he established a farm business that is unique and stands today as a memorial of his faith in the future of his adopted state and his unswerving fidelity to high ideals.  His large interests both in The A. & S. Land Company and elsewhere are being held intact by his family through the incorporation of all their holdings in The H. F. Chaffee Company.

In 1887 Mr. Chaffee was united in marriage to Miss Carrie C. Toogood, of Manchester, Iowa, and they became the parents of six children, five of whom are living—Eben Whitney, Dorothy Chaffee Stroud, Herbert Laurance, Florence Adele and Lester Fuller.  Mr. Chaffee supported the republican party at the polls and always took a good citizen’s interest in affairs of the government that were for advancement along right lines, although he was not an office seeker. He affiliated with the Congregational church, as did the other members of the family, and its teachings guided his life.  He and his wife were returning from an European trip on the ill-fated Titanic, and although Mrs. Chaffee was saved, Mr. Chaffee lost his life, showing even in his death the generous spirit of self-sacrifice, and his demise was a serious loss to his community and his state, which he had served so well for years. The effects of his farsighted and public-spirited labor are still felt and his memory is held in honor by all who were closely associated with him.

HANS CHRISTIANSON, who is residing on his excellent farm on section 6, Stanley township, Cass county, formerly devoted much of his time to carpentering but for a number of years has concentrated his energies upon agricultural pursuits. He was born in Norway, February 12, 1848, a son of Christian Christianson, who passed away in Norway.

Hans Christianson was reared under the parental roof and attended the public schools of his native land, although his educational opportunities were somewhat limited. In 1870, when about twenty-two years of age, he crossed the Atlantic to America and, making his way westward, located in Duluth, Minnesota. His first work in this country was chopping wood, but later he followed the carpenter’s trade, which he had learned in Norway. After remaining in Duluth for three years he went to Calumet, Michigan, where he worked for about two and a half years, after which he returned to Duluth. He spent the winter there, but in the spring of 1876 came to North Dakota and homesteaded his present farm in Stanley township, Cass county. Although he continued to reside upon his farm, for nine years he followed his trade, walking every week, during good weather, from his home to Fargo, a distance of eight miles. Later he turned his attention largely to farming, but at intervals worked at his trade. He now owns three hundred and twenty acres of excellent land and derives a good income from the sale of his crops. He also owns stock in the Farmers Elevator at Horace. He is now one of the substantial men of his county but when he came to the United States he had no money and had to stop at Chicago on his way to Duluth and work for two months in order to get enough money to pay his fare to the latter city. Not only was he without capital but he could not speak a word of English, which seriously handicaped him in his efforts to gain a start. However, he overcame all difficulties and obstacles and his determination and energy have been rewarded.

Mr. Christianson was married in 1871 to Miss Ella Haakenson. a native of Norway, who came to the United States the year of her marriage. They have had eight children, of whom seven are still living, namely: Harry, a resident of Horace, North Dakota; Emil and Albert, both of whom are living in Fargo; Caspar, a railroad man, residing in Minnesota; Eddie, at home; Hannah, who married Theodore Halverson, of Horace; and Emma, the wife of Christ Holt, who is engaged in railroading in Minnesota.

Mr. Christianson casts his ballot in support of the candidate’s and measures of the republican party and takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs. For several years he has been a member of the board of township trustees and he has also served on the school board, proving capable and conscientious in the discharge of his official duties. For four decades he has resided in this state and during that period has been an interested witness of and a factor in its remarkable development from a pioneer region to a prosperous and highly civilized commonwealth.

ISAAC P. CLAPP is one of the best known and most esteemed citizens of Fargo, where he has lived since pioneer times. His attention is now largely given to his extensive real estate holdings, for with the passing years he has made judicious investments in farm lands and other property and at all times has displayed keen discrimination and sound judgment.  He was born in Dutchess county, New York, on the 4th of March 1839, a son of Peter B.  and Sarah E. (Pells) Clapp, who were also natives of Dutchess county, where they spent their entire lives, remaining always in one township, where the father followed the occupation of farming.

Isaac P. Clapp acquired a district school education and made his way to the west in early manhood, attracted by the fact that he had an uncle living in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with whom he made his home for a time. Subsequently he became owner of two plantations in central Texas and operated one of them for thirty-five years, raising cotton. On the 30th of October 1880, he arrived in North Dakota, settling in Fargo, where in company with Miller W. McCraw he opened the Cass County Bank, the third bank of the city. For four years he was identified with that institution and then, owing to the fact that his partner was an invalid, they closed out the bank and Mr. Clapp turned his attention to the real estate business and to farming, becoming an extensive owner of farm lands in North Dakota.  At one time be owned between three and four thousand acres, but has sold much of this in recent years, he still gives his attention, however, to the management of his agricultural interests, which are yet extensive and return to him a gratifying annual income.

On the 7th of June 1882, Mr. Clapp was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Sleight, of Kenosha, Wisconsin. They have one son, Edwin G., who was educated in the University of Minnesota and is now assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Fargo.

Mr. Clapp is a republican in politics, but has never been an aspirant for public preferment. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, belonging to Shiloh Lodge, No. 1, A. F. & A. M.; Keystone Chapter, No. 5. R. A. M.: Fargo Council, No. 1, R. & S. M.; Auburn Commandery. No.  2, K. T.: Dakota Consistory, No. I, A. & A. S. R; and El Zagal Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S.  About 1900 the thirty-third degree was conferred upon him an honor given only in recognition of splendid service rendered to the organization. For twelve years he was the treasurer of the blue lodge, the chapter, the consistory, the Shrine and the Club and has been a member of the board of trustees of the Temple since its building. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal church, to the support of which he has been a generous contributor. He belongs also to the Fargo Commercial Club and is interested in all of its well formulated plans for the improvement of the city and the extension of its trade connections.  He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to North Dakota, for in the business conditions which met him here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has worked his way steadily upward, becoming in the course of years one of the prosperous residents of Cass county. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as his success has been won entirely through persistent, earnest effort guided by the spirit of enterprise and of business integrity.

T. F CLAPP is one of the enterprising merchants of Grandin, concentrating his efforts upon the development of his business which has now reached substantial proportions. He was born in Ohio, on the 14th day of March 1857, and is a son of Maurice and Laura (Greeley) Clapp, the latter a niece of Horace Greeley. Both the father and mother were natives of Ohio and there continued their residence throughout their entire lives. They had a family of three children, one of whom has now passed away.

T. F. Clapp was reared and educated in Ohio, spending his youthful days in the home of his parents, and after attaining his majority started out in on his own account. He spent three years as a farmer in s native state, after which he sought the opportunities of the rapidly growing and developing northwest, coming to North Dakota in 1882. He took up his abode in Cass county, locating on a farm in section 30, Kenyon township, which he purchased. He then bent every energy to the further development and improvement of the property and there lived for twenty-one years, his labors producing excellent results, as is seen in the highly cultivated fields and the substantial buildings which he added to his place.  He still owns that farm and from it derives a gratifying annual income, although at the present time he makes his home in Grandin, where he is engaged in merchandising. On his removal to the town he opened a confectionery store, which he conducted for two years and at the end of that period he turned his attention to the hardware trade. Still later he extended the scope of his activities by adding a line of groceries and has been in this business continually ever since, dealing in both hardware and groceries, his store contains a good line of both hardware and groceries and his honorable business methods and earnest desire to please commend him to the confidence and support of the public.

On the 18th of September 1878, Mr. Clapp was married to Miss Cora A. Payne, who was born in Ohio, and is a daughter of Charles and Angeline (Strong) Payne, both of whom were natives of the Buckeye state and there both passed away. Mrs. Clapp is one of a family of three children, all of whom survive.

In his political opinions Mr. Clapp is an earnest republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party, although he is not active as an office seeker. He has served, however, as town supervisor and has been a member of the school board. He belongs to Yeoman Lodge, No. 290, in which he has filled some of the chairs. He does all in his power to further the moral progress and development of the community in which he makes his home and has guided his life according to high ethical standards. His career is characterized by integrity and honor, winning for him the high regard of his fellowmen.

ANDREW H. CLEMENSON, who is successfully engaged in farming on section 35, Warren township, Cass county, is one of the excellent citizens of North Dakota, who claim Norway as their native land, he was born on the 18th of September, 1858. and is a son of Henry and Bertha (Arves) Clemenson, who in 1870 emigrated with their family to the United States, settling in Faribault, Minnesota, where the father followed his trade, that of shoe-making, until June 1871, when the family came to the Red River valley in North Dakota, being among the first to settle in that region. He located on section 30, Stanley township, Cass county, on land which he entered as a homestead claim as soon as the homestead law went into effect. At that time eighty acres was the most which could be taken up as a homestead but he subsequently filed on a quarter section as a preemption and a number of years later bought another quarter section, becoming the owner of four hundred acres in all.  The first home of the family in this state was a log cabin, which was covered with a sod roof, and there were the usual hardships of pioneer life to he endured, but as the years passed conditions improved and land constantly increased in value. The father died on the 11th of November, 1901, but the mother is still living and makes her home with the subject of this review.

Andrew H. Clemenson attended the common schools of Norway until he accompanied his parents on their removal to this country at the age of twelve years and he continued his education in the public schools of Minnesota and North Dakota. He aided his father in the arduous task of developing a farm from the wild prairie and in so doing gained much valuable knowledge of agricultural methods. In 1883 he purchased eighty acres of land, upon which he has since resided and upon which he has made many excellent improvements. For a number of years he cultivated rented land in addition to his own farm and for the past three years he has divided his attention between the operation of his farm and the operation of the pumping station south of the Northern Pacific Railroad at Horace, which is located within a short distance of his home.

In 1879 occurred the marriage of Mr. Clemenson and Miss Mattie Olson, also a native of Norway, who came to this country in the spring prior to her marriage. To them have been born eleven children, eight of whom are still living, namely; Martha, the wife of William Qualley, a farmer of Manitoba, Canada; Olga, who married Harry Christenson, of Horace, North Dakota; Betsy, the wife of August Halverson, a railroad man living in Gantz, Minnesota; Bertha, at home: Samuel, who is engaged in farming; Mary, who is teaching in Belfield, North Dakota: Oscar, an employee of the Northern Pacific Railroad; and Arthur, at home.

Mr. Clemenson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and for twelve years served as road overseer and for twenty-one years as a member of the school board, his long retention in those offices being evidence of the ability which he displayed in the discharge of his duties. He belongs to the Jungman Lodge and has many friends both within and without that organization as he is thoroughly reliable in all the relations of life and as his personal qualities are agreeable.

Gilbert H. Clemenson, who owns an excellent farm on section 30, Stanley township, Cass county, has resided in that county since pioneer times and has not only witnessed, but has been a factor in the development of the district. His birth occurred in Norway on the 26th of May, 1868, but when he was a little more than a year old he was brought by his parents, Henry and Bertha (Arves) Clemenson. to the United States, the family home being established in Faribault, Minnesota. The father, who was a shoemaker, followed his trade there for one year, but in 1870 made his way to Cass county, North Dakota, and located on land now comprised in our subject’s farm, he took it up on a squatter’s right, but in 1873, after the homestead law went into effect, filed on it as a homestead. Almost immediately after his arrival in Cass county he erected a log cabin, carrying the logs on his shoulder from the timber where they were cut to the cabin site. In 1871 his family joined him in this state and he continued to reside on his farm until his demise in 1904. While living in Norway he served in the army for fifteen or twenty years. His wife is still living and resides with her son Andrew.

Gilbert H. Clemenson received his education in the pioneer schools of Cass county and as like everything else in the state, the school system was in the early stages of development, his education was necessarily limited. Through assisting his father in transforming the wild prairie into a cultivated and well improved farm he not only learned much concerning agricultural methods, but also gained valuable training in industry and in the determination that surmounts all obstacles. In 1891 he began farming for himself, buying one hundred and sixty acres on time from Addison Leech. During the following three years, however, the crops throughout his part of the state were failures and as he was unable to make the payments on his land he sold his tract and for the next three years rented the home farm. In 1890 he purchased that place, which comprises two hundred and forty-three acres and which is one of the most valuable farms of the county. He keeps everything in excellent condition and as he uses up-to-date methods and employs modern machinery in his work, his labors are rewarded by excellent crops which seldom fail to bring a high price upon the market.  He also owns stock in the Farmers elevator at Horace and is one of the substantial men of his township.

In 1891 Mr. Clemenson was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Hermanson, a native of Sweden, and they have become the parents of twelve children, seven of whom survive, as follows: Adolph; Robert, who married Ella Johnson; Mabel, the wife of Alfred Johnson, who is a brother of Ella Johnson and is farming in Stanley township; Agnes; Lillian; Hedweg; and Florence, All of the children save Mabel are at home.  The family belong to the Norwegian Lutheran church and conform their lives to its teachings. Mr. Clemenson is a republican in politics, but has been too busy with his private interests to take an active part in public affairs. He is widely known throughout the county and his personal characteristics are such that his circle of friends is practically coextensive with his circle of acquaintances.

C. S. COLLINS, residing on section 15, Hunter township, Cass county, has been actively engaged in farming in this state for the past thirty-two years and is now the owner of six hundred and forty acres of valuable land. His birth occurred in New York on the 2d day of August, 1860, his parents being Stowell and Louisa (Wilcox) Collins, who are also natives of the Empire state. In 1873 they removed to Chisago County, Minnesota, locating in the town of Sunrise, where they still reside at the ages of eight-five and eighty-two years respectively. By trade the father is a blacksmith.

C. S. Collins attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education but as early as his fifteenth year became a wage earner, entering the employ of Samuel McClure, a lumberman. He worked for him in the woods and remained with this employer for about fifteen years in various capacities, superintending a North Dakota farm for him through a period of twelve years. It. was in May, 1883, that he came to this state, continuing with Mr. McClure until 1890. In that year, in association with lng Moen, he purchased a section of land from his employer and this he cultivated in partnership for two years, on the expiration of which period he sold his interest to Mr. Moen. He now owns six hundred and forty acres of land which he bought at different times, his first purchase being made in 1885, and embracing one hundred and sixty acres. Gratifying success has attended his undertakings as an agriculturist and he is widely recognized as one of the prosperous and leading citizens of his community. He is a stockholder and vice president of the farmers & Merchants Bank of Hunter and a stockholder in the First National Bank of Hunter and the Farmers Elevator Company of Hunter.

Mr. Collins has been twice married. In 1887 he wedded Miss Rosa Russell, of Hunter, North Dakota, who passed away in 1902, leaving the following children: Stowell, engaged in farming in Gunkle township, Cass county, this state: Lloyd, the cashier of the Farmers & Merchants Bank of Hunter; and Charles, Dellis and Gladys, at home. In July, 1905, Mr.  Collins was again married, his second union being with Miss Percie Jackson, of Northfield, Minnesota. To them have been born three children, namely: Edwin, Nathan and Louise.

In politics Mr. Collins is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party, he is a member of the township board of trustees, in which he has served for many years, while for about twenty years he has been a member of the school board, the cause of education ever finding in him a stanch champion. Fraternally he is identified with the following organizations: Hunter Lodge, No. 62. A. F. & A. M.: Casselton Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M.; Auvergne Commandery, No. 1, K. T.; El Zagal Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S.; Hunter Lodge, No. 25. Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and Hunter Lodge, No. 42, Knights of Pythias. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the Presbyterian church. His has been an active, useful and honorable life crowned not only by success but by the goodwill, confidence and high regard of his fellowmen, who have at all times found him trustworthy, laboring for the interests of the community, placing patriotism before partisanship and never sacrificing loyalty in citizenship to personal ends.

GEORGE R. COOK In every community and in every phase of activity there are  few men who stand out as leaders and by general consent George R. Cook is one of the foremost business men of Gardner and of Cass county, he owns a large general store, is president of the Gardner State Bank and also holds title to valuable real estate, his birth occurred in Portage, Wisconsin, on the 18th of January, 1855, and he is a son of Samuel and Mary (Williams) Cook, both natives of England. They were reared in that country and there their marriage occurred, but in 1815 they emigrated to the United States and settled in Portage, Wisconsin. Although the father was a wagon maker by trade, after his removal to this country he devoted his attention mainly to farming. In 1862 he removed with his family to the vicinity of Rochester, Minnesota, where he lived until his demise in December 1914, at the venerable age of ninety-four years and six months. His wife is still living and has also reached a notable old age, as she is now in her ninetieth year.

George R. Cook grew to manhood under the parental roof and received his education in the district schools of Minnesota. In 1880, the year following his marriage, he came to what is now the state of North Dakota and took up a homestead in Wiser township, Cass county, on which he resided for twelve years. In December 1892, he removed to Gardner, where he had conducted a butcher shop for some time previously, killing his meat on the farm and marketing it in Gardner. Later he entered the drug business and sometime afterward, recognizing an excellent business opportunity, he added a stock of general merchandise and has since conducted a general More. In 1909 his building was destroyed by fire, but in the following year he rebuilt and his store is not only one of the largest, but also one of the most up-to-date and completely equipped one in Gardner township.  In 1908 he organized the State Bank of Gardner, of which he has continuously served as president, and the gratifying growth of the business of the institution has been in a large measure due to his ability and to the care which he has given to the conduct of the bank.  In addition to the important interests which have already been mentioned he owns the townsite of Gardner, comprising eighty acres; Six hundred and forty acres of excellent farm land in Gardner township; and a section of land in eastern Colorado. It is needless to say that he is a man of independent means and an important factor in the business and commercial life of his county.

Mr. Cook was married in Minnesota in 1879 to Miss Evelyn Mitchell, and to them were born seven children, six of whom survive: Claude John, who owns the garage and blacksmith shop in Gardner: Erma Ann the wife of John A. McDonald, of Wheatland, Wyoming; Roy Gould, who is an owner of Porterfield & Company, an incorporated drug company of Fargo; Maidie Blanch, the wife of Karl L. Hjort, an attorney of Hillsboro, this state; Glenn Mitchell who is manager of his father’s store and is also serving as post-master of Gardner and who married Miss Beulah Buckholtz; and Tedd William, at home.  Mr. Cook is a stalwart republican and is the present efficient clerk of the town board.  For seventeen years he was postmaster of Gardner and in all of his official capacities he has manifested the same good judgment and enterprise which have characterized him in the conduct of his private business affairs. His wife is a member of the Congregational church, which Mr. Cook attends and to the support of which he contributes generously. In attaining success he has scrupulously lived up to high standards of commercial ethics, and his integrity and probity have gained him the sincere respect of all who have come in contact with him.

TAYLOR CRUM, an attorney of Fargo, was born November 6, 1852, at West Candor, Tioga county, New York. As the name indicates, the family is of German extraction on the paternal side. The name has been spelled variously Crum, Krum, and Krom by different branches of the family. His father, McDonough Crum, was an infant in arms at the time of the battle between Commodore Downie, the British officer, and Commodore McDonough, the American commander, who met in a naval engagement on Lake Champlain in 1814. His mother, with the child in her arms, witnessed the battle from the shore and named her boy McDonough Crum after the victorious Commodore McDonough. As the years passed on McDonough Crum became a prosperous farmer of New York. He married Harriet McGowan, who was of Irish lineage.

In the common schools of his native state Taylor Crum began his education, which he continued in the Owego (N. Y.) Academy and in the State Normal School at Oswego, New York, from which he was graduated with the class of 1873, his diploma authorizing him to teach any school in the state of New York during his lifetime. He became principal of a graded school at Campbell, New York, for one year and afterward spent three years in the University of Rochester. In December 1881, he came to North Dakota, then the territory of Dakota, and for two years was principal of the schools of Fargo. In the meantime he took up the study of law, was admitted to the bar and has since followed that profession in this city. His constantly developing powers have brought to him an increased clientage and his legal business is now extensive and of an important character. In a word, his practice is large and lucrative and in addition he has at times been called upon for public service that has brought into marked play his ability as a lawyer.

At Campbell, New York, in August 1876, Mr. Crum was united in marriage to Miss Helen Bixby, a daughter of Simon Bixby, contractor and builder. To them were born three children, as follows: Dr. Solon Crum, a practicing dentist of Fargo, North Dakota, who is married and has a daughter; Paul, an attorney at law located at East Scobey, Montana, who is married and has two sons and two daughters; and Leon, an engraver residing at Zion City, Illinois, who is married and has two daughters and a son. Taylor Crum lost his first wife in 1886 and in October 1908, at Fargo, North Dakota, was again married, his second union being with Miss Eva G. FitzGerald, a daughter of Jacob FitzGerald, who served as treasurer of Schuyler county, New York, and held other positions of trust.

The religious faith of Taylor Crum is that of the Presbyterian church. He was a charter member and officer of the Ancient Order of United Workmen for many years but withdrew from the organization several years ago. He belongs to the Fargo Commercial club and is in hearty sympathy with its many projects for the upbuilding of the district and the extension of its trade relations. In politics he was formerly a democrat but of late years has maintained an independent course. He has never been a candidate for any public office but once, on which occasion he was nominated for state senator in the Fargo district but was defeated by a small majority by the late John E. Haggart. He was active in politics during territorial days and during the period of early statehood, being at that time identified with the democratic party. He served as secretary of the Cass county committee and also as a delegate to county and state conventions. He also stumped the state for the party during several campaigns but of late years has taken no active interest in any political organizations, voting for men whom he considers capable regardless of their identification with any political organization. He has been considered by many as one of the most effective political orators in the state and he is regarded as a particularly strong and able lawyer, especially when he appears before juries. He bears the reputation of being one of the best all-around lawyers in North Dakota and he is well known professionally throughout the state of North Dakota and through eastern Minnesota, where he has had a large number of clients. He is referred to by many as the poor man’s lawyer, never having been known to turn away a client because of his poverty. During his political activity he was in great demand as a stump and an after dinner speaker at all banquets. He never asked for a political nomination and the one time he ran for office he was selected to lead a forlorn hope in a district which at that time had never elected a democrat to any office. Notwithstanding that state of affairs he polled the largest number of votes ever cast for a democrat in the Fargo district up to that date. He resided at No. 111 Eighth street North, in Fargo for many years, but when his homestead there was demanded as a part of the site of the new post office he purchased another home at the corner of Tenth street and Third avenue, North, where he and his wife now reside. His fellow townsmen speak of him in terms of high regard, mentioning his worth as a citizen and his ability as a lawyer, and it is the consensus of opinion on the part of one’s fellowmen that establishes his position.

WILLIAM CULLEN, who owns six hundred and forty acres of fine land in Normanna township, Cass county, is now devoting his attention exclusively to farm work, but for a number of years also engaged in blacksmithing. He was born in Canada on the 12th of November, 1860, a son of Robert and Margaret (Linton) Cullen, both of whom were natives of Scotland and in the ’40s emigrated to America, settling in Canada, where they passed the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of fourteen children, six of whom have now passed away.

William Cullen was reared and educated in the Dominion, but in the fall of 1880, when about twenty years of age, came to North Dakota. He worked at the blacksmith’s trade in Fargo until 1889 when he removed to his present, home farm on section 5, Normanna township, Cass county. He has erected fine buildings upon his place and otherwise made many improvements so that his farm is today attractive and well developed. Since taking up his residence there in 1889 he has lived upon his farm continuously save for three years which he spent in Fargo, he has invested in more land from time to time and now owns six hundred and forty acres, all of which is improved and from which he receives a hand-some income. For fourteen years he engaged in blacksmithing more or less, but is not now active in that line, he owns stock in the Farmers elevator at Warren and is recognized as an excellent business man.

On the 1st of April 1885, Mr. Cullen was united in marriage to Miss Mary Angedahl who was born in Norway and is a daughter of John and Carrie (Oleson) Angedahl. Her mother is deceased, but her father is now living in Davenport, North Dakota. Mr. and Mrs.  Cullen are the parents of a daughter, Minnie, who is a graduate of the local schools, and they have also reared as their son a boy by the name of Ernest Brown.  Mr. Cullen votes for the candidates of the republican party, but has never desired office as a reward for his loyalty, he and his family attend the Presbyterian church and can be counted upon to support all worthy causes.

HON. FRANK H. DICKINSON, formerly a member of the North Dakota legislature and an active representative of farming interests on section 10, Ayr township, Cass county, was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, December 12, 1858, a son of John W. and Cynthia Ann (Stiles) Dickinson, both of whom were natives of New York. They were married in Michigan and located on a farm four miles from Battle Creek, where they resided up to the time of Mr.  Dickinson’s death.

The usual experiences of the farm lad were those that came to Frank H. Dickinson in his boyhood and youth. He was educated in the district schools and at the Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. He taught for two winter terms in Michigan and in the spring of 1880 he arrived in North Dakota. During the first year of his residence in this state he was employed as a clerk in a mercantile establishment at Fargo. In 1881 he returned to Michigan for his bride and when he returned to North Dakota following his marriage he located in Tower City, where he began dealing in fruit. In 1883 he went to Ayr, becoming one of the founders of the town, which he named. There he engaged in the mercantile business and was the first postmaster of the town, holding the office for twenty years. He was also the first station agent of Ayr and occupied that position for five years. He operated the first grain elevator and he continued to engage in merchandising for twenty-one years. In the early ‘90s he organized and incorporated the Ayr Stores Company, one of the important mercantile enterprises of Cass county, but after effecting its organization he sold his interest and has since given his attention to the management and direction of his extensive land holdings, owning at one time an equity in twenty-six quarter sections of land. He has been one of the largest dealers in North Dakota farm lands, selling sixty-seven quarter sections in one season, which land was a part of the estate of ex-Governor Smith of Vermont. Mr. Dickinson has engaged in farming since 1886, cultivating from ten to fifteen hundred acres, and he now owns thirteen quarter sections or two thousand eighty acres. His possessions make him one of the large landowners of the state and his agricultural interests are conducted along the most progressive lines, embodying all the advanced methods of farming and the utilization of the latest improved machinery.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Dickinson chose Miss Ida V.  Chilson, of Battle Creek, Michigan, by whom he has three children, namely: Maud A., who is the wife of A. L. Bayley, a banker of Alice, North Dakota ; Vern C. deputy sheriff of Cass county, North Dakota; and Dean D., at home.

A republican in politics, for years Mr. Dickinson was an incumbent in various township offices.  He was the first township clerk after the organization of his township and in 1902 he was chosen to represent his district in the state legislature. On the expiration of his term he was re-nominated by acclamation in the republican convention and was elected and served for a second term. He gave careful consideration to each question which came up for settlement, studied closely the vital political problems of the day and his support of measures resulted from a belief in their efficacy as factors in the welfare of the commonwealth. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to the following branches: Hiram Lodge, No.  20, A. F. & A. M., of Page; Casselton Chapter, R. A. M.; Auburn Commandery, K. T., of Fargo; and El Zagal Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S., of Fargo. His wife belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star. Both are well known in Cass county and other parts of the state and Mr.  Dickinson is accorded a very prominent position in political and agricultural circles.

ASHER A. DIVINE is one of the well known and prominent stock raisers of Cass county, living on section 8, Mapleton township, where he has a valuable and highly improved farm of three hundred and twenty acres, on which he is making a specialty of the raising of Holstein cattle, Yorkshire hogs and Percheron horses. His farm is thoroughly equipped for this purpose and his business places him among the leaders in this line in the eastern part of the state. Mr. Divine is a native of Michigan, born October 26, 1856, his parents being Westbrook and Elizabeth E. (Rossa) Divine, both of whom were natives of New York.  In early life, however, they became residents of Michigan and were married in the latter state, where Mr. Divine took up the occupation of farming, following that pursuit in order to provide for his family, numbering a wife and five children, two of whom are now living.

Asher A. Divine spent the days of his youth in his native state and its public school system afforded him his educational privileges. He worked in the fields through the summer months and studied through the winter seasons and when his textbooks were put aside he concentrated his energies upon the labors of the fields, in 1879 he went to South Dakota and established a hotel at Doland, Spink county, where he remained for three years. On the expiration of that period he began farming in that state but in 1894 came to North Dakota, establishing his home in Cass county. For eight years he filled the important position of foreman on the Smith farm and later was for two years superintendent of the Blanchard farm, owned by J. L. Grandin. While thus engaged he carefully saved his earnings and at the end of that time purchased the farm on which he now resides, on section 3, Mapleton township, his farm comprises three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land, which he has improved with excellent buildings. He has two large silos upon the place, substantial barns and sheds and a pleasant and comfortable residence. He makes a specialty of raising stock. He has done much to improve the grade of stock raised in this section of the state and has thus advanced public prosperity.

Mr. Divine has been married twice. In 1880 he wedded Miss Sabrina Curtis and to them were born two sons: Glenn, who is married and lives in South Dakota; and Harry, now a partner of his father in the operation of the home farm. The wife and mother passed away in 1905, and in 1906 Mr. Divine married Mrs. Frances (Geary) Heapes a daughter of Colonel E. C. and Amelia (Wells) Geary, both of whom were natives of New York, where they remained until 1866 and then removed westward to Minnesota. In the ‘80s they came to North Dakota, settling at Fargo, where the father served as registrar and receiver of the land office and there made his home until his death, which occurred in 1913.  His widow still survives. In their family were six children, five of whom are living. By her former marriage Mrs. Divine had one son, Francis G. Heapes, a member of Company B, North Dakota National Guard, who accompanied his regiment to Mexico.

Mr. Divine is a prominent Mason, belonging to the lodge at Fargo, he has taken all the degrees of the York Rite, including that of Knight Templar, and has also become a member of the Mystic Shrine. He is likewise connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In his political views he is a republican and has served as a member of the school board and in some of the township offices. His wife belongs to the Eastern Star and in religious faith is a Christian Scientist. Both Mr. and Mrs. Divine have a wide acquaintance in Cass county and their salient traits of character are of such sterling worth that they enjoy the highest regard, confidence and goodwill of all with whom they have been associated. In business Mr. Divine has displayed untiring activity, keen sagacity and enterprise, and the careful management of his interests has brought him to a position among the most progressive agriculturists of Cass county.

WILLIAM BRUCE DOUGLAS, The specific and distinctive office of biography is not to give voice to a man’s modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave the perpetual record establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his fellowmen. Throughout Fargo and wherever known in North Dakota, Mr. Douglas was spoken of in terms of admiration and respect. His life was so thorough in its activity, so honorable in its purposes, so far-reaching and beneficial in its effects that it became an integral part of the history of the city of Fargo. In no sense a man in public life, he nevertheless exerted an immeasurable influence on the place of his residence because of his professional ability and his public spirit and when he passed away his death was the occasion of deep and wide spread regret.  Mr. Douglas was born at Lockport, New York, on the 29th of June 1849, the only child of Asa and Mary (Bruce) Douglas, who spent their entire lives in the Empire state. He was a lineal descendant of Robert Bruce, the noted Scottish chief, and was justly proud of his noble line of ancestry. He displayed many of the sterling traits which characterize the people of the land of hills and heather. He began his education in the common schools of New York and afterward became a student in Dartmouth College, from which in due course of time he was graduated. He began operations in the west, when in 1881 he made his way to Fargo and from that time until his demise he was one of its most prominent citizens, contributing in very large and substantial measure to the development and upbuilding of the city. He entered at once upon the active practice of law as well as upon real estate operations and he had large farming interests in Cass county and other parts of the state, he proved his faith in the future of Fargo by erecting twenty-one houses on what is now known as Douglas Terrace. This was a large tract of land adjoining the city which he platted as one of the sub-divisions of Fargo. Into still another field he extended his labors, organizing the Northwestern Mutual Savings and Loan Association, of which he remained the attorney until his death.

In 1878 Mr. Douglas was united in marriage to Miss Flora R. Newhall, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Daniel and Malissa (Tenny) Newhall, who were natives of Massachusetts and Vermont respectively. In early life they removed to the middle west, settling in Wisconsin, where their remaining days were passed. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas became parents of one child, a daughter Maie Bruce, who was born March 9, 1879, and in January, 1903 became the wife of Dr. J. H. Rindlaub, by whom she has three sons, Bruce Douglas, John Douglas and Newhall Douglas.

It was on the 30th of January, 1913 that William Bruce Douglas was called to his final rest, after which his remains were interred in Riverside cemetery. There was a deep feeling of regret throughout the community when the news of his demise was circulated for he had become firmly entrenched in public regard. He was a prominent and well known Mason, retaining his membership in the York and Scottish Rite bodies in Lockport, New York, while of El Zagal Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Fargo he was a member. He also belonged to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he lived up to the teachings of both societies. He was a colonel in the New York State National Guard and held membership in the Sons of the American Revolution, being a lineal descendant of Captain William Douglas who fought in the battle of Bennington. The fraternal spirit was strong within him and he had great appreciation for the social amenities of life. Moreover, he was known as a farsighted, sagacious and enterprising business man and his activities were ever of a character that contributed to public progress and prosperity as well as to individual success. He came to Fargo in the early days of the city’s development and remained one of its valued and honored residents until his life’s labors were ended.

HON. H. F. EMERY, The purpose of life is to afford opportunity and the successful man is he who sees and utilizes that opportunity, directing his efforts along lines which achieve individual success and at the same time contribute to public welfare and progress. Such has been the record of Hon. H. F. Emery, the present mayor of Fargo and one of its foremost citizens, who in business connections is well known as the secretary of the Western Realty Company.  He has never been so busy with his own concerns, however, that he has had no time for public duties and there is none perhaps who understands more fully the obligations that rest upon the citizen or who more fully meets these obligations in public service.

Mr. Emery is a native of Bradford, Pennsylvania, born June 12, 1862, and is a son of Elam M. and Cynthia J. (Hammond) Emery, who were also born in the Keystone state. The father was a farmer by occupation but at the time of the Civil war put aside all personal interests and considerations and immediately after the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south joined the Union army. He died in a hospital during the service and was laid to rest between Richmond and Norfolk on the banks of the St. James river. His widow, with her family consisting of three sons and two daughters, came to Dakota territory in 1869, settling upon a farm in Clay county. Subsequently a removal was made to Turner, where they lived in the first house that was built in the town. Later Mrs. Emery used her soldier’s widow’s right in taking up a homestead.

Her son, H. F. Emery, has now been a witness of Dakota’s growth and development for forty-eight years. At the time of the family’s arrival, Sioux City, Iowa, was the nearest point reached by rail adjoining the territory on the southeast corner, and St. Paul was the nearest point reached by rail to the north. Pioneer conditions everywhere existed and the most farsighted could scarcely have dreamed of the wonderful changes soon to be wrought.  The first permanent schoolhouse was at Vermillion, where Mr. Emery lived, and it is known as the log schoolhouse of the territory of Dakota. In the period of his early manhood he assisted his mother and eighteen years ago removed to Fargo to engage in the hardware business, opening a business on First street, where for twelve years he conducted a large, growing and profitable trade. On the 1st of January 1910, at the advice of his physician he sold his store and took a much needed rest but this lasted for only four months, for at the end of that period Mayor Elliott appointed him city treasurer.  When the question of voting upon a commission form of government was adopted, Mr.  Emery took an active part in the discussion of the question and upon the adoption of the commission plan he was unanimously chosen as Fargo’s first mayor under this form of government and is now the chief executive of the city. He is carefully directing public interests after having thoroughly studied municipal needs and opportunities and in the exercise of his official prerogatives he has furthered many plans and measures for the public good.  In the meantime Mr. Emery has remained more or less active in business, dealing always to a greater or less extent in real estate since coming to Fargo. He is also a director of the Northwestern Savings & Loan association and is a member of the firm of Emery & Johnson, dealers in firearms and sporting goods.

In the year 1887 Mr. Emery was united in marriage to Miss Ida Kemp, of Mattoon, Illinois, and to them have been born a son and daughter. The former, Floyd H., is now a student in Fargo College, while Jennie Frances, after graduating from Fargo College with the class of 1913, took a special course in education and reading at Madison, Wisconsin. Both children are still at home with their parents.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Emery is a well known Mason, having taken the degrees of the consistory and of the Mystic Shrine. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is a member of the Commercial Club, cooperating heartily in those plans for the upbuilding of this city and the extension of its trade relations. He is also a trustee of the First Congregational church.

His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party but he recognizes that there is something higher than partisanship—American citizenship —and he never sacrifices the public welfare to party or the general good to personal aggrandizement. He has led a busy life, yet has found time to assist others and aid in the upbuilding of the great northwest. For several years he has been a trustee of the Young Men’s Christian Association of Fargo and for one year was its president. He was one of the incorporators of Fargo College and is serving on its board of trustees. In April 1915, he was appointed by Judge Pollock as one of the members of the new board to take over the property of the North Dakota Improvement Company and later was elected secretary of the company. During his residence of forty-eight years in the northwest he has seen a desolate and largely unpopulated territory transformed into two states—North and South Dakota and he believes that no part of the country affords better opportunity for rich and poor. As mayor he receives letters from all over the country asking about North Dakota and his answer is always this: “There is plenty of room and opportunity for the man who is willing to work.” He knows from experience that activity does not tire, that it hardens, gives resisting power, and the exercise of effort is keeping him alert. He has never allowed personal interest or ambition to dwarf his public spirit and his labors have found culmination in the development of his city and state.

JAMES FERGUSON, of Grandin. is one of the well known elevator men and grain dealers in his part of the state and is also a member of the firm of 0. L. Ferguson & Company, general merchants. He was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on the 10th of January 1851, a son of George and Ann (Hall) Ferguson, both natives of Ireland, where they were reared and married and whence in 1845 they came to the United States. They located first in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where the father was employed in iron furnaces for a time, but at length they removed to Henry county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming and where both he and his wife passed away.

James Ferguson was about four years of age when his parents removed to Henry county and there he received his education, which was limited, however, as he was never able to attend school for more than three months during the year after he was put to work at the plow at the age of nine years, he became thoroughly familiar with agricultural pursuits and the training which he received inculcated in him industry, self-control and reliability.

Following his marriage Mr. Ferguson purchased eighty acres of land in Henry county, Illinois, where he resided until the spring of 1883, when he came to North Dakota, settling first at Larimore where, however, he remained but a short time, after which he removed to Towner county and took up a homestead twelve miles east of Cando. After proving up on his claim he returned to Larimore and engaged in farming in that vicinity until 1890, when he removed to Grandin and became the manager of the elevator owned by the Northwestern Elevator Company. He held that position for twenty-three years and during that time never lost a day’s work—a truly remarkable record. During part of that time he was also engaged in business for himself, handling the Deering line of farm machinery, but for the past ten years he has been associated with his son, Otto L. Ferguson, in the implement and general merchandising business under the firm name of O. L. Ferguson & Company. They not only handle all kinds of farm implements but also carry a complete line of general merchandise and they have gained a gratifying and well deserved patronage. For the past two years the subject of this review has had charge of the grain elevator owned by the Monarch Elevator Company and his long connection with the grain trade has made him well known in business circles of this part of the state.

In 1875 Mr. Ferguson married Miss Hattie A. Totman, of Henry county, Illinois, and they have become the parents of three children: Otto L.; Lola Estelle, the wife of Ed C.  Anderson, a real estate agent of Fargo; and Edward M., who is employed in the store of O. L. Ferguson & Company.

The republican party has in Mr. Ferguson a stalwart adherent, and fraternally he belongs to Hillsboro Lodge, No. 511, A. F. & A. M., and to the Independent Order of Foresters. Both he and his wife attend the Presbyterian church and seek to conform their lives to the teachings of Christianity. Mr. Ferguson is recognized as a man of excellent judgment and of accurate knowledge of business conditions, and the success which he has gained is well deserved.

JOHN BARRETT FOLSOM, When Fargo was entering upon an era of rapid development and progress John Barrett Folsom became identified with that section of the state and remained to the time of his death a prominent figure in the business and social life of his community. If the historian were, without preliminary effort, to set forth his achievements in a single sentence it would perhaps best be done in the words, the splendid success of an honest man in whose life business ability and humanitarianism were well balanced forces.

Mr. Folsom was born in Ohio in 1837 and spent his boyhood in the southern part of that state, he attended the public school of Ironton until his thirteenth year and was said to be the brightest boy that ever attended that school, but on entering his teens he was forced to put aside his textbooks in order to provide for his own support and began earning his living as a clerk in a country store. From that time until his death on the 6th of August 1912, he scarcely passed an idle day. In 1863 he accepted a position at an iron furnace and was connected with the iron industry at different periods in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Michigan, thoroughly acquainting himself with every detail of the business and continuing his activity along that line until he yielded to the lure of Dakota.  In 1882 Mr. Folsom sold his interests in iron furnaces and came to Fargo, which was then in the midst of a boom. He there purchased property and immediately opened a real estate and loan office, meeting with success in the business from the beginning, he soon mastered all of the details of real estate transactions and activity as thoroughly as he had the details of the iron business. Mr. Folsom had the same kind of a mental picture of a quarter section of land in the region within one hundred or more miles of Fargo that a wide-awake, enterprising real estate broker in the city has of its blocks and streets, he did not have to refer to maps or notes when a farm or an undeveloped piece of land mentioned; the legal description of it immediately suggested a mental picture to him.  If it were improved property he knew precisely how many buildings there were and what kind of a well there was on it, also the character and quality of the soil. To the day of his death he was a man of extraordinary mental and physical activity but as simple, as gentle and as kindly in his nature as a girl. Mr. Folsom had no enemies- there was nothing in his nature or his actions to inspire enmity. By his honesty, his kindliness, his helpfulness and unselfish attention to their interests he endeared himself to all of his business clients and associates and there is no man in all of the young state of North Dakota who has helped more worthy homesteaders to overcome hardships and difficulties occasioned by bad crops and keep possession of their farms than did Mr. Folsom.

In 1862 occurred the marriage of Mr. Folsom and Miss Lavisa C. Forsythe, of southern Ohio, and when death called him he was survived by his widow and a daughter, the latter being the wife of Major Matthew F. Steele, of the United States Army, who after serving for thirty years as a cavalry officer retired from active military duty in order to take charge of Mr. Folsom’s business and estate.

Mr. Folsom was one of Fargo’s most public-spirited men and was always ready to give personal and financial aid to whatever was done for the betterment of business or social conditions of the town. He stood at all times for advancement and improvement and heartily cooperated in those measures which were a matter of civic virtue and civic pride. Of his many good qualities not the least was his capacity for strong friendships.  The simplicity and beauty of his daily life as seen in his home and family relations constituted an even balance to his splendid business ability. The high ideals which he cherished found embodiment in practical effort for their adoption and because of the innate refinement of his nature he rejected everything opposed to good taste.

MORGAN J. FORD, cashier of the Farmers Bank of Wheatland, is recognized as a leader in financial and business circles of Cass county. His birth occurred in Huron. Ontario, Canada, April 11, 1869, and his parents were Dennis and Bridget (King) Ford, both natives of Ireland. The father, who was born in 1832, died in 1888. but the mother, whose natal year was 1833, survived him for over two decades, dying in 1909. They were married in Canada, to which country the father had removed when a youth of eighteen years, and there they continued to live until 1878, when they came to North Dakota and settled in Gill township, Cass county. The father took up a homestead and tree claim, on both of which he proved up, and he continued to reside upon his land until called by death. He was a devout member of the Roman Catholic church, the teachings of which guided his life. To him and his wife were born eleven children, seven of whom are still living.

Morgan J. Ford attended the common schools in the acquirement of his early education and subsequently was for one year a student in the University of Minnesota. His boyhood and youth were passed upon the home farm, and he early became familiar with practical methods of agriculture, which knowledge proved of great value to him when he began farming independently. In 1912, however, he turned his attention to another field of activity, removing to Casselton and working for the Frank Lynch Company for two years, after which he took up his residence in Wheatland and accepted the position of cashier of the Farmers Bank. He has since held that office and in the management of the affairs of the bank has manifested sound judgment and an understanding of the basic principles of finance that underlie banking procedure. He owns nine hundred and sixty acres of fine land, and the financial independence which he has gained is all the more notable in that he is a self-made man.

In 1902 occurred the marriage of Mr. Ford and Miss Mary Langer, who was born in North Dakota and is a daughter of Frank J. Langer, an early settler of Cass county. Mr.  and Mrs. Ford are the parents of four children: John and Weldon, both of whom are in school; and Morgan Dennis and Mary Evelyn, twins.

The republican party has in Mr. Ford a stanch adherent, but his business interests leave him no time to take an active part in politics. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, the work of which he furthers in every way possible. He is recognized as a valued citizen, and his personal friends are many as his predominant characteristics are such as invariably inspire confidence and regard.

HOLLAND FROST has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and now owns an excellent farm in Hill township, Cass county. His birth occurred in New York on the 7th of May 1845, and he is a son of Orlando and Abigail B. (Robbins) Frost, both likewise natives of that state, whence in 1882 they removed to North Dakota, where both passed away. They were the parents of five children, of whom three are still living.  Holland Frost was educated in the public schools and remained at home until he attained his majority. He then began farming in New York and so continued until 1881, when he removed to Cass county, North Dakota, settling on a part of his present farm on section 28, Hill township. He took up a homestead, to which he has since added by purchase, his holdings now comprising seven hundred and twenty acres, all of which is under cultivation. He has erected a number of good buildings, has planted a fine grove and takes justifiable pride in the attractive appearance of his place. He carries on general farming and his well-directed labors secure him a good income. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers elevator at Tower City.

Mr. Frost was married May 28, 1879, to Miss Abigail H. Case also a native of the Empire state. They have become the parents of five children, namely: Leon H., a resident of Montana; Mabel A., deceased; Alma J., the wife of E. Sproul, who lives in Montana; Ella A., who married W. C. Maloney; and Marian, at home.

Mr. Frost votes the republican ticket and has taken quite an active part in public affairs.  He has served for twelve years as supervisor and for thirty years has been clerk of the school board. He is a self-made man as he began his career without capital and has gained his success entirely through his own efforts.

C. C. FURNBERG, who is farming on section 32. Barnes township, Cass county, is also engaged in merchandising at Osgood, that township, and has met with success in both undertakings. He was born in Dakota county, Minnesota, on the 11th of July 1869, a son of Christian and Anna (Olson) Furnberg, both natives of Norway, whence they emigrated to the United States in 1868 in young manhood and womanhood. In that year they were married in Dakota county, Minnesota, where both had located, and there the father passed away the year following when our subject was but two weeks old. In 1871 the mother came to North Dakota with her son and after making her home in Reed township for three years homesteaded the farm on which our subject now lives. In 1886 she was again married, becoming the wife of L. P. Jensen, who passed away in 1909, while she survived until 1911.

C. C. Furnberg was educated in the district schools and on reaching manhood cooperated with his stepfather in the operation of the home farm. In 1895 he entered the mercantile field in Osgood, where he has since conducted a store. He carries a well selected line of goods of high quality and is accorded a gratifying patronage. Following his mother’s death he inherited the home farm of four hundred acres, three hundred and twenty acres of which he rents, operating only eighty acres. He has managed his affairs well and as the years have passed his financial resources have increased.

In 1895 Mr. Furnberg was married to Miss Hannah Korum, of Brandon, Minnesota, and they have become the parents of six children: Agnes, the wife of A. 0. Grimstvedt, of Fargo; Alice, who is attending the Dakota Business College at Fargo; and Roy, Carl, Oscar and Myrtle, all at home.

The political allegiance of Mr. Furnberg is given to the republican party and both he and his wife are members of the Horace Congregational church, the teachings of which are exemplified in their lives. Mr. Furnberg has resided in this state during practically his entire life and has thoroughly identified his interests with those of the commonwealth, cooperating heartily in all movements seeking the general welfare.

CHARLES F. GIBSON, a representative farmer of North Dakota living in Cass county, has made his home in this state since 1881 and has therefore been a witness of much of its growth and development. He now has a splendidly improved property situated on section 14, Durbin township, his farm comprising three hundred and twenty acres of rich and arable land. Mr. Gibson is a native of Canada, born November 29, 1862, his parents being William and Jane (Gillespie) Gibson, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Canada. They were married in Canada, where their remaining days were passed, and there they reared their family of five children.

Charles F. Gibson, the only survivor of the family, spent his boyhood and youth in his native country, remaining at home until he reached the age of eighteen years, when he started out to make his way in the world. Crossing the border into the United States, he came to North Dakota and for thirty-six years has been continuously a resident of Cass county. In 1884 he purchased the farm upon which he now resides, his holdings today embracing three hundred and twenty acres on section 14, Durbin township. His labors have wrought a marked transformation in the appearance of this place, which he has improved with fine buildings. He makes a specialty of stock raising in connection with general farming and has good grades of horses, cattle and hogs upon his place. The equipment of a model farm are there to be seen and an air of neatness and thrift pervades the place, indicating his careful supervision, his methods at all times being practical and progressive. He is a stockholder in and the secretary of the Farmers Elevator of Mapleton and is one of the directors of the local telephone company.

In 1886 Mr. Gibson was united in marriage to Miss Janie Weir, a native of Canada and a daughter of Ralph and Harriett (Shaver) Weir, who were also born in that country. They made their home on a farm in Cass county, North Dakota, for a period of fifteen years but then disposed of their property and returned to Canada, now residing in Alberta. To them were born six children, four of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs.  Gibson are the parents of two children, namely: Edith Grace, who is a graduate of the State Normal School at Moorhead, Minnesota, and now follows the profession of teaching: and Ralph William, at home.

Mr. Gibson holds membership in the Masonic lodge at Casselton and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for twenty years he has filled the office of township clerk, making a most creditable record in the position, as is indicated by his long continuance therein. He and his wife deserve much credit for what they have accomplished. They have worked together, Mrs. Gibson’s capable management of her home supplementing the efforts of her husband in the fields, and they are now reaping the benefits of their labor, being in possession of a handsome competence which enables them to enjoy all the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.

HON. E. GILBERTSON has on various occasions been called to public office in Cass county and has ever proved most loyal to the trust and confidence reposed in him. He is, moreover, an enterprising farmer and stock raiser and owns excellent farm property in Pleasant township. He was born in Norway, March 5, 1853, and is a son of Gulbrand and Kari Gilbertson, who were also natives of that country. The father died in the land of the midnight sun, after which the mother came to the new world in 1871, our subject having preceded her to this country two years. She resided in Minnesota until 1882, when she and a son and daughter came to Cass county, North Dakota, where our subject had located in 1879. Here her remaining days were passed. In the family were four children, of whom three are yet living, namely: E.; Julius; and Mrs. R. Evingson, of Kindred, North Dakota.

E. Gilbertson was a youth of sixteen years when he came alone to the new world in 1869 and was twenty-six years of age at the time of his removal to North Dakota. He was reared to the occupation of farming and has always made it his life work, and owns the farm whereon he resides on section 21, Pleasant township. He has improved the property with substantial and commodious buildings, has set out a fine grove and has an excellent farm, equipped with all modern accessories and conveniences. His place comprises four hundred acres of land and all has been brought under cultivation. His labors are attended with substantial success, for he practices the rotation of crops, studies the condition of the soil and meets every requirement of modern farming. Moreover, he is known in other business connections, being a director of the local telephone company and secretary of the Farmers Elevator Company. He has ever recognized the value of industry as a moving force in the attainment of success and along well defined lines of labor has met with prosperity.

In 1889 Mr. Gilbertson was married to Miss Agnes Hanson, a native of Norway and a daughter of Ole and Olina Hanson, who came to America in 1882 and settled on a farm in Cass county. The mother died while living in North Dakota, after which the father removed westward to Washington, where his death occurred and where two sons and two daughters live. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbertson being the parents of eight children: Mabel H., who is a graduate of the Valley City Normal School and is now engaged in teaching at Jamestown, North Dakota; Ovidia A., who is a normal school graduate and is now successfully teaching;

Clara, who was graduated from the schools of Fargo and is also teaching; Bernice, who has completed a musical course and is now teaching the art of music; George and Elmer, both deceased; Walter; and Carlott.

The parents are members of the Lutheran church and are interested in all that tends to advance the moral progress of the community. Mr. Gilbertson exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has held various local offices. For four years he filled the position of county treasurer, has been assessor for twenty-four years and was school clerk for a similar period. In 1895 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature and served until 1897. He has ever regarded a public office as a public trust and has discharged his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He is never so busy that he neglects the duties of citizenship and feels that every individual owes to the public a service in connection with the advancement of those plans and projects which contribute most to the general welfare.

PETER S. GOLBERG, a farmer residing in Stanley township, Cass county, has manifested those qualities of energy and faith in the future which are characteristic of the west. He was born in Wisconsin on the 12th of May, 1852, a son of Svend and Segri (Gollings) Golberg, both of whom were born in Norway. In 1847 they emigrated to the United States and for five years they made their home in Wisconsin, but in the latter part of 1852 they removed to Fillmore county, Minnesota.

Peter S. Golberg, the eldest in a family of thirteen children, was educated in Minnesota and grew to manhood in that state. In 1877 he came to North Dakota and located upon a farm on section 8, Stanley township, Cass county, where he is still living. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Horace.

In 1881 occurred the marriage of Mr. Golberg and Miss Hannah Olson, who has lived in Cass county since she was seven years of age. Mr. Golberg is a stalwart democrat and has taken quite an active part in polities. For one term he served as county auditor and for one term as county commissioner, proving an able and conscientious official. He is at present a member of the township board. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and both he and his wife are communicants of the Lutheran church. His salient characteristics are such as have always won respect and esteem and he has many warm personal friends.

O B. GRAY, Agricultural interests in North Dakota find a prominent representative in 0. B. Gray, one of the large landowners of Cass county, operating one thousand acres in Rochester township, three miles from Page. He is also identified with the business interests of the town as a dealer in agricultural implements and has built up a large trade in that connection. Mr.  Gray is a native of Wisconsin. He was born in Boscobel, March 5, 1865, a son of Joseph W.  and Emeline (Stone) Gray, both of whom were natives of the state of New York, where they were reared and married. About 1852 they migrated to Wisconsin, where the father acquired a farm of three hundred and five acres near Boscobel, remaining thereon until 1880, when he came to North Dakota and homesteaded one hundred and sixty acres. He also secured an additional tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Colgate township. Cass county, as a tree claim and devoted his energies to the cultivation and improvement of his land until the death of his wife about 1903. He afterward made his home among his children but continued to operate his farm, the boundaries of which he had extended until it comprised four hundred and eighty acres. He was busily engaged in the cultivation and supervision of that place up to the time of his death, which occurred in March 1913. In politics he was a republican but never an office seeker.

O B. Gray spent his youthful days under the parental roof and acquired his education in the public schools. He was twenty-one years of age when he became a wage earner, securing employment at farm labor. In 1888 he arrived in Page and engaged in the meat and livestock business, operating along those lines for nineteen years. Later he purchased the controlling interest in the Ayr State Bank, with which he was identified for about a year and a half, and in 1909 he established his present implement business. He made his first investment in land in 1895, when he purchased a quarter section, but since that time he has made other investments at various intervals until his holdings embraced one thousand acres, all of which is operated under his immediate supervision. His is one of those fine and splendidly developed farms which have made the state famous. He employs the most progressive methods in the operation of his fields and in the conduct of every phase of the business and his success is the logical, legitimate and well merited results of his efforts.

On the 8th of May 1892, Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss Kate Hanley, of North Freedom, Wisconsin, by whom he had seven children, six of whom still survive, as follows: Clarence, who works in his father’s store: Edith, a student in the State Normal School at Mayville, North Dakota; and Lewis, Inez, Merrill and James, all at home.

Mr. Gray gives his political allegiance to the republican party and fraternally is identified with the following organizations: Hiram Lodge, No. 30, A. F. & A. M., of Page; Dakota Consistory, No. 1, A. & A. S. R.; El Zagal Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S.; Fargo Lodge, No. 260, B. P. 0. E.; the Ancient Order of United Workmen; and the Modern Woodmen of America at Page. He has ever maintained an even balance in his life by his activities outside of the pale of business and yet he never allows other things to interfere with the capable management of his commercial and agricultural interests. He is justly accounted one of the foremost business men of Cass county and is a representative of that class of men who have made North Dakota one of the great agricultural states of the Union.

WALTER GREEN, living in Durbin township, Cass county, is the owner of valuable farm property comprising five hundred and sixty acres, to the further development and cultivation of which he gives his undivided attention. He was born in Michigan, January 3, 1837, and is a son of Eli and Esther (Gard) Green, both of whom were natives of that state. There they were reared and married and after living for many years in Michigan they came to North Dakota in 1880, settling upon a farm in Cass county. There they spent their remaining days and the father became recognized as one of the leading farmers of the county, adding to his possessions from time to time until his extensive land holdings embraced thirty-five hundred acres, all of which was well improved. Much of this property has been sold by his son. He was a progressive and enterprising man, accomplishing whatever he undertook, and the methods which he followed commended him to the confidence and goodwill of all. In the family were two children and the younger son, Frank, is now deceased.  Walter Green, the surviving member of the family, has always remained with his father and he is still the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of land, which his father entered and which constitutes a valuable farm property, to the care and supervision of which he directs his activities, thus leading a useful, busy and active life, he has a wide acquaintance in this part of the state and is spoken of in terms of high respect as a progressive and capable business man.

JOHN L. GUNKEL, the oldest banker in Casselton and the cashier of the Cass County National Bank, is recognized as a leader in financial circles in Cass county, and his ability and Integrity are generally acknowledged. He was born in Germany on the 11th of January 1858, a son of Carl and Therese (Diethe) Gunkel, both likewise natives of that country. The father was born in 1820 and died in 1885, while the mother was born in 1821 and passed away in 1896. The paternal grandparents of our subject removed from Hanover to Saxony, where the father of our subject was born, and came to the United States many years ago, and the maternal grandparents were Saxons. Carl and Therese Gunkel were married in Germany and continued to reside there until 1870, when they emigrated to the United States. They made their way to the middle west and settled upon a farm in Racine county, Wisconsin, where they resided until the father purchased land in Milwaukee county, Wisconsin. They made their home there until 1880, in which year they came to North Dakota and took up a homestead in Cass county. Mr. Gunkel passed the remainder of his life there and became one of the leaders in public affairs. His high standing among his fellow citizens is indicated by the fact that Gunkel township was named in his honor. Although he had but little money when he came to the United States, his energy and the wise management of his affairs enabled him to win financial success and he became the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land. His political belief was that of the republican party, and he was a member of the Lutheran church. To him and his wife were born three children: Rose, the wife of Frank Milker, a resident of California; Charlie, who owns a ranch in the western part of North Dakota and who also holds a state office in the department connected with school lands; and John L.

The last named attended the public schools of Milwaukee and after finishing his education worked as a clerk for a few years. In 1879, when twenty-one years of age, he came to North Dakota and engaged in banking. He was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of Casselton and for fifteen years served as cashier of that institution. Subsequently he accepted the position of cashier of the Cass County National Bank, in which capacity he has since served. He is also a director in the institution, which is capitalized for twenty-five thousand dollars, has a surplus and undivided profits of thirty-one thousand five hundred dollars, and average deposits of from three hundred and fifty to four hundred thousand dollars. Its policy, which is largely directed by Mr. Gunkel, has been one of progressiveness, combined with that conservatism which is necessary to safeguard the interests of stockholders and depositors, and its business has grown steadily, as it has the confidence of the general public. Mr. Gunkel has also dealt extensively in farm loans for a number of years and represents many important eastern concerns.

In 1883 occurred the marriage of Mr. Gunkel and Miss Mary A. Goodyear, who was born in Pennsylvania. They have had three children, two of whom are living, namely: George, who is engaged in the real estate business in Casselton; and Mabel, the wife of Dr. H. W.  Miller, of Casselton.

Mr. Gunkel is a democrat and for the last two decades has been city treasurer, his long retention in the office proving the acceptability of his services. He holds membership in the Episcopal church and fraternally is connected with the Knights of Pythias, in which he has held the office of keeper of the records and seal for ten years. He is a self-made man, as he had no capital when he began his independent career and as he has always depended solely upon his own enterprise and good judgment, and the success which he has gained is proof of his ability and energy.

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