Biographies

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

HAAKEN HAAKENSON, Among the many self-made men who have found in North Dakota opportunity for gaining success is Haaken Haakenson, who owns an excellent farm on section 2. Normanna township, Cass county. A native of Norway, his birth occurred in Endresong on the 23d of November 1842. His father, Haaken Johnson, died in the land of the midnight sun.

Haaken Haakenson was educated in the common schools of his native country and continued to reside there until 1869, in which year he crossed the Atlantic to the United States.  For three months he remained in Rock Prairie, Wisconsin, and then went to Mitchell county, Iowa, where he lived for six years, working during that time as a farm hand. He practiced the strictest economy and was able to save enough money to buy a yoke of oxen, with which he drove through to North Dakota in 1875. He was seven weeks in making the trip and went as far as Goose river, but not finding any desirable land in that part of the state, he returned to Cass county, arriving in Fargo in July. At that time his sole capital was five dollars and he not only had to support himself, but to provide for a wife and three children. He located on eighty acres of his present farm, which he filed on as a preemption claim, but as he was unable to make the payments thereon he later changed it to a homestead. In the meantime a law had been passed permitting a person to file on one hundred and sixty acres as a homestead and he accordingly took up another eighty acres, making his farm a quarter section.  The first residence of the family in this state was a log cabin fourteen by sixteen feet, with a sod roof, and later when his mother came from Norway to make her home with him he built an addition eight by twelve feet. After living in that cabin for fifteen years Mr.  Haakenson erected his present substantial and commodious residence. He added two hundred acres to his holdings, but has since sold forty acres, his present farm comprising three hundred and twenty acres. The land is all in a high state of cultivation and yields good crops annually, which find a ready sale on the market.

Mr. Haakenson was married in Norway, the spring before emigrating to this country, to Miss Carrie Knudson. Ten children have been born to this union, but two are now deceased, those surviving being: Caroline, the wife of Henry Huseby, of Normanna township, this county; Osta, the wife of Martin Sternberg, also a resident of Normanna township; Anna, who married Andrew J. Bjerke, a lumber dealer of Sharon, this state; Knute, at home; Christine, the wife of John Stenberg, who is engaged in the butcher business in Fargo; Hilda J. the wife of Oscar Tostrud, of Fargo; Carl, also residing in Fargo; and Henry, who with his brother Knute is operating the home farm. The two brothers are also stockholders in the Farmers Elevator Company of Horace and in St. Luke’s Hospital of Fargo.  The family belong to the Norwegian Lutheran church, the work of which they further in every way possible, and their lives are guided by its teachings. In developing and improving his farm Mr. Haakenson has contributed to the agricultural development of his county as well as to his individual success and be is justly considered one of its valued citizens.

HELMER M. HABBERSTAD, who is devoting his time and energies to general farming on section 11, Normanna township, Cass county, was born November 20, 1875, on the farm where he now makes his home and has therefore for forty years been a witness of the growth and development of this section of the state. His parents were Martin and Mary (Tosterud) Habberstad, both of whom were natives of Norway. It was in the year 1869 that the father came to the United States and in 1871 his wife crossed the Atlantic. They became residents of Houston county, Minnesota where they were married and established their home, residing there until 1875. The year previous the father came to Cass county, North Dakota, looking for a favorable homestead site and selected the farm upon which his son now resides. The following year he took up his abode upon the property, purchasing railroad land. As the years passed on he carefully tilled the soil and developed his crops and as his financial resources increased he added to his holdings until he became the owner of five hundred and ten acres of the best land of this part of the state. He still lives on the old homestead with his son and is one of the highly respected pioneer residents of North Dakota.

Helmer M. Habberstad spent his youthful days under the parental roof, having the usual experiences that fall to the lot of the farm lad. The public schools afforded him his educational opportunities and later he had the advantage of a course in the Decorah Institute at Decorah, Iowa, and at Valders Business College, also of Decorah. He then returned home to resume the work of the farm and in 1906 acquired title to the property, purchasing his father’s interest in the old homestead, he is therefore now the owner of valuable holdings, having one of the fine farms of Cass county, highly cultivated and splendidly improved. In addition to devoting his attention to the further development of his farm he is connected with the Farmers Elevator Company of Kindred as a stockholder and is also a stockholder of the Equity Exchange of St. Paul.

In March, 1902, Mr. Habberstad was united in marriage to Miss Emma Stenhjem, of Spring Grove, Minnesota. Mr. Habberstad gives his political endorsement to the republican party, feeling that its principles contain the best elements of good government, he was elected a member of the board of supervisors and in 1901 was appointed to the position of engrossing and enrolling clerk in the state legislature, he belongs to the Norwegian Lutheran church and guides his life according to its teachings. Those who know him class him with the representative farmers of Cass county. Among his many acquaintances he is very popular, being esteemed highly for his sterling worth and his many admirable traits of character.

HALVOR J. HAGEN, Among the prominent, energetic and progressive business men of Fargo is Halvor J.  Hagen, president of the Scandinavian-American Bank. He is honored and respected by all not alone by reason of the success which he has achieved, but also owing to his straight-forward business policy which he has followed, and his efforts have ever been of a character that has contributed to public prosperity as well as to individual success. A native of Norway, he was born in Trondjhem on the 1st of September, 1860, a son of Jens and Gunhild Hagen who came to the United States in 1870, settling in Menomonie, Wisconsin. In 1873 they arrived in the Red River valley of North Dakota, establishing their home in Richland comity, near Fort Abercrombie, where the father secured a homestead, whereon he remained until his death in October 1913. For about five years he survived his wife, who passed away in 1908. In the meantime he had become one of the large landowners of Richland county, making extensive investments in property, which advanced in value through the improvements which he placed upon his land and also owing to the rapid settlement of the district.

Halvor Hagen pursued his education at Willmar Seminary at Willmar, Minnesota, and then turned his attention to fanning near Abercrombie, being thus identified with agricultural interests for a number of years. In 1892, however, he turned his attention to banking becoming connected with the National Bank of Wahpeton, and with its officers he organized the First State Bank of Abercrombie, of which he became the president and financial manager.  In 1910 he organized the Scandinavian American Bank of Fargo, of which he became the president, and to this institution he has since given his personal attention giving his energies to administrative direction and executive control. Under his guidance the bank has made steady progress and is now recognized as one of the strong financial institutions of the northwest. He is still a member of the board of directors of the First State Bank of Abercrombie and is also identified financially and officially with other banking institutions of the state.

On the 4th of July 1894, Mr. Hagen was married to Miss Amy Wood, of Sauk Center, Minnesota, and they have become the parents of three children: Allen, who is employed in the Scandinavian National Bank of Minneapolis; Horace; and Naomi.  The parents hold membership in the United Lutheran church and Mr. Hagen is identified with various social, fraternal and civic organizations. In fact, his interests are most varied and indicate him to be a man of well rounded character, alive to the questions and conditions of the day. He is an active, cooperant factor in the Fargo Commercial Club, being in hearty sympathy with every movement to promote the welfare and upbuilding of the city. He belongs to the United Lutheran church and is a member of the Young Men’s Christian Association. which indicates his activity in behalf of moral development. That he is interested in the home of his ancestors and the welfare of his fellow countrymen is manifest in his member-ship in the Norse Society and the Scandinavian Working Men’s Association. He is also president of the Per Hjelm Hansen Memorial Society of Fargo and of the Sons of Norway. Mr.  Hagen is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of El Zagal Temple of the Mystic Shrine. That he stands for those things which have marked cultural value is indicated in his membership in the Scandinavian Fine Arts Society of Minneapolis, his interest in the events which have formed the history of the state is manifest in the fact that he is a member of the board of directors of the State Historical Society, is secretary of the Red River Valley Old Settlers’ Association and was one of the founders of the historical park at Abercrombie, of which he is the present custodian.

HON. THOMAS HALL, Prominent among the men who are guiding the destinies of North Dakota at the present time is Thomas Hall, now filling the office of secretary of state for the second term. He had become well established in business at Fargo, and in public office had demonstrated his loyalty to the best interests of the commonwealth. His qualities therefore recommended him for further official honors and distinction and he was chosen for the important position which he is now acceptably filling. A native of Michigan, his birth occurred at Clifton, Keweenaw county, June 6, 1869, his parents being Richard and Ellen (Peters) Hall, natives of Redruth, Cornwall, England. Coming to America they established their home in Michigan and after acquiring his education in the common schools of that state, their son, Thomas Hall, continued his studies in Concordia College at Moorhead, Minnesota. He was a youth of fourteen years when in June 1883, he came to North Dakota with his parents, who established their home near Jamestown. He entered the employ of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company at that place and was afterward transferred to Mandan, where he remained until 1892, when he removed to Fargo, where he resided for sixteen years. For a time he was employed as railway clerk.

He afterwards entered newspaper circles at Fargo as a newspaper reporter and making gradual advance along that line he ultimately became a publisher at Fargo, in 1898. As the newspaper is both the molder and mirror of public opinion it naturally followed that he became a student of vital questions of general interest and through editorial expression had marked influence in molding public thought and action. Naturally therefore he became a political leader of the republican party, whose principles he endorsed and championed in stalwart fashion. He was first called to public office in 1908, when he was made secretary to the board of railroad commissioners, in which capacity he served for four years, or until 1913, when his name was placed upon the republican ticket in connection with the candidacy of secretary of state. His party gave him a substantial majority, and endorsement of his first term’s service was received in his reelection. He does not lightly regard the duties that devolve upon him in this connection. On the contrary, he meets every responsibility in a conscientious manner that results from his devotion to the general good and is the expression of his public-spirited citizenship. That he is a recognized leader in political circles in the state is indicated in the fact that he was chosen secretary of the progressive republican central committee in the campaigns of 1906, 1908 and 1910.

In Jamestown, North Dakota, September 1, 1897, Mr. Hall was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Grafenstein, a daughter of Herman and Elizabeth Grafenstein. Their union has been blessed with a son and three daughters, Richard, Lucile, Ellen and Edna, aged respectively fifteen, thirteen, ten and eight years.

Mr. Hall has an interesting military record covering two periods of enlistment as a member of Company B of the National Guard at Fargo. His fraternal relations are with the Masons, his membership being in Shiloh Lodge, F. & A. M. at Fargo, of which he served as master in 1907. He is justly accorded a place among the prominent and representative citizens of his state. His course has ever been above suspicion. The good of the commonwealth he places before partisanship and the welfare of his constituents before personal aggrandizement.  He commands the respect of his official colleagues and in his home town where he is best known he forms personal friendships of unusual strength, while all who know him have the highest admiration for his good qualities of heart and mind.

WILLIAM HALTER is an independent grain dealer owning and operating a grain elevator at Ayr. He was born in Sheldon, Iowa, January 31, 1886, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Kanes) Halter, who were natives of France and Germany respectively. They came to the United States with their parents, who were pioneer settlers of the state of Iowa, and it was at Sheldon, Iowa, that Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Halter were married. In 1896 they removed to Moody county, South Dakota, where they still reside.

William Halter was reared under the parental roof and the common schools afforded him his educational privileges. At the age of nineteen years he became connected with the grain trade, entering the employ of Frank Mead of Flandreau, South Dakota, with whom he remained for three and one-half years, during which time he gained broad experience in the business. He next took charge of an elevator at Bryant, South Dakota, in the employ of F. C. Smith, with whom he was thus connected for two years. He afterward entered the employ of the Bennett Grain Company of Flandreau, South Dakota, and for one month was at Edgerton, Minnesota, after which he took charge of an elevator for the firm at Arlie, Minnesota. A year later, or in 1911, he came to North Dakota and took charge of the elevator at Flasher for the Occidental Elevator company with which he was thus connected until 1913. At that date he organized the Flasher Grain Company, of which he was made manager, secretary and treasurer. When a year had passed that elevator was sold to farmers of the vicinity and Mr. Halter removed to Almont, North Dakota, where he had charge of an elevator for the Farmers Union Mercantile Company. On the 10th of July 1915, he purchased the elevator of the Winter, Truesdell & Ames Company at Ayr and is now operating the business independently. His long experience in connection with the grain trade has well qualified him for his undertaking. He is familiar with every phase of the grain business and his interests are wisely and capably directed, bringing to him success. In addition to his other interests he owns an equity in a tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres near Flasher.

On the 1st of February 1913, Mr. Halter was united in marriage to Miss Maud Leonard, of Flasher. Fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, belonging to Mandan Lodge No. 1256. Located during his business career at various points, he has become one of the well known grain buyers of North Dakota and has gained high respect by reason of the integrity and enterprise of his methods.

HON. JOHN W. HANSEL, president of Fargo College and an honored resident of Fargo, is regarded as one of the able educators of North Dakota, holding to the highest standards and ever recognizing the fact that physical, intellectual and moral progress go hand in hand.  A native of Peoria, Illinois, he was born March 6, 1853, a son of John W. and Mary A.  (Little) Hansel, who were natives of Ohio and were married in Newark, that state. The father was a cabinetmaker by trade and at the time of the gold excitement in California crossed the plains to that state in 1849 with a mule team. After spending three years in the gold fields, where he met with moderate success, he returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama to the middle west, settling in Peoria, Illinois, where for many years he was engaged in the hardware business. Subsequently he turned his attention to the manufacture of his own patents, for he possessed inventive genius and gave to the world several valuable devices. He died in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the very venerable age of eighty-seven years, while his wife passed away in Oak Park, Illinois, at the age of seventy-eight.

President John W. Hansel spent his youthful days in the home of his parents at Peoria, where he acquired a public school education, after which he was variously employed, beginning life’s work in a machine shop as an engineer. Eventually he became associated with a wholesale drug firm of Peoria and continued successfully in that business until 1882. In the meantime he had become actively interested in the work of the Young Men’s Christian Association and in 1882 he accepted the position of general secretary of the association at St. Joseph, Missouri, where he was instrumental in erecting the first association building west of the Mississippi river, securing funds sufficient to make all payments upon this building, which was erected at a cost of one hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Hansel remained for five years at St. Joseph and then went to Kansas City, where he remained for three years, during which time he was instrumental in raising the funds and building the superstructure of the Young Men’s Christian Association building, already begun, the cost of which was two hundred and ten thousand dollars. When he undertook the work conditions seemed very unfavorable, for finances were at a low ebb and the outlook was discouraging, but he fired the workers with his own zeal and courage and the task was carried forward to successful completion. Mr. Hansel afterward cooperated with some of the association secretaries and laymen of the west in the organization of the Young Men’s Christian Association College at Chicago with summer schools at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Upon the completion of the organization of the college he was chosen its first general secretary and later its president and continued in that capacity for fifteen years, when he was compelled to resign on account of his health. He was instrumental in making the school one of the two great institutions of its kind in the world, he cooperated in organizing the Lake Geneva Student Conference, which has since become famous throughout the world. After severing his connection with the Chicago school Mr. Hansel spent three years on the Gulf coast and in September, 1913 accepted a call to the presidency of Fargo College, in which capacity he is now serving. This institution offers one of the strongest four year liberal arts courses in the northwest. It has had two Rhodes scholarships in the last four years and all of the work of the college receives full credit recognition in the eastern universities.

In 1875 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hansel and Miss Christina Watson Mowat, of Peoria, and they have become the parents of seven children, of whom three are living: Agnes Mowat, the wife of Lloyd K. Harter, sales-manager for Hales & Edwards Grain Company of Chicago: Mary Anna, the wife of Professor Fred C. Brown, of the Bradley Polytechnic Institute of Peoria, Illinois; and John Washington, advertising manager in the middle west for the Good Housekeeping magazine. Mr. and Mrs. Hansel are members of the Congregational church. She is a lady of broad and liberal culture and has been of great assistance to her husband.

In his political views Mr. Hansel has always been an earnest republican and progressive and his opinions are the result of close study of the questions of the day. he participated in the progressive convention which nominated Theodore Roosevelt in 1912. One of the Fargo papers said of him: “Mr. Hansel’s services to Fargo College already command the gratitude of every friend of the institution and of education. He has laid the foundation for a sound business procedure adequate to the large growth and coming needs; he has gone far to correct the prejudices that have handicapped the college hitherto; he has helped largely in freeing the college from a burden of debt: he has won a sympathetic hearing out of the state; he has won the confidence of us all by his candor, his kindly manner, his business-like methods and by his large faith and optimism.”

JOHN B. HANSEN, an excellent citizen and a prosperous farmer, residing on section 35, Hill township, Cass county, was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, at that time a part of Denmark, April 2, 1858, and is a son of Nicholas and Mathilda (Nessen) Hansen, both of whom spent their entire lives in that country.

He remained at home during the period of his boyhood and youth and acquired his elementary education in the local schools.  Subsequently he pursued a college course in Lindholm, Germany, and his vocational training was gained in an apprenticeship to the miller’s trade. In 1883, in early manhood, he came to the United States, having heard favorable reports concerning the conditions here, and landed at New York on the 13th of July. He immediately came west and on the 17th of that month reached North Dakota, where he has since resided. For two years he worked as a farm hand but in 1885 homesteaded a quarter section of land in Eldred township, Cass county, where he resided until 1891. During that time he purchased a one hundred and sixty acre tract in Clifton township which adjoined his homestead on the west and he concentrated his energies upon the cultivation and improvement of his half section of land.  In 1891 he left the farm and removed to Enderlin, Ransom county, and there ran a dray line and also operated a feed mill, remaining there for about three years. On the expiration of that period he purchased three hundred and twenty acres on section 35, Hill township, Cass county, and removed to his new home, which was then raw prairie, but which is now in a high state of cultivation. He has erected a good residence and substantial farm buildings and keeps everything about the place in an excellent condition. He now owns four hundred and eighty acres all in a body but operates twelve hundred and eighty acres, on six hundred and forty acres of which he has a six years’ option. In addition to his extensive agricultural interests he owns stock in the Independent Harvester Company and the Farmers Elevator Company of Alice, which he was largely instrumental in organizing.

In 1888 Mr. Hansen was united in marriage, to Miss Anna C. Schmidt, a native of Germany, by whom he has nine children: Ella, wife of Ed Birdsell, of Sterling, Illinois; Lillian, who married J. W. Chapman, a bank cashier of Buffalo, Cass county; and Harry and Grover, twins, Clarence, May, Johnny, Hans and Victor, all at home.

Mr. Hansen is a republican in politics and his ability and public spirit have been recognized by his fellow citizens, who have called him to practically all the township offices.  For several years he was a member of the township board and for eighteen years he has been township assessor. He has a creditable military record, having entered the German army in 1877 and served the required three years, after which he returned to civil life.  However, he was recalled to the colors and remained in the army for an additional three years, winning his commission as lieutenant of his company, which rank he held at the expiration of his term of service. He is a communicant of the Lutheran church and in all relations of life has measured up to high standards of manhood.

JOHN HANSON, Not far from Argusville is the farm of John Hanson —a valuable property comprising three hundred and thirteen acres of rich and productive land situated on section 25, Wiser township. He has been identified with both farming and stock raising interests and his carefully directed business affairs have brought him success. A native of Norway, he was born April 17, 1863, and is a son of Hans and Johanna Hanson, who were also born in the same country. They left that land for America in 1865 and first took up their abode in Wisconsin, where they remained for fourteen years. In 1879, however, they became residents of Cass county, North Dakota, settling upon a farm where they remained until called to their final rest. Their family numbered eleven children, ten of whom are still living.

John Hanson continued at home until he reached his majority and his youth was largely a period of earnest and unremitting toil, but he gained therefrom the experience which enabled him to carefully and wisely direct his interests after he started in business on his own account. Purchasing the farm whereon he now lives, he has given his time and energies to the further development and improvement of three hundred and thirteen acres of arable land on section 25, Wiser township, Cass county. For a long period he was quite extensively engaged in breeding and raising Pereheron horses and thereby added largely to his income. In all of his business affairs he has displayed sound judgment as well as enterprise and his labors have been attended by gratifying success.

In 1893 Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Miss Julia Hovden, a native of Minnesota and a daughter of William and Anna Hovden. both of whom were born in Norway and are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have been born ten children, as follows: Angeline and Eunice, both of whom are engaged in teaching school; Hazel; William; Nicholas; Joseph; Jeanette; Mildred; George; and Norman.

The parents are consistent and faithful members of the Lutheran church and take a most active and helpful interest in its work, contributing generously to its support. Mr.  Hanson belongs also to the Modern Woodmen of America at Fargo and has filled some of the chairs in the local camp. He has likewise served as school director and his political support is given to the republican party, which finds in him a strong endorser of its principles. He is ever loyal to his honest belief, nor does he fear to express his convictions and opinions.  Those who know him find him trustworthy and reliable at all times.

HENRY L. HANSON One of the enterprising citizens of Prosper is Henry L. Hanson, who is there engaged in merchandising and is also filling the position of postmaster. He possesses a resolute spirit and unfaltering energy and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, so that his identification with a movement is an indication of its prosperous outcome. Mr.  Hanson is a representative citizen of the northwest and Cass county numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Berlin township, that county, on the 11th of August, 1886. His parents were Lars and Sena (Hanson) Hanson, both of whom were natives of Norway and as children were brought by their respective parents to the new world about 1868. Lars Hanson became a resident of Wisconsin and afterward removed to North Dakota, where the family cast in their lot with the early pioneer settlers of Cass county. Following his marriage to Sena Hanson they settled upon a farm in Berlin township and later removed to Harwood township, where Mr. Hanson continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred February 5, 1893. His widow afterward removed to Harwood and in connection with her son Henry established a small store there. Later they were joined by Mr. Solmonson and purchased the business of M. Carmine, the enterprise being then conducted under the firm style of Hanson & Solmonson.

That relation was maintained until January 1, 1912. when the store at Harwood was sold and the firm established their present business in Prosper, where they have since enjoyed a large and growing patronage.  Henry L. Hanson was educated in the common schools of Cass county and his early training developed in him those traits of character which have constituted important features in his growing prosperity, he was only eighteen years of age when he became connected with merchandising as a partner of his mother and with the business he has since been identified, as previously indicated. The firm has the only general store at Prosper, carrying an extensive and attractive line of goods neatly and tastefully arranged so as to attract the attention of their patrons. Their business methods will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and their success is founded upon integrity as well as industry. While living at Harwood Mr. Hanson served as postmaster for three years and has been postmaster at Prosper since taking up his abode in that town. The firm of which he is a member erected the first building in Prosper save a warehouse, and their mercantile interests have constituted an important feature in the growth of the town. In addition to his other interests Mr. Hanson is a stockholder in and secretary of the Equity Elevator & Trading Company of Prosper.

Mr. Hanson was married March 15, 1910, to Miss Nettie Johnson, at Harwood, Cass county, North Dakota, a daughter of C. A. Johnson, who was a prominent farmer and an old pioneer in Raymond township, Cass county. Mr. Johnson died in the spring of 1914.  In his political views Mr. Hanson is a republican, giving earnest support to the party yet never seeking or desiring office. he belongs to the lodge of American Yeomen. His activities, however, have been largely confined to his business interests, which have won him place with the representative men of the community. Close application and energy have guided him in his various relations and the success which he has achieved is the merited reward of his efforts.

O. K. HANSON, North Dakota is largely indebted to the Scandinavian peninsula for its population.  From the countries of Sweden and Norway have come many substantial citizens who have taken advantage of the natural resources furnished in this part of the country and have aided in promoting the work of development and civilization here. Among this number is 0. K. Hanson, who follows farming in Raymond township, Cass county. He was born in Norway on the 30th of October 1853, his parents being Hans and Matilda (Helgenson) Hanson, who were also born in the land of the midnight sun, where they resided until 1878, when they crossed the Atlantic to the new world. The family located in North Dakota and the parents lived with their son O. K. Hanson until they were called to their final rest.  In the family, were seven children, three of whom survive.

In the schools of Norway O. K. Hanson pursued his education and when nineteen years of age bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the United States, hoping to find better business conditions in the new world than he felt he could secure in his native country.  He settled in Rice county, Minnesota, where he worked as a common laborer for live years, and on the expiration of that period he came to Cass county, purchasing the farm whereon he now resides. To his original investment, however, he has added from time to time until he is now the owner of a valuable property of six hundred and forty acres on sections 16 and 22, Raymond township. He has added many modern improvements to the place, making it a valuable farm property on which is a line grove and other attractive features. He carefully tills the soil, producing excellent crops, and as the years have gone by success has attended his efforts. Moreover, he is regarded as a most enterprising business man in other directions. He became one of the organizers of the State Bank at Prosper, of which he is the president, and he is also a stockholder and director in the Farmers Elevator at that place and a stockholder in the insurance company. He likewise has an interest in copper mines in Oregon, owns a half section in Brown county. South Dakota, and is vice president of the bank at Houghton, South Dakota, and at all times his investments have been judiciously made and have brought to him substantial returns. For more than thirty years he has operated a thresher in connection with his farming interests and has done work throughout his part of the county. In fact, his life has been one of untiring industry and thrift and his success is the merited and just reward of his own labor.

On July 18, 1887, Mr. Hanson was married to Miss Mary Anderson, of Goodhue county, Minnesota, a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Peterson) Anderson. Her mother died January 12, 1914, aged eighty-one years. Her father died December 14. 1901, aged seventy-four years. Nine children have been born to Mr. arid Mrs. Hanson: Henry F., who is married and has two children, Robert M. and Frances L., and resides on the home farm; Martin F.; Fred; Mabel E.; Hilda; Evelyn, and three who died in infancy.

The parents and their children are members of the Lutheran church, in which Mr.  Hanson has served as one of the directors. He contributes generously to the support of the church and takes an active interest in its welfare and upbuilding, never neglecting his duties in relation to the moral development of the community any more than he neglects his business affairs. Fraternally he is connected with both the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he is a stalwart republican and has served as road commissioner and as a member of the school board. He cares little for public office, however, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business interests, and he deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion. He has become one of the successful, prominent and influential men of his community and is justly acknowledged among the representative citizens of Cass county.

SAM HANSON, manager of the Great Western elevator at Horace, North Dakota, is a representative business man of the town and under his management the interests of the elevator company have been carefully safeguarded. He was born in Norway on the 6th of January, 1869, a son of Hans Jacobson, who passed his entire life in that country.  Sam Hanson was reared under the parental roof and attended the public schools of Norway in the pursuit of an education. In 1886, however, when seventeen years of age, he left his native land and crossed the Atlantic to the United States, subsequently continuing his journey westward to North Dakota. He located at Horace and for a number of years worked as a farm hand but at length purchased a threshing outfit, which he operated for five or six years. In 1897 he began his career as a grain buyer and for five years represented the Monarch Elevator Company at Horace, but in 1902 assumed charge of the business of the Great Western Elevator Company at Warren. The following year, however, he was transferred to Horace and for the past twelve years has had charge of the Great Western elevator there. As he understands every phase of the grain business and as he gives the closest attention to the management of the elevator, the volume of its trade has grown and it has returned good dividends to its owners.

In 1896 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hanson and Miss Albertina Jenson, also a native of Norway, and they have had six children, but two are deceased, those surviving being: K.  Cecelia, Adelia H., Reynold S., and Hedwig.

Mr. Hanson is a republican in politics and for four years has served as justice of the peace. He is also president of the school board, proving capable and conscientious in the discharge of his duties in those capacities. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he holds the office of clerk. He and his family hold membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church and the sincerity of their religious faith is indicated in the uprightness of their daily lives. Mr. Hanson takes a commendable interest in matters pertaining to the advancement of his community, and his public spirit is one of his strongest characteristics.

J. P. HARDY, Association has been the watchword of the age—a recognition of the fact that results are accomplished by united effort. This spirit has led to the formation throughout the country of commercial clubs planned to further the development and upbuilding of the sections in which they are located. J. P. Hardy is now secretary of the Fargo Commercial Club and under his direction good work has been accomplished for the city in the extension of its trade relations, in the improvement of its public interests and in the development of those activities which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.  Mr. Hardy is a native of London, England. He was born September 28, 1862, of the marriage of J. P. and Mary (Hardy) Hardy, both of whom died in England.

There the subject of this review was reared and he completed his more specifically literary course by study in St. Paul’s College at Stony Stratford. Later he became a student in the medical department of London University—King’s College—and in 1883 he came to the United States, landing at New York on the 17th of March. From the eastern metropolis he made his way westward and took up his abode upon a farm in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he spent three years, after which he removed to Fargo, North Dakota, March 15, 1886, and soon afterward found employment with the firm of Nugent & Brown, printers and bookbinders, with whom he remained until the fall of 1887. He then went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and for six months was in the employ of the James H. Bishop Paper Company. At the end of that time he became connected with the house of A. C. Bansman, printer and binder, and in the spring of 1889 he returned to Fargo, where for six months he was employed by E. A.  Webb in the printing business. He then again entered the service of Nugent & Brown in the capacity of traveling salesman, representing them upon the road until the summer of 1891, when he became traveling representative for the firm of Walker Brothers, with whom he remained in that capacity until 1895, when he was admitted to a partnership and was made general manager of the business, continuing in that capacity until 1913. He then sold his interest and accepted the secretary ship of the Fargo Commercial Club, in which capacity he has since ably served, doing effective work for the benefit of the city, his efforts being a tangible element in its business progress.

In 1891 Mr. Hardy was united in marriage to Miss Camille Parker, of Fargo, but a native of Lincoln, Nebraska. To this union has been born one son, John P., whose natal day was June 7, 1907.

Mr. Hardy is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to Shiloh Lodge, No. 1, F. & A. M.; Enoch Lodge of Perfection; Dakota Consistory, No. 1, A. & A. S. E.; and El Zagal Temple, No. 1, A. A. 0. N. M. S. He also has membership with Fargo Lodge, No. 260, B. P. O. E.; Fargo Lodge, No. 3; Fargo Lodge, A. 0. U. W.; and Fargo Council U. C. T. He served for two terms as chancellor commander of the Knights of Pythias, is stage director of the Scottish Rite bodies and is high priest and prophet of the Mystic Shrine. He was president of the Fargo Commercial Club in 1911-12 and is the present president of the State Federation of Commercial Clubs and is the secretary of the National Parks Transcontinental Highway Association. He belongs to the Rea Country Club, the Automobile Club, of which he was the president in 1912, and to the Town Criers Club. He also belongs to the Manufacturers Association, of which he is the secretary and he is the secretary of the Fargo-Morehead Baseball Club. He is a jury commissioner of the federal courts of the district of North Dakota and a member of the park board of Fargo. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Episcopal church.

In politics he is independent. He finds outlet for his activities along many other lines and he votes according to the dictates of his judgment rather than because he is bound by party ties. His interests are wide and varied, touching every phase of business and social life and covering the great economic problems of the country. He utilizes practical effort in work toward high ideals and his labors are far-reaching and resultant.

ANDREW O. HEADLAND possesses the spirit of enterprise which is rapidly working a marked transformation in North Dakota, developing the state along lines of substantial progress and improvement. He has won success as a farmer of Stanley township, Cass county, and is also president of the Farmers Elevator at Sanders. He was born in Norway, March 10, 1874. His parents, 0. E. and Bertha Headland, were likewise natives of that country but in June 1875, emigrated to the United States. They located upon a farm in Cass county. North Dakota, where both passed away. To them were born ten children, one of whom is deceased.

Andrew 0. Headland remained at home until he became of age and then purchased the farm where he now lives, on section 2, Stanley township. The place comprises a half section of excellent land and he also has holdings in Minnesota farm lands. In the development of his place he follows the most progressive methods, carefully rotating his crops, studying the needs of the soil and procuring the best seed. He also utilizes the latest improved farm machinery in facilitating the work of the fields and caring for the harvests, and his efforts are attended with excellent results. He is president of and a large stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Sanders and is also vice president of the River Line Telephone Company.  All this indicates his progressive spirit, showing him to be a man who never neglects his opportunities but wisely uses his chances for the attainment of individual success, while at the same time he contributes to public progress.

Mr. Headland was married in 1908 to Miss Clara C. Gallagher, a native of St. Paul, Minnesota, by whom he has three children: Bernice Selina, Andrew Oliver and Adele Gurina.  Mrs. Headland had never lived upon a farm up to the time of her marriage but adapted herself very readily to farm life and takes a deep interest in all that pertains to the benefit and improvement of the farm and the advancement of agriculturists as a class. She is an ardent believer in the Non-Partisan League, regarding it as the means by which the farmers will become organized into a compact body, and instead of being merely producers and tillers of the soil, will also have voice in the government and in the management of public affairs. She believes that the women of the farm should have the most modern equipment to aid them in their housework and she is a believer in the conservation of forces that the best results may be secured. While not taking an active part in the work for woman suffrage, she is a firm advocate of the cause and feels that woman, having proven herself the equal of man in intelligence and capacity, should have equal voice with him in the management of the affairs which so closely affect her life, for every public question bears strongly upon the home.

Mr. Headland is a republican and is now serving as chairman of Stanley township, while for twenty years he was a member of the school board. Fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason and in his daily life exemplifies the beneficent spirit and teachings of the craft. He has a wide acquaintance in this part of the state and the many substantial and admirable qualities which he has displayed have gained for him the warm and enduring regard of his many friends.

OLE HERBRANSON, the period of whose residence in Cass county, North Dakota, covers forty-three years, is well known as a successful and enterprising agriculturist, owning an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 14, Normanna township. His birth occurred in Houston county, Minnesota, on the 28th of October, 1859, his parents being Ole and Carrie (Vinnord) Herbranson, who emigrated to the United States sometime in the ’50s and located in Minnesota, where they were married. In 1872 they came to Cass county, North Dakota, and took up their abode on the farm which is now in possession of our subject, the father purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land from a half breed for one hundred dollars. This he cultivated successfully during the remainder of his active business career as well as an adjoining tract of eighty acres which he purchased. He passed away in 1914, at the age of ninety-five years, and the community mourned the loss of one of its honored pioneer agriculturists and esteemed citizens.

Ole Herbranson, who came to this state with his parents, in boyhood acquired his education in the district schools and after attaining his majority continued to work with his father on the home farm, gradually assuming its management. About 1900 he bought the home place of two hundred and forty acres in Normanna township and it is now a well improved and productive property, in the operation of which he has won a gratifying annual income.

In 1885 Mr. Herbranson was united in marriage to Miss Gunild Hoffen, a native of Norway, by whom he has five children, as follows: Caroline, who is the wife of Pete Reisley, of Kindred, North Dakota; Olava and Ole, both at home; Mathilda, who gave her hand in marriage to Hilmer Bratwold, of Kindred; and Gilbert, at home.  Politically Mr. Herbranson is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church, to which his wife and children also belong. In matters of citizenship his influence and support are given on the side of advancement and progress and he holds to high standards in man’s personal relations with his fellowmen.

WILLIAM H. HERMAN, who is farming successfully in Harwood township, where he owns a section of land, is a native of Wisconsin, born on the 14th of November 1862. His parents, Jacob and Marinda (Rogers) Herman, were born respectively in Germany and in Vermont.  In young manhood the father came to the United States and in 1856 located upon a farm in Wisconsin. His wife died upon that place but he subsequently removed to Ohio, where he is still living.

William H. Herman received but a limited education, attending the district schools until he was in his fourteenth year, at which time he began to make his own way. In 1881, when about nineteen years of age, he came to North Dakota, where he worked as a farm hand and at any other honest labor. As he was frugal and saved his money carefully he was able in 1887 to purchase his present home farm and as the years have passed his resources have increased. Gradually he turned his attention to stock raising and he has gained a gratifying success in that connection. For a number of years he has also operated a threshing machine and his varied undertakings have prospered, for he plans his work and manages his affairs well. He now owns six hundred and forty acres in his home place, which is one of the most valuable farms of his township, and he likewise holds title to eighty acres of land in Minnesota. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Argusville and for a number of years was a member of the board of directors. His accomplishment should serve as a stimulus to young men of energy and ambition but without capital since he had no money when he came to this state and has gained his present success entirely through his own efforts.

In 1890 occurred the marriage of Mr. Herman and Miss Maggie Still. She was born in Canada, of Scotch ancestry, her parents, David and Catherine Still, having emigrated from Scotland to the Dominion, whence in 1878 they came to North Dakota. The father is deceased but the mother is living in the state of Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Herman became the parents of two children, but one is deceased. Ira Albert is still at home. The wife and mother died in 1900 and in 1903 Mr. Herman was married to Miss Mary Stewart, daughter of James and Elizabeth Stewart, who were born respectively in Scotland and New Brunswick, Canada. In 1868 they went to Renville county, Minnesota, where their daughter Mary was born the following year. For seventeen years before her marriage she successfully engaged in teaching.

The republican party has a stalwart adherent in Mr. Herman and for fourteen years he served efficiently as chairman of the township board of trustees. He has also been a member of the school board for a number of years and all matters of public concern receive his careful consideration. Fraternally he belongs to the American Yeomen and the Workmen.  He is recognized as one of the leading citizens of Harwood township and is not only respected because of his unquestioned ability but also esteemed because of his integrity and uprightness of life.

OLE HICKS, From the Scandinavian peninsula have come many substantial citizens of North Dakota, men who are industrious and who in all business relations are found reliable as well as enterprising.  To this class belongs Ole Hicks, who was born in Sweden, April 21, 1845, and is a son of Hakan and Karin Hicks, also natives of that country, where they continued their residence until 1869, when they came to the new world, settling first in Clay county, Minnesota.  There the father resided until his death and the mother afterward passed away in the same county. Their family numbered eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, of whom six are yet living.

Ole Hicks continued his residence in his native country through the period of his boyhood and youth and acquired his education in the public schools there. He came to America in 1870, the year following the arrival of his parents, and, making his way to North Dakota, took up his abode upon the farm which he now occupies on section 24, Pleasant township, Cass county. It has been his home continuously for forty-six years and he is accounted one of the honored pioneer settlers of the district. In the early days he had to encounter many hardships and difficulties, but these have vanished before his persistent efforts as the mist before the morning sun, and as the years have gone on he has added to his original holdings until he now owns six hundred and forty acres of valuable land. The soil is naturally rich and productive and he has gradually enhanced the value of his property by adding to it many modern improvements. In the early days, however, he occupied a log cabin, making his home therein for four years, at the end of which time he built a more modern and commodious residence. He has added to his place many substantial outbuildings, including a fine silo.  He also has a large barn built of cement blocks, which he made upon his farm. In addition to tilling his soil he raises stock, keeping on hand high grades, and this branch of his business is proving to him an important source of revenue. He is most diligent and determined in carrying on his work, bringing no obstacles that can be overcome by persistent, energetic and honorable effort. Year by year his financial resources have increased and he is now numbered among the substantial farmers of the county. Moreover, he has other business interests, being now vice president of the Hickson State Bank and a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at Hickson.

In 1872 Mr. Hicks was married to Miss Marit Larson, a native of Sweden who came to the United States in 1870. Nine children were born to them: Hilma, the wife of Carl Paulson; Lewis, a farmer of Cass county; Minnie, James August and Clara, all deceased; Clara, the second of the name, now at home; Olive, also at home; Annie, the wife of Elmer Pearson; and Viola, at home. The wife and mother passed away in August 1914, and was laid to rest in the Klara cemetery. Her death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for her many sterling traits of character had endeared her to all with whom she came in contact. She was a member of the Lutheran church.  Mr. Hicks also belongs to the Lutheran church and his influence is always given on the side of right, progress, improvement and reform.

In politics he is a republican and for a number of years he served on the township board. He is also deeply interested in the cause of education and for a quarter of a century has been a member of the school board. He does everything in his power to further the public welfare and his activities are far-reaching and beneficial.

HENRY HILDRETH Among the substantial citizens of Argusville  Henry Hildreth, who became identified with the agricultural development of Cass county in pioneer times and for a considerable period carried on general farming. He afterward became connected with business affairs in Argusville and at the present time is living retired, his labors have been crowned with a measure of success that permits him to enjoy well earned rest. He was born in Wisconsin, January 15, 1852 a son of Henry and Sarah O. (Perkins) Hildreth, both of whom were natives of New York. Coming to the west in 1850, they settled on a farm in the Badger state and there lived until called to the home beyond.

They had two children but Henry Hildreth is the only member of the family now living, he was reared and educated in Wisconsin, remaining in that state until he attained his majority. In March 1873, he went to Nebraska. but returned to Wisconsin in August of the same year. In 1878 he removed to Cass county, North Dakota, establishing his home in Berlin township. He secured a claim and at once began to break the sod and till the fields, residing thereon until 1883. His first dwelling was a sod house and he made other primitive improvements, but in the year last mentioned he returned to Wisconsin, where he worked in a lumber mill for three years and afterward farmed the old homestead for five years. In 1891 he again came to North Dakota and settled upon his farm, which he occupied and further improved until 1894. In that year he removed to Argusville. where he established a store and also conducted a hotel, continuing in the business for four years. In 1913 he became one of the organizers of the Argusville State Bank, of which he is yet one of the directors, although at the present time he is practically retired from active business connections. He was also one of the organizers of the Argusville Farmers Elevator Company and is now president of its board of directors, owning one-fifth of the stock of that company.  This was the second farmers’ elevator in the state. In addition to this he and his wife still own one hundred and sixty acres of land at Gardner, now included within the corporation limits of that village.

Mr. Hildreth has been married twice. In 1879 he wedded Miss Josephine Krom, a native of New York and a daughter of Hiram and Rebecca (Depew) Krom. By this union there were four children, as follows: Edna A. and Sarah B., both of whom reside in Portland, Oregon; Mary, who is the wife of Charles Abernathy and lives in Oregon: and Hiram G., who makes his home at Argusville, North Dakota. The wife and mother died on the 4th of December, 1901, and her remains were interred in the Harwood cemetery. In 1904 Mr. Hildreth was again married, his second union being with Miss Ella S. Buckland, a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of German and Mary Buckland, both of whom were born in Vermont. They removed to Wisconsin in the year 1848 and in that state the father passed away, but the mother still survives at the age of eighty-two.

Mr. Hildreth votes with the republican party, which finds in him a strong and stalwart advocate. He served on the township board for two terms and has also been town assessor.  For twelve years he was a member of the school board and the cause of education found in him a stalwart champion. His wife is a member of the Congregational church and both are highly esteemed, enjoying the goodwill and confidence of friends and neighbors. Mr. Hildreth deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as he started out in life empty handed and today is the possessor of a comfortable competence, which is the legitimate reward of well directed energy and thrift.

DR. S. J. HILL came to Fargo in 1878 and for about thirty years continued in the active practice of dentistry in this city. He was among the pioneer representatives of the profession in the state and was accorded a liberal patronage, his business bringing him substantial success. Not alone in professional circles, however, has he figured prominently in connection with the history of the state. In other ways he has been a leader in public thought and action and upon him have been bestowed high official honors, of which he was fully worthy. Dr. Hill is a native of Canton, New York, born May 3, 1846, his parents being Ephraim and Mary M. (Reed), Hill, who were likewise natives of the Empire state, where they spent their entire lives. They had a family of five children, three of whom are yet living.

Dr. Hill was reared and educated in New York and in 1864 when a youth of eighteen years he responded to the country’s call for troops for the Civil war, enlisting as a member of Company F, One Hundred and Forty-first New York Volunteer Infantry. He joined that command as a private and served until the close of the war, going with Sherman on the march to the sea. Following the cessation of hostilities he returned to his home and there remained until 1867, in which year he went to Michigan, where he spent one and a half years. He then again returned home and attended school in Ovid and at Lima, New York. He afterward took up the study of medicine in the office and under the direction of Dr. E. W. Bryan and later was graduated from the medical school in Cleveland, Ohio, with the class of 1872.

Dr. Hill then located in Waterloo, New York, where he remained for a short time and after which he removed to Franklin, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in practice for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period he went to Le Mars, Iowa, and a year later removed to Cherokee, Iowa, where he continued until 1878. In that year he made his way to Fargo, North Dakota, where he has since resided. In the meantime he took up the study of dentistry, which he practiced in Fargo for about thirty years, having a well appointed office and receiving a liberal patronage. He kept in touch with the advanced thought of the profession and was familiar with all its scientific researches and investigations. He had the first license which was issued in the territory and his work was very satisfactory to his patrons.

On the 3d of February, 1872, Dr. Hill was married to Miss Anna A. Sowles, who was a native of Alburg, Vermont, and a daughter of S. B. and Lurancy (Marvin) Sowles. To this union were born five children: Alice JI., the wife of A. L. Peart, a resident of Chaffee, North Dakota; Agnes L., at home; Mary E., the wife of E. H. Elwin, of Breckenridge, Minnesota; Edith L., who has departed this life; and Ernest S., a resident of Fargo. The last named is first lieutenant of Company B, First North Dakota National Guard, and June 24, 1916, left for the front in the Mexican trouble. He is also a Scottish Rite Mason, a Noble of the Mystic Shrine and a Forester. On the 10th of September 1895, the wife and mother passed away and her remains were interred in Riverside cemetery. On the 11th of June 1904, Dr. Hill was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Jennie Benedict, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In 1879 Dr. Hill was made a Mason and since that time has received all the degrees of the York and Scottish Rites up to and including the honorary thirty-third degree. He was elected secretary of the Consistory and is now serving as secretary of the lodge. In the Knights Templar commandery he has filled all of the chairs and is past grand commander.  In the Royal Arch chapter he is past grand high priest, in the blue lodge past grand master and in the Order of the Eastern Star is past grand patron. He also belongs to the Yeomen lodge. His wife is past matron of the Eastern Star, for eight years was secretary of the Rebecca lodge of Odd Fellows and for one year served as president and has been president of the local branch of the Woman’s Relief Corps and national chaplain. Dr. Hill is a member of Fargo Post, No. 5, G. A. R., of which he is a past commander, and since then has been department commander of North Dakota and is now serving his third term aa assistant adjutant general and assistant quartermaster general. Politically he is a republican, earnest in support of the party, which has elected him to a number of local offices.  He served for six years as a member of the city council and was president of that body. He filled the office of city assessor for two years and then resigned and for twelve years he was a member of the city assessment committee. For three years he was a member of the board of education and during two years of that time acted as its president. He was made president of the first board of dental examiners appointed by Governor Pierce and was appointed by Governor Miller for a five years’ term, during which period he was president of the board. In 1894, however, he resigned. He is the present secretary of Shiloh Masons and is widely known among the brethren of the fraternity. His life has been in consistent harmony with the teachings of the craft which has as its basic element a recognition of the brotherhood of mankind, and which inculcates among its members the spirit of mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness, in other connections, too. Dr. Hill is widely and favorably known and his popularity is based upon his many sterling traits of character which have been manifest in every relation into which he has entered.

SIMON V. HOAG is a retired farmer now living in Fargo. For a long period he was actively identified with agricultural interests, but he has now passed the eighty-third milestone on life’s journey and is enjoying a period of rest. This seems to be the course which nature intended, for in youth and early manhood an individual is possessed of energy, courage and ambition, to which in mature years he adds sound judgment and enterprise. These qualities, if well directed, bring the measure of success that enables one in the evening of life to rest from further labor. Mr. Hoag was born in Montgomery county, New York, September 8, 1833, his parents being Stephen and Elizabeth (Veeder) Hoag, who were also natives of the Empire state, but removed to Ohio, settling on a farm near Toledo, where they resided until called to the home beyond. They had a family of seven children, of whom two are living.

Simon V. Hoag remained in his native state to the age of twenty years and then went with his parents to Ohio, where he resided until 1856, when he removed to a farm in Whiteside county, Illinois. In 1861 he responded to his country’s call for aid. enlisting as a member of Company C. Eighth Illinois Cavalry, with which he served until the close of the war. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant and took part in various hotly contested engagements.  He was the first man that rode into Gettysburg when the advance guard entered that city just before the battle. During all his service he was never wounded, although his hat was shot through and he had other narrow escapes. With the close of hostilities he was mustered out at St. Louis, Missouri.

Mr. Hoag then returned to Whiteside county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming until 1870, after which he removed to Yankton, South Dakota. There he took up a preemption claim upon which he remained for a year, and at the end of that time he went to Cass county. North Dakota, arriving in May 1871. He secured a claim situated on section 34, Harwood township, and with characteristic energy began its development and improvement. He and his son now own four hundred and eighty acres of land all splendidly improved, and for a long period he was one of the successful agriculturists of the community.

Mr. Hoag has been married twice. In 1861 he wedded Miss Martha A. Bradley, a native of Ohio, who passed away in 1866 and whose remains were interred in a cemetery in Fulton county, Ohio. In 1876 Mr. Hoag was again married, his second union being with Miss S.  Lizzie Leverett, a native of New Hampshire. To them were born ten children, seven of whom still survive, as follows: Stephen H., who lives on the home farm; Gertrude E., who resides at home and is principal of a school at Fargo: Phebe C. Vowles, of Edgeley; Mary J., who is engaged at Morris, Minnesota, Nellie, at home: Cora, a college student, and Bender, who is yet on the old homestead farm.

Mr. Hoag now occupies a fine home in Fargo and is enjoying well earned rest. He has filled all of the township offices and has ever been loyal in his citizenship. He was also one of the first county commissioners of Cass county and has ever given his political allegiance to the republican party. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge at Fargo and with the Grand Army post, of which he was one of the organizers. He thus comes in close relation with his old army comrades and their reminiscences are most interesting to him. All through his life he has had that deep attachment for the stars and stripes which he manifested when he followed the nation’s banner upon the battlefields of the south.

JOHN S. HOCKING, who passed away November 29, 1915, was a highly prosperous and up-to-date agriculturist residing in Empire township, Cass county. He was born in Cornwall, England, on the 24th of June 1846. and was a son of Edmund and Tabitha (Bennett) Hocking, who passed their entire lives in England, where the father was employed as a timer and miner. His wife died in 1896. The grandfather of our subject was a soldier under Wellington at the battle of Waterloo and was awarded several medals for bravery.

John S. Hocking was reared in England and there received a good education. In 1866, when about twenty years of age, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and for a time was employed as mining engineer and expert in the mines of Connecticut, after which he was employed in the copper mines of North Carolina for a short time. He then returned to Connecticut, where he remained until the fall of 1867, when he removed to Upper Michigan.  He was employed in the copper mines there until 1878, in which year he came to North Dakota and located on a farm in Empire township, Cass county. He took up a homestead, to which he subsequently added by purchase and at his death he owned in all eleven quarter sections in a body. He erected substantial and commodious buildings and also planted a ten acre grove, which is one of the best in the county, always taking a justifiable pride in the fine appearance of his place. His home was situated on section 34. He divided his attention between the growing of grain and the raising of stock, and found that the two branches of farming coordinate well and that general farming is more profitable than specializing in the raising of either grain or stock.

Mr. Hocking was united in marriage in 1870 to Miss Mary J. Matters, who was born in Devonshire, England, but was brought to this country by her parents when but five years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Hocking were born eleven children : Ella, who is the wife of Robert Smith, now a resident of Yelm, Washington ; Jane, who married A. A. Walker, of Casselton, this state; Edmund; Samuel, deceased; Richard; John; William; Thomas; Harry; Newton; and Charles, deceased.

Mr. Hocking was a republican and held all of the township offices, while he served on the school board for years. He always performed his official duties with an eye single to the public good and made a highly creditable record in office. He held membership in the Masonic blue lodge and in the Scottish Rite bodies and had conferred upon him all of the degrees up to the thirty-second. He was also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which he joined in 1868. Both he and his wife affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church and their influence could be counted upon in the furtherance of worthy causes.  Mr. Hocking made all that he had himself after coming to America and earned the title of a self-made man.

RICHARD C. HOCKING is a member of the firm of Coil, Hocking & Company and is manager of their store, which is one of the best in Wheatland. He is well known in Cass county, where he has spent the greater part of his life, his birth there occurring on the 12th of January 1879. His parents, John S. and Mary J. (Matters) Hocking, were both born in England and emigrated to the United States in their youth. They were married in Michigan, where they remained until 1877, when they removed to Cass county, North Dakota, taking up a homestead and tree claim. The father was a poor man when he came to this state but has gained a gratifying measure of success and is now well-to-do. He and his wife are still living upon the home farm. To them were born eleven children, of whom nine survive.

Richard C. Hocking was educated in the common schools of Cass county, and also in Macalester College at St. Paul, which he attended for three years, and in a business college at Minneapolis. On finishing his schooling he became bookkeeper for a cold storage company of Minneapolis, where he remained for three years. He was subsequently bookkeeper for the Twin City Rapid Transit Company for nineteen months but in 1904 returned to Cass county, North Dakota, and engaged in merchandising under the style of Coil, Hocking & Company, which firm carries a well selected line of goods and is well patronized, its liberal business policy enabling it to retain custom once gained.

In 1901 Mr. Hocking was married to Miss Catherine S. Hawley, who was born in Canada and by whom he has two children, Catherine E. and Richard Wendell.  Mr. Hocking gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has never been an aspirant for office. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic blue lodge and Royal Arch chapter and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has filled all of the chairs. His business ability and enterprise are generally acknowledged, and he is also recognized as a public-spirited citizen and as a man of sterling qualities.

JAMES HOLES, When death called James Holes on the 2d day of June, 1910, there passed from this life one who up to that time was the earliest of the living settlers of Fargo. He had for many years figured as a well known and progressive farmer and business man of Fargo township, Cass county, where he settled here the city of Fargo was established, and with every phase of pioneer development and later progress in the district he was closely identified.  He was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, January 29, 1845, his parents being James and Mary (Hibbert) Holes, who were natives of Derbyshire, England, and came to the United States in 1832, settling near Ithaca, New York, the father assisting in making the rock cuts south of that city. He subsequently removed to a farm five miles from Ithaca and later established his home in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, where he settled upon a tract of land in the midst of a forest, there hewing out a farm. In the spring of 1850 he removed to a farm near Oswego, New York, where James Holes spent sixteen years of his boyhood and youth, his education being acquired in the common schools near the family home. The father died when his son was a lad of fifteen years and the care of the home farm then fell upon the young shoulders of the son and upon his mother. He remained with her to assist her in every possible way until he reached his twenty-first year, when he followed the advice of Horace Greeley and came to the west.

At that time he had saved from his earnings about one thousand dollars and he received an additional eight hundred and fifty dollars from his father’s estate. It had been a long cherished ambition prior to his removal to the west that he might one day own one thousand acres of land and with his capital of eighteen hundred and fifty dollars he made his way to St. Cloud, Minnesota, and soon thereafter began investing. Two years later, when he had reached the age of twenty-three, he was the owner of thirteen bundled acres on which there was no indebtedness.  Subsequently Mr. Holes disposed of portions of his property from time to time and in July 1871, he came to Dakota territory, camping the first night—the 4th of July—four blocks west of where the present post office of Fargo now stands. The town, however, had not been platted at that time. His object in coming was to hold the land for the Puget Sound Company, which company knew of the intention to build a town upon the site.  Mr. Holes was to receive one thousand dollars a year with the privilege of conducting a supply store at the same time and was to be paid extra for any work he did in the way of development. Upon his arrival, however, he found that the company had made other arrangements and he purchased a claim from Ole Hansen, who formed one of the Scandinavian colony that left Goodhue county, Minnesota, in May, 1871, and at Georgetown crossed the Red river into Dakota territory, from which point they came north, fording the Sheyenne river and arriving on the present site of the city of Fargo on the 17th of May 1871. They Were the first settlers upon the town site and their claim extended to both sides of what are now the corporation limits. These settlers were bought out by the Puget Sound Company. The quarter section of land which Mr. Holes purchased from Mr. Hansen remained his place of residence and he owned one hundred and eighty acres adjoining the corporation limits of Fargo and also seventeen hundred and forty acres near Hunter, in Cass county. In all the intervening years to the time of his death he was a well known and valued resident of that district, carrying on agricultural pursuits for an extended period. For six years prior to his demise he had the state agency for North Dakota and Montana for the Emerson Wild Oats Separator Company and during the year 1914 did a business of forty-five thousand dollars.

At a meeting of the Washington Club held a short time prior to his death he was called upon to give an account of early conditions in Cass county and on that occasion said: “During the summer of 1868 and 1860 I made several trips to Fort Abercrombie, where the village of Abercrombie now is, so when 1 came to the Red River valley on July 18, 1871, I was not an entire stranger to the conditions that prevailed here at that time. I came alone with a pair of horses, covered wagon and tent, driving from St. Cloud, Minnesota, to what is now Fargo. The first persons I met were Jacob Lowell and Henry S. Black. I met them about two miles south of where Moorhead is now, and they directed me to a ferry near where the new filtration plant now stands. This ferry was so small we had to cross the horses first and then the wagon afterward. When I got to the west side of the river the first thing that attracted my attention was a tent and a man sitting in the shade playing a waltz on a violin. Soon a woman came out and waltzed to the tune he was playing. This was Captain George Egbert and wife. As I got on higher ground I saw a little north and west a board house near the slough. This belonged to Henry Fuller and was the first board house built in Fargo. In the. western part of Fargo Andrew Holes and his wife were camped, Mrs. Holes, who now lives in Moorhead, being the first white woman who lived in Fargo.  I drove to where they were camped and camped with them. Two months prior to this, on May 17, 1871, the first settlement of Fargo was made by a party of Scandinavians from Goodhue, county, Minnesota, who had crossed the Red river at Georgetown, Minnesota, and come up the west side of the river and settled just north of Fargo and south of where Peter P. Goodman and Jacob P. Metzger settled in December, 1870. They consisted of young men bachelors and a few married men. All their wives were left behind at Fergus Falls, that being the nearest white settlement. These parties were nearly all bought out by the Puget Sound Company, Ole Jansen Lee, Lars Martin, the Johnson Brothers, and one or two others remaining. Ole Hansen settled where James Holes now lives, but on the river. Mr. Peterson settled in Oak Grove. Mr. Johnson settled where the Washington school now stands. There was another settler in the northeast part of the city who built a log cabin near the lagoon or old river bed. At that house the directors of the Northern Pacific Railroad were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Holes on several occasions. South of Fargo, Ole Jansen Lee, Ole Matherson, Lars Martin, Easten and Jens Johnson, brothers, settled. This constitutes all or nearly all of the colony who settled here May 17, 1871. These people, constructed primitive cabins of logs with bark roofs, the bark being covered with sod, making a tool roof in summer and a warm roof in winter. None of these houses had either doors or windows; such luxuries wore not yet indulged in. About the first of July other settlers began to arrive, Mr. Andrew McHench and wife, Henry Fuller, whose wife was at that time in the state of Maine, Charles Roberts and wife, Jacob Lowell, Henry S. Black, James Holes and others. The country was entirely wild. Countless millions of grasshoppers swarmed everywhere. The woods were full of great owls and prairie wolves were sneaking around the prairies. The hooting owls and barking wolves broke the monotony of the nights. The mosquitoes in summer and blizzards in winter did much to make life miserable, but notwithstanding we managed to get enough out of life so none of the first settlers com-mitted suicide and all those who stuck to the Red River valley and did what they could have prospered financially. As to the city of Fargo, 1 have not been disappointed, it has become about such a city as I expected it would, forty years ago, as it is well situated and should become a large city.”

In June, 1889, Mr. Holes was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda Harrison, a native of Wisconsin, who passed away in 1908, and they became the parents of three children: James H., who was a resident of Foster, California, but who has returned to Fargo and will take charge of and manage the Holes estate; Bernard R., of Fargo, who is in the employ of the Ford Automobile Company; and Marguerite V., who acted as private secretary to her father and will assist her brother in the management of the estate. The Holes home is one of the most beautiful residences in the state and is presided over by Miss Marguerite Holes in a most gracious manner. She had the careful rearing of her mother, who was a beautiful and intellectual lady and who possessed exceptional ability as an artist, which fact is demonstrated by the many attractive canvases painted by her which adorn the walls of the home. The daughter has the mother’s artistic temperament as is shown by the exterior embellishments and the interior decorations of the home, over which she has now presided for eight years.  Mrs. Holes was a great worker in the cause of charity and the poor of the city have reason to remember her kindliness and helpfulness on many occasions. Mr. Holes, too, was a generous contributor to charitable organizations, giving freely where aid was needed. His activities extended into various fields. He was a member of the American Equity Society and was its president for a number of years. He was also a member and director of the Farmers Mutual Society, of which he served as vice president for several years. In his political views Mr. Holes was a progressive republican and for nine years served as county commissioner and for a number of years was a member of the township school board, of which he was treasurer. His interest in the public welfare was of a most substantial character and his labors contributed to the material development and progress of His section of the state, where for a number of years he was the oldest living settler. When death called him the funeral services were held at his residence on North Broadway and were so largely attended that the house could by no means accommodate the concourse of people who gathered. The worth of his work as a pioneer settler and progressive citizen can scarcely be overestimated and his name will long be honored and his memory cherished in the community in which he lived.

JOHN M. HOLMEN is operating the old family homestead in Warren township Cass county, and is ranked among the progressive farmers of his locality. He was born on that farm, September 2, 1878, of the marriage of J. J. and Martha Holmen, both natives of Norway.  They came to the United States in the latter 1860’s and after residing in Minnesota for a few years removed to Cass county, North Dakota, and located on the farm on section 24, Warren township, where our subject now lives. The father erected a log cabin, which remained the family residence for a number of years, but later he built an excellent farm dwelling. He made many other improvements upon the place and brought his land to a high state of cultivation, he passed away upon the homestead in 1910, but his wife is still living there at the age of seventy-six years. Three of their four children are living.

John M. Holmen was educated in the common schools and has always lived on the home farm. He assisted his father with its operation until the latter’s demise, since which time he has had charge of the farm work. The family owns three hundred and forty acres, which our subject cultivates, and he personally holds title to one hundred and sixty acres on section 9, Stanley township, he follows modern methods of agriculture and his well-directed labor is rewarded by excellent crops, he also raises high grade stock. In addition to his farm interests he is a stockholder in the Farmers elevator at Horace.  Mr. Holmen is a republican in politics, but has never sought nor desired office, his entire life has been spent in Cass county, and he is widely known and has many sincere friends, as he possesses those traits of character which in variably command respect and win regard.

OLE P. HOLMEN, Many of the excellent citizens and successful farmers of North Dakota were born in Norway and among the number is Ole P. Holmen. who owns and operates a fine farm in Stanley township. Cass county. His birth occurred on the 8th of April 1843, and he is a son of Peter and Mary (Lewis) Holmen, the former of whom died in Norway, while the latter joined her children in the United States in 1870 and made her home with them until her demise.

Ole P. Holmen was reared in his native land and continued to reside there for a number of years after attaining his majority. In 1868, however, he came to America and located in Rice county, Minnesota, where he worked as a farm hand for some time, and also for a period of time worked on a railroad. In 1871 he removed to Fargo, North Dakota, and purchased eighty acres of land on section 19, Stanley township, Cass county, he later purchased one hundred and sixty acres of his present farm on the same section and not long afterward preempted a similar tract on section 20, Stanley township, lie also owns other land, his holdings comprising five hundred and thirty-three acres, and he is one of the well-to-do men of his locality. His success is the direct result of his industry and the wise management of his affairs, as during his entire career he has depended solely upon his own efforts.

In 1872 Mr. Holmen was married to Miss Mary Anderson, a native of Norway, who came to the United States in 1868 in early womanhood. To them have been born three children, one of whom is deceased, the others being: Helmer, who is farming land belonging to his father; and Samuel, at home.

Mr. Holmen votes the republican ticket and for four years has been a member of the board of trustees, his record in that capacity being a very creditable one, as he has sought in every way possible to advance the general welfare, he and his family hold membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church, and the genuineness of their faith is evidenced by the uprightness of their lives.

HON. E. H. HOLTE, a resident of Noble township, Cass county, is a public spirited and progressive citizen who has been called upon to fill various offices of honor and trust, the duties of which he has discharged in a most capable and satisfactory manner. He deserves to be classed with those self-made men to whom opportunity has been the road to success.  Opportunity has before all but it tauntingly plays before the dreamer and surrenders only to the limit of resolute will and well defined purpose. These qualities Mr. Holte possesses in large measure.

A native of Norway, he  was born March 23, 1860, a son of Hans 0. and Elene (Bjerke) Holte, who were also natives of that country, whence they came to America in 1869 making their way to Wilmington, Houston county, Minnesota, There they resided until 1878, in which year they became pioneer settlers of Noble township, Cass county. North Dakota, purchasing the farm upon which their son E. H. Holte now resides. Subsequently the father took up his abode in Fargo, where he passed away in 1909, while his widow still survives at the advanced age of eighty-five years. In their family were eight children and theirs is a remarkable record, for none have passed away.

E. H. Holte was a little lad of nine summers when he accompanied his parents to the new world and his boyhood and youth were afterward passed in Minnesota and in North Dakota, his experiences in early life being those which usually fall to the farm lad who assists in the work of the fields and divides his time between that and the duties of the school room. He acquired a high-school education and afterward gave his undivided attention to farm work until 1801, when he started out in life for himself, he has since carried on general agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of four hundred and twenty-two acres of valuable and productive land on sections 26, 35 and 36, Noble township, Cass county, he is regarded as one of the enterprising, progressive agriculturists of this part of the state, having highly cultivated his fields, while to his farm he has added many fine buildings and other modern improvements. In addition to tilling the soil he raises stock and both branches of his business are proving profitable, for his interests are systematically and wisely conducted, he is also one of the directors of the First State Bank at Perley, Minnesota, and is president of the Farmers Elevator there.

Mr. Holte was married December 9, 1891 to Miss Alma Schow. A native of Norway and a daughter of Marlin and Dorothea (Bjerke) Schow, who were likewise natives of Norway, in 1867 they emigrated to America and located in Fillmore county, Minnesota.  In 1870 they took up their abode upon a farm on section 24, Noble township, Cass county, where on the father erected a log cabin. Both spent their remaining days here, the father passing away in 1900, while the mother, surviving for a few years, departed this life in 1914. Their family numbered nine children, of whom seven survive. To Mr. and Mrs.  Holte have been born a son and daughter: Melvin H., who is a graduate of the college at Moorhead, Minnesota, and is at home; and Delia Esther Mathilde, who is also with her parents.

The parents are members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which they are actively and helpfully interested and Mr. Holte is serving as chairman of the board of trustees. In his political views he is an earnest republican and has been called upon to fill various offices. He served for one term as county assessor, has been a member of the board of supervisors for many years and has also been justice of the peace, in which connection he rendered decisions that were strictly fair and impartial. For twenty years he has served on the school board and is a strong champion of the cause of education, believing the common school system to be one of the bulwarks of the nation. In 1902 he was elected register of deeds and by re-election was continued in office for three successive terms, making a most creditable record, In 1890 he was elected to the state legislature, where he served most acceptably, giving careful consideration to all questions which came up for settlement. He has ever regarded a public office as a public trust and it is well known that no trust reposed in Mr. Holte has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. In a word he stands as one of the leading and valued citizens of Cass county, his personal characteristics winning him popularity, his friends in this part of the state being almost as numerous as his acquaintances. He has lived in the county since 1878 and has therefore long been a witness of its growth and progress, taking a deep interest in all that pertains to the general good.

NEWTON K. HUBBARD It is not difficult to speak of the late Newton K. Hubbard, of Fargo, for his life and his character were as clear as the sunlight. No man came in contact with him but speedily appreciated him at his true worth and knew he was a man who not only cherished a high ideal of duty, but who lived up to it. He constantly labored for the right and from his earliest youth devoted a large portion of his time to the service of others. He became a pioneer settler of North Dakota and was closely associated with many movements which led to the rapid and substantial growth and development of the state. He knew the experiences of pioneer life and he lived to enjoy the fruits of settlement and. civilization when North Dakota was transformed from a wilderness into a great common wealth, his business activities were put forth along various lines, his political work was effective and his influence on the side of righteousness, justice and truth counted for much.  Mr. Hubbard was a native of Massachusetts, his birth having occurred at Agawam, Hampden county, on the 17th of December, 1839. He lacked but one day of reaching the Psalmist’s allotted span of three score years and ten when death claimed him on the 16th of December, 1909. His parents were George J. and Marian (Adams) Hubbard, natives of Massachusetts and Connecticut, respectively.  It is said that his father, who was a prosperous and well-known farmer of Agawam, was noted for his business ability and his force of character. He passed his entire life in New England and was a typical citizen of that region. His grandfather Captain George Hubbard who was born in Middletown, Connecticut, served with the Connecticut line in the Revolutionary war and thereby won his title.

After mastering the branches of learning taught in the common schools of Massachusetts.  Newton K. Hubbard continued his education in the Providence Conference College of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and when his textbooks were put aside he went to Painesville, Ohio, where he was teaching a district school when the excitement in the Pennsylvania oil fields attracted his attention, he wrote to his father that he believed he might make profitable investment in oil if the father would send him a thousand dollars, but before the check reached him, as it did later, the Civil war had been inaugurated and Newton Hubbard felt that his first duty was to his country, he therefore returned his father’s check, stating at the same time that on the 22d of April 1861, he had responded to the call for troops to aid in the defense of the Union and had enlisted at Painesville, Ohio, as a private, for three months’ service with Company D, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On the 19th of June following he re-enlisted for three years’ service and was promoted to the rank of corporal. On the 20th of August, 1861, he was captured at the battle of Cross Lanes, Virginia, together with two others and one hundred and fifteen enlisted men and for nine months and six days was held as a prisoner of war, being incarcerated for different periods at Richmond, Virginia, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Salisbury, North Carolina, so that he had all of the hard and bitter experiences of the southern prison pen. In January, 1863, he was exchanged and rejoining his regiment participated in the battles of Chancellorsville, Virginia: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; Lookout Mountain, Tennessee; Missionary Ridge, Tennessee; Ringgold, Dalton, Rocky Face Ridge and Dallas, Georgia.

At the close of his three years’ term Mr. Hubbard was mustered out on the 6th of July, 1864, with the rank of sergeant major of his regiment, he was appointed surveyor of General Casements’ brigade and thereafter remained in Raleigh, North Carolina, until hostilities had ceased. He opened the first store in Raleigh after the Union troops were sent to that city but a few months later sold out, for the sectional feeling was so great as not only to render his stay unpleasant, but also to place his life in jeopardy.  Returning to Ohio, Mr. Hubbard opened a store in Geneva, which he profitably conducted until the spring of 1870, when he disposed of his stock there and became identified with the development of the northwest, proceeding first to Duluth, Minnesota. The Northern Pacific Railroad was then being built and its construction meant the opening of the great territory to the west. Mr. Hubbard possessed the pioneer spirit and felt that here was the chance for wise and judicious investment. He went to Georgetown, Minnesota, accompanied by L. H. Tenny, making the trip on horseback from St. Cloud. It had been intimated that Georgetown would probably be the place where the Northern Pacific road would cross the Red river. During the summer Mr. Hubbard received a dispatch from Pitt Cooke, brother of Jay Cooke, that the Northern Pacific crossing of the Red river would be at the mouth of Elm river, about twenty miles north of Georgetown. Therefore, with several companions who had been waiting for this information, he went immediately to Elm river, where he and the others took government claims and built log cabins. On returning to the claim after a two months’ trip in the east he found that it had been jumped. There was a man occupying the cabin who demanded six hundred dollars before he would give possession. Mr. Hubbard replied that he could keep the claim, for in the meantime he had learned that the railroad crossing would be moved twenty-seven miles south to what is now Moorhead, Minnesota. Elm river was therefore abandoned and the prospectors made their way to Moorhead, securing such land as they could in that vicinity, Mr. Hubbard embraced every opportunity for business development that was offered by the conditions of the west. In the spring of 1871 he opened a store in a tent at Oak Lake, now Lake Park, Minnesota, and there with a stock of general merchandise he furnished supplies to the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, having hauled his goods by ox teams from St. Cloud. As the railroad was extended he followed the line and under the firm name of Hubbard & Raymond successfully carried on business at Brainerd, Glyndon, Moorhead and Jamestown. After two years the partnership was dissolved, while Mr. Hubbard concentrated his interests at Moorhead. The Indian land located on the west side of the river at Fargo was not open for actual settlement until 1873. at which time Mr. Hubbard became purchaser of the first two business lots sold in the city and after disposing of his store in Moorhead took up his permanent abode in Fargo, where he embarked in merchandising, admitting his former bookkeeper, E. S. Tyler, to a partnership. From that time forward he was a most active, prominent and influential factor in the upbuilding and development of the city. In the spring of 1871 the firm purchased the furniture of the Headquarters Hotel, which had been begun by the railroad company in 1871 and was completed the following year. W. A. Carson was placed in charge of the hotel, which, however, was destroyed by fire three months later. The failure of Jay Cooke in 1873 brought temporary embarrassment to railroad operations in the west and caused business to be slack in many lines, but after getting the concessions asked for, the firm of Hubbard & Tyler rebuilt the hotel in sixty days at a cost of twenty thousand dollars. Its reopening was the occasion of great festivity, and for years afterward it remained the social center of the town and surrounding country.

Into other fields of activity Hubbard & Tyler extended their efforts. In the back part of their store they conducted the banking business of the town and cared for the express business, and when in 1878 capitalists from Racine, Wisconsin, visited Fargo, Mr. Hubbard joined them in organizing and establishing the First National Bank, of which he became the first vice president, remaining as one of its directors from the beginning until failing health compelled him to withdraw twenty years later. It was characteristic of him that he never hesitated to take a forward step when the way was open and he readily recognized and utilized opportunities that others passed heedlessly by. When financial resources permitted he opened a store in Casselton in the early 1880’s and erected several brick business blocks there, also becoming a director of the Cass County National Bank at Cassation, in which connection he continued until his demise. The town of Hunter sprung into existence as the result of his enterprising spirit and business ability, for he bought and platted the townsite on the Great Northern Railroad and he became the proprietor of the first stores in Blanchard and Mayville, North Dakota, shipping the lumber for the buildings on the first flat car that entered the towns. In 1881 he organized and became president of the Goose River Rank of Mayville, a private banking institution, conducted under the name of N. K. Hubbard & Company. This was successfully conducted by him for ten years, when ill health forced him to sell out. The bank, however, remains as one of the substantial financial institutions of the state. In addition to all of his other interests Mr. Hubbard became an investor in lands, making extensive purchases of choice farm property in Minnesota and North Dakota. As the cultivation of wheat increased he entered the grain trade as a member of the firm of Hubbard & Gibbs, with headquarters at Fargo, and he also gave much time to his real-estate operations, handling, however, only his own property. His keen sagacity enabled him to recognize every advantage of the state and he became one of the organizers and the first president of the Fargo Southern Railroad Company, which is now the branch line of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, extending to the capital.

In 1870 Mr. Hubbard was married to Miss Elizabeth Clayton, daughter of David B. and Mary A. (Hitchcock) Clayton, of Painesville, Ohio. One daughter, Mabel Louise, was born to them. She was married July 10, 1912, to Lieutenant Walter W. Lorshbough of the United States navy.

In his political views Mr. Hubbard was long a stalwart republican and in 1894 was prominently mentioned in connection with the candidacy for governor of his state, but his ill health would not allow him to entertain the idea, he was a political leader but never an office Seeker. He fearlessly spoke his views and his position was never an equivocal one.  He was one of the four delegates from Dakota to the Chicago convention, which nominated Benjamin Harrison for the presidency, and for eight years he served on the board of directors of the State Asylum for the Insane. No one doubted his position on the temperance question. He frankly and fearlessly advocated the cause and he stood for reform and improvement in politics, in governmental affairs and in all those things which touch the general interests of society and affect the welfare of mankind. Of him a contemporary biographer has written: ‘‘In all his dealings Mr. Hubbard was noted for his fairness as well as for his splendid business ability, he was a man of ripe judgment, strict integrity and displayed a fearlessness in doing right that won for him the confidence of all his associates.  He was a good soldier to the last, lighting a good fight, enduring his physical limitations and almost constant pain and weariness with the same good cheer, patience and heroic optimism that was his chief characteristic.” While he was at the head of large business interests which he managed successfully, yet it was his rule to set apart some time each day for the labors of love to which he was so devoted, his friends miss him, but the memory of his sweet and beautiful life, of his sincerity and simplicity, will not he forgotten. He laid down his task in the twilight of the day, when all that he had to do had been nobly, beautifully and fully completed.

JOSEPH HUMPHREY, one of the prosperous and representative agriculturists of Cass county, where he has resided continuously during the past third of a century, is the owner of a well improved farm comprising three hundred and twenty acres on section 18, Kenyon township. His birth occurred in Ontario, Canada, on the 20th of May 1858, his parents being Thomas and Jane (Weyers) Humphrey, who spent their entire lives in Canada. By occupation the father was a farmer.

Joseph Humphrey acquired his education in the public schools of his native country and when a young man of about twenty-four years was married. In March 1882, he came to North Dakota, and for three years worked as a farm hand. On the expiration of that period, in 1885, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 18, Kenyon township, where he has resided continuously throughout the intervening thirty-one years. About six years after he had made his first purchase he bought an adjoining tract of one hundred and sixty acres, so that his farm embraces a half section. Through the careful conduct of his agricultural interests he has won a gratifying measure of success and now has a handsome country home and a well improved farm. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Grandin.

In January 1882. Mr. Humphrey was joined in wedlock to Miss Maria Young, by whom he has five children, as follows: T. Burnett, at home; Hazel E., the wife of Harris Thom, who is the cashier of the First National Bank of Drayton, North Dakota; and Flossie J., Vivian R. and Virgin Grant, all at home.

Politically Mr. Humphrey is a stanch republican and he has ably served as a member of the town board for three years, while for a similar period he has been on the school board. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. His record may well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, for he came to this state empty handed and by diligence and industry has gained a place among the substantial agriculturists and esteemed citizens of Cass county.

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