Biographies

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

JOHN SCHLAET is one of the venerable citizens and honored pioneer settlers of North Dakota, having made his home in Cass county since 1880. He has witnessed many changes during the intervening years as the work of development and progress has been carried forward, converting the county from a wild frontier district into one of the populous and prosperous counties of this part of the state. Moreover, his life record proves what can be accomplished when determination and energy lead the way and may well serve as an example to others who wish to attain honorable success.

Mr. Schlaet was born in Germany, March 22, 1837, a son of Christ J. and Dorothea J.  Schlaet, who were likewise natives of the same country and never left that land. They had a family of two sons, the elder being Fred, now a resident of Minnesota.  The younger, John Schlaet, was reared and educated in Germany and in 1808, when thirty-one years of age, came to the new world, hoping to find hotter business conditions than he could secure in his native land. He first made his way to Minnesota, but before coming to America he had followed the sea for two years, making several trips across the Atlantic. On reaching Minnesota he took up his abode upon a farm and spent about six years in that state, devoting his time to general agricultural pursuits. While there he lost his left arm in a threshing machine and was thus handicapped, but has never allowed this misfortune to discourage or dishearten him. In 1880 he arrived in North Dakota, settling upon a farm on section 1, Amenia township. He immediately set to work to develop and improve the property and has added to it many substantial buildings, good fences and the latest improved machinery. To his original purchase he has added from time to time until he is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of rich and productive land and has also given a farm to each of his stepsons. At the present time he is living retired in Arthur and is reaping the benefits of his earnest and persistent toil.

In 1873 Mr. Schlaet was married to Carolina Goda, a native of Germany, and they became the parents of three children: Anna, who is now married and lives in California; Emma, the wife of R. Siebert; and one who is deceased. Mrs. Schlaet had been previously married and by her first union had the following children: William, Fred, Gustav, Herman, John, one who died in Minnesota and two who died in Germany.  Mr. and Mrs. Schlaet are members of the German Lutheran church and have ever been faithful to its teachings. In politics be is a republican and has served as road supervisor but has never been a politician in the usually accepted sense of office socking. He and his wife have made all they have since coming to the new world and they deserve much credit for their progress and advancement. Earnest, persistent labor has been the foundation of their prosperity, which has increased with the passing years until they are now enabled to live retired, occupying a pleasant home in Arthur, while their income is sufficient to bring them the comforts of life.

B. H. SCHNEIDER is the efficient and popular cashier of the Farmers State Bank of Davenport, Cass county, and is also a landowner. He was born in that county on the 3d of September, 1882, a son of Louis and Johanna Schneider. His parents, who were natives of Wisconsin, removed to this state in 1879 and located upon a farm four miles north of Davenport, where the father passed away in 1909 and where the mother still makes her home.  They became the parents of nine children, seven of whom are still living.

B. H. Schneider remained at home until he attained his majority and acquired his education in the public schools and in a business college at Fargo. On completing his course there he accepted a position as bookkeeper at Valley City, where he remained for a year, after which he became assistant cashier in the Sawyer State Bank, which office he filled for two years. At the end of that time his father died and he returned home to take charge of the farm, which he operated for six years. He then aided in organizing the Farmers State Bank at Davenport, of which he has since served as cashier. He understands business conditions, manifests excellent judgment in deciding various questions of policy, and under his direction the bank has prospered. He also owns one hundred and sixty acres of land and has an interest in the homestead.

On the 24th of December 1914, Mr. Schneider was married to Miss Mary Liechty, who was born in Indiana and is a daughter of C. S. and Mary (Witmer) Liechty, both of whom are living in this county.

Mr. Schneider votes the republican ticket and has served as township clerk and is now filling the office of village clerk. Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical church and take an active interest in the spread of its influence. Mr. Schneider is a young man of marked energy and ability, and his continued success seems assured.

CARL J. SCHOW, The attractiveness of Cass county as a place of residence is indicated in the fact that many of the native sons have remained within the borders, content with the opportunities here offered in business and in other connections. Among this number is Carl J. Schow, who was born in 1874 upon the farm in Noble township on which he still makes his home, his parents being Martin and Dorothea B. (Jerke) Schow, both of whom were natives of Norway.  There leaving that land the father served for five years in the army and also engaged in merchandising in that country for seven years but, thinking to win success more rapidly in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic in 1866, taking passage on a sailing vessel which was fourteen weeks and three days in reaching the harbor of Quebec, Canada. From that point he made his way to Winona, Minnesota, where he worked as a miller for four years. At the end of that time he removed to the Red River valley of North Dakota, making the trip with ox teams and located upon the farm now occupied by his son Carl, in the year 1870.  This was a wild frontier region in which the work of civilization and development had barely been done. He was among the first to plant the seeds of development and growth in this part of the state and in the early days he bore all the hardships and privations which are common to the lot of the frontier settler. He built a log cabin which he covered with a sod roof, the ground serving as the floor, while rough boards formed the door, from which hung the proverbial latch string. There was a mud and stick chimney, a fire place serving to heat the little building. As the years passed on however, and Mr. Schow prospered in his undertakings he added fine modern improvements to the farm, which he converted into a valuable property. The land responded readily to his care and cultivation and he gathered rich crops which found a ready sale on the market. He was thus busily and actively identified with farming interests in Cass county until his death, which occurred in 1907, his wife surviving him for seven years and passing away in 1914. In their family were nine children of whom seven are yet living.

Carl J. Schow was reared on the old homestead farm and attended the district schools of the neighborhood. He was trained to the work of the fields and continued to assist his father until he attained his majority, when he took charge of the old homestead which he has since cultivated. He is now the owner of seven hundred acres of excellent land, much of which has been placed under the plow and produces fine crops. He also makes a specialty of raising stock and keeps on hand good grades of horses, cattle and hogs. He receives good prices for his stock and his business is successfully conducted, his prosperity resulting from his enterprise, capability and sound judgment.

In his political opinions Mr. Schow is a democrat but is not an office seeker. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp, in which he has filled all the chairs and his brethren of that fraternity entertain for him warm regard. In fact he is one of the highly respected citizens of the community, esteemed and honored wherever known and most of all where he is best known. He deserves to be mentioned among the pioneer residents of this part of the state, having for forty-two years witnessed the growth and progress which has brought about the present prosperity and upbuilding of Cass county.

A. J. SCHUR, one of the substantial agriculturists of Arthur township, living on section 27, has been a resident of North Dakota for the past thirty-eight years and is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land comprising one of the valuable and well improved farms of Cass county. His birth occurred in Germany on the 1st of November, 1856, his parents being Martin and Minnie (Welke) Schur, who emigrated to the United States in 1872 and established their home in Dodge comity, Wisconsin. In 1879 they followed our subject to North Dakota, locating in Amenia township, Cass county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Martin Schur passed away in 1897, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1905, the community thus losing two of its respected early settlers.  A. J. Schur obtained a district school education and as early as his sixteenth year become a wage earner, working as a farm hand. In the spring of 1878, shortly after attaining his majority, he came to North Dakota and preempted a quarter section of land in Amenia township, Cass county, he proved up on his claim and in 1887 bought a relinquishment on a tree claim in section 28, Arthur township. In 1902 he sold his preemption and purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres adjoining his tree claim, to which he removed and on which he has since resided. His present place of four hundred and eighty acres is one of the most productive and attractive farms of Cass county, annually yielding rich harvests which find a ready sale on the market. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Arthur and enjoys an enviable reputation as an enterprising and representative citizen of his community.

In 1880 Mr. Schur was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Aberthroth, who is a native of Germany and came to the United States in 1877. To them have been born ten children, nine of whom survive, as follows: Louis, a rural mail carrier residing in Arthur, North Dakota; Elma, who is the wife of John Butchen of Arthur; Lena, twin sister of Elma, who gave her hand in marriage to Isaac Roberts, an elevator man of Arthur; Arthur, at home; Olga, who is the wife of Gordon Burgum, the manager of the Northwestern elevator at Arthur, North Dakota; and John, Edward, Mamie and Ella, all at home.  Politically Mr. Schur is a stanch republican and a member of the present board of township trustees, while for several years he has also served on the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran church, to which his wife and children also belong. During his long period of residence in Cass county he has made many friends and his well-known integrity and honesty of purpose have made him popular and esteemed in the district.

WILLIAM ABIAL SCOTT, the president of the Pioneer Life Insurance Company of North Dakota, and a well-known resident of Fargo, is a man who at all times is notably prompt, energetic and reliable in business connections, his plans are ever well defined and carefully executed, and while not all days in his career have been equally bright, the trend of his business life has been along the line, of progress and advancement and he has won for himself a place among the substantial residents of his adopted city and state.  Mr. Scott, seventh generation in New England, is a native of Peterboro, New Hampshire. He was born December 8, 1856, of the marriage of Albert S. and Anna (Sawyer) (daughter of Abial and Sybil Buss Sawyer) Scott. Albert S., the son of William and Phylimla Crossfield Scott, was a lawyer by profession and spent his entire life in Peterboro, distinguished in his day and generation. Anna Sawyer was of the fourth generation of tile Sawyer family in the adjacent village of Sharon, New Hampshire.

Three generations of the Scott family, father, son and grandson, saw service in the Revolutionary war. The founder of the family in America was Alexander Scott, who was born in Derry county, Ireland, and came to the new world with his wife Margaret and family in the year 1731, he settled in Lancaster, Massachusetts. Later his son, Alexander, and a brother (another son), William Scott, and Alexanders father-in-law, William Robb, were three of the five men who founded, from 1735 to 1750, the town of Peterboro, New Hampshire, Alexander Scott conducting the first hotel in that place. Major William Scott, son of the before named Alexander Scott and Margaret Robb, was a native of Townsend, Massa-chusetts, and he, having seen service in the French war, and two of his sons, saw twenty-eight years’ service with the Colonial army in the war which brought independence to the nation, one son being John Scott. the great-grandfather of William A. Scott, through his son William by his first wife Bethiah Ames. Major William Scott married Phebe Woods, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Page) Woods, and through these marriages Mr. Scott traces his ancestry to the Stevens, Snow, Dempster, Minot, Adams and other families interwoven in New England all affairs from the beginning.

No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of life for William A. Scott in his boyhood days, spent in Peterboro, his time being largely passed in the attainment of a public school education until he graduated from the Peterboro high school with the class of 1874. He, just as his father before him and his son since, entered the Phillips Exeter Academy, he was a member of the class of 1877 and there continued his studies for one year, at the end of which time he became a student in the law office and under the direction of his father. He next entered Dartmouth College, as his father had done, becoming a member of the class of 1880, and there completed the work of the freshman year. Upon his father’s death, in August 1877, however, he left college and removed west, settling in Manhattan, Kansas.

It was his intention to engage in the cattle business, but not receiving the financial assistance he expected, in the spring of 1878 he went to Topeka, Kansas, and continued reading law in the offices of G. C. Clemens and John G. Searles, being admitted to the bar on the 8th of February 1879. At that time he located for practice in Russell, Kansas, but the following year returned to Manhattan, where he became a member of the firm of Sawyer & Scott in the conduct of a law, loan and insurance business. During his residence there Mr. Scott was elected to the office of city attorney and was chairman of the republican county central committee of Riley county.

In January 1881, Mr. Scott visited his home folks and wedded Miss Mary Ellen Wright, of Waltham, Massachusetts, to whom he was engaged before coming west. She was born in Clinton, that state, a daughter of William and Agnes (Lyon) Wright, natives of Paisley, Scotland, where they were reared and married. They came to America about 1850 and settled in Clinton, Massachusetts. Mr. Wright was a weaver and assisted in setting up some of the first looms in the United States. His grandfather, James Tytler, a contemporary of Robert Burns, was a writer and pamphleteer and on account of his writings was forced to leave Scotland. Coming to America he settled at Salem, Massachusetts, and was engaged at Salem in newspaper work, prior to the Revolutionary war. He left the family of his first marriage, including Mr. Wright’s mother, in Scotland and afterward married a second time in Salem, Massachusetts. It will be seen that Mrs. Scott is also descended from an old and prominent New England family. She has ever been a most exemplary wife and mother and a true helpmate to her husband in every way, in fact, Mr. Scott attributes much of his success in life to her.

Following his marriage Mr. Scott returned with his bride to Manhattan, Kansas. In 1882 he accepted a position in the local paying pension office in Topeka, where he was employed for two and a half years and then formed a partnership with H. E. Ball in organizing the Kansas Investment Company, with which lie was identified from 1884 until 1886. At that date he went to work for the New Hampshire Trust Company of Manchester, New Hamp-shire, making loans for that corporation, with office in Topeka, in 1888 he returned to the east and arranged with the trust company to remove his office to Fort Scott, Kansas, but after remaining at that place for only three months he was sent to Fargo to take charge of the company’s office at that place. He continued to serve until the failure of the trust company, which occurred during the widespread financial panic of 1893. Mr. Scott was then employed to look after the business of the defunct company in this section of the country, a work which occupied his attention until about 1905, when the business was closed up.  He afterward became associated with Governor L. B. Hanna and J. W. Smith in the completion of the Fargo Street Railway, the promoters of the road having failed. When this task was accomplished Mr. Scott was made vice president of the road, with which he was associated until 1907, when he sold his interests. Two years before, or in 1905. the state legislature had established the state fair at Fargo and Mr. Scott was made its first president, continuing in that connection from 1905 until 1909 inclusive. He was again president in 1911 and once more in 1913 and 1911 and was recognized as one of the leading figures in the building and improvement of the fair ground. He was the architect and builder of the only hog building on a fair ground in the United States in which fair visitors eat their lunches, this being a sort of open gallery of the building. He still remains one of the directors of the fair board.

Mr. Scott’s public work has often been of a most important and valuable character and has been of far-reaching effect and benefit. He was one of the dominant factors in the building of the Masonic Temple at Fargo and devised the plan whereby bonds of one hundred dollars were sold bearing three percent interest, the bonds to be paid to the estate after the death of the member or holder. In 1908 Mr. Scott was elected secretary of the Pioneer Life Insurance Company of North Dakota, organized in 1907, and in 1909, when Governor L. B. Hanna resigned as president, Mr. Scott was elected his successor and has since served in that capacity, directing the interests and activities of the business, the company being now recognized as one of the strong and reliable corporations of this character in the United States. Its ninth semi-annual statement, issued December 3, 1915, indicates the company to be in an excellent condition and that its business is steadily growing. Its total resources in 1907 were one hundred and forty-four thousand, four hundred and twenty-five dollars and in 1916 were eight hundred and sixty-five thousand, seven hundred and eighty-five dollars and eighty-four cents. Its insurance in 1907 was one hundred and six thousand dollars and in 1915, fourteen million, four hundred and thirteen thousand, four hundred and thirty-six dollars and forty cents. His name is also a familiar one in financial circles aside from his insurance interests, for he was for fifteen years a director of the First National Bank of Fargo, the oldest banking institution of the state, and is now director of the Northern Savings Bank of Fargo and of the First National Bank at Moore, Montana. In 1890 Mr. Scott began buying farm lands and owns several farms in both North Dakota and Minnesota, while since 1892 he has been engaged in the breeding of shorthorn cattle.

To Mr. and Mrs. Scott have been born four children, as follows: Agnes Anna, who became the wife of Dr. P. H. Burton and died, leaving two children. Dorothy and William Burton; Albert Daniel, the president of the First National Bank of Moore, Montana; William Wright, who is the assistant treasurer of the Pioneer Life Insurance Company; and Clement A., who died in infancy.

Mr. Scott is a prominent Mason, being a grand cross thirty-second degree Mason, of which there are only twelve in the United States. He is also president of the board of trustees of the Scottish Rite bodies of the state. He is identified with the Fargo Commercial Club and with the New England Society. He advances the new interpretation or philosophy: “God creates all, and man husbands and fashions God’s creations.” Man, he created with equal food capacity (not equal as usually given) or rather food assimilation to produce human energy, and food has been and is the universal medium of exchange, the real necessity, its scarcity or plenty having fixed the permanent locations of peoples over the earth’s surface. All other material things and the fashioning thereof to human uses are the conveyances moving about the earth’s food supply to all the peoples of the world, and man with his brains to act, fashion and devise, is the supervisor, each in his own generation, an energizing force while he lives, bringing to earth no material resource when he comes and removing none when he folds his shroud about him and should lie down to pleasant dreams.

Mr. Scott’s interests are broad and varied and have brought him prominently to the front in many connections. He is regarded as a thoroughly reliable and enterprising business man, possessed of sound judgment, keen discrimination and indefatigable energy.

MRS. ANNIE SEELIG is occupying an attractive home at Leonard, Cass county, which she has recently erected. She was born in Scott county, Minnesota, June 25, 1872, a daughter of Henry and Johnette (Enguld) Ihme, both of whom were natives of Germany. In early life they came to the United States and made their way to Minnesota, where they were married. The father followed the occupation of farming in that state for a number of years and in 1878 came to Dakota, taking up his abode at Leonard, Cass county, where he resided until his death. His wife survives and yet makes her home in Leonard.  Of their family of nine children Mrs. Seelig is the eldest. She was a little maiden of but six years when the family became residents of Cass county and there she pursued her education in the public schools, remaining at home up to the time of her marriage.

It was on the 9th of November 1900, that she became the wife of Herman H. Seelig, who was born in Winona, Minnesota, September 10, 1871, and came to Dakota with his parents, Ernest and Johanna (Pesch) Seelig, who settled in Cass county, near Leonard. It was in that locality that he obtained his education and there resided up to the time of his marriage.  He afterward took up his abode upon a farm in Cass county, which he cultivated for two years. On the expiration of that period Mr. and Mrs. Seelig removed to Leonard and purchased a hotel, which they conducted under the name of the Seelig Hotel, remaining the proprietors thereof for ten years. They then sold out and removed to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where they remained for a few months. Subsequently they returned to North Dakota and Mr. Seelig purchased a general store in Anselm, conducting business at this place until his death, which occurred December 21, 1915. He was a progressive and enterprising business man, alert and energetic, and he won a substantial measure of success which was the merited reward of his labors.

Mr. and Mrs. Seelig became the parents of four children: Mamie, Ruby, Elsie and Henry. Mr. Seelig held membership in the Lutheran church and fraternally was connected with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. His life was upright and honorable and wherever he went he made friends by reason of his many excellent traits of character. Since her husband’s death Mrs. Seelig has returned to Leonard, where she has erected a comfortable residence, which she now occupies. She is still interested in farming at Medina, North Dakota, and her property there returns to her a good income.

HON. ELLING SEVERSON has served as a member of the state legislature for three terms and has gained a prominent place in agricultural and business circles of Cass county. He is now president of the Farmers elevator at Kindred and owns seven hundred and twenty acres of excellent land in Normanna township. His birth occurred in Dane county, Wisconsin, on the 29th of October 1853, and he is a son of Andrew and Martha (Flatland) Severson, natives of Norway, who emigrated to the United States in 1844 and located in Wisconsin. Subsequently they removed to Goodhue county, Minnesota, where they lived until called by death.  Eight of the ten children born to them are still living.

Elling Severson received a common school education and remained at home until 1880, when he removed to North Dakota and located upon his present home farm on section 3, Normanna township, Cass county. As soon as possible he brought his land under cultivation and as the years have passed he has made many excellent improvements thereon, as that place is now one of the valuable and attractive farm properties of the locality. He has bought land from time to time and now owns seven hundred and twenty acres, from which he receives a good income. He is also president of the Farmers Elevator Company at Kindred, and the success of that enterprise is due in no small measure to his energy and good judgment.

On the 3d of February 1880, occurred the marriage of Mr. Severson and Miss Gertrude Lee. She is a native of Norway and a daughter of Nels and Ambier Lee, both of whom are deceased. By her marriage she has become the mother of the following children: Emma; Nellie; Martina, who is now teaching school; Cora, also a teacher by profession; Geneva, who is attending high school; Martins; Elmer; and four deceased.  Mr. Severson has supported the republican party since age conferred upon him in the right of franchise. He has long been recognized as a leader in politics and for three terms he served ably as a member of the state legislature, he has also been on the school board and for several years was chairman of the board of supervisors, his success is proof of his foresight and enterprise, as when he came to this state he was without capital and without influential friends and as through all the intervening years he has relied upon his own resources. He is widely and favorably known throughout the county, and his personal friends are many.

S. F. SHERMAN, As cashier of the First National Bank of Tower City, S. F. Sherman has demonstrated his business acumen and sound judgment and his advice is often sought on matters of investment.  He was born in the city which is still his home on the 6th of December 1881, a son of R. P. and Sarah E. (Philips) Sherman, the former of whom was born in New York and the latter in Michigan. They were married in the Wolverine state, which remained their home until 1880, when they became settlers of Cass county, North Dakota. The father established a bank at Tower City, which he conducted for thirty years and which was known as the Tower City Bank. In 1911 he retired from business, having accumulated a competence, and removed to California, where he and his wife are still living. All of their four children survive.

S. F. Sherman was reared under the parental roof and received his early education in the public schools of Tower City. Upon completing his preparatory work he attended the University of Michigan. Subsequently he entered his father’s bank as assistant cashier, which office he held until 1903, when a reorganization was effected, the institution becoming known as the First National Bank, of which he became cashier. He has ably managed the affairs of the bank, and the volume of its business has grown steadily from year to year. He makes the safeguarding of the interests of depositors and stockholders his first concern and yet has been able to promote the financial and commercial expansion of the community by judiciously extended credit. In addition to his banking interests he is an extensive landowner.

In 1905 Mr. Sherman was married to Miss Gertrude E. Smith, also a native of Tower City and a daughter of Henry V. and Louisa (Chapman) Smith, natives of Minnesota. Her father is deceased, but her mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman have two sons, Richard Henry and Frederick Smith.

Mr. Sherman casts his ballot in support of the candidates and measures of the republican party and has taken an active interest in affairs of local government. He has served capably as mayor and for the past fourteen years has been clerk of the board of education, doing much in that time to promote the advancement of the public schools. His fraternal affiliations are with Cereal Lodge, No. 9, A. F. & A. M., in which he has filled all of the chairs; Tower City Lodge, No. 83, I. O. O. F.; and Valley City Lodge, No. 1110, B. P. 0. E. Both he and his wife attend the Federated church, and they at all times stand for righteousness and moral advancement. They are widely known, and the circle of their friends is an extensive one.

HARBO SORENSON is a farmer living on section 2, Normanna township, where he operates five hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land belonging to his wife and her family. He also owns personally three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 27, Warren township, and he is accounted one of the representative agriculturists of this part of the state. Like the majority of the substantial and worthy citizens of Cass county, he is of Norwegian birth, his natal day being September 22, 1859. His father, Soren Halverson, followed his sons to the United States about the year 1893 and is now making his home with a son in Lake county, Minnesota.

Harbo Sorenson spent, the days of his boyhood and youth in the land of the midnight sun and was a young man of twenty-two years when in 1881 he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the United States, he at once made his way to North Dakota and took up his abode on section 27, Warren township, Cass county, where he purchased railroad land, becoming owner of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. Later he extended the boundaries of his property by the purchase of an additional quarter section, so that he now owns three hundred and twenty acres constituting one of the excellent farms of the community. However, he is residing upon a farm of five hundred and sixty acres owned by his wife and her family and is busily engaged in its operation, further development and improvement. He is one of the extensive farmers of his township and is a most progressive, active and enterprising business man. He carefully studies the needs and conditions of the soil and plants his crops accordingly, rotating them from season to season in order to keep the soil in excellent condition. His labors are attended with a gratifying measure of success and he is classed with the prosperous and representative agriculturists of the district.  He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Warren.

In 1884 Mr. Sorenson was united in marriage to Miss Olea Tuskind, a native of Norway. She, however, came with her parents to the United States in 1871. To Mr. and Mrs.  Sorenson have been born four children: Albert, who operates the home farm; Henry, who operates his father’s threshing machine; Olga; and Clarence. The family are all members of the Norwegian Lutheran chinch and in his political views Mr. Sorenson is a republican, giving stanch and stalwart support to the party, for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government. He served for several years as a member of the board of township trustees and has ever been actively interested in plans and projects for the benefit and improvement of township and county. He is a member of the school board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart champion. A self-made man, he deserves much credit for what, he has accomplished. He came to the country a poor boy without capital but possessed energy and determination and upon those substantial qualities has built his success, his life record demonstrating what may be accomplished when energy and ambition point out the way. Moreover, his life record is an indication that success and an honored name may he won simultaneously, notwithstanding the fact that many feel that business and honorable principles are not harmonious elements.

DR. WILLIAM T. SPRAKE has gained a large practice in Casselton and the surrounding country and stands high in professional circles in Cass county. His birth occurred in Minnesota on the 14th of December 1863, and he is a son of Oliver and Rowena (Thomas) Sprake.  The father was born in New Hampshire and the mother in Vermont, but in 1855 they removed to Minnesota, from which state the father enlisted in the Union army at the outbreak of the Civil war. He served for three years and his company was among those assigned to put down the Indian uprising in Minnesota in 1863. He continued to reside in that state until his demise, being employed as general agent for the Singer Sewing Machine Company. His wife is still living and makes her home in California.

Dr. William T. Sprake is one of a family of four children, of whom three are still living He received the greater part of his education in Minnesota, graduating from the high school at Red Wing, that state, but subsequently attended California College in California, where he took a dental course. He began the practice of his profession there in 1886, but after a year located at Fargo, North Dakota. In 1888 he took up his residence in Casselton, where he has since remained and where he has gained a gratifying success in his chosen work. He understands the scientific principles which underlie the practice of dentistry, is skillful in the use of the various dental instruments and is recognized as one of the most able representatives of his profession in the county. He has prospered financially and has invested in city property.

Dr. Sprake was married in 1896 to Zoe Watson, by whom he has had three children: Tyler W., Rowena A., deceased, and J. Marshal. The Doctor is a republican in politics and has taken an active part in city affairs, having served for four years as mayor of Casselton and having also held the offices of alderman and city auditor. Fraternally he belongs to Colfax Lodge, No. 7, I. O. O. F., of Casselton, to the Knights of Pythias, in which he has filled all of the chairs, and to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Yeomen. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and their many excellent qualities have gained them the esteem of all who have come in contact with them.

FRANK L. STANLEY, Among the progressive and successful merchants of Casselton, Cass county, is Frank L. Stanley, who was born in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, December 19, 1853, a son of Le Roy and Harriett (Wigeley) Stanley. The father, who was born in the state of New York in 1821, died in 1872, while the mother, whose birth occurred in 1830, passed away in 1854 in early womanhood. Her father, William Wigeley died in the state of New York in 1876, when more than ninety years of age. The parents of our subject were married in Michigan, where both had removed in youth, and began their married life upon a farm.  Subsequently the father purchased his father’s old homestead and continued to reside there until called by death. He was a democrat and held a number of local offices, proving a trustworthy and efficient official. Following the death of his first wife he married a widow, Mrs. Dennis, by whom he had one daughter, now deceased. Two sons were born to his first union, but the brother of our subject, Adelmer, died in 1882.

Frank L. Stanley received his education in southern Michigan and during his boyhood also became familiar with farm work through assisting his father. On beginning his independent career he engaged in the pump business at Galesburg, Michigan, where he remained for two years, but in 1880 he removed to North Dakota and took up both homestead and tree claims in Cass county, proving up on his land, where he resided for a number of years.  Subsequently he engaged in the ice business in Casselton but after eight years sold that business and established a flour and feed store, which he conducted for four years. In 1901 he became interested in a general store conducted under the style of the Knight, Stanley & Finney Company and in March 1904, he sold his interest therein and in connection with his son, George H. Stanley, established a grocery store in that same month. They have gained a gratifying patronage and custom once gained is usually retained as they carry an excellent stock of goods and as their policy is to give the greatest value possible for the money received. Mr. Stanley is ranked among the substantial business men of his town, and his success is especially noteworthy in that he had but five hundred dollars when he reached North Dakota.

In 1879 Mr. Stanley was united in marriage to Miss Emily Holmes, a native of Lagrange, Indiana, by whom he has three sons. George H. was educated in the Casselton high school and in a commercial college at Fargo and is now his father’s partner in business.  He has taken an active part in public affairs and is at present serving capably as mayor of Casselton. Le Roy, who was graduated from the Casselton high school, subsequently attended business college at Minneapolis and is now a resident of Fresno, California, and manager of the California Pine Box & Lumber Company. Adelmer also prepared for business life by taking a commercial course in Minneapolis and is now connected with a wholesale hardware company in that city.

Frank L. Stanley is a democrat but has never taken a very active part in politics. Fraternally he is connected with the Yeomen and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the latter organization has passed through all of the chairs. Although his business requires the greater part of his time and attention he recognizes the demands which the public welfare makes upon every citizen and is willing to cooperate with others in seeking the advancement of his community.

L. H. STINE, of Tower City, is one of those men who, having gained a competence through the cultivation of the soil, have now retired and are enjoying a well-deserved period of rest and leisure. He was born in Hungary on the 3d of December 1870, a son of Frank and Rosa Stine, also natives of that country. The father died in Hungary, but in 1884 the mother came to America and passed her last years in this country, dying in Minnesota in 1889.

L. H. Stine, who is the only child born to his parents, came to the United States when but twelve years of age and resided in Minnesota until 1893, in which year he came to North Dakota and settled upon a farm in Barnes county. He devoted his time and energy to agricultural pursuits and as the years passed his resources increased steadily, for he was practical and progressive in his methods and managed his business affairs well. In 1915 he sold his farm and removed to Tower City, where he is now practically living retired. In partnership with another gentleman, Mr. Stine purchased the store of W. W. Kueg & Company at Tower City in the early summer of 1916, and they now carry a stock valued at about twenty-five thousand dollars. Although he does not give his personal attention to the business, his son George is assisting in the management of the store. Mr. Stine also recently purchased one of the most modern residences of the city and there he and his family are now living.

Mr. Stine was married in 1894 to Miss Lenna F. Felstad, a native of Norway, who, however, was brought to this country by her parents when but five years old. To this union have been born four children: George, who attended college at Fargo and is now connected with his father’s store; Gertrude, a college student; Louis, a high-school student; and Walter.

Mr. Stine votes the republican ticket and he is now serving as a member of the school board, while he was formerly on the township board. He is identified with Lodge No. 83, I. O. O. F., with the Masons, the Workmen and the Yeomen and is well known in local fraternal circles. Both he and his wife attend the Federated church, to the advancement of whose work they give freely of time and money. Mr. Stine came to this country without resources other than his strength, energy and sound judgment, and the success which he has gained is due entirely to his own efforts. Those who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance, hold him in high esteem and warm regard.

WILLIAM STREHLOW, who since 1913 has ably filled the office of postmaster of Casselton, Cass county, was born in Germany on the 30th of April 1844, a son of Fredrick and Mary (Menge) Strehlow, both natives of that country, the former born in 1817 and the latter in 1819. The paternal grandfather, August Strehlow, was a farmer and passed his entire life in Germany, where he died in 1849. The parents of our subject were married in their native land but in 1850 emigrated to the United States, settling near Watertown, Wisconsin, where the father purchased land. He remained there until 1864 and then removed to Winona county, Minnesota, where he became a landowner, continuing to reside there until his death in 1886. He had survived his wife since August 1881. His political belief was that of the democratic party, and he held a number of township offices. His religious affiliation was with the Moravian church and in its teachings were found the guiding principles of his life.  Although he came to this country with very little capital, he gained gratifying success and won financial independence. To him and his wife were born eight children, three of whom survive: August, who is living retired in Winona, Minnesota; Mrs. Ferdinand Piper, a widow living in Fargo, North Dakota; and William.

The last named received his education in Wisconsin and during his boyhood and youth also gained a thorough knowledge of farm work. In October 1861, when but seventeen years of age, he enlisted in the Third Wisconsin Cavalry for service in the Civil war and remained with his command until he was mustered out on the 14th of February 1865. During the greater part of the time he was on scout duty, but he participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove and Van Buren and in the siege of Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was thrice wounded, twice by bayonets and once by bullet but was never in the hospital.  Mr. Strehlow first came to North Dakota in 1877, in which year he filed a claim on a soldier’s warrant and in the following year, 1878, took up his permanent residence here.  He proved up on his claim but, although he owned it for a number of years, he did not make his home there after 1879, in which year he removed to the city of Casselton, where he has since resided. He had only five hundred dollars when he came to North Dakota but is now one of the substantial men of Cass county, owning a section of excellent land and also having other interests in Casselton. On the 30th of June 1913, he was appointed postmaster of Casselton and now devotes his entire time to his duties in that office. He is systematic in his management of the work and is proving an active and efficient postmaster.

Mr. Strehlow was married in 1869 to Miss Marie Buchholz, also a native of Germany, and to their union have been born seven children: W. F., assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Casselton; E. H., a druggist of Casselton; H. F., who is engaged in the drug business in McHenry, this state; Regina, the wife of Rev. Arthur Meilecke, of Grand Rapids, Wisconsin; Delia and Mary, both at home; and Emma, the wife of J. R. Bishop, who is engaged in the real estate business in Casselton.

Mr. Strehlow is a prominent democrat and has held a number of local offices. For two terms he was county commissioner and for two terms he served as mayor of Casselton, while for a number of terms he was on the town council. He has always given the strictest attention to the discharge of his official duties and has brought the same close attention and thought to bear upon the direction of public affairs that he has given to the management of his private interests. His religious faith is that of the Moravian church. During the many years that he has resided in Cass county he has become widely known and those who have been most intimately associated with him are his staunchest friends, which indicates his genuine worth.

CHRISTIAN A. SUNDET devotes his time and attention to the operation of his excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres in Pleasant township, Cass county. His birth occurred in Norway on the 14th of July, 1885, and he is a son of Asle and Ora Sundet, also natives of that country. About 1855 they removed with their family to the United States and, making their way to the middle west, located in Houston county, Minnesota, where the father engaged in farming until his demise. The mother also died there. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom are living save one.

Christian A. Sundet attended the common schools of Minnesota and during the period of his boyhood and youth also devoted much time to helping his father. By the time he had reached man’s estate he was well qualified to engage in farming independently and following his marriage in 1879 he removed to Cass county, North Dakota, and located on his present farm on section 26, Pleasant township. The place was unimproved when it came into his possession and his first home was a small shanty. As the years have passed he has erected fine buildings, has fenced his land and has brought it to a high state of cultivation, and he also has a grove which he planted and which is now an excellent windbreak. As he is industrious and also plans his work well he receives a gratifying financial return from his land and his capital is constantly increasing.

In 1879 occurred the marriage of Mr. Sundet and Miss Katherine Ratin, who was also born in Norway and is a daughter of S. and Martha Ratin, likewise natives of that country, who, however, emigrated to America with their family many years ago and resided here until called to their final rest. Mr. and Mrs. Sundet have eight children: Mary, the wife of Oscar Rude and a resident of Richland county, North Dakota; Sophia, who married Gilmore Dockan, of Benson county; Cornelia, the wife of Henry Johnston; Albert, who lives in Parley, Minnesota; Grant, at home; Alida, who is a graduate of the Park Region Lutheran College at Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and who is engaged in teaching; Viola, who is attending college; and Nina, at home.

Mr. Sundet votes the republican ticket and for a number of years served in the office of school director. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Lutheran church and take an active and helpful interest in its work. When he came to North Dakota he was without capital but he took advantage of the opportunities offered and persevered in spite of the difficulties incident to the settlement of a new country and is now reaping the reward of his labor and determination as he is one of the substantial men of his township.

NELS SWENSON, Norway has furnished a full quota of citizens to North Dakota and they have contributed in large measure to the development of the state, especially along agricultural lines.  A representative of this class is Nels Swenson, who is engaged in general farming on section 2, Wiser township, Cass county, where he now owns a well improved property of one hundred and sixty acres. He was born in Norway March 6, 1870, a son of Swen and Johanna Swenson who were likewise natives of the same land. The father died there, but the mother still makes her home in Norway. Their family numbered but two children, both sons, Nels and John, who are now residents of Cass county.

Spending his youthful days in his native land, Neb Swenson pursued his education in the schools of Norway and in 1888, when a youth of eighteen years, sailed for the United States, for the reports which had reached him concerning the opportunities of the new world were irresistibly attractive. He journeyed across the country to North Dakota and settled in Cass county, where for eight years he worked as a farm hand. During that period he carefully saved his earnings until economy and industry had brought him capital sufficient to enable him to purchase land and be became owner of one hundred and sixty acres on section 2, Wiser township. He took up his abode thereon and has since added many improvements. Good machinery facilitates the work of the fields and the farm is in every way modern in its equipment, while he follows the most progressive methods in the conduct of the work of the fields. He also owns and operates a threshing outfit and thereby is adding to his annual income.

In April, 1895, Mr. Swenson was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Berg, who is a native of Norway and was brought to the United States when but one year old. Her parents are both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Swenson have seven children, namely: Oliver, John, Minnie, Clarence, Lillie, Stella and Frances.

The parents are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Swenson gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is now serving as one of the school directors and he is actively and helpfully interested in all plans and projects for the upbuilding of the district and for furthering the welfare of the community. His life indicates what may be accomplished when perseverance and energy lead the way and his example, if followed, will bring the individual to the goal of success.

B. G. TENNESON, of Pierce, Tenneson & Cupler, the leading firm of attorneys of Fargo, possesses in strong measure the analytical mind and keen discernment of the able lawyer and his progress at the bar has boon continuous since he made his initial step in the profession.  He has been connected with the practice of law in Fargo since 1896, the year following the completion of his university course, he was then a voting man of thirty years, his birth having occurred on the 15th of February 1865, in Trempeleau county, Wisconsin. His parents, Peder and Dorothea (Gulbrandson) Tenneson, were natives of Norway, but were married in the United States. Immigrating to the new world, the father became a Wisconsin farmer and continued to reside in that state until his death in 1884. He was married twice, Mrs. Dorothea Tenneson being his second wife. She survives him at the advanced age of eighty-nine years and makes her home with her son in Fargo.

Spending his youthful days in the home of his parents, B. G. Tenneson supplemented a common school education by study in the Curtiss Business College and in the Minneapolis Academy, where has completed a course in 1888. He afterward entered upon the study of law in the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis, completing his course with the graduating class of 1895. The same year he was admitted to the Minnesota state bar and the following year passed the required state board examination of North Dakota and was admitted to practice in this state. He remained for a year in Minneapolis and in 1896 came to Fargo, where he entered the law office of Newman, Spalding & Phelps, with whom he was associated for two years. Leaving their employ, he next became associated with Edmund Pierce, of Sheldon, North Dakota, with whom he remained for five years, at the end of which time, or in 1903, the firm of Pierce & Tenneson was formed. They removed their headquarters to Fargo and on the 1st of January 1908, they were joined by a third partner, A. W. Cupler, under the present firm style of Pierce, Tenneson & Cupler. They rank among the foremost attorneys in corporation law not only in the city but in the state and represent about twelve, of the leading corporations of Fargo. They also make a specialty of examining and perfecting titles and at the same time continue in the general practice of law.  Mr. Tenneson and his partners are well versed in all branches of practice and they have won many notable cases. Mr. Tenneson enjoys well merited distinction as an able lawyer and at the same time he is a prominent figure, in financial circles as the vice president of the Northern Trust Company of Fargo and a director of the Scandinavian-American Bank. He is also a heavy investor in Cass county farm lands and holds valuable property interests.

On the 1st of August, 1893, Mr. Tenneson was married to Miss Hilda Keeland, a native of Norway, and to them have been born three children, Clarence P., Norman G. and Agnes L. The parents are members of the Scandinavian Lutheran church and Mr. Tenneson is also a member of the Norse Society of Fargo and of the Sons of Norway. Fraternally he is identified with Mizpah Lodge, No. 39, F. & A. M., of Sheldon; Dakota Consistory, No. 1, A. & A. S. R.; and El Zagal Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Fargo He is likewise a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Fargo, while his political allegiance is given to the republican party He belongs to the Fargo Commercial Club and is interested in all of its plans and projects for the development and upbuilding of the city, giving hearty cooperation wherever aid is needed for the furtherance of the welfare of city or state. He is ever to be found where intelligent men are met in the discussion of vital problems and he is justly regarded as one of the foremost representatives of the legal profession in Fargo.

T. A. THOMPSON, who is serving as cashier of the Farmers State Bank at Page, Cass county, aided in organizing that institution and has been largely responsible for its continued growth and prosperity. He is a native son of Cass county and his natal day was the 17th of May 1883. His parents, W. J. and Isabella (Beattie) Thompson, were natives respectively of Scotland and of Canada, and in 1879 they removed with their family to Cass county, North Dakota, where the father homesteaded land. The family circle includes eight children.

T. A. Thompson was reared in this county and after completing his general education attended a commercial college, thus fitting himself to enter business circles. For six years he was connected with merchandising in Page but at the end of that time was appointed cashier of the Farmers State Bank, which he helped organize in 1905. The policy which he pursues is one of progressiveness, tempered by sufficient conservatism to amply safeguard the interests of stockholders and depositors, and the institution has gained the confidence of the public. He has invested in North Dakota land and owns a half section in Cass and Barnes counties, from which he derives a substantial addition to his income.  Mr. Thompson is a republican and is now serving as treasurer of Page, in which capacity he is proving capable and efficient. He holds membership in the Modern Brotherhood of America and has many friends within and without that organization. He is always willing to cooperate in movements seeking the advancement of his community and is recognized as a valued citizen of his town and county.

H. H. THUE is a well known, popular and prosperous merchant and business man of Horace, where he has made his home since 1890. Notably prompt, energetic and reliable, he so directs his efforts that substantial results accrue and at the same time his efforts are a factor in promoting public prosperity, he was born in Norway, March 14, 1862, a son of Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Thue, both of whom passed away in that land. He had the benefit of instruction in the public and normal schools of his native country and in 1881 when a youth of nineteen years sailed for the new world, thinking to find better business conditions and opportunities on this side of the Atlantic, where many of his fellow countrymen had preceded him. A large number had settled in Minnesota and to that state Mr. Thue made his way going first to Byron, Olmsted county. He had studied the English language in Norway and was therefore more or less conversant with the speech of the people among whom he cast his lot. He first secured employment at farm labor, which he followed through the summer months, while in the winter seasons he attended school and for a short period he taught in the schools among the people who spoke the Norwegian tongue. The year 1883 witnessed his arrival in North Dakota, at which time he made his way to Norman, where he worked through the harvest season. In the succeeding winter he returned to Minnesota and again attended school, thus continuing his education through three winter terms. In 1884 he took up the homestead in Polk county, Minnesota, and although he lived thereon for a time he did not prove up. The same year he located in Crookston and secured a clerkship in a general store, remaining in that position for two years, he spent the succeeding two years in Hatton, North Dakota, where he took up the profession of teaching and was also employed in various other ways.

In the year 1890 witnessed Mr. Thue’s arrival in Horace, North Dakota, and through the succeeding summer he worked as a farm hand, while in the following fall he embarked in merchandising at Horace, in which business he has since been engaged, having been prominently identified with commercial interests at this point for the past twenty-live years, he carries a large and carefully selected line of goods, puts forth every endeavor to meet the wants of his customers and in all his dealings is thoroughly reliable and trustworthy.  In fact he is one of the best known, most popular and highly esteemed country merchants of Cass county and he well merits the success that has come to him in the conduct of his mercantile interests.

Mr. Thue was married in Horace, in 1890, to Miss Caroline Brink, a daughter of C. O.  Brink, a pioneer of Cass county. To Mr. and Mrs. Thue have been born eight children, Christian H., Selma, Florence, Orla, Theresa, Edna, Norma and Horace W., all of whom are with their parents.

Mr. Thue and his family are all members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and its teachings find exemplification in their lives. Mr. Thue is a republican in his political views and has served as postmaster of Horace and for some years as justice of the peace, discharging his duties at all times with promptness and fidelity. In the latter office he rendered decisions which were fair and impartial and which won for him golden opinions from all sorts of people. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodman of America. In every relation his life measures up to high standards and those who know him entertain for him the warm regard which is ever given in recognition of sterling personal worth, In manner he is social and genial, is always courteous and obliging in business and as the years have gone on he has gained a wide circle of warm friends who speak of him in terms of the highest regard.

OLE O. TOLLEFSRUD is one of the most successful and most extensive farmers in Cass county and the success which he has gained is doubly notable in that he is a self-made man, having come to this country without capital. For a number of years he has resided in Noble township and is widely known and highly esteemed. He was born in Norway on New Year’s Day, 1849, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Tollefsrud. The mother died when our subject was but five years of age and he has but a faint recollection of her. His father passed away in 1867.

Ole 0. Tollefsrud was reared in his native country and was educated in the public schools there. In 1871, in early manhood, he left Norway and came to the United States.  For about a month he remained in Albert Lea, Minnesota, but then removed to Decorah, Iowa. He worked as a farm hand in Winneshiek county for seven years, but about March 1, 1878, he came to what is now North Dakota and preempted one hundred and sixty acres and took up eighty acres as a tree claim in Noble township, Cass county. A year later the homestead law went into effect and he changed his preemption into a homestead claim. He has resided on his farm on section 34 for thirty-eight years and as prosperity has come to him he has increased his holdings and now owns nine hundred and eighty acres of the best land in Cass county. There is no farm in this part of the county that is more completely equipped for twentieth century farming and everything is kept in excellent repair, while the fertility of the land itself is carefully conserved. An idea of the extensive scale of his agricultural operations may be gathered from the fact, that he owns a threshing machine which lie uses solely for threshing his wheat and that of his sons. He formerly paid a threshing bill amounting to us much as eleven hundred dollars in a year and he decided that it would be good business to own his own machine. When he came to North Dakota his sole worldly possessions were a team and wagon and he had a wife and three children to support.  The unusual degree of success which he has gained is evidence of his enterprise, his thorough knowledge of farming and his business acumen.

Mr. Tollefsrud was married on the 17th of November 1871, to Miss Bertha M. Tandsater, who was al.so born in Norway and who made the voyage across the Atlantic on the same ship as Mr. Tollefsrud. To their union have been born seven children: Minnie, the wife of James Nelson, a resident of the state of Washington; Olaf. who is homesteading land in Minnesota; Natalie, the wife of Nels Iverson, a farmer of Minnesota; Louis, who is farming in Cass county; Amanda, at home; Olena, the wife of John Wahl, who is farming in Cass county; and Helmar, at home.

Mr. Tollefsrud gives his political allegiance to the republican party and for a number of years served as school treasurer. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and the house of worship of that organization is built on land which he gave for that purpose. He is public-spirited and gives of his time and means to various undertakings which he believes will promote the general welfare. He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of Cass county and it has no more highly esteemed citizen than he.

AXEL TRANGSRUD is a retired farmer residing at No. 915 Tenth avenue. North, in Fargo, and the record of his life indicates what may be accomplished when determination and energy are utilized as the basis of success. He was born in Norway on the 25th of October 1859, and is a son of Hans and Bertha (Torderud) Trangsrud, who came to the United States in 1870 and after a year spent in Mitchell county, Iowa, removed to North Dakota, where they secured a squatter’s claim on the eastern side of the Sheyenne river on section 14, Normanna township, Cass county. This the father afterward homesteaded when the homestead law went into effect and there he and his wife continued to reside throughout their remaining days, his attention being given to the further development and improvement of the farm.

Axel Trangsrud was reared on the old homestead and acquired a district school education. His opportunities in youth, however, were limited but he received ample training in farm work, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. After reaching man’s estate he remained at home for a number of years, giving his attention to the operation of the home farm, and in 1895 he turned his attention to merchandising in Davenport, Cass county, where he remained until 1899, when he sold his interests there and returned home. In 1901 he purchased a half section of land in Pleasant township but never lived upon that farm, renting it to a tenant for eight years, after which he disposed of the property. About 1907 he came into possession of the old homestead comprising two hundred acres of rich and productive land and a year before he had acquired one hundred and sixty acres from a brother’s estate, which farm cornered on the home place.  Thus Mr. Trangsrud came into possession of three hundred and sixty acres of valuable farm property and spent his energies to its further development and improvement, bringing his fields to a high state of cultivation and annually gathering therefrom rich crops. He resided upon this property until January 34, 1913, when he retired from active farm life and removed to Fargo, where he now makes his home. He still remains a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company at Kindred, is a stockholder in the Scandinavian American Bank of Fargo and in the Kindred State Bank and from his investments derives a gratifying annual income.

As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Trangsrud chose Miss Meta Olson, a native of North Dakota, by whom he has two children, Howard and Alpha. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and for two terms has ably served as assessor of Normanna township. Mr. Trangsrud is a member of the Sons of Norway and is one of the well known pioneers of Cass county, to which he came in 1871. In the forty-five years which have since elapsed he has witnessed many notable changes whereby a wild frontier district has been converted into a populous and prosperous commonwealth. In keeping with the onward march of progress he has so conducted his business affairs that success in substantial measure has come to him.

HON. J. F. TREAT, manager at Fargo for the Germania Life Insurance Company, has been identified with this line of business since 1890 and is today one of the leading figures in insurance circles in this state, acquainted with every phase of the business and actuated in all that he does by a spirit of continuous progress. He was born in Geauga county, Ohio, September 11, 1861, a son of John F. and Ruth A. (Brewer) Treat, the former a native of Maine and the latter of Ohio. In early manhood John F. Treat adopted the seafaring life and during the Civil war commanded the gunboat Marmon, dying on board that boat in 1863.  His widow long surviving him passed away in Columbus, Ohio, in 1893.

 J. F. Treat was reared at home, acquiring his education in the Grand River Institute in Austinburg, Ohio, and following the completion of his studies he came to North Dakota in 1882 settling in Barnes county. There he took up a claim and broke prairie, devoting his attention to farming for five years. On the expiration of that period he engaged in the grain business and in the sale of farm implements, remaining active along those lines for five years, his entrance into the field of insurance was made in the year 1890, when he became associated with the Equitable Life Insurance Company of New York. In 1895 he became a representative of the Germania Life Insurance Company, being made manager of this business in North Dakota. For twenty years lie has continued in that business, directing the interests for the company in this line and his olio its and control have been important factors in building up a business of large proportions.

In 1882 Mr. Treat was married to Miss Eva L. Kiser, of Geauga county, Ohio, and to this marriage have been born a son and a daughter: Walter E., who is associated with his father in the insurance business; and Frances L.

Mr. Treat is a very prominent Mason, belonging to Shiloh Lodge. No. 1, F. & A. M.; Keystone Chapter, No. 5, R. A. M.; Auvergne Commandery, No. 2, K. T.; Fargo Council, No. 1 R. & S, M.; Dakota Consistory, No. 1, A. & A. S. R.; El Zagal Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; and also St. George’s Conclave, No. 6, Red Cross of Constantine at Duluth, Minnesota. For eleven years he was potentate of El Zagal Temple and in 1902 was also an officer of the Imperial Council of the Mystic Shrine of North America. In fact he has occupied all of the chairs of the Shrine and in 1911 at Rochester, New York, was elected imperial potentate, he is likewise a member of Fargo Lodge, No. 260, B. P. 0. E. Politically Mr. Treat is a republican and is now serving as president of the Fargo park commission. In 1905 he became a member of the state legislature, in which he served for two terms. His interest in public affairs has always been that of a public-spirited citizen who recognizes the duties as well as the privileges and opportunities of citizenship, he is actuated in all that he does by a spirit of progress and the opinion of his fellow citizens establishes him as one of Fargo’s leading residents.

CAISTER TREE is one of the well known residents of Wheatland and has gained gratifying success as the proprietor of a meat market there. He also has other business interests and owns considerable land. A native of Canada, he was born in Woodstock, January 19, 1875, a son of Horace and Louisa (Caister) Tree, both of whom were also natives of the Dominion.  In 1881 they removed with their family to Cass county, North Dakota, and became residents of Casselton, where the father passed away. Subsequently the mother returned to Canada and there spent her last years. They were the parents of six children but one is now deceased.

Caister Tree remained at home until he became of age and his education was acquired in the common schools. On beginning his independent career he engaged in the butcher business in Wheatland and has since continued in that connection. He has one of the best meat markets in the town and has built up a large and profitable trade. He also buys and sells stock and in addition to the interests already mentioned conducts a dray line. He has demonstrated his faith in the future of the state by investing in land, owning a quarter section in McHenry county and also holding title to other property there. He owns the building in which his meat market is located and his commodious and comfortable residence.

Mr. Tree was married in 1900 to Miss Minnie Brintnell, who was born in Canada, a daughter of J. C. and Johann Brintnell. Her father served in the United States army for three years, but his demise occurred in Canada. The mother is still living and makes her home in Canada. To them were born six children, of whom five are living. Mr. and Mrs.  Tree have two children, Merle B. and Lyle C.

Mr. Tree gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is now serving acceptably as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with Casselton Lodge, No. 3, A. F. & A. M., at Casselton, and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. They can be depended upon to further the cause of right and justice in every way possible, and their sterling qualities of character have gained them the sincere respect of their fellow citizens.

HON. CHARLES. A. TUBBS, Prominent among the enterprising, progressive and successful business men of Hunter is the Hon. Charles A. Tubbs, now manager of the grain interests of the Cargill Elevator Company. Basing his success upon industry, perseverance and enterprise, he has steadily worked his way upward in business connections and is now prominently and favorably known in his part of the state. He was born in River Falls, Wisconsin July 12, 1858, a son of Erasmus P. and Lydia (Guertin) Tubbs, the father a native of Vermont and the mother of Canada. They were married in the Green Mountain state and soon afterward, or about the year 1834, removed to River Falls, Wisconsin, where Mr. Tubbs engaged in farming, he continued in that state until 1880, when he went to Traverse county, Minnesota, where both he and his wife spent their remaining days.

Charles A. Tubbs spent his youthful days under the parental roof and acquired his education in the public schools. In young manhood, he learned the trade of a brick and stone mason, at which he worked for seven years, and in 1887 he came to North Dakota, where he entered into active connection with the grain business, in 1892 he engaged in merchandising and was prominently identified with that line of commercial activity for twelve years.  At the same time he continued in the grain trade as manager for the Cargill Elevator Company and in 1901 and 1903 he had charge of the Farmers Elevator at Galesburg, North Dakota. At the end of that period be again took charge of the Cargill elevator at Hunter and has since been active in this field of business. He is regarded as one of the ablest and most capable grain merchants of his part of the state and annually controls all extensive business.

In 1893 Mr. Tubbs was united in marriage to Miss Cora L. Hunter, of Viroqua, Wisconsin, by whom he has two children. McKinley D., who graduated from the Hunter high school in 1914 and then spent a year in the University of North Dakota, is now employed in the head office of the Cargill Elevator Company at Minneapolis. Doris C. completed a course in the Hunter high school by graduation with the class of 1915.

Mr. Tubbs exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and is a recognized leader in its ranks. Upon its ticket he was elected to the state legislature for the years 1901 and 1902 and made a creditable record in that position, carefully considering all the important questions which came up for settlement and easting his vote according to the dictates of his judgment, which easily recognized the value of various important measures. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to the following organizations: Hunter Lodge, No. 62, A. F. & A. M.; Casselton Chapter, No. 2, R. A. M.; and Auvergne Commandery. No. 1. K. T., of Fargo. He is likewise a member of the Masonic Veteran Association. In his life Mr. Tubbs exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft and conforms his actions to its teachings, he is popular among his brethren of the fraternity and has the social qualities which render him popular wherever he is known.  His business enterprise, too, has carried him steadily forward and he is now regarded as one of the foremost citizens of Hunter and his part of the state.

WILLIAM J. TURNBULL, a representative farmer of Cass county, was born in Ontario, Canada, May 21, 1856, a son of Alex and Nancy (Moore) Turnbull. the former a native of New York and the latter of Ireland. They were married in Canada and in that country the mother passed away in the year 1909, but the father is still living. In their family were six children, five of whom survive.

William J. Turnbull was reared and educated in Canada and in 1882 crossed the border into the United States. He traveled over the country to a considerable extent for three years and in 1885 came to North Dakota, settling on the farm which he now owns and occupies, comprising two hundred and eighty-five acres of valuable land on the banks of the Sheyenne river in Harwood township. This is known as the Elmwood Farm and is a valuable property, splendidly improved and all in a high state of cultivation.

In 1895 Mr. Turnbull was united in marriage to Miss Mabel E. Smith, who is a native of Vermont and was adopted by Charles H. Newton and his wife when sixteen months old.  By her marriage she has become the mother of two children, namely: Agnes Newton, a graduate of the high school; and Sybil Anna.

Mr. Turnbull was reared in the Presbyterian faith and his wife in the Universalist.  His political support is given the republican party and he has filled some local offices. He served as assessor for four years, was road supervisor for nine years and is now president of the school board in his district. He is also one of the directors of the Farmers Elevator of Harwood and is a member of the Yeomen lodge. He and his wife are well known in this locality and have a large and growing circle of friends.

ARNE O. TUSKIND, of Davenport, has varied business interests in Cass county. He is engaged in merchandising in Davenport, is president of the Farmers State Bank of that town and also has an interest in a valuable farm. He was born in Norway on the 31st of January, 1863, and his parents were Ole and Carrie (Bratfor) Tuskind, both of whom were born in the land of the midnight sun. In 1871 the family crossed the Atlantic to the United States and, making their way to the middle west, settled in Iowa, where they lived for one year.  In 1872 they removed to Cass county, North Dakota, and took up their abode on a farm on the Sheyenne river, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. The place was a tract of wild prairie when it came into the possession of the family and the first residence was a log cabin with a sod roof, which remained the family home for ten years. In time, however, excellent improvements were made on the farm. Five of the nine children are still living.

Arne O. Tuskind received his education in the common schools and remained at home until he was twenty-five years of age, when he obtained employment as a clerk in a store at Davenport. He worked in that capacity for seven years and then engaged in general merchandising on his own account. He has an excellent store in Davenport and has gained a gratifying patronage. He is also president of the Farmers State Bank of that town and was one of the organizers of the institution, which holds the entire confidence of the community.  He is likewise treasurer of the local telephone company and he still owns an interest in the old homestead, which comprises five hundred and fifty acres of improved land.

Mr. Tuskind was married in 1890 to Miss Josie Johnson, a native of Norway, who came to the United States in her girlhood. They have become the parents of five children: Carl, who was employed as a bookkeeper in the Moore building in Fargo and who is deceased; Clarence, at home; Stella, who is attending high school at Fargo; and Eugene and Arnold.

Mr. Tuskind is a democrat and has taken much interest in public affairs. He has served as president of the village board, of which he is now treasurer, and for ten years he was president of the board of education, doing much in that time to advance the interests of the public schools. He holds membership in Lodge No. 29, K. P., in which he has held all of the chairs, and he has served as a delegate to the Grand Lodge of North Dakota. He is likewise identified with Modern Woodmen, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Brotherhood of America and the Yeomen. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church, and he is serving as secretary thereof. His is a well-rounded character, and in his life he has combined business activity with public service and with work along the lines of moral advancement and development. All who have been brought in contact with him hold him in high esteem, and his personal friends are many.

RICHARD S. TYLER, who died on the 8th of January 1903, was one of the leading and dominant figures in the upbuilding of Fargo and eastern North Dakota. He was born In Tompkins county, New York, on the 3d of December 1848, the youngest son of Oliver and Harriet (Lampman) Tyler, who were natives of the Empire state and descendants of old New England families. The mother was of Huguenot ancestry, while several members of the Tyler family served in the Revolutionary war both as private and officer.

Oliver Tyler, the father, was a farmer by occupation and during the boyhood of his son Richard moved, with his family, to Sterling, Illinois, where there seemed a fine prospect in the then rapidly developing state of Illinois. Richard, the son, was too young to appreciate the conditions and opportunities, and not liking the new country returned to his native county of Tompkins and secured a clerkship in a general store, at Dryden, New York, after several years of clerkship there, he been connected with a wholesale grocery house in Syracuse, New York, and later still with a larger one in the same line in New York city.  From the latter Mr. Tyler came to Fargo during what was known as the “Boom Days” of 1881 and took up his residence here. From the first he foresaw the developments of the state, and believed in the future of his newly adopted city. He became a heavy investor in both business and residence property, platted the addition to the city northwest of town known as Tyler’s addition and occupied himself in buying and selling real estate. Later he became interested in. and was one of the promoters of the Fargo Southern Railroad, now merged into the Milwaukee Railroad, and acquired extensive holdings in lands and town sites along the route of the new railroad, from Fargo, to Ortonville, Minnesota. In Wahpeton, North Dakota, he platted an addition of his holdings under the name of the R. S. Tyler Addition, and also joined the late N. K. Hubbard, who was interested with him there in another large tract in the platting of the Hubbard and Tyler Addition to the southern portion of that city.

His great activities were, however, expended in the development and upbuilding of Fargo, where he has left the impress of his individuality upon many lines of activity which have contributed toward its progress and welfare. He became one of the chief factors in the organization of the Fargo Commercial Club and was its first president. As such he did much to secure favorable freight rates to the end of making Fargo a wholesale center and distributing point for the state, a position which he hoped to see her occupy. In every movement for the advancement and upbuilding of the city he was a conspicuous figure and his labors were directly beneficial and resultant. After the fire of 1893 which swept away the business portion of the town Mr. Tyler erected the present Tyler building at 21 Broadway, in which he established the office of R. S. Tyler & Company. Here he conducted successfully the mortgage and loan, as well as real estate business which is still continued by his Widow under the firm name of R. S. Tyler Company, Incorporated.

In 1887 Mr. Tyler married Miss Annie A. Dwight, daughter of Jeremiah W. and Rebecca A. (Cady) Dwight. She is descended in the paternal line from an old Massachusetts family, which, as well as the Cadys, came from England and did active service in colonial times.  Mrs. Tyler’s father came in 1879 to North Dakota seeking investments, purchased large tracts of farm lands in Richland and Steele counties and organized, under the laws of the State of New York the Dwight Farm & Land Company of North Dakota. In this company Mr. Tyler was a stockholder and director up to the time of his death, and assisted in its management by his wise counsel and sound judgment.  In 1893 Mr. Tyler was appointed a world’s fair commissioner from this state but resigned, owing to a pressure of private business which made it impossible for him to give the work due attention. He was a Mason of high rank, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and his life was an exemplification of the basic principles of that fraternity.  His career was characterized by farsighted judgment, integrity of purpose, judgment and honest dealings, great enterprise and unrelaxing effort. A man of well balanced powers and capacities in business affairs, his was the record of a strenuous life and of a strong individuality, sure of itself, stable in purpose, quick and keen in perception, swift in decision, energetic and persistent in action, upright, honest, honorable and loyal in all relations, a prominent figure and factor in the early development of both city and state.

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