|
Biographies
North Dakota History and People
S. J. Clarke Publishing Company Chicago, Ill. 1917
HON. SVEN E. ULSAKER, Important interests have been furthered and promoted through the efforts and ability of Hon. Sven E. Ulsaker, a representative agriculturist of Cass county and one who has represented his district, in the state legislature. He now makes his home on section 35, Normanna township, where he has excellent farm property. He was born at Hemsedal, Norway, on the 3d of June, 1853, and is a son of Andrew and Margaret Ulsaker, both of whom died in Norway.
His education was acquired in the public schools of his native country, where he remained until he attained his majority, when in 1874 be completed arrangements to come to the new world. Crossing the Atlantic he took up his abode at Kenyon, Goodhue county, Minnesota, where he worked through the summer on a farm and during the winter attended school, doing chores on the farm for his board. In the spring of 1875 be arrived in Cass county, North Dakota, and on the 23d of June of that year filed on his present home farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he secured under the preemption right. All about him was the broad undeveloped prairie, covered with its native grasses and showing no trace of any plow, he built a small log cabin twelve by twelve feet, with a sod roof and board floor and in that primitive home began life in the west in true pioneer style, meeting with many hardships, privations and difficulties during the early days. He subsequently purchased other lands and now owns four hundred acres, constituting a very valuable and productive farm. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company at Kindred and is a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company of that place.
In 1882 Mr. Ulsaker was united in marriage to Miss Ingeborg Brujord, of Norway. She emigrated to this country in 1881. To this union have been born six children: Ada Mathilda, Andrew, Anna, Oscar, Mabel and Selma. The daughter Mabel is engaged in teaching school and all the children are still under the parental roof. Mr. Ulsaker and his family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and are highly esteemed in the community where they reside and where their circle of friends is almost coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances. Mr. Ulsaker is a republican in his political views, active as a party worker, and again and again he has been called to local office. For a quarter of a century or more he has been a member of the school board and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart, champion. For twenty years he has served as a member of the township board and in 1911 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature, where he made a creditable record, he has always been loyal to the best interests of his community and the state and though born across the water, he is thoroughly American in thought, spirit and interests.
 RICHARD H. VOSBURG is the owner of an excellent farm property of six hundred and forty acres in Arthur township, Cass county, and in addition to carrying on general agricultural pursuits he makes a specialty of dairying, both branches of his business proving profitable because of his capable management and unfaltering energy. A native of Michigan, he was born May 9, 1854, of the marriage of Bernard and Laura Vosburg, both of whom were natives of Columbia county, New York. On removing to the west they established their home in Michigan and there reared their family of six children, five of whom are living. The parents have both passed away.
Richard H. Vosburg spent his youthful days upon his father’s farm in Michigan, there continuing to the age of twenty-five years, during which period he became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. Wishing to acquire a farm of his own, he removed to North Dakota in 1880 and settled on section 8, Arthur township, Cass county, where he secured a tract of land that constituted the nucleus of his present extensive possessions. He at once began to till and improve his place and it is now one of the excellent farms of the county. Upon it are fine buildings, including an attractive residence and substantial barns, sheds and outbuildings that furnish ample shelter for grain and stock. He has also planted a beautiful grove that is one of the attractive features of the farm and from time to time he has extended the boundaries of his possessions until he and his wife now own six hundred and forty acres, all in Arthur township and all under a high state of cultivation. In addition to raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate Mr. Vosburg makes a specialty of dairying and that branch of his business is proving quite profitable.
 On the 21st of November 1883, having made considerable headway in establishing a home in the northwest, Mr. Vosburg completed his arrangements for a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Elizabeth Williams, and theirs was the first wedding in what is now Arthur township. Mrs. Vosburg is a native of Michigan and a daughter of Theodore and Anna (Clark) Williams, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were married in the Wolverine state and in the spring of 1883 came to Cass county, North Dakota, at which time the father purchased the farm that is now the property of Mrs. Vosburg. He lived thereon for ten years and then removed to Hunter, where he and his wife spent their remaining days. They had a family of six children, of whom three are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Vosburg became the parents of four daughters: Anna, who died when but a day old; Mildred Laura, who is a graduate of the normal school at Mayville and is the wife of Hugo Vestenz; Bernice Anna, at home, who is a normal school graduate and has successfully engaged in teaching; and Maude E., who is a graduate of the high school at Arthur and is now the wife of W. J. A. Jenkins. Mrs. Vosburg was also a successful teacher for several years in Michigan and followed the same profession in Arthur. The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church, guiding their lives by its teachings and taking a helpful part in its work, Mr. Vosburg now serving as one of the church trustees. He belongs to the Yeomen lodge and he is a stalwart advocate of education, serving for twenty years as an efficient member of the school board. In politics he is a democrat and was the second township treasurer in Arthur township, filling that position for a number of years. He has lived in the county for thirty-six years and has witnessed notable changes as the work of progress and improvement has been carried forward. In the work he has borne his full share and has contributed in large measure to the material development of this part of the state. His business success is well merited, for his methods have ever been honorable, and his prosperity has been the direct result of persistent and intelligently directed labor.
DR. ALEXANDER A. WALKER, of Casselton, Cass county, who has the distinction of being the oldest veterinarian in the state, devotes practically his entire time to his practice, which is extensive and profitable. He was born in Ontario, Canada, on the 18th of December, 1846, a son of James and Ann (McKee) Walker. The father was born in County Armagh, Ireland, and passed away in 1898, and the mother was born on the Atlantic ocean, while her parents were on their way to America from Ireland. Her father, Alexander McKee, was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, and his last days were passed in Ontario, Canada. The mother of our subject died in 1907. She became the wife of James Walker in Ontario, to which country he had removed from Ireland with his father, James Walker. Sr. James Walker, Jr., followed farming throughout his active life and gained a gratifying measure of success, he was an advocate of reform in politics, and his religious faith was that of the Presbyterian church. To him and his wife were born eleven children, of whom nine are living, the subject of this review being the second in order of birth.
Alexander A. Walker attended the common schools of Ontario and still further pursued his education in a normal school. Subsequently be prepared for his chosen profession by study in the Ontario Veterinary College at Toronto, from which he was graduated in 1882 with the degree of V. S. He had previously practiced as a veterinarian for two months in Toronto and for some time in Casselton. North Dakota. In 1881 he returned to Toronto and completed his professional studies there. He again located in Casselton. where he has since remained. Tie has built up a large practice as lie has been very successful in his profession and he has not only gained n high standing as a veterinarian, but has also accumulated a competence. Although he is sixty-nine years of age he is still active and keeps informed as to the discoveries in veterinary science.
In 1872 Dr. Walker was married, in Ontario, Canada, to Miss Mary Haines. a native of that province, and they had five children: Mary Ann, deceased; Matilda, who is living in the state of Washington; Isabelle, a resident of Oakland, California; James Alexander, a resident of Fargo; and Ruth, who is living in the state of Washington. The wife and mother died in 1890, in the faith of the Baptist church, and her demise was deeply regretted by all who had come in contact with her. In 1901 Dr. Walker married Miss Jennie Hocking, a native of Michigan.
The Doctor is a republican and for the past eleven years has served as county justice of the peace. He is also police magistrate of Casselton and in both capacities, has won an enviable reputation for fairness and impartiality, both he and his wife are members of the Christian church, in the work of which they take an active interest. He is identified with the Yeomen and the Orangemen, he has lived in Casselton for many years and the high esteem in which he is held is an indication of his genuine worth.
L. C. WALLA, who is one of the leading business men of Horace, Cass county, is a native of Norway, born on the 19th of April 1878. His parents, L. P. N. and Lottie (Jensen) Walla, were also natives of Norway, where they lived and died. Five of their six children survive.
L. C. Walla was reared in Norway and attended the common schools there. In 1898, when twenty years of age, he came to the United States and made his way to North Dakota. For five years he worked as a farm hand in Cass county during the summers, while the winters were spent in attending college in Fargo. At the end of that time he became a clerk in a store in Horace and was so employed for five years, after which he went to McKenzie county, this state, and took up a homestead, on which he resided for fourteen months. He now owns four hundred acres of land in that county, all of which is improved. In 1908 he returned to Horace and established a general store and also engaged in the lumber business, both of which undertakings he is still conducting. He is thoroughly reliable and his business policy has gained him a good custom. He is also agent for the Norwegian American Steamship line and owns stock in the Farmers elevator at Horace.
In 1908 Mr. Walla was united in marriage to Miss Anna Olson, who was born in Norway, a daughter of Hans and Martha Olson. The father is deceased but the mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Walla have two children, Angell and Martha. Mr. Walla is a democrat but his business interests have left him no time to take a very active part in public affairs. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Lutheran church, the teachings of which are the guiding principles of their lives. When he came to the United States Mr. Walla had no capital but through industry and good management he has become one of the substantial men of his town.
NILS N. WALLA, who owned four hundred and forty acres of excellent land in Stanley township, Cass county, was born in Norway, December 9, 1826, a son of Nils I. and Pernielia (Christianson) Walla. His parents were also natives of Norway, where they passed their entire lives. In their family were thirteen children but only two are now living.
Nils N. Walla was reared under the parental roof and attended the public schools of Norway in the acquirement of his education. He continued to reside in that country until 1807, in which year he came to the United States. He first settled in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he remained until 1874, when he removed to Cass county, this state. He settled on the land which is still owned by the family and at once began to improve his place, which was then but a tract of raw prairie. His first residence was a log cabin but a number of years later he erected a good frame dwelling and he also made many other improvements upon the place. The land is now under cultivation and the family derive therefrom a good income. Mr. Walla owned four hundred and forty acres on sections 19, 20 and 30, Stanley township, and gained financial independence.
In 1868 Mr. Walla was united in marriage, in Minnesota, to Miss Anna Johnson, who was born in Norway, a daughter of John and Karen (Christopherson) Johnson, who were lifelong residents of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Walla became the parents of twelve children, five of whom are living, John, Anna, Karen, Benjamin and Nora. Mr. Walla was a republican and for years served acceptably as school director and as school treasurer. He was a member of the Lutheran church, to which his widow also belongs, and his influence was always on the side of right and progress. He was over eighty-nine years of age when he passed away January 7, 1916, and he had the satisfaction of knowing that his life was well spent, as he not only prospered financially but was also a factor in the development of his community along lines of moral and educational advancement.
ERNA D. WALLACE, a resident farmer of Cass county living on section 3, Rich township, was born in Cass county, Michigan, on the 3d of September 1869, a son of Victor Wallace, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. He was a youth of fourteen years on the removal of the family to North Dakota. His education was largely acquired in the common schools of Michigan and in the school of experience he has also learned many valuable lessons. He was early trained to the work of the fields through the assistance which he gave his father in the development of the home farm and in 1891, on attaining his majority, he began farming for himself. During the first year he cultivated all of section 35, Rochester township. The following year he purchased a half section comprising his present home farm, on which he has since resided. To that purchase, however, he has added until he now owns an entire section and his six-hundred-and-forty-acre tract of valuable and productive land constitutes one of the fine farms of Cass county. One half of this is situated in Page township and the remaining three hundred and twenty acres in Rich township. He also cultivates two hundred and forty acres besides his own holdings, so that he is one of the extensive farmers of this part of the state.
In 1891 Mr. Wallace was married to Miss Emma Burman of Clarksville, Ohio. Of their five children four survive as follows: Clarence N., who was assistant manager of the Farmers Elevator at Page, North Dakota, but is now farming in Rich township, Cass county; and Ralph V., Florence E. and Ellen J., all at home.
Politically Mr. Wallace is a republican, earnest in his advocacy of the principles of the party. He served as a member of the township board for several years and for the past eight or ten years has been township assessor. He is interested in all that pertains to public progress and cooperates in many measures for the general good. His wife is a member of the Baptist church and they are among the well-known citizens of Cass county, where they have many friends. Aside from his other interests Mr. Wallace is a stockholder in the Page Farmers Elevator & Lumber Company. In business affairs his judgment is sound, his discrimination keen and his enterprise unfaltering and thus he is steadily progressing along the path of success.
HON. WILLIAM WATT operates nine hundred and sixty acres of fine land in Watson township, Cass county, and has gained financial independence from his extensive agricultural operations. He is also well known in political circles, having served for two terms in the state legislature. A native of Scotland, Mr. Watt’s birth occurred on the 11th of April, 1869. He is one of the eight children born to the union of Andrew and Jane (Steele) Watt. The parents were born in Scotland but in 1880 emigrated with their family to Canada, whence, four years later, they removed to Watson township, Cass county, North Dakota, settling on section 1. The father passed away upon his farm in 1904, but the mother survives and makes her home in Fargo. Six of their children are still living.
William Watt received a common school education and accompanied his parents on their various removals, remaining at home until 1897. He then homesteaded the farm on which he is now living on section 12, Watson township, and he has made many improvements upon the place. He has purchased additional land and now operates nine hundred and sixty acres, raising large amounts of grain and considerable stock annually. Although his farming interests demand the greater part of his time, he is also serving as a director of the Farmers Security Bank of Chaffee and of the Farmers Bank of Leonard. Mr. Watt was married in 1897 to Miss Margaret Moffat, of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, by whom he has five children: Andrew and Agnes Mary, high school students; James M.; William A.; and Alexander.
Mr. Watt is stanch in his adherence to the republican party and has served as township treasurer and supervisor. He has also been honored by election to the state legislature, serving as a member of that body in 1913 and again in 1915, his record during his first term being so creditable that he was chosen for the office a second time. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Chaffee and fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to the blue lodge at Casselton and to the Scottish Rite bodies at Fargo. His life has been one of well-directed industry and the success which he has achieved is well deserved.
CHRISTEN WESTERGAARD, who has gained well deserved success as a farmer in Hill township, Cass county, was born in Denmark on the 11th of February 1848, and is a son of Christen and Anna Marie Raunsmed Westergaard, who spent their entire lives in that country. Five of the nine children born to their union survive.
Christen Westergaard grew to manhood in Denmark and there received his education. For four years before his emigration to America he was employed as a gardener and horticulturist in that country, having previously acquired an excellent knowledge of that business. In 1873 he came to the United States and first located at Chicago, Illinois, but later went to Wisconsin, where he engaged in gardening for one season, after which he returned to Chicago and lived there for three years. He then went to Sherburne county, Minnesota, but in the spring of 1878 he removed to Cass county, North Dakota, locating upon the farm which is still in his possession. It comprises three hundred and twenty acres on section 14, Hill township, and is well improved with substantial and commodious buildings. He has always been very much interested in horticulture, and has met with marked success in that line, especially with evergreen trees. He raises both grain and stock and so manages his affairs that he receives a good financial return from his labor. He is also one of the stockholders in the Farmers elevator at Buffalo, Cass county.
Mr. Westergaard was married July 33, 1873, to Miss Marie Anderson, a native of Denmark, who came to America on the same boat as did her future husband. They were married in Chicago and have become the parents of four children : Christen, who is engaged in chicken raising in the state of Washington; Maren, deceased; Louise, at home; and one who died in infancy.
Mr. Westergaard casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the democratic party and since 1884 has served continuously as clerk of the township board. For years he held the office of treasurer of the school board, his repeated election to offices of trust indicating the confidence which is placed in his integrity and ability. He was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows but is not now affiliated with that organization. Although he now devotes his entire time to his farm work, for several years after his arrival in this state he printed a monthly Danish paper which was known as the Day of Light. He is a great reader and possesses quite an extensive library. He has taken a deep Interest in preserving historical data and has a very fine collection of old magazines, papers, etc., which he intends to present to the State Historical Society. The measure of success which is now his is doubly creditable in that he is a self-made man, having depended upon his own efforts alone since beginning his independent career.
JACOB WESTERGAARD, a prosperous and energetic farmer of Hill township, owns four hundred acres of fine land on sections 15, 23 and 23, and concentrates his energies upon its cultivation. He was born in Denmark on the 25th of May 1852, of the marriage of Christen and Anna Marie Westergaard, also natives of that country, where they lived until called by death. Five of their nine children still survive.
Jacob Westergaard grew to manhood under the parental roof and received his education in the public schools of his native land. On emigrating to America in 1879 he made his way to Cass county, North Dakota, and settled on his present farm in Hill township. He understands practical methods of agriculture, is enterprising and alert, and he has added to his holdings from time to time until he now owns four hundred acres on sections 15, 22 and 23. He has erected fine buildings and has planted a grove which now adds appreciably to the value and attractiveness of his farm. He derives a good income from his land and is also interested financially in the Farmers elevator at Buffalo, Cass county.
Mr. Westergaard was married in 1882 to Miss Christina Anderson, by whom he had two sons, Waldemar, who is now living in California; and Edward, at home. In 1908 Mr. Westergaard was again married, Mrs. Anna Wagley becoming his wife. She was born in Norway and in 1881 came to the United States. Her death occurred May 9, 1916. Mr. Westergaard supports the democratic party at the polls and has held a number of local offices, including that of school treasurer, in which capacity he has served for years. He has made all that he has since coming to America and has never regretted his emigration to this country, for here he has found excellent opportunities and also congenial conditions of life.
S. WESTLAND, one of the prosperous farmers of Reed township, Cass county, was born in Sweden, September 19, 1850, a son of Peter and Mary Westland, further mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He was reared in his native land and there attended the common schools. In 1883, when about thirty-two years of age, he came to America and made his way to Cass county. North Dakota, where he cultivated a rented farm for three years. At the expiration of that period he removed to Dickey county, this state, where he took up a homestead, upon which he lived for six years. He then sold that place and purchased his present home farm of two hundred and twenty-one acres on sections 1 and 36, Reed township, Cass county. He has erected excellent buildings and made other improvements upon his place and in his work uses improved machinery and up-to-date methods. When he came to this country he had no capital, but his energy and good management have enabled him to accumulate a competence.
In 1873 Mr. Westland was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jensen and they have nine children: Mary, at home; Carrie, the wife of Louis Holmquist, a resident of Minnesota ; Katie, who is at home; Ottilie, who is teaching school; John S., at home; Hannah, also a teacher by profession; Paul E., who is at home; Victor, who is attending normal school at Moorhead, Minnesota; and Goodwin F., who is in college at Fargo. Mr. Westland is a republican in politics but has never desired to hold office. He and his family belong to the Lutheran church and further its advancement in every way possible. He is recognized as a good citizen and a man of unswerving integrity and there are many who hold him in warm personal regard.
PETER WESTLUND, of Stanley township, Cass county, who owns five hundred and fifty acres of excellent land, was born in Sweden on the 15th of November 1840, a son of Peter and Mary (Ingebretson) Westlund, who were lifelong residents of that country. They were the parents of five children, all of whom are living.
Peter Westlund passed the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and received his education in the public schools. In 1869 in early manhood, he came to America and made his way to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he worked for the Great Northern Railroad Company on a gravel train. Later he became a brakeman on the Northern Pacific Railroad and was in time promoted to conductor. He remained with that company for ten years, but in 1879 he removed to Cass county, North Dakota, and located upon his present home farm, which is situated on section 5, Stanley township. He has erected fine buildings upon the place and otherwise improved it, he has invested in additional land, his holdings comprising five hundred and fifty acres, from which he receives a good income. He also owns stock in the Farmers elevator at Horace and in the creamery at Fargo.
In 1881 Mr. Westlund was united in marriage to Miss Enga Niquist, also a native of Sweden. She passed away in February 1907, and was laid to rest in the Horace cemetery. She was the mother of five children, as follows: Emma, deceased; Hilma, at home; Ephraim and Oscar K., both of whom are college graduates; and Agnes, who is attending normal school.
Mr. Westlund is a republican in his political belief and has served as school director for sixteen years, doing much in that time to advance the interests of the public schools, he came to this country a poor young man but through taking advantage of the opportunities here offered he has gained financial independence and is recognized as one of the substantial and valued citizens of Cass county.
FRED WILLIAMS, Opportunity ever eludes the grasp of the man who shirks his duties and his responsibilities and it tauntingly plays before the dreamer but surrenders to the man of resolute purpose and determination, yielding its reward in substantial and honorable success. Fred Williams of Cass county is one who has ever recognized and utilized his opportunities to the fullest extent and he is now a prominent figure in the business circles of his part of the state, being identified with both commercial and financial interests at Arthur. He was born in New York, June 20, 1860, and is a son of James and Bessie Williams, who were likewise natives of the Empire state, in which they remained throughout their entire lives. Their family numbered eight children, six of whom survive.
In his youthful days Fred Williams largely devoted his attention to the acquirement of an education in the public schools of New York and there remained until he readied the age of twenty, when he determined to test the truth of the reports concerning the business conditions and opportunities of the west. The year 1886 witnessed his arrival in North Dakota, at which time he took up his abode at Hunter and entered the employ of J. H. Gale, recognized as the leading business man of the district. He remained with Mr. Gale for five years at Hunter and in 1891 came to Arthur, where as a partner of Mr. Gale he embarked in general merchandising and in the hardware business. Here he has since remained, conducting their interests, and has built up a trade of large and gratifying proportions. He carries an excellent stock of general merchandise and of hardware and in both lines his business has grown in a most substantial manner. He also figures prominently in banking circles as the president of the First State Bank of Arthur and he is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator of the town, he has likewise utilized his chance of making judicious investment in property and is now the owner of seven sections of land in Cass county, all in the vicinity of Arthur, and in addition he owns a half interest in six sections of land, in which he is a partner of Mr. Gale.
Mr. Williams belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of the lodge and chapter and also of the Scottish Rite and he likewise belongs to the Mystic Shrine. His life measures up to the high standards of manhood set by this order. In politics he is a republican and for sixteen years he filled the office of postmaster at Arthur, making a most creditable record in that connection. Mr. Williams deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, his success being the result of ability, determination, persistency of purpose and laudable ambition. That he proved himself most trustworthy is indicated by the fact that his employer admitted him to a partnership and together they have advanced, the careful management of their common interests bringing prosperity to both.
REV. R. J. WISNAES is a well known minister of the Norwegian Lutheran church, whose labors are proving a most potent element in promoting moral progress in Cass county, where he has charge of three different congregations, the North Pleasant, the South Pleasant and the Lower Wild Rice and Red River. He makes his home on section 27, Pleasant township, in which locality the North Pleasant congregation erected the North Pleasant church. He is one of the county’s honored pioneer settlers and highly esteemed citizens. He was born in Norway, January 4, 1832. a son of John R. and Eli R. (Augsburg) Wisnaes, both of whom spent their entire lives in the land of the midnight sun.
Rev. R. J. Wisnaes remained under the parental roof until he attained his thirteenth year and received a thorough educational training in the public schools, after which he left home to make his living and in 1871 sailed for the United States. He reached Wells, Minnesota, on the 4th of July of that year and there took up his abode, he had borrowed fifty-five dollars for passage money and on reaching Wells was practically penniless, he possessed energy and determination, however, and almost immediately secured work on a farm, spending the succeeding two years in farm labor and also at carrying brick in the brickyards of the district, working in that way before the harvest season began. During all this time he entertained the purpose of preparing himself for the ministry and utilized every opportunity to secure means to further his plans. In January, 1873, he entered Luther College, at Decorah, Iowa, and there attended school until 1876. spending the vacation periods in farm work in order to enable him to pay his way through college. In the fall of 1876 he became a student in the Luther Seminary at Madison, Wisconsin, and from that institution received his theological degree in the spring of 1879. On the 31st of August of the same year he was ordained to the ministry at Northfield, Minnesota, and on the 9th of September following came to North Dakota. Through the intervening period of thirty-seven years he has devoted his time to church work in Richland and Cass counties and throughout the entire period, save for a year and a half, has resided in the latter county. His present charge covers the North Pleasant and South Pleasant congregations and the Lower Wild Rice and Red River congregation. The South Pleasant congregation is in Richland county. He has exerted a strong influence for good among the people of this part of the state. He is an earnest and ofttimes eloquent preacher and his utterances ring with the logic of truth.
On the 6th of January, 1880, Rev. Wisnaes was married to Miss Amelia Bredensen, the ceremony being performed at Perry, Wisconsin. Mrs. Wisnaes was born in Wisconsin, and by her marriage became the mother of three children. Elida Marie, John Carlot and Agnes Benedicta. Mrs. Wisnaes passed away in June 1892 and on the 31st of October 1893, he was married to Miss Mina Borgith Stensrud, who was likewise born in Wisconsin but emigrated to Dakota territory in 1871. This union has been blessed with six children: Emilie Miranda, Ruth Luanda, Emma Victoria, Esther Monica, Ingvar William and Oscar Ferdinand.
Rev. Wisnaes owns and occupies a farm of eighty acres on section 14, Pleasant township, Cass county, which he took up as a tree claim soon after arriving in this state. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is not neglectful of the duties of citizenship but keeps well informed on the issues of the day and advocates high standards in relation to the public welfare. He is continually studying and reading along lines that render his work more effective and moreover, be is not only a man of broad scholarly attainments but also a man of deep human sympathy, which constitutes one of the elements of his successful Christian work.
JOHN HENRY WORST has devoted his life quite generally to educational work and for twenty-one years was president of the North Dakota State Agricultural College at Fargo. He has made that institution one of the most important factors in the advancement of agricultural interests in the state and believes firmly that the farmers of the country should cooperate to a greater extent than they have so far done and is convinced that if they exerted a larger influence in affairs of government politics would be materially purified and the government would be strengthened.
Mr. Worst was born in Ashland county, Ohio, on the 23d of December 1850, a son of George and Margaret Worst. His parents began their married life in that county at a time when the Western Reserve was still covered with forest and their home was a primitive log cabin. The father was a German Baptist minister who farmed during the week, and preached on Sunday, as was at that time the custom in his denomination. Our subject attended the common schools in his early boyhood and subsequently was a student in the Smithville (Ohio) Academy, and in Salem College at Bourbon; Indiana, which has long since passed out of existence. Still later he continued his education in Ashland College at Ashland, Ohio, but did not complete his course there. Later, however, that institution conferred upon him the degree LL. D. in recognition of his excellent work as an educator, especially as president of the North Dakota Agricultural College.
In early manhood Mr. Worst began teaching in the rural schools and during the summers followed agricultural pursuits but at length, on account of impaired health, turned his attention to merchandising, with which he was connected for two years. At another time he was for two years editor of the Fairfield County (Ohio) Republican, but in 1883 he came to North Dakota and took up a homestead in Emmons county, he resided there for twelve years and during that time endured the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life in the northwest. This experience of actual conditions was of great benefit to him in his later work as head of the Agricultural College, enabling him to understand the needs of the farmers of the state from a practical as well as from a theoretical viewpoint. While engaged in proving up and farming his homestead he also held a number of offices. In the fall 1883 he was appointed county superintendent of schools and was later elected to that office, serving therein until 1889, when he was chosen state senator from the twenty-sixth legislative district, he filled that position of honor until 1894, when he was elected lieutenant governor and during the winter of 1895 be presided with dignity and impartiality over the deliberations of the state senate.
In the winter of 1895 Mr. Worst was made president of the North Dakota State Agricultural College and director of the government experiment station connected with the college, but resigned the latter position in 1913. He kept in close touch with the work being done in similar schools in other states, constantly seeking to make the North Dakota State Agricultural College of greater service to the farmers of the state and to promote in every way possible the agricultural interests of the commonwealth. lie manifested a high order of executive ability, securing the hearty cooperation of the faculty and the student body, and was recognized as one of the leading educators in his special field in the country. On the 28th of February, 1916, he was removed from the presidency of the college, no cause for such removal being assigned. Mr. Worst is now managing editor of the North Dakota Farmer and also of the New Rockford Daily State’s Center.
Mr. Worst was united in marriage in Congress. Ohio, on the 10th of October 1872, to Miss Susan Wohlgamuth, a daughter of Jacob and Barbara Wohlgamuth. She was born near Massillon, Ohio, where her father was engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Worst have become the parents of the following children: Olive Jeanette, who married Dr. Guy F. Rogers; Clayton Leroy; and Lloyd Warner.
Mr. Worst is a stanch republican and previous to becoming president of the State Agricultural College took an active part in politics, making many campaign addresses and gaining an enviable reputation as a political speaker. In 1914, at the earnest solicitation of his friends, he became a candidate for nomination for United States senator, but did not make a personal campaign and was defeated at the primaries. He is well known fraternally, being a thirty-third degree Mason and having served for twenty years as wise master of Pelican Chapter, Rose Croix, and having also taken the York Rite degrees and being past chancellor commander of the Knights of Pythias and a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
His interest in the commercial and civic advancement of the city is indicated by the fact that he belongs to the Fargo Commercial Club and heartily supports its various projects for the general welfare. During the past seventeen years he has served either as president or secretary of the Tri-State Grain and Stockgrowers Association, a body of some eight thousand fanners who meet in Fargo annually for the discussion of subjects of interest to farmers and the agricultural development of the three states. North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota. He has also maintained a progressive attitude toward social, business and political problems and has sought through careful study to do his share toward reaching their correct solution. During the thirty-three years of his residence in the state and especially during the twenty-one years that he was president of the North Dakota State Agricultural College he has endeavored as an official, writer and lecturer to serve the common people and most of all to dignify the profession of agriculture. It is his firm belief that if the farmers were educated in agricultural statesmanship so that they could officially represent the forty billion dollars invested in the farming industry and could share in the federal and state governments in proportion to their numerical strength that politics would be raised to a higher plan and that the government would be more efficiently and more democratically administered. The farmers of the nation produce a great part of the national wealth, bear the national burden and cast a majority of the votes and he believes they should exert a much larger influence in governmental affairs than they do at present.
In advocating advanced movements which he believes to be for the good of the state and nation he is but manifesting the spirit of initiative and faith in the future which has been one of the strongest characteristics of the Worst family as for generations they have been pioneers, removing from the older civilization to the newer so as to take advantage of its unusual opportunities and to have a part in its development. Our subject’s great-grandfather emigrated from Holland to the United States when only twelve years of age and became one of the early settlers of Pennsylvania, clearing and bringing to a high state of cultivation a tract of timber land. He was a man of fine character and great determination and was highly esteemed in his community. He reached the remarkable age of one hundred and six years. His son, the grandfather of President Worst, cleared and partly developed two farms in Pennsylvania and later located in Ashland county, Ohio, where he also cleared a farm. He, too, reached an advanced age, dying when ninety-seven years old. His son, George Worst, continued the family tradition and settling on the Western Reserve in northern Ohio during its pioneer days, brought a tract of wild land under cultivation. He died when seventy-four years old. Our subject was a pioneer of North Dakota and both of his sons were located for a time in Alaska. It is to such men as these that the marvelous development of this country has been chiefly due.
JUDGE N. C. YOUNG, practicing at the bar of Fargo as a member of the firm of Watson & Young, has won recognition as one of the leading attorneys of the state. He also has other important business connections and is accounted a forceful and resourceful man. He was born January 28, 1862, in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, a son of Charles S. and Joanna E. (Williams) Young, both of whom were natives of Ohio, where they were reared and married. Soon afterward they removed to Henry county, Iowa, traveling through Chicago with an ox team and proceeding across the Illinois prairies until they reached their destination. Mr. Young purchased land in Henry county and there engaged in farming for a long period but later in life retired and removed to Tabor, Iowa, where he passed away in the year 1910. His widow survives and yet makes her home in Tabor. Mr. Young was at one time mayor of the city and was very prominent in the community in which he resided. Judge Young, reared in Iowa, pursued his education in Tabor College, in Iowa City Academy, and in the Iowa State University, in which he pursued a classical course and was graduated in law in 1887, winning the degrees during his student days of Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Bachelor of Laws.
On the day following his graduation Judge Young was married to Miss Ida B. Clarke, of Iowa City, who was also graduated from the State University in that year and won the degrees of Master of Arts and Bachelor of Philosophy. She had three sisters who were alumnae of the State University, two of whom gained valedictorian honors, while all three were members of the Phi Beta Kappa. Mrs. Young has been a frequent contributor to the literature of North Dakota, writing a number of poems and songs. She is one of the state’s most able, cultured and accomplished women. She served for two terms as president of the State Federation of Women’s Clubs and is now president of the “North Dakota Association Opposed to Suffrage,” On the day following his graduation Judge Young was married to Miss Ida IS. Clarke, of Iowa Oily, who was also graduated from (he State University in that year and won the degrees of Master of Arts and Bachelor of Philosophy. She had three sisters who were alumnae of the State University, two of whom gained valedictorian honors, while all three were members of the Phi Beta Kappa. Mrs. Young has been a frequent contributor to the literature of North Dakota, writing a number of poems and songs. She is one of the state’s most able, cultured and accomplished women. She served for two terms as president of the State Federation of Women’s Clubs and is now president of the “North Dakota Association Opposed to Suffrage.”
Following their marriage Judge and Mrs. Young established their home at Bathgate, North Dakota, where he entered upon the practice of law, remaining in that city for eleven years. In August 1898, he was appointed to succeed Judge Corliss on the supreme bench and in November of that year was regularly elected supreme court judge for a term of six years. In 1904 he was re-elected without opposition for a six years’ term but resigned his office to enter upon the private practice of his profession on the 13th of August 1906. He also served as state’s attorney of Pembina county from 1891 until 1895. Following his elevation to the bench lie removed his family to Fargo in 1898 in order that his children might have the educational advantages to be secured in that city. Upon resigning from the supreme court he entered into a law partnership with J. S. Watson and has since been his associate in active practice. He stands as one of the foremost members of the North Dakota bar and his practice is now extensive and of an important character. He is remarkable among lawyers for the wide research and provident care with which he prepares his cases and upon the bench he proved himself the peer of the ablest members of the court of last resort. His decisions indicate strong mentality, careful analysis, a thorough knowledge and an unbiased judgment. Aside from his professional connections he has important banking interests in the western part of the state, being president of one bank and vice president of two others.
Judge and Mrs. Young have become the parents of three children, Laura B., who was graduated from the University of Iowa with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, is now the wife of C. W. Spaulding, cashier of the Citizens State Bank at Streeter, North Dakota. Horace C., who won the B. A. degree upon graduation from the University of Iowa and took a partial law course there, spent some time in his father’s law office, was admitted to the North Dakota bar in 1914, and is now located at Bowman, North Dakota, as a member of the firm of Scow & Young. Dorothea is a graduate of the Newton School for Girls at Boston, Massachusetts, and also of the New England Conservatory of Music at Boston and is now engaged in professional concert work.
After resigning from the supreme bench, Judge Young was appointed President of the board of regents of the North Dakota State University and so continued until 1914. In 1907 he was elected to the presidency of the university but declined the honor. He has always figured prominently in support of educational work and for years served as a member of the school board of Fargo. He also seeks the progress of his community and state and he and his family hold membership and take an active interest in the Congregational church. Fraternally he belongs to Bathgate Lodge, F. & A. M., and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Kite in Dakota Consistory. He is also a member of the Country Club and of the Commercial Club of Fargo. His interests are broad and varied, touching many of the activities which affect the welfare of the community and of the commonwealth. His influence has been a potent force in upholding the political and legal status of the state and in advancing its material, intellectual and moral progress.
HERMAN A. ZIEGLER, Among those whose activities are not only contributing to their individual prosperity but are also aiding in the commercial advancement of their community is Herman A, Ziegler, manager of the Monarch Elevator at Alice, Cass county. He was born in Monroe county, Michigan, on the 4th of November 1868, a son of Albert and Fredericka (Heiss) Ziegler, natives of Germany, whence they came to the United States in childhood with their respective parents. Both families located in Michigan, where the father and mother of our subject grew to maturity and where their marriage occurred. About 1865 the father purchased a farm in Monroe county, that state, which remained his home throughout his life. He died in 1908 and subsequently the old homestead was sold, the mother now making her home with her children.
Herman A. Ziegler passed the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and acquired his education in the district schools. On reaching manhood he purchased a small farm adjoining the homestead and began his independent career. However, prices for farm products were at that time unusually low and he found farming unprofitable and in 1897 sold out and came west, making his way to Edgeley, Lamoure county, North Dakota. For seven months he worked as a farm hand, after which he returned to Michigan, but he could not be satisfied there, having experienced the fascination of the western plains country, and in the following spring he came again to this state, arriving in Edgeley in March. For a short time he conducted a meat market and was subsequently for a brief period employed by an implement and grain dealer but in 1901 he removed to Alice and identified himself with the Andrews Grain Company, being manager of their elevator at Alice for seven years. For the past seven years he has held a similar position in the Monarch Elevator at Alice and his long experience in grain dealing enables him to so manage the affairs of the elevator as to return a gratifying profit to its owners, at the same time paying the farmers good prices. He has firm faith in the future of North Dakota as a great agricultural state and owns four hundred and eighty acres of farm land in Clifton township, Cass county, and a quarter section in Hill township.
In 1900 occurred the marriage of Mr. Ziegler and Miss Emma Schulz, of Edgeley, North Dakota, and they have become the parents of six children, five of whom are living, Stanley, Ivy, Minnie, Arthur and Leroy.
Mr. Ziegler casts an independent ballot, voting according to the dictates of his own judgment rather than following the commands of a party leader. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and for twenty-six years was a member of the lodge of that order at Carleton, Michigan. He is also identified with the American Yeomen at Alice, and both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church, whose teachings they strive to exemplify in their lives. They are well known and have gained many friends, who hold them in warm personal regard.
The information on Trails to
the Past © Copyright may be used in personal family history research, with source citation. The pages in entirety may not be duplicated for publication in any fashion without the permission of the owner. Commercial use of any material on this site is not permitted. Please respect the wishes of those who have contributed their time and efforts to make this free site possible.~Thank you!
|
