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THOMAS J. SAMPSON. proprietor of one of the finest farms of Cass county, is an early settler of Dows township, and is well and favorably known. He has made a success of his vocation and is well versed in the most approved methods of operating a farm, and the improvements on his estate bespeak thrift and painstaking care.
Our subject was born in Erie county. Pennsylvania. April 6, 1859, and was a son of James and Harriet (Sullivan) Sampson, who were natives respectively of England and New York. His father was a farmer by occupation and was born in 1818, and came to the United States when ten years of age and resided many years in Pennsylvania. He is now a resident of California. Mr. Sampson has one brother and two sisters, but is the only one of the family in North Dakota.
Our subject was reared in Pennsylvania and received his education there and began his business career on a farm. He went to North Dakota in 1882 and went direct to Erie, Cass county, and the same year entered claim to land in Dows township, where he has since resided. He has a farm of three quarter-sections and he has placed all under cultivation and his improvements are the best.
Our subject was married, in 1889, to Hattie Bostwick, a native of Michigan. Mrs. Sampson's parents, John and Mary Bostwick, were natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Sampson are the parents of two children, named Robert H. and Florence M. Mr. Sampson assisted in the organization of Dows township and served as a member of the township board and is now chairman of the school board, and is also serving as assessor. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has gained many friends by his push and energy and enjoys well merited success.
GEORGE H. SANBORN. This gentleman has for over a quarter of a century been engaged in farming in Barnes township, Cass County, and has gained an enviable reputation as a citizen and incidentally laid aside a competence to tide him through his declining years. He has an estate covering eighty acres of land and makes his home in section 24.
Our subject was born in Rochester, New York, September 18, 1831, and was the third in a family of ten children born to William and Permelia (Black) Sanborn, both of whom were natives of New York. When our subject was a child his parents removed to Erie, Pennsylvania, and settled on a farm, where he was reared to the age of seventeen years and then went with his father's family to Meadville, Pennsylvania, to which city they removed on account of the educational advantages.
Our subject attended the Allegheny College in that city for two years, and then went to Erie, Pennsylvania, and was employed as clerk in a general merchandise establishment one year and later clerked in his father's store at Wattsburg two years and then went to what is now Winona, then Wabasha, and was engaged in the mercantile and real estate business. He continued his residence there from the spring of 1853 to the fall of i8f»o, when he removed to Texas, but after a few months removed to Ontario, Canada, and was engaged in the oil business about fifty miles from London. After two years he located in Chatham, Ontario, and engaged in the lumber business from the spring of. 1863 to August, 1871, when he located in Dakota, about twenty miles north of Fargo. The following June he settled on his present farm in section twenty-four, of Barnes township, Cass County, and has engaged in farming continuously since, and for two years also con-ducted a livery business in Fargo. He is now the owner of eighty acres of land, one mile from the city limits, and has added such improvements as are found on the model farm.
Our subject was married, in Chatham, Ontario. February 19, 1868. to Miss Sarah A. McKellar, who was born in Kent County, Ontario, March 13, 1845. Mrs. Sanborn was the fifth in a family of ten children born to Archibald and Lucy (McNabb) McKellar, both of whom were natives of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Sanborn are the parents of one daughter, named Permelia Anna, now Mrs. E. D. Naylor. The family are attendants of the First Presbyterian church of Fargo, of which denomination Mrs. Sanborn is an active member. Mr. Sanborn is a wide awake and well-to-do farmer and attends strictly to his work and is highly esteemed throughout his locality.
 O. A. SANDERS, a prosperous farmer of Barnes township, whose home is on section 30, is one of the first settlers of Cass county, having located in 1872 on land on which the city of Fargo now stands, and in 1873 filed a claim to the land where he now resides.
Mr. Sanders was born in Norway, April 29, 1850. He lived in his native country until eighteen years of age, and having learned the carpenter's trade, he started for America in the summer of 1869. He embarked in a sailing vessel, and after eight weeks and three days on the ocean landed at Quebec. He went to Winona, Minnesota, where he followed his trade a short time, and then went to Blue Earth county, of the same state, where he did farm work. He then went to Menominee, Wisconsin, where he worked at his trade and attended school about seven months. He then worked for a short time at bridge building for what is now the St. Paul & Duluth Railroad, and afterwards for the Northern Pacific Railroad. He came to Dakota in 1872. He has been very successful, and is now the owner of nine hundred and forty acres of land of great value, located in Cass county. He has followed farming chiefly, but was also engaged in the hotel business in Fargo, and in the flour and feed business.
Mr. Sanders' first marriage was to Miss Nellie Thompson, a native of Sweden, the ceremony being performed in the city of Fargo. His present wife was Miss Millie Hanson, to whom he was married in 1893. Mrs. Sanders is a native of Norway. To this union one son has been born, namely. Joseph Augustus Sanders. Mr. Sanders is a prominent man and popular citizen of the county. He has been a member of the board of supervisors of Barnes township for several years, and takes an active interest in all matters of a public nature.
HON. ELBRIDGE C. SARGENT. The wealth of Cass county is formed in great part by the incomes from the well-developed farms of that locality. Among those who have brought many acres of raw land to a high state of cultivation and have prospered as a result, the gentleman whose name heads this review is entitled to special mention. He and his brother, Frank J. Sargent, are owners of extensive tracts in that region, and aside from grain raising are interested largely in cattle and horses. They make their home near Amenia, in Amenia township, and are highly respected for their business ability and good citizenship.
Elbridge C. Sargent was born in Merrimac county. New Hampshire, July 1, 1852, and was a son of George W. and Emily G. (Bunker) Sargent. His parents were natives of New Hampshire and his father was a farmer and passed his life in that state, where he died in 1897. The mother passed away in February of the same year. The grandfather of our subject, John Sargent, was also a native of New Hampshire, and spent his career there engaged in farming and died at the advanced age of ninety-three years. Three sons constituted the family of children of which our subject was a member, and all are now residents of North Dakota: Elbridge C, Frank E. and Willis J.
Our subject and brother, Frank E., were reared and educated in New Hampshire and followed farming and carpenter work. They went to Cass county. North Dakota, in March, 1879, and purchased the land in section 18 of Amenia township on which our subject now resides. They at once began the improvement of the place, and they now own and operate fourteen hundred and sixty acres of land, and raise an average of twenty thousand bushels of grain annually. They are also partners in the Owego Cattle Company's ranch, recently established in Ransom county. They purchased twenty-one hundred and sixty acres of land, and will handle the coming season six to seven hundred head of cattle. They have devoted their attention wholly to agricultural pursuits, and nave secured their prosperity and success by good management and persistent efforts.
Elbridge C. Sargent was married, in 1880, to Addie F. Robbins, a native of New Hampshire. Mrs. Sargent died in 1896, leaving three daughters, as follows: Lura E., Alice B. and A. Mildred. Lura is attending school in the Fargo College; Alice is attending school in Massachusetts, and Mildred A. in New Hampshire.
Mr. Sargent assisted in the organization of his township and school district, and was among its first officers. He was elected to the legislature and served in 1895-97, and again in 1899, and is now representing his district. His services are efficient and toward the better interests of the community, and he is held in the highest esteem throughout that region. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in both local lodges. He has affiliated with the Republican party since attaining his majority, and is stanch in defense of party principles.
Frank E. Sargent was born in New Hampshire, July 15, 1855. He has been associated with his brother, Elbridge C, since taking up his residence in North Dakota, and is widely known as a man of ability. He has served nine years as a member of the township board, and in political sentiment is a Republican, and is the manager of the Owego Cattle Company's ranch in Ransom county.
EDWARD SAUTEBIN. For over twenty years the farming interests of Cass county have been ably represented by Mr. Sautebin, who makes his home in Addison township, near Davenport. He has surrounded himself with all that goes to make country life pleasant and his estate is one of the finest in his locality, made so by his earnest efforts. He entered Dakota as a pioneer and he has since resided on the land he now owns and which he has developed into a highly cultivated tract.
Our subject was born near Berne, Switzerland, May 24, 1854, and was a son of Jacob F. and Julia (Gerod) Sautebin, both of whom were natives of Switzerland. The mother died when our subject was but three years of age and the father, who was a blacksmith by trade, emigrated with his family to America in 1865, landing November 2. They located in Wood county, Ohio, and from there went to Duluth and then to Ottertail county, Minnesota,, where the father died in 1876.
Our subject came to America with his father and remained with him until 1871, when he went to Fargo and worked there and at Morehead two years and then remained in Minnesota until 1879, when he returned to Fargo. During 1871-1872 he freighted from Morehead to Bismarck for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, driving across the plains, taking twenty days for the round trip. He settled on the farm where he now lives in 1879 and from that stretch of wild land has acquired a comfortable competence and a fine farm. He began to improve the land at once and when he had his first house almost completed it was destroyed by a tornado. A Mr. Brown was killed in the house and Mr. Sautebin was carried about forty rods in the building, but escaped injury. He now has five hundred and sixty acres of land, all of which is. under the plow and equipped with good buildings and plenty of machinery and conveniences to facilitate the work of the place.
Our subject was married, in 1877, to Adella Blanchard, a native of Switzerland, who came to America with her parents in the '50s. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sautebin, named as follows: Mary, now Mrs. Zimmerman;. William, John, Walter, Alice. Ida and Luella. The family are members of the Evangelical church and are held in the highest esteem throughout their community. Mr. Sautebin is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He is active in local affairs and is serving as a member of the school board. Politically, he is a Republican.
JOSEPH SAYER. This gentleman enjoys the distinction of being one of the first settlers of Cass county and has witnessed the growth of the enterprises of that region step by step until he is one of the citizens of a great and well-developed section of the country. He has prospered in the pursuit of farming and is now passing his declining years amid comforts and pleasant surroundings and is one of the honored citizens of Hunter township.
Our subject was born in Norfolk, England, in September, 1826, and was a son of Robert and Sophia (Whiting) Sayer, who were natives of the same county and lived and died in England. His father was a cattle dealer. Our subject had four brothers and four sisters and he has three brothers now in the United States.
Mr. Sayer was reared and educated in England and assisted his father until 1848, when he emigrated to America and settled in Columbia county, Wisconsin, where he followed farming until 1879, and then went to Cass county. North Dakota, and homesteaded the farm on which he now resides. He has one of the finest pieces of property in the county and he and his son together own a section and a quarter of land, all of which is well improved. Mr. Sayer is also a director of the Hunter State Bank and is well-to-do.
Our subject was married, in Wisconsin, to Nancy A. Streeter, a native of Pennsylvania. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sayer, as follows: Frank C, Robert A. and Sophia E. The daughter is now Mrs. M. V. Erb. Mr. Sayer has served as town assessor for some years and is popular with people among whom he resides. Politically, he is a Democrat.
 WILLIAM SCANLAN, M. D. One of the prominent physicians and surgeons of Cass county who is rapidly rising to an assured position in his profession, is the gentleman above named. He is among the younger members of his calling and has resided in Page, North Dakota, comparatively few years, but has built a good practice and has prospered since entering upon his duties there. He is also interested in farming near that city and enjoys a good reputation as a business man and citizen.
Our subject was born at Mt. Sterling, Crawford county. Wisconsin, August 18, 1869. and was a son of Michael and Margaret E. (Hays) Scanlan, natives, respectively, of Vermont and Boston, Massachusetts. His father was a farmer by occupation and settled in Wisconsin in 1856 and still resides in that state at Mt. Sterling. The grandfather of our subject. John Scanlan, was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to Canada in an early day. and later moved to Vermont. and from thence to Wisconsin. He was killed at Milwaukee, that state, in 1856. Our subject had three brothers and two sisters and one brother and one sister are now residing in Cass county. Dr. Scanlan was reared and educated in Wisconsin, in the high school, and also attended St. John's College for some time. He then taught school three years and then went to North Dakota in 1890, and located at Sanborn. He began reading medicine in 1891 and in 1893 entered Hamline University of Minnesota, in the medical department. and graduated from that institution in i8y6, and the same year began the practice of his profession at Page, North Dakota. He follows a general practice and an enjoys an increasing patronage. He is railroad surgeon for the Great Northern Railroad Company and is a skillful operator and conscientious practitioner.
Our subject was married, in 1897, to Edith M. Mitchell, of Minneapolis, Minnesota. On child has been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. ScanIan, named Kenneth L. Dr. Scanlan is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Eastern Star and Modern Woodmen of America and is prominent in social circles.
LOUIS SCHNEIDER, one of the pioneers of Addison township, Cass county, has successfully pursued agriculture in that locality and now owns and operates over eight hundred acres of choice land. He has built recently a fine house on his farm and has other improvements in keeping with the residence and every appointment of the place evidences thrift and good taste. Mr. Schneider is also interested in the hardware business in Davenport and is a man of good management and business ability and enjoys prosperity and the highest regard of his associates.
Our subject was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, December 6, 1847. His parents, Christ and Mary (Horn) Schneider, were natives of Germany and came to America about 1842 and settled in Dodge county and were among the first settlers of that county. The father engaged in farming and died in Wisconsin in 1864. The mother died when our subject was but two years of age. Our subject had one brother and one sister and the brother is now deceased.
Mr. Schneider was reared and educated in Wisconsin and followed farming and also conducted a store there until 1880, when he went to Cass county, North Dakota, and purchased a homestead, on which he now resides. He has improved the land and is now the owner of eight hundred and forty acres, and on his home farm has erected a set of fine farm buildings. He has been successful as a farmer and merchant and is among the well-to-do men of the state.
Our subject was married, in Wisconsin, in 1868, to Miss Joanna Wolf, a native of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Schneider are the parents of eight children, as follows: William, Lizzie, Lillie, Ida, Benjamin, Arthur, Irvin and Claude. The family are members of the Evangelical Association and are highly respected in the community in which they make their home. Mr. Schneider holds membership in the Knights of Pythias and Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He has served in various local offices and takes an active interest in the affairs of his township and county. Politically, he is a Republican.
MARTIN SCHOW. For thirty years this gentleman has followed farming in Noble township, Cass county, and has accumulated a fine estate and gained a host of friends, who hold him in the highest esteem. He makes his home on section 24, and is passing his declining years surrounded by the comforts of a happy country home.
Our subject was born in Norway, November 4, 1835, and was reared on a farm and also lived in Christiania, where he served in the army five years. He then engaged in the mercantile business near Christiania seven years and in May, 1866, embarked in a sailing vessel for America with his wife and three children. Fourteen weeks and three days were consumed before their arrival at Quebec, and immediately upon the arrival there they started for Minnesota, it being four weeks before they reached Winona, that state. Mr. Schow assisted in building a flour-mill and was thus engaged and also as a miller for four years. He then went to the Red river valley, moving with an ox team and settled where he lives at present and has held continuous residence since June, 1870. He has made good and valuable improvements and his farm ranks among the first of the locality. He owns about five hundred acres of land and has followed general farming with eminent success
Our subject was married to Christiania, Norway, September 24, 1861, to Miss Dorthea Bjerke, who was born in Norway, September 17, 1839. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schow, eight of whom are still living, and bear the following names: Clara C., now the wife of O.E. Flaten, of Moorhead, Minnesota; Alma, now Mrs. Even H. Holt, of Noble township, Cass county; Robert, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work; Lars, who has been constable of Noble township for seven years; Jennie; Carl; Othelia and Maria. One daughter, Amelia, died in Noble township, Cass county, at the age of fourteen years. Mr. Schow is a man of broad mind and is strong in his convictions. He takes an active part in important local affairs and has held all the higher offices in his township and has also taken an active interest in county affairs. Cass was formerly a part of Pembina county and prior to the division of the county Mr. Schow was chosen sheriff of Pembina county. He and his family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
ROBERT SCHOW. This gentleman is the proprietor of one of the finest farms of Noble township, and aside from the engaging in the pursuit of agriculture he follows blacksmithing and carriage making, and has one of the best-appointed shops in that region. He is industrious and possessed of integrity and a capacity for well-directed labor and as a result of these characteristics is prosperous, and enjoys an enviable reputation. His home in section 26, Noble township, where he has resided since his boyhood days.
Our subject was born in Christiania, Norway, March 8, 1865, and was a son of Martin and Dorthea (Bjerke) Schow, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. His parents came to America when he was about a year and a half old and settled in Fillmore county, Minnesota, from whence they removed to the Red river valley and settled in what is now Noble township, Cass county, North Dakota.
Robert Schow assisted on his father's farm and received a common-school education and grew to manhood in Noble township. He remained at home until 1889, when he began farming for himself and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of choice land. He learned the blacksmith's trade in Baker county, Minnesota, which he follows in addition to his farm work and also engages in carriage making and general blacksmith work. He has met with success, both in his farming and at his trade, and his farm is fully improved with excellent buildings and a completely equipped shop.
Our subject was married, November 4, 1889, to Miss Minnie Noben, a daughter of Ole and Christina Noben. Mrs. Schow's parents came to America from Norway and lived in Dane county, Wisconsin, and afterward in Winneshiek county, Iowa, and later removed to Baker county, Minnesota, where the father died June 18, 1899. Ten children were born to this worthy couple, Mrs. Schow being the fourth in order of birth. She was born in Decorah, Iowa, April 10, 1866, where she spent the first twelve years of her life and then resided in Baker county, Minnesota, until her marriage to Mr. Schow. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schow, named as follows: Arnliot Leonard, Martin C.O., Lilly C.D. and Beatrice O. Mr. Schow and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and are held in high esteem by the people among whom they reside. Our subject is a man of active public spirit and has served as township assessor several years.
HENRY SCHROEDER, who enjoys the distinction of being the first settler of Erie township, Cass county, is of foreign birth and brought to this country the habits of thrift and economy characteristic of the children of the German fatherland. He has a fine farm and is among the prosperous men of his community, and enjoys an enviable reputation as a farmer and citizen.
Our subject was born in Germany. April 24, 1852. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Plack) Schroeder, were natives of Germany, and the father was a farmer by occupation. The family emigrated to America in 1867, and located in Minnesota, and lived in Winona county many years. The father died there in 1873, and the mother in 1883. They were the parents of one son and two daughters, and the daughters are now residing in Winona county.
Our subject was reared and educated in his native land and came to America with his father and located with him in Minnesota, and followed farming there until 1880, when he went to Cass county, North Dakota, having taken a tree claim in Erie township the year previous. He moved his family to the new home in the spring of 1880, and has resided there since. He now owns a half-section of choice land and' has placed good improvements thereon and completed arrangements for the best and most economical operation of the farm.
Our subject was married in Minnesota in 1875 to Miss Minnie Kruger, a native of Germany, who emigrated to the United States in 1872. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder, as follows: Annie, now Mrs. J. Beath: Emma, Hulda, Minnie, Henry, William, Clara and George. Mr.. Schroeder is well versed in current events and is interested in the welfare of his township and county, but does not take an active part in local affairs and devotes his attention to the operation of his estate and enjoys well merited success.
AUGUST F. SCHWARZ, a prominent farmer and one of the oldest settlers in Cass county. North Dakota, resides on the old family homestead farm in Addison township.
August F. Schwarz was born in Germany, October 26, 1866. His parents, August and Mary (Schulze) Schwarz, both natives of Germany, came to America in 1869. The father was a shoemaker and farmer by occupation. They first settled in Winona, Minnesota, and from there went to Turner county. South Dakota, where they followed farming until 1879. That year they came to North Dakota and took a homestead in Cass county, on section 10, Addison township. Here the father died in 1892, aged sixty-seven years. At the time of his death he was the owner of four hundred and ten acres of valuable land, which he had succeeded in improving and rendering a valuable and desirable property. He had three sons and three daughters, all of whom reside in North Dakota. He was a man respected and loved by all. He was a member of the Evangelical Association, and in politics was a Republican. He was very popular and was chosen to fill various local offices. The wife and mother is still living on the home farm. The names of the children are as follows: Berthold M., Minnie, Lizzie. Annie, Charles, and August F., the subject of this sketch.
August F. Schwarz and one sister and their mother now live at the homestead, and our subject conducts the farm. He is now one of the earliest living settlers of the county. He is a popular young man, a thorough worker, and has good business ability. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
HORACE G. SCOTT, one of the leading attorneys of Casselton, is a member of the firm of Pollack & Scott of that city, and enjoys an ever-increasing and lucrative practice. He is a gentleman of intelligence and true worth, and his standing as a citizen is beyond question.
Our subject was born at Hudson. St. Croix county. Wisconsin, April 26, 1856, and was a son of William W. and Agnes (Cavin) Scott, natives respectively of Maine and Ireland. His father was a lumberman, and moved to Wisconsin about 1853, where he still resides.
Horace G. Scott was reared and educated in Wisconsin in the public schools and Hinckley Military Academy, and later took a course in the State University. He then began reading law at Hudson, and in 1882 went to Traill county. North Dakota, and entered claim to land and in 1885 resumed the study of law with R. M. Pollock. He was admitted to the bar in 1887. and later spent two years in California, and in 1890 formed a partnership with R. M. Pollock, under the firm name of Pollock & Scott. He has met with success in the practice of his profession, and enjoys a good practice.
Our subject was married, in 1894, to Miss Helen J. Shaw, a native of Michigan. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Scott, as follows: Wallace W. and Agnes C. Mr. Scott is a member of the Cass County Bar Association. He has been city attorney of Casselton for the past four years. He is a Republican in political faith, but does not seek public office.
LAFAYETTE W. SCOTT, deceased. In the death of the late Lafayette W. Scott Cass county lost a worthy citizen and Maple River township an old settler and representative farmer. Mr. Scott was a native of Monroe county, Kentucky, and was born February 13, 1836. The parents of our subject, Allen and Polly A. (Eveans) Scott, were from Virginia, and removed to Kentucky in an early day, and later moved to Iowa about 1849, The mother died in that state. They were the parents of four sons and three daughters, of whom one son and two daughters are now living.
Our subject was reared in Kentucky until thirteen years of age, and then removed with his parents to Iowa and was educated in both states. He enlisted from Iowa in 1862 in Company I, Twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served three years, of which he spent one year in the field and the balance of the time as acting hospital steward and clerk in a provost marshal's office. He participated in the battle of Holly Springs, Georgia, where he was taken prisoner and held as such a short time. He returned to Iowa at the close of the war and remained there until 1881, when he went to Cass county. North Dakota, and the following year purchased the farm in Maple River township, which he conducted until his death. He met with good success, and his farm is in a good location and well improved.
Mr. Scott was married in Iowa. September 29, 1859. to Margaret A. Hillis. Mrs. Scott was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to America with her father at the age of ten years. She died in North Dakota February 5, 1898. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Scott, named Allen O. and Walter, both of whom reside in Maple River township, Cass county. Mr. Scott died in North Dakota April 23, 1900. and is mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was honored by all with whom he had to do. He took an active part in local affairs and politically was a Republican.
Allen O. Scott was born in Iowa January 8, 1863, and was reared and educated in that state and went to North Dakota with his parents. He was married, January 16, 1887, to May Hill, a native of Minnesota. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Scott, as follows: Lafayette W., Robert L., Alexander H. and Margaret A.
Walter Scott was born in Iowa in 1864, and went to Dakota in 1881. He was married, in 1895, to Alma Hill, a sister of Mrs. Allen Scott. He and his brother, Allen O., are prosperous farmers of Maple River township, Cass county, and are young men of energetic spirit and held in high esteem in their community.
THEODORE SELL. Among the prosperous and intelligent farmers of Amenia township, Cass county, this gentleman is entitled to a foremost rank. He is a pioneer of that locality and has labored for its upbuilding and has been a potent factor in producing the present solid prosperity enjoyed. His entire career has been marked with industry and integrity of word and deed and he is highly respected in the community in which he makes his home.
Our subject was born in Prussia, Germany, March 18, 1843. and one of a family of six children, four sons and two daughters, born to Gottleib and Catherine Sell, both of whom were natives of Germany, and passed their lives there. His father was a cabinetmaker and joiner by trade. Our subject is the only member of the family who resides in America.
Theodore Sell was reared and educated in his native land and there learned the cabinetmaker and joiner's trade and followed the same in Germany until 1868. in which year he emigrated to America. He located in New York, but later removed to Hancock county, Illinois, where he spent four years and then removed to Pepin county, Wisconsin, where he followed farming for some time, then moved to Lake
City, Minnesota, and there engaged in the cabinetmaker's trade four years. He went to North Dakota in 1878, and entered a tree claim to the southeast quarter of section 8, in Amenia township, Cass county, and pre-empted the southwest quarter. He erected a sod house and began the improvement of the place and has resided thereon continuously since. He has prospered as a farmer and has a choice property.
Our subject was married, in 1869, to Sarah Workin, a native of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Sell died in 1875, leaving two children, one son and one daughter ; Fred G., who is a member of Company B, First North Dakota Volunteer Infantry. He served about eighteen months in the Philippines and was in all the engagements of his regiment and never lost an hour of service from sickness. The daughter, Annie, is now Mrs. Christ Schuer. Mr. Sell was married to Minnie Schner, a native of Germany, in Minnesota , in 1878, and Mrs. Sell died in 1891, leaving two children. Max and Etta. Mr. Sell afterward married Bettie Hasse, a native of Germany. Three children have been born to this union, as follows: William, Emma and Martha. Our subject and wife are members of the German Lutheran church and are highly esteemed throughout that community. Mr. Sell has served as a member of the school and town boards, school treasurer and justice of the peace. He assisted in the organization of the township in which he resides and takes an active interest in local affairs. Politically, he is a Republican and is firm in his convictions.
HON. ELLING SEVERSON, one of the most prominent men of Norman township, Cass county, wherein he conducts an extensive estate, is a wide-awake and wealthy citizen and a pioneer settler of that county. He has gained his fortune by honest and earnest efforts, and from a limited start m North Dakota has accumulated a sound financial standing and gained an enviable reputation.
Our subject was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, October 29, 1853, and was a son of Andrew and Martha (Flatland) Severson, both of whom were natives of Norway. His father was a farmer by occupation and emigrated to America in 1847 and the mother in 1844. They were married in Dane county, Wisconsin, and lived there for many years, and then removed to Goodyear county, Minnesota, where the father died in 1895, and the mother still makes her home there. They were the parents of six sons and four daughters, of whom our subject and one brother reside in North Dakota.
Mr. Severson was reared and educated in Wisconsin and Minnesota and followed farming there until 1880, when he went to Cass county, North Dakota and purchased the farm on which he now resides. It was wild land at the time and he has brought it to a high state of cultivation and has one of the best improved farms of the county. His holdings amount to seven hundred and twenty acres and he has met with remarkable success in general farming and is surrounded by all the comforts of rural life.
Our subject was married in North Dakota in February, 1881, to Miss Jennie Lee, a native of Norway. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Severson, as follows: Emma, Nellie, Mortena, Cora, Martenus and Geneva, all of whom are living. Mr. Severson is well known as an old settler of Norman township and a public-spirited citizen, and he has served in local offices many years. He was elected to the lower house in 1893 and served one term and was an efficient and popular member of that body. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and is held in high esteem by his associates. Politically he is a Republican and is strong in his convictions.
MARTIN L. SHANKS, M. D. The medical profession is ably represented by Dr. Shanks, of Casselton, Cass County, North Dakota. He is one of the pioneer physicians and surgeons of North Dakota and his life and labors there have been crowned with success. He is known throughout the Northwest as a skilled practitioner and one who progresses as time moves all things forward and he enjoys an ever increasing patronage and the confidence of the people among whom he labors.
Our subject was born in Port Washington, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, November 1, 1848, and was of a family of eleven children, five sons and six daughters, born to David and Catherine (Barrick) Shanks, natives, respectively, of Ohio and Pennsylvania. His father was a farmer by occupation and passed his career in Ohio, most of the time in Huron County. He died in 1885 and the mother in 1888. The grandfather of our subject, James Shanks, was a native of Scotland and came to the United States about 1792, and died in Ohio. He was a tanner by trade and conducted a tannery at Mansfield, Ohio.
Our subject was reared and educated in his native state, graduating from there in 1870. He enlisted, in July, 1863, in Company M, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, and served until August 3. 1865, and participated in the following engagements: Strawberry Plains, Tennessee; raid up the Tennessee river; London, Tennessee, with Hood, and following that with Morgan cavalry near there; Salsbury, North Carolina; French Broad river, and finally at Nashville, where he was held as reserve. After his return from the war he completed his studies and then, in 1870, began teaching school and also read medicine and clerked in a drug store at Clyde, Ohio. He attended lectures at Columbus, Ohio, Medical College, in 1875-1876 and graduated from that institution in 1882. He had practiced some since 1877 at New Castle, Pennsylvania, and in 1886 entered Rush Medical College and attended one course of lectures and in 1891 attended a course at the College of Physicians & Surgeons of New York. He made an extended tour through Europe in 1892, in the interests of his profession and visited the leading hospitals of England, Germany. France, Italy and Switzerland. He went to Yankton, North Dakota, in 1878, and after a short stay located at Casselton, in January, 1878, where he has since resided and has continued in the practice of medicine and surgery. When he located there he was the only physician between Fargo and Bismarck and he experienced many hardships during the early days of that region. He has followed the modern methods of his profession by attending lectures every two years in various parts of the country, is progressive in his work and conscientious as a practitioner. He is devoted entirely to his work and in 1899 established a hospital containing fourteen beds at Casselton. He is the owner of one of the finest business blocks in the city of Casselton and enjoys prosperity.
Our subject was married, in November, 1879, to Miss Laura A. Lean, a native of England. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Shanks, as follows: Markwell, Clytie and Vallow. Mr. Shanks is prominent in secret society circles and holds membership in the Masonic fraternity. Knights Templar and Mystic Shrine; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Knights of Pythias; Fraternal Union, and Ancient Order of Foresters. He has been County physician for the past two years for the district in which he resides and is one of the best known men of the state. He is a member of the Cass County Medical Society and the State Medical Society. Politically, he is a Republican, but does not take an active part in political affairs.
GEORGE H. SHAVER, residing on section 17 of Mapleton township, in Cass county, is one of the early settlers of that vicinity, and has been identified with the agricultural interests of North Dakota many years. His land during the early days bore no semblance to the highly-cultivated fields of the present day, and he is now the proprietor of as fine a farm as can be found in his township. His buildings on his home farm include those which will add to the comfort and convenience of those carrying on the work, and he is well versed in the best and most approved methods of operating a farm.
Our subject was born in Matilda, Dundas county, Ontario, April 6, 1850, and was reared in that county till he was fifteen years of age, when he went to Rochester, New York, and remained one year, and then spent a few months in Detroit. Michigan, and in the spring of 1869 went to Duluth, Minnesota, where he followed railroading till 1878. in different capacities. He assisted in grading the road between Duluth and Mandan. and in 1878 bought section 11, in Durbin township. Cass county, where he lived about three years, and then purchased sections 17 and 20, in Mapleton township, in 1886. He located thereon and has since resided in section 17. He has followed farming since 1878 and is now the owner of one thousand six hundred acres of fine land in Mapleton township. On his home farm he has built a complete set of buildings, and enjoys the comforts of rural life.
Mr. Shaver was married, in Brainard, Minnesota, September 6, 1878, to Miss Meriem D. Congdon, a native of Elmira. New York. Mr. Shaver is a member of the Congregational church, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has served as county commissioner one term, and is interested in the affairs of local importance, and is an earnest supporter of every enterprise looking to the good of his community. He is energetic and wide-awake, and is deservedly held in high esteem and respect by his associates.
DR. WILLIAM C. SHURLOCK. (deceased) was born at Enon Valley, Lawrence county. Pennsylvania, on January 6, 1835. Died at Fargo. North Dakota, January 17, 1892. Attended Darlington Academy for a number of years, also Heaver Academy, Beaver county, Pennsylvania; taught school in Darlington township for two or three years; studied medicine with Dr. W. S. Cochrane, of Darlington, Pennsylvania, and attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College. Philadelphia: graduated from there in the year 1858. The same year commenced the practice of medicine in Darlington, Pennsylvania,; continued there for sixteen years. Then moved to Leaver Falls, remained there for six years. Came to Fargo, North Dakota, in October. 1880.
He was enrolled and mustered into the service of the United States army for three years during the war. at Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, on the 31st day of August, 1861, as captain of Company D, "Roundheads," or One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Daniel Leasure. On the 28th of December, 1863, he was commissioned surgeon with the rank of major of Pennsylvania Volunteers: served as surgeon of the Fifty-First Pennsylvania Volunteers until the close of the war, was honorably discharged on the 6th day of June, 1865, at Alexandria, Virginia. Was a member of the house of representatives of Pennsylvania in 1870, 1871, 1872 and 1873; was chief clerk of the house in 1874, 1877, 1878 and 1879.
He was a graduate of the class of 1858 of the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia. He then returned to Darlington, Beaver county. Pennsylvania, and entered upon the practice of his profession. There he stayed until the echo of the first gun fired at Fort Sumter reverberated through Beaver county. He then thought it his duty to offer his services to his country. He raised a company of one hundred and ten men for the three-months service, but they were not accepted as the state's quota was filled. He kept his company together and when the time arrived he entered the service as captain of Company D, of the "Roundheads," or One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was in the taking of Port Royal and Beaufort, South Carolina, after which he was stricken down with disease with no prospect of recovering his health in that climate. On the recommendations of the surgeons of his regiment he was induced to resign on the 16th day of December, 1861. He went home and the change restored him to health and he again entered the service as assistant surgeon in the One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers; his commission dated July 15, 1862. He served with his regiment until December 28, 1863, when he was promoted to surgeon and ordered to report for duty to the Fifty-First Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers on the 9th day of March, 1864, and remained on duty as surgeon at the division hospital in the field, where he remained on duty until April 24, 1865, when he returned to his regiment and remained with it till June 6, 1865, when he was mustered out of service under orders of the war department for the reduction of the army, dated May 17, 1865.
Battles in which he participated were Port Royal, second Bull Run, Chantilly. South Mountain, Antietam, Fredricksburg, Vicksburg, Jackson, Blue Springs, Campbell's Station, siege of Knoxville, Widerness, Spottsylvania Court House. Cold Harbor, North Anna, front of Petersburg. June 17th and 18th, Burnside's Mine. Weldin Railroad. Ream's Station. Poplar Grove. Church. Hatchie's Run. Fort Steadman, capture of Petersburg and fall of Richmond.
Brother Shurlock was a charter member of Fargo, now Auvergne, Commandery, and was a member thereof at the time of his death. He was also a member of El Zagal Temple. A. A. O. Brother Shurlock was a man large physically, embonpoint, and equally large mentally. He possessed a wonderful fund of war reminiscences which he related in such an inimitable manner that he at once interested the most indifferent. He thoroughly believed in the German proverb, "Leben and lassen." Of the good things of life he had a peculiar appreciation and exemplified the ulterior meaning of the Egyptian saying. " Eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die." He possessed the faculty of drawing men to him and enkindling in their hearts friendships that endure a lifetime.
He was eminently successful as a physician and his great skill in surgery was recognized and appreciated by his co-laborers in that professional field. At the time of his death he was president of the State Medical Association. His strong individuality, his genial qualities, his scholarly habits of thought impressed his associates and won their admiration and respect. He was a man amongst men, with faults and foibles that distinguished men from angels. These die with the body. virtues, like the soul, live on, and by these we measure the man. "Virtue alone out builds the Pyramids; Her monuments shall last when Egypt falls."-The niche which he occupied in life, there is no one to fill. Common men die and their places are filled as the water rushes in to replace the drop that is taken away. Not with those strong individualized souls, molded either in clay, granite or that between; when death blasts them from earth the place they occupied still remains hollowed out in earth's life history. The soldier, the citizen, the physician has started on his pilgrimage with but the efforts of an earthly existence in his scrip to maintain him. May his good deeds follow him and all else be left behind.
CHARLES W. SIBLEY, editor and proprietor of "The Grandin Chronicle," is well known as an able newspaper man. He has published the "Chronicle" several years and the paper now has a large circulation, extending to the entire country surrounding.
Our subject was born in Somersetshire, England, August 5, 1868. He came to America with his parents in the spring of 1873 and resided with them on a farm in Clay county, Minnesota, till the summer of 1888, when he began the printing business. He engaged in the same in different places till the spring of 1893. when he removed to Grandin, North Dakota, and purchased the "Chronicle," of which he has since been sole proprietor and editor. The paper boasts a circulation of seven hundred copies each issue and is Republican in politics.
Mr. Sibley was married, in Fargo, North Dakota, March 8, 1898, to Miss Julia Hanson, a native of Denmark . One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sibley, named Wesley. Mr. Sibley is active in public affairs and has served as justice of the peace.
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