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FRED B. SIMMONS, manager and co-partner in the Amenia Mercantile Company, of Amenia, is one of the prominent business men of that thriving city and of Cass county. He is a man of ability and keen foresight and under his guidance the affairs of the firm have prospered and they now carry a complete line of general merchandise and conduct a business of forty thousand dollars per annum.
Our subject was born at Sacramento. California. February 14. 1858, and was a son of Nathan and Julia E. (Forster) Simmons, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Massachusetts. His father was a whaler in the East and about 1853 removed to California and engaged in merchandising, remaining there until 1865, when the father died and the family returned to Vermont. The mother died in North Dakota. Three children were born to this worthy couple, two sons and one daughter, and all now reside in North Dakota.
Our subject was reared and educated in Vermont and remained in that state until 1882. when he went to North Dakota and located at Hunter and began work for Fuller & Johnson, in the machine business, and then spent one year with Walter A. Wood & Company. He then began clerking for Gale & Dufany at Hunter and remained with them until 1893. In that year the Amenia Mercantile Company was formed, J. H. Gay, Peter Dufany and our subject being the partners, and they purchased the mercantile business of the estate of E. W. Chaffey, of Amenia. They increased the stock and our subject and G. L. Dunning were given the management of the business. Mr. Dunning retired in 1897. since which time Mr. Simmons has been the manager of the firm They have built up an extensive trade and are well-known merchants of that region.
Mr. Simmons was married, in 1894, to Miss Mary H. Hazen, a native of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons are the parents of one daughter, upon whom they have bestowed the name of Isabel. Mr. Simmons is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically, he is a Republican and is stanch in his adherence to the principles of his party.
WILLIAM H. SIMMONS, cashier of the Hunter State Bank, is a gentleman of prominence in social and financial circles. He has extensive interests in that locality and has acquired a fortune and a good reputation by his push and energy.
Mr. Simmons was born at Sacramento, California, March 20, 1858, and was a son of Nathan and Julia E. (Foster) Simmons, both of whom were natives of Vermont. He is a brother of F. B. Simmons, of Amenia, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume.
Our subject was reared and educated in Vermont and there began his business career as a clerk. He went to Cass county, North Dakota, in 1879, locating at Casselton, where he entered the employ of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, and the following year he became agent at Hunter, Cass county, the first agent there after the sale of the road to the Great Northern Railroad Company. He continued as agent until 1891. when he resigned the office, and in 1892 entered the institution with which he is now connected. He has been associated with this concern continuously since and has prospered as a business man and ably conducts the duties of his position. He is interested extensively in farming, is interested in general merchandising at Addison, Cass county, and is also president of the Kindred State Bank, which was founded in 1899.
Mr. Simmons was married, at Hunter, North Dakota, in 1885, to Marion E. Muir, a daughter of Walter Muir, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Three daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Simmons, named as follows: Julia, Majoria and Dorothy. Mr. Simmons holds membership in the Foresters, and in political faith is a Republican. He is actively interested in the welfare of his community and has filled various local offices, and is deservedly popular with the people among whom he resides.
BENJAMIN S. SINCOCKoccupies a prominent place as a well-to-do and progressive member of the farming community of Cass county, in Webster township, in which he has a fine farm covering one section of land. Since his residence there he has placed upon it such improvements as entitle it to rank among the fine farms of that locality, and has been instrumental in developing and promoting the growth of this section of the county.
Our subject was born in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, October 15, 1845, and was a son of William and Amelia (Mitchell) Sincock, who were natives of Cornwall, England. His father was a miner and farmer, and came to the United States about 1842 and settled in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where he followed mining and farming until his death in May, 1888. The mother died in 1867, leaving fourteen children, nine sons and five daughters. Our subject is the only one of the family now in North Dakota.
Mr. Sincock was reared and educated in Illinois, and followed farming there until 1865, and February 19, of that year, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months in Tennessee and Kentucky on guard duty and drilling. He was discharged at the close of the war. and returned to Illinois and remained there until 1879, when he went to Cass county. North Dakota, and entered claim to a homestead on section 10, of Webster township. He made his home there until 1886, and then removed to his present farm on section 3 of the same township. He has devoted his career to farming, and has met with remarkable success, and is one of the substantial men of Webster township, and owns one section of choice land.
Our subject was married, in Illinois, in 1874, to Catherine M. Watts, a native of upper Michigan. Mrs. Sincock's parents, Robert and Ann (Moore) Watts, were natives of the Isle of Man, and came to the United States about 1840 and settled in Illinois, and later moved to Michigan and spent their last days in Illinois. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sincock, as follows: Elsie, Jessie M. and Francis L. They have one adopted child named Frankie. The family are members of the Congregational church, of Rose Valley, and are held in high esteem in the community in which they have resided for so many years. Mr. Sincock assisted in the organization of his township, and has filled some of the local offices. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and politically is a Republican.
EMERSON H. SMITH, one of Fargo's most prominent and influential citizens, is now the junior member of the well-known law firm of Newton & Smith. Although he has but recently become a member of the bar, he has already won distinction in his chosen profession. Thoroughness characterizes all his efforts, and he conducts all his business with a strict regard to a high standing of professional ethics.
Mr. Smith was born in Orange county, Vermont, April 8, 1854, and is a son of Richard and Frances (Hall) Smith, also natives of that state, where the father was successfully engaged in business as a stock raiser and tinsmith throughout life. He was a man of prominence in his community and was honored with a number of public positions, serving as a member of the lower house of the Vermont legislature for two terms, and as constable sixteen years. He was also captain of Company E. Second Vermont Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil war, and was in the service for two years and a half, participating with the Army of the Potomac in the battle of the Wilderness and in other important engagements. He died in Vermont in 1899, at the ripe old age of seventy-nine years, and his wife passed away in 1878. To them were born five children, four sons and one daughter, of whom two sons now reside in Fargo, North Dakota. The paternal grandfather of our subject. Ebenezer Smith, was also a native of Vermont and a son of Jonathan Smith, whose father. James Smith, was the founder of the family in the new world. He was born in England and on his emigration to this country settled in Middleboro, :Massachusetts. He entered tlie Continental army during the Revolutionary war and died in the service, while his son Jonathan was a soldier in the war of 1812. Ebenezer Smith was an extensive farmer, owning one thousand acres of land, and for a quarter of a century he was selectman in his town. He had a family of thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters.
In the old Green Mountain state Emerson H. Smith grew to manhood and received excellent educational advantages, attending the St. Johnsbury Academy and the Randolph Normal School, both in Vermont, and the Meridian Academy of New Hampshire. He then entered Dartmouth College, from which he was graduated in 1882. He was made principal of the schools at Newmarket, New Hampshire, and served as such for two years, during which time he took up the study of law with Judge Mellows, of that place. As his health failed, he came west in 1884 to Fargo, and was superintendent of the city schools here for seven years, or until 1891. He then followed farming for one year and resumed the study of law with Seth Newman. He was elected mayor of Fargo in 1892, and during the two years he filled that office did much to assist the city after the great fire. He again took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar before the supreme court in 1896. He at once opened an office in Fargo and alone engaged in practice until forming his present partnership, in 1897. He is meeting with well-deserved success and occupies an enviable position among the representative legal practitioners of the city. As a Republican he takes quite an active and prominent part in political affairs, and in the interests of his party has made many speeches throughout the state. He still maintains an interest in educational affairs and for five years was one of the trustees of Fargo College.
On the 16th of August, 1882, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Ella Knight, who was born in Orleans county, Vermont, and they become the parents of two children, but only Helen E. is now living.
 HON. GEORGE N. SMITH, one of the wealthiest and most influential citizens of Cass County, resides on section 17, in Rush River township, and in company with his brother, operates an extensive tract of land. He went to Dakota with limited means, and by dint of energy and perseverance, supplemented by the strictest integrity, he has accumulated a fortune and an enviable reputation. A portrait of Mr. Smith is shown on another page.
Mr. Smith was born in Wyoming County, New York, April 1, 1849. When quite young he removed to Kalamazoo County, Michigan, with his parents, in 1854, and settled near Schoolcraft, Michigan, where he was reared to manhood. He was educated at the Kalamazoo Baptist College, later at Parson's Business College in that city, and remained in Kalamazoo County till the spring of 1879, when he went to Dakota and located in Cass County, in what is now Rush River township, where he has since been a resident. He assisted in the organization of the township, and named it. He purchased, in company with his brother, Forrester H. Smith, one section of land, section 17. township 141, range 51. They have steadily increased their acreage, and are now the owners of five sections of land in Cass County, and our subject is also interested in a large tract of land in South Dakota. He and his brother have erected a set of fine farm buildings on the home farm in section 17, and enjoy all the comforts of rural life. In the spring of 1872 they shipped from Michigan twenty-two cars of stock and emigrant movables, and at that time sixty-three men, women and children, went to settle in North Dakota with them. The first year our subject and brother with the aid of five men and fifteen head, of horses and mules, seeded six hundred acres of wheat and oats, and broke six hundred and forty acres of land, put up seventy-five tons of hay, harvested twelve thousand three hundred bushels of wheat, and five thousand bushels of oats and backset six hundred and forty acres of prairie. Only during harvest time were more men employed. They have been possessed of untiring energy and a capacity for well-directed labor that has placed them at the front as agriculturists.
George N. Smith was elected to the legislature in the fall of 1890, and served one term, giving very efficient service for his community. He has held many of the township offices in Rush River township and is thoroughly identified with the up building and general welfare of that locality. He is liberal and contributes to the various religious denominations, and no charitable cause worthy of support, or needy person, is refused aid when it is asked. He has gained his fortune steadily and well merits his success.
HON. JAMES O. SMITH. a prosperous and intelligent member of the farming community of Cass county, has been associated with the financial and social growth of that district for many years and has gained a goodly fortune and an enviable reputation by his earnest efforts and strict integrity. His farm is nicely located in section 31, of Rush River township, and he has placed upon it such improvements as entitle it to rank among the finest pieces of property in that region.
Our subject was born in Boston, Massachusetts, January 14. 1854, and was a son of Larkin A. and Belinda (Potter) Smith, natives, respectively, of New Hampshire and Maine. His grandfather, James Smith, was a native of Massachusetts and died in New Hampshire. The family were farmers and the mother's father was a native of Manchester, England.
James O. Smith was reared and educated in the public schools of Boston and in 1874 went to Denver, Colorado, where he remained one winter and then returned East and remained in New Hampshire and Massachusetts until 1877, when, in May of that year, he arrived at Fargo. North Dakota. He entered claim to government land in section 2 of Casselton township, and also entered claim to land as a tree claim and began at once the improvement of his farm breaking the land with the use of oxen. He is now the fortunate possessor of one section of the best land in Cass county and he has placed on his farm the finest buildings of that vicinity. His residence, erected in 1892, is a commodious and substantial structure and is equipped with all the modern conveniences and comforts, including hot water heat, and is a home of refinement and luxury and bespeaks the culture and tastes of its occupants. Mr. Smith removed to Steele county in 1886, for the purpose of personally operating a farm he owns there. He has made a success of farming and with limited means for a start has acquired a good income.
Our subject was married, in 1884, to Jennie Hildebrant. a native of Illinois. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, as follows: Chauncey and Bernice. Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He was elected to the territorial legislature in 1888 and served during the last session of that body and in 1889 was elected to the state senate and served one term. He served as clerk of the senate in 1897-1898 and has taken an active part in public affairs since residing in North Dakota. Politically, he is a Republican and is a member of the district central committee.
 WALTER W. SMITH, a representative business man and leading citizen of Fargo, is now connected with the North Dakota Harness Company, being senior member of the firm. He is energetic and enterprising, and his keen discrimination and sound judgment are shown in the capable management of what is one of the leading industrial concerns of the state.
Mr. Smith was born in Knox county, Ohio, April 28, 1857, a son of Charles and Adeline (Bixby) Smith, also natives of that state. From Ohio they removed to Stephenson county, Illinois, and while residing there the father enlisted during the Civil war in the Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in the battle of Kingston, North Carolina. The mother is also deceased. Our subject was reared and educated in Illinois, attending the common schools, and later he spent some years in farming upon the home place. In March, 1878, he came to Fargo, North Dakota, and took up a claim, to the improvement and development of which he devoted his attention for a time He served as deputy clerk of Cass county under George I. Foster for two years, and then commenced the study of law in the office of Wilson & Ball. On his admission to the bar in 1884, he became a member of that firm, with which he was connected until 1892, when he sold his interest to Mr. Watson and spent one year in California. In 1892 he was elected clerk of tile district court, and most capably filled that office for four years. Since then he has given his attention to the harness trade-a business that was started in the state prison at Bismarck in 1892, but was transferred to Fargo in 1897. The company does a general manufacturing and jobbing business throughout the northwest, and is meeting with well-deserved success. In 1882
Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Grace Gribble, a native of Michigan, and they have become the parents of two children: Pearl E. and Hazel Ione. In his political affiliations Mr. Smith has always been a Republican, and in his social relations is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Benevolent and Patriotic Order of Elks. In business and social circles he stands deservedly high in the esteem of his fellow citizens, and his circle of friends and acquaintances is extensive.
 WILLIAM M. SMYLIE, who enjoys the distinction of being one of the first settlers of Gill township, Cass county, has followed farming there since that early day and is the owner of a fine farm, from which he derives a comfortable income. He is well known thro income. He is well known throughout that locality as an old settler and .worthy citizens and his earnest labors for the advancement of his community have placed him in an enviable position in the minds of all.
Our subject is a native of Canada and was born near St. Thomas, June 25, 1836. His parents, James and Margaret (McNalley) Smylie, came from Ireland to Canada about 1830. His father was a farmer and passed his life in Canada, where the mother still lives. They were the parents of ten children, six sons and four daughters, and our subject is the only one of the family in North Dakota.
Mr. Smylie was reared in Canada and followed the carpenter's trade and also farming and in 1878 went to Cass county. North Dakota, and located in section 34, in Gill township, where he has since been a resident.
Mr. Smylie was married in Canada, in 1865. to Miss Elizabeth McQuoid, a native of Canada. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smylie, named as follows: Robert J., John G., Elizabeth E., William A., Susanna M., Walter T., Sarah E., Gertrude M. and Frank K., all of whom are living. Mrs. Smylie died in 1898. Our subject was postmaster of Gill post office for six years and was an efficient and popular man. He has filled many local offices and was the first chairman of the township board. In political sentiment he is a Republican. He has gained a thorough knowledge of his calling, which is an invaluable aid to others who are less experienced or less observing, and his life labors in North Dakota have been successful and he well merits his high standing.
 CHARLES E. STOWERS, attorney-at-law, residing at Wheatland, Cass county, is entitled to prominent rank as a professional man and citizen. He is thoroughly qualified for his profession and is progressive and possessed of excellent character and active public spirit and is widely and favorably known.
Our subject was born in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, November 29, 1861, and was a son of Rev. Charles N. and Maria (Bowen) Stowers, the former a native of Maine and the latter of New York. His. father was a Methodist Episcopal divine and preached in central New York, and afterward became professor of mathematics of Lawrence University of Appleton, Wisconsin, and later was president of the Upper Iowa University, at Fayette, Iowa. He then engaged in the ministry in southern and eastern Wisconsin, and then at Fargo, North Dakota, and later returned to Minnesota and his death occurred at Minneapolis in 1896. Three sons and three daughters constituted the family of children, four of whom are living, and our subject being the only one in North Dakota. The grandfather of our subject, James Stowers, was a native of Maine and was born at Sand Point in 1794. He was a sea-faring man and also followed farming and shipping and died in his native state. The family were among the Pilgrims. The maternal grandfather of our subject was Rev. Elias Bowen, D. D., of central New York.
Charles E. Stowers was reared and educated in Wisconsin, attending Lawrence University, at Appleton, and also State Normal School at Whitewater. He went to Wheatland. North Dakota, in the spring of 1880 and purchased land, which he owns and operates. He conducts a farm of a half-section, and has met with success in that line. In 1877-1878 he was employed by the government on the Lemhi Indian agency in Idaho. From 1884-1886 he resided in Le Sueur county, Minnesota, where he followed farming, and he began the study of law in 1885 in Minnesota, under Judge R. A. Mott, of Faribault. He was admitted to the bar in North Dakota in 1889 and has followed the practice of his profession in Wheatland continuously since that date. He has steadily built up a good practice and enjoys prosperity.
Our subject was married, in 1883, to Lillie E. Bossuet, a native of Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Stowers are the parents of five children, named as follows: Mason B., Florence L., Nora W., Helen R. and Clara J. Mr. Stowers was appointed trustee of the state prison by Governor Burke and served four years and he has also been called upon to serve in various minor offices in his township. He is a thirty-second-degree Mason and also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. He was the first volunteer in North Dakota for the Spanish-American war, and raised Troop H, Third United States Volunteer Cavalry, known as Grigsby's Rough Riders, and was its first lieutenant. Politically, he is a Republican and stanch in defense of the principles of his party.
PAUL SORKNESS, M. D., one of the ablest representatives of the medical profession in Fargo, North Dakota, was born in Dunn county, Wisconsin, October 17, 1867. His parents, Ebert and Sarah (Quistad) Sorkness, are natives of Norway and on their emigration to America, in i860, settled in Dunn county, Wisconsin, where they still continue to reside, the father being engaged in agricultural pursuits. On the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted in the Twelfth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and was in the service of his adopted country for about two years, taking part in many of the important battles, including that of Gettysburg, he was also with Sherman on his celebrated march to the sea.
Dr. Sorkness is one of a family of four sons and the only one of the number residing in North Dakota. In the county of his nativity he grew to manhood and was given good educational advantages. He attended the high school of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and later the Galesville University, of Galesville, Wisconsin, from which he was graduated in 1887. For five years he followed teaching in Minnesota and then took up the study of medicine, entering the medical department of the University of Minnesota in 1892 and graduating there from in 1895. Subsequently he took a hospital course at St. Barnabas Hospital, Minneapolis, where he spent one year. In 1896 he opened an office at Moorhead, Minnesota, where he engaged in practice for one year and then came to Fargo, North Dakota. Although comparatively a recent arrival his skill and ability in his chosen calling have already become widely recognized and he enjoys a large and constantly increasing practice. He was assistant county physician for one year and is a member of the North Dakota Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
In 1897 Dr. Sorkness was united in marriage with Miss Josephine Berg, a native of Minnesota , and they have one child, Sidney O.
HON. BURLEIGH F. SPALDING. member of congress from North Dakota, has attained distinction as one of the ablest members of the Fargo bar. In this profession probably more than in any other success depends upon individual merit, upon a thorough understanding of the principles of jurist prudence, a power of keen analysis, and the ability to present clearly, concisely and forcibly the strong points in his case. Possessing these necessary qualifications, Mr. Spalding is accorded a foremost place in the ranks of the profession in this state, and stands today one of the most esteemed members of the Fargo bar.
He was born in Orleans county, Vermont, December 3, 1853, and is a son of Rev. Benjamin P. and Ann (Folsom) Spalding, also natives of the Green Mountain state. As a Methodist Episcopal minister the father engaged in preaching in Vermont and New Hampshire for many years, but is now living retired with our subject, having come to North Dakota in 1882. The paternal grandfather, Noah Spalding, was a school teacher of Vermont, and was a politician of some note, while the maternal grandfather, Rev. Moses Folsom, was a Free Baptist minister of New Hampshire and Vermont. The Folsom family was founded in the United States in 1638, the Spalding in 1619. He has one brother and two sisters. The brother is now living in Salt Lake City, Utah. The elder sister lives in Traill county, and the younger is a professor in Pomona College, California.
In his native state, Burleigh F. Spalding was reared and educated until eleven years of age, when he left home, and for five years worked on farms in New Hampshire and Vermont for his board and clothes and the privilege of attending school. At sixteen he engaged in clerking in a country store for forty-eight dollars per year, but later received seventy-two. For some time he worked at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and then attended the Lyndon Literary Institute, and later the Norwich University, from which he was graduated with the degree of B. Ph., in 1877. The following year he taught in an academy at Albany. Vermont, and next read law for two years with Gleason & Field at Montpelier. He was admitted to the bar in Vermont, March 15, 1880. He served as clerk of the state legislature in 1878.
On the 31st of March, 1880. Mr. Spalding came to Fargo, North Dakota, and for one year was in partnership with S. G. Roberts in the practice of law. Later he succeeded to the entire practice of the firm and admitted Charles F. Templeton to a partnership. That connection continued for six and a half years, or until Mr. Templeton was appointed judge of the Grand Forks district. In 1891 George H. Phelps became a member of the firm, and in June, 1893. Mr. Newman was also, taken in, but in 1897 Mr. Phelps retired, and business was then carried on under the name of Newman & Spalding until 1898. when Mr. W. S. Stambaugh was admitted to the firm and the name was changed to Newman, Spalding & Stambaugh. This is one of the strongest law firms in the state, and they enjoy a large and lucrative practice.
On the 25th of November, 1880, Mr. Spalding was united in marriage with Miss Alida Baker, of Vermont, a daughter of David and Emily (Cutler) Baker, and by this union five children have been born, namely: Deane B., Frances F., Roscoe C., Burleigh M. and Carlton C.
Mr. Spalding organized the Merchants' State Bank of Fargo, which was started as the Dakota Savings Bank, and reorganized in 1890. He served as its first president, and is quite prominent in business as well as professional circles. During his residence in this state he has taken a very important part in public affairs and is a recognized leader in political circles. He served as superintendent of public instruction from 1882 to 1884., and in 1883 was elected a member of the board of commissioners to relocate the capital. In 1889 he was elected to the constitutional convention, served on the judicial, school and public lands committees, and was also a member of the joint committee to divide the archives and property of the states. In 1898 he was nominated and elected a member of congress over the Fusion (Democratic, Populist and Silver Republican) candidate by a majority of 9,932 votes, and is now most creditably and satisfactorily filling that position. He has been a delegate to nearly all the state and territorial conventions of the Republican party during his residence here, and in 1896 was chairman of the committee on resolutions. He was chairman of the Republican state central committee in 1892 and was a member of the same for three years. In 1896 he was elected to the same position from Cass county, and has taken a prominent part in campaign work, being a strong and able debater and an orator of note. He is a thirty-second-degree Mason, a Knight Tmplar and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. Socially he is deservedly, popular, as he is affable and courteous in manner and possesses that essential qualification to success in public life, that of making friends readily and strengthening the ties of all friendships as time advances.
EDWARD E. STAFFORD. A prominent position among farmers and early settlers of Cass county is accorded this gentleman. He resided in Ayr township many years but is now proprietor of a fine farm in Cornell township and is well and favorably known.
Our subject was born in Onondaga county, New York, October 28, 1850. His parents, Waldin M. and Laura E. (Smith) Stafford, were natives of New York. His father was a cooper by trade and also operated a saw-mill and went to Wisconsin in 1855 where he followed farming until 1884 and then removed to North Dakota, and now resides in that state. He served in Company K, Forty-second Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in the Civil war, and did guard duty in Illinois. Our subject has six brothers and one sister, and two of his brothers are now living Cass county. North Dakota.
Mr. Stafford was raised in Wisconsin and engaged in farming there until 1881, when he went to Cass county. North Dakota, and entered a homestead claim to land in section 6 of Ayr township, becoming one of the first settlers of that locality. He resided on a farm in Ayr township until 1896 and then removed to his present home in Cornell township. purchasing the south half of section 22. He has a pleasant and well improved farm and is one of the substantial men of his community.
Our subject was married, in 1879, to Malissa Hosford, who died in 1885. leaving one son, Seymour E. Mr. Stafford was married to Mary Preston, a native of Fox Lake, Wisconsin, in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford are the parents of three children, named as follows: Donnibel. Edward L. and Philip. Mr. Stafford served on the town board in Ayr town ship and for the past four years has been chairman of the board in Cornell township. He is a gentleman of energetic character and his public spirit has never been called in question. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Ancient Order of United Workmen and Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is affiliated with the Republican party.
HENRY L. STAFFORD, an ex-soldier and prominent early settler of Ayr township, Cass county, is a gentleman of active public spirit and enjoys . the highest esteem of his associates. He has resided in Ayr township since the pioneer days and is owner of a fine farm of three quarter-sections, on which he successfully conducts general farming and has a pleasant home in section 30.
Our subject was born in Erie county, New York, June 6, 1843, and was a son of Lyman J. and Lucy (Prentice) Stafford, both natives of New York. His father was a carpenter and farmer and went to Dodge county, Wisconsin, in 1845, where he remained until his death, in 1886. The mother died in 1850. The grandfather of our subject, Levi Stafford was a native of New England.
Mr. Stafford was reared in Wisconsin and received superior educational advantages in that state and remained at home until 1861. when he enlisted in band of the Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and served ten months. He again enlisted in 1863 in the Sixteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and was detailed in the band and served as such until the close of the war. He was most of the time with-the Army of the Gulf. After his discharge from the service he returned to Wisconsin and remained there until 1878, when he visited Cass county. North Dakota, and the following spring filed claim to the southwest quarter of section 30, in Ayr township, which has since been his home. He has followed farming continuously since that time and is now the possessor of three quarter-sections of choice land, which is under cultivation.
Our subject was married, in 1874, to Angle M. Hotchkiss, a native of Wisconsin. Mrs. Stafford's parents, John and Camilla (Fisher) Hotchkiss, were natives of New York and settled in Wisconsin in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford are the parents of three children, named as follows: Harry H., Camilla L. and Addie F. Mr. Stafford was elected county six years and is now one of the county drainage commissioner in 1891 and served in that capacity commission. He has filled all the local offices in his township, which he assisted in organizing and was the first town clerk. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ancient Order of United Workmen and G. A. R., of Fargo, North Dakota, and is one of the influential citizens of Cass county.
WINFIELD S. STAMBAUGH, attorney-at-law, has been a resident of Fargo a short time comparatively, but has gained an enviable reputation as a man of practical nature and sound mind. He is junior member of the firm of Newman, Spalding & Stambaugh, and has become well-known in that locality.
Our subject was born in Plymouth, Ohio, March 10, 1852, and was one of two sons born to David W. and Rachel (Wyandt) Stambaugh, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. His father was a lawyer and practiced many years at New Philadelphia, and died in 1869. He was county attorney for many years and a member of the state senate at the time of his death. Of his two sons the brother of our subject died in 1874.
Winfield S. Stambaugh was reared and educated in Ohio in the high schools of that state, and in 1870 went to Abiline, Kansas, where he remained twenty-eight years. He began the study of law soon after locating in Kansas, and was admitted to practice in all courts in 1874. He read law with Judge John H. Mahon, of the court of appeals, and began the practice of the profession with him in 1875, which partnership continued two years. Mr. Stambaugh then practiced alone until 1879, when he became associated with G. W. Hurd, and the firm of Stambaugh & Hurd continued until our subject left Kansas. He went to Fargo, North Dakota, in January, 1898, and entered partnership with the firm above named.
Our subject was married, in 1885, to Miss Linda G. Upshaw, a native of Illinois. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stambaugh, as follows: Scott and Lynn. Mr. Stambaugh is a member of the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. He joined the last named in 1876, and the grand lodge of Kansas in 1879, and resigned a position on the Grand Tribune of that state when he removed to North Dakota. He is active in public affairs wherever he resides, and is well-known as a man of high character, and is an earnest worker for good government. He is identified with the Republican party, and is an able campaign speaker.
WILLIAM STAPLES, the popular postmaster and merchant of Absaraka, is one of the pioneer settlers of Cass county, and is widely known as an able business man and worthy citizen.
Mr. Staples was born in Stroudsburgh, Monroe county, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1856, and was a son of Nelson and Sally A. (Albertson) Staples, both of whom were natives of Monroe county, Pennsylvania. His father was a lumberman and operated a saw-mill. He went to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1851, where he operated a saw-mill until 1861, and then returned to Pennsylvania, and the following year went to Wabasha county, Minnesota, and after the close of the war moved to Georgia and from thence to Alabama, where he followed lumbering until 1877, and then went to St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1888 to Cass county, North Dakota. He located land in Buffalo township and opened a farm on railroad land which they had purchased some years before. He also became interested in merchandising in Absaraka, and continued farming in addition until his death in 1891. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was held in the highest esteem by his fellow men. The mother of our subject survives and makes her home in Buffalo township, Cass county. Two sons and six daughters were born to this worthy couple, and the daughters living are as follows: Mrs. E. J. Hodgson, St. Paul; Mrs. E. A. D. Reynolds, Chicago; Mrs. J. B. Mecham, Mrs. William Metzgar and Jennie. The last three named are residents of Cass county.
Our subject was reared in Minnesota and educated at Hamline University of Red Wing, Minnesota. He then spent some years in the south with his father and then went with him to North Dakota and located land in Buffalo township, Cass county. They began merchandising in 1882 and erected the store in Absaraka, and our subject also operates about six sections of land, three and a half sections of which he owns. The average yield of grain is forty thousand bushels per annum. He is a successful business man and fanner, and enjoys a liberal patronage.
Our subject was married, in 1888, to Miss Anna Dorsey, of Stillwater, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Staples have one daughter, Carrie M. Mr. Staples has been postmaster for many years, and has filled various public offices in his township. Politically he is a Democrat.
CHRISTEN STENERODDEN. This gentleman is a representative citizen of Cass County, and has a pleasant home on section 25 of Pleasant township, where he located during pioneer days, and has been associated with the up building of that region and is widely known as an old settler and energetic agriculturist.
Our subject was born in Houston County, Minnesota, September 29, 1859, and was a son of Ole C. and Berit (Ericksdatter) Stenerodden. His parents were natives of Norway and emigrated to America in 1851 and settled in Houston County, Minnesota, the same year, and still reside there. The father entered land in that County and was one of its pioneers. Three sons and one daughter constituted the family of which our subject is a member, and all reside in North Dakota with the exception of one brother.
Mr. Stenerodden was reared and educated in Minnesota and in 1877 went to Cass County and purchased railroad land and in 1884 purchased the farm on which he now resides. He is proprietor of an excellent estate and his real estate now consists of about three hundred acres, all of which has been brought to a high state of cultivation, and the buildings thereon are substantial and built with a view to comfort and convenience. Mr. Stenerodden was engaged in general merchandising at Hickson about four years and was one of the well known merchants of that place and enjoyed good success in that line.
Our subject was married, in 1878, to Miss Caroline Vaaler, a native of Houston County, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Stenerodden are the parents of eight children, named as follows: Carl O., Bergine A., Martha E., Annie G., Lena J., Ella M., Clara C. and Celia O., all of whom are living. The family are members of the Synod Lutheran church.
Mr. Stenerodden has served as town clerk fourteen years, and in all matters of a public nature is always found standing for the right and promoting every enterprise for the public good. He has a fine home and all the comforts of life and has gained an assured financial position and the highest regard of his fellowmen.
J. O. STENSRUD, a prominent citizen of Cass county, and a pioneer of Pleasant township, is a native of Norway, where he was born September 18, 1841. His parents were Ole and Marie (Julson) Stensrud, both natives of Norway. They came to America in 1868. arriving in July of that year, and proceeded west to Houston county, Minnesota, and located at Spring Grove. They afterward removed to Wisconsin, where they both died. They had two sons and three daughters, the latter all dying in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in his native land, and came to the United States with his parents in 1868. He resided for a time in Houston county, Minnesota, and then, in 1871, removed to Cass county, Dakota territory, and located on section 7, Pleasant township, where he still makes his home. He secured land in its wild state, and began vigorously to bring it under subjection, and his success was remarkable. He has his farm well improved, and under a high state of cultivation, and few farms of equal yielding capacity can be found in Cass county.
In 1869 Mr. Stensrud was married, to Miss Marie Johnson. Mrs. Stensrud is also a native of Norway , and to them have been born the following children: George E., John A., Minnie B. and Emma, all of whom are living, and form a pleasant family circle. The parents and children are all members of the Lutheran Synod church. Mr. Stensrud has always taken an intelligent interest in the affairs of good government and in educational matters. He has served two years as a member of the township board, and as a member of the school board for many years. He is an exemplary citizen and substantial property owner of the county. He enjoys the friendship and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances, and has proved himself worthy of every trust that has been confided to him.
ALEXANDER STERN. It is astonishing to witness the success of young men who have emigrated to America without capital and from a position of comparative obscurity have worked their way upward to a position of prominence. The readiness with which they adapt themselves to circumstances and take advantage of the opportunities offered brings to them success and wins them a place among the leading men of the community in which they reside. A worthy representative of this class is Mr. Stern, now president of the city council of Fargo, North Dakota, and one of the most prominent business men of the place.
He was born in Giessen, Germany, June 7, 1857, a son of Aaron and Emily (Meyer) Stern, who spent their entire lives in that country, where the father carried on operations as a farmer and stock raiser. In their family were three sons and one daughter, of whom two are now residents of Fargo, and one son is deceased. Our subject was reared and educated in his native land, and in 1871 came to America, landing in New York on the 17th of August. He proceeded at once to Chicago, and from there went to Bloomington, Illinois,, where he was employed as clerk for some time and in 1878 embarked in business on his own account, remaining in that city until 1882.
During that year Mr. Stern came to Fargo, North Dakota, and opened a clothing store on the corner of Broadway and Second avenue, where he continued in business until 1885, when he erected his present store building on Broadway. In 1892 he built two other business blocks, which were destroyed in the fire of the following year, but with characteristic energy he at once rebuilt, commencing work upon the place two days after the fire. He now has the best business blocks in the city and is erecting two others, which will be still finer. He has become interested in a number of different enterprises and is now vice-president of the Fargo Packing Company, which he founded, is president of the Fargo Plumbing Company, and director of the Merchants' State Bank.
On the 5th of July, 1885, Mr. Stern married Miss Bertha Kauffman, who was born in Arora mining camp in the mountains of Nevada, and they have become the parents of three sons, namely : William M., Samuel S. and Edward A. Fraternally Mr. Stern is a thirty-second-degree Mason, a member of the Mystic Shrine, and also belongs to the Foresters. Politically he is now a Republican, but formerly affiliated with the Democratic party until the campaign of 1896, when he withdrew from their ranks, not being a free silver advocate. He has been a member of the board of directors of the Agricultural College for the past five years, being first appointed by Governor Allen and re-appointed by Governor Foucher. He is also serving his second term in the city council and is now president of the same. He is quite prominent both in political and business circles and the high position which he occupies is due entirely to his own well-directed efforts. On landing in the United States, he had but seventeen dollars in gold, which he exchanged for twenty-two dollars in paper money, and with this capital he began life in the new world. He has steadily prospered in his undertakings and is now one of the wealthiest men of Fargo.
WILLIAM STREHLOW. The business and social interests of Cass County have been carefully guarded and provided for by the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article. He is one of the pioneers of that region, and since taking up his residence there he has labored with untiring perseverance for the up building of the better interests of his community, and is held in a high position in the minds of his associates. He is engaged in the farming implement business in the city of Casselton, and has been identified with the various enterprises of that city, including the First National Bank, in which he was formerly a director, stockholder and vice-president.
Our subject is a native of Germany, and was born in the city of Berlin. April 30. 1844. and was a son of Frederick and Elizabeth ( Menge) Strehlow, both of whom were natives of Germany. His father was a farmer by occupation and came to America in 1849. and settled at Watertown, Wisconsin, where he purchased land and resided until 1864, when he moved to Winona County, Minnesota, and later to Deforest, Wisconsin, and there made his home until his death in 1894. The mother of our subject died in 1892. They had four sons and three daughters: three Suns and two daughters are now living, and our subject and one sister reside in North Dakota.
Mr. Strehlow was reared and educated in Wisconsin, and October 1, 1861, enlisted in Company K, Third Wisconsin Cavalry, and served until February 14, 1865. He was with the Third Army Corps most of the time under General Scofield. and was engaged at Cane Hill, Prairie Grove. Fort Smith, and Van Buren. and the raid in Texas, and was wounded twice during the service, once receiving a bayonet wound in his elbow and being once shot through the left leg. but he lost little time from active service and remained until the close of the war. After his discharge from the service he returned to Minnesota, and spent some years at farming and various business pursuits in Minnesota and Wisconsin until 1877. In that year he went to Cass County, North Dakota, and entered claim to land as a homestead and tree claim in Addison township, built the first shanty and was the first settler in that township, and was the founder of the large German settlement of that vicinity. He remained on his claim the first year alone and was then joined by his family. He removed to Casselton in the fall of 1879. where he has since resided, and is engaged in the handling of farm implements. He has met with eminent success in his business and is regarded as one of the solid men of Cass County.
The subject of this sketch was married in Wisconsin, in 1869, to Mary Buckholz, a native of Germany. Three sons and four daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Strehlow all of whom, with the exception of one daughter, reside in Casselton. Mr. Strehlow is actively interested in the government of his township and town and has served as mayor of Casselton, and twice as County commissioner of Cass County. He is a stanch advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, with which party he has affiliated throughout his career. His name is closely linked with the history of that region and much credit is due him for his energetic efforts in furthering its interests.
GEORGE A. SUGG. While the pioneer settlers of a country are the ones who start the work toward well developed farms and extensive financial interests, it remains for the younger members of a community to further the advancement and take up the work where the first settlers leave off. Among the young men of Cass county who are engaged in the pursuit of agriculture and are meeting with eminent success, and aiding in strengthening the financial interests of Gardner township, the gentleman above named is noted. He resides on section 27, and has acquired a comfortable competence single-handed, and by his energy and integrity has attained a high position among his fellowmen.
Our subject was born at Clifford, Bruce county, Ontario, May 15, 1873. He remained in his native place till he reached the age of seventeen and a half years, and then went to Dakota, and has resided in Cass county since that time. He spent three years in Berlin township, and in 1893 took up his residence in Gardner township, where he has since remained. He is now the owner of six hundred and forty acres of land, on which he has placed good buildings and all conveniences for the comfort of the family and the lessening of labor, and his farm is well developed and carefully tilled.
Mr. Sugg was married in Gardner township, Cass county. North Dakota, April 24, 1894, to Miss Emma Cauthers. Mrs. Sugg was born in Bruce county, Ontario, June 28, 1876, and was the second in a family of ten children born to Thomas and Elizabeth (Flatt) Cauthers. Her parents were both natives of Ontario. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sugg, Clifford and Ella E. The last named died in infancy. Mr. Sugg was a son of Samuel and Ellen (Morrell) Sugg, and was the youngest in a family of seven children. He is one of the rising young men of Dakota and is favorably known throughout his locality.
CHARLES SULLIVAN, residing on section 14, of Berlin township, is one of the substantial and influential farmers of Cass county. He has a pleasant farm of three hundred and twenty acres and is widely and favorably known. He has spent his entire career in the pursuit of farming and is thoroughly versed on the most approved methods of operating a farm.
Our subject was born in Berlin, Wisconsin, June 18, 1858, and was the eleventh in a family of twelve children born to James and Ellen (Cummins) Sullivan. His father was a mason by trade and both parents died in Wisconsin.
Charles Sullivan was reared in the village of Berlin and received a common-school education and lived there till the spring of 1877, when he went to Cass county, North
Dakota. He worked out at farm labor four years and then entered claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 14, of Berlin township, where he has since resided. His place is well improved with good buildings and other conveniences and he has doubled his acreage since taking up his residence there.
Our subject was married, in Cass county. North Dakota, May 27, 1882, to Miss Margaret Spencer, a native of Indiana . Mrs. Sullivan was the elder of two children born to Thomas and Mary Jane Spencer. Her mother died in Cass county, Indiana, when about twenty-four years of age. Mr. Spencer is an old resident of Cass county, North Dakota . Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan are the parents of seven children, named as follows: Martha J., James T., Charles E.. Katie, Fred, Harry and Alice. Mr. Sullivan has taken an active part in local affairs of a public nature since taking up his residence in Dakota, and has served as chairman of the board of supervisors of Berlin township as school officer and president of the school board. He is held in high esteem and is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
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