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FRANK S. TALCOTT. One of the most extensive grain farms of Cass county is that operated by the gentleman whose name appears above. He is a pioneer settler of Tower township, and is entitled to a foremost rank among the prominent citizens of his locality.
Our subject was born in New York City, July 12, 1863, and was a son of Frank P. and Gertrude (Squier) Talcott, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. His father was a dry-goods merchant and died in New York. Our subject was the only child and was reared in New York and educated in Buffalo and at Williams College, Massachusetts. He studied law for some time and in 1878 went to Cass county to look after the interests of his grandfather Squier, who was a heavy stockholder of the Northern Pacific Railroad. He opened up a farm in 1881, now known as the Talcott farm, and broke one half-section of land, and in company with his mother began operations thereon in 1882. They now own and have four sections under plow and one section in pasture and hay, and in addition farm one thousand acres rented land, the annual yield of the estate averaging forty to fifty thousand bushels. Mr. Talcott has met with unbounded success, and is now well-to-do.
Our subject was married, in June, 1893, to Miss Agnes W. Thompson. Mrs. Talcott is a native of Buffalo, New York, and her parents are among the oldest families of New York. Three children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Talcott, named as follows: Porter Thompson, Frank S., Jr., and Esther Bell. Mr. Talcott is an influential citizen, identified with the Republican party in political faith, and has always been an active and earnest worker for party principles.
CHARLES M. TAYLOR, one of the well-to-do farmers of Cass county, was an early settler of Maple River township, and is widely known and highly esteemed for his energetic character and strict integrity of word and deed.
Our subject was born in Loudonvile, Ohio, August 22,. 1860, and is a son of Augustus A. and Priscilla P. (Wade) Taylor. His parents were natives of Ohio, and the father was a miller by trade and owned several flour mills in Ohio, among them the old Manhattan Mills, of Toledo. His death occurred at Casselton, North Dakota, in 1886, while he was visiting in that city. The mother survives and makes her home at Casselton. The grandfather of our subject on the father's side was a native of Texas. Our subject has two brothers and five sisters, two of the sisters residing in North Dakota.
Mr. Taylor was reared in Ohio and attended the Denison University at Granville, and after completing his studies was given the management of the Mt. Vernon mill, owned by his father, in which work he continued three years. He went to North Dakota in 1883 and purchased the farm where he now resides in Maple River township, since which time he has devoted his attention entirely to farming. He is the owner of a half-section of choice land, and has placed modern improvements on the same and enjoys a comfortable home. He also has large financial interests in the old mills in Ohio, and is a man of ability and sound financial standing.
Mr. Taylor is devoted to his work, and his estate bespeaks good management and painstaking care in its operation. He does not take an active part in public affairs and has never sought or filled public office, but lends his influence for the better interests of his community and is highly respected wherever he is known.
TONNES THAMS, M. D. Among those who devote their time and energies to the practice of medicine and have gained a leading place in the ranks of the profession is Dr. Thams, of Fargo, one of the best-known Norwegian physicians and surgeons of North Dakota. He was born on the 5th day of May, 1848, in Norway, near the city of Tunsberg, one of the oldest cities of that country. His parents, Johan and Fredericka (Taralsen) Thams, were also natives of Norway, but the family is of English origin and was founded in "the Land of the Midnight Sun" in 1688. The father, who was a farmer and miller by occupation, died in Norway, in 1887, but the mother is still living and continues to make her home there. To them were born three sons, of whom two are now residents of the United
States.
Reared in his native land, Dr. Thams acquired a good practical education in the schools of that country, attending the high schools and the University of Norway, which he entered in 1866. The following year after graduating as master of Philosophy, be commenced the study of medicine and was graduated from the medical department in 1873. For eleven years he successfully followed his chosen profession in Norway, but in 1884 decided to try his fortune in the New World. Crossing the Atlantic be first located in Minnesota, where he engaged in practice in Minneapolis until 1893 and during the following two years was a physician of Valley City, North Dakota. In 1895 he came to Fargo and it was not long before he built up the large and lucrative practice which he today enjoys. He is a general practitioner, but his specialty is surgery and he is considered one of the best representatives of this branch of the profession in the state.
In 1875 Dr. Thams led to the marriage altar Miss Augusta Just, also a native of Norway , who died in 1897, leaving four children, namely: Fredricka, Ingeborg, Johan L. and S. Nicolai. The Doctor is a prominent member of the North Dakota Medical Association, is a thirty-second-degree Mason and a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Yeomen.
CHARLES B. THIMENS, the present well-known superintendent of the water works of Fargo and one of the old and popular steamboat captains on the rivers of the Northwest, was born in Montreal, Canada, March 27, 1831, and is a son of Noel and Marie (Gilban) Thimens, who spent their entire lives in that country, the father following the occupation of farming. In their family were three sons, but all are now deceased, with the exception of our subject. He was reared and educated in his native land and on starting out in life for himself engaged in farming and clerking there until twenty years of age.
In the fall of 1831 Mr. Thimens landed in St. Paul, Minnesota, and soon began lumbering on the Rum river. Later he turned his attention to steam-boating on the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers and followed that pursuit for thirty years, becoming pilot and captain and also part owner of vessels for several years. For five years he was in the quartermaster's department during the Civil war, carrying troops and supplies un and down the river. In 1874 he went to Moorhead, Minnesota, and took charge of a boat for the Red River Transportation Company, running between Moorhead and Winnipeg, Manitoba, for fourteen years. He was next connected with the Grandon line of boats, carrying grain to Fargo and Moorhead and remained with that company until 1893. In 1S82 he took up his residence in Fargo, where he has since continued to make his home and is prominently identified with public affairs. He served as street commissioner two years, and has since had charge of the water works. He has proved a most competent man for the place, and his duties are discharged in a prompt and satisfactory manner.
In 1858, Mr. Thimens was united in marriage with Miss Sarah H. Grant, a native of Vermont, and to them were born two children, namely: Minnie, now Mrs. F. Painter, and Dora. Since the organization of the Republican party our subject has been one of its stanch supporters and he has ever taken an active and commendable interest in political affairs. He is a thirty-second-degree Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite and is a man highly respected and esteemed by all who know him. In his early steamboat career he endured all the hardships and privations incident to such a life, but, like most of his class, he is a jovial, genial gentleman, who makes hosts of friends wherever he goes.
JAMES W. THOM, a retired merchant of Grandin, North Dakota, is well known throughout Cass county, where he has resided for nearly twenty years and is highly respected by his associates.
Our subject was born in Glasgow, Scotland, January 6, 1827, and resided there until 1842, when he emigrated to Canada and settled in the county of Lanark, and engaged in farming. He continued his residence there about twenty-seven years and then removed to Huron county, Ontario, where he lived about thirteen years and in March, 1881, removed to Grandin, North Dakota. He engaged in the mercantile business there until the spring of 1899, when he retired from business life. He owns a half-section of land in Cass county and has a comfortable competence.
Our subject was married in the county of Lanark, Ontario, to Jane McConnell, a native of that county. Ten children were born to this union, five of whom are living, and are named as follows: William, Agnes, Henry, Euphemie and John. The deceased children bore the following names: Jane, Jeanette, Bessie, James and Bessie. The daughter, Agnes, is married to David G. Geddes, a prosperous farmer of Kinyon township, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work.
JUDGE ALFRED DELAVAN THOMAS, deceased. That which records in perpetuity the names and the memory of great men, and secures to history the deeds that shape the course and policy of a state or nation, is a treasure valued by all who stand for purity and high attainments in the public service. A life history of the late Judge Thomas will add luster to the brightest pages of the annals of the Dakotas, where the last twenty-three years of his life were spent, Fargo being his home from 1878 up to the time of his death, in 1896.
Judge Thomas was born in Walworth county, Wisconsin, August 11, 1837. His parents were Salmon and Elizabeth (Stowell) Thomas, both native of New York, and his grandfather, George Thomas, was born in Connecticut. Judge Thomas had two sisters and one brother-the two sisters are now living. In New York Salmon Thomas was a large land-owner, and in 1835 removed to Walworth county, Wisconsin, where his integrity and personal worth soon brought him into prominence. He served in the legislature of that state in 1847 and 1848, and was recognized as one of the leading public men of the state. He died in Walworth county September 27, 1887, and his wife died June 27, 1896.
Alfred D. Thomas grew to manhood in his native state, and received an unusually good primary education. He graduated from the Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, in the class of 1861, and was soon after elected district attorney of his home county of Walworth, Wisconsin, serving for six years.. He began the study of law with the Hon. Alanson H. Barnes, of Delavan, Wisconsin, and finished his preliminary studies in the office of Butler & Cottrell, of Milwaukee. He devoted his entire attention to his profession as a lawyer, and being a great student, he continued after his graduation to pursue a course of self-education, and thus to equip his mind with these powers which afterward asserted themselves so effectively in the high duties he was called upon to discharge.
In February. 1877. Judge Thomas visited Dakota, intending to locate at Fargo, but accompanying Judge Barnes and other friends to the Black Hills, he there met Senator Hearst, who formed so favorable an impression of his acquirements and natural gifts that he offered him the position of regular attorney for the Homestake and other mining companies of California in which the Senator was interested. In this capacity he was associated with, or pitted against, such men as Colonel Harry Thornton, of San Francisco; Judge W. H. Clagett, of Idaho: Judge William Fullerton. of New York; Judge William C. Kingsley, of Denver, and Judge Bennett, of Salt Lake City, and during the five years of his professional services to these companies he proved himself at least the peer of these brilliant lights of the profession in the west. In 1883 he returned to Fargo and entered the practice of his profession there, but his fame as a lawyer and a man of integrity had reached far beyond the borders of his state, and in 1889 President Harrison appointed him United States district judge for the district of North Dakota. His known ability and peculiar fitness to deal with the judicial questions and conditions of the west added greatly to his labors. and he was called to preside in the federal courts at St. Paul. Topeka. Kansas City. Little Rock, Denver and various other points. His zeal for the service of his country was only equaled by his capacity to perform the duties of his high station.
Judge Thomas was a man of a genial nature, and his popularity was not a matter of wonder. His warm-hearted manner, combined with high attainments and force of character, won him friends and admirers wherever he went. While performing the stern duties of a federal judge, he was still a man of genuine sympathy, and while upholding the solemn dignity of the law, mercy was ever made a substitute for severity where the latter quality was not absolutely essential in the administration of justice. In his private life none could be purer, more sympathetic, more lovable; and in his face were registered the kindly, generous thoughts that sprang from the heart of a noble man. This narrative is for all to read, but in its lines, as in the features of his sympathetic face, only those of the little circle encompassed by his best love can read the inexpressible depths and truths of his life story. His death occurred August 8, 1896, within three days of his fifty-ninth birthday, surrounded by his family and friends, at his home in Fargo. His remains were taken back to his old home, Delavan. Wisconsin, where they rest in Spring Grove cemetery.
Judge Thomas' domestic life was a particularly happy one. He was married to Miss Fannie E. Barnes, daughter of A. H. Barnes, who was for eight years associate judge of the territory of Dakota. The marriage ceremony took place at Delavan. Wisconsin, in October, 1864. Mrs. Thomas died November 5. 1898, in Fargo, where their two daughters. Mrs. Lulu Thomas Wear and Mrs. Dr. C. E. Wheeler, reside. Their only son. Alfred B., Thomas, is a resident of Duluth, Minnesota.
FRANK J. THOMPSON, a prominent attorney of Fargo, is a man of deep research and careful investigation, and his skill and ability have won him a large and paying practice. Prominence at the bar comes through merit alone, and the high position he has attained attests his superiority.
Mr. Thompson was born in Rockford. Illinois. August 23, 1854. and is a son of Jared C. and Sarah J. (Mason) Thompson, both natives of New York, During the thirties they removed to Michigan, and for thirty years the father was employed as an engineer on the Michigan Central Railroad. In 1878 he came to Dakota, and after serving the Northern Pacific Railroad in that capacity for ten years, was transferred to the shops at Dickinson, where he now resides. He has two sons; Frank J., of this review; and Fred, also a resident of Dickinson. On both sides ancestors of our subject were soldiers of the Revolutionary war, and were among the minute men who participated in the battle of Lexington. His maternal ancestor was Hugh Mason, who settled in Watertown, Massachusetts, in 1634. His paternal grandfather was John Thompson, who died in Fargo, North Dakota, in 1883. The literary education of our subject was obtained in the schools of Marshall and Jackson, Michigan, and in the former city he learned the machinist's trade, serving a five years' apprenticeship, but he never followed the same. For two years he engaged in teaching music, and in 1871 began the study of law at Jackson, Michigan, with Higbee & Gibson, both well-known attorneys in that state. Soon after his admission to the bar in the spring of 1878 Mr. Thompson came to North Dakota, and located at Fargo, where he opened an office, and has since successfully engaged in practice of his chosen profession. In 1881 he formed a partnership with H. Krogh. but this connection was dissolved in 1892, and he has since been alone.
At Minneapolis, Minnesota, in November, 1882, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Thompson and Miss Elmadine Bissonette, a native of Montreal, Canada, and they now have two children: Jeredine and Jack Dacotah. In 1889 Mr. Thompson was elected, to the state legislature and was chairman of the judiciary committee of the house. He was appointed assistant attorney-general under Hon. C. A. M. Spencer, and served in that capacity for some time. On attaining his majority he became identified with the Republican party, which he continued to support until 1895, when he became a Populist and is now chairman of the state central committee of that party, He is very prominent in Masonic circles and has taken even degree in the order. He is now secretary of all the state organizations in that fraternity: was potentate of the Shrine six years; is now recorder in the same, and also holds those offices in the Scottish Rite bodies. He also belongs to the Benevolent and Patriotic Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, and the United Commercial Travelers. He has always taken a most active and prominent part in public affairs; has stumped the state in the interest of his party at different times, and is the author of the resolution introduced into the first legislative assembly by which native-born children of North Dakota are known as "flickertails." He stands high among his professional brethren, and is very popular with all classes of citizens.
GORDON THOMPSON. A high station as a citizen and prosperous farmer has been attained by this gentleman in Rich township, Cass county, where he was one of the first settlers. He has pushed forward toward success and by honest industry has gained his purpose and is now the fortunate owner of a fine farm of one half-section and is enjoying the result of a well-spent career.
Our subject was born in Gray county, Ontario, Canada, January 3, 1854. His parents, Thomas and Jane (Houston) Thompson, were natives of Canada and his father was a farmer and passed his life there. He died in 1896 and the mother of our subject survives and makes her home in Canada. They were the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, of whom two sons and three daughters now live in North Dakota.
Mr. Thompson was reared and educated in Canada and followed farming there until 1880, when he went to Cass county. North Dakota, and entered a homestead claim to the quarter-section in section 32, in Rich township, on which he still resides. He was the second settler and passed through pioneer experiences. He now owns and operates a half-section of choice land, all of which is improved. He has met with success in his calling and is one of the substantial men of his community.
Our subject was married, in 1886. to Miss Jane P. Ferrier, a native of Bruce county. Ontario. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, named as follows: Mary H.. Thomas G., James A., Jane V.. Florence A, and Harry A., all of whom are living. Mr. Thompson is active in public affairs of local importance and has served five terms as supervisor and also filled other offices. He is one of the best known and most highly esteemed men of his township. Politically, he is independent.
 JAMES THOMPSONoccupies a prominent place as a well-to-do and progressive member of the farming community of Cass county, in Berlin township, of which he has been a resident for nearly a quarter of a century, and has become well known as an exemplary citizen. He makes his home on section 28, and enjoys the comforts of country life.
Our subject was born in Frontenac county, Ontario, February 9, 1849. He was reared in that county on a farm, and remained there till the fall of 1877, when he went to Dakota with his wife, and took he went to Dakota with his wife, and took one hundred and sixty acres of land as a homestead, and began farming on the place where he still resides. He has added to his possessions from time to time and is now the fortunate owner of nine hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he has placed such improvements as are found on a model farm. His buildings are commodious and substantial, and every method which lessens labor or adds to the comfort of the inhabitants of the place is provided. Mr. Thompson is well versed in his chosen calling, and enjoys success.
Our subject was married in Frontenac county, Ontario , April 18, 1870, to Miss Margaret Morrow, a native of that county. Mrs. Thompson died in the same county, January 31, 1872, leaving one daughter, Ellen S., who became the wife of Miles E. Scott. He died in Berlin township, Cass county, North Dakota, February 14, 1899, leaving five children, as follows: Blanche M., Edgar D., Ernest J., Sarah E. and Margaret M. Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Fedora M. Nelson, in Frontenac county, Ontario , October 4, 1876. Mrs. Thompson was born in that county, June 2, 1850. Six children have been born to this union, named as follows: George R. was married, in Minnesota, to Annie Oseng, January 21, 1900; he is a farmer of Berlin township; Edward J., William E. G., John T., Adelaide M. and Andrew A. are the other children. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Free Methodist church, and take an active part in church affairs. Mr. Thompson has been school director for several years, township treasurer, and chairman of the board of supervisors, and is an earnest worker for the general welfare of his community, and is deservedly held in high esteem by his fellows.
 JOHN M. THOMPSON. Persistent industry and strict attention to business have placed this gentleman among the substantial farmers of Cass county. He has a fine estate in Ayr township where he settled in pioneer days, and has made a success of general farming.
Our subject was born in Norway, October 24, 1847, and was a son of Thomas and Sophia (Matheison) Thompson, both of whom were natives of Norway. His father is deceased, but the mother is still living.
Mr. Thompson was reared and educated in his native land and remained there until 1866, when he came to America and located in St. Croix county, Wisconsin. He remained there four years and then went to Duluth and Superior, Minnesota, where he spent four years, and in 1874 returned to Norway on a visit. He went to Cass county, North Dakota, in 1879, and located a homestead in section 26 of Ayr township, and was among the first settlers of the township. He began the improvement of the place the following year by breaking land, and has made his home there continuously since that time. He is now the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of land, all of which is improved, and devotes his entire lime to the operation of his place, and is one of the well-known agriculturists of his township.
Our subject was married, in 1880, to Miss Jessie M. Moum, a native of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of four children, named as follows: Stanley A., Matilda M., Jessie M. and Mary. Mr. Thompson assisted in the organization of Ayr township, and was a member of the first town board, and is the present treasurer. He is actively interested in the welfare of his community and has been useful in sustaining good government and furthering local enterprises. Politically he is a Republican and is strong in his convictions.
THOMAS S. THOMPSON, owner and proprietor of a line farm of one section in Rush River township, Cass county, is a gentleman of excellent ability as a farmer, and has gained a good income and an enviable reputation by his earnest efforts and integrity of word and deed. He makes his home in section 13 and follows general farming.
Our subject was born near Kingston, Ontario, June 14, 1861, and was reared there on a farm, and received a common school education. He remained in his native county till 1882, in April of which year he went to North Dakota. He worked at farm labor for others two years, and then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Berlin township, where he settled and resided about three and a half years. He then disposed of the land there and settled on the farm on which he now resides in Rush River township, Cass county. He owns section 13, and the entire tract is fully improved and under cultivation, forming an extensive farm, and furnishing a good income and comfortable home.
Our subject was married in Mapleton, Cass county, North Dakota, November 16, 1886, to Miss Alice Howes, who was born at Winchester, Ontario, July I, 1864. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, named as follows: Mildred, Allen and Elsie M. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson take an active part in church work, and are members of the Church of Christ of the Christian denomination. Mr. Thompson is energetic and highly esteemed in his community and well merits his financial success.
WALKER D. THOMPSON. Among the well-regulated farms of Cass county, those in Erie township have contributed a large number, and the proprietor of one of these finely-cultivated tracts is the gentleman above named. He has been closely connected with the agricultural interests of that locality since the earliest days of its settlement, and now enjoys a comfortable and happy home, the result of a well-spent career.
Our subject was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, October 11, 1855, and was a son of Jesse and Sarah (Walker) Thompson, also natives of Pennsylvania. His father is a farmer, and still resides in that state. Three sons and five daughters composed the family of children of whom our subject was a member, and he now has one sister living in North Dakota.
Mr. Thompson was reared and educated in Pennsylvania, and followed farming there until 1881, when he went to Cass county, and entered claim to land as a homestead in section 12, of Erie township, and has resided thereon since that date. He has prospered in his chosen calling, and is one of the substantial men of his locality.
Our subject was married in Pennsylvania, in 1881, to Miss Maggie Tudhop, a native of Pennsylvania. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, three of whom are still living, as follows : Jessie, Homer and Colby. One daughter, Maggie, is deceased. Mrs. Thompson died in 1891. Mr. Thompson was married to Sarah Marsh, a native of Wisconsin, September 28, 1892. Two children have blessed this union, as follows: Fern E. and Delbert A. Mr. Thompson assisted in the organization of his township, and was assessor during the first term of that office in the township, and has since filled various township offices on the board and also school offices. He is a Republican in political sentiment. He holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Degree of Honor.
 WILLIAM J. THOMPSON. In compiling a list of the pioneer settlers of Rich township, Cass county, a prominent place should be accorded the gentleman above named. He has prospered as an agriculturist and is the owner of three sections of. land and his home farm in section 10 is well improved and furnishes every comfort.
Our subject was born in Ontario, Canada, June 20, 1859. His parents, Thomas and Mary J. (Houston) Thompson, were natives of Montreal, Canada. His father was a farmer by occupation and died in Canada in 1898, and the mother of our subject survives him. They were the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, of whom two sons and three daughters are now living in North Dakota.
Mr. Thompson was reared and. educated in Canada and followed farming there until 1879, when he went to North Dakota, and remained in Moorhead for some time and in 1881 entered a homestead claim to the southeast quarter of section 32, in Rich township, Cass county, and was one of the first settlers of the township. He has resided there continuously since and has added to his possessions as circumstances would permit and is now one of the substantial land owners of his locality and has made a success of general farming.
Our subject was married in North Dakota in 1883, to Miss Isabelle Beattie, a daughter of Peter Beattie, of Rich township, Cass county. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of seven children, two sons and five daugnters, named as follows: Thomas A., William J, Mary, Jennie, Alla, Matilda and Myrtle. Thomas A. is attending college in Fargo. Mr. Thompson has served as a member of the township board for many years, and is actively interested in the welfare of his community. He is well to do, progressive and intelligent and highly esteemed in the locality in which he has passed the past twenty years.
 JAMES D. TRAMMELL. one of the pioneer settlers of Cass county, is widely and favorably known, and has acquired an excellent property by good management and the exercise of sound judgment. He makes his home at Everest, and was engaged in farming many years in Everest township.
Our subject was born near Fairfax Court House, Fairfax county, Virginia, January 8, 1843, and was one of three sons born to Israel and Clarissa (Lanham) Trammell, natives . respectively of New York and Virginia. One of the sons is deceased, and one resides on the old homestead farm in Virginia. The father was a farmer and removed to Virginia with his parents. The grandfather of our subject, Jerat Trammell, was a native of Holland, and he and the father of our subject died in Virginia.
James D. Trammell was reared and educated in Virginia, and engaged in farming there until 1883, when he removed to Cass county. North Dakota, and purchased land in Maple township. He remained on the farm there many years and operated the same successfully.
Our subject was married, in 1864. to Isabella Wells, a native of Virginia . Mrs. Trammell died in 1886, leaving ten children. as follows: Edward. Etta. Asa. Albert. Amy. Nellie, May, Sidney, now in Company B, Fourth Cavalry, in Manila; Hardie and Cleveland . Mr. Trammell was married, later, to Elizabeth McGregor, a native of Canada . Mr. Trammell is one of the best known men of his community, and has served his township in various offices, including chairman of the township board. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Masonic fraternity, and is a gentleman of excellent character, and merits his high position in the minds of his associates.
B. H. TRANGSRUD, one of the pioneer settlers of Norman township, Cass county, is a foreign-born citizen, but since taking up his residence in America has become thoroughly identified with American ways and customs and is a man of progressive ideas and has prospered in his chosen calling. He has a fine estate and operates over a thousand acres of land, comprising the homestead farm of his father and his own land.
Our subject was born in Norway, November 14, 1849, and was a son of Hans and Bertie (Johnson) Trangsrud. The family emigrated to America in 1870 and settled in Mitchell county, Iowa, and from there in 1871 went to Cass county. North Dakota, and there the father and our subject each took land, the father as a homestead, and our subject now resides thereon. The father died in February, 1897, and the mother survives and presides over the household. They were the parents of five sons and one daughter, who now resides in North Dakota, as follows: B. H., in Cass county; Ammen, in Cass county; Axel, in the same county; Bertha, residing in Cass county; Johanis, now in Ransom county, and Arne, in Sargent county. The family are members of the Lutheran church and the father assisted in building the first church in that section, now known as the Norman Lutheran church.
Our subject was reared and educated in Norway and came to America with his parents and entered a pre-emption claim to land near the old homestead and has followed farming there continuously since. He has met with remarkable success in his vocation and the family now owns twelve hundred and forty acres of choice land, on which has been placed good buildings and all arrangements completed which make it a model farm.
Mr. Trangsrud has served on the school board and also the township board for the past three years and is a man of active public spirit and is highly esteemed by his associates. He is a member of the Lutheran church and is a gentleman of exemplary character. In political views he is a Republican.
 HON. GEORGE E. S. TROTT. From the wild lands of the Red river valley this gentleman has succeeded in bringing to a high state of cultivation twelve hundred and eighty acres, and he is enjoying country life in Wheatland township, Cass county, where he located during the early days of its settlement. He is highly esteemed by his fellowmen for his push and energy and worthy citizenship.
Our subject was born in La Grange. Penobscott county. Maine, September 8, 1844. and was a son of Thompson and Louisa (Staples) Trott. both of whom were natives of Maine. His father was a farmer by occupation and spent his career in his native state and died there in 1875. The mother died in March, 1900. at the age of eighty-four years. Four sons constituted the family of children, and our subject and one brother are the only survivors.
George E. S. Trott was reared and educated in his native state and represented his district in the legislature in 1874-1875. He became familiar with farm work and farm methods and in 1877 went to Cass county. North Dakota, locating at Fargo. The following year he entered claim to the northwest quarter of section 10. in Wheatland township, on which he now resides, and the mother pre-empted the northeast quarter of the same section. Mr. Trott has improved his entire farm of two compact sections, twelve hundred and eighty acres, and is regarded as one of the solid men of the region in which he makes his home. He had but limited means when he entered Dakota, but has pushed forward with an indomitable will and enjoys a well-earned reward.
Our subject was married, in 1894. to Elizabeth C. Huick. a native of Michigan. Mr. Trott assisted in the organization of Wheatland township and has held various offices in the same and taken an active interest in promoting the welfare of the community. He is a Mason of long standing, has passed the thirty-second degree and is respected by his associates. Politically, he affiliates with the Democratic party.
JAMES M. TUSTEN. In whatever vocation engaged the successful man is the persistent man. This gentleman has gained his possessions single-handed and is the owner of one of the fine farms of Gardner township, Cass county, and resides on section 25. He is highly respected for his industry, energy and integrity, and well merits his success as an agriculturist.
Our subject was born in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, September 14, 1852, and was raised on a farm and received a common-school education. He resided in his native state till the spring of 1885, when he went to North Dakota, having spent two years in Fond du Lac county, and two years in Waushara county, and two and a half years in Winnebago county, following farming in each location. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land when he settled in North Dakota, the tract being in section 25, in Gardner township, on which he has since resided. He has erected a complete set of substantial farm buildings and is now the owner of one and a half sections of well-improved land, on which he follows general farming.
Our subject was married in Waushara county, Wisconsin, to Miss Martha A. Spoor, a native of that county. Two children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tusten, upon whom they have bestowed the following names: Mabel E. and Edna M. Mr. Tusten is active in public affairs, and has served as assessor of Gardner township for the past three years. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Brotherhood of American Yeomen.
 HON. TREADWELL T. TWICHELL. This gentleman, whose home is in Durbin township, Cass county, is one of the best-known citizens of his locality and his public spirit and excellence of character have never been called in question. He has aided in the up building and development of the community in which he has resided for over twenty years, and every need has been anticipated by him and relieved by his influence and good work. He is serving as senator from the tenth district, and his efficient labors gain him a high standing among his fellow men. His occupation is that of farming and he is proprietor of a fine estate comprising four sections of land, on which he conducts grain raising with marked success.
Our subject was born in Dakota county, Minnesota, Hastings being his native town, and his birth is dated November 19, 1864. His parents, Luther L. and Sally A. (Dance) Twichell. were natives, respectively, of New York and Ohio. His father was a merchant and went to Dakota county, Minnesota, in 1855, and followed mercantile pursuits at Hastings until 1876, when he removed to Minneapolis and remained there until his death in 1881. The mother died in 1898. Four sons, two of whom reside in Cass county, North Dakota, and two in Minneapolis, Minnesota, were born to this worthy couple.
Our subject was reared and educated in Hastings and Minneapolis, completing a high-school education, and in 1879 went to Cass county, but soon returned to Minnesota and in 1881 again went to North Dakota and settled on the land where he now resides. He began at once to improve the farm and has developed four sections of choice land, from which the annual output of grain is sixty thousand bushels. He has been remarkably successful in his farm work and is among tlie well-to-do men of Cass county.
Our subject was married, in 1890, to Grace P. Dill, a native of Wisconsin. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Twichell, as follows: Abagail D. and Daniel H. Mr. Twichell was elected a state representative in 1895 and again in 1897, and in 1898 was elected senator from the tenth district, in which capacity he is now serving. While a member of the senate he was chairman of the appropriation committee and was also a member of the railway committee and as a representative served as chairman of the committee on state affairs and municipal corporations and was acting chairman of the railroad committee when the railroad law was passed. Mr. Twichell is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and in political sentiment is a Republican and an earnest worker for party principles. He has taken an active part in township affairs, assisted in the organization of Durbin township, and has been chairman of the town board for the past ten years. He is a man of broad ideas and good citizenship and well merits his success and popularity.
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