|
HON, C. N. VALENTINE. Among the leading and influential citizens of Fargo, North Dakota, is this gentleman, who for fourteen years has been prominently identified with the interests of the state and is now serving as register of the United States land office. He was born in La Porte County, Indiana, May 14, 1850, and is a son of William and Samantha (Taylor) Valentine, both natives of New York, the former born in 1804, the latter in 1811.
The paternal grandfather, Alexander Valentine, also a native of New York, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and later was a commissioned officer in the state troops. In 1849 the parents of our subject removed from New York to Michigan, where the father followed farming until. his death, which occurred in 1875. In his family were six sons, but our subject is the only one of the number living in Dakota. On the home farm in Berrien County, Michigan, C. N. Valentine was reared to manhood, and in the public schools of his neighborhood he acquired a good practical education. For a time he was engaged in the drug trade in Three Oaks, that state, and from there removed to Benton Harbor, Michigan, where he had charge of a lumber pier and later engaged in boating, and was employed as bookkeeper for four years. In 1886 he came to La Moure, North Dakota, where he was successfully engaged in the drug business until February, 1897, when he was appointed to his present position, that of register of the land office at Fargo.
On the 27th of September, 1876. Mr. Valentine was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Wilcox, a native of Wisconsin, and to them have been born two children: Josephine and Maurice. Since attaining his majority Mr. Valentine has never wavered in his support of the Republican party and its principles, and being a man of recognized ability, progressive and public-spirited, he has been honored with some important official positions, having served as senator from the twenty-fourth senatorial district of North Dakota for four years, and county surveyor for the same length of time. Socially he is a member of the Masonic order and is a man of prominence in his community.
MILO F. VAN DE BOGART, one of the first settlers of Cornell township, Cass county, is a man of mark in his community, and his standing as a good citizen is irreproachable. He is proprietor of a fine farm and resides in section 28, where he successfully conducts general farming.
Our subject is a native of Appleton, Wisconsin, and was born July 31, 1857. His parents, Henry and Emiline (Hubbard) Van De Bogart, were natives of Genesee county. New York, and his father was a farmer and went to Wisconsin about 1849. He enlisted in 1863 in Company D, Twenty-first Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served about one year, and died at Murfreesborough, Tennessee. The mother survives him and now resides in Minnesota. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of New York. Our subject was one of three children, two sons and one daughter, who grew to maturity, and the daughter and one son are now residents of Minnesota.
Mr. Van De Bogart was reared and educated in Wisconsin and remained there until the fall of 1879, when he went to North Dakota and began farming on land which he entered as a homestead claim in section 20, of Cornell township, and was one of the first settlers there. He resided in that section five years and then moved to his present location in section 28. which he has fully improved and cultivates to the best advantage. He is the owner of one a half sections of good land and has acquired the property by his own labor.
Our subject was married, in 1886, to Mattie Hudson, a native of Wisconsin. Two children have been born to .Mr. and Mrs. Van De Bogart, as follows: Guy H. and Paul M. Mr. Van De Bogart assisted in the organization of his township and takes an active interest in the general welfare of the same and was a member of the first township board and has since served as treasurer and school officer. He is a Republican and Prohibitionist and holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He and family are members of the Baptist church at Tower City.
 JAMES W. VIDAL, M. D. One of the most exacting of all the higher lines of occupation to which a man may lend his energies is that of the physician. A most scrupulous preliminary training is demanded and a nicety of judgment little understood by the laity. Then again the profession brings its devotees into almost constant association with the sadder side of life-that of pain and suffering-so that a mind capable of great self-control and a heart responsive and sympathetic are essential attributes of him who would essay the practice of the heeling art. Thus when professional success is attained in any instance it may be taken as certain that such measure of success has been thoroughly merited. In Dr. Vidal we find the leading homeopathic physician and surgeon of Fargo and he has also made for himself an. enviable reputation among his professional brethren in the northwest.
He was born in Randolph, Cattaraugus county, New York, October 16, 1860, a son of Thomas and Sarah (Waite) Vidal, the former a native of France, the latter of New York. His maternal grandfather, James Waite, was a representative of the same family to which Chief Justice Waite belonged. The father grew to manhood in Paris, and in his native land learned the machinist's trade. At one time he was foreman of the Brooks Locomotive Works. On first coming to the United States he located in New York, but later removed to the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and at the. time of his death, which occurred in 1898, was an extensive oil producer. In his family were two children, a son and daughter, the latter a resident of Rochester, New York.
Dr. Vidal attended Chamberlain Institute of Randolph, New
York, and later entered the University of Michigan, where he pursued both a literary and medical course and was graduated with the degree of M. D., in 1879. The following year he entered the homeopathic department of that institution and completed the course in June, 1882. Returning to his old home in New York, he engaged in practice there that summer, but in the fall of 1882 came to Valley City, North Dakota, where he opened an office in January, following, and engaged m practice until 1891. During that year he came to Fargo and it was not long before he built up the extensive practice which he now enjoys. In 1893 he took a post-graduate course at the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College, Chicago, and was granted a diploma, by that institution. He is a member of the National Homeopathic Society, and while at Valley City was a member of the pension board, and of the state board of medical examiners for seven years and at the same time was surgeon of the Northern Pacific Railroad for eight years. Socially he is quite popular and is a Knight Templar, Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine.
In 1884 Dr. Vidal was united in marriage with Mrs. Maggie (nee Stewart) Woodhouse, by whom he had one son, James Harold. He was next married in 1896, his second union being with Mrs. Grace Nichols (nee Houston), a native of Boston , and to them has been born a daughter, Grace Waite.
 JOHN W. VON NIEDA, a worthy representative of the moneyed interests of Fargo, North Dakota, is now president of the Red River Valley National Bank, one of the most solid financial institutions of the state. It was founded in 1881 with a capital stock of $100,000, and its first officers were L. S. Fallen, president; W. A. Kindred, vice-president and L. W. Fallett, cashier. When L. S. Fallet resigned the presidency in 1891 he was succeeded by J. W. Von Nieda, who had served as vice-president for six months previous. Stephen Gardner had succeeded Mr. Kindred as vice-president, and R. S. Lewis had succeeded L. W. Fallett as cashier, but is now serving as vice-president, while J. E. Hyde is the present cashier. The present board of directors consists of the following: W. D. Hancock, R. S. Lewis, James E. Hyde, E. A. Perry, J. E. Montgomery, F. A. Irish, J. H. Lewis and J. W. Von Nieda. They do a general banking business; have over seven hundred thousand dollars in deposits and a surplus of fifty thousand dollars, the largest in the state.
Mr. Von Nieda, was born in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania. October 3, 1844, a son of George and Elizabeth C. (Carling) Von Nieda, also natives of Pennsylvania. He was reared in his native city and educated in its public schools. At the age of sixteen he commenced clerking in a wholesale store, and later learned the drug trade, which he followed for twenty-two years, twelve years in Pennsylvania and ten years in Fargo, North Dakota. In 1877 he removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and for five years represented the firm of Anthony Kelley & Company on the road, traveling all over North Dakota and northern Minnesota, and driving over much of the territory. Coming to Fargo in 1882, he opened a wholesale drug house, and for five years was associated in business with J. B. Raboteau. In 1892 he sold that business and has since given his entire time to his banking interests. He is a wide awake, energetic business man of keen discrimination and sound judgment.
In Pennsylvania, Mr. Von Nieda was married in 1865, to Miss Florence Hughes, a native of that state, and to them have been born three children: Charles K., Maggie E., and George, now in Ann Arbor Michigan.
During the Civil war Mr. Von Nieda enlisted in Company K, First Philadelphia Gray Reserves, and was in active service about two months. In his political views he is a stanch Democrat, and has taken an active part in the campaigns of this state. Fraternally he is a member of the Mystic Shrine of the Masonic order and the United Commercial Travelers. He is now serving as treasurer of the Agricultural College. In business affairs he has prospered, and fortune has certainly dealt kindly with him. His life is a living illustration of what ability, energy and force of character can accomplish, and the city and state have been enriched by his example. It is to such men that the West owes its prosperity, its rapid progress and advancement.
JOHN M. WAGAR, county commissioner for the fifth district of Cass county, is a resident of Tower City, and is well known as an early settler of that locality. He was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years in Hill township, and successfully conducted farming on the land which he purchased in the early day. He is a gentleman of ability and excellent characteristics, and is popular with the people among whom he makes his home.
Our subject was born near Cleveland, Ohio, August 1, 1849. His parents, Israel D. and Elizabeth (Pyle) Wagar, were natives of Ohio, and were farmers and followed that occupation for many years. His father is now living retired from active pursuits at the advanced age of eighty years. The grandparents of our subject, Mars and Keturah Wagar, went from Ontario county, New York, to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1818, and assisted in clearing the land on which the city of Cleveland now stands. Our subject has two brothers and five sisters.
Mr. Wagar was reared and educated in Cleveland, Ohio, and remained there till 1870, when he went to the southwestern part of Texas and served as deputy collector of internal revenue, and was stationed at Corpus Christi five years. He then returned to Cleveland and spent two years, and then passed some time in Kansas and Texas, and in the spring of 1880 went to North Dakota and purchased a tract of land in Hill township, Cass county. He resided on his farm until 1898, when he took up his residence in Tower City, where he has since made his home.
Our subject was married, in 1889, to Miss Harnett Hotchkiss, a native of Cleveland, Ohio. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wagar, as follows: George D., Isabelle E. and John B. Mr. Wagar was elected county commissioner in 1897, and is now serving as such. He is a Democrat in political faith, and is the only official in his party in the county offices, evidencing his popularity regardless of party affiliations. He has filled various local offices, and is actively interested in the general welfare of his community. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
AURELIUS L. WALL, a prominent lumber dealer of Fargo, North Dakota, has been actively identified with the business interests of that city for some years. Enterprising, energetic and always abreast with the times, he is meeting with well-deserved success and has gained the confidence and esteem of his business associates.
Mr. Wall was born in the town of Hornby, Steuben county. New York, October 20, 1848, a son of Cornelius A. and Olive B. (Stanton) Wall, also natives of the Empire state. His maternal ancestors were from Connecticut and were relatives of Secretary Stanton, a prominent member of Lincoln's cabinet. The paternal great-great-grand-father of our subject was Samuel Wall, who came from England to this country soon after the Revolutionary war and settled in Rhode Island. The family continued their residence in the eastern states for many years. The grandfather, Lansing Wall, was born in New York, and was a merchant tailor of New York City for many years and later of Rome, New York. From his native state the father of our subject removed to Amboy, Lee county, Illinois, in 1854, and there owned and operated a lumber yard and also engaged in school teaching to some extent until 1866. He is still living and makes his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but the mother died in 1881. To them were born three sons and one daughter, the survivors being our subject and one brother, who is now living in Dundee, New York.
Aurelius L. Wall was reared and educated in Illinois and at the age of fourteen years was offered a position with Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co., of Chicago. In 1864 he went to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he remained until 1882, being engaged in the lumber business and also in the furniture trade as a mechanic. He then came to Fargo, North Dakota, and had charge of a lumber yard owned by Crockett & Shotwell for one year. When the Fargo Lumber Company was organized in 1883 he was made superintendent of the same and filled that position for two years, at the end of which time he removed to Binghamton, on the Soo Line. He conducted lumber yard at that place for two years and also entered land there. In 1886 he returned to Fargo to take charge of the yard of W. H. White, which he successfully managed until the spring of 1899, when he embarked in business on his own account as a lumber dealer and has since built up a good trade.
On the 27th of October, 1870, Mr. Wall was united in marriage with Miss Ida V. Stebbins, a native of Onondaga county. New York, and to them were born two children, a son and a daughter, but Lottie E. is the only one now living. In his political affiliations Mr. Wall is a Republican, and in 1893 and 1894 he was a member of the city council of Fargo. Socially he is a Knight-Templar Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine, and is also a director of the Young Men's Christian Association. He occupies quite an enviable position in both business and social circles and is highly respected by all who know him.
JUDGE ALFRED WALLIN, now of Fargo, is a member of the supreme bench of North Dakota. In the last half-century, especially, it is seldom that one wins prominence in several lines. It is the tendency of the age to devote one's entire energies to a special line, continually working upward and concentrating his efforts toward accomplishing a desired end; yet in the case of Judge Wallin it is demonstrated that an exalted position may be reached in more than one line of action. He is an eminent jurist, an able lawyer and a leader in political circles.
The Judge was born in Otsego County, New York, February 12, 1836, a son of Charles C. and Dorothy (Strongitharm) Wallin, also natives of New York. The father was a successful physician and surgeon who graduated from the famous old medical school at Philadelphia, the Washington & Jefferson Medical College, and was engaged in the practice of his profession in his native state until 1836, when he removed to Michigan. For fifteen years he practiced in that state and then, in 1851, went to Chicago, where he made his home until called from this life, in 1898. at the advanced age of ninety-two years. The wife and mother died in Michigan in 1851. The paternal grandparents of our subject were born, reared and married in England.
Judge Wallin spent his boyhood in Michigan and attended the common schools of that state until fifteen years of age, when he was. apprenticed to a tanner and currier. He soon mastered the trade and worked at the same until reaching his majority. Feeling the need of a better education he entered the academy at Elgin, Illinois, in 1858, and pursued his studies there for one year, during which time he began the study of law. Later he entered the law department of the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was admitted to practice in Allegan County, that state, in 1864, and subsequently by the supreme court of Illinois. He commenced the practice of his chosen profession at St. Peter, Minnesota, in October, 1865, and continued there and at Redwood Falls. Minnesota, until January, 1883. when he removed to Fargo, Dakota territory. He soon became a member of the law firm of Wilson & Ball, of that city, and later of the firm of Ball, Wallin & Smith, being associated with those gentlemen when the state was admitted to the Union in 1889. At the first election he was elected a member of the supreme bench and was re-elected in 1896, the duties of which position he is now most ably discharging. During his residence in Minnesota he was elected County attorney of Nicollet County and the same in Redwood County, and was also a candidate for district judge, but was defeated by Judge E. St. Julian Cox, of that state.
At Elgin, Illinois, Judge Wallin was married, in 1868. to Miss Ellen G. Keyes. also a native of New York, and a daughter of Eber and Juliette Gray Keyes, and by this union one daughter was born, Madeleine, now the wife of George C. Sikes, an editorial writer on the ''Chicago Record." The Judge has always been a stanch supporter of the Republican party since its organization, and while in Minnesota stumped the state in support of its principles. He is an able jurist and is held in high esteem by the people of North Dakota.
 WALTER T. WARNER, of Fargo, North Dakota, is the fortunate owner of five hundred acres of land in Mapleton township, Cass county, and is widely known as an agriculturist of experience and an early settler of that locality.
Our subject was born in Stormont county, Ontario, August 27, 1851, and was the eighth in a family of twelve children, eight sons and four daughters, born to Adam and Marian (Hunter) Warner. His father was a native of Ontario and removed to St. Croix county, Wisconsin, where he died at the age of sixty-eight years. The mother of our subject passed away in Mapleton township, Cass county, North Dakota, at the age of seventy-four years.
Walter T. Warner was reared on his father's farm in Ontario till about seventeen years of age, when he removed with the family to St. Croix county, Wisconsin, and there he resided and was employed till the spring of 1877, when he went to Dakota. He entered claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land as a homestead and one hundred and sixty acres as a tree claim in Mapleton township, Cass county, where he has since made his home. He has added to his possessions from time to time and his extensive farm, now comprising five hundred acres, is conducted with modern methods, and he has placed upon it valuable improvements, which entitle it to rank among the best properties in the township.
Our subject was married, in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, March 5, 1890, to Miss May H. McDonald. Mrs. Warner was a native of Canada, and was the third in a family of thirteen children, six sons and seven daughters, born to George and Frances A. (Harris) McDonald. Her parents were natives of Ontario and went to Minnesota about 1882, and settled in Clay county, where they now reside. Four children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Warner, named as follows: Raymond D., Clifford H., Frederick W. and Mabel C. Mr. Warner is a man of good principal, thorough and systematic in his work, and is held in high esteem by all with whom he comes in contact.
HARRY M. WASHBURN. one of the rising young men of Cass county, is engaged in the pursuit of agriculture in Rush River township, and has met with unbounded success in his calling. He enjoys a wide acquaintance who hold him in the highest esteem as a young man of ability, active public spirit and unfailing energy.
Our subject was born near Denver. Colorado, July 5, 1871, and was a son of Stellman B. and Enima A. (Morse) Washburn, natives of Maine. His father was a hardware merchant of Lake City, Minnesota, for many years, and later went to Arizona, where he engaged in prospecting for minerals and died there in 1873. The mother afterward married S. H. Knight, and she died in 1880.
After the death of his father our subject and the mother returned to Minnesota, and in 1879 went to Cass county, North Dakota, and our subject received his education in Minnesota and North Dakota. He took up his residence permanently in the latter state in 1882 and has followed farming in Cass county continuously since that date.
Our subject was married, in November, 1896, to Martha Grinke, a native of Germany, who came to America with her parents in 1886. Two children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Washburn, upon whom they have bestowed the names of Mildred and Margaret. Mr. Washburn has filled the office of assessor and also road overseer, and has also served as a member of the school board. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias and is popular with the people among whom he resides. He is yet in the prime of vigorous manhood and his labors for the advancement and development of his locality have placed him in an assured position as a citizen and farmer.
JOHN S. WATSON, a leading and successful attorney of Fargo, North Dakota, and a member of the well-known firm of Ball, Watson & McClay, was born in Fountain County. Indiana, February 20, 1857. His parents, Samuel E. and Elizabeth M. (Brown) Watson, were natives of Kentucky and Virginia, respectively, but for many years have been residents of Indiana. The father is a merchant.
He was educated in Wabash College, from which he was graduated in 1878. Later, for two years, he was employed as a teacher in that institution and the following year was spent as a student in the law office of Hon. P. S. Kennedy, of Crawfordsville, Indiana. In .May. 1881. he was admitted to the bar and the same month came to Jamestown, North Dakota, where he at once opened an office and engaged in practice until coming to Fargo, in 1892. With W. F. Ball he formed a partnership, which still exists, and they are now at the head of a large and lucrative practice. Mr. Watson was prosecuting attorney for Stutsman County, North Dakota, in 1883 and 1884, and in 1887 was made attorney for the Northern Pacific Railroad in the James river valley, in which position he continued until 1892. Since then he and Mr. Ball have controlled all the business of the company in North Dakota and western Minnesota and also that of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway in this state. Mr. Watson is not only a good lawyer, but is a good business man as well, and has served as vice-president of the James River National Bank, of Jamestown, for some years. His powers as an advocate have been demonstrated by his success on many occasions, and he is an able lawyer of large and varied experience in all the courts. He has met with most excellent success during his professional career and stands high at the bar of this state. He takes no active part in political affairs, but is always willing to support any enterprise for the public good. Socially he is a Knight Templar Mason.
In 1884 Mr. Watson was united in marriage with Miss Lizzie E. Wells, a native of Wisconsin, and to them has been born one child, Constance.
EDWARD WEBER, who is well known throughout Cass county as a prosperous agriculturist, who is doing an extensive business in Everest township, is a man of ability. He makes his home in section 9, and has secured by industry and hard work the comforts of a happy country home.
Our subject was born near Landskron, Austria, September 28, 1849, and was a son of Bernhardt and Rosa (Wurst) Weber, both of whom were natives of the same province. His parents were farmers by occupation and came to America in 1868, locating in Steele county, Minnesota, with our subject, who had preceded them. The father later purchased and lived in Minnesota until 1879, when he removed to Cass county. North Dakota, and engaged in farming on land which had been purchased in 1877. He followed farming in Cass county many years and died in Casselton, in February, 1895, aged seventy-two years. The mother survives and is residing at Everett, Washington, where two sons live.
Our subject was reared in Germany till the age of seventeen years, and in 1867 came to America, landing at New York. He went at once to Minnesota, where he purchased land and followed farming until 1882. He visited Cass county. North Dakota, in 1877. in company with Frank and Joseph Langer, and purchased the section where he now resides, and also purchased a half section for his brother and father. He began the improvement of the land in 1880 and in 1883 removed his family there and has since followed farming on the land. He is now the owner of five sections, all of which is under cultivation, and during the season of 1899 raised twenty-six thousand bushels of wheat, one thousand four hundred bushels of flax and seven thousand bushels of oats. He also follows stock raising to some extent and devotes his entire attention to his agricultural pursuits.
Our subject was married in Steele county, in 1871, to Rosa Stangler, a native of Germany. Mrs. Weber's parents came to America in 1864 and settled in Minnesota. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Weber, as follows: Julius E., Emil E., Edward L., Otto E., Gustus F., and Henrietta R., deceased. The family are members of the Catholic church and assisted in the erection of the present fine edifice of that denomination in Casselton. Mr. Weber has filled numerous township offices and has served as assessor for the past twelve years. Politically he is a Democrat and strong in his convictions.
 ISAAC N. WEAR, M. D., is one of the most successful physicians of North Dakota and a prominent resident of Fargo. He has much natural ability, but is withal a close student and believes thoroughly in the maxim "there is no excellence without labor." His devotion to the duties of his profession, therefore, combined with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of the science of medicine, has made his a most successful and able practitioner, whose prominence is well deserved.
The Doctor was born in McDonough county, Illinois, March 25, 1852, a son of Joseph D. and Mary (Downs) Wear, natives, of Tennessee and Indiana, respectively. The grandfather, Hugh Wear, was born in Virginia and was a planter of that state prior to his removal to Knoxville, Tennessee. Later he became a resident of Illinois, where he took up government land, and in that state he died at the age of eighty-four years. The father of our subject, who was a farmer by occupation, also died in Illinois at the age of eighty-one. In his family were five sons, four of whom are still living.
Dr. Wear, acquired his literary education at Abingdon, Illinois, and for six years successfully engaged in teaching school in that state, being made principal of the Plymouth schools at the early age of twenty years. While thus employed he commenced the study of medicine and in 1876 entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1878. For four years he engaged in the practice of his chosen profession at Fandon, Illinois, and in the meantime took a post graduate course at Rush in 1880.
In 1882 Dr. Wear came to Fargo, North Dakota, where he has since made his home, enjoying a large and lucrative practice. In 1890 he went to Europe and visited the hospitals of London, Paris and Germany, remaining abroad three months, and in 1897, in company with Prof. Senn and Prof. George R. Fowler, of New York, visited Rome and Athens, the Constantinople military hospitals, Vienna, Buda Pest, Moscow, St. Petersburg and the hospitals of Stockholm and Christiania. In this way he has become familiar with the different methods of caring for suffering humanity in all countries and has adopted those customs and practices which he believes to be the best. This, together with the love he bears for his profession, has been the secret of his great success. For eight years, up to 1898, he was assisted in his work by Dr. Campbell, and in May, 1899, he took in as his assistant Dr. Wheeler, which connection still exists. Dr. Wear is a member of the American Medical Association, the North Dakota State Medical Society and an honorary member of the Minnesota State Medical Society. He is now serving as president of the North Dakota state medical board of examiners and is ex-president of the North Dakota State Medical Society, and devotes his entire time and attention to his professional duties.
Dr. Wear was married, in 1888, to Miss Lula Thomas, a daughter of Judge Thomas, who is represented elsewhere in this volume. Socially the Doctor is a thirty-second-degree Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias. Travel and his social, genial nature have made him an entertaining companion and he is a stanch and loyal friend, fond of good fellowship and devoted to those who have his confidence. It should be mentioned in this connection that Dr. Ware is local examining physician for the New York Life Insurance Company, Mutual Life of New York, Equitable Life of New York, Germania Life, Pennsylvania Mutual, Home, Northwestern Mutual of Milwaukee, Union Central of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Travelers Life. He is also surgeon for the Northern Pacific & Milwaukee Railroad, at Fargo, and also surgeon for Fargo hospital.
DANIEL WEBSTER, one of the first settlers of Webster township, is a gentleman who has labored unceasingly for the advancement and development of that region, and has gained a comfortable competence and an enviable reputation. His generous disposition and public spirit have never been called in question, and his name is associated with the higher interests of the community in which he has passed the last twenty years. He has a well improved farm, the development of which he has personally superintended, and has gained a knowledge of his calling which enables him to operate the same with marked success.
Our subject was born in Franklin county. Maine, March 4, 1854, and was a son of Samuel R. and Hannah J. (Masterman) Webster, also natives of Maine. His father was a farmer, and removed to Washington county, Minnesota, in 1856, where he now resides. He went to North Dakota in 1883 and homesteaded land in Traill county, where he resided six years, during which time the mother of our subject passed away, and the father afterward returned to Minnesota. Six sons and two daughters were born to them, three sons and one daughter now residing in North Dakota. The grandfather of our subject on the father's side was a native of Maine, and spent his career in that state.
Mr. Webster was reared in Minnesota and educated there, and in 1878 went to Cass county and entered a tree claim and pre-emption on section 30, in Webster township, which was among the first papers filed on land in the township. He began at once to break the prairie, and the first year broke three acres, and has followed farming there continuously since.
Our subject was married, February 19. 1884, to Lura Masterman, a native of Maine. Mrs. Webster's parents, Levi and Celestia (Doble) Masterman, were natives of Maine, and the father died there. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Webster, as follows: Clifton E., Margie B., Agnes L. and \'era J.; Gertrude and Guy H. are deceased. Mr. Webster assisted in the organization of his township and the township was named in honor of his services. He has filled some of the local offices, and is active in public affairs. He holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Modern Woodmen of America.
RALPH WEIR, a pioneer settler of Cass county, is one of the leading farmers of Dublin township, and has a fully improved farm in section 11. He has devoted his career to agricultural pursuits and is thorough, practical and industrious, and occupies a prominent position as a citizen of true worth.
Mr. Weir was born in County Grenville, Ontario, Canada, May 27, 1842, and was one of nine children, three sons and six daughters, born to George and Jane (Kennedy) Weir, both of whom were natives of Scotland. His parents emigrated to America in 1838 and passed their lives in Canada. His father was a railroad contractor and built some of the leading railroads of Canada.
Our subject was reared and educated in Canada and at Potsdam, New York, in the academy of that place, and in 1866 went to Northfield, Minnesota, but upon the death of his father, in the same year, he returned to Canada and followed farming there until 1877, when he went to Cass county, and purchased the land on which he now resides, paying $6 per acre for the land. He opened up the farm and was engaged in buying and shipping horses into North Dakota until 1886, when he removed the family to the new home and he has resided there continuously since. He now owns and operates one section of land, and has met with eminent success in his vocation.
Our subject was married in Canada, in 1866, to Harriet J. Shaver, a native of Canada and a sister of George H. Shaver, a pioneer settler of Cass county, North Dakota. Five children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Weir, named as follows: Harry M., Jane A., now Mrs. Charles Gibson; Arthur H., Ralph K. and Maggie S. The family are members of the Presbyterian church and are highly respected throughout that community. Mr. Weir is a man of intelligence and keeps pace with current events, and in political faith is independent. He has filled various township offices, including chairman of the board. He became a member of the Masonic fraternity while a resident of Canada, and is still associated with that order.
HENRY WESTis one of the leading farmers of Cass county and is the owner of one section of choice land. He was among the first settlers of Rich township and his farm, in section 30, is well improved in every particular and furnishes a comfortable home.
Our subject is a native of Lincolnshire, England, and was born April 29, 1854. His parents, Francis and Mariah (Stoddards) West, were natives of the same shire and passed their lives in England. Our subject had three brothers and three sisters and he is the only one of the family in North Dakota.
Mr. West was raised in England and remained there until 1872, when he emigrated to Canada and remained there eight years. He went to Cass county, North Dakota, in 1880, and entered a homestead claim to land in section 30. in Rich township, and was among the first to take up residence in that locality. He has added to his possessions as circumstances would permit and is now the fortunate possessor of one section of land, on which he has placed the usual improvements and is regarded as one of the solid men of Rich township.
Our subject was married, in 1878, to Mary J. Newton, a native of Canada. Mrs. West's father, George Newton, was a native of England, and her mother was born in Canada. Mr. and Mrs. West are the parents of five children, as follows: William F., Albert, George H., Charles and James, all of whom are living. Mr. West has actively participated in the affairs of his township and held various local offices and is an influential and enterprising citizen. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically, he is a Republican and is firm in his convictions.
 WILLIAM H. WHITE, the oldest continuous lumber merchant of North Dakota, is entitled to distinction as one of the most progressive and enterprising men of the state, and has for twenty-seven years been identified with the business interests of Fargo. upon the commercial activity of a community depends its prosperity and the men who are now recognized as leading citizens are those who are at the head of extensive business enterprises. Mr. White is a man of broad capabilities who carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes.
He was born in Whiting, Addison county, Vermont, July 31, 1851, a son of Lyman P. and Phebe (Keeler) White, also natives of the Green Mountain state. The paternal grandfather, Elijah White, was born in Massachusetts and served as a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary war, at the close of which conflict he removed to Vermont. For some time the father of our subject was general superintendent of the Rutland & Burlington road,, now the Vermont Central, and later was general fuel agent for the Northwestern Railroad Company, with office at Chicago, Illinois, for ten years. In 1869 he removed to Minnesota, and is now living in Brainard, that state, at the ripe old age of eighty-nine years. He had four sons, of whom three still survive.
The early life of William H. White was spent in Vermont and Wisconsin, and his education was completed at Lawrence University, Appleton. Wisconsin. At one time he was a resident of Chicago, where he was engaged in the lumber trade with his father, and in the fall of 1871 went to Brainard Minnesota, butt during the following spring removed to Moorehead, that state, where he was also engaged in the lumber business. He sold the lumber which built the first bridge over which civilization entered North Dakota, it being the Northern Pacific Railroad bridge across the Red river at Moorehead. In the fall of 1873 he opened a yard at Bismarck, North Dakota, but after conducting it one year returned to Moorehead, Minnesota, and in 1874 ran flatboats of lumber down the river, and it was in the fall of 1874 that Mr. White took up his residence m Fargo and has since given almost his entire time and attention to his extensive lumber trade, now owning and operating twenty-three lumber yards in the Red river valley. He is the oldest lumberman in years of continuous business in North Dakota and has been remarkably successful, being a man of sound judgment, keen discrimination and good business ability, as well as energetic, progressive and enterprising. For years he was a director of the First National Bank of Fargo.
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 20, 1876, Mr. White married Miss Anna M. Williams, a native of that city. They are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church and liberally support every enterprise for the public good. Mr. White is the first member of that denomination in this state and built the first Methodist church in the state at Fargo in 1874. He has also taken an active interest in educational work and was president of the board of trustees of the Methodist Episcopal University at Wahpeton, North Dakota. He is a thirty-second-degree Mason and a life-long Republican, but has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office, though he is ever willing to aid movements calculated to advance the interests of his adopted city and state.
JOSEPH H. WILCOX, one of the pioneer settlers of Ayr township, is widely known as an agriculturist of industrious habits and excellent character. He and his brother, William J. Wilcox, now deceased, located land in the early days of the settlement there and struggled together to make a comfortable home and a good income for future years, and the present thriving condition of their farms bears evidence of their successful efforts.
Our subject was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, February 2, 1854, and was a son of David and Charlotte (Bowser) Wilcox, who were natives of Lincolnshire, England. They were farmers by occupation and the father also operated a canal boat. The family came to the United States in 1849 and settled in Dodge county, Wisconsin, where the father purchased land and cleared up a farm, and still resides in that county. Five sons and one daughter were born to them, and the daughter and our subject are the only members of the family now in North Dakota.
Mr. Wilcox was reared in Dodge county, Wisconsin, and in 1879, in company with his brother, William J., notice of whom appears below, he went to Cass county. North Dakota, and entered claim to the southwest quarter of section 32, in Ayr township, as a homestead, and became one of the first settlers of the township. They began the improvements at once, and our subject now has one of the finest farms of that locality, and cultivates two quarter-sections.
Our subject was married, March 4, 1880, to Miss Minnie E. Mihlmier, a native of Dodge county, Wisconsin. Mrs. Wilcox is a daughter of John and Louise (Scroeder) Mihlmier, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1855 and settled in Dodge county, Wisconsin. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox, as follows: David J., Edith M., Byron J., Luella B., Charles E. and Ernest L. Mr. Wilcox assisted in the organization of his township and served on the board for many years, and was also chairman of the town board. He is a member of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and is popular with the people. Politically he is a Republican.
WILLIAM J. WILCOX, deceased, brother of Joseph Wilcox, was one of the early settlers of Ayr township, and was highly respected as a citizen and farmer.
Mr. Wilcox was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, January 2, 1856, and was raised in his native state, and in 1879 went to North Dakota with his brother and settled on the northwest quarter of section 32, in Ayr township, where he resided until his death.
Mr. Wilcox was married in Wisconsin, March 17, 1881, to Louise P. Mihlmier, a sister of Mrs. Joseph Wilcox. Our subject died March 20, 1894, leaving his wife and five children, as follows: Evelyn L., Ira William, Clara A., George H. and Chester A. Mr. Wilcox was prominent in local affairs and served as township treasurer and assessor. He held membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically he was a Republican and earnest in his convictions.
JAMES H. WILLS. Among the many prosperous farmers of Cass county, the gentleman above named, who owns a well improved estate in Walburg township, is entitled to a foremost rank. He was one of the first settlers of that locality and has always taken an active part in matters pertaining to the upbuilding and development of his community and is held in a high position by his associates.
Our subject was born in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, March 9, 1856, and was a son of Henry and Hannah (Tuffs) Wills. His parents came from Canada to Maine and the father was a farmer by occupation and became an early settler of Wisconsin, where they now reside. Our subject has two brothers and one sister.
Mr. Wills was reared and educated in Wisconsin and there learned the trade of wagon maker, which he followed until 1878 and then went to Cass county and entered a homestead claim and tree claim to land whereon he now resides in Walburg township. He has a full section of choice land, all of which has been brought to a high state of cultivation, and the improvements of the place make it a home of pleasant surroundings and the land furnishes a good income.
Our subject was married in Wisconsin, in 1877, to Miss Hannah Tuffs, a native of Wisconsin. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. wills, as follows: Clarence V., Wilmot H., Hattie M., Myrtle V., Floy E., Hamilton W.. Lila H. and Lloyd L., all of whom are living. Mr. Wills assisted in the organization of his township and is a man of recognized public spirit. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Knights of the Maccabees, and Mrs. Wills is a member of the Bee Hive of Chaffee.
CHARLES E. WILSON, the present well-known and popular sheriff of Cass County, North Dakota, is a native of Connecticut, his birth occurring in Hartford, May 14, 1860. His parents were Roswell and Rebecca (Teskey) Wilson, the former a native of Ireland, the latter of Connecticut. They spent the greater part of their lives in the Nutmeg state, but both died in Ontario, Canada. To them were born five children, three sons and two daughters, but our subject is the only one of the family living in North Dakota.
The early life of Charles E. Wilson was passed in Connecticut and Buffalo, New York, and at the age of thirteen years he became a resident of Chicago, Illinois, where he finished learning his trade, that of an upholsterer, which he followed there until coming to Fargo, North Dakota, in 1878. Here he was also interested in the furniture trade until 1887, when he became interested in a general business. He is a wide-awake, energetic business man and in his undertakings has met with well-deserved success.
In July, 1882, Mr. Wilson led to the marriage altar Miss Ida Seigne, who was born in Wisconsin, and they have become the parents of three daughters who are still living, namely: Addie M., Constance E. and Ellen M. Fraternally Mr. Wilson is identified with Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Since casting his first vote he has affiliated with the Republican party, and has done all in his power to advance its interests and has served on the County central committee. He was a member of the board of County commissioners from the second district of Cass County for six years, and for the same number of years was a member of the city council of Fargo. In 1896 he was elected sheriff and so ably and acceptably did he fill the office that he was re-elected in 1898 by an increased majority. A trust reposed in him has never been misplaced and he has the entire confidence and respect of his fellow citizens.
 HON. JOHN H. WORST. Faithfulness to duty and strict adherence to a fixed purpose in life will do more to advance a man's interests than wealth or adventitious circumstances. The successful men of the day are those who have planned their own advancement and have accomplished it in spite of many obstacles and with a certainty that could have been attained only through their own efforts. This class has a worthy representative in John H. Worst, ex-lieutenant-governor of North Dakota, and president of the Agricultural College at Fargo. A portrait of President Worst is presented on another page.
He was born in Ashland County, Ohio. December 23. 1850. and is a son of George and Margaret (Martin) Worst, natives of Ohio and Pennsylvania, respectively. The father, who was a farmer by occupation spent his entire life in the Buckeye state, where two of his sons still reside. The paternal grand-father of our subject, Henry Worst, was a native of Berks County. Pennsylvania, and a pioneer of Ohio, where he continued to make his home until called from this life.
The early education of our subject was acquired in the public schools of Wayne County, Ohio, and was supplemented by a course at Smithville Academy. Ohio, at Salem College, Indiana, and Ashland University. In his native state he taught school and engaged in farming for ten years, and during the following four years edited the "Fairfield County Republican." of Fairfield. Lancaster County. Ohio, In September, 1883. he came to Bismarck, North Dakota, and the following year brought his family to this state, locating on land in Emmons County. When the County was organized in 1883 he was appointed County superintendent of schools, and served as such for six years. In 1889 he was elected the first senator from the twenty-sixth district, comprising the counties of Emmons, Kidder, Logan and Mcintosh, and filled that office for five years with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. At the end of that time, in 1894, he was elected lieutenant-governor on the ticket with Roger Allen, as chief executive, and served his fellow citizens in that capacity for two years, during which time he was appointed president of the Agricultural College at Fargo. He has most capably filled that office ever since, and in connection with his son Clayton is engaged in cattle raising.
Mr. Worst was married, in 1872, to Miss Susan Wohlganuth, also a native of Ohio, and three children bless their union: Olive J., Clayton L. and Lloyd W. During our recent war with Spain the elder son served as sergeant of Troop G, Third United States Volunteer Cavalry. Mr. Worst has been a life-long Republican, and has canvassed the state in the interests of his party during every campaign. He is a Scottish Rite Mason, wise master of Rose Croix; prelate of the commandery, and past chancellor commander of the Knights of Pythias. He is one of the best known and most highly esteemed men of the state, and his popularity is well deserved, as he has always done all in his power to advance its interests and promote general prosperity.
 LUTHER WYCKOFF. An honorable position among the farmers of Walburg township, Cass county, is willingly accorded to this gentleman by his associates. He is a pioneer settler of that region and occupies one of the well developed farms of the county, and has been a conspicuous figure in the development and extension of the great agricultural interests of that part of the county.
Our subject was born in Lansing, Tompkins county. New York, in 1821, and was a son of Joseph and Ella (Gibbs) Wyckoff. He was reared and educated in his native state and also New York. He moved to Minnesota in 1857 and followed general merchandising there and also lumbering to some extent. He resided in Minnesota until 1878, in which year he emigrated in a covered wagon to the Dakota territory and became a resident of Cass county, North Dakota, settling in Walburg township. He homesteaded the southwest quarter of section 4, and also entered a tree claim to the northeast quarter of section 8, and has resided in Walburg township since that date.
Our subject was married February 22, 1844, in Pennsylvania, to Mary Scott, a native of that state. Seven children, four of whom are living, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wyckoff, as follows: John; Anna, now Mrs. T. W. Page; Milton K.; and James H., all of whom reside in North Dakota, with the exception of one son. Mr. Wyckoff served as assessor of Cass county two terms and also as a member of the town board. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and in political sentiment is a Republican. Mrs. Wyckoff died in North Dakota August 15, 1898. A portrait of Mr. Wyckoff appears on another page.
MILTON K. WYCKOFFwas born in Pennsylvania December 22, 1854, and went west with his father and to Dakota with him. He settled on the southeast quarter of section 4 in Walburg township, Cass county, where he has since resided and is one of the prosperous farmers of his community. Mr. Wyckoff was married, in Minnesota, in 1880, to Miss Mary Combs, a native of Minnesota. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wyckoff, as follows: Mable M., Carrie E. and Walter W. Mr. Wyckoff is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Knights of the Maccabees. He is a Republican in political faith, but does not seek public preferment, and is highly esteemed.
JUDGE NEWTON C. YOUNG is a prominent and successful lawyer who is now serving as associate judge, and is the youngest jurist ever on the supreme bench in North Dakota. On his admission to the bar he located in Bathgate, this state, and it was not long before his abilities became widely recognized and he built up an excellent practice, which he continued to enjoy until appointed to his present responsible position. He is now living in Fargo.
Judge Young was born in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa,. January 28, 1862, and is a son of Charles S. and Joanna E. (Williams) Young, both natives of Ohio, the father, who has followed farming throughout life, removed from Fulton county, Ohio, to Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1849, and is now a resident of Fremont county, Iowa. The grandfather, William Young, was a native of Belfast, Ireland, and emigrated to America in 1810, locating in Pennsylvania. He, too, was a farmer.
During his boyhood and youth Judge Young was provided with excellent educational advantages. After attending the schools of Tabor, Iowa, he entered the Iowa City Academy from which he was graduated in 1882. He graduated from the Iowa State University in 1886, and from the law department of that institution in 1887. In June of that latter year, he opened an office in Bathgate, North Dakota, where was actively engaged in practice until appointed to fill the unexpired term of Judge G. C. Corless, on the supreme bench in 1898. This appointment was followed by his election in November, 1898, for a full term. Prior to this time he had filled some local positions, and was state's attorney of Pembina county from 1892 until 1896.
In 1887 Judge Young married Miss Ida B. Clarke, a native of Iowa City, and also a graduate of the State University located at that place. Her parents were Charles F, and Julia B. Clarke. He and his wife have three children: Laura B., Horace C. and Dorothea P.
Fraternally the Judge is a member of the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically he is an ardent Republican and has served on the county and state committees. He is a genial, courteous gentleman, a pleasant, entertaining companion, and has many stanch and admiring friends among all classes. As an energetic, upright and conscientious lawyer and a gentleman of attractive social qualities, he stands high in the esteem of all who know him.
THE CASS COUNTY STATE BANK of Casselton, Cass County, North Dakota, was organized March 1, 1891, with an authorized capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. The following officers were chosen: President. E. H. Paine; vice-president. Wallace Grosvenor; cashier, A. H. Paine, and directors, Wallace Grosvenor, R. M. Pollock, J. H. Gale, E. H. Paine, and A. H. Paine. At the end of the first year Mr. E. H. Paine was succeeded by John C. Hunter, as president, and W C, Macfadden was chosen cashier. Mr. Hunter continued as president two years, and Mr. Macfadden the same length of time as cashier, when Robert Riddell, now of Minneapolis, was appointed president, and N. M. Young, cashier. Mr. Grosvenor has continued as vice-president throughout the life of the institution. The present board of directors is R. Riddell, N. K. Hubbard, L. C. Hornell, W. Grosvenor and N. M. Young.
NICHOLAS M. YOUNG, the active manager of the above institution, is a native of Canada, and was born in Ontario, February 6, 1860. He was a son of Richard and Jane (Eaton) Young. both natives of Canada, and his father was a lumberman and passed his life there.
Mr. Young was reared and educated in Canada, attending the Clinton Collegiate Institute of Clinton, Ontario, he then taught school three years, and in 1881 went to North Dakota, and located at Drayton, and remained there and at Pembina and Grafton for some time in the newspaper business. He was associated with Frank M. Winship, in publishing the "Walsh County News," and was manager of the "Pembina Pioneer Express" two years. He removed to Fargo in 1884, and began the study of law with Boyesen & Phelps, and completed the course with S. B. Bartlett, of Casselton. He was admitted to the bar in 1887, and then spent two years with R. M. Pollock in the practice of his profession. He went to West Superior. Wisconsin, in 1890, and engaged in the real estate and loan business three years, and then located in Casselton in since which time he has resided there.
Our subject was married in 189o to Ellen L. Davis, a native of Vermont. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Young, who bears the name of Lucien F. Mr. Young is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has passed the degrees of the Commandcry. Knights Templar and Mystic Shrine. He is a Republican in political sentiment, but does not enter actively into party matters, lending his influence for good local government, lie is a gentleman of excellent business capabilities, and progressive, and the institution whose affairs he conducts is under careful and approved business methods, and he is highly respected as a business man and citizen.
The information on Trails to the
Past © Copyright may be used in personal family history research, with source citation. The pages in entirety may not be duplicated for publication in any fashion without the permission of the owner. Commercial use of any material on this site is not permitted. Please respect the wishes of those who have contributed their time and efforts to make this free site possible.~Thank you!
|
