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GEORGE B. FARNHAM, proprietor of one of the excellent farms of Webster township, resides near Arthur, and is one of the early settlers of that locality. He is intelligent and progressive, and has gained an assured position in the community in which he resides, and is widely known as a gentleman of true citizenship.
Our subject was born in Wisconsin, November 30, 1854, and was a son of Jonathan E. and Rachel (McDermont) Farnham, natives respectively of New York and Nova Scotia. His father was a farmer and cabinet maker, and followed his trade in New York and Canada until 1850, when he went to Wisconsin and in 1857 to Minnesota, where he followed farming until his death in 1889. The mother of our subject died in 1882. Eight sons and two daughters were born to them, two sons and one daughter now residing in North Dakota.
Our subject was reared in Minnesota, and there received his education and later taught school there for ten years. He went to North Dakota in 1879, and was one of the first teachers of the state. He settled south of New Buffalo on land which he entered as a homestead, and in 1884 moved to his present location, and is now the fortunate owner of a well-improved tract and enjoys the comforts of rural life.
Our subject was married, in 1887, to Miss Edith E. Burgum, a native of England, who came to America when a child. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Farnham, as follows: Albert T., Mabel R., Myrtle E., Harry B., Marjorie L., Hiram H. and Edith. The last named two are twins. Mr. Farnham is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically, he is a Democrat, and is strong in his convictions. He has served in various local offices, and is held in high esteem by all with whom he is associated.
JOHN D. FARRAND, a prominent member of the legal fraternity of Cass county, is a man of excellent education and business training, and has gained an assured position as a professional and business man. He is attorney and secretary for the Fargo Loan Agency of Fargo, and has been a resident of that city for the past fourteen years.
Mr. Farrand was born at Phillipsburg, Warren county, New Jersey, and was educated in the public schools of that state and afterward entered the Lawrence high school, where he took a preparatory course for Princeton College . He abandoned the college course to take up the study of law in the office of J. N. Voorhis, of Flemington, Hunterdon county. New Jersey , and studied with Mr. Voorhis four years, and was admitted to practice by the supreme court at the February term in 1882. He remained with his preceptor until the fall of 1883, when he went to North Dakota, then a territory, for a trip, expecting to return in a few weeks, but he was so favorably impressed with the new country that he decided to remain, and was admitted to the bar of the territory and located at Sanborn, Barnes county, in the practice of his profession. He met with good success and remained there until June. 1886, when he went to Fargo, and became associated with the Fargo Loan Agency of that place, with which company he has since been identified as secretary and attorney, and is one of the well and favorably known men of the city.
HENRY G. FISH, M. D. This gentleman enjoys the distinction of being one of the oldest resident physicians and surgeons of North Dakota, and he has endeared himself to the people of that state, and especially the citizens of Cass county, as his labors have been in that locality for the past twenty-one years, his home being at Wheatland. He is thorough, painstaking and conscientious and enjoys a large practice.
Our subject was born in Somerville, New Jersey, June 3, 1850, and was a son of Henry C. and Clara (Jones) Fish, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Massachusetts. His father was a Baptist minister, and was pastor of the First Baptist church of Newark, New Jersey, twenty-six years. He died in 1877. The grandfather of our subject, Rev. Mr. Fish, was also a Baptist minister of Halifax, Vermont, and died at the age of ninety-three years. He was a prominent temperance worker of that state.
Our subject has one brother, Fred S., a leading attorney of South Bend, Indiana, and he is chief counsel for the Studebaker wagon works. He also has a sister, a resident of Newark, New Jersey. Henry G. Fish was reared and educated in Newark, and graduated from the military academy and the high school of Newark, New Jersey. He was engaged in business in New York City from 1867-72 with S. S. Slater & Sons, cloth manufacturers, and operated a branch store at Philadelphia.
He began the study of medicine in 1874, and the following year entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New York, graduating from that institution in 1877, and began the practice of his profession in Newark, New Jersey, where he continued two years, and in 1879 went to Wheatland, Cass county, North Dakota, where he at once established himself in practice, and has followed the same there continuously since. He has met with phenomenal success in general practice, and was surgeon for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company for thirteen years, and is associated with Dr. M. L. Shanks in the hospital of Casselton. He was coroner of Cass county for ten years. He is a member of the Cass County Medical Society, and organized the old Red River Valley Association in 1879 or 1880.
Mr. Fish is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Ancient Order of United Workmen and Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He was one of the organizers of Wheatland township, in 1879, and was the chairman of the first board of supervisors. He was major and surgeon of the Third United States Volunteer Cavalry, known as Grigsby's Rough Riders, and was at Chattanooga for the season of 1898 in the Hispano-American war, and resigned in August on account of ill health. Politically Mr. Fish is a Republican, and has served as a delegate to many conventions of his party and has been a member of the county central committee.
EDWIN FOLSOM, M. D., is a prominent and successful physician and surgeon of Fargo, North Dakota, who has been engaged in practice there since October, 1881, and is now the oldest representative of the homeopathic school in the city and state. He has made a careful study of his profession and has been remarkably successful in practice.
The Doctor was born in Somerset county, Maine, September 30, 1841, and is a son of Peter and Vira (Niles) Folsom, natives of New Hampshire and Vermont, respectively. The mother was a sister of Bishop William Niles, of New Hampshire, and Judge Niles, of the United States supreme bench in Mississippi. The Doctor's father, who was a merchant, died in Maine. He had two sons, the older of whom is now living in Illinois, at the age of eighty-two years.
In his native state Dr. Folsom grew to manhood. He attended the Somerset Academy at Athens, Maine, from which he was graduated in 1857, and the following year commenced the study of medicine at Hopkinsville. Kentucky. In 1859 he entered the Rush Medical College, Chicago, but before completing the course he laid aside his textbooks, in 1861, to enter the army, for the war of the Rebellion had already begun. He was commissioned second lieutenant of a company in the Second Maine Regiment, but was later transferred with the same rank to Company F, Twentieth Maine
Volunteer Infantry. He resigned in October, 1862, to accept the position as captain and acting assistant inspector general. The following December he was transferred to the navy and reported at the navy yard at Mound City, Illinois, but in August, 1863, he again became a member of the land forces and was with the Army of the Potomac until March 4, 1865, when he resigned his commission and returned home. He participated in thirteen different engagements, including the second battle of Bull Run, the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Cape Girardeau. At one time he was slightly wounded.
After a short time spent in Maine, Dr. Folsom again came West, and this time located in Bloomington, Illinois, where he was engaged in the practice of his chosen profession from 1867 until 1872. He then gave up practice for two years and returned to his old home in Maine. In 1875 he entered the Boston University School of Medicine, and after graduating from that institution in 1877, he was appointed surgeon of the coast of Maine by the treasury department, which position he most creditably and satisfactorily filled for four years and a half. In October, 1881, he came to Fargo, North Dakota, and has since been engaged in successful practice at this place, his practice being both large and lucrative. Socially he is a member of the Masonic order and the Grand Army of the Republic.-Genial and affable in manner, he makes many friends, and has the happy faculty of being able to retain them.
In 1863 the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Mary Whittier, who died in 1869, leaving one son, Edwin W., who is now engaged in the grain business in Minneapolis. For his second wife Dr. Folsom married Mrs. Josephine Miller, nee Lawrence, in 1871. Mrs. Josephine Folsom organized the Woman's Relief Corps, Department of North Dakota, in 1890, and was made the first president, which office she filled for two terms, from 1890 to 1892, inclusive. She takes great interest in the organization, giving much of her time to the work of the society.
DENNIS FORD, deceased. In the death of Dennis Ford, of Gill township, Cass county lost a worthy citizen and excellent farmer, as well as one of the early settlers of the county. He had fully improved his estate and was highly esteemed where he had lived for some years.
Mr. Ford was born in county Gary. Ireland, June 18, 1830, and was a son of Patrick and Katherine (Casey) Ford. His parents were natives of Ireland and came to America about 1849 and settled in Canada, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Our subject was reared in Ireland and came with his parents to Canada and later entered land in Canada and followed farming there until 1878. March 17, of that year, he entered claim to a quarter of section 12 as a homestead and began at once to make a home there. He later entered claim to land as a tree claim in the same township and at the time of his death was the owner of one and a quarter sections of land.
Our subject was married, in Canada, in 1853, to Bridget King, a native of Ireland Eleven children, nine of whom are still living, were born to Air. and Mrs. Ford, as follows: Catherine, John, Thomas, Julia, Michael, Annia, Morgan J., Maggie and Edward. Mr. Ford died November 16, 1887, mourned by a large circle of friends. Mrs. Ford survives and is now residing on the home farm. Mr. Ford was a member of the Catholic church and assisted in the erection of the first church in Casselton. He was active in public affairs and served as township assessor. Four sons of Mr. and Mrs. Ford now reside in Cass county. John, who was born in Canada, January 7, 1855, went to North Dakota in 1880 and homesteaded the land on which he now lives. He is the owner of four hundred acres of land and is a prosperous farmer. He was married, in 1887, to Margaret McKinnon, a native of Canada. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ford, as follows: Dennis, Florence A. and William J.
Michael Ford was born in Canada in 1863 and went to Cass county, North Dakota, in 1879, where he entered claim to land as a homestead and has since resided. He was married, in 1893, to Catherine Primeville, a native of Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Ford are the parents of the following children: Pauline, Dennis E. and Mary E. Morgan J. Ford was born in Canada and went to Cass county, North Dakota, in 1879, and resided with his father. He is still a resident of the county, but remains unmarried. Maggie, now Mrs. Alex McKinnon, resides in Cass county and the youngest son, Edward E. Ford, lives on the homestead farm with the mother.
GEORGE I. FOSTER, the first clerk of the court of Cass County, North Dakota, and an honored pioneer of this state, who is now engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Fargo, was born in Hillsdale, Columbia County, New York, December 29. 1837, a son of Albert and Clarissa M. (Maxson) Foster, natives of Connecticut. Both died in New York. By occupation the father was a farmer.
Our subject was reared in the Empire state, and after attending its common schools for some time became a student in Homer Academy. On leaving there in August, 1861, he joined the boys in blue to assist in crushing the rebellion, enlisting in Company D, Seventy-sixth New York Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He participated in the second battle of Bull Run. and the engagements at Gainesville, South Mountain and Antietam, but was never wounded. On account of disability, however, he was mustered out in December, 1862, as second lieutenant of his company.
Mr. Foster remained in New York until 1864, when he came to Yankton, South Dakota, and took up land. For some time he was employed in the Office of the surveyor-general at that place and also served as deputy United States marshal and was clerk of the territorial legislature from 1864 until 1874. He continued his residence in Yankton until 1871, when he went to Pembina, Pembina County. North Dakota, as clerk of the third district court, having been appointed to that office at Yankton in 1869. Subsequently he returned to New York, but in February, 1872, again came to this state, and this time took up his residence in Fargo, where he has since continued to make his home. He served as clerk of the court until 1883. thirteen years in all, and has taken a very prominent and active part in the development and up building of Cass County. He was appointed clerk of the supreme court in 1870 and served in that capacity for five years, and has also filled several city offices of honor and trust. In 1870 he became interested in the insurance business and since his retirement from office has given his entire attention to that and the real estate business, meeting with good success in both branches.
In Illinois, Mr. Foster was married, in 1873. to Miss Phila Smith, a native of Ohio, and to them have been born two children. The older, Charles S., is now second lieutenant in the Ninth United States Infantry, and is with the army in the Philippine Islands, having participated in all of the important battles of the Spanish-American war. Clara is the only daughter. Mr. Foster is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and its principles, and as a member of the County central committee has done much to advance its interests. Since 1863 he has been a Mason and is also an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is widely known and highly respected, and on the roll of North Dakota's honored pioneers his name should be among the foremost.
JOSIAH FLATT, one of the early settlers of Cass county, resides on section 28, in Kinyon township, and is well known and highly respected in his community.
Our subject was born in the county of Norfolk, England, October 7, 1832, and when about sixteen years of age emigrated to America and settled in Simcoe county, Ontario, where he remained till 1878. In the spring of that year he went to North Dakota, and for several years made his home in Fargo, while he was engaged in farming in that vicinity. He purchased four hundred and eighty acres of land on section 28 in Kinyon township, in the summer of 1886, and has resided thereon since that time. He has made valuable improvements to his property, and has met with success in the pursuit of agriculture.
Our subject was married to his second wife in Simcoe county, Ontario, March 25, 1875, to Miss Tamar Whitley, who was born in Simcoe county, February 14, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Flatt are the parents of nine living children, as follows: Thomas G., Josiah, Jr., Emogene, Charlotte, Eugene, Wesley, Walter, Earl and May. Four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Flatt died in infancy or childhood, as follows: Hannah, Eugene, Pearl and an infant unnamed. Mr. Flatt is a prominent citizen and active in social and religious affairs of his community and enjoys the respect and esteem of the people among whom he has resided for many years.
JOEL FRANKLINis one of the old settlers of Dows township, Cass county, and is well known and highly esteemed as a farmer and citizen. He has a pleasant farm, well improved, and has gathered around him the comforts of country life by his own efforts.
Our subject was born in St. Lawrence county, New York. August 27. 1844. His parents, Abel, Jr., and Jane A. (Pickett) Franklin, were natives respectively of Massachusetts and New York, and his father was a farmer by occupation, and moved to New York when a young man. and in 1862 went to Wisconsin, and located in Walworth county. He removed later to Olmstead county, Minnesota, where he died in 1894. The mother survives, and is now living in South Dakota. The grandfather of our subject, Abel Franklin, was a native of Massachusetts, and moved to St. Lawrence county, New York, where his death occurred. Our subject has one brother and one sister living, but is the only member of the family in North Dakota.
Mr. Franklin was reared and educated in New York, and moved with his parents to Wisconsin in 1862. He enlisted in the Second Wisconsin Cavalry in August, 1864, and served eleven months. He was with the western army, and served in Tennessee, Mississippi and Missouri, and was discharged from the service in July, 1865. He then returned to Wisconsin, and later went to New York, and from there to Minnesota, and then returned to Wisconsin. He went to Cass county. North Dakota, in 1880, and entered a homestead claim on section 32, in Dows township, and was among the first settlers of the township. He now owns three quarter-sections of land, which he cultivates profitably and gains a good income from his farm.
Our subject was married in New York, in 1872, to Esther A. Abbott, a native of Jeflferson county. New York. Mrs. Franklin's parents, Nelson and Sally (Bideman) Abbott, were residents of Vermont. Mr. Franklin assisted in the organization of his township, and has served as assessor, justice of the peace, and a member of the school board. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, of Hunter, and in political sentiment is a Republican, and is a member of the Cass county central committee.
 FRANK E. FRIEis classed among the most energetic and capable farmers of Page township, Cass county. His career has been marked throughout by persistent efforts to advance the interests of the community in which he resides as well as his personal interests and he has been rewarded by the accumulation of a fine estate and the highest esteem of his associates. He was one of the early settlers of Page township and is now the owner of a well-improved and valuable farm.
Our subject was born in Kalamazoo county, Michigan, October 19. 1857. and was a son of John and Mary (Myres) Frie, both of whom were natives of Germany. The parents emigrated from Germany to America and settled in Michigan, where the mother died and the father now resides and follows farming. They had seven sons, five of whom farming. They had seven sons, five of whom are now living, but our subject is the only member of the family in North Dakota.
Mr. Frie was reared and educated in Michigan and followed farming there until 1882, when he entered a homestead claim in section 18, of Page township, where he has since resided. He has added to his possessions and is now the owner of a section and a half of choice land, which is made to yield abundantly and provides a comfortable competence.
Our subject was married, in Cass county, North Dakota, in 1889, to Myrtie Buck, a native of Illinois. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Frie, named as follows: Ethel B., George and Walter J. Mr. Frie is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and in political sentiment is independent. He takes an active interest in the affairs of his township and has held various local offices. He is widely known as an enterprising agriculturist and worthy citizen and well merits his high standing. A group portrait of our subject and his family appears above.
WILLIAM H. FURLONG. Probably no mark has been more intimately connected with the farming interests of Cass county than the gentleman whose name heads our present article. He is a resident of section 4, in Rochester township, and conducts a farm of four hundred acres. He has all improvements and good buildings and is regarded as one of the solid men of his community and a citizen who commands the respect of his fellowmen.
Our subject was born at Delphi, Onondaga county. New York, October 27, 1859. His parents, James and Martha Furlong. were natives of Canada, and his father was a wagon-maker by trade and later engaged in farming. He went to New York about 1852, and during the Civil war enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-ninth New York Volunteer Infantry, and served in Virginia, and was discharged from the service for disability. He died in New York, in August, 1899. and the mother survives him. They were the parents of two sons and three daughters. One son is in New York, and one daughter is deceased.
Mr. Furlong was reared in New York and educated there and remained in the state until 1885 and followed farming. In that year he went to Cass county, North Dakota, and entered a homestead claim to land in section 4, of Rochester township, where he has since resided. He has added to his possessions as circumstances would permit and is now the fortunate owner of four hundred acres of choice land which furnishes a good income.
Our subject was married in Grafton, North to Margaret Vogelgsang. Mrs. Furlong was born at Fulton . New York , and was a daughter of Frederick and Margaret (Ader) Vogelgsang. Her father was a soldier in the Civil war, served in Company D. One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment, volunteer Infantry, and is now deceased. The mother resides in California . Mr. and Mrs. Furlong are the parents of five children, as follows: Bessie P., May M., Beecher J., Lucy V., and Lena G. Mr. Furlong is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Modern Woodmen of America, and in politics is a Democrat. He has filled various local offices, including town clerk, assessor, and school clerk. and is known throughout that locality as a worthy citizen.
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