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Compendium of History and Biography
of North Dakota
Published by George A. Ogle & CO. in 1900
PEDER O. AAFEDT. Prominent among the agriculturists who have made farming a success in Grand Forks county, may be mentioned Mr. Aafedt, whose comfortable home is located on section 6, Inkster township. He was a pioneer farmer of the northwestern portion of the county, and has been successful.
Mr. Aafedt was born on the farm Aafedt, in Fedeosdalen, Bergenstift, Norway, April 26, 1845. He was the eldest of three sons born to Ole and Sarah (Sigri) Aafedt, and when he was twenty-one years of age he came to America, and located in Winnishiek county, Iowa, where he was employed at farm work about three years. He then came to Dickinson county, in that state, and in 1881 came to Dakota, bringing with him twenty-five head of cattle and three head of horses. After a two days stop at Minto he proceeded to Forest river, and located between the north and south forks of that stream. Money was scarce, and he was compelled to rely wholly upon his stock for a living. It was the third year before he succeeded in raising a crop. He erected a log house, 16x24 feet, and proceeded to improve his property. The old house still serves him as a home. He took up but one quarter-section from the government, having purchased the remainder of his holdings, and he is now the owner of nine hundred and sixty acres of excellent lands in Grand Forks and Walsh counties. He has a good barn, 36x64 feet, and other convenient and necessary outbuildings, and has enhanced the value of his farm by modern improvements and good machinery.
Mr. Aafedt was married, in 1871, to Miss Gertrude Skatteboe, and to this union ten children were born, as follows: Sarah, Ole, Celia, Leonard, Charles, Mary, Julia, Peder, Emma and Henry. Mrs. Aafedt died in 1893. She was a native of Norway, and as a wife and mother lived a model life. Her faithful assistance to her husband in the pioneer days in Grand Forks county is worthy the heroic women of her native land. She shared the hardships incident to pioneer life without a complaint, and ably seconded the efforts of her husband in the establishment of their home. She was loved, anti her loss was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Mr. Aafedt is a Republican in political views, and has taken a commendable interest in local political matters. He has for two years been a member of the board of supervisors. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and is a model citizen and a valued member of the community.
 ABNER ABBEY. Among the pioneers of North Dakota the subject of this article deserves mention in any work purporting to be a history of the progress and development of the state, and especially of Grand Forks county. He became one of the first settlers of Gilby township, on section 24, in 1880. In 1889 he removed to section 27, where he has resided continuously since.
Mr. Abbey was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, August 10, 1849. His parents were Abner and Mary (Nugent) Abbey, the former being a Pennsylvanian by birth, and the latter a native of the north of Ireland. The father moved to Canada, where he spent the last years of his life. Five sons and two daughters were born of this union, of whom four sons and one daughter are now living, their various places of residence being Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska and North Dakota. Four sons served in Wisconsin and Minnesota regiments during the Civil war. one son dying at Mobile from sickness contracted from exposure.
Abner Abbey was reared and educated in Canada, and in 1870 removed to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, and resided for two years in that state. He then visited Montana and spent some time in the southern states. Finally, in 1880. he came to Grand Forks county. North Dakota, and during the same year filed a pre-emption claim to a portion of section 24, Gilby township. He has made many and valuable improvements on section 27, and is now the owner of one and a half sections of the best and most valuable lands in the county. His buildings are of the most modern and convenient pattern, and his home is one of the most comfortable and commodious of farm properties in North Dakota.
Mr. Abbey was married, in 1884, in Grand Forks, to Miss Emma Gilby. Mrs. Abbey is a native of England, her parents, John and Alisemon (Strow) Gilby, having emigrated from that country to Canada in 1853. They had three sons and one daughter, Mrs. Abbey. Two of the sons, James and George, settled m Grand Forks county in 1879, in the township that has been named for them. Mr. and Mrs. Abbey have two children, Alisemon E. and Charles G., both of whom are living.
In political faith Mr. Abbey is a Republican. He has been active. in public affairs of a local nature and has filled various local offices. He assisted in the organization of the township of Gilby, and has been an influential citizen since the settlement of the county. He has been prosperous and successful, gaining his present valuable holdings by industry and good business judgment, as he came to North Dakota with nothing and began at the bottom.
ABRAHAM ABRAHAMSEN. ex-county treasurer of Grand Forks county, is one of the prominent merchants of Grand Forks, and is well known and highly respected for his energy and integrity.
Our subject was born in Norway, in June, 1853, and is a son of Nels and Lena Abrahamsen, both of whom were natives of Norway. The mother died in her native land in 1859 and the father and family came to America and located near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and later moved to Racine county, Wisconsin. The father died in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 1894.
Mr. Abrahamsen was reared in Wisconsin and remained at home until sixteen years of age, and in 1879 went to North Dakota and located in Traill county, where he entered claim to land and engaged in farming. In June of the same year he went to Grand Forks and purchased a stock of general merchandise and still conducts that business with remarkable success. He was elected county treasurer in 1886 and served eight years, his efficient work and faithfulness commending him to all.
Our subject was married, in 1881, to Bendika Amanson, a native of Norway. One son and two daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Abrahamsen. Our subject is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has gradually built up an extensive business in North Dakota and enjoys well-earned success. He is a Republican in political sentiment, and is a man of broad ideas and firm in his convictions. He has a wide knowledge of men and the world and there is no foreign-born citizen of North Dakota who labors more earnestly or has a greater appreciation of the freedom of his adopted land than our subject.
FRANK L. ALGUIRE, one of the early settlers of Rye township, Grand Forks county, is a native of Leeds county, Ontario, Canada, and was born November 19, 1860. His parents, Stirling and Eliza (Phillips) Alguire, were both natives of Canada, the Alguire family being among the pioneers of that region. The father was a farmer, and came to Dakota in 1881 and entered the land where our subject now resides. He died in this county in 1885. The mother died in Canada in 1881.
Mr. Alguire was reared to manhood in Canada, remaining there until 1882, when he came to Grand Forks county, where he has since resided. He has developed a good farm from the wild prairie, and now owns three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, well improved, and' its value enhanced by many conveniences, good buildings, etc.
Mr. Alguire was married in 1893 to Addie Molton, also a native of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Alguire have three children, namely: Evert, Mabel and Mildred, all and Mrs. Alguire have three children, namely: Evert, Mabel and Mildred, all living. Mr. Alguire is a member of the M W. A. and is popular in his community. He has assessed his township during the past eight years. He has a pleasant and comfortable home, and enjoys the esteem and good will of all who know him.
WILLIAM J. ANDERSON. ex-receiver of United Slates land office, of Grand Forks, is now engaged in the practice of law in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and is one of the able and well-known attorneys of the state. He is a native of Canada and was horn in Elgin county. May 20, 1854.
The parents of our subject, William and Jane (Plowman) Anderson, were both natives of Canada and the father was a shoe dealer and maker and died in Ontario.
Our subject is the only son and was reared and educated in Le Sueur county, Minnesota, going there with his mother, and in 1862, on account of tlie Indian troubles in Minnesota, they removed to St. Paul, where Mr. Anderson attended the public schools. He followed various callings until 1875. when he came to Grand Forks, North Dakota, as agent for the Red River Transportation Company and the following year was elected justice of the peace and continued with the transportation company until 1879 and the following year was appointed receiver of the land office. He opened the office April 20, 1880, and worked in that capacity eight years and then began the study of law and was admitted to the bar about 1887. He was elected county auditor in 1888 and served four years and was an efficient and popular public official. He was elected mayor of Grand Forks in 1890, and served two years and he always proved himself worthy the confidence placed in him by the people. He has a good business in the practice of his profession and his integrity and knowledge of his calling entitle him to a high station as a professional man and citizen.
Our subject was married, in 1879, to Josephine Russell, a native of Wisconsin. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, named Raymond G. and Virginia E. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar, and he also holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, of which order he is deputy grand chancellor. Politically, he is a Republican and has been identified with the movements of that party during his entire career. He has been president of the Old Settlers' Association of the Red river valley, and is one of the best known citizens of the state.
ANTHONY ANSTETT. one of the pioneer settlers of Harvey township. Grand Forks county, is a gentleman in whom the community find honest industry and energetic character. He is of foreign birth, but has become thoroughly identified with American progress and has the interests of his adopted land at heart. His residence is in section 7, of Harvey township.
Our subject was born in Alsace Loraine, Germany, September 5, 1835. and was a son of Francis and Theresa ( Roethel) Anstett. His parents were natives of Alsace Loraine, and emigrated to America in 1842 and located at Buffalo, New York, where they resided one year and then moved to Canada, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Seven sons and six daughters were born to this worthy couple, of whom two brothers of our subject now reside in Minnesota and Michigan, two remain in Canada and the others of the family are deceased. The father was a mechanic by trade.
Mr. Anstett was reared and educated in Canada and followed the profession of teaching there thirteen years. He went to Grand Forks, North
Dakota, in 1879 and the following spring settled on the homestead farm, on which he now resides. He was among the first settlers of that region and endured many pioneer experiences and hardships before he reached the turning point toward success. He now has three hundred and twenty acres of land, all of which is highly improved, and on his home farm has erected a complete set of substantial and comfortable buildings and conducts the farm in the most approved manner.
Our subject was married, in Canada , to Elizabeth Batte. Mrs. Anstett is a native of Canada , and was of French-German parentage. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Anstett, who are as follows: Cecelia (deceased ). Brigit, Mary Ann (deceased). John B., Annie, Frank A., Regina , Mary T., Joseph H.. Albert L., George W.. Fredrick A. and Ellen E. The family are members of the Catholic church and are respected and esteemed in their community. Mr. Anstett has served as assessor and clerk of the township since 1887 and is now also school treasurer and is widely known in public matters. He is identified with the Democratic party politically and is firm in his convictions.
HON. HORACE F. ARNOLD, is the owner and manager of the well known farm that bears his name, one and a half miles west of Larimore, Grand Forks county, and is one of the most widely known business men of North Dakota. He owns two thousand two hundred acres of fertile land, and tills it with all modern methods and appliances.
Mr. Arnold was born in Danielsonville, Connecticut, June 19, 1857, and belongs to an old colonial family, whose roots runs back to Wales. Thomas Arnold, who left that county in 1635, was the ancestor of our subject. He settled in Rhode Island. The Arnolds were Quakers up to the Revolutionary war, during which Captain Nathan Arnold commanded a company in the American army, and from whom Horace F. is descended four generations.
Our subject is the oldest child and the only son in a family of three children born to Ellery and Adaline A. (Steere) Arnold, both residents of Larimore at the present time. He has a daughter, Lucile A. He was well educated and for a time was a student in Caledonia Academy and the State University. His health failed so that an active and out-door life seemed essential. He sought it in the Red river valley, and came to Wahpeton in the spring of 1879. From there he journeyed to Valley City, and the following spring took up land in section 10, of what is now Larimore township, Grand Forks county. He entered enthusiastically into his work, living in a little shanty, and devoting himself for the next ten years to the work of improving what had become a fine farm. In 1890 he purchased the "Larimore Pioneer," and at once assumed editorial charge. The same year he was elected state senator. He has been repeatedly reelected, and holds that important position at the present time. He has served on the educational committee, and his best work has been along that line. The State University owes much to his efforts. He introduced and secured the passage of an act, senate bill No. 30, making a fixed annual appropriation for its maintenance, which has placed it on a firm foundation. He secured the passage of the present laws relating to high schools, which gives the state a system of schools graduated from the first year up to completion of the work of the University. In 1894 Mr. Arnold was elected president of the Devils Lake Chautauqua, which at that time had every appearance of being a failure. Under the able management of the board of which he has been the head ever since, it has become a brilliant success.
The "Larimore Pioneer," with which our subject is still connected, was established in 1882 by W. W. Scott. In 1888 M. M. Miller purchased the plant, held it two years, and sold it as noted above to Mr. Arnold. In 1896 the paper passed into the hands of H. F. Arnold & Company, E. L. Richter becoming manager. In November, 1899, Dan E. Richter became the editor. Connected with this paper we might also mention the name of H. V. Arnold, uncle of Horace F. He has contributed many valuable articles to its columns relating to the history and geology of North Dakota.
 HON. JERRY DEMPSTER BACON, occupies a prominent and influential position as a business man and citizen of Grand Forks, North Dakota. He is a man of excellent business qualifications and whatever enlists his attention is sure of meeting with success. He is one of the proprietors of the Dacotah, the leading hotel of the city, and is also interested extensively in other business enterprises.
Our subject was born at Waverly, Bremer county, Iowa, June 24, 1865, and is a son of Elijah F. and Sylvia A. (Barker) Bacon, natives of New York. The parents moved to Iowa in 1864 and his father is proprietor of the German-American Bank, Renwick, Iowa. The grandfather of our subject also resides at the old home in Des Moines, Iowa, and has reached the advanced age of one hundred years, having been born in Oneida county, New York, December 19, 1799. Mr. Bacon was reared and educated in Iowa and remained there until 1882, assisting his father and in that year he came to North Dakota and located at Ojata, and followed farming there four years and then moved to Grand Forks in 1886, and the following, year engaged in the livery business, which he continues to conduct and he also buys and ships horses extensively. He has probably handled more heavy draft and fine driving horses than any other man in the state. His present stables occupy 100x140 feet, two stories high, with steam heat, electric lights, elevator and all modern appliances, making it a first-class up-to-date livery business in every respect. In 1898, in company with Mr. W. B. Wood, our subject erected the Dacotah Hotel, at a cost of one hundred thousand dollars, and the hotel is now conducted by our subject and Mr. Wood with marked success. Mr. Bacon is also extensively interested in agriculture and operates about two thousand acres of land, all but a small portion of which is in crop the present year.
Mr. Bacon was married, in 1886, to Miss Calista L. Brundage. Mrs. Bacon was born in Iowa and is a daughter of G. W. and Maria (Griggs) Brundage, old settlers of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon have two sons living, namely: J. Myron and Keith V.
Mr. Bacon has been a Republican since attaining his majority and has been an active worker in his party and taken a strong interest in public matters. In 1898 he was elected to the legislature to represent the sixth district and is now serving in that capacity. He was president of the state prison board two years and has served as a member of the city council eight years and the same period as a member of the school board. He is a gentleman of broad intelligence and is deeply interested in educational affairs and all enterprises that tend to up build or strengthen good government. He holds membership in the A. O. U. W., the M. W. A. and B. P. O. E.
 HON. CHARLES H. BALDWIN, who has a pleasant home on section 2, Chester township, is known throughout Grand Forks county and well sustains a reputation as an honorable and capable man, acquired by years of thrift, industry and unbroken intelligence.
He was born on a farm in Putnam county. New York, October 25, 1857, and grew to manhood under the stimulus of the best country life of the world. He spent his boyhood and early manhood on the farm and was well prepared for the responsibilities of life. When he was twenty-two years old he determined to leave the East and seek his fortunes in the newer West. Accordingly he came to North Dakota in the early summer of 1882 and almost immediately settled on the farm where he is now living. Here has been his continuous home since that summer, with the exception of about a year, which he spent in Minnesota. He was a hard worker, a careful manager and he soon became quite fore-handed. For several years he was engaged in banking at Emerado, and was president of the State Bank in that village. Farming, however, has been his chief business since his advent in the county. He owns a half-section where he lives and on it has put up good buildings and maintains a model farm. He owns several hundred acres of land elsewhere and is one of the leading farmers of the state. Recognizing his ability and his public spirit, the voters of the county elected Kim to the general assembly in 1888 on the Republican ticket. He was an upright and capable legislator. He has held several local offices, but is in no sense an office seeker, and much prefers to devote himself to his own business interests.
Mr. Baldwin and Miss Julia M. Morey were married in Grand Forks county, November 1, 1887. She was born in Ohio, and is a lady of more than ordinary attractions. They are associated with the Presbyterian church and occupy a leading place in the community.
 A. W. BANGS. The 26th of July, 1900, rounded out seventy years of life for the subject of this sketch, more than fifty of which has been as a bread winner and forty-two in the active practice of the law. Notwithstanding his three score and ten Mr. Bangs stands as erect and steps as firm as though a score or more were taken off-or rather never added-and with his six feet of well built body, sharp eyes and healthy complexion he looks a middle-aged man of athletic tendencies.
While Mr. Bangs does not now live in North Dakota, his connection during the "80s with business and politics in what is now North Dakota as well as the interest he retains, having two sons in Grand Forks, demands a place in this volume. He is a native of Pennsylvania, his parents living in Bethany, Wayne county, at the time of his birth, they moving a few years thereafter to Honesdale, in the public schools of which city and later in Scranton he received his education.
His legal training was secured in the offices of D. N. Lathrop and Lewis Jones in Scranton and he was admitted to the bar of Luzerne county, August 31, 1858. He opened an office first in Pittston and later in Scranton, but in 1860, having caught the western fever, moved to LeSueur, Minnesota, it being then steamboat landing and trading post for the pioneers who were preparing to grub and clear the land in the beautiful and fertile Minnesota valley.
Before moving to LeSueur. Mr. Bangs married Alena Baker Stiles, widow of Scranton. She dying in 1865 left him with two small children, and in a year or more he again married, this time to Sarah D. Plowman, of LeSueur. He continued to live in LeSueur for more than twenty years, taking an active part in affairs of the state and especially of the Minnesota valley, serving as prosecuting attorney in that county twelve years. He joined and went through with the first contingent in the relief of New Ulm at the time of the great Indian massacre.
In the spring of 1882, having received an offer of a partnership with Judge W. G. Woodruff he moved to Grand Forks, remaining in partnership with Judge Woodruff until 1884. In 1884 and 1885 he was appointed by tlie commissioners of Grand' Forks county as counsel. In 1886 he was elected chairman of the territorial Democratic committee and by his untiring work brought M. H. Day, the candidate for delegate in congress on his ticket, nearer the goal than any Democrat had ever gotten before or since. In fact in the northern part of the territory (what is now North Dakota) and where he spent most of his time during the campaign there was a larger Democratic vote than there has been since, even with the state organization. Larger in fact than the vote has been during some of the years of fusion.
In 1889 Mr. Bangs formed a partnership with W. H. Day and William Duff Haynie, under the name of Day, Bangs & Haynie, and moved to Rapid City, South Dakota. Since that time he has represented Pennington county in the state senate and has served the county first as county judge and later as prosecuting attorney.
Mr. Bangs has been for years recognized as a man of exceptional legal ability, being accorded without question a place in the fore rank in the Territory of Dakota as well as the states of North and South Dakota.
GEORGE A. BANGS. Among the younger professional men of Grand Forks County, North Dakota, who are rapidly attaining prominence, may be mentioned Mr. Bangs, of Grand Forks. He is a gentleman of good education, energetic and progressive, and enjoys the highest' esteem of his fellowmen. His success has been unbounded since taking up the practice of law, and he has built up a large and remunerative practice and is one of the substantial citizens of that city.
Our subject was born in Le Sueur County, Minnesota, November 1, 1867, and was a son of Alfred W. and Sarah D. (Plowman) Bangs. A brother of our subject, Tracy R. Bangs, is also well known in North Dakota, and a sketch of his life appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. Bangs was reared and educated in his native County and attended the high school, and studied law first in his father's office, and in 1882 went to Grand Forks, North Dakota, as a clerk in the land office. He also held a claim to land in that vicinity and remained in the land office until 1892. He then spent two years in the study of law in the office of Tracy R. Bangs and C. J. Fisk, and was admitted to practice in the fall of 1893. He had purchased an interest in the above named firm, and after being admitted to the bar remained with them until July, 1895, when Tracy R. Bangs retired from the firm, and it then existed as George A. Bangs and C. J. Fisk until Judge Fisk was chosen for the bench. Mr. Bangs was appointed city attorney in 1896, and is now serving in that capacity. He was elected state's attorney for Grand Forks County in 1898 and is acting in that office.
Our subject was married, in 1889, to Miss Maria A. Griggs, a niece of Captain Griggs, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume. Mrs. Bangs died March 10, 1891. Mr. Bangs was married in North Dakota to Miss Xenia Gilbreath. a native of that state. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and at present is grand chancellor of the state. He also holds membership in the Order of Elks. Politically he is a Democrat, and is firm in his convictions, but takes little part in political movements. He is one of the learned members of his profession, and is deservedly popular with the people.
TRACY R. BANGS, district attorney for the district of North Dakota, is a man who has steadily risen to prominence and is now a leader of the bar of state. His practice has brought him in contact with the most learned members of the profession in the state and he is recognized as one of the leading lawyers of North
Dakota. He is earnest in his convictions, a well-equipped practitioner, and able advocate, and enjoys an extensive and lucrative business.
Our subject is a native of Le Sueur county, Minnesota , and was born April 29, 1862. His parents, Alfred W. and Alma (Baker) Bangs, were natives of Pennsylvania and his father was born July 29, 1830. He was reared and educated in Pennsylvania where he began the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in that state and practiced his profession in Scranton , Pennsylvania , until 1860, when he removed to Minnesota and practiced in Le Sueur, Le Sueur county, until 1882. He was prosecuting attorney of the county for fourteen years, and in 1882 went to Grand Forks , where he remained until 1889, when he moved to Rapid City , South Dakota , where he is still located. He served as county attorney of Grand Forks county. North Dakota , and also of the county where he now resides. He was chairman of the territorial Democratic committee from 1886 to 1888, and also a delegate to the national convention at St. Louis in 1886. He was twice married, his second wife bearing the maiden name of Sarah Plowman. This marriage occurred in 1866. Four sons and one daughter were born of this union.
Tracy R. Bangs was educated in Minnesota in the high schools, and began the study of law with his father, and went to Grand Forks, North
Dakota, in 1882, as cashier of the United
States land office. He was admitted to practice in 1885, and practiced with his father until 1889, and then formed a partnership with C. J. Fisk, which existed until 1892, when his brother, George A. Bangs, became a partner and they continued together until 1895.
Our subject was appointed district United States attorney in 1894, and the following year withdrew from the firm. He was city attorney in 1888, and elected state's attorney in 1892, resigning that position to accept his present position. He is secretary of the County Bar Association. He holds membership in the Masonic fraternity, the Elks, and the Knights of Pythias, and in the last named is a member of the committee on law of the supreme lodge. He is an earnest advocate for the principles of the Democratic party and "stumps" the state for his party. He is yet a young man, but his experience has been of a wide nature and he has acquired a knowledge of his profession becoming one of more mature years.
JOHN RYON BARKER, one of the first settlers of Johnstown township, and one of the most prominent men in Grand Forks county, resides on section 20, of the above named township.
Mr. Barker was born in Elkland, Pennsylvania, September 15, 1842, and moved to Wellsborough in 1866. His parents were Joseph and Harriet ( Ryan ) Barker, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a machinist and inventor and they moved to Chicago in 1866. The mother died in 1874, the father in 1894. The grandfather, Wilham Barker, was also a machinist and was a native of the state of Massachusetts. Our subject had two brothers and two sisters, of whom but one sister is now living, who makes her home in Chicago.
John R. Barker was reared and educated in Pennsylvania and there engaged in general merchandising and farming. In the winter of 1879 he took a homestead claim to the northeast quarter of section 20, Johnstown township, where he now resides. He has devoted his entire attention to agriculture and has made a success of it. He follows diversified farming and pays much attention to stock -his cattle are of the Durham and Jersey breed and he has one or two thoroughbred Hambletonian horses for his own driving; his farm is noted for the manufacture of choice butter, which he ships weekly to St. Paul. He has all the necessary machinery for manipulating a model farm and large and convenient barns for the housing of stock and farm products. He is also engaged in the grain and elevator business in Johnstown. He is now the owner of eleven hundred acres of valuable land in Grand of eleven hundred acres of valuable land in Grand Forks county and has a fine property and a home in the village of Johnstown supplied with all the comforts and conveniences of modern life. He was one of the first settlers in the township and among the first to erect a frame house. He assisted in the organization of Johnstown township and was one of the first school directors in his district. He was first postmaster and the post office and station and township were named for him.
Mr. Barker was married, in Pennsylvania, on June 12, 1866, to Maria J. Toles, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in 1895. Mr. Barker was married to Mrs. Lou M. Kendall, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1897. Mr. Barker is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having entered that brotherhood in 1873.
CAPTAIN AUGUSTUS BARLOW. one of the pioneer settlers of North
Dakota, resides on section 4, in Falconer township, and has a well-improved and pleasant farm. He accurately recounts many interesting and thrilling experiences amid frontier surroundings, and is one of the intelligent and honored residents of Grand Forks county.
Our subject is a native of lower Canada, and was born at Three Rivers. Quebec. Canada. January 1, 1820. and was a son of John and Jennette (Campbell) Barlow, the former a native of England and the latter of Quebec. His father went to Canada as an English soldier in the war of 1812. and remained there until his death, aged eighty-eight years. He was a shoemaker and farmer. Three sons and three daughters constituted the family, and our subject is the only one in the United States.
Mr. Barlow was reared and educated in Canada in the French schools, and was educated in the French language, which he speaks fluently. He began his business career as a sailor, and his first voyage was from Three Rivers to New York, thence to New
Orleans, then up the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to Cincinnati, and later went to St.
Louis. He entered the employ of the American Fur Company, in 1845, and ascended the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, and spent fourteen months trapping and hunting and trading with the Indians for furs in the Yellowstone river region, and had one fight with the Black Feet Indians. He returned to St. Louis in 1847. and from there went up the Mississippi to St. Paul, and located the same year at Stillwater. Minnesota. He followed the Mississippi river twenty-eight years as pilot between St. Paul and St.
Louis, and in 1875 went to Grand Forks. North Dakota, and spent five seasons as pilot on the Red river, running from Fargo to Winnipeg, and then to Fisher's Landing. He made some trips past in farming the same. He has made a success of that work, and now has a comfortable home and all comforts of country life. Winnipeg to Ft. Ellis, and hauled the first load of lumber to Brandon. Canada. In 1875 he located on the claim on which he has since lived, and since 1880 has engaged in farming the same. He has made a success of that work, and now has a comfortable home and all the comforts of country life.
Our subject was married in Stillwater, Minnesota, in 1849, to Elizabeth Shardin, a native of Illinois , born November 15, 1865. Mrs. Barlow's parents were from France, and settled at Kaskaska, one of the first settlements in Illinois . Mr. and Mrs. Barlow are the parents of ten children, as follows: Louis E., Augustus H., Archie J.. Phillip, George W., William Henry, Melvina, Annie, Agnes and Elizabeth, all of whom are living, and two sons and three daughters now reside in North Dakota . Mr. Barlow has served as supervisor of his township for some years, and assisted in the organization of the township, and was one of the first school officers. His son, Augustus H., who oversees the home farm, has served as township clerk since the organization of the township, and the Captain and his family are highly esteemed by the people among whom they reside. He is a member of the Minnesota Territorial Pioneers' Association, and much enjoys the reunions of that body.
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