|
Compendium of History and Biography
of North Dakota
Published by George A. Ogle & CO. in 1900
CALEB LAIDLEY. Honest industry and persistent efforts are not without their reward. The subject of this review went to Dakota in pioneer days and has spent nearly a quarter of a century there and is now the fortunate possessor of a, well-improved farm and a comfortable home, and enjoys a high standing as a citizen. He resides in Turtle River township, Grand Forks county.
Our subject is a native of Scotland, and was born near the city of Glasgow, August 13, 1840. His parents, John and Hannah (Houston) Laidley, emigrated to Canada from Scotland, about 1844, and died in Canada. Eight sons and five daughters constituted their family of children. Our subject has one brother and one sister now in the United
States.
Mr. Laidley was reared in Canada and received his early education there and then followed logging until 1877. when he went to Grand
Forks county. North Dakota, and the same year entered a preemption claim to land upon which he now resides. He was one of the first settlers in that section of the country and has met with decided success m the prosecution of his work.
Our subject was married, in 1863, to Maggie Cox, a native of Canada . Mrs. Laidley died in North Dakota in 1888. Six children were born to this union, named in order of birth as follows: William George, Joshua, Thomas, Ida A., Maggie and Mary Esther. Mr. Laidley assisted in the organization of his township and has served as chairman of the township board and takes a hearty interest in all affairs of his township and county and has held numerous offices of trust. He is a Republican politically and is a gentleman of intelligence and keeps abreast of the times and is firm in his convictions. He is one of the substantial and deservedly popular men of his community.
EDWARD J. LANDER, one of the well-known business men of Grand Forks, North Dakota, and a member of the firm of E. J. Lander & Co., is engaged in the loan, real estate and abstract business, and has the most complete set of abstract books in the state. He is one of the originators of the Grand Forks Building & Loan Association, and for the last ten years has been its secretary. It was organized in 1886 and is one of the leading financial institutions of the city. He is a man of good business qualifications, and has a wide knowledge of men and the world, and has prospered since taking up his residence here.
Our subject was born in Rockford, Winnebago county, Illinois, September 12, 1860. His parents, Christopher and Jane (Brown) Lander, were natives of England, and came to the United States in 1852 and settled in Rockford. Winnebago county, Illinois, and there the father engaged in milling, where his death occurred in February, 1869.
Mr. Lander is one of three sons now living, and was reared in Illinois and received a high-school education. He then engaged in the grain trade and as a bookkeeper for the Rockford Tack Company, and in 1882 came to Grand Forks, North Dakota, and founded the business in which he is now engaged, the loan business, one of the most extensive of the kind in Grand Forks, which was established in 1882 in farm loans. The firm of E. J. Lander & Company was incorporated in 1897, of which Mr. Lander is president. They have charge of a large number of real estate holdings of nonresidents, and are local representatives of E. H. Rollins & Sons, of Boston, Massachusetts.
Mr. Lander was one of the builders of the Grand Forks opera house, and was also one of the original stockholders of the old Second National Bank, and was later a director in that institution and served as vice-president of the same three years. His abstract books are the oldest and most complete to be found in the county, and he has a good business and deals extensively in real estate.
Our subject was married, February 28, 1884, to Miss Jessie K. Krouse, a native of Michigan. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lander, upon whom they have bestowed the name of Miles K. Mr. Lander is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and politically he is a Republican, and has been identified with that party since attaining his majority. He takes an active interest in affairs of a public nature and has held various local offices, including county commissioner, which position he held nine years. He is intelligent and energetic and is deservedly popular with the people.
HENRY LANGELIER, is well known as an old settler and prosperous farmer of Grand Forks county. He resides in section 33 in Rye township.
Our subject was born in Lower Canada December 8, 1830. His parents, Isaac and Julia (Le Mai) Langelier, were natives also of Canada and removed to Massachusetts in 1848 and passed the remainder of their lives there. They were the parents of two sons and three daughters and our subject is the only one residing in North
Dakota.
Mr. Langelier was reared in Canada until 1848 and then learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he followed over thirty years. He went to St.
Paul, Minnesota, in 1876. and two years later went to Grand
Forks county. North Dakota, and entered a homestead claim in section 33 in Rye township, and was among the first settlers of the county. He is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land, all of which is improved and tillable and from which he gains a good income.
Our subject was married, in Massachusetts, in 1853, to Modest Beaulac, a native of Canada . Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Langelier, who are named as follows: Emma, now Mrs. Larivee, widow of Joseph Larivee, also a pioneer; Delia, now Mrs. Saumur, widow of Philip Saumur; and Olive, now Mrs. Bidon, of St. Paul . Mrs. Langelier died in 1898. The family are members of the Catholic church and have a host of friends in their community. Mr. Langelier assisted in the organization of the township and has filled numerous local offices of trust and is highly esteemed as a citizen and pioneer.
KNUD LARSON, a representative farmer of Grand Forks county, has his pleasant home in Gilby township, where he has surrounded himself with the comforts and many of the luxuries of country life.
Mr. Larson was born in Norway, November 14, 1854. His parents, Lars and Mary Everson, natives of that country, came to America in 1883. They located first in Nelson county. North Dakota, where the father died the same year. The widowed mother then moved her family to Cavalier county, where she now resides. Of this family there are four sons and three daughters now living in the United States, one brother of our subject living in Grand Forks county.
Knud Larson (his name being derived after the Norwegian custom of taking the father's first name) was educated in Norway and served one year in the standing army of his country. He was then employed in railroad work until 1879, when he came to the United States and first located in Fillmore county, Minnesota. There he remained one year, and then, in 1880, came to Grand Forks county. North Dakota, and filed a homestead claim to the land whereon he now resides. He owns a quarter-section of as fine land as can be found in the county, and he has it well improved and in a high state of cultivation.
Mr. Larson was married, in 1888, to Mary Bratland, who is also a native of Norway, and who came to America the same year of her marriage. To this union six children have been born, named as follows : Matilda L., George M., Iver A., Annie M., Theodore H. and Minnie C., all of whom are living and are members of the Lutheran church. In political faith Mr. Larson is a Republican and has taken a commendable interest in public affairs. He has served as a member of the town board and as member of the school board, of which he has been chairman nine years.
HENRY E. LAVAYEA, the manager of the Hersey farm in Arville township, and the owner of the Grace wheat farm in Grace township, is one of the more prominent people associated with agricultural interests in Grand Forks county.
He is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, where he was born March 2, 1852, and is now in the full prime of his manly powers. He was the third child and the oldest son born to Joseph E. and Angeline P. (Foote) Lavayea. His father was a native of Canada, and of French descent, and his mother of New England Puritan stock. Joseph Lavayea was a shipbuilder, and as he grew up, young Henry acquired an insight into the trade. He went through the public schools and graduated from the high school of his native city in due time. After leaving school he went into the editorial and composing rooms of the "Cleveland Leader," and spent some two and one-half years, later continuing his education in the Kentucky University at Lexington, Kentucky. He returned to Cleveland and engaged in the work of harbor construction for ten years.
In the month of December, 1879, Mr. Lavayea visited North Dakota, and was so impressed with the outlook of the state that he came again, and yet again before his final location within the borders of the state in 1882. In 1881 he acquired fourteen hundred acres of land, which he made into a farm, and named in honor of his only child, the Grace wheat farm. In the spring of 1882 he made his permanent residence in this county, and from that time has taken a front place as an extensive, progressive and scientific farmer. The farm soon paid for itself, and its improvements. Elegant buildings replaced the first rude structures, ample machinery was provided, and the entire plant put under a systematic business administration.
Mr. Lavayea became manager of the Hersey farm in March, 1889, an extensive farm of two thousand five hundred acres on the Turtle river, and here he has made his home for the last twelve years. The raising of Clydesdale horses and Jersey cattle was at first attempted on an extensive scale, but of late he has been giving much attention and indeed almost exclusively to the cultivation of grain, for which the soil and climate of the Red river valley is peculiarly favorable.
He is a Republican and a believer in legal prohibition. Since 1885 he has been in attendance upon every legislative assembly held in Bismarck. As assistant and chief clerk he has been brought into close relations and intimate touch with the life of Dakota, both as a territory and a state. At present he is a member of the Republican state central committee, and his acquaintance and personal friendship cover the state. On July 31, 1900, at Larimore, he received the nomination as state senator to represent the fifth legislative district. He is a member of the Masonic craft, and is counted one of its most reliable workers.
He was married, in 1876. to Miss Mary E. White, Ohio born and bred. They have one daughter. Grace W., a charming young woman and now a student at the University of Minnesota.
SAMUEL LEESON, whose home is on section 2, Levant township, is one of the pioneers of the township and a well-known resident of Grand Forks county.
Mr. Leeson was born in Ontario, Canada, March 1, 1837. His parents were Richard and Annie (Horton) Leeson, both natives of Wexford, Ireland. They came to Canada in an early day and passed the remainder of their lives there. They had seven sons and one daughter, our subject being the only one of the children in North Dakota.
Samuel Leeson was reared in Canada and remained there until 1867, when he came to the United States and took up his residence in Mitchell county, Iowa. In 1879 he came to Grand Forks county and filed a claim to a tract of land in section II, Levant township, where he resided many years. He now lives on section 2. He came among the earliest settlers of the township. He is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, and has it under a state of good cultivation, and has added many improvements and conveniences which go to make a model country home.
Mr. Leeson was married, in 1860, in Canada, to Rhoda Errett, a native of Ireland, who came to Canada with her parents when a child. To this union five children have been born, namely: George, Robert, Alice, Samuel, Jr., and Foss. The family worship with the congregation of the Methodist Episcopal church. In political views Mr. Leeson is a Republican and has been active in public matters. He assisted in the organization of the township and was chosen one of its first officers. He has served as justice of the peace of his township for many years.
JONAS LENZ, a public-spirited citizen and successful farmer of Grand
Forks county, has been a resident of Union township from its early settlement and organization, his home being on section 26.
Mr. Lenz was born in Marquette, Green Lake county, Wisconsin, January 20, 1862. His parents, Ferdinand and Caroline (Block) Lenz, were natives of Germany. They were married in the old country and one child was born there, the other four children constituting their family being born in the United
States. The father was a soldier of the Civil war. He came to Dakota at the same time as our subject. He died August 1, 1898, and he and his wife, who died in 1888, now rest side by side in the country churchyard near their Dakota home. Jonas Lenz grew to manhood in his native county and received a common-school education. At the age of eighteen years he came to Dakota and settled in Cass county. He remained there two years and then came to Grand
Forks county and took up his residence in Forks county and took up his residence in Union township, where he has since made his home. He is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of as fine land as can be found in the county and has erected good buildings and made many valuable improvements.
Mr. Lenz was married, in Grand Forks county,. North Dakota, April 10, 1886, to Miss Sophia Scheer, who was born in Wabasha county, Minnesota, June 20, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Lenz are the parents of a family of seven children, named in the order of their birth, as follows: Frances, Reuben, William, Mabel, Eva, Ezra and Lillie.
Mr. Lenz has been active in public affairs of a local nature and has always taken a commendable interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his community and county. He was the first constable of Union township and has also served on the board of township supervisors and has been township treasurer for five successive years. He is a man of the strictest integrity and uprightness of character and has a host of friends throughout the county.
THOMAS E. LEWIS, can claim the distinction of being the first permanent settler of Gilby township. Grand Forks county. North Dakota, and his long residence here has made him thoroughly familiar with all the details of the history of his county and state, and none can tell better the story of its development and progress.
Mr. Lewis was born in Oswego county. New York, August 23, 1852. Edward and Caroline (Jones) Lewis were his parents, and they were both natives of England, and came to the United States about the year 1850. They settled in Oswego county, New York, and the father followed his trade of stone and brick mason. I he family removed to Stillwater, Minnesota, and thence to St. Croix county, Wisconsin, about 1855, and there the father worked at his trade for many years. In 1881 the parents came to Gilby, North Dakota, where the mother still lives, the father having died in October, 1899. They had three sons and four daughters, one of the latter being now deceased. One son is at present in the Klondyke.
Thomas E. Lewis grew to manhood a Thomas E. Lewis grew to manhood and was educated in Wisconsin. From that state he came to Polk county, Minnesota, in 1877, and purchased railroad land, and lived upon it for two years. Then in 1879, shortly before any other settlers had arrived, he located in Gilby township. Grand Forks county. North Dakota, taking land on section 11 of that township, where he has resided continuously since. He now owns a half-section of land, and has converted it into one of the most valuable and attractive estates in the county.
Mr. Lewis was married, in 1895, to Miss Rosa Kline. Mrs. Lewis is a native of the state of New York. To this union three children have been born, namely: Warren, Pearl and an infant unnamed; all are living. Mr. Lewis is a Republican in his political belief, and has taken active part in public affairs of his county. He assisted in the organization of Gilby township, and has served as a member of the township board and of the school board, and has filled other local offices. He is a member of the M. W. A., and is widely known throughout the county, and has the respect and esteem of all.
HON. CHRISTOPHER L. LINDSTROM, receiver of United
States land office of Grand Forks, is one of the well known and public-spirited citizens of the state of North
Dakota. He was born in Goodhue county, Minnesota, September 12, 1861.
The parents of our subject, Andrew and Engaborg (Christoferson) Lindstrom, were natives of Sweden and Norway, respectively, and the father came to America in 1846, and the mother in 1855. They were married in Minnesota and still reside there and follow farming. Four sons were born to them, three of whom now reside in North
Dakota.
Mr. Lindstrom was reared in Minnesota and educated in the Agustus Adolphus College of St. Peter, Minnesota. He went to Grand
Forks in 1879, and then spent some time in Montana and in 1881 located in Benson county. North Dakota, entering land and followed farming there, which work he still conducts. He was appointed receiver of United States land office in 1898. He filled the office of industrial teacher in the Indian school at Fort Totten in 1890-91-92.
Our subject was married in 1888 to Mary Matherson, a native of Michigan . Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lindstrom, upon whom they have bestowed the names of Albert L. and Effa, both of whom are living. Mr. Lindstrom is an active participant in public affairs of local importance and has held numerous county and township offices wherever he has made his home. While a resident of Benson county he served on the county board and in various other capacities. He served as a state representative in 1895 and 96, and his efficient work while a member of the general assembly and popularity as a public officer and citizen of true worth are best evidenced by the fact that he was re-elected and served as a member of that body in 1897-98. He is prominent in secret society circles and holds membership in the Masonic fraternity and Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically he is a Republican, and has been identified with that party throughout his career. He is a successful and highly reputed man of Grand
Forks county.
DR. MITCHELL M. LOCKERBY, one of the pioneer dentists of North Dakota, has followed his calling in Grand Forks for many years and is widely known as an able practitioner and man of active public spirit. He was born in Odessa, New York, October 14, 1849.
The parents of our subject, Bennajah and Mary A. (Terry) Lockerby, were natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, respectively. The father was a miller and later moved to Michigan and died near Grand Rapids, that state.
Mr. Lockerby was reared in New York and received his early education in that state and attended the People's College of Havana, New York. He then learned the trade of sawyer and filer, and in 1871 moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and later engaged in the general merchandise business at Rockford, Michigan. He began the study of dentistry in 1876 and in. 1878 began the practice at Rockford, Michigan, and continued there until 1883. He then came to Grand Forks, North Dakota, and at once established an office and has been engaged in the practice of his profession here since that date. He has met with remarkable success and is now in comfortable circumstances. He owns some business property in the city and also residence property and has gained his possessions by judicious management and persistent efforts. Fie is a member of the State Dental Society and served as vice-president of the same in 1897.
Our subject was married, in Michigan, in 1875, . to Alice G. Young, a native of Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Lockerby are the parents of one son, upon whom they have bestowed the name of Arnold G. Mr. Lockerby is prominent in secret society circles and holds membership in the Masonic fraternity, in which order he has taken the thirty-second and York Rite degrees. He also is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias. He has devoted his career to his vocation and is a gentleman of progressive, enlightened views, and his standing as an old settler of the county and a citizen of prominence in Grand Forks is well known, and he is deservedly held in high esteem and respect by his fellow men.
PATRICK LYONS, one of the successful agriculturist of Grand Forks county, is a resident of Grand Forks township, and his pleasant home is surrounded by the conveniences and comforts of a modern country estate.
Mr. Lyons is a native of the province of Ontario, Canada. His parents, John and Catherine (Fitzgerald) Lyons, were born in Ireland. They emigrated to Canada early in life, and thence to North Dakota in 1879. They settled in Grand Forks county, where they both died in 1895. Of their family of two sons and one daughter, our subject and one sister now reside in Grand Forks county.
Mr. Lyons came to North Dakota and entered land in Grand Forks county, where he now resides, and proceeded to improve and cultivate his farm. He now owns a valuable quarter-section of land, with a good set of farm buildings, and equipped with all modern farm machinery necessary for carrying on up-to-date farming operations. He has been successful in his undertakings, and is widely and favorably known for his integrity and uprightness of character, and for his industry and good fellowship. He has taken no active part in political matters.
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! |
