Our subject was born in Quebec, Canada, May 15, 1861, and was the sixth in a family of nine children, born to Dixon and Harriet (Gove) McDougall. Of the parents the father alone survives, and makes his home in Norway township, Nelson county.

When our subject was six years of age he removed with his parents to LaFayette county, Minnesota, and there he was reared on a farm, and in the spring of 1882 he went to Nelson county and took land in what is now Norway township. He and his brother and Mr. Thomas lived much together the first three seasons and worked in common, and in 1885 McVille post office was established and our subject was the first postmaster and served until 1889, when the office was discontinued. The present partnership was formed in 1892 and they conducted business in the old town of McVille, which was a half mile north of their present location, lousiness was prosperous until September 5, 1899, when fire destroyed the residence, furniture, store and stock, entailing a loss of $10,000. Mr. McDougall at once set about to rebuild the business and the present commodious store and warehouses were at once constructed, the work beginning the following morning, and goods which were in the freight house were taken to the barn and sold from there. A machine hall and other buildings are now a part of the business block and all is progressing well.

Our subject was married, in 1896, to Miss Madge McMillan. Mrs. McDougall is a lady of rare attainments and a social and genial nature, and has produced an enlivening influence on the social affairs of McVille and vicinity. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McDougall, named as follows: James A. and Searl Dixon. Our subject is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is non-partisan in politics.

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JOHN S. METCALF, is the efficient postmaster of Lakota, North Dakota, and is also a prominent citizen of that town. He was born near Carmi, White county, Illinois, February 4, 1830, and was the second child and oldest son born to John and Ann E. (Culbertson) Metcalf.

When our subject was one year old the family settled in that part of Tazewell county now known as Logan county, Illinois, and Mr. Metcalf was raised on a farm and given a limited schooling. He began working for himself at the age of twenty-one and worked at farming until 1855, when he removed to the village (now city) of Lincoln, Illinois, and as a member of the firm of Howser, Metcalf & Company conducted a mercantile business. He disposed of his interests in 1857 and engaged in the drug business, and in 1861 was appointed postmaster at Lincoln by President Lincoln and held the office eight years. He returned to the farm in 1870 and was elected assessor of East Lincoln township, which included the business portion of the city of Lincoln, and he held the office fifteen consecutive years. He went to Nelson county, North Dakota, in the spring of 1883, and settled on land in section 12 in Illinois township, and in 1884 filed claim as a homestead and also took an eighty-acre tree claim in section 24, and engaged in farming until 1891, during which time he mixed freely in township and school affairs. He moved with his family to Lakota in December, 1891, and followed newspaper work, being connected with the "Nelson County Observer," a weekly sheet, established July 20, 1888, by Lampman & Knappen. The paper was independent or non-partisan in politics and changed hands many times during the first few years of its existence. Mr. Lampman became sole proprietor and then sold a half interest to Mr. Kelly and then again became sole owner, and in March, 1891, sold the plant of the Observer Publishing Company, and the first issue under the new management was dated March 6, 1891, with Robert L. and Mrs. Meldonnetta Metcalf, proprietors, and in 1892 Mrs. Metcalf became the sole owner and our subject and sons edited the sheet. George E. Metcalf is now acting editor-and Thaddeus E. Metcalf is in charge of the job and press work. The paper is Republican in politics and for the past eight years has been the official organ of the party in the county. Mr. Metcalf received his appointment as postmaster of Lakota in 1899, since which time he has given up newspaper work and devotes himself to his official duties.

Our subject was married, in 1853, to Miss Meldonetta Howser. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Metcalf: Martha E., deceased ; Charles T., married and farming in Illinois township, Nelson county; Robert L., owner of an elevator in Lakota; Frank L. and Hattie, both deceased; Thaddeus E., connected with the "Nelson County Observer"; George E., editor of the above named paper; and Harry T., engaged in farming the home farm in Illinois township. Mr. Metcalf is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a charter member of Lakota Lodge. No. 52, and a member of the camp and Rebeckah. He is one of the oldest members of the order in the state, having joined March 7, 1857. He is a stanch Republican and an earnest worker for party principles and a regular attendant at county and state conventions.

Metcalf, the family name, is account Metcalf, the family name, is accounted for by a traditional exploit which, it is said, occurred in 1312, Chelmsford, county of Essex, England. "On a certain day his majesty, Edward II., with many lords and gentlemen, were in his majesty's park, where there was a wild bull that they feared to encounter, but when he encountered with Mr. John Armstrong he was killed with his fist, and when Armstrong came to his majesty, says he to Mr. Armstrong: 'Have you seen the mad bull?' "And please your majesty,' says he, 'I met a calf and knocked him down and killed him with my fist," which, when it was known to be the bull, Mr. Armstrong was honored with many and great honors. And as a token of this notable exploit he was made a knight, and his name was changed to Met a Calf." The Metcalfs of Midway were descended from the Rev. Leonard Metcalf, born in 1545, and rector of Latterford, Norfolk county, England. Michael Metcalf, his son, came to this country and was admitted freeman July 14, 1637, in Dedham, Mass.

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TORGER G. NASS, a successful and substantial member of the farming community of the northeastern part of Nelson county, has for eight-teen years made his home in Dohlen township, his home being on section 23. Mr. Nass was born in Norway August 25, 1858, and was the second in a family of eight children born to John and Ann Nass, both now deceased.

When Mr. Nass was but fifteen years of age he served an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade, and when he reached his majority he came to America, first making his home with an uncle in Goodhue county, Minnesota. In 1881 he came to Dakota and worked on the railroad, spending the succeeding winter in the woods of Wisconsin. In the spring of 1882 he returned to Dakota and filed claims to land in Dohlen township. Nelson county, taking a homestead and tree claim. He erected a shack on his claim and proceeded to improve and develop his property. He met with success, and in 1893 and 1894 made many valuable and substantial improvements on his farm in the way of buildings, etc. He is regarded as one of the most prosperous and enterprising agriculturists in the township.

In 1885 Mr. Nass was married to Miss Sevrene Nass. She assisted him in all the burdens of pioneer life, and, though her health failed and she suffered much during the last years of her life, she was cheerful to the last, her death occurring December 27. 1899. Her remains rest in the little church yard near the home she helped so materially to establish and which was so long made cheerful by her presence. They had but one son, Johannas, who is now with his father at home. They expect to visit the scenes of Mr. Nass' youth during 1900.

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KNUTE O. NESHEIM, living on section 8, Norway township claims the distinction of being the oldest settler in the Sheyenne river valley within the limits of Nelson county.  He is a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist and has demonstrated what luck and energy, good management and good sense can do in a country like North Dakota.

Mr. Nesheim was born in Bergenstift, Norway, near Vaassestraden, on the farm of Nesheim, March 8, 1859. He was the eldest of eleven children born to Ole and Betsey (Nesheim) Nesheim, the parents still living in Iowa. The father preceded the family to America, and our subject, with the mother and children, joined him in Allamakee county, Iowa, in 1873, where they made their home. When he was seventeen years of age Knute O. Nesheim began work on a farm in Worth county, Iowa. From there, in company with T. Mikkleson, he started for the Sheyenne river, in Dakota. They drove overland with ox-teams, and reached the Sheyenne river at Valley City. They followed up the stream and chose lands near each other in Nelson county. They were the first settlers in the Sheyenne river valley within the limits of Nelson county, locating June 26, 1880. Mr. Mikkleson sold out and removed from the valley, thus leaving Mr. Nesheim the original first settler in the valley within the county. He was at that time the owner of two yoke of oxen and two cows. He engaged part of the time in breaking land for others at four and five dollars per acre. He also improved his own farm and raised crops each year. He spent some time in hunting and trapping, and many deer and some antelope fell before his rifle. Beaver and other wild animals were trapped and fishing was good in the streams. He was one of the organizers of Norway township and has served on the township board almost continuously since. Few men can tell more of the early history of Nelson county and few deserve equal mention in its history. He is the present township supervisor.

Mr. Nesheim was married, in 1884, to Miss Minnie Arlen. Nine children have been born to this union, named as follows: Annie S., Oscar, Bennard, Bella, Matilda, Lena, Edwin, Melvin, Theodore (deceased). While Mr. Nesheim is prospering and has many farm conveniences, he still resides in a log house, built in 1895. He endured many trying experiences in the early days, but of late years he has had good success and has made his way against many hardships that would have overcome the courage of an ordinary man. He is widely known and thoroughly respected and esteemed throughout the community. In politics he adheres to Republican principles and is a devoted member of the Lutheran church.

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ERIK NURMI. proprietor of one of the fine farms of section 4, in Enterprise township, Nelson county, is one of the progressive men of his community and has gained a good estate and an enviable reputation by persistent and honest efforts. He now owns three hundred and twenty acres of land, on which he engages in diversified farming with unbounded success.

Our subject was born in Aljarvi, Wassan, Finland, May 18, 1859, and was the eighth in a family of nine children born to John and Wilhelmina (Hannula) Nurmi. The father died in 1800 and the mother survives and makes her home in the old country. Our subject remained at home until about seventeen years of age, working at log driving, and then decided to try his fortunes elsewhere. Two of his brothers had preceded him to America and through their influence he came to the New World and joined them at Calumet, Michigan, and there worked in the copper mines five years. He went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1881, and worked on the railroad one year, and then went to Big Horn, Montana, and from thence to the Black Hills region, where he worked in the gold mines until 1889. The following year he filed claim to land in Nelson county and began farming, and although the work was entirely foreign to that in which he had previously engaged he progressed rapidly and soon had his farm under cultivation and improvements begun on the place. He now has a valuable estate and has a good competence.

Our subject was married, in January. 1890. to Mrs. Mary Newstrum, nee Headman, with whom he became acquainted during his stay in the Black Hills country. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nurmi, who are named as follows: Hulda W., John E., Ida M., Toivo A. and Hilja A. One son was born to Mrs Numii by her former marriage named Nils Hjelman. Mr. Nurnii is active in public affairs of local importance and he and Mrs. Nurmi assisted in building a public town hall in which all amusements are held, and other enterprises for the good of his community receive his hearty support. He has served as chairman of the township board for the past two years, and is a Republican politically and is prominent in party affairs. He holds membership in the Lutheran church.

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HARRIS A. OAKLAND, occupies a prominent place as a well-to-do and progressive member of the farming community of Nelson county, inNorway township of which he has an excellent farm of four hundred and eighty acres. He resides on section 28 and has a thoroughly improved estate and a home of great comfort.

Our subject was born in Jackson county, Wisconsin, May 29, 1858. He was the eldest in a family of seven children born to Aanen and Karrie (Halverson) Oakland, both of whom were natives of Bergen Stift, Norway. His parents were married in this country and now reside in Jackson county, Wisconsin. At the age of twenty years our subject entered Galesville University and remained two years, preparing for the profession of teaching, which he followed from 1880 to 1885. In the spring of the last named year he went to North Dakota with his team, a wagon and a limited amount of money, and looked over Cavalier, Foster. Eddy, Walsh and Pembina counties, and finally chose his present location, filing claim to the land as a homestead, and he thereon erected a 12x16-foot house and began breaking the land in the summer of 1885. He taught school several winters and developed the farm as rapidly as possible, but did not begin farming for himself until 1890. He now has a good farm, well improved, and has made a success of his calling in Nelson county.

Our subject was married, in 1890, to Miss Jennie Loe, a native of Blue Earth county, Minnesota . Mr. and Mrs. Oakland are the parents of four children, named as follows: Albert. Ida Julia, Lydia and Clara. Mr. Oakland joined the Populist party early in their existence and was one of the active organizers of the reform party and was prominent in party affairs in southern Nelson county. He was a candidate on the first ticket placed in the field and made a close run for the office. He attended the state convention in 1892, and numerous county conventions. He holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Our subject is a gentleman of true public spirit and is deservedly held in high esteem by his associates.

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EDWOOD C. OLSGARD, an earnest and indefatigable worker in the cause of education, has his home in the village of Lakota, Nelson county, and is becoming widely known throughout North Dakota. He is a young man, but thoroughly trained for his work, and his methods are such as commend themselves to modern and progressive thought. Mr. Olsgard was born on a farm in Minnesota, September 11, 1871. His father, O. E. Olsgard, has been a life long farmer, and a pioneer of this state, having come here in 1882. The grandfather of our subject, Esten Olsgard brought the family to this country from Norway in 1853, and located all his interests and cares on a farm in southern Minnesota that year.

The subject of this article is the oldest in a family of seven children. He was reared on the farm and given a good education. He graduated from the seminary at Red Wing, Minnesota, in 1894, and became a student at the University of Minnesota. While pursuing his studies at that school he taught during the years 1896 and 1897, serving as principal of the high school at Lakota. He will complete his work at the University and receive the degree of Bachelor of Literature in 1901. He is now a candidate for the position of county superintendent of schools for Nelson county, an office for which he has a peculiar fitness both by thorough educational training and practical labor, having served as deputy superintendent for the last two years. He is a Republican in politics and is rapidly coming to the front as a recognized party worker and leader.

The experiences which our subject has had in pioneering were neither special nor peculiar, but nevertheless personally interesting. He came to North Dakota in 1882 in company with his parents and applied himself with a hearty good will to the great task of making a delightful home out of a wild prairie. He hauled supplies from the nearest railroad station, sixty miles away, into Nelson county with ox teams, and did whatever he could to help along the common task. He has many times driven ox team-breaking plows, and has enjoyed a pleasure that can only be understood by him who has had the experience of seeing the long, smooth furrows fall away as the plow rapidly eats away the wild land. He is a hard worker and a man of much character and the future is bright before him.

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OLE G. OLSON, of the firm of Olson & Pierce, is one of the prominent men of Nelson county, and is now serving as county register of deeds. He is an efficient officer and highly esteemed by all.

Our subject is a native of Freeborn county, Minnesota, and was born September 21, 1860. He was the eldest in a family of seven children, born to Guttorm and Martha (Millang) Olson, who are residents of Minnesota. Our subject remained at home until he attained his majority and then went to the free lands of Dakota in the spring of 1882. and settled in Grand Forks. He took a pre-emption claim to land near Northwood, in Grand Forks county, and secured employment with Brooks Brothers, dealers in lumber and grain, and he remained with this firm six years. He made a trip to Nelson county in 1885, and the following year he and his brother-in-law began farming in partnership in Nelson county, in Melrose township, and in 1887 Mr. Olson secured land as a homestead and made his home in Melrose township until 1894, when he was elected to the office which he now holds. He now has farming lands to the extent of one thousand one hundred and thirty acres. A section of land is in Rochester township, some in Melrose and some in Michigan township. These farms, which are a valuable property, he continues to improve. He also has equities in other lands in different parts of the country. In 1898, in company with W. J. Pierce, he opened a set of abstract books and the firm of Olson & Pierce is one of the well known abstract and real estate firms of the city.

Our subject was married, .in 1893, to Miss Elizabeth Greene, a native of Canada. Mr. Olson is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a man of active public spirit, and has served in various positions in his township, and is widely and favorably known. He is a Republican politically and prominent in party affairs. He holds membership in the Lutheran church, and is an exemplary citizen and faithful public officer of Nelson county.

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JOHN PELTO, residing on section 15. in Enterprise township. Nelson county, is one of the progressive and energetic farmers of that region and operates one of the most extensive tracts devoted to farming in the township.

Our subject was born near the town of Ylistaro in Ylistaro, Waasa state, Finland, February 6, 1853. He was the second in a family of six children, born to John and Susanna (Markko) Pelto. The father, mother and one brother died in 1868 during the great famine. Our subject was then fifteen years of age, and he well remembers during 1867 and 1868, going from place to place in search of bones or scraps of any kind and often he dined on potato peelings. The family was broken up after the death of the parents, and our subject had no home, and as soon as he was old enough he began rafting lumber and worked at that eleven years, chopping during the winter months. As he grew to manhood the social situation of Finland became distasteful to his idea of freedom and he decided to come to America and he worked ten years with that object in view, but could not get the money necessary. In 1881 he and his wife together had funds sufficient to get to New York, but they could not get to Michigan where their friends were and our subject secured work in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, on the railroad, and after three weeks they were enabled to continue their journey, and Mr. Pelto worked in the copper mines of Michigan four years. He was induced by friends to go to Dakota in the spring of 1887 and then filed on the southwest quarter of section 10, township 154, range 59, but later lost the land during the hard times which followed. He then filed a homestead claim to land on which he now resides in Enterprise township in 1890, and he has made a success of his work there. Fire caused a heavy loss in 1895 and he was already one thousand dollars in debt, but he persevered and is now fast canceling his obligations and getting his place into good condition.

Our subject was married, in 1881, to Miss Mary Pelto. Mr. and Mrs. Pelto are the parents of six children, named as follows: Charles A., Edward, William, Mary, deceased: Emil F. and Selma. Mr. Pelto is a member of the Lutheran church and is prominent in local affairs and served as treasurer of his township ten years. Politically he is a Populist and is an earnest worker for his party in Enterprise township.

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LEM H. PETERSON, one of the best known early settlers of Nelson county, is a resident of the village of Petersburg, which town was named in his honor. Our subject was born in Norway, March 2, 1834, and was the youngest in a family of six children, born to Holver and Tone (Hoxtru) Peterson.

The parents of our subject emigrated to America in 1843, arriving at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 28, and settled on a farm in Racine county, where our subject remained until 1861. He engaged in the live stock business during war tunes, and in 1872 settled on land of his own in Filmore county, Minnesota, and in the fall of 1880 first visited Dakota in the vicinity of Crookston. In September, 1882, he and M. N. Johnson, went to Grand Forks, North Dakota, with a car load of horses, and in search of land drove to Grafton, Edinburgh, then to Turtle mountains, then through Ramsey county, and from there to Wamduska, Nelson county, and then to Larimore, and hearing of the land surveys in eastern Nelson county, retraced their way with a third party. J. P. Martin, and there came to the claim shanties of J. H. and T. D. Terrett. Johnson took land north of a small lake named Stella lake. in honor of Mrs. Johnson, and there a shanty was built and our subject and Martin remained with the horses while Johnson returned east. Mr. Peterson selected a farm near the present site of Petersburg, and erected a sod barn, and as the railroad was built Johnson sent a car load of feed and lumber, and our subject went to Bartlett and established a feed store. In January heavy storms blocked the road and he started for his claim by train, but the train went only four miles from Bartlett when it was stopped by the heavy snow, and our subject remained on the train four days, foraging from a deserted claim shanty. The morning of January 12 opened clear and Mr. Peterson started afoot and arrived safely at Michigan City, where he ate dinner and then went his way, and when within a mile of his siding near his farm he left the track and struck across the country for Terrett's shanty. A blizzard came upon him when half way, and he at once retracted his steps to the railroad and followed down to his sod stable, and there he found the snow drifted and the place so cold that he decided to find warmer quarters, and went to a cellar which he had dug and over which he had laid the floor of a proposed building. Here he built a fire, but the smoke drove him out, and about eight o'clock in the evening he again started for the sod stable, but missed his way and wandered out on the prairie. It was thirty-eight degrees below zero and he burrowed in a snow bank, but fearing he would be drifted in too deeply to get his way through and as the long exposure was weakening him, he decided to make another effort and dug his way through, but made another hole in which he remained until morning, and then again started to find Terrett's shanty. He came to a locked shanty, but repeated efforts to force the door failed and all hope was lost, but he desired to get inside so that his body might not be prey for the wolves. He then lay down by the shanty exhausted and went to sleep, and after awakening struggled to his feet, and finally noticed ice under him and he decided that he was on Deer Lake, and knew there were two shanties on its banks and then arrived at the stable near the shanty of Mr. Ingebritson, and there wished to lay down between two stacks of hay, where he thought he would die, but the stack was fenced in and he was too weak to crawl through the fence, and chancing to see a trail to the shanty he staggered on and reached the door, and was taken in and cared for by the family and refreshed by food and thawed out with snow, and after thirty-six hours of exposure he slept twenty-four hours and then could scarcely be awakened. The result of this terrible struggle was the loss of the ends of three fingers and a thumb, and his toes were also slightly injured. After his recovery to full health he established a general store and conducted the same until 1894. In 1883 the post office was located and named in honor of our subject, Petersburg, and Mr. Peterson was made postmaster.

Our subject is a member of the Lutheran church, and politically is a Republican, and was one of the most prominent of the early day leaders and organizers of the party.

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CAPT. FREDERICK W. PETTES, is one of the prosperous and extensive farmers of section 35, in Lakota township, Nelson county. He is a native of Pulaski, Oswego county. New York, and was born October 16, 1841.

Mr. Pettes is the oldest child and only son born to Colonel William H. and Sophronia (Mansfield) Pettes, both of whom are deceased. The father was a native of Vermont and was a graduate of West Point. He died February 29, 1880, and the mother died in 1858. The father was a surveyor and civil engineer and during much of his life was in the employ of the government. When our subject was a young boy the family moved to Buffalo, New York, and there he was educated, in 1858 entered Perry Academy, in Wyoming county, New York, and in 1860 entered Bellville Academy. Jefferson county. New York. At the outbreak of the Civil war he assisted in raising a company at Perry, New York, and was elected ensign, but the company was not mustered in and soon disbanded, when our subject enlisted in Company D, First New York Lincoln Cavalry, with the rank of private, and was transferred to the Fifteenth New York Engineers and was assigned to Company D. He was in the recruiting service, and during the winter of 1861-2 he was sick and rejoined his regiment in the spring with the rank of second lieutenant. He participated in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and was at engineer duty and open in the rifle pits and was in the battle of the Wilderness, acting as first lieutenant in the third day of the battle and served on the firing line. He then followed the Mine Run expedition and in April, 1864, he was commissioned captain, although he had served for nearly a year in that capacity prior to receiving the official papers. He was mustered out of the service July 8, 1865, after a service of over four years. Returning from the war, Mr. Pettes farmed in Wyoming county and soon afterward went to Washington and took government contracts for public work near Washington and on the Ohio river, and in 1884 assumed charge of his father-in-law's farm. He disposed of his Eastern interests in March, 1868, and went to Dakota with Mr. C. A. Hall, and purchased land about a mile southeast of Lakota, and now owns four hundred and eighty acres of valuable and well-improved land, they removed to Dakota owing to the ill health of Mrs. Pettes, who has gained greatly in North Dakota, and they now enjoys good health and prosperity.

Mr. Pettes was married, in the early  '60s, to Miss Florence Atkins, a daughter of Rev. M. R. Atkins, president of Perry Academy, New York. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pettes, named as follows: William, now living in New York City; Charles, engaged in the real estate business in Lakota; Anna married James White and is now deceased ; Lienor, a teacher ; Robert, teaching, and Harry, working the home farm. Mr. Pettes is a member of the G. A. R., and has twice been commander of the local post. He is a member of the Republican party and served six years as secretary and treasurer of the county Republican central committee.

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REV. JOHN RINGSTAD, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran churches of northeastern Nelson county, is also engaged in farming in Dahlen township, in section 33, of which he has a pleasant home. He has prospered in his church work in Dakota and has endeared himself to his people.

Our subject is a native of Sondre Fron, Gudbrandsdalen, Norway, and was born June 16, 1858. He was the youngest in a family of six children born to John and Anne (Erickson) Ringstad. He came to America in 1873 with his mother, the father having been a resident of this country four years. They made a home in Wilkins county, Minnesota, and our subject worked five years among the farmers of that locality and attended two terms of English school. He entered the Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa, in the fall of 1878 and remained there four years and then spent one year at Concordia Theological Seminary at Springfield, Illinois, and then entered the Lutheran Seminary at Madison, Wisconsin, graduating from that institution in the spring of 1885 and the following fall he was ordained and at once sent to Nelson county, North Dakota, in charge of work in parts of Grand Forks, Walsh and Nelson counties, a field fifty miles in extent, and for eleven years he labored in that extensive circuit. The congregations at that time in his territory numbered three and this he increased to six, and in 1896 he was placed in charge of four congregations, as follows: Zion congregation, which was organized by our subject in 1896, with a membership of fourteen families and now has a membership of thirty families and a church building erected in 1897 at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars; Petersburg congregation, organized by Rev. Svenungsen, in 1886, and now has a membership of thirty families and a church building erected in 1897, at a cost of two thousand dollars: West Forest congregation, with a membership of fifty-four persons, and Elk Valley congregation in Grand Forks county, with a membership of two hundred and ten persons and a church building valued at two thousand five hundred dollars. These congregations are entirely free from debt and are in a flourishing condition. Mr. Ringstad purchased a homestead right in 1894 to land in Dahlen township and now conducts a farm of two hundred and twenty acres, on which he has erected a comfortable home.

Our subject was married, in 1885, to Miss Gunhild Ytterboe, who died in 1887, leaving one son, Ivan J., who is now deceased. Mr. Ringstad was married to Miss Sina T. Thorson in 1890. Mrs. Ringstad was born in Norway and came to America when eight years of age. One daughter has been born to this union, upon whom they have bestowed the name of Agnes. Our subject is a gentleman of broad mind and good education and is entitled to special mention for his good work in the church and his example as a citizen. He is a supporter of  Republican principles and is firm in his convictions.

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SAMUEL SAMSON, a well-to-do farmer, living on section 9,Norway township, is entitled to distinction as being not only an old soldier with an enviable war record, but also is one of the oldest settlers of Nelson county.

Mr. Samson was born in Bergen stift, Norway, October 19, 1833, on the farm Njos. He was reared on a farm, and when twenty-eight years of age came to America, arriving here in 1861. He had been a farmer, and also engaged in fishing and sailing in the old country. Soon after his arrival he enlisted in Company H, Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, October 2, 1861. In Norway he was known as Samson S. Njos, but through some error he was enlisted as Samuel Samson, and has gone by that name since. He served three years and some months, having received his honorable discharge January 6, 1865. Among the engagements in which he took part may be named Murfreesboro, Union City, Island No. 10. Chickamauga, and in all upwards of twenty battles and skirmishes. At Chickamauga he received a severe wound below the left knee, and fell into the hands of the Confederates. He was saved from a prison only by the severity of his wound, which was so neglected that it became dangerous to his life. He was without medical attention and confined in a room that resembled a slaughter-house, without sufficient food, and it was only by dint of his strong constitution that he lived through it. He refused absolutely to have his leg amputated, and finally, after two years on crutches, recovered the use of it sufficiently to begin to walk unsupported. He went to Freeborn county. Minnesota, in 1866, and lived there many years. In 1880 he came to Nelson county. Dakota, and "squatted" on the land he now makes his home. His was the only occupied farm for many miles around, and became a favorite stopping place for home-seekers in those early days, he returned to Moorhead and worked at railroading near Moorhead during the winter, his wife having had an attack of typhoid fever, compelled him to remain there and using up his surplus means. He returned to his farm in Nelson county in 1881, almost destitute. He worked at breaking land and made improvements on his own place. He lived in a dug out, lined with logs and covered with earth and bark. However, he endured all these hardships and soon began to prosper. He is now well fixed financially, and is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of valuable lands, well cultivated and enhanced by many conveniences for farming and stock raising.

Mr. Samson was married, in 1865, to Miss Berret Amfinson. Ten children were born to this union, named as follows: Mary Ann, deceased; Andrew, deceased; Sophia A., deceased; Bernhart, deceased ; John, deceased ; Sophia ; Bertina ; Theodore and Andrew Gilbert, and one dying in infancy. Mr. Samson is a Republican in political views and takes an intelligent interest in the local public affairs and has proved himself a most exemplary citizen and member of the community in which he has resided for so many years. He is esteemed and respected by all who know him and he enjoys the confidence and friendship of all the community.

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OSCAR W. SERNS, deputy sheriff of Nelson county, has a fine farm a half mile from Aneta, and is one of the well-known men of that locality. He was born in Jefferson county,Wisconsin, August 26, 1856, and was the oldest of a family of six children born to Sern and Sarah A. (Thompson) Serns. The father is the only surviving parent and resides in Wisconsin on the homestead farm and follows the mason's trade.

Our subject was reared to farm work and attended Albion Academy. Previous to attaining his majority he went to Iowa and worked one season and in 1876 bought a farm in Hancock county, Iowa, and devoted himself to farming four years with little success. He went to Mayville, North Dakota, in the spring of 1881, with four horses, and made some money breaking for others and they returned to Iowa for the winter, and in the spring of 1882 went to Nelson county and took a homestead adjoining the town site of Aneta on the north. He worked for others and dealt some in horses and in 1884 went to his farm to develop the same and by engaging in diversified farming met with fair success. He purchased a farm one-half mile northeast of Aneta in 1895 and there built a fine Home, and now owns four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land.

Our subject was married, in 1893, to Miss Emma Marquette. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Serns, upon whom they have bestowed the name of Cecyl Lola. Mr. Serns and wife attended the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893 and spent about a year in that city, and since their return to Dakota our subject has taken an active interest in public affairs of a local nature. He was appointed deputy sheriff of Nelson county in 1897, and is now serving in that capacity and is an efficient and faithful officer. He holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically he is a Republican and is firm in his convictions. In the early days in Dakota he had many experiences and hardships to bear, and in February, 1885, passed a night in a severe storm with a team of horses and a sleigh. He attempted to keep the trail, but overturned the sleigh several times, and finally, coming to a shanty, unhitched the team and drove them around until morning, when the storm abated and he proceeded to his home, reaching there with the empty sleigh and little the worse for the experience, although the thermometer stood thirty degrees below zero.

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OLE O. SLOULIN, proprietor of one of the fine farms of Lee township. Nelson county, has a comfortable home on section 4. He was the first settler of Field township. Nelson county, and resided therein until recently. He now owns four hundred and eighty acres of land and has made a success of agricultural pursuits.

Our subject was born in Church precinct of Lom, Gulbrandsdalen, Christiania Stift, Norway, May 2, 1851. He was the eldest of a family of four children born to Ole O. and Marit (Aukrustbakken) Sloulin. The father died when our subject was but thirteen years of age, and our subject and the mother conducted the small farm until Mr. Sloulin reached his manhood, when he emigrated to America and engaged in fishing at Fish Creek, Wisconsin, and in 1874 went to Green county, Wisconsin, and in Brooklyn established a shoe shop with his cousin. He went to Vernon county in 1876 and there followed the shoemaker's trade, and in 1879 invested in a team and drove to Kansas, and passed the winter of 1880 and 1881 in the Wisconsin woods, and in September, 1881, went to Dakota. He remained one year in Traill county, and in the spring of 1882 went to Nelson county, and selected land in what is now Field township and was the first settler. He worked for others to secure means with which to live during the first winter and during the winter made a trip from Traill county where he had been threshing, and encountered many difficulties and hardships on account of heavy storms and blizzards. When he reached his home he found it deserted by his family on account of lack of fuel and provisions and he afterwards found them at the home of Knud Fjeld, the nearest neighbor, and for five weeks three families lived on wheat ground in a coffee mill, and March 16 our subject and Mr. Fjeld started for Blanchard, sixty miles distant, and returned after about ten days, enduring hardships which will never be forgotten.

Our subject was married, in 1874, to Miss Anne Kroke. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sloulin, and are named as follows: Olaf, engaged in the drug business in Aneta; Mary, now Mrs. N. O. Haugen, Charles, a merchant, of Sogn, North Dakota: Obert, a blacksmith in Sogn, North Dakota; Thea ; Gilbert: Henry, deceased ; Clara; and Emma. Mary and Charles are twins. Mr. Soulin is a member of the Lutheran church and Knights of the Maccabees. He has mixed freely in local affairs, and politically is a Populist.

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JOHN P. SUNDQVIST, one of the men who have made Nelson county famous for its agriculture and stock raising, resides upon his valuable farm in section 23, Ora township, where he owns a section of land.

Mr. Sundqvist was born near Storvik, Gefle Borgstan, Sweden, May 30, 1862. He was the second child in a family of five children born to Cart and Johanna (Wiren) Sundqvist, both of whom are still living in Sweden. The father was a railroad man, and our subject followed railroading until he was fifteen years of age, when he entered the repair shops to learn the trade of machinist. Two years later he became engineer on a coasting steamer, and in May, 1882. he came to America. He first worked in Chicago, and then proceeded to Moorhead, Minnesota, where he worked in a planing mill, and later in a foundry. He worked a short time at Fargo in the same line, and also in the Northern Pacific Railroad shops. In the spring of 1886 he came to Nelson county, and the next year filed claim to one hundred and twenty acres of government land. He was without means, but he worked hard and managed wisely, and has built up for himself one of the finest estates in the county. For some years he devoted his attention to sheep raising and was very successful, but as the range became limited he abandoned this line of business, and he is now giving his attention to general stock farming. He has improved his farm with many of the conveniences of farm life, and his outbuildings afford shelter for stock and abundant storage for his crops. for stock and abundant storage for his crops.

Mr. Sundqvist was married in 1884 to Miss Caroline Teien, and to this union eight children have been born, named as follows: Johanna C, Aggie A., Oscar E., Arthur R., Arnold G., Ida, Hjalmar E. and Emma. In political sentiment Mr. Sundqvist is an Independent. He was greatly dissatisfied with management of public affairs in the country and state, and welcomed the reform movement, and was one of the organizers of the party in Nelson county. He has been active in local political affairs, and has been a school officer for many years. He is a consistent member of the Lutheran church, and a member of good standing of the 1. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. organizations.

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GEORGE H. SWAN, one of the energetic and wide-awake citizens of Hugh township. Nelson county, has a fine farm in section 20 and is well known in that locality as a prosperous agriculturist. He owns three hundred and twenty acres of land at the present time and has dealt largely in real estate as a speculation, but now confines himself to one half-section.

Our subject was born in Buffalo, New York, October 23, 1854, and was the eldest of four children born to George W. and Selina (Parks) Swan, both of whom are deceased. His parents were of American birth, and his father was of English and his mother of Irish parentage. Soon after the birth of our subject they settled on a farm in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and our subject lived in Crawford and Eric counties until twenty-six years of age, devoting himself to farm work. He went to Helena, Montana, in 1881, and worked there at farming and in a flour-mill until the spring of 1883, when he heard of the prospects of Dakota and in June of that year arrived at Grand forks, and at once located on the land on which he now resides. He erected a shanty 7x9 feet and lived alone two years, and the first season broke ten acres of land, and in 1884 rented land and cropped thirty acres. He increased his acreage from time to time until 1891, since which time lie has cultivated and improved a half-section of land. He now. has a farm of good improvements, including wind-mill with feed attachment and a fine stone meat house arched with native boulders, and has built substantial and commodious buildings and provided every comfort of modern farm life.

Our subject was married, in 1886, to Miss Sophronia R. Wilcox. Mrs. Swan was engaged for several years after her marriage in teaching in Dakota and is well known in the educational work of Nelson county. Mr. Swan was active in the organization of the township in 1885, and was the first clerk of the township. He was elected county commissioner for the third district in 1894, and is now serving his second term in that capacity and is chairman of the board. Politically he is a Republican and a man of strong party views, and is wide-awake to the needs of his community and is popular with the people.

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GEORGE F. THAYER, familiar to the people of Nelson county and surrounding country as Colonel Thayer, is one of the influential and popular men of his community. He has also aided materially in the up building of that region, and especially the thriving town of Aneta, and he originally owned the town site of the city. He now makes his home there and conducts a farm of twelve hundred acres in extent and is also engaged in handling real estate. Our subject is a native of Rochester, New York, and was born March 15, 1845. He was the eldest son of seven children born to Alvah and Mary (Conlay) Thayer. The father was of Mohawk Dutch descent, and the mother was of Irish birth.

Our subject removed with his parents to Berrien county, Michigan, when he was eleven years of age, and there he was reared to farm work. He enlisted April 14, 1864, in Company K, Sixth Michigan Heavy Artillery, and engaged in numerous skirmishes up and down the Mississippi and participated in the capture of Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines. He was then at Fort Hugo, and the siege and capture of Mobile, and thus participated in the last engagement of the war. He was discharged from the service September 20, 1865, at New Orleans, and at once returned to Michigan, where he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits until 1878, when he disposed of his interests there and went to Kansas and followed farming near Independence with good results, and in October, 1881, arranged to go to Dakota, and in the spring of the following year moved his family thither and located on the present town site of Aneta, when Nelson county boasted neither railroad nor school house, and he and Mr. Prindle are now the oldest resident settlers in Ora township. Mr. Thayer developed his farm and acted as locating agent and real estate dealer. He began sheep culture in 188S and continued this line successfully until 1892. In 1896, through his influence, the Great Northern Railroad was built through Aneta and the village then sprang into existence, and the village with its beautiful park and other advantages is a monument to the energy and push of our subject, as he has been a leading spirit in its advancement and public enterprises. After the town was located Mr. Thayer sold a half interest in the town site to A. A. White, of St. Paul.

Our subject was married, in 1869, to Miss Maggie Quick, a native of Michigan. Three children, two of whom are living, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thayer, and are named as follows: Eva May, deceased; Carrie M., now Mrs. M. Prindel, of Aneta ; and Frederick Ward, now engaged in farming with our subject. Mr. Thayer early became identified with the Republican party in political faith, and served many years as a member of the county central committee, and is a regular attendant at county and state conventions. He is a robust man of great mental and physical vigor and has surmounted every obstacle which came to him in his pioneer life in North Dakota.

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AUGUST H. THRUN, is an honored resident of Lakota, Nelson county, where he is living in retirement, and enjoying the result of a well spent career. He is owner of a fine estate near the city, and for many years was actively engaged in its culture and development.

Our subject was born in Germany May 11, 1840, and was the fourth in a family of nine children born to Christian and Henrietta Thrun, both of whom are now deceased. When our subject was sixteen years of age he came with his parents to America, and they settled in Rice county, Minnesota, and there he worked on a farm with his father until he attained his majority, and in the fall of 1861 he  enlisted in Company I, Fourth Minnesota Regiment, and served three years, nine months and ten days, I and his service is one of which he may well be proud.  He was with his regiment in every engagement, which covered about twenty battles and skirmishes, among the most important of which were the following:  Iuka, Corinth, Vicksburg, Missionary Ridge, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea and  then through the Carolinas, and at Altoona he received an injury to one eye, by a splinter from breast works. He was discharged at Louisville, Kentucky, July 19, 1865, with the rank of corporal.

Returning from the war. Mr. Thrun began farming in Rice  county, Minnesota, and from there in the spring of 1885 went to Walsh county. North Dakota, where he had filed on a tree claim. He took a homestead in Sarnia township, Nelson county, and made that his home. His farm there now comprises eight hundred acres of land, all of which is well improved, and he has an abundance of good water, and made a success of his farm work. He rented his farm in 1898 and with his wife removed to Lakota to enjoy the fruits of his labors as an agriculturist.

Mr. Thrun was married, in 1867, to Miss Charlotte Hanes. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thrun, named as follows: Charles W., now engaged in ranching in North Dakota west of the Missouri river; Zilpha L., now Mrs. C. W. Tyler, of St. James, Minnesota; and Cynthia A., now Mrs. H. M. Simons, engaged in farming in Nelson county. Mr. Thrun is commander of G. K. Warren Post, No. 41, Grand Army of the Republic, and he is prominent in work of the order. He is a Republican politically, and is an earnest worker for party principles.

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AMUND M. TOFTHAGEN, president of the Lakota Mercantile Company, is a gentleman of rare business ability and has made a name for himself in North Dakota. He is a man of intelligence and is always a student, making the best of his opportunities to learn of men and the world, and is deservedly one of the popular citizens of his adopted town. His portrait, in these pages, shows an intelligent and manly countenance.

Our subject was born on the farm Tofthagen, Listad, Norway, November 12, 1858, and was the second child and oldest son in a family of seven children. His parents, Andrew and Mary (Simonson ) Tofthagen, now reside in Wisconsin. The family came to America in 1871 and joined the father at Black River Falls, where the father had been employed for over a year.

Our subject was reared on a farm and most of his work was done for neighboring farmers and he supported himself from the age of fifteen years. He received a high-school education and then worked three years in a dry-goods store and in 1882 entered the employ of A. Abrahamsen, general merchant of Grand Forks, and in April, of that year, he filed claim to land as a homestead in Bergen township, Nelson county, and in the spring of the following year settled permanently on the farm and spent the summer there. In 1885, when the office of county auditor was created, our subject was appointed to fill the same, and in 1886. without opposition, he became his own successor by popular vote. He served as register of deeds in 1888-1892, thus making eight years continuous service in the county court house. He then dealt in real estate and loans in Hillsboro, North Dakota, where he remained until 1895, he then assumed the presidency of the Lakota Mercantile company. The business has prospered under his guidance and he is one of the prominent business men of his community.

Mr. Tofthagen has enjoyed the advantages of extensive travel and has visited many of the European countries at will and has vivid impressions of the political and social condition on the continent. He is studious and observing and is a pleasing conversationalist on an extensive range of. topics and his fine library in his handsomely furnished bachelor quarters in Lakota contains volumes illustrative of the range of his researches. Mr. Tofthagen is a member of the Masonic fraternity as a Knight Templar, a member of the Mystic Shrine and thirty-third-degree Elect, and is very prominent in affairs of the order. He is a Republican nominee for presidential elector in North Dakota, which means an election.

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JOHN W. WRIGHT, whose valuable farm is located in section 25, Sarnia township. Nelson county, is justly entitled to mention as one of the most thorough agriculturists of the county.

Mr. Wright is a native of Washington county, Minnesota, where he was born August 27, 1861. He was the third child and only son of Thomas and Mary (Allibone) Wright. The mother died in 1867, when our subject was but six years old. The father re-married, and of the second family there were six children. The father was one of the pioneers of Washington county, Minnesota, and still resides at Detroit, in that state.

Our subject was reared on a farm in Washington county, Minnesota, and in 1878 went with the family to Ottertail county, of that state. He owned an eighty-acre farm there, and made that his home until 1886. In July of that year he went to North Dakota, first locating at Hope, Steele county, where he worked on a farm until 1887. In the spring of that year he came to Nelson county and rented a farm of L. B. Ray. Here he remained for about six years, but in the meantime had, in 1889, filed a homestead claim to the tract of land upon which his present home is situated. He subsequently purchased three hundred and twenty acres more, and is today the owner of one of the most valuable pieces of property in the county. He gives considerable attention to stock, and is regarded as one of the well-to-do citizens of the county.

When Mr. Wright was but nineteen years old, when living in Ottertail county, he was married to Miss Amy A. Baker. To Mr. and Mrs. Wright five children have been born, namely: Robert L., now a teacher; Willis E., at home; Asa B., Thomas L. and Guy Adrian, deceased.

In political views Mr. Wright is a Republican, and supports the principles of that party with steady loyalty. He is not an office seeker, but takes a lively interest in the questions of good government. He has held the office of assessor, and has always proved himself a valuable member of the community where he has resided. He is a member in good standing of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

 

 

 

 

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