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FRANK DOLESHY. proprietor of a fine estate comprising four hundred and forty acres of land in Dwight township, is one of the pioneer settlers of Richland county, and by dint of his efforts has acquired a comfortable competence. He entered Dakota as a stranger in a strange land, and despite his limited knowledge of American customs and the English language, he steadily went forward toward the success which is the result of well-directed labor and good judgment. His present home is on section 6, in Dwight township, and is one of the pleasant farms of that locality.
Our subject was born in Bohemia, December 6. 1845, and reared on a farm in his native country. He emigrated to America in 1873, landing at New York, from where he went direct to Dakota, then a territory. He tiled claim to eighty acres of land in section 6, in Dwight township, where he engaged in farming until 1896, when he moved to Lidgerwood, where he engaged in hotel-keeping two and a half years. He then returned to his farm in Dwight township, and has followed the pursuit of agriculture to the present time. He has erected a complete set of substantial farm buildings, and the appearance of his entire farm evidences the painstaking care exercised in the work and the strict attention to the details. He owns a tract of land in Wilkin county, Minnesota, and that, with his Dakota farm, covers four hundred and forty acres.
Our subject was married in his native land, in 1870, to Katie Chima, who died in Dwight township in 1874. Mr. Doleshy was married in Dakota to Miss Anna Stitina. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Doleshy, as follows: Frank, Anna, Rosa, Jennie, Edward, Julia, Jessie and Eliza. Mr. Doleshy is a man of energetic nature, and is among the foremost men of his calling in Richland county.
JOHN DORSEY. Among the self-made men of Richland county. North Dakota, who have accumulated what they have of this world's goods through their own energy, industry and perseverance, may be numbered the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is now a resident of Mooreton township, and owns and operates a most desirable farm on section 13.
A native of Minnesota. Mr. Dorsey was born in Goodhue county, March 8, 1859, and is a son of Michael and Mary (Heffron) Dorsey. The father died in Goodhue county in 1864. when about thirty-eight years of age, but the mother is still living. In the county of his nativity, our subject received a fair common-school education and was reared to habits of industry. On leaving home at the age of fifteen years he started out to make his own way in the world and during early life was employed at different occupations, but chiefly at farm labor. In 1879 he removed from Minnesota to North Dakota and has since been a resident of Richland county with the exception of about a year spent in his native state. For two years during his residence in North Dakota he was engaged in the agricultural implement business, but since the spring of 1890 has devoted his entire time and attention to agricultural pursuit of his present farm, comprising six hundred and forty acres of rich and arable land.
On the 19th of March, 1889. in Richland county, Mr. Dorsey was united in marriage to Miss Mary Boynton, who was born in Canada July 22. 1860, a daughter of Thomas and Susan (Turner) Boynton, both natives of England. The father died at Port Perry, Ontario, Canada, at the age of seventy-two years, but the mother still survives. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey, namely: Walter, who died in infancy, Grace, Neil and Doris. Mr. Dorsey has taken quite an active and prominent part in the public affairs of his township, was treasurer of Centre township for two terms and is the present township and school treasurer of Mooreton township.
ADONIJAH J. DUNHAM. The mature years of this gentleman have been devoted to the pursuit of farming, in which vocation he has met with success, and is now the proprietor of a fine estate in De Villo township, Richland County. He makes his home on section 23. where he located many years ago, and has added such improvements as are found on a model farm.
Our subject was born in Kings County, Nova Scotia, December 25. 1847, where he lived and followed farming until about twenty-four years of age, when he came to Massachusetts, and for several years was engaged at the trade of shoe making. He moved to Dakota territory with his wife and two children in the spring of 1879. and entered a homestead claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 23 of De Villo township. He is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land and has made extensive improvements on his homestead farm.
Our subject was married, in Ashland. Massachusetts, December 15. 1872, to Miss Elizabeth E. Farley, who was born in Birmingham. England, February 2, 1848. Mrs. Dunham came to America in 1871. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dunham, four of whom are living, as follows: Allston E., Harry E., Nellie L. and Louis C. Mr. Dunham is an influential citizen of De Villo township, and for three years was constable of that township, which office his eldest son is now filling. The family are held in high esteem by their many friends.
EDWARD ERICKSON. To those who entered the Dakotas while yet in the prime of life and worked with a determination to make a success of their respective callings, and thereby develop the financial and social interests, is due the present solid prosperity of that region. Our subject has been a resident of Richland county. North Dakota, for the past twenty-six years, and when he located there he had hardly passed his boyhood days, but he had learned the results to be obtained from honest labor, and he began his calling, that of an agriculturist, determined to place himself among the substantial men of his community. He is now the fortunate possessor of a well-improved estate, and is a respected citizen of Dwight township.
Mr. Erickson was born in Norway, January 27, 1859, and was a son of Erickson and Ingborg (Tostenson) Anfenson, notice of whom will be found in the sketch of Thomas Erickson. Our subject came to America early in the '70s and resided in Stearns county, Minnesota, going from there to Dakota in the fall of 1873. He has given his attention wholly to farming since locating in Dakota, and now has two hundred and eighty acres of tillable land on section 10, in Dwight township, on which he has erected a complete set of substantial and comfortable buildings. The farm bears every evidence of a well-kept estate, and the details of the work are carefully looked after. Mr. Erickson is a man of untiring energy, and personally supervises all the labor incident to farming.
Our subject was married, in Richland county, North Dakota, July 24, 1884, to Miss Bridt Bakken, a native of Norway, daughter of Peter and Marit (Boardson) Bakken, also natives of Norway. Our subject is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and is a man who is earnest in the performance of his duties. He has made a host of friends in Richland county, who willingly accord him a high position among the successful and progressive men of that county.
THOMAS ERICKSON, a prosperous farmer residing on section 15, in Dwight township, Richland county, has been a resident of North Dakota, for over a quarter of a century and is well known as a man of much force of character and industrious habits. He has one of the well-improved farms of that locality and it is to his own efforts that his success in his vocation is due.
Mr. Erickson was born in Norway, April 14, 1853, and was a son of Erick and Ingborg (Tostenson) Anfenson. His parents came to Dakota territory early in the '70s and, the father died in Dwight township at the age of sixty-seven years. The following children were born to them: Thomas, Mary, Carrie, Edward and a daughter who died during her girlhood.
Thomas Erickson remained in his native land until he was nineteen years of age, when he came to America and located in Mower county, Minnesota. He worked there at farm labor and also in Stearns county, Minnesota, and in the spring of 1873 went to Dakota, then a territory. For five years after taking up his residence in Richland county, he divided his time between farming and working on the Red river on flat boats, but since that time he has engaged in farming as his sole occupation and has met with marked success. He owns five hundred and sixty acres of land in Dwight township and has added the usual farm improvements.
Our subject was married in Richland county, North Dakota, June 24, 1885, to Miss Olivia Nelson, who was a native of Norway. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Erickson, named in order of birth as follows: Inga, Edward, Theo, Annie, Oscar, Melvin and Alfred. Mr. Erickson has depended on honest industry to gain a comfortable competence and has been rewarded for his efforts sufficiently to entitle him to a prominent place among the substantial men of his calling in Richland county.
OLE H. EVENSON, deceased. Credit is indeed due the man who leaves his native land and seeks his fortune in a new country, with the good remits which was the lot of this gentleman. He made a success of the pursuit of agriculture, and that in a country where white men had never before made residence. He passed through all the struggles of the pioneer and became one of the prosperous agriculturists of Mooreton township. Richland County. He made his home on section 10. and was surrounded by all of the adjuncts of a model rural home.
Mr. Evenson was born in Norway. January 6, 1853. Upon attaining his majority, in 1874. he decided to turn his way toward the new world, and accordingly emigrated to America, landing in New York in the early part of the summer of that year. He soon proceeded to Dane county, Wisconsin, and later went to Northfield. Minnesota, where he resided four years and was engaged at carpenter work.
He went to Richland County. North Dakota. in March, 1878, and took a quit claim on one hundred and sixty acres of land in what is now Mooreton township, formerly known as Center township. In the fall of that year he settled on his claim and has held continuous residence there. At the time of his death he was the possessor of four hundred acres of fertile land, with improvements that make it a comfortable and valuable estate.
Mr. Evenson was married in Northfield. Minnesota. September 10, 1877, to Miss Mary Thompson, who was also a native of Norway. Mrs. Evenson was born October 22. 1852. and emigrated to America about 1870. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Evenson, as follows: Clara, Helmer, Tillie, Edwin, Harry, Ethel, Melvin, Ida; Clara died in infancy and Edward, died in infancy. Mr. Evenson was a consistent member of the Lutheran church, and was a trustee in the same for several years. He filled various offices of trust in his township, and gained the confidence of the people of his community. He was supervisor and interested in educational matters and has served as school director.
Mr. Evenson made a visit to his native land during the past summer, leaving his home April 28, 1899. and sailing from New York on the steamer Majestic, May 3, landing in Liverpool April 10. He reached Norway May 15. and after a two months stay returned to his home in Richland county, and was welcomed by his many friends. He was well known as a substantial farmer, industrious and honest, and in every way qualified to fill the high place which he occupied in his community.
Mr. Evenson died December 22, 1899, and was buried in Dwight cemetery. His health had been failing for the last two years, and during the last six weeks of his life he was confined to his bed. His death resulted from a complicated form of consumption. At the date of his death his age was forty-six years, eleven months and two weeks.
ROBERT W. FARRAR, the well-known manager of the Wahpeton "Globe and North Dakota Press," of Wahpeton, North Dakota, was born in the northern part of West Virginia, March 7, 1872, a son of Robert B. and Mattie E. (Thompson) Farrar. On leaving his native state at the age of eleven years he came to what is now South Dakota, and lived here and in Minnesota until coming to North Dakota in 1881. During that time he learned the printer's trade, and for five years was employed in the office of the "Aberdeen News." He then purchased the "Ellendale Commercial," of Ellendale, North Dakota , and conducted that paper for three years. On selling out he came to Wahpeton and accepted his present position. He is a young man of good business ability, and as a journalist is meeting with good success. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was married in Aberdeen, South Dakota , in January, 1894, to Miss Louise Talcott, of Faulkton, that state, and to them have been born two children, Robert and Doris.
FRED FALLEY. America owes much of her progress and advancement to a position foremost among the nations of the world to her newspapers, and in no line has the incidental broadening out of the sphere of usefulness been more marked than in this same line of journalism. North Dakota has enlisted in the newspaper field some of the strongest intellects in the statemen of broad mental grasp, cosmopolitan ideas and notable business sagacity. Prominent among these is Fred Falley, the present secretary of state, and editor of the "Wahpeton Globe."
He was born in York, Clay county, Illinois, July I, 1859, a son of Richard and Louisa (Scranton) Falley, natives of Massachusetts and Illinois, respectively. The father, who was a wagon-maker by trade, removed to Illinois in 1842, and there died in 1877. The mother departed this life in the same state in 1868. Our subject received a good high school education in his native county, and during his youth learned the printer's trade at Lancaster, Wisconsin, under Edward Pollock, who was then publishing the "Grant County Herald." Coming to North Dakota in 1880, he located at Wahpeton, where he worked at his trade about four years. In 1883 he founded the "Sargent County Teller" at Milnor, North Dakota, and conducted that paper until 1887, when he purchased the "Wahpeton Globe," which he is still successfully carrying on. It is one of the best papers published in the state and is the Republican organ of Richland county.
In 1885 Mr. Falley married Miss Clara .Mitchell, who died in 1892, leaving one son, Richard M. He was again married in 1896, his second union being with Mrs. Sadie Pyatt. by whom he has one son, Morgan. Fraternally Mr. Falley is a member of the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and politically he is a pronounced Republican. He served as secretary of the state senate for several sessions, and in 1896 was elected secretary of state and re-elected in 1898. He has proved a most efficient and popular officer, and during his incumbency has made a host of warm friends throughout the state.
HERMAN O. FJELDE, M. D. Although a man in his profession, and a resident of Abercrombie comparatively few years, this gentleman has gained a reputation which places him among the foremost practitioners of the County. He is a foreign born citizen, but has become thoroughly identified with American customs and progress, and has made a success in his adopted land.
Mr. Fjelde was horn in Aalesund. Norway. April 13. 1866, and was reared in his native city and educated in the Latin school, going from thence to Christiania in the fall of 1887. where he completed a philosophical course in the Royal University of that city. He graduated after a two-years' course in 1889 and in May of that year came to America. He at once proceeded to Minneapolis. Minnesota, where he took up the study of medicine in the medical department of the State University, graduating with the class of 1895. He practiced with Dr. Knut Hoegh prior to his graduation and soon afterward went to Martell, Wisconsin, where he practiced his profession until June, 1897. Since that time he has been a resident practitioner of Abercrombie, Richland County, and enjoys an ever increasing and remunerative practice.
Our subject was married at Minneapolis, Minnesota, April 18, 1896, to Miss Fredrikke Andersen, a native of Norway, who was horn in Christiania. Mrs. Fjelde took a course in her native land in massage treatment and is a graduate from Christiania in Swedish movements and massage. She also belongs to the National Order of the Red Cross in the old country. She is the originator and owner of the Abercrombie Hospital, which is a credit to Richland County. She is also an adept on the piano and has no superior in North Dakota.
One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fjelde, who bears the name of Jakob H. Mr. Fjelde is prominent in social circles of the village and vicinity and is highly esteemed as a physician and citizen.
KNUT E. FLAA, who is a potent factor in the prosperity enjoyed by Richland County, has been of great assistance in developing and extending its agriculture. He is an influential citizen and wherever he has chosen his home has gained many friends by his upright character and industrious habits. He is proprietor of a well-improved estate and his home is on section 25, of Eagle township, where he located many years since.
Our subject was born in Norway, March 16. 1848. He was reared on a farm in his native land and remained there until 1870, when he decided to try his fortunes in the New World, and accordingly, in the summer of that year, started to America. He located at Menomonie, Wisconsin, where he was employed eight years at farm labor and in a sawmill. He then went to Richland County. North Dakota, and settled in Eagle township on his present farm. He has erected good buildings and added valuable improvements and is now the fortunate possessor of about four hundred acres of well-improved land. He has made a success of his vocation and is one of the substantial men of his community.
Our subject was married, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, July 26, 1873, to Miss Gurie Olson. Mrs. Flaa was born in Norway October 1, 1848, came to America in 1871, locating in Menomonie. Wisconsin. Mr. Flaa has been township assessor of Eagle township for several years and justice of the peace and a member of the board of supervisors. He and Mrs. Flaa are members and active workers in the Norwegian Lutheran church. They are well known and highly respected.
FRANK J. FORMANACK, a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of Dwight township, Richland county, has been a resident of Dakota since his boyhood, and is well known as a gentleman of true worth in his community. He makes his home on section 2, and is surrounded by all the adjuncts of a model country home.
Mr. Formanack was born in Bohemia, December 15, 1852, and is a son of Albert and Anna Formanack, who were early settlers of Richland county, North Dakota. Our subject came to America with his parents when but six years of age, and the family settled in Iowa county, Wisconsin, where he passed his boyhood days, and at the age of thirteen years went to Dakota, and has since been a resident of Richland county, and has followed the pursuit of agriculture, with the exception of two years spent in the employ of the government in surveying. He entered claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land, and also pre-empted eighty acres on section 2, in Dwight township, of which property he is still the fortunate possessor. He has improved his land and erected substantial and commodious farm buildings, and made it a fit habitation.
Our subject was married in Grant county, Wisconsin, to Anna Lawrence, a sister of M. Lawrence, of Dwight township, whose history will be found elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Formanack was born in Bohemia. They have one adopted daughter upon whom they have bestowed the name of Anna. Mr. Formanack has held numerous school offices, and served as township supervisor, and is a zealous worker for the up building of his community. He is one of the rising young men of Richland county, and is held in the highest esteem by his associates.
 JESSE R. FRENCH, president of the Peoples Bank of Wahpeton, is also a large land owner of Richland county, and makes his home on section 29, in Center township. He is one of the early settlers of that region, and is a prominent citizen. His portrait will be found elsewhere in this volume.
Our subject was born in Cortland, Dekalb county, Illinois, July 1, 1861, and was the only son of Theodore L., and Mary E. (Barnes) French, a sketch of whom will appear elsewhere in this work. Mr. French was educated in the public schools of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and the Iowa State Normal, and the Shattuck Military School at Faribault, Minnesota. After completing his studies he entered the office of his father at Sandwich, Illinois, as bookkeeper, remaining with him one year, when he went to Dakota, in 1878, and has since been a resident of that state. Since the death of his father he has had charge of the estate of three thousand acres of land. His father organized the Peoples Bank of Wahpeton. in 1887, and was president of the same until his death in 1892, at which time our subject took the presidency in the same institution, and has since acted in that capacity.
Mr. French was married, at Angola. Erie county. New York, January 7, 1891, to Miss Carrie M. Green, a daughter of Rev. Eli Green, of Angola, New York. Our subject is a thirty-second-degree Mason, and is also a member of the Mystic Shrine, and a member of D. O. K. K. Temple No. 8. He is a practical and thorough business man, and the affairs of the institution of which he is the head are ably conducted by him. He is one of the rising young men of the state, and has already taken a prominent position among the leaders of his community.
PETER A. FRISKOP. Good judgment, based on close observation, and industry are the essentials of success in the calling of a farmer as well as other pursuits, and one of the fine farms of Wyndmere township, Richland county, bears evidence of these characteristics in its owner. Mr. Friskop occupies a well-improved tract on section 18, and has been engaged in general farming in that section for over fifteen years, gaining a comfortable competence and laying aside for future years of the fruits of his labors.
Our subject was born in Norway, December 27, 1852. He remained in his native land until he emigrated to America in 1876, and located in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he worked at farm labor for about five years and then went to Cass county, North
Dakota. After a few months' stay in Cass county, he entered claim to his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Richland county, on section 18, of Wyndmere township, in the fall of 1882. He has been a resident there since that time, and has added to his original farm, and is now the owner of three hundred and eighty-six acres of land.
Our subject was married in Richland county. North Dakota, to Miss Ingeborg Erikson, a native of Norway . One child has blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Friskop, a daughter who bears the name of Cora Anetta. Mr. Friskop has been actively identified with the public interests of his community since taking up his residence in Richland county, and has served as school director, a member of the board of supervisors and township assessor. He is deservedly held in high esteem by his associates.
CARLTON A. GALLUP, proprietor of a fine farm covering three hundred and twenty acres in Fairmount township, Richland county, makes his home there on section 31. He has gathered about him a comfortable competence and is one of the rising young men of that region.
Our subject was born in Jackson county, Michigan, January 16, 1867, and was the eldest son born to Anson H. and Nettie (Grosvenor) Gallup. His parents went from Jackson county, Michigan, to Richland county, North
Dakota, in the spring of 1880, and located on section 31 in Fairmount township, where they continued to reside until the fall of 1898. They then moved to Wahpeton, Richland county, where they now reside. Four children were born to them, as follows: Carlton A., our subject; Leoria, Mary and Lulu.
Carlton A. Gallup received a common school education, and in 1880 went to Dakota with his parents. He began farming for himself about ten years ago and is now the owner of one of the finest estates in the vicinity.
Our subject was married in Devillo township, Richland county. North Dakota , November 12. 1890, to Miss Alta Haney. a native of Michigan . Mrs. Gallup is a daughter of the late Robert Haney, of Devillo township. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gallup, as follows: Waldo, Percy, and twins (girl and boy) unnamed. Mr. Gallup and wife are members of the Baptist church. He is active in all matters of a public nature and has served as township clerk two terms. He is a gentleman of ability and true worth as a citizen and highly respected.
GEORGE C. GATES, is a well-known agriculturist of Richland County, North Dakota, whose farm is pleasantly located on section 21, Centre township. A gentleman of integrity and sterling worth, he has pursued the even tenor of his way as an honest man and good citizen and commands the respect of all who know him.
Mr. Gates was born in Montgomery, Franklin County, Vermont, October 5, 1859, and is a son of Darius and Julia (Sykes) Gates, also natives of the Green Mountain state. At the age of four years he accompanied his parents on their removal to Wisconsin and in St. Croix County they passed their remaining days, the father dying at the age of sixty-nine years, the mother at the age of fifty-two.
Our subject was reared upon a farm in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, and early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist, while his literary education was obtained in the common schools of the County. He continued his residence there until the fall of i886, when he came to Richland County, North Dakota, and bought a half-section of land on sections 21 and 22 Centre township. To the improvement and cultivation of his place he has since devoted his energies and has added to the original purchase a tract of two hundred and forty acres. He has erected good buildings upon the farm and placed the land under a high state of cultivation. He lakes an active interest in public affairs and has filled the offices of township clerk and school clerk in Centre township. He has a comfortable home over which his sister, Laura, presides. Religiously, he is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is highly respected and esteemed by all with whom he comes in contact.
ADAM GEBHART. Among the younger members of the farming community of Summit township, Richland county, the gentleman above named is entitled to prominent mention. He is a man of excellent characteristics, and although a foreign-born citizen, has resided in this country from childhood, and at all times works for his adopted country's best interests.
Mr. Gebhart was born in Austria April 11, 1869, and is a son of Wenzel and Catherine (Sidler) Gebhart, who now reside with our subject. When he was five years of age the family emigrated to America, and located in Calumet county, Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood, and resided until he went to Richland county, North Dakota, in the spring of 1888. He purchased three hundred and twenty-four acres of land on section 21, in Summit township, which he still owns, and has added such improvements as are found on a model farm.
Our subject was married in Summit township, Richland county, November 6, 1894, to Miss Mary Schreiber, a daughter of Albert Schreiber, of Summit township, a sketch of whose life will appear elsewhere in this volume. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gebhart, upon whom they have bestowed the name of Alma. Mr. Gebhart and family are members of St. John's Catholic church. Our subject takes an active interest in local affairs, and is a member of the board of supervisors of Summit township and road overseer. He is one of the enterprising young men of that locality, and is highly esteemed by his associates.
 CULBERT GILBERTSON, one of the most prominent men of Wolcott, is carrying on an extensive mercantile business in that thriving town and is also the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land in Richland county, which he operates. He began his business career with nothing except the tools which nature gave him and has risen by dint of his own efforts to a prominent place in the business interests of Richland county. He is an early settler of that region and is closely connected with the annals of Richland county.
Our subject was born in Norway, June 21, 1858.. His father died in his native land in 1866 and our subject came to America with the mother and family in 1873. They located in Alamakee county, Iowa, on a farm there and our subject grew to manhood, assisting with the farm work. He went to Dakota in May, 1879, and engaged in farming in Walcott township, following the same two years, after which he embarked in the mercantile and farming implement business. He carries a general stock of merchandise and conducts an extensive business in both that line and farming machinery. He owns and operates four hundred and eighty acres of land, located partly in Walcott and partly in Dwight townships, and has made a success of that branch of his labors.
Our subject was married, in Walcott township, March 29, 1882. to Miss Belle Grant, a native of Norway. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbertson, as follows; Christine, Gustave, Ole, Adolph, Gunhild and Ida. Mr. Gilbertson has held the offices of school director, school clerk and treasurer and takes an active interest in educational affairs and all matters of a public nature. He is broad minded and energetic and every enterprise which tends to the public good meets with his hearty support. He is an active member of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
JOHN N. GILGENBACH. The farm owned by this gentleman on section 20, in Dwight township, is one of the noticeable estates of Richland county. He has spared no pains to make a model country home, and the present appearance of the place bears evidence of the care bestowed upon every detail. He has made a success of his calling, and is among the substantial men of his locality.
Our subject was born in Germany, June 3, 1852, and his mother having died in his native land he came to America with his father, when he was aged about nine years. They settled in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, where our subject was reared to manhood, and where he continued to live until 1881, when he went to North Dakota.
He purchased eighty acres of land on section 20, in Dwight township, and also filed a tree claim to eighty acres on the same section. He erected good buildings, and has improved the land and buildings continuously since, and now has a model farm.
Mr. Gilgenbach was married in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, April 11, 1882, to Miss Helen Meuer. Mrs. Gilgenbach was born in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, May 20, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Gilgenbach have been the parents of six children, five of whom are living, and are named in order of birth, as follows: John M., Frank A., Elenora, Joseph W. and John N. One son, Philip, died when about two years of age. The family are members of St. John's church, and are highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances. Our subject was not one of the first settlers of Richland county, but he entered that locality when the country had not yet become improved to great extent, and he has not only witnessed the growth of the region, but has been an important factor in its development and advancement, and is entitled to a prominent place among the list of workers in behalf of his country.
CHARLES H. GUDGER, occupies a prominent place as a well-to-do and prominent member of the farming community of Dwight township, in Richland county. He makes his home on section 20, and has a fine farm, upon which he has placed such improvements as entitle it to rank among the finest pieces of property devoted to agricultural pursuits to be found throughout the community, and has been instrumental in developing and promoting the growth of this section of the county.
Our subject was born in Wisconsin, September 5, 1853, the third in a family of seven children born to David and Mary (Deits) Gudger. His father was a soldier in the Second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers, and after serving about three years, was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, and the mother of our subject survives.
Charles H. Gudger was reared in Grant county, Wisconsin, and received a common school education. He worked out at farm labor in Grant county, until 1872, when he went to Dakota, and in the fall of that year filed claim to one hundred and sixty acres in Center township, Richland county. He partially improved his farm, and then sold his right and for five seasons was employed on a flat boat, running from Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Winnipeg, Manitoba. He then engaged in railroad work, first as brakeman, later, baggage man for three years, and finally spent two years as conductor on what is now the Great Northern Railroad. In 1882 he again settled in Richland county, and has since been engaged in farming in Dwight township. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is well improved, and he has gained a competence to tide him over a rainy day if need be.
Mr. Gudger was married, in Center township, Richland county, June 12, 1890, to Miss Anna Burton, who was born in England, and was a daughter of Charles Burton. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Gudger, Charles F., who died when about one year of age.
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