JOSEPH JASPER. The pleasant estate of this gentleman marks the present solid prosperity of Richland county. North Dakota. He has been a resident of that county for many years, and is the owner of three hundred acres of land in Abercrombie and Dwight townships, and makes his home on section 2 of the last named township. He has gained a competence sufficient to give him all the comforts and many of the luxuries of rural life, and has won many friends by his push and energy.

Our subject was born in Germany, November 2, 1846. He came to America in 1867, landing at Baltimore, proceeding at once to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he spent one and a half years learning the carpenter's trade. He then went to Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he worked at his trade and various other occupations until 1869, when he went to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and soon afterward to Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, and was there employed in a lumber mill, and then followed rafting on the river. He was employed at different locations until 1873. when he took a claim in Abercrombie township, Richland county, North Dakota, and engaged in farming thereon four years, moving from there to Dwight township, Richland county. He located on section 2 and has since made that his home, still retaining his farm in Abercrombie township. He has erected a complete set of substantial and commodious farm buildings, and engages in general farming.

Our subject was married, in Minnesota, to Miss Antonia Krisan, who died in Dwight township, Richland county, June 23, 1894. Mr. Jasper married Josephine Shinsky, in Wahpeton, North Dakota. One child has been born of this union, upon whom they have bestowed the name of Antonia. Mr. Jasper is an earnest worker, and to his industry, good management and honesty is due his success. Mrs. Jasper had two children by a former marriage whose names are Emma M. and Frank J.

CHRISTIAN M. JOHNSON. Probably no man in Richland County, in North Dakota, is more interested, financially, in the improvement and development of that region. He is connected with several important business enterprises, and is one of the best known and public-spirited men in that community. He is the possessor of twenty-two hundred acres of land, and he makes his home in section 20, in Dwight township, and has improved his home farm, until it is one of the best in the vicinity.

Mr. Johnson was born in Norway, in July, 1843.  He came to America with his parents in 1855, and the family resided in Chicago two years, after which they removed to Houston County, Minnesota, where our subject worked out the first summer at farm labor at five dollars per month. He clerked in a store during the following winter, and later returned to Chicago and was employed in various ways until the breaking out of the Civil war. In July, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Fifteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served three years and four months as a private soldier. At the battle of Chickamauga he was dangerously wounded, being shot through the right lung and the right arm. He was left on the field and taken prisoner and held ten days, and by agreement between Rosecrans and Bragg, an exchange of prisoners was effected and Mr. Johnson was sent to the hospital at Nashville, Tennessee, where he remained three months, then having improved sufficiently in strength he was sent to the United States hospital in Chicago. He remained there until the following April, when he was ordered transferred to the invalid corps, but refused to comply, and consequently was returned to his regiment, and remained with them through the Georgia campaign, although a sufferer from the wound received in his lung at Chickamauga. He served through the Atlanta campaign and was recommended for a government position by his regimental commander and General Thomas, and was appointed post sutler at Shell Mound, Tennessee, where he remained until about two years after the close of the war, when he went to Meridian, Mississippi, and engaged in the wholesale and retail business of clothing and planter's supplies. After six years he disposed of his business interests in Mississippi and removed to Chicago and engaged in the grocery trade until 1880, when he went to Dwight, North Dakota, and purchased a claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Dwight township, one mile from the town of Dwight.  This tract was purchased at a cost of five hundred dollars, and is now valued at four thousand dollars.

He engaged in the mercantile business in Dwight, carrying a stock of general merchandise, from 1880 to 1898, when he disposed of the mercantile business. During all this time he was postmaster of Dwight, which office he held until the Cleveland administration. After disposing of his mercantile business he engaged in private banking and real estate loans in Dwight, and was again appointed postmaster under the present administration in 1898. He engages in general farming, and raises some excellent horses and cattle, and his home farm where he resides, one-half mile from Dwight, is supplied with every comfort and convenience of modern farming.  He has two thousand two hundred acres of land in Richland County, and is one of the well-to-do men of that section, and is a gentleman who has shown marked ability in business management.

Mr. Johnson was married in Chicago, December 31, 1876, to Miss Minnie Anderson, a native of Norway. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, as follows: Annctta Matilda, Clarence Herbert and Myrtle C. Mr. Johnson takes an active part in church work, and is a member of the United Norwegian Lutheran church of Dwight.  He was appointed by ex-Governor Briggs, a member of the board of management of the Mayville, North Dakota Normal School, which office he filled four years. He has held numerous township offices, such as treasurer, school treasurer, etc. He has always identified himself with the Republican party, and was a delegate to the convention at St. Louis, when William McKinley was nominated for the presidency. He was there elected one of the notification committee to apprise Mr. McKinley of his nomination, and went with that committee to Canton, Ohio, and all were cordially received. Mr. Johnson enjoys the distinction of being the first of his countrymen to be called to serve in that capacity. He has on numerous occasions been chosen as delegate to County and state conventions, and is a prominent worker for the principles of his party. His career has been marked throughout by persistent efforts to advance the interests of his community, and he has acquired an enviable reputation and a host of friends.

JOHN I. JOHNSON. On the young men of the community much of the prosperity of the country depends, and those engaged in the agricultural pursuit are leaders in the labors for the future. The subject of this review has contributed much to tlie development of Dwight township, by his persistent efforts and industrious habits. His farm is well improved and has aided in giving that district a name among the great agricultural regions of the West. He is yet in the prime of vigorous manhood, and is a gentleman of uprightness, and commands respect wherever he is known. He has resided in Richland county since his childhood days, and is engaged in general farming on section 9, in Dwight township.

Our subject was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, August 15, 1869, and was the son of Ole and Annie (Kvenbraaten) Johnson, both of whom were natives of Norway. Soon after emigrating to America they settled in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where they remained until their removal to Furgus Falls, and later to Richland county. North Dakota. They settled in Dwight township, where the father died in 1880, and the mother died in .1893. This worthy couple were the parents of the following children : John L, died in childhood ; Mary: John I., our subject; Lillie; Rudolph; Olivia and Ole A.

John I. Johnson was but a boy when he moved with his parents to Richland county, and he grew to manhood and received a common-school education in Dwight township. He is now the possessor of two hundred and forty acres of fine land, on which he has good improvements, including a complete set of farm buildings, for the comfort of his family and for the shelter of his stock and products. He has acquired a thorough knowledge of his calling, and is one of the successful farmers of the county.

Our subject was married, in Dwight township, Richland county. North Dakota , June 16, 1893, to Miss Minnie Thompson, a daughter of Thomas Thompson, of Ibsen township. Mrs. Johnson is a native of Fillmore county, Minnesota , and was born September 5, 1873. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, as follows: Marvin E., Arthur W., Miranda J. and Gifford E. Mr. Johnson is prominent in public affairs and was elected justice of the peace in the spring of 1899. He is one of the rising young men of his locality, and is deserving of success.

JOHN W. KAEMMER, is a man of progressive, enlightened views, and his standing as an early settler of Richland county and a citizen of prominence in Garfield township is well known. He is the proprietor of one of the fine estates of that township, and makes his home on section 28.

Mr. Kaemmer was born in Washington county, Wisconsin, December 1, 1858, a son of John and Bertha (Baumann) Kaemmer, residents of Freeborn county, Minnesota. Our subject lived in his native place until sixteen years of age, when he went to Freeborn county, Minnesota, and after a stay there of a year and a half returned to Washington county. Wisconsin. After two years he again went to Freeborn county, and remained there until his removal to Dakota, in 1879. In November of that year he located in Richland county, and in the spring of 1880 he entered claim to one quarter-section of land on section 28, and began what has proven to be a successful vocation. He is now the owner of one hundred sixty acres of land, and his farm is well improved with comfortable and commodious buildings.

Our subject was married, in Freeborn county, Minnesota, February 21, 1882, to Miss Katie Eberhardt, who was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, August 9, 1861. Mrs. Kaemmer's father, Kev. Henry Fberhardt, died in Freeborn county, Minnesota, at the age of thirty-eight years, and the mother, who bore the maiden name of Barbara Kopp, still survives. Mr. and Mrs. Kaemmer are the parents of four children, as follows: Etta J., Louis W., Alfred E. and E. Ray. Both our subject and his wife are prominent members of the Evangelical church, and Mr. Kaemmer has been class-leader and Sunday-school superintendent in the same The family are well known and highly respected by their acquaintances. Mr. Kaemmer has held numerous local offices, including supervisor, school treasurer, township assessor of Denton township. Since that township was divided, in 1893, he has been clerk of Garfield township. He takes an active part in local affairs, and is a man whose life is devoted to his country's best interests. Politically he favors Republican principles.

RICHARD KEATING. Among the more prominent farmers of Centre township, Richland county, North Dakota, is the subject of this biography, whose farm is on section 12. He is a self-made man, whose perseverance and industry has succeeded in acquiring a comfortable home and competence. He has also won the respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact either in business or social life.

Mr. Keating was born in Queens county, Ireland, November 11, 1830, and emigrated to America in 1849. After a few years' residence in Vermont, he removed to Grant county, Wisconsin, where he made his home until coming to Dakota territory in 1873. Locating in Richland county, he took up one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 12, Centre township, where he has since lived and has enlarged and improved his farm until he now has two hundred and forty acres under excellent cultivation and supplied with good buildings.

During his residence in Vermont Mr. Keating married Miss Margaret Cauglain. a native of Kings county, Ireland, who died in Grant county, Wisconsin, April 25, 1872. The children born of this union were, Mary, now the wife of James F. Shea; Thomas ; Celia, wife of William Masterson ; Bridget, wife of Donald Wright; Anna, who married John O. Shea and died in Centre township, July 2, 1892; Margaret, wife of James Hickey; Eleanor, who died in childhood; John, and Catherine, who married Robert Wright and died in Wahpeton, in November, 1896. The family hold membership in St. John's Catholic church of Wahpeton and are highly respected by all who know them.

WILLIAM M. KEATING. The subject of this notice is certainly entitled to be considered not only one -of the enterprising farmers of Richland county, but one of its most respected and honored citizens, and a man of more than ordinary ability. His residence is situated on section 29, Centre township, where he has made his home since 1880. To his original purchase of one hundred and sixty acres he has added until he now has six hundred and forty acres of rich and arable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. Upon the place he erected a good set of farm buildings in 1897, and has made many other improvements which fall to the value and attractive appearance of the farm.

Mr. Keating was born in Queens county, Ireland, December 22, 1846, a son of William and Mary (Brennan) Keating, both of whom died in Centre township, Richland county, North Dakota, the former October 16, 1886, at the age of eighty-seven years, the latter May 7, 1886, at the age of seventy-three. When only a year old our subject was brought by his parents to America and for some years the family made their home in Vermont. From there they removed to Grant county, Wisconsin, where William M. Keating grew to manhood and was married, May 17, 1876, to Miss Nora Flynn, who was born in Beloit, Wisconsin, October 27, 1855, and was reared in Grant county, and there taught school for a number of years, and in Richland county. North Dakota, for two years. Her parents William D. and Catherine (Sullivan) Flynn, spent their last days in Grant county, the former dying September 30, 1880, aged seventy-six years, the later August 1, 1898, aged seventy-six years. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Keating, but William, the eldest, died in Centre township, Richland county, North Dakota, June 24, 1895, at the age of eighteen years and three months. Those living are Peter Leo, Dennis J.. John F. and Nora C.

In the spring of 1880 Mr. Keating, with his family, left his old home in Grant county, Wisconsin, and came to Richland county. North Dakota, locating on the farm where he still makes his home. His time and attention have since been devoted to its improvement and cultivation with most gratifying results. He was one of the defenders of the Union during the Civil war, having enlisted in October, 1864, in Company I, Twentieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was in the service one year and at the battle of Spanish Fort was slightly wounded in the left side. He is now an honored member of Sunnier Post, No. 7, G. A. R., and he and his family belong to St. John's Catholic church of Wahpeton.

HANS J. KINDE. Every community has its public-spirited and progressive members, and a prominent place among those of Richland County is accorded Mr. Kinde. He is an early settler of that region and has become thoroughly identified man of good education and practical knowledge of with its development and advancement. A gentlemen calling, he has aided in transforming that country into a thriving agricultural district, and is the proprietor of as fine a farm as is found in Eagle (township, wherein he makes his home on section 13. 

Our subject was born in Norway. November 24, 1858. He came to America with his parents in 1806, and the family settled in Houston County, Minnesota, where our subject remained until 1873, and then went to Richland County, North Dakota, and settled in Eagle township, where he has since been a resident. He was educated in the common school and at Curtis's Business College, at Minneapolis. Minnesota. He has engaged in fanning and stock raising during his entire career, and has been remarkably successful. He owns six hundred acres of land, and on his home farm has added improvements of a substantial nature, and completed every arrangement for the comforts of rural life. 

Mr. Kinde was married, in Richland County, North Dakota. November 13, 1883. to Miss Nikoline Christianson, a native of Norway. Three children have blessed the union, and are named as follows: Oscar, Clara and John. Mr. Kinde takes an active part in local affairs, and has held the office of township clerk and school treasurer, and has been a member of the board of supervisors. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Politically he is a Republican, and is strong in his convictions.

OLE KNUDSON. It is not always those who are native-born sons of America who make a success of tilling the fertile lands of the new countries which are from time to time opened to the farmer's plow. Many of the more successful agriculturists of Richland county. North Dakota, hail from a foreign land, and one of this number who has made a success of this vocation in Dwight township is the gentleman above named. He is proprietor of a fine estate on section 18, and here he has spent nearly twenty years, and has gained a competence sufficient to turn want from his door and keep him in ease after his retirement from active labors.

Mr. Knudson was born in Norway, September 4, 1849, and was the son of Knu and Mary (Oesen) Knudson. both of whom were natives of Norway . His parents never left their native land. They reared six children, four sons and two daughters, of whom our subject was the second child in order of birth. He remained in his native land until about the time he reached his majority, and landed at Quebec in the latter part of June, 1870. He proceeded to Brown county, Minnesota , where he remained ten years, and in 1880 went to Dakota. He located on land as a homestead comprising one hundred and sixty acres, in Dwight township which is his present farm. He has erected good buildings and otherwise improved the property and has made it a fit habitation. He is a man who keeps pace with modern ideas and methods, and the best and newest machinery is used on the farm, and in every detail of the work he displays the greatest care. He does not divide his attention between his farm labors and any other business, but pursues the even tenor of his way, giving every man his just due and asking of no man more than is right. He is a consistent member of the Norwegian Lutheran church of Dwight, and lives an exemplary life. He has demonstrated what can be accomplished by persistent effort, honesty, and economical use of time and means, and his estate is a living evidence of his thrift through the exercise of these characteristics. He has gained a name as an honest, industrious citizen, and is deservedly held in high esteem by his associates.

THEODORE LARSON, whose pleasant home is on section 18, is one of the progressive members of the farming community of Dwight township. He has resided in Richland county for over eighteen years, and is well known as a man of good character and industrious habits. His career has been marked throughout with persistent and faithful efforts to advance his interests and those for whom he worked, and he has been rewarded by the acquisition of good property and a high reputation.

Mr. Larson was born in Norway, February 25, 1858, and resided in his native land until 1881, when he came to America. He was engaged at farm work in Norway until fifteen years of age, after which he followed the sea as a sailor for seven years. He came to the United States in 1881, landing at New York in the latter part of September of that year. He at once proceeded to Richland county, Dakota, before North Dakota was admitted as a state, and soon after his arrival in Dwight he entered the employ of C. M. Johnson, as clerk and remained with him fifteen years. He had in the meantime purchased one hundred and sixty acre's of land in section 18 in Dwight township, and since 1896 has given his attention to farming. He has erected a neat and convenient dwelling on his farm, and has otherwise improved the property, and is meeting with success in that pursuit. He uses his time judiciously, and is possessed of those characteristics which go to make the successful farmer as well as business man.

Mr. Larson was married in Dwight, December 3, 1889, to Miss Hansine Enochson, who was born in Norway, March 24, 1869. Mrs. Larson was nineteen years of age when she emigrated to America , and is a lady of refined tastes, and an able helpmeet. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Larson: Henry, who died at the age of one year; Oscar, Henry, Theodora, Edwin and Johanne Fredrikke. Mr. Larson is a member of the United Norwegian Lutheran church. In political sentiment he is a Republican. He has been called upon to fill various local offices, including supervisor and township assessor, and has shown a marked interest at all times in the development of his township and county. Although he has not followed his present calling as many years as others in that community he has displayed ability and an enterprising spirit, and his success is assured. He has not yet passed the meridian of life, and has acquired a comfortable competence entirely through his own efforts. He may be truly classed among the self-made men and he is entitled to the prominent position he occupies in the minds of his associates.

HOMER D. LANDIS, who stands among the foremost men of his calling in Richland county, is pursuing farming on section 23,. of Devillo township. He has a well-improved estate, and although a resident of that locality a comparatively short time, has gained the respect of the entire community.

Mr. Landis was born in Gorham township, Fulton county, Ohio, October 9, 1859. He was reared on his father's farm in that township, and received a common school education. He resided with his parents until ne reached his majority, when he went to Grass Lake, Jackson county, Michigan, where he engaged in farming for some years. He was then employed as section foreman on the Michigan Central Railroad for four and a half years, and on leaving Grass Lake went to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Here he followed the livery business chiefly for four and a half years, and in April, 1887, went to Richland county. North Dakota. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 23. in Devillo township, and it is on that tract he now makes his home.  He has added to his original purchase, and is now the owner of one half-section of land, on which he has erected a complete set of good buildings, and is prepared to enjoy the comforts of country life.

Our subject was married in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Miss Louisa Anderson, a native of Sweden. Mrs. Landis died in Devillo township, Richland county, May 10, 1896, leaving two children, as follows: Arthur D. and Clara L. Mr. Landis married Miss Ethel L. Barnes November 23, 1898, at Lidgerwood, Richland county. Mrs. Landis is a native of Minnesota . Our subject takes an active interest in church work, and is an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is strong in his convictions for right, and is an ardent worker for the interests of his township and county.

ALEXANDER LEINES. Energy, prudence and persistent effort have marked the career of this gentleman, and he has attained a good station among the farmers of Richland county. North Dakota. His labors have been well directed, and have resulted in the acquisition of a fine estate on section 2 of Garfield township, where he is surrounded with those improvements and comforts which go to make the model rural home.

Mr. Leines was born in Norway, August 20, 1836. He came to America while yet a young man, in 1869, and for ten years lived in Story county, Iowa. He located in Garfield township, Richland county, in September, 1879, and has since made his residence in that locality. He is the fortunate possessor of four hundred and twenty acres of land, and he has acquired a knowledge of his calling which has enabled him to bring about the best results in his farm work. He has a well-kept estate, and the appearance of the entire farm is commendable and evinces careful labor.

Mr. Leines was married, in Norway, to Ellerine Johnson, who was born in Norway, June 27, 1849. Nine children, all of whom are living, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Leines, as follows: Jens, Nils, Emily, Kaja, Albert, Emil, Ella, Henry and Alma. Since taking up his residence in Richland county our subject has taken an active interest in the affairs of local importance, and has served as township supervisor and also as a member of the school board. He has given efficient service in each capacity and has aided in raising the standard of education in that region. He is a man of broad mind, and has acquired a knowledge of American ways and Customs, and has given his children every opportunity within his power to become valued and honored citizens, and he himself has gained a place in the minds of his associates of which he may be justly proud. (This Photo was donated by their great great grand-daughter)

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