|
 CHARLES MALE, who resides on section 9, Center township, Richland county, owns and operates a valuable farm of four hundred and eighty acres, whose neat and thrifty appearance well indicates his careful supervision. Substantial improvements are surrounded by well tilled fields, and the farm is one of the most desirable of its size in the locality.
Mr. Male was born on the 27th of February, 1844, in Halderman township, Northumberland county, Ontario. Canada, and is a son of William Male, who was born on the ocean while his parents were emigrating from England to America, and died in Montcalm county, Michigan, at the age of sixty years. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Gleason, was also a native of Northumberland county, Ontario, and is still living at an advanced age.
Charles Male continued his residence on a farm in his native province until twenty-one years of age, when he removed with the family to Montcalm county, Michigan, making his home there until he and his wife came to Dakota territory in June, 1872. In Macomb county, Michigan. January 3, 1867, he led to the marriage altar Miss Mary J. Fuller, a native of New York, and to them has been born a daughter, Josephine. On reaching Dakota they took up a homestead on the northeast quarter of section 9. Center township, Richland county, where they have since resided. Throughout his active business life Mr. Male has always followed agricultural pursuits, and has met with well deserved success.
In January. 1864. Mr. Male laid aside all personal interests and joined the boys in blue as a member of Company E, Tenth Michigan Cavalry, and remained in the service until November, 1865. He has since been a constant sufferer from the effects of a sunstroke received in East Tennessee, and his left arm was also injured while in the service by a fall from his horse. He now holds membership in Summit Post, No. 7. G. A. R.. of Wahpeton. and he and his wife are active and prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church of that place, in which he has held several offices. On the organization of Center township he was elected treasurer of the same and creditably filled that office for two years. He is one of the progressive men of his community, and takes great interest in all matters that are calculated to enhance its value, or to benefit his fellow men. A family portrait is above.
HON. PORTER J. McCUMBER, is one of the most distinguished and honored citizens of Wahpeton and is now serving as United States senator from North Dakota. He is a prominent lawyer and belongs to that class whose ability and character are making a deep impression upon the public life of this rapidly developing community in which he resides. In this broad state, with its abundant room tor individual enterprise, with its hearty appreciation of personal worth and its splendid opportunities for individual achievement, the man of ability finds the very largest sphere for usefulness and gratification for personal ambition. His abilities will be discovered; his integrity will find appreciation; his public spirit will meet with recognition, and he will be forced into prominence. Senator McCumber is an illustration of this fact.
He was born in Crete, Will County, Illinois, February 3, 1856, and spent his boyhood upon a farm near Rochester, Minnesota. After attending the district schools for some time, he entered the high school of that city, where he completed his literary education. He then taught school for a few years, and while thus employed took up the study of law. He graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan in 1880, and the following year opened an office at Wahpeton, North Dakota, where he has since successfully engaged in practice. In January, 1882, he formed a partnership with B. L. Bogart, and under the firm name of McCumber & Bogart they are still carrying on business.
On the 29th of May, 1889, at Wahpeton, Mr. McCumber was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Schorning, a native of Minnesota, and to them have been born two children, Helen and Donald. Socially Mr. McCumber is a member of Wahpeton Lodge, No. 56, F. & A. M., and politically is a stanch Republican. While in the line of his profession he has won distinction and success, he has always been ready to respond to any call for public duty, for years working on political lines for the advancement of the interests of the city, state and country. In 1884 he was elected to the lower house of the territorial legislature, and after serving in that body for one term was elected to the upper house in 1886 for the same length of time. He also filled the office of state's attorney for Richland county for one term, and in the winter of 1899 was chosen United States senator for a term of six years. With the broad spirit of Americanism shaping his views and prompting his actions, he has won the respect of all classes and the confidence of the great public. Men with minds that are as alert and broad as his. are never narrow; and men who, like him, view public questions, the social organization, politics and all the relations of life comprehensively and philosophically are magnificent supporters of the best interests of humanity.
JOHN McDOUGALL. As a man who has been instrumental in promoting the growth of that section of the state of Dakota in which lies Richland county. the subject of this interview is entitled to prominent mention. He is a well-to-do and progressive member of the farming community of Antelope township, in which he has a fine estate and makes section 22 his base of operations.
Mr. McDougall was born in Scotland, June 17, 1836. He came to America and located in Canada, at the age of twenty years and engaged in farming in Bruce county, until 1879. In that year he went to North Dakota and settled on the farm in Antelope township which has since been his home. He has erected substantial and commodious farm buildings and is well supplied with necessary machinery. He is the possessor of one half-section of land and he has gained a knowledge of his calling and is one of the substantial men of his community.
Our subject was married in Huron county, Ontario, Canada, November 26, 1857. to Isabella McKinnon, who was also a native of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. McDougall have been the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living, as follows: Mary, Christina, Dugald, Kittie, Peter, Maggie and John. One son, John, died in infancy. The family are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. McDougall takes a hearty interest in all matters tending to promote the general welfare and to develop the financial or social interests of his adopted country and has aided materially in various ways in the up building and strengthening of good local government. He has served as school treasurer of his district, justice of the peace several years, township treasurer and chairman of the board of supervisors for several years. He is a man of the highest integrity of character and his name stands for justice and equity.
DONALD McKINNON, who enjoys the distinction of being the first white man to settle in Antelope township, Richland county, has held continuous residence there since, and is one of the prosperous farmers of that vicinity. He makes his home on section 26, and is passing his declining years amid the comforts of a quiet country life.
Our subject was born in Argylshire, Scotland, in 1839, and resided in his native land until he was twelve years of age, when he came to America with his parents and the family settled in Ontario. He lived with the family in Bruce county several years, and after his marriage settled on a farm and began farming for himself. He made a success of the vocation, and continued residence there until March, 1877, when he went to Dakota, and for the first three years lived on a farm in Cass county. North Dakota. In September, 1880, he moved to Richland county, and located on the farm where he now resides. He has erected a complete set of substantial farm buildings, and his farm covers one hundred and sixty acres. His life has been devoted principally to the pursuit of agriculture, and he is versed in all the better methods of the work, and the result is a well-improved estate, and a comfortable competence.
Mr. McKinnon was married in Bruce county, Ontario, in 1864, to Miss Euphemia McKinnon, who was born in Scotland in 1839. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McKinnon, as follows: Mary, Peter, John, Christina, Alexander, Duncan and Kenneth. Mr. McKinnon and family are members of the Congregational church of Antelope township. Our subject is a man whose character is above reproach, and he is ever interested in the well-being of his fellow men. He is an active educational worker, and for many years has served as school director. He does not seek public office, preferring to serve his community otherwise, and he is held in high regard by his associates.
PETER McKINNON. Richland has many energetic and wide-awake men among the younger members of its agricultural districts, and the gentleman above named occupies a prominent place in that class. His name will be readily recognized by the people of Antelope township as a prosperous farmer of section 26. He has been a resident of that county since his childhood days, and is highly respected throughout that locality.
Mr. McKinnon was born in Lucknow, Bruce county, Ontario, December 22, 1866. His parents, Donald and Euphemia (McKinnon) McKinnon, are residents of Antelope township, Richland county, and the father is a well-known early settler of that region. They were the parents of seven children, our subject being the second in order of birth. Peter McKinnon lived in his native place until he was eleven years of age, when he went to North Dakota with his parents, and the family made their home in Wheatland, Cass county, about a year and a half, after which they moved to Richland county and settled in Antelope township. Our subject received a common-school education, and has devoted his life to the pursuit of agriculture. He is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land in Antelope township, and has a well-improved tract.
Mr. McKinnon is a prominent member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and attends the Congregational church of Antelope. He takes an active part in church work, and is a man of pleasing address and social nature. Politically he is a Republican, and stands firmly for the principles of his party. He has held all of the more important offices of his township, and in the fall of 1898 was elected county commissioner for a term of two years. His services have always been willingly given, and he is ever ready to advance the welfare of his community. Public enterprises meet with his hearty support when their feasibility is apparent, and he has attained a high place in the minds of his associates as a progressive and intelligent young man.
EUGENE MOORE. Among the leading and influential farmers of Centre township, Richland County. North Dakota, who thoroughly understand their business and pursue the avocation of their chosen calling in a methodical and businesslike manner, is the subject of this biography, who resides on section 16. He was born in Montcalm County, Michigan, August 15. 1863, and was about nine years of age when brought by his parents to this state, since which time he has made his home almost continuously in Centre township, where his parents located. He was educated in the common schools near his boyhood home and assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until he attained his majority, when he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in Sargent County and lived there for nine years. At the end of that time he returned to Richland County and has since made his home upon his present farm, comprising two hundred and three and one-half acres of land. He has erected thereon good and substantial buildings and is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits.
At Wahpeton, Richland County, Mr. Moore was married, December 14, 1885. to Miss Polly Stevenson, a daughter of James Stevenson, of Montcalm County, Michigan, and to them have been born two children, namely: Clarence E. and Lloyd H. The family is one of prominence in the community where they reside. Mr. Moore is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
LEWIS J. MOORE, an honored veteran of the Civil war and a prominent citizen of Centre township, Richland county, residing on section 9, arrived here in time to assist in the early development and up building of the community. He has been one of the most interested witnesses of its progress and advancement, and no unimportant factor in bringing it to its present position. As a man of influence, public spirit and liberal, this brief record of his life will be of interest to all who have been in any way identified with the development of the state.
Mr. Moore was born in Alexandria, Jefferson county, New York. September 2, 1837, and is a son of William A. and Sophia (Rockwood) Moore, both natives of Vermont. The mother died in Jefferson county, New
York, at about the age of thirty years, but the father survived her many years, dying in Ionia county, Michigan, at the ripe old age of seventy-six. In their family were four children, namely: James O., Lewis J., Harmon W. and Alonzo W. The two last named died in the service of their country during the Civil war.
Our subject spent his boyhood in his native county, being about fifteen years of age when he removed with the family to Ionia county, Michigan, where the following three years were passed upon the home farm. He then went to the eastern part of Michigan, where he was employed chiefly in farming for about four years, and later he was for the same length of time engaged in agricultural pursuits in Kent county, that state. At the end of that time he purchased a farm in Ionia county, where he followed his chosen calling for two years, and in 1862 took up a homestead in Montcalm, Michigan, where he continued to reside until coming to North
Dakota in April, 1872. In the meantime he had entered the service of his country, enlisting in the fall of 1864 in Company F, Fourteenth Michigan Volunteer Infantry. When the war ended and his services were no longer needed, he was honorably discharged and resumed the more quiet pursuits of farm life. In April, 1872, he came to Richland county. North Dakota, and pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in Centre township, where he now resides, though he has extended the boundaries of his farm until he has two hundred acres under a high state of cultivation and improved with good buildings.
In Kent county, Michigan , September 2, 1860, Mr. Moore married Miss Julia Sanders, who was born in Livingston county, Michigan , December 23, 1840, and was reared in that state. Her parents, Joel and Sally (Little) Sanders, who were also natives of Vermont and died in Kent county, Michigan, the former at the age of seventy-six years, the latter at the age of fifty. They had seven children, namely: William, Caroline, Nathaniel, Philirous, Jane, Julia and Sarah. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Moore are as follows: William E., who died in Sargent county. North Dakota , June 7, 1896; Eugene, who is represented on another page of this volume; Everetta, wife of Joseph Barnstable; and Evaline, wife of George L. Taylor. Socially, Mr. Moore is an honored member of Sumner Post, No. 7, G. A. R., of Wahpeton, and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebekahs. He is held in high regard by all who know him, and has been called upon to fill several local offices in Centre township. Mrs. Moore is a member of the Rebekahs and the Relief Corps.
MYRON H. MORRILL, manager and assistant editor of the "Richland County Gazette," has followed newspaper work during his entire career, and is a gentleman of excellent education and broad mind. He has been a resident of Wahpeton, Richland County, for twenty years, and is one of the upright and honored citizens of his community.
Our subject was born in Canaan, New Hampshire, May 9, 1860, and is a son of Elisha K. and Susan R. (Barney) Morrill, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. When two years of age he removed with his parents to Chickasaw County, Iowa, where he resided ten years, after which they moved to Floyd County, Iowa, and remained seven years. Our subject received a high school education at Charles City, Iowa, graduating with a four years course. He has previously served three years as an apprentice in the office of the "Floyd County Advocate," and one year of that time he devoted his evenings to study. After graduating from the high school he remained with the "Advocate" one year, and, in 1879, in company with his father, purchased a printing office in Northfield, Minnesota, but after a few weeks they removed the office to Wahpeton, in the fall of 1879, and the following December purchased the "Richland County Gazette." This paper had been established about eight months and they consolidated the two offices. They purchased the outfit of a Norwegian paper in 1885, known as the "Vesterheimen," but did not continue the publication of that sheet. The "Richland County Gazette" has a large circulation and is among the bright and newsy papers of the state. It advocates Republican principles, and advances the interests of that region.
Mr. Morrill was married at Cedar Falls, Iowa, August 23, 1881, to Miss Ida May Anderson, a daughter of Rev. John S. and Mary V. Anderson. Mrs. Morrill was born at Prescott, Wisconsin, and her father is a clergyman in the Methodist Episcopal denomination in the state of Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Morrill have been the parents of four children, two daughters of whom died in infancy; one son, Ralph B., was drowned at the age of fourteen years, the only surviving child being Myron A.
Mr. Morrill has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1881. and is also a member of the Rebekah lodge, and Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He has been a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Wahpeton since its organization in 1880, and has held various important offices in that denomination, and has served for several years as superintendent of the Sunday school. He has taken the Methodist pastor's local course of study and has been ordained in that faith. He is one of the trustees of the Red River \'alley University. He has served his village in various ways, and been a member of the Wahpeton school board. He has always acted with the Republican party and advocated its principles.
JOSEPH A. MORROW. an enterprising and well-known business man of Lidgerwood. Richland county, has spent many years in that region, and built a remunerative business in the handling of lumber. He is a man of excellent business qualifications and the strictest integrity, and enjoys the esteem of his fellow men.
Our subject was born in Londesboro, Ontario, April 11, 1864. At the age of five years he moved with his parents to Clinton, in the same county, and there remained until sixteen years of age, attending the common schools of that place. He went to Spiritwood, North
Dakota, in March, 1880, and engaged in farming until the fall of 1890, when he learned telegraphy and was employed on the Great Northern Railroad seven years. He went to Lidgerwood, Richland county, in 1894, and held the position of telegraph operator and agent for the Great Northern Railroad at that point for four years. He then resigned his position and established himself in the lumber business, in which business venture he has met with success.
Our subject was married, in Benson, Minnesota, May 15, 1898, to Miss Margaret Jane Murray, who was born in Picton, Nova Scotia . Mr. and Mrs. Morrow are the parents of one child, whom they have named Charles H. Mr. Morrow is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America. He takes an active interest in the affairs of local importance, and casts his influence for the better interests of his town and county. He has served as a member of the village board, and every public enterprise meets with his hearty approval and support.
EMIL A. MOVIUS. Attention, method and industry are the stepping stones which have brought success to this gentleman. These, together with the strictest honesty, have made him one of the honored and representative men of Lidgerwood, Richland county. North Dakota. He is identified with vast business interests in that region, and is well known as an able business man and worthy citizen. He is one of the firm of Movius Brothers' which firm conducts an extensive machinery and furniture business in the town, and owns large tracts of land in that locality.
Our subject was born in Golnow, Germany, May 5. 1858. When he was but nine years of age he came to America with his parents, and lived near Glenwood, Minnesota, three years, moving from thence to the foot of Big Stone lake, where the family located on a farm, and our subject assisted with the farm work until about nineteen years of age. He had received a common-school education, and went to Washington territory at the age of nineteen years and worked at farm labor for others for one year, returning to his home in Dakota on account of the death of his father. He followed farming and staging for about three years, and then engaged in the livery business at Big Stone City. Dakota, for one year, when he disposed of the business and engaged in the farm machine business in that city three years. He was in company with his brother. John H., and they moved their business to Lidgerwood in the spring of 1887, where they have since continued under the firm name of Movius Brothers, and carry farm machinery and furniture. They also conduct the real-estate business, and are the owners of two thousand acres of land in Richland county. In company with Ernst F., they carry on the lumber business and operate the flour-mill, and our subject, John H., and William R. Movius, operate the elevator. The Movius State Bank was organized in .April, 1896, by Emil .A., John H., William R. and Mary O. Movius. and the institution conducts a general banking business.
Our subject was married at Big
Stone City , South Dakota , September 5, 1881, to Miss Addie H. Waring, a native of Iowa . Three sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Movius, named as follows: Leonard B., John W. and George. Mr. Movius is prominent in public affairs, and has held numerous city offices in Lidgerwood. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America .
ERNST F. MOVIUS. one of the members of the well-known firm of Movius Lumber Company, of Lidgerwood, is among the prominent and influential men of Richland county. He has been connected with this business but a short time, but is known as a gentleman of sterling qualities, and has been for many years a prominent minister of the Evangelical denomination. He is a man of broad views, and highly educated, he casts an influence for good wherever he makes his home.
Our subject was born in Truzlatz, Germany, March 24, 1853. He came to America with his parents in 1867, and resided with them until he became of age. He was educated in the common schools of his native land, and at a private institution conducted by Professor Leisterer, at Jacobshagen, and completed his education under the private tutorship of Rev. Liebig, of Woidarg. Upon leaving home he was employed one year as clerk in a retail mercantile establishment at St.
Paul, Minnesota, after which he engaged with his brother, William R.. in the mercantile business three years. He then joined his father in the erection of a flour mill at Big Stone City, South
Dakota, following that business one year, after which he became engaged in the ministry of the Evangelical Association. He spent four years at the work in Minnesota and then went to North Dakota. He was chosen conference missionary treasurer and acted in that capacity five years, after which he was elected presiding elder, and served in North Dakota four years, when he was re-elected and sent to South Dakota for three years. He was obliged to resign on account of ill health, but is still engaged in ministerial work. He has spent twenty-one years of his life in that cause. He has been connected with his brothers in business enterprises since the spring of 1897, and in the spring of 1899 the Movius Lumber Company was formed, consisting of three brothers, Ernst F., Emil A. and John H. Movius, with our subject as manager of the business.
Ernst F. Movius was married, in Big Stone City, South Dakota , July 29, 1874, to Miss Mary Rosenkranz. a native of Saxony, Germany . Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Movius, two of whom, John and Ernst, are deceased. The surviving children are named as follows: William G., Alfred H., Emil, Etta, Herbert, Alice, Marie and Clarence McKinley. While a resident of Big Stone City Mr. Movius held the office of justice of the peace. He is earnest and progressive and honored by his associates.
 JOHN H. MOVIUS, the efficient postmaster of Lidgerwood, and one of the prominent business men of that locality, is a young man of more than ordinary business ability, and is highly esteemed in the city where he makes his home. He was born in Golnow, Germany, June 24, 1860, and has been a resident of Lidgerwood, Richland County, many years.
The father of our subject, Dr. J. William Movius, was a native of Germany, and died in New Ulm, Minnesota, October 13, 1877, aged fifty-six years. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Henrietta Bratz, and was also a native of Germany. Eleven children, six sons and five daughters, were born to this worthy couple, of whom our subject was the youngest son.
John H. Movius came to America with his parents in May 1867, and was reared at Big Stone City. South Dakota, where he remained until locating in Lidgerwood, Richland County. He was employed by his two older brothers, Albert W. and Will-R., in the implement business at Big Stone for two years, after which in company with his brother, Emil A., he purchased the business at Big Stone, which they conducted until their removal to Lidgerwood, in March, 1887. They now conduct an extensive business and enjoy an ever increasing patronage. Mr. Movius is also interested in the Lidgerwood Mill Company, Movius Elevator Company, Movius Lumber Company, and cashier of Movius State Bank.
Our subject was married in Lidgerwood, January 1, 1895, to Miss Margaret W Wagner, a native of Ontario. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Movius as follows: Eva H., Charles E. and Gretchen H. Mr. Movius is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Modern Woodmen of America, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has been grand herald of the state lodge in the last named order. He was appointed postmaster of Lidgerwood, January 18. 1898, and assumed the office March I, since which time the office has been raised from the fourth to the third class. He is a man of the highest integrity and well merits his success.
WILLIAM R. MOVIUS, of the firm known as the Lidgerwood Milling Company, has been a resident of that thriving town for the past ten years, and has become well known throughout Richland county as a men of business ability and integrity. He was born in Truzlatz, Germany, November 1, 1850.
Mr. Movius came to America with his parents in 1867 and continued to reside with them until 1873, when he engaged in the mercantile business in Big Stone
City, South Dakota, for three years. He then disposed of his business interests and engaged in farming near that city for three years, and then conducted the real estate business in Big Stone seven years. He conducted the milling business in Big Stone City three years, and in 1890 moved to Lidgerwood, Richland county, North Dakota, and is now of the firm of Lidgerwood Milling Company. Success attends him in every business enterprise and he is one of the substantial men of his locality.
Our subject was married, in Big Stone City, South Dakota, November 19, 1876, to Miss Marcella Murray, a native of Minnesota . Mr. and Mrs. Movius are the parents of eight children, as follows: Arthur J., Winfred D., Marcella L., Pearl D., Rex M., Walter R., Harry E. and Margaret. Mr. Movius is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Ancient Order of United Workmen. While a resident of Big Stone City he was appointed postmaster and held the office twelve years. He takes an active interest in affairs of a public nature, and is prominent in business and social circles.
JOHN H. NELSON, a highly respected citizen of Mooreton township, Richland county. North Dakota, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits of section 24, was born in Dryden, Tompkins county, New York, February 24, 1832, a son of Abner G. and Letitia (Sloan) Nelson. When he was quite young he removed with his family to Ohio and after a short time spent in that state went to St. Joseph county, Indiana, where they made their home for two years. The following four years were passed in Winnebago county, Illinois, and from there they removed to Sauk county, Wisconsin, where the father died at the age of forty-five years. The mother survived him many years and died in Mooreton township, Richland county. North Dakota, when about eighty.
Mr. Nelson's early life was spent in various places and he was employed at different occupations. In 1879 he came to Richland county. North Dakota, and took up a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres on section 24, Mooreton township, to the improvement and cultivation of which he has since devoted his energies with good success. His present comfortable residence was erected by him in 1889. During the Civil war he laid aside all personal interests and in February, 1864, enlisted in Company C, Eighth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until hostilities ceased, being honorably discharged in July. 1865.
In La Crosse, Wisconsin, Mr. Nelson led to the marriage altar Miss Melissa Keeler, a native of Kalamazoo county. Michigan, and to them have been born six children, who are still living, namely: George H., Charles, William F., Eugene E., Frank U. and Carrie A. The family is quite prominent in tile community where they reside.
NELS P. NELSON, an industrious and enterprising business man and farmer residing in Devillo township, is one of the early settlers of Richland county. He located there in pioneer days and had but just taken up his residence in this country and knew little of American ways or language, but with a determination to succeed went on with his labors and has been well rewarded. He is now the possessor of one of the fine farms of that region and also operates a blacksmith shop in the village of Fairmount.
Mr. Nelson was born in Denmark, January 8, 1846. He followed the trade of a blacksmith in his native land until 1879, when he emigrated to America. In the spring of that year he settled on section 10, of Fairmount township, where he resided until 1884, when he removed to the village of Fairmount and engaged in blacksmithing, continuing until 1894. He then purchased the farm on which he now resides, on section 24, of Devillo township, and removed there on in the spring of 1898. In connection with farming he also operates his shop in the village of Fairmount. His farm covers three hundred and twenty acres of land and substantial buildings and other improvements make it a pleasant home.
Our subject was married, in Denmark, March 23. 1869, to Miss Else K. Christenson. Mrs. Nelson was born in Denmark, April 18, 1844. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, as follows: Carrie, now Mrs. B. W. Schouweiler, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume ; Mary, now Mrs. George Grosvenor; F. P.; Henry and Carl. Mr. Nelson is a prominent worker for the advancement of his community and has served as a member of the village board of Fairmount and is president of the Devillo township school board.
CHRISTIAN NESS, residing on section 23, in Dwight township, is one of the prosperous and enterprising men of Richland county. He has been engaged as a tradesman and an agriculturist during many years of his life, and has been remarkably successful since he has devoted his attention to tilling the soil. He is proprietor of a well-improved farm, and the painstaking care exercised in the work about the place makes it one of the neat and pleasant farms of the community.
Our subject .was born in Norway, October 22, 1857, and was the third in a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters, born to John and Maren A. (Volan) Ness, who are natives of Norway, and reside in their native land, where the father is engaged chiefly in farming.
Christian Ness came to America and landed in New York in the early part of Alay, 1880, and at once went to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he was employed by the Eau Claire Lumber Company for two and a half years as blacksmith. He then went to Dwight township, Richland county. North Dakota, and was employed by the Great Northern Railroad as bridge builder and at section work for about four months, after which he was employed "for a few months by the Dwight Farm & Land Company as blacksmith, and in the spring of 1883 he purchased a blacksmith shop in Dwight, where he conducted the business until the spring of 1886, when he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 23, in Dwight township. Since the purchase of his land he has engaged in farming continuously, and has a well-improved estate.
Our subject was married in Dwight, April 7, 1883, to Miss Nethie Heitman, who was born in Norway, February 15, 1858. Mrs. Ness was a daughter of Hans and Pernelle (Johnson) Heitman. Both were natives of Norway, and her father was a teacher by profession. Airs. Ness was the fourth in a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters, and she came to America in the fall of 1881. Air. and Mrs. Ness are the parents of ten children, as follows: Mary P., Hilda E., John M, Signe C, Olga L., Thura E., Edith C, Ragna M, Harold H. and Sigurd W. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Ness is an active worker for the welfare of his community, and has been called upon to fill numerous local offices, including president of the school board, chairman of the board of supervisors, township assessor, constable and overseer of roads. In each of the instances he has proven himself worthy the trust reposed in him, and he is willingly accorded a prominent position among the members of his community. He is public-spirited, enterprising, and withal a man of whom any country may well be proud.
CHARLES EDWIN NEWBY. The pioneer settlers of a country are the ones who mold her destiny, and to those who went to Richland county in the early days of her history much credit is due .for the present solid prosperity of that region. Among those who labored for the up building of that county the gentleman above named should be accorded a foremost place. He has improved his estate and added to his possessions, and is now one of the prosperous and enterprising farmers of Fairmount township, wherein his land is located, and he makes his home on section 7.
Our subject was born on a farm in Portage county, Wisconsin, October 25, 1855, and was the fifth in a family of eight children born to John and Delilah (Upthagrove) Newby. His father was an early settler of Wisconsin. and on his farm our subject was reared. receiving a common school education. He remained in his native county until he went to North
Dakota in the spring of 1879. when he entered a homestead claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 7, Fairmount township. He has improved the property and is now the owner of one half-section of land, on which he has gathered about him all the comforts of modern farming.
Our subject was married in Portage county, Wisconsin, March 15, 1883, to Miss Hattie L. Rood, who was born in Portage, Wisconsin , March 29. 1862. Mrs. Newby was the second in a family of three children born to Harlow S. and Malinda (Cook) Rood. Mr. and Mrs. Newby are the parents of three children, as follows: Clay C, Ruby I. and Wesley H. The family are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church, and both Mr. and Mrs. Newbv are members of the same, and take an active part in religious affairs. Our subject is prominent in matters of a public nature, and has served his township as treasurer, supervisor and constable. He has gained the confidence of the members of his community, and is well known throughout Richland county as a public spirited and energetic citizen.
GUSTAV A. R. NICKEL. a well-known blacksmith and highly esteemed citizen of Farmington, Centre township, Richland county, comes from the Fatherland, his birth having occurred in Breslan Oberschlasin, Germany, April 19, 1863. In the spring of 1867 he was brought to America by his parents, Ernst and Johanna P. (Hering) Nickel, also natives of Germany, and the family settled in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, where the father died at the age of fifty-five years, the mother at the age of thirty-eight.
Our subject made his home in Chippewa Falls for fifteen years and was educated in the common schools of that place. In his father's shop and under the direction of that gentleman, he learned the trade of a blacksmith, to which occupation he has since given the greater part of his time and attention. On leaving home, he went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he was employed at his trade for two summers and then spent five months in Montana. Returning to Wisconsin, he worked in the lumber woods of that state for eight seasons and in 1889 came to Dakota, soon afterward locating in Farmington, where he has since successfully engaged in blacksmithing. He is an expert mechanic and a thorough business man and the success that has come to him is certainly well merited. He has also filled the office of justice of the peace in a most creditable and acceptable manner and is regarded as one of the valued citizens of his community.
In Centre township, Richland county, Mr. Nickel was married, October 9, 1890, to Miss Alice Erdmann, who was born on a farm in Wisconsin, February 3, 1870, and at the age of seven years came to North Dakota with her parents, Casper and Eva E. (Fuss) Erdmann. Our subject and his wife now have an interesting family of three children, namely: Ernest R., Alice P. and Minna R.
CHARLES A. NULPH. a prosperous farmer of Danton township, Richland county, is known throughout the locality as an energetic and wide-awake citizen. He and his father, Daniel Nulph, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere, were the first settlers of Danton township, and it was for his father that our subject named the township Danton. He has been a resident of section 34 since taking up his residence in North Dakota, and has gained extensive land interests.
Charles A. Nulph was born in Sac county, Wisconsin. November 6, 1847, and went to Dakota with his father in May, 1879. Fie entered a homestead claim to land on section 34, which is his present home farm. He is the owner of six hundred and forty acres of land in Danton and Liberty townships and his farm is one of the well-improved estates of the locality.
Our subject was married, in Blue Earth county, Minnesota. May 14, 1876, to Miss Orissa M. Mack, a native of Vermont. Six children have been born to M. and Mrs. Nulph. Those living are Harry A. and Beatrice L. Katie E. died at the age of two years: Charles L. died at the age of seven months; Jessie E. died in infancy; Carrie L. died at the age of two years. Mr. Nulph takes an active part in all local affairs of interest and is an ardent worker for the advancement of his community. He has held various offices of trust and has been chairman of the board of supervisors for ten years and school director three years. He is well versed on matters under general discussion and is one of the substantial men of Danton township.
DANIEL NULPH, for whom the township of Danton, Richland county, was named, is a prosperous farmer of section 34. He and his son, Charles A., whose life history is given elsewhere, were the first settlers of Danton township and have both been continuous residents since.
Daniel Nulph was born in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1823. He was reared in Jefferson and Venango counties, Pennsylvania, and at fifteen years of age went to Dubuque county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming about five years. He then went to Adams county, Wisconsin, working at farming and on the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers fifteen years at rafting. He then went to Blue Earth county, Minnesota, where he resided several years, and in 1879 went to Dakota. He entered claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 34, in Danton township, where he has since resided. He is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land and his farm bears every evidence of careful management and systematic work.
Our subject was married, in Dubuque county, Iowa, to Barbara Ann Hyatt, a native of Ohio. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Nulph, as follows: Mary A., Charles A., Walter S., Claretta, John, George, Grant and Ezra. Mr. Nulph has witnessed the development of that region and has aided in its transformation from a wild country to a thriving agricultural district. He is ever interested in the welfare of his community and lends his influence for every enterprise of a public nature.
WALTER S. NULPH, a pioneer settler of Danton township, Richland county, is successfully pursuing the calling of an agriculturist on section 28. He has acquired a comfortable competence by dint of his own efforts and is one of the substantial and respected men of that community. His home farm is nicely located and well-improved and every convenience to lessen labor is provided, while the details of the work are carefully looked after.
Our subject was born in Strong's Prairie, Adams county, Wisconsin, November 27, 1852. He was but a young boy when he moved with his parents to Winona county, Minnesota, and afterward to Blue Earth county, Minnesota. Our subject went to Richland county. North Dakota, in the spring of 1880 and entered claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 28. in Danton township, where he has since made his home. He is now the owner of five hundred and twenty acres of land and on his home farm has erected substantial and commodious buildings. He has followed the pursuit of agriculture during his entire career and has met with marked success.
Our subject was married, in Blue Earth county, Minnesota, June 25, 1876, to Miss Mary Shroll, a native of Wisconsin. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nulph, three of whom are living, as follows: Pearley E., Walter E. and Raymond. One daughter, Nettie C, died at the age of ten years and one month. Mr. Nulph has ever taken an active interest in the development of that region and is prominent in local affairs. He was the first constable of Danton township and has served his community in various ways.
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