MARTIN S. ANDERSON, manager of the Farmers Elevator Company at Stirum, also proprietor of a feed mill and at the same time one of the active agriculturists of Sargent county, is classed with the foremost business men of his section of the state, ever ready for any emergency and possessing an alert, enterprising spirit that enables him to take advantage of every opportunity presented. His plans are ever clearly defined and promptly executed and his business record is altogether creditable. Mr. Anderson is a native of Minnesota, his birth having occurred at Battle Lake, May 18, 1875, his parents being Nels and Frederica (Swenson) Anderson, who were natives of Sweden and came to the United States in 1849, their marriage being celebrated in this country. Following their marriage the father secured a homestead claim and developed an excellent farm, upon which both he and his wife are still living. The former was born in 1833 and the latter in 1835 and therefore they have now attained to an advanced age.

After beginning his education in the schools of Battle Lake, Martin S. Anderson continued his studies at the Fergus Falls high school and also pursued a business course in Park Region College. He next entered the employ of his uncle at Battle Lake for whom he was named, and spent three years there in learning the grain business. At the end of that period he removed to Sheyenne, North Dakota, and accepted the position of manager of the North Dakota Elevator Company, acting in that capacity for a year and a half, after which he was transferred to Cooperstown, North Dakota, where he continued for a similar period. He was then sent by his company to Fergus Falls, where he remained for five years, and at the end of that period went to Stirum to take charge of the interests of the North Dakota Grain Company, which was established in 1908 and operated under that name until 1911, when the present name was assumed. This business is known as the Farmers Elevator No. 2. Elevator No. 1 was built by Fred C. Rector, who conducted the business for two years. In 1911 the Farmers Elevator Company was organized and purchased the Rector Elevator, which was conducted by the company for three years. The business grew to such an extent that the company had to increase its capacity and for a year rented the elevator belonging to the North Dakota Elevator Company, purchasing the property at the end of that time. In this connection Mr. Anderson operates two elevators, Nos. 1 and 3, at Stirum, and the business which is transacted under his direction is extensive and important. At the beginning he was made manager of the Farmers Elevator Company and so continues. There is no phase of the grain trade with which he is not familiar and his wise direction of the interests under his care has resulted in the attainment of gratifying success. In the five years in which he has been manager of the business he has turned back to the farmers over twenty-five thousand dollars, netting about eighteen thousand dollars. In addition to grain the company deals in coal, wood, flour and twine and Mr. Anderson gives most careful attention to every phase of the business, thoroughly understanding the trade and modern commercial conditions. In addition to his management of the elevators at Stirum he carries on farming in White Stone Hill township, where he rents land, and he is also farming one hundred and sixty acres in McLean county. He likewise owns the Stirum feed mill, which he is now operating, and all of his business affairs are wisely directed.

On the 28th of December, 1904, Mr. Anderson was married at Cooperstown to Miss Selma Mollerstrom, who was born in Henning, Minnesota, July 24, 1885, a daughter of Lars and Carrie Mollerstrom, both of whom were natives of Sweden and on coming to the United States settled in Minnesota, near Henning, where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs.  Anderson have become the parents of a daughter, Ardy Elenoria, who is now in school.  In his political views Mr. Anderson is a republican but is not an office seeker although intensely interested in everything pertaining to the political development of the community and to its substantial upbuilding. He belongs to the Swedish Lutheran church of Battle Lake, Minnesota, and he has membership in the Masonic lodge at Cogswell. The rules which govern his conduct are thus indicated. His has been an upright, honorable life characterized by high purpose and fraught with good deeds. In his business affairs he has always followed constructive methods, never basing his success upon another’s failure, and his energy and persistency of purpose constitute the salient factors in his advancement.

JOHN G. BOATMAN, postmaster at Milnor, was born in Sedalia, Missouri, July 7, 1860, a son of Thornton and Rebecca (Brownfield) Boatman. The father was a native of Kentucky and of Scotch descent, while the mother’s birth occurred in Virginia. In early life they removed to Missouri with their respective families and near Sedalia, that state, were married, establishing their home there and continuing their residence near that city until called to their final rest. The father was a miller by trade and became the owner of a large mill, but at the time of the Civil war this was burned to the ground by the soldiers. He then turned his attention to farming and continued in active connection with business pursuits until he retired from business life, spending the last ten years in the enjoyment of a well earned rest in Sedalia. He died in 1901, having for more than a quarter of a century survived his wife, who passed away in 1875. In their family were eight children and all are yet living.

John G. Boatman, the third in order of birth, obtained his education in the schools of Sedalia, which he attended until he reached the age of fourteen years and then at his mother’s death began to earn his own living. He was employed in different ways at Sedalia until seventeen years of age, when he began freighting by team to the mining camps out of Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. For three months he freighted express for the state penitentiary at Canon City and spent about a year in that city, but in 1879 returned to Missouri, where he invested his earnings in a farm of two hundred acres near Sedalia. He then began farming on his own account and the result of his labors was soon seen in highly cultivated fields.

As a companion and helpmate on life’s journey Mr. Boatman chose Miss Maggie Hamilton, whom he wedded in 1883, while she was visiting in Sedalia. They have become the parents of four children: Charlie and Price engaged in farming; Roy, employed in a lumber yard at Milnor, and Leila, the wife of Franz Gustavson.

Following their marriage Mr. Boatman and his wife remained in Missouri until 1885, when he disposed of his property interests there and purchased a farm in Woodbury county, Iowa, comprising two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land. He lived thereon for about seventeen years, when he disposed of that property and in 1902 went to Sargent county. North Dakota, where he invested in three hundred and twenty acres of land in Milnor township, adjoining the corporation limits of the town of Milnor. Since that time he has further extended the boundaries of his farm by the purchase of a quarter section and he also rents four hundred acres adjoining, so that he now farms about eight hundred acres, being one of the extensive agriculturists of the community, his business affairs are wisely directed and are bringing to him substantial and gratifying success.

Mr. Boatman is the oldest member of Anchor Lodge, No. 25, F. & A. M., at Milnor and is a most loyal and exemplary representative of the craft. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and his political belief that of the democratic party. In 1913 he received the appointment to the position of postmaster of Milnor under President Wilson and still serves in that capacity, making as excellent a record in office as he had previously done as a private citizen and as a business man. He has never been afraid of hard work and seems always to have realized the full force of the old Greek adage: “Earn thy reward; the gods give naught to sloth.”

ALBERT N. CARLBLOM, prominently identified with the interests of Gwinner as postmaster, banker and merchant, was born in Sweden, December 17, 1865, and of that country his parents, John G. and Elizabeth (Anderson) Carlblom, were also natives. The father was born in Sweden in 1825 and came to the United States in 1800, settling in Minnesota, where he remained until 1882. In that year he arrived in North Dakota, establishing his home near the present town site of Gwinner. He entered a claim on section 20. White Stone Hill township, and remained thereon until his death, which occurred May 18, 1900, his entire life having been devoted to the occupation of farming. It was in 1848 that he wedded Elizabeth Anderson, who was also born in Sweden in 1825 and who passed away in May, 1899, They were the parents of nine children, of whom six are yet living.

Albert N. Carlblom was the youngest of that family and was but two years of age when taken to Minnesota. He acquired his education in the common schools of Cokato and in the Gustavus Adolphus College at St. Peter, Minnesota, from which he was graduated with the class of 1880. He then turned his attention to the profession of teaching, which he followed tor four years in Minnesota and North Dakota, and later he engaged in clerking in general stores in Milnor and in Lisbon, devoting two years to that work. He was appointed deputy county treasurer of Sargent county in 1889 and served for one year, after which he received the appointment of deputy county auditor, in which capacity he continued for two years. In 1892 he was elected county auditor for Sargent county and held that position for a period of six years. In 1898 he was chosen state auditor, occupying the office for four years, and thus he advanced to high political office, in which connection he discharged his duties with marked capability and fidelity and wore his honors with becoming modesty. He continued to fill the position of state auditor until 1901, at which time he established a general mercantile store in Gwinner and is still conducting business there, enjoying a liberal patronage. In 1904 he joined T. F. Marshall, of Oakes, George W. McWilliams, of Milwaukee and F. W. Vail, of Milnor in organizing the State Bank of Gwinner, of which he became the vice president. In 1907 he purchased the interests of the other stockholders and reorganized the bank, of which he became the president, and since that time he has directed its policy and managed its interests, making it one of the strong financial concerns of the community, he is also interested in farming, owning property in White Stone Hill township. It was Mr. Carlblom who erected the first building in the town of Gwinner, this being the building which he now occupies with his stock of general merchandise.

On the 27th of March 1898. Mr. Carlblom was married to Miss Josephine Peterson, who was born in Cottonwood county, Minnesota, January 27, 1874, a daughter of Ole and Alette Peterson, who wore early residents of Minnesota, where they became farming people.  Both have now passed away. Of their family of seven children Mrs. Carlblom was the fourth in order of birth, and by her marriage she has become the mother of three children: Vera Lenore, born March 11, 1899; Edna Irene, February 11, 1901; and Albert N., November 7, 1911.

In community affairs Mr. Carlblom has always boon active one is the present post-master of Gwinner, while his wife previously acted as post mistress for fourteen years. Mr.  Carlblom is also president of the school board and there is no movement or measure instituted for the upbuilding and benefit of his community or for the advancement of the welfare of the state that does not receive his strong endorsement, approval and support, he holds membership in the Swedish Lutheran church and fraternally he is a thirty-second degree Mason, prominent in the order. He is a past master of the blue lodge at Forman, North Dakota, and he holds membership with the Consistory and with the Shrine at Fargo.  His prominence in political circles as well as the importance of his business interests has made him widely known and North Dakota numbers him among her representative men.

GEORGE CARLSON, cashier of the Farmers Bank at Gwinner, Sargent county, was born in Renville county, Minnesota, September 17, 1887, a son of K. and Stina (Johnson) Carlson, who were natives of Norway. The father was born in 1852 and became an early resident of Minnesota, whence be removed to North Dakota in 1888. In this state he secured a homestead claim situated on section 34, township 132, range 54. Sargent county, and thereon he remained until 1903, at which time he removed to Milnor, where he is now living retired. He was prominently connected with the agricultural development of his county for many years and contributed in substantial measure to the advancement of the interests of that district.  His wife was born in Norway in 1849 and both she and her husband came to the United States with their respective parents when quite young, both families settling in Minnesota.  Mr. and Mrs. Carlson are now living in Milnor, Sargent county.

George Carlson is the youngest in a family of seven children, all of whom are yet living.  In the acquirement of his education he passed through consecutive grades in the public schools and after completing the high school course at Milnor he devoted two years to study in the North Dakota State Normal and Industrial School at Ellendale. Still later he pursued a business course in Fargo and in 1907 he entered the First National Bank of Milnor, in which institution he held the position of assistant cashier, remaining in that connection for four years. During the succeeding four years, or until 1915, he was vice president of the First National Bank of Milnor. In October, 1915. the Farmers Bank of Gwinner was organized by Mr. Carlson and two business associates, C. Cooper and R. P. Johnson. Mr. Cooper is now president of the bank, with Mr. Johnson as vice president and Mr. Carlson as cashier. The company has recently erected a modern bank building thoroughly equipped, furnishing an attractive home for the bank, which is being developed along substantial lines, displaying nothing that partakes of frenzied finance but on the contrary carefully safeguarding the interests of depositors as well as protecting the interests of the institution. Mr. Carlson not only is active in managing and controlling the bank but is also the owner of farm property in Sargent county, situated on section 28, township 132, range 56. He also has an attractive residence in Gwinner which he has recently completed and which is supplied with all modern conveniences and accessories.

In 1912 Mr. Carlson was united in marriage to Miss Liffie Intlehouse, who was born in Richland county, this state, in 1888 and is a daughter of Peter and Guri Intlehouse, both of whom were old residents of this state. The father was a butcher by trade, following that pursuit until his death, which occurred in 1903. The mother is now making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Carlson, who is the youngest of a family of five children, four of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson have one child, Wanda, born August 15, 1913. Both are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Carlson gives his political allegiance to the republican party. Practically his entire life has been spent in Sargent county and with its substantial development he has been closely associated, while in its business conditions he has found the opportunity for the attainment of substantial success.

WILLIAM H. COLE, president of the Stirum State Bank, is actuated by a spirit of progress not only in his business affairs but in his relations to the public and ever seeks the substantial welfare and upbuilding of the district in which he lives. A native of Wisconsin, he was born near Oshkosh, September 27, 1860, was educated in the schools of that state and in 1882, when a young man of twenty-two years, came to North Dakota. He homesteaded a claim in Vivian township, Sargent county, being the last man in the township to take up government land. His tract, located on section 4, was undeveloped and unimproved, but while residing thereon he wrought a marked transformation in its appearance, bringing the wild prairie to a high state of cultivation and greatly enhancing its fertility by the practical and progressive methods which he followed. From time to time he added to his holdings by the further purchase of quarter sections and now owns altogether five quarters. He continued to reside upon his farm until 1907, when he put aside the active work of the fields and removed to Stirum, where he established the Stirum State Bank, of which he became the president. He still continues in that position and is the active head of the bank. His farm also claims much of his attention and both branches of his business are carefully, wisely and successfully managed. His judgment is sound and his discrimination keen and as the years pass his success is increasing.

On the 29th of June 1900, Mr. Cole was married to Miss Clara Mallinson, a native of Minnesota, who came to North Dakota about the same time as Mr. Cole and settled in the same locality. They now have a daughter, Florence, who is in school.  Fraternally Mr. Cole is connected with the Modern Woodmen camp at Cogswell. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his fellow townsmen, appreciative of his worth and ability, have called upon him to serve in various township and school offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity. He has never sought to win any spectacular position in connection with the interests of the state but has day by day met the duties that have devolved upon him as a law-abiding, loyal and progressive citizen and has thus contributed much to the substantial improvement of the county in which he lives.

HANS NORMAN DYSTE, of Forman, Sargent county, is not only a representative citizen but also a native son of that town, his birth having occurred there, June 10, 1886, he being the first white child born in the town. His parents, Nels H. and Hannah (Narum) Dyste, were natives of Norway but came to the United States in early life, settling in Minnesota.  Their marriage was celebrated in Minneapolis and on removing to North Dakota Mr. Dyste took up land in Sargent county. Soon afterward, however, he turned his attention to merchandising and opened a general store, having brought a stock with him. Six years later his brother, John Dyste, entered into partnership with him and the business relation between them was continued until 1909, when Nels H. Dyste retired and is now spending his days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. His wife passed away in Forman.

Hans N. Dyste was the second in order of birth in a family of nine children, all of whom reached adult age. He attended the public schools in his native city and after leaving high school acquired a business education in Minneapolis, entering the Archibald Business College, from which he was graduated on the completion of a commercial course. Upon his return to Sargent county he was appointed to the position of county treasurer, which office he filled for three years, and later he became his father’s assistant in the store, devoting four years to its conduct. At the end of that period he took up the occupation of farming, which he followed for six years in Bowen township, Sargent county, and in 1914 he removed to Stirum, where he took charge of the Stirum State Bank, occupying the position of cashier for some time and being also one of the stockholders and directors. This bank was organized on the 18th of May 1907, with W. H. Cole as the president, W. H. Mallinson as the vice president and E. V. Lahr as cashier. Mr. Cole still remains at the head of the institution, but J. S. Ulland has succeeded to the vice presidency. The bank is capitalized for ten thousand dollars and has a surplus and undivided profits of six thousand dollars. A general banking business is conducted and while cashier Mr. Dyste proved very capable in directing the affairs of the institution. He is now residing at Forman.  Mr. Dyste keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, is a republican in his political views and has been chosen as his party’s candidate for register of deeds.  Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge at Forman and he also belongs to the Lutheran church at Forman, associations which indicate much of the nature of the rules and principles which govern his life.

HARRY C. EDBLOM, publisher of the Prairie Press at Gwinner, was born in Litchfield, Minnesota, May 27, 1890, a son of Charles and Hanna (Johnson) Edblom, who reside in the vicinity of Litchfield. For a long period the father was engaged in the real estate business but is now living retired, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.  Harry C. Edblom obtained his education in the schools of Litchfield and there resided until 1908, when he left home and went to Frazee, Minnesota. He had previously learned the printer’s trade and when eighteen years of age he accepted the position of foreman on the Free Press of Frazee, remaining in that connection for a year and a half. He was next employed in the office of the Headlight at Staples, where he remained for a year and a half, and in the expiration of that period came to Gwinner, North Dakota, where he worked on The Prairie Press for a time, he afterward purchased the paper, put in new equipment and now has the most equipped printing office in Sargent county and the only full page press in the county. He is making good here, giving to the public an attractive news sheet, and his circulation and advertising patronage are constantly increasing. In addition to his journalistic connections Mr. Edblom is interested in insurance and other lines of business, he makes his newspaper publication, however, his foremost interest and has the record of having issued the largest paper in the state of North Dakota. The Prairie Press was organized June 20, 1908 at Crete, and was printed at Wahpeton, North Dakota, its owner being Edward W.  Spencer, who conducted it for a year and a half, he then removed to Gwinner where he established a small newspaper plant, conducting the business until he sold out to Mr. Edblom on the 1st of March 1913. The new equipment that has been added by Mr. Edblom cost about thirty-five hundred dollars and there is no phase of the business that does not indicate his progressive spirit and enterprise.

In his political views Mr. Edblom is a republican and his religious faith is that of the Episcopal church, lie is a very progressive business man, alert, wide-awake and enterprising, and his interests are of a character that contribute to public progress as well as to individual success.

HENRY O. GARDNER, a retired farmer living in Forman, was born at Toten, Norway, September 17, 1859. His father, Ole Gaardlos, was also a native of Norway, where he spent his entire life, he always engaged in farming and specialized in dairying and the raising of clover, he died in April 1902, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Helen Boamernd, passed away in June 1902. She was born in the same locality as her husband and they were married in 1845. They became the parents of eleven children, of whom Henry O. is the fourth, and three of that family are still living.

Henry O. Gardner was educated in the schools of Norway and afterward worked with his father upon the home farm until April 1, 1878, when he resolved to try his fortune in the new world and crossed the Atlantic to America. He settled in Minneapolis and as the city was then somewhat involved in a financial panic he was forced to go out into the country to obtain employment. He secured work on the farm of Charley Porter, in Redwood county, Minnesota, with whom he remained for three months, after which he engaged in railroading, in work in the harvest fields and in clerking in a general store for a period of four years.  At the end of, that time, or in 1882, he removed to Montana, where he engaged in prospecting, and  also worked for the government, assisting to build Fort McGinnis.

He was thus engaged for about four years and in the fall of 1885 he returned to Norway.  There on the 10th of March 1886, Mr. Gardner was married to Miss Kirstine Dyste, who was born March 8, 1859 at Hurdalen, Norway, a daughter of John E. and Anna (Volengen) Dyste. Her father, who was born in 18I4, passed away in 1873, while her mother, who was born in 1822 died in 1911. Their family numbered nine children, of whom Mrs. Gardner is the seventh. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are the only representatives of their respective families in America. Following their marriage their bridal trip consisted of a voyage to the new world and a trip across the country to the North Dakota home. They settled on a claim situated on section 32 Rutland township, Sargent county, and later Mr. Gardner took up a tree claim located on section 31 in the same township, he afterward added a third quarter section and engaged in farming his tract of four hundred and eighty acres for seventeen years, during which time he made a specialty of raising stock, his business affairs were carefully and wisely managed and his enterprise and sound judgment were manifest in the success which attended his efforts, he is now leading a retired life and from his farm derives a good rental.

In his political views Mr. Gardner is a republican and has filled a number of local offices, serving on the township hoard of supervisors, also as treasurer, justice of the peace and many times as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Blue Lodge, No. 5. at Forman, to the chapter at Lidgerwood, the commandery at Lisbon and El Zagal Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Fargo, he and his wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, he has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for he here found the opportunities which he sought and in their employment has worked his way steadily upward. His has been an active and well spent life in which labor has been crowned with success, the fitting reward of earnest, persistent effort.

SEWARD C. HOEL, a druggist of Milnor, was born at Christine, Richland county, North Dakota, March 5, 1882, a son of Einar Hoel, whose birth occurred in Norway in 1840. He was a highly educated man who devoted his life largely to teaching and to literary pursuits.  He came to the United States in the early ‘70s and settled in Wisconsin, but after remaining there for a short time removed to North Dakota, establishing his home in the Red River valley. He homesteaded land in what is now Richland county and spent practically the remainder of his life in that locality, devoting his attention to general farming. He was a republican and became prominent as a political leader of his county, his influence being a potent one in promoting the interests and securing the success of his party. With the development of that section of the state he was closely associated, for he was one of the first three men who settled in the Red River valley, which at that time was rather swampy and in many places was covered with water. But notwithstanding the difficulties presented he wisely and carefully directed his labors and raised the largest crop of wheat per acre in that valley, harvesting forty bushels per acre. He was one of the organizers and charter members of the Richland Lutheran church and was greatly interested in church work, giving active support to all efforts to advance the religious development of the district.  He died in the year 1888 and in his passing the community lost one of its most valued and representative citizens.

Mrs. Hoel, who bore the maiden name of Hannah Caroline Foss, was born in Norway and during her infancy was brought by her mother to the United states. Her father had come to the United States in 1865 and the family followed a short time later after he had made preparations for a home for them in the new world. They were early settlers of North Dakota, the father securing a claim in Richland county, in the same district in which the Hoel homestead was located. The Foss family settled in what is now Eagle township, while the Hoel family made their home in what is now known as Walcott township. The marriage of Einar Hoel and Hannah C. Foss occurred in 1881 and they became the parents of four children, of whom Seward C. is the eldest. Three of the four are yet living, the others being: Alfred, who is engaged in farming in Richland county; and Olaf, who is now engaged in business at Christine, North Dakota. The mother passed away in 1891, having for three years survived her husband.

Seward C. Hoel pursued his education in the graded schools of Richland county and in the Agricultural College at Fargo. He then entered upon a pharmaceutical course at the Agricultural College and was graduated therefrom with the class of 1912. His time had been largely devoted to farming until he reached the age of twenty-three years, but he did not find that occupation altogether congenial and hence turned to other pursuits. He first served an apprenticeship in the drug store of M. M. Borman at Abercrombie, spending two years in that connection. He afterward went to Forman, where he was employed in the Hanson drug store for a short time. The following year he removed to Akely, Minnesota, and spent one summer as an employee of the Kruger Drug Company. In the following autumn he entered the Agricultural College and following his graduation he removed to Cooperstown, where he assumed the management of the Cooperstown Drug Company, occupying that position for a period of two and a half years. He then removed to Milnor and purchased the drug stock of the Niekells Drug Company. This purchase was made on the 29th of May 1915, and from the beginning the business has proven profitable, his trade steadily growing owing to his capable management, reliable methods and indefatigable energy.

On the 20th of October 1915, Mr. Hoel was married at Frazee, Minnesota, to Miss Nettie Elise Wellman, who was there born on the 19th of December 1885, and is a daughter of Captain David Lewis Wellman, a Civil war veteran, who was a member of Company S, Fourth Minnesota Regiment, and whose wife, Mrs. Anna Wellman, was born in Minnesota.  Captain Wellman, however, was a native of New York and throughout his entire life followed the occupation of farming. He died in 1907 and his widow now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Hoel, the latter being the youngest of her five children, all of whom are living.

Mr. Hoel votes with the democratic party but does not seek office as a reward for party fealty, his interest centering in his business. He is member of Shiloh Lodge, No. 1, F. & A. M., at Fargo, and of Cooperstown Lodge, No. 1, K. P., and both he and his wife are loyal members of the Milnor Methodist church. Their influence is always on the side of right and truth and they do all in their power to promote the growth of the church and extend its influence.

JOHN E. HUDSON, of Forman, who is filling the office of register of deeds in Sargent county, was born in the state of New York, December 10, 1862. His father, George W.  Hudson, a native of England, came to America when a youth of thirteen years and settled in Cayuga county, New York. He learned and followed the carpenter’s trade and continued to make his home in the Empire state until called to his final rest in 1883. He wedded Emily J. Emrick, who was born in Cayuga county; New York, and they had a family of seven children, of whom John E. is the third in order of birth, and six of the number are yet living. The mother passed away in July 1915.

John E. Hudson pursued his education in the district and village schools of New York and in March 1884, when a young man of twenty-two years, arrived in North Dakota, establishing his home in Kingston township, Sargent county. There he remained until 1900, at which time he removed to Havana, where he entered the grain business continuing there until he came to Forman in 1913. He still remains a stockholder of the Havana Elevator Company but his time and attention are mainly given to the faithful discharge of the duties of the office which he now holds. He has always been a republican in his political views and on that ticket was elected to the office of register of deeds in January 1913. In 1914 he was re-elected to the position, which he is now filling in a most satisfactory manner. He has also served as supervisor of Kingston township and as president of the village board of Havana and in the discharge of his official duties has ever been most capable, prompt and faithful.

Mr. Hudson was married in 1898 to Miss Mary Herring, who was born in Illinois in 1808, a daughter of John R. and Nancy G. Herring, who removed to North Dakota in the spring of 1882, settling near the town of Ransom. Mr. Herring was one of the first three commissioners appointed by the governor and the first meeting of the board was held at his home. His wife was the first superintendent of schools to be appointed in the county, and in many other ways they took an active part in shaping the material, cultural and political development of the locality, both are now deceased. In their family were five children, of whom Mrs. Hudson is the fourth, and three of the number are yet living. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children: Harriet, born August 9, 1899; Harlow, May 5, 1906; and Ruth, July 17, 1908.

From early manhood Mr. Hudson has continuously made his home in North Dakota, keenly alive to the possibilities of its development and sharing in all of the work that has contributed to the advancement and upbuilding of the district in which he lives.

ROBERT E. HURLY, proprietor of a general store at Forman and also interested in the grain trade, in banking and in farming, was born at Benton Harbor, Michigan, July 14, 1880, a son of William and Ella B. (Brown) Hurly, both of whom were early residents of Michigan. The father was editor of a newspaper throughout practically his entire life and in 1888 he established the Forman Independent, which he published for a long period. He passed away in March 1913, and is still survived by his widow, who yet lives in Forman.  In their family were nine children.

Robert E. Hurly, the second in order of birth, was but a child when his parents re-moved to Forman, so that his education was acquired in its public schools. He worked in his father’s printing office for five years and when twenty-one years of age he bought out the stock of S. F. Mullin, a grocer of Forman, and to that line he added a stock of general merchandise and has since carried on the business with growing success, he now has a well appointed store, successfully managed and attractively arranged. His prosperity is attributable entirely to his determination, his enterprise and his reliable methods, he employs two clerks in his store and his trade is gratifying. He is also interested in farm lands, owning acreage property on section 31 Dunbar township, and on section 28, Willey township, in Sargent county. He is likewise a stockholder in the National Bank of Forman and in the Farmers Elevator of Forman.

In 1907 Mr. Hurly was married to Miss Bertha M. Dysto, a daughter of M. H. and Hannah Dysto, her father a Forman merchant. In their family were nine children, of whom Mrs. Hurly is the eldest.

In his political views Mr. Hurly is a republican and has served on both the town board and the school board, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen, the Yeomen and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, all of Forman. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion and he is never afraid to venture where laboring opportunity points out the way. His ambition and energy have carried him into important business relations.

HANS JOHNSON, a hardware merchant of Milnor, was born in Norway in 1874, his parents being John and Bertha (Larson) Johnson, who were likewise natives of the land of the midnight sun. It was in the year 1882 that the father brought his family to the United States and for a short time they resided in Minnesota, but in 1883 removed to Sargent county, North Dakota, where he made permanent settlement. There he entered land from the government in what is now Shuman township. The entire district was then wild and undeveloped and he took an active part in promoting the pioneer progress of the locality. He converted his land into rich and productive fields and remained thereon until his death, which occurred in 1913. He had for fifteen years survived his wife, who passed away in 1898.  Hans Johnson is the third in order of birth in a family of nine children, all of whom are living. He spent the first seven years of his life in his native country and then accompanied his parents to the new world, after which he pursued his education in the schools of Sargent county, North Dakota. When his textbooks were put aside he took up the occupation of farming, working first as a farm hand but later purchasing land as soon as he had saved a sufficient sum from his earnings to enable him to acquire property, he became the owner of a tract in Shuman township and there carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1905.

In 1902 Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Bertina Olness, who was born in Grant county, Minnesota, in 1883 a daughter of Anfin and Sarah Olness, who were natives of Norway and became pioneer residents of Minnesota. There they reared their family of eight children, including Mrs. Johnson, who was their third child and died in the year 1905, leaving a daughter, Selma B., who was born in 1904.

The following year Mr. Johnson left the farm and removed to Milnor, where he entered the hardware business, buying the store of A. H. Anderson and also the stock of H. K.  Pennington, those two having conducted business under the firm style of the Milnor Hardware Company. Mr. Johnson has met with success from the beginning and now has the leading store of the kind in the town. His business methods are such as will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, for at all times he is thoroughly reliable and progressive and has won his success through constructive methods.

In his political views Mr. Johnson is a stalwart republican and has held some local offices, including that of supervisor of Shuman township, Sargent county, while at the present time he is one of the aldermen of Milnor. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Milnor and is a member of the Lutheran church, associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests and the rules which govern his conduct. His life has ever been guided by high and honorable purpose and through his close application to business and unremitting energy he has gained a creditable position among the substantial business men of his section of the state.

JOHN B. JOHNSON, Norway has furnished a large percentage of substantial citizens to North Dakota, men who have brought with them the enterprise, perseverance and industry which characterize the people of the land of the midnight sun. John B. Johnson was born in Hardanger, Norway, in 1859. His father, Brigt Johnson Rykken was born in Norway in 1831 and became both a farmer and sailor of that country. He crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1866, settling in Winona county, Minnesota, after which he removed to Chippewa county, that state, where he remained until 1878, when he established his home in Sheyenne township, Richland county, North Dakota, there continuing until 1880, which year witnessed his arrival in Sargent county, North Dakota. He settled on a farm about a mile from De Lamere, although the town was not created until the following year, at which time it consisted of a general mercantile store, established by John 0. Rustad, of Kindred, Cass county, and a post office. The town was named for a Mr. De Lamere, who was one of the officials of the Northern Pacific Railroad and whose two sons served in the Spanish-American war. The father of John B. Johnson settled on the northeast quarter of section 7, Hall township, Sargent county, which he purchased, and there he carried on general farming, contributing to the agricultural development of the district until his death, which occurred in 1908. He was a republican in his political views. In 1855 he wedded Christie Olson Moe, who was born in Norway in 1833 and is now living with her son John in De Lamere at the age of eighty-three years, being still very active and well preserved. By her marriage she became the mother of ten children, of whom John B. is the second, and six of the number are yet living. Four of the children were born in Norway and accompanied their parents on their removal to the new world.

John B. Johnson was a little lad of seven summers at the time he came with his father and mother to the United States, after which he pursued his education in the district schools and later continued his studies in the Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa. He was afterward employed in a general store at Montevideo, Minnesota, devoting three years to that occupation. In 1878 he accompanied his father to North Dakota and homesteaded a claim constituting the northeast quarter of section 8, Hall township, Sargent county. He took up his abode thereon and with characteristic energy began its development, continuing its cultivation until 1892, at which time he removed to Milnor, where he engaged in the hardware trade in connection with his brother-in-law, Ole Hanson, with whom he remained for a year.  In 1893 he established his home in De Lamere and entered into partnership with Carl Dahlen, of Hall township, and Erick Sovde. of Milnor township, forming a company for the conduct of a general mercantile business. Theirs was the second general store in De Lamere. On the 3d of March, 1893, he sold the first pair of shoes from the new store, which was the first bit of merchandise to leave the establishment. During this time Mr. Johnson and the two owners of the former town site, Ole Larson and John Rustad, became involved in a controversy in regard to the distribution of the town property. The two former owners made an effort to keep all of the town property in their own names, refusing to sell or to lease any of the lands. This method did not strike Mr. Johnson as fair and consequently he proceeded to have the town moved farther west, with the aid and influence of M. M. Johnson, a prominent North Dakota politician of that day, and after a hard struggle John B. Johnson was able to move the town to its present location. He was made the first postmaster after the removal. Since the removal to the new site the town has nourished and Mr. Johnson has been one of the most active promoters of its growth and development. After a time he purchased the interest of his partner and became sole owner of the general Store which he conducted for six years. In 1898 he embarked in the hardware and implement business, in which he continued until 1910, when, owing to ill health, he traded his business for a three hundred and twenty acre farm located in Sargent county, he still makes his home in De Lamere.

On the 24th of March 1884, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Hanson, who was born in Crawford county, Wisconsin, in 1807, a daughter of Morris and Kari Hanson, who were natives of Sogn, Norway and on emigrating to the United States settled in Wisconsin. They drove from Milwaukee to their farm, situated near De Soto, Wisconsin, making the trip with a team of oxen. Both parents are now deceased and Anna M. Johnson was the youngest of their family of six children. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were born six children: Bernhard who was born in 1885 and died in 1907; Clarinda, born in 1887; Christina, in 1899; Albert, in 1891; Christian, who was born in 1893 and died in 1894; and Julia, who was born in 1894 and died in infancy. The wife and mother passed away November 24, 1893, and her death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret among those who knew her. Albert Johnson, the fourth child of the family, is a progressive young lawyer, who will graduate from the University of Chicago with the class of 1917 and who seems to have a bright future before him.

Politically John B. Johnson is a republican and for fifteen years he acceptably filled the office of justice of the peace. He has also been school clerk and is secretary of the drainage board of Sargent county. He has been a delegate to many of the state conventions of the republican party and he has served as chairman of the republican county central committee, of which he is still a member. At one time he was survey clerk and helped to lay out practically all of the roads in his township. A spirit of progress and advancement has actuated him at all times. He was one of the promoters of the telephone service now enjoyed by the people of De Lamere and vicinity and he has been actively connected with the educational interests of his locality. He taught school for years in Richland county and in the town of De Lamere, in fact was the first man to teach in the town schools, he is likewise connected with the moral progress of the community, being an active and faithful member of the Lutheran church, of which he is the secretary. His influence is always on the side of progress, reform and improvement, of truth and right, and his work has been of a practical character that accomplishes substantial and far-reaching results.

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