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Trails to the Past
Steele County North Dakota Biographies
Compendium of History and Biography
of North Dakota
Published by George A. Ogle & CO. in 1900
CHARLES L. ALLEN, editor and proprietor of the "Hope Pioneer," is one of the leading newspaper men .of that locality, and although he has been the owner of the paper comparatively few years, he has gained a prominent place among the people of Steele County.
Our subject was born in the suburbs of Indianapolis. Marion County. Indiana, June 21, 1865. The Allen family has been in America several generations, the grandfather of our subject, Joseph Allen, sailing from England during the early days, and settling in Virginia. He later moved to Columbus, Ohio, and finally located on a tract of land south of Indianapolis, Indiana. There were but two log cabins in the vicinity at that time, and he was a pioneer of the days of Daniel Boone. His death occurred in 1878, and the estate is still in the hands of his children. Our subject was the only child born to William and Mary (Constable) Allen. At the age of twelve years he started for himself with two dollars in his pocket, and worked at odd jobs in Des Moines, Iowa, for some time, and then learned telegraphy under his uncle at Panora. Iowa. He went to North Dakota, in September, 1883. and worked at farm labor, and the following year accepted a position as operator for the Northern Pacific Railroad at Cooperstown. North Dakota, and in 1886 entered the printing office of the "Griggs County Courier." He established his first newspaper, the "Tower City Journal." in October. 1890, and two years later erected the first building in Enderlin. North Dakota, and edited the "Enderlin Journal." He purchased his present paper in June, 1895, and has prospered in that work. He erected his present fine building and a handsome residence three years later, and now has a well-equipped plant for newspaper work and job printing. "The Hope Pioneer" was established in l882 by the Red River Land Company, and that building, together with the hotel Hope House, and a general store, at one time constituted the business portion of Hope, North Dakota. Mr. Allen has recently invested in a valuable farm comprising a half-section adjoining the town on the east, and is enjoying a comfortable competence.
Our subject was married in 1893. to Miss Emma C. Loomis, a native of Prairie du Chene, Wisconsin. Mr. Allen is prominent in secret society circles, and holds membership in the following orders: Knights of Pythias, D. O. K. K., and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the grand lodge in the last named order. He is a young man of exceptional ability, and is one of the rising citizens of North Dakota. Politically he is a Republican, and is firm for the principles of his party.
 WARREN W. ARCHER. The subject of this review may be truly classed among the leading farmers and business men of Steele county. His business location is in Finley, where he owns an elevator and also a coal and wood business. His residence is on his old pioneer homestead on section 14, in Greenview township, where he also operates an extensive farm.
Allen county, Indiana, was our subject's native place, and his birth is dated November 13, 1858. He was the oldest of four children born to James and Catherine (King) Archer, and he was left fatherless at the age of ten years. The home farm was encumbered with debt, and the prospects were not encouraging in the least, but he bent his boyish energies to the task and when at the age of twenty-three years, he left the home roof, the debts were cleared and he had also earned for himself by outside work about three hundred dollars, with which sum he went to Fargo, North Dakota. He worked there one year, in which time he also secured his homestead, and in 1883 moved to his homestead farm, and during the first three years thereon lived alone. He erected the main part of his present comfortable and commodious residence in 1892, and has extended his farm until he is now the owner of three sections of land, and follows farming successfully. He purchased the wood and coal business in Finley in the spring of 1899, and also erected an elevator with a capacity for forty thousand bushels.
Mr. Archer was married, in 1886, to Miss Rebecca Beyerle. Eight children have been born to this union, as follows: Elmer, Edith, Clarence, Warren, Mabel, Stella, Ralph and Harold. Mr. Archer is a man of active public spirit, and in political sentiment is a Republican. He has prospered through his own efforts alone, and is one of the highly esteemed men of his community. Above is a portrait of Mr Archer and his wife.
OSCAR BARRETT, county register of deeds of Steele county. North Dakota, is one of the leading residents of Sherbrooke. He is an old soldier who can review with justifiable pride a well spent career as a loyal citizen, and is widely and favorably known in Steele county.
Our subject was born in Cattaraugus county. New
York, August 5, 1842, and was the older of two children, born to Francis W. and Lucy (Amadon) Barrett. When he was still a child the family settled in Fond
du Lac and later in Green Lake county, Wisconsin, and our subject resided on the farm until the breaking out of the Civil war. He enlisted in Company D, First Wisconsin Cavalry, September 1, 1861, and participated in the battle of Chickamauga, and numerous skirmishes in the valley and in eastern Tennessee, and joined in Wilson's' raid. He was promoted to first sergeant, and after an engagement at West
Point, Georgia, received his commission as second lieutenant, and was mustered out of the service as such in August, 1865.
After his return from the war our subject followed farming and mercantile pursuits, and removed from Iowa to Wisconsin, and from thence to Cass county, North Dakota, in the spring of 1878, and there engaged successfully in farming until 1885. He then became a resident of Westfield township, in Steele county, and in 1896 was elected to his present office.
Mr. Barrett was married, in 1865. to Miss Emeline R. Willis. Two children were born to this union, as follows: Mary A. and Lucina. Mr. Barrett was married to Miss Isabel Olin, in 1871. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Barrett, as follows: Frances W., Halbert O., Almond D., Jennie I., Niva I. , Fred O., Sarah E., and Benjamin H. Mr. Barrett is a gentleman of active public spirit, and is one of the leading men of his community. He is a stanch Republican, and has served as a delegate to state and national conventions of his party, and lends his influence for good local government. He was the first county officer elected from Westfield township, and is popular and efficient as an officer.
JONATHAN F. BISTLINE, an ex-soldier. and one of the pioneer settlers of Steele county, is the owner of a fine farm in section 26, in Bergen township, where his son conducts farming, and Mr. Bistline follows the carpenter's trade at Finley.
Mr. Bistline was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, August 20, 1843. His parents, Michael and Martha Bistline, were of German extraction. His father died when our subject was but a year old, and he was the youngest in a family of seven children. The mother succeeded in keeping the family together on the Pennsylvania farm until our subject was eight years of age, when she died, and our subject was bound out to a farmer and remained according to law until he attained the age of eighteen years. His education was limited and consisted all told of a little over a year's schooling. He apprenticed to a carpenter, and after two years his master died and he did not complete his time. Soon after the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted for the cause of his country, and became a member of Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, in August, 1862. He participated in the first battle of Fredericksburg, Antietam, Chancellorsville, and then was discharged from his nine months' service, and at once re-enlisted in Company M, Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry. He saw active service in the cavalry, and also as un-mounted cavalry and joined in the Atlanta campaign and up through the Carolinas. His record shows a list of twenty-six battles and skirmishes, and he served as sergeant in the cavalry and escaped without wounds. He was mustered out of the service at Atlanta. Georgia, in September, 1865, and was discharged at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, after a long and brave service. After his return from the war he plied his trade in Blain, Perry county, Pennsylvania, and in 1872 located on a farm in Ford county, Illinois. He went with his family to Dakota in the spring of 1882 and entered claim to land as a homestead in section 26 in Bergen township, Steele county, and now resides thereon. He resided in Hope and followed his trade four years, and many of the buildings of that city are the result of his handiwork. He has resided on the farm since 1886, and his son conducts the same while he follows his trade.
Our subject was married, in 1861, to Miss Maggie Kistler, a native of Pennsylvania. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bistline, as follows: McCIellan, deceased; Harry, now in Seattle, Washington: Catherine A., now Mrs. T. Malone, of Hope, North Dakota: Samuel G.. conducting the home farm: James: and William. deceased. Mr. Bristline is a man of broad mind and active public spirit, and has attended as a delegate numerous conventions of the Republican party, with which party he is identified.
CHARLES G. BOISE, a public-spirited and enterprising citizen of Sherbrooke, Steele county, is well known and highly respected throughout that locality. He is the editor and proprietor of the "Steele County Tribune" and has made a success of his calling in North Dakota. His paper enjoys an extensive circulation and is one of the leading party papers of the county.
.Mr. Boise was born in Huron county, Ohio, September 7, 1861. The name is of French origin and was originally spelled De Bois, which was later changed to Boies, and the grandfather of our subject made a final change to the present spelling-Boise. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Gould and she was a descendant of Peregrin White of Mayflower fame.
When seventeen years of age our subject entered the preparatory course of Oberlin College and remained there three years devoting a portion of his time to special scientific work and voice culture. He went to North Dakota in the summer of 1883 and two years later settled on land which his father had purchased. He was elected clerk of courts of Steele county in the fall of 1892 and served in that capacity two terms and after the completion of his second term he was elected county auditor. He purchased the newspaper plant which he now operates in the spring of 1899. The "Steele County Tribune" was established by E. S. Seymoure in March, 1887, and was a Republican paper. Its history is somewhat varied and it passed in rapid succession through four changes and finally passed into the hands of T. S. Hunt, who edited it as a Democratic sheet. It now supports the principles of the G. O. P. and its editorials are to the point and it is one of the recognized leading exchanges of the newspaper world, in Steele county.
Mr. Boise was married, in 1886, to Miss Ella Curry. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Boise, as follows: Katrina C, Spencer S., Charles G. and Gertrude. Mr. Boise is a gentleman of much activity in public affairs and in every public capacity has always been found efficient and an earnest worker for the welfare of his community.
WATSON E. BOISE, one of the prominent early settlers of Steele County, is a gentleman of good business tact, and is the cashier of the Hope State Bank, organized at Hope, North Dakota, in May, 1900, and was previously bookkeeper in the Steele County Bank for nearly five years. He has been identified with the growth of the country and every enterprise to which he devoted his attention has been successful in its results, and he has gained an enviable reputation as a citizen and business man.
Our subject was born in Huron County, Ohio, September 8, 1857. The name is of French origin, and his ancestors were among the French Huguenots who left their native country for Holland. His ancestry in this country dates to the days of its early settlement, he being a direct descendant of Peregrine White, the first white child born in New England. His grandparents moved from Worcester, Massachusetts, to Ohio by ox team in 1832, and settled in Lorain County, and his grandfather was once a trustee of Oberlin College.
Mr. Boise was the oldest in a family of five children, and was a son of Spencer W. and Celestia E. (Gould) Boise, both residents of Ohio. He was raised on the home farm and remained there until seventeen years of age. He entered the preparatory department of Oberlin College in March, 1875, and graduated from, that institution with the class of 1880, with the degree of A. B. Excelling in the languages, he planned a career as teacher of these branches. He came to Dakota in April, 1881, and upon his arrival entered claim to land on section 26, in Hope township. Tower City being the nearest railroad point. There were no buildings in the township until that spring, and he hauled lumber twenty-five miles from Tower City and erected a 10x12 shanty, one of the first buildings in the township. He built a frame house the following fall, and soon afterward had a farm of three hundred and seventy-five acres under plow. He resided on the farm and steadily improved the place and met with unbounded success. Sheep culture was successfully carried on during the years 1890-98. Mrs. Boise's ill health caused him to leave the farm in 1894, and he accepted his present position in 1895.
Our subject was married, in 1882, to Miss Grace S. Pomroy, a native of Bristol, New York. Mrs. Boise was a student of Oberlin College, and was by profession a teacher. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Boise, as follows: David W., Charles W., Howard S., Otis P., Florence M., and Eugene B. Mr. Boise is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and Brotherhood of American Yeoman. He is president of the board of trustees of the town of Hope, and is a man of active public spirit. Politically he is a Populist, and is a man who keeps pace with the world and favors reform principles
JAMES D. BROWN, cashier of the Steele County Bank, is a young man of exceptional business ability, and is a recognized leader in financial affairs in the county. He is a man of practical business methods, and his thorough knowledge of the intricate affairs of the institution with which he is connected are handled conservatively and with keen foresight.
Our subject was born in La Salle County. Illinois, August 4, 1866, and was the second child and oldest son born to James P. and Charlotte A. (McVean) Brown. The Brown family settled in Massachusetts prior to the Revolutionary war, and was connected for generations with the growth of the New England states. The great-grandfather of our subject was Major Micha Brown, of the war of 1812, and his son, the grandfather of our subject, then but ten years of age, acted as his aide. Three brothers of the Brown family came to America together, and one of the brothers settled in Massachusetts and later located in Vermont, and to this immediate ancestor of our subject three sons were born, as follows: Micah (Major Brown, of the war of 1812) : James, a sailor: and William, who served in the British navy as lieutenant under Lord Nelson. To Micha Brown three sons were born, as follows: James C, the grandfather of our subject, who was a physician, and his father's aide ; Cyrus M., a captain in the Civil war; and Charles R., a farmer. The father of our subject was the owner of the Bank of LaSalle, and our subject as a boy was engaged in the banking business, and his education consisted in part of the business methods of the institution of which the father was the head. The family removed to Minneapolis in August, 1884.
Our subject went to Hope, North Dakota, in 1881, near where the father owned land, and in September, 1886, a private bank was established under the name of J. P. Brown & Son, our subject assuming control of the business. This institution was reorganized in 1890, as a state bank, under the name of "The Steele County Bank," with C. A. Brown, president ; C. D. Brown, vice-president, and James D. Brown, cashier. The bank does a general banking business and handles real estate, insurance and loans.
James D. Brown was married, in 1889, to Miss Clara D. Ward, a native of LaSalle County, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of two children, as follows : Malcolm J. and Sylvia D. Mr. Brown is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Politically he is a Republican, and is a man who keeps abreast of the times on all public issues.
 HARRY E. BROWN, belongs to that large class of intelligent and progressive farmers whose labors in Dakota are recognized as given for the benefit of their community. He is yet in the prime of manhood, but has acquired a thorough knowledge of his calling, and his farm is one of the pleasant estates of Melrose township, in Steele county, and his recently constructed residence on section 6 evidences his prosperity. His widowed mother, sister and youngest brother reside with him, and every comfort for the family is supplied.
Our subject was the second of six children born to John G. and Martha A. (Gibson) Brown. His father, whose portrait will be found in the group shown in connection with this sketch, was a farmer by occupation, and devoted the prime of his life to the development of a new country. He was born in Ohio, July 10, 1844. and after beginning his labors as a farmer followed that pursuit in Illinois thirty-three years, and in May, 1883, disposed of his interests in Illinois and with his family went to Steele county for the purpose of making a home in the new country. Such men as he were needed in the pioneer days of that region, and he exercised kind hospitality and a generous public spirit, and commanded the high esteem of his fellow men. He was a student of the questions of the day, and in all public measures took an active interest, and in 1893 was elected county commissioner. His popularity and efficient service are best evidenced by the fact that he was again elected in that capacity, and while serving his second term was called from his life duties. His death occurred January 21, 1898. Both he and the mother of our subject were members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Brown in political sentiment-was a stanch Republican and Prohibitionist. He was a man of exemplary character, and was deeply mourned throughout the locality where he had resided for so many years.
Harry E. Brown was a boy fifteen years of age when the family settled in Dakota, and in 1892 he secured a homestead, which he has recently proved his claim upon. He is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land, most of which he has acquired by purchase. He engages in diversified farming, and contemplates extensive investments in stock, for the raising of which his farm is admirably adapted. He has placed upon his property such improvements as entitle it to rank among the best farms of the community, and he operates the entire farm in the most approved manner, and with a view to economy and the lessening of labor.
Mr. Brown is a young man of practical nature, and takes an active interest in local affairs. He is of the same political belief as was advocated by his father during his career, and supports every good cause, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of his associates. A portrait of the John G. Brown family is above.
 ALFRED K. COCHRANE, general merchant of Finley, Steele county, and the present postmaster of that thriving village, was the pioneer merchant of that vicinity, and is widely known as a man of careful business methods and practical nature.
Our subject was born in Marquette county, Wisconsin, September 11, 1855. His parents, Hugh and Eliza (Robinson) Cochrane, were natives of Ireland, and were of Scotch and English extraction respectively. They are now deceased. Of a family of nine children born to this worthy couple, our subject was the sixth in order of birth. He was reared to farm work, and at the age of seventeen years began working at farm work to earn his own livelihood. He started for the Red river country of Dakota in the spring of 1879, and took a homestead in Cass county, and the following year he and his young wife were duly installed in a l0x 12 foot shanty, and bravely surmounted the difficulties incident to pioneer life. Our subject removed to Steele county about 1883. and took land as a tree claim and pre-emption in Westfield township, and there remained until 1890. They then passed a year in California, and upon their return to Dakota our subject worked in a flouring mill at Northwood about four years. He went to Walker, Steele county, in the fall of 1896, near the present site of Finley, and established in the grocery business, where he remained until he erected the building he now occupies in Finley, and became the first business man of the village proper. He was appointed postmaster of Finley in 1897, which office he still ably fills.
Our subject was married in 1880 to Miss Cora Lester. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cochrane, as follows: Ethel; Ralph, deceased ; Nellie, deceased, and Hazel. Mr. Cochrane is a supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church. He holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America and Royal Neighbors. Politically he is a Republican, and is a man who keeps pace with the times in public affairs. He is treasurer of Highland township, and is deservedly popular with the people of his community. A family group portrait is shown above.
CHARLES W. CONNOR, the fortunate owner of one of the fine estates of Riverside township, in Steele county, is well known as an agriculturist who is doing an extensive business. His farm consists of four hundred acres of land, and he makes his home on section 22, in township 145, range 57. He is a man of wide experience and intelligence and is held in high esteem as a public-spirited citizen.
Our subject was born in Madison county, Illinois, April 19, 1860, and was the elder of the two sons born to Silas F. and Susan A. (Hanson) Connor. The mother died in 1899 and the father is still living. The families of both sides are of English extraction. The father was engaged in the manufacture of the Alton Pitts Separator, and patented and introduced an arrangement for easy raising and lowering of the concave.
Our subject was given a liberal education, and attended one term at Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, and then was employed in the grocery store of his father, and a portion of the time during 1880, 81-82-83 he traveled for the Walter A. Wood Company. He made a trip to Dakota in August, 1881, and inspected the land from Buffalo, in Cass county, and with one companion drove to Elsbury, and through the southern part of what is now Steele county. During the trip he accidentally received a flesh wound from a shot gun. He located a tree claim in Hope township, and the following winter took a course at the Missouri State University at Columbia, in surveying and kindred studies, and then joined a surveying party in charge of the sounding boat while surveying the Missouri river from Lexington to Booneville, after which he took charge of quarter boats on government work, riprapping the river banks at St. Charles, Missouri. He went to Steele county. North Dakota, and began farming in the spring of 1884, and the following fall was elected county surveyor, and was again elected in 1894, since which time he has held that position. He conducts a farm of four hundred acres of land, all but one hundred sixty acres of which be has acquired by purchase, and is one of the substantial men of his community.
Our subject was married, in 1886, to Miss Florence Brown, of Alton. Illinois. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Connor, as follows: Francis and Clyde. Mr. Connor is the present treasurer of Riverside township, and since taking up his residence in Dakota has been actively interested in the welfare of his township and county. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically he is a Republican.
LUCIUS C. DAY, who has acquired a comfortable competence by dint of honest industry and well-spent career, is planning to enjoy a retirement from active labors and makes his home in the village of Hope, where he is well known and will be a welcomed citizen. He is at present residing on farm on section 10, of Colgate township, and is one of the pioneers of that township.
Our subject was born in New
York, February 24, 1840, and was the fourth of eight children born to the union of Hezekiah and Eliza (Bussey) Day. His father was of English birth and fought in the war for liberty and his old musket is an heirloom of the family.
Our subject was reared to farm work and spent the year of 1860 in Florida and the South and becoming thoroughly impressed with the gravity of the war situation, he was one of the first to volunteer from his state, and April 28, 1861, enlisted in Company E, Twenty-fourth New York. Fredericksburg was the first battle in which he participated, after which followed the second battle of Bull Run, Antietam, South Mountain, Gaines Mill. He returned home in 1863 and after a rest of a few months joined Company D, Eleventh New York Cavalry. Many skirmishes followed and a heavy engagement took place at Liberty Louisiana. He was mustered out of the service September 30, 1863, with the rank of corporal. Returning to the home farm he engaged in farming thereon until the spring of 1883, when he went to North Dakota and entered claim to land in Colgate township, Steele county. At that time, looking from Hope in a southeasterly direction, there were but four claim shanties to be seen, and the first three years of his residence in Dakota our subject lived in the village of Hope and conducted his farm near there. He then erected the upright part of his present house and removed to the country. where he now has a complete set of good farm buildings and all the conveniences of modern farming. His farm furnishes an abundance of water from a depth of twenty-four feet and he has never experienced a failure of crops, the poorest yield averaging twelve bushels of wheat per acre.
Our subject was married, in 1878, to Miss Laura A. Kellogg. Mr. Day is a man of active public spirit and has served as county commissioner for the first district during two terms. He is a Republican in political faith and is a man who is well versed on the topics under daily discussion and is widely and favorably known.
WILLIAM H. DENNIS. Persistent industry and strict attention to business are not without their results, and a striking example of what can be accomplished by the exercise of these traits is afforded in the life of Mr. Dennis, who is one of the leading and well-to-do citizens of Edendale township, Steele county. He is proprietor of a fine farm, and his home is on section 29, and there he has gathered around him the comforts necessary to the enjoyment of life in his declining years.
Our subject was born in Prince Edward's Island. January 4, 1852, and was the only child, and was of English and Scotch parentage. He followed farming and carpentering there until 1879, when he emigrated to Minnesota, and in April, 1880, went to Casselton, North
Dakota, and worked at bridge building on the railroad. He then engaged in farming and also followed his trade in Blanchard, Trail county, Dakota, and in 1883 found himself about three thousand dollars in debt. He located in Edendale township, Steele county, in 1887, and five years later moved to his present location. He operates one and a half sections of land, and has recently erected substantial and commodious farm buildings on the place and added such improvements as are found on a model farm.
Our subject was married, in 1890, to Miss Mary Barnes. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dennis, as follows: John William, Henry C, Thomas S., May E. and Jane E. Mr. Dennis is a man of public spirit and is the present chairman of the township board and also the school board. He is a man who keeps abreast of the times on all public issues, and in political sentiment is a Populist. His life and labors in North Dakota have been filled with earnest efforts to accomplish the best results for the community in which he has resided, as well as for his personal gain, and he has made for himself an enviable place among the citizens of Steele county.
JUDGE JOHN DUNCAN, a prosperous agriculturist of Easton township, resides on his pioneer farm in section 12, and is the owner of one half-section of land. He has arrived at his present comfortable circumstances by the exercise of earnest industry and the strictest honesty, and is one of the leading citizens of Steele county, and held in the highest esteem by his fellow men.
Our subject was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, September 25, 1849, and was the second child and oldest son born to William and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Duncan, both of whom are deceased. The parents were laid to rest in Canada, whither they removed when our subject was about six years of age. His youth was passed on a farm in Ontario, Canada, and in the spring of 1878 he made a visit to the Red river country around Fargo and to the north, and in the spring of 1882 sold his Canada property and moved to Dakota, taking as a homestead the quarter-section of land, on which his present home stands. He at once began the cultivation of his land to wheat, and has met with success in his calling. He still calls the original house his home, but built a good barn in 1889, and has added such improvements to his house as go to make a good home of comfort.
Mr. Duncan was married, in 1871, to Miss Annie Smyth, a native of Canada, of Irish extraction. Mr. Duncan is a man of active public spirit, and was elected on the Republican ticket in 1888 as probate judge of Steele county, and in 1892 was elected on the Populist ticket to a second term as county judge. He is identified with the. Populist party, and is chairman of the Populist county central committee. He has served his township as chairman of the board, and is popular and highly esteemed by the people regardless of party affiliations
 HON. FANGAL G. ENGER. The handsome home of Mr. Enger, situated on section 2, in the township which bears his name, is one of the evidences of his prosperity. He is the oldest settler of Steele county, and is well known as an extensive agriculturist and land owner. He preceded all other settlers in the county by two years, and his descriptions of the early times in Dakota are interesting and give some idea of the privations and discouragements to be surmounted in a new country. His wealth is due to his untiring energy and perseverance, and he is intimately connected with the financial and agricultural development of that region.
Mr. Enger was born in Ringerike-Buskeruds, Amt, Norway, February 22. 1846, and is the older of two living children born to Guldbrand and Ele (Lunda) Enger. His mother lives in Norway at an advanced age. Our subject left his home and native country to try his fortunes in the new world in 1869, and first began working in Mitchell county, Iowa, and later went to Albert Lea, Minnesota, where he attended school and worked at railroading. He began working on the Northern Pacific Railroad in the summer of 1871, and made his way thus to Fargo, Dakota, and during the winter of 1871-72 worked at odd jobs around that city. He left there for the Goose river country in search of a claim beyond the then settled portion of the country, in company with two companions, Iver Fisher and John Amb. in March, 1872. Their equipment was an ax each and a few biscuits, and they thus started across the country afoot. Following up the Minnesota side they soon reached the Goose river and wended their way up this stream, seeing but few settlers, until they finally came to the forks of the Goose river, and then began looking for land on which to place their claims. Mr. Amb selected land in what is now Traill county, and the three pushed forward and April 3 arrived in a bend of the little fork of the north branch of the Goose river. Their provisions then consisted of but two biscuits for each, the weather was cold, and they had no shelter. The following morning our subject walked up the valley about half a mile and carved his name on an oak tree, marking thus his present homestead. Mr. Fisher crossed the stream and located his claim, and the same day they returned far enough to reach shelter and some food. They hired an ox team and returned to Fargo for a load of provisions, and returning to their claims worked together and built on each claim a 16x16 log shanty, with a roof of bark and clay, and the house thus erected on our subject's land was the first built in Steele county. He hired five acres of land broke, and began working on the railroad again until fall, and then worked on a steamboat on the Red river of the North, and then entered the employ of the Hudson's Bay Company, freighting between Fargo. Caledonia and Grand
Forks. He purchased a yoke of oxen and loaded a few implements, and in the spring of 1874 established himself on his farm and lived there alone, since which time he has made it his home continuously. He began wheat raising at once and marketed it at Fargo, and during those times from twenty-five to one hundred teams were often seen going into Fargo loaded with wheat which sold from seventy-three cents to one dollar and a half per bushel. Mr. Enger has met with eminent success in Dakota, and is now the possessor of between six and seven thousand acres of Steele county land, and an additional five sections in Richland county, and is considered the most extensive farmer in the country.
Our subject was married, in 1875. to Miss Gertrude Peterson. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Enger, as follows: Gulbrand, now farming near our subject; Peter, Edward, Carl, Friis, Gabrial, Thorvald, Oliver and Ele. Mr. Enger was elected to the state legislature in 1890 by a large majority, and was re-elected by a still greater majority, an evidence of his popularity and efficient service. In the senate he became identified with the prohibition movement, and during his second term served as chairman of the prohibition committee. He is progressive and intelligent, and is deservedly highly respected and esteemed. He is a Republican in political faith, and stands for his convictions. In religious matters he is united with the Lutheran church.
ERICK G. ERICKSON. The mature years of this gentleman have been devoted almost exclusively to the calling of a farmer, and he has acquired a valuable knowledge of this occupation in performing the duties and labors incident to the management of a large estate. He owns and occupies a pleasant and remunerative tract of land in section 3, of Norway township, Steele County, and enjoys a comfortable home and enviable reputation.
Our subject was born near Christiania. Norway, January 5, 1840, and was the only child born to Gilbert and Marte (Hanson) Erickson. At the age of sixteen years he learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1862 he and his father came to America, the mother having died in their native land. They first resided in Spring Grove. Houston County, Minnesota, and our subject plied his trade there for over ten years. He later resided in Allamakee County, Iowa, and about 1878 went to Dakota to make a home for his family. He went direct to Fargo, and during the working months for about six years followed carpenter work in that vicinity. He filed claim to his land in 1883, and in the spring of the following year removed his family to the new home, where they have since remained. His sons operated the farm for some time and our subject continued at his trade. From time to time he purchased additional land, and is now the owner of seven hundred and fifty acres, forming a fine property.
Our subject was married in 1862 to Miss Anne Olson. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Erickson, as follows: Gilbert, deceased; Michael, now residing at home; Mary, now Mrs. O. Feld, of Mayville; Gilbert, residing at home; Emma, deceased; Christina, residing at home; and Oscar, deceased. Mr. Erickson served as township clerk about seven years, and in the fall of 1898 was appointed County commissioner for the fourth district to fill the office made vacant by the election of O. W. Williams as County treasurer. Mr. Erickson is an influential citizen and is held in high esteem by his fellow men. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and in political sentiment is a Republican.
 OLE E. FOSSE, an influential and highly esteemed agriculturalist of Newburg township, Steele county, is a pioneer settler of that region and has reached his present comfortable circumstances by dint of his own persistent efforts. He went to Dakota without means, and has steadily pushed forward, and is now a recognized leading farmer of his community. His fine estate is well improved and developed, and his home on section 10 is a commodious and comfortable one.
Our subject was born in Boone county, Illinois, April 29, 1855, and was a son of Erick O. and Betsey (Ellefson) Fosse. His parents were natives of Norway, and are now residing in Worth county, Iowa, where they removed when our subject was but one year of age.
Mr. Fosse was the oldest in a family of three children, and he was reared on his father's farm, and in 1877 left home for the Goose River country, hearing glowing accounts of the same from neighbors. He took land as a homestead, where he now resides, and was the first settler on what is known as the prairie of Newburg township, there being several families on the river at the time. He. built a log house and lived there alone until 1880. He had no means with which to begin his farm work, his team being mortgaged even, and he was forced to borrow money from friends with which to proceed. He is now the owner of one half-section of land, in Steele county, Dakota, and some property in Minneota. He erected a 50x64-foot barn with hay storage room in 1893, and his residence has been enlarge and improved from time to time and now furnishes the comforts of home. He has met with but one failure of crops, when in 1888 his crops were frozen. He has one hundred and fourteen head of stock and work horses needed for farming; operations.
Mr. Fosse was married, in 1880, to Miss Maggie Benson. An adopted daughter, Caroline Dockken, has made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Fosse for the past sixteen years, and a boy, Bennie Benson, also resides with them. Mr. Fosse is township treasurer, justice of the peace, and school clerk, and in 1894 was a candidate for county treasurer but the strong Populist sentiment of that election defeated his election, although he was popular and highly esteemed by citizens of all parties. He is a Republican in political faith, and attends county conventions, and has served as delegate to state convention. A portrait group of Mr. and Mrs. Fosse and their adopted daughter is shown above.
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