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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
 HENRY GILBERTSON, the first pioneer of Primrose township, Steele county, has passed twenty-one winters in Dakota, and is one of the few early settlers who remain to enjoy the result of their labors in that region. He is now the owner of a fine farm, and his home on section 8 affords more than the usual comforts of country life.
Our subject was born in Nalders, Begna Dalen, about fifty miles from Drummond, Norway, July 18, 1854, and was the third in a family of twelve children born to Gilbert and Anna (Harldson) Anderson, both of whom are still living in their native land. Our subject worked at home most of the time until he reached the age of nineteen years, when he came to America and began farm work in Dane county. Wisconsin, where he was employed two years. He then located in Moore county, Minnesota, and remained one year, and in the spring of 1878 started for the west, and May 13 took up his residence on the farm which he now owns. His nearest neighbor was then six miles east in what is now Traill county. His first home there was a dug-out. twelve feet square, covered with bark and dirt, which he constructed on the banks of the middle branch of the Goose river, and he lived there alone three years, and during the first year was the only settler for many miles around. Elk, deer and antelope were numerous, and he made good money catching beaver and mink on the river. Fargo, eighty miles distant, was his nearest market and trading place until the winter of 1879, when Old Mayville was started, thirteen miles distant, which furnished a trading point but no market, and two of his crops he marketed at Fargo. He is now the owner of seven hundred and twenty acres of land, and has a well developed farm, and keeps about twenty-five head of stock. Fire destroyed about six thousand dollars worth of property on his farm in 1897, but despite this and other losses he has made a success of his work, and has a substantial and convenient residence and good farm buildings.
Our subject was married, in 1882, to Miss Oline E. Wold. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilbertson, as follows: Nellie. Gustaf. Emile, Albert, Theodore, Clara, Ida, Oliver and Halfdan. Mr. Gilbertson is prominent in local public affairs, and served as township and school treasurer from the organization of the township until 1897. and is at present a member of the board of supervisors. He is highly esteemed throughout Steele county as a pioneer settler and one who has gained for himself a name as a public-spirited and energetic citizen. Politically Mr. Gilbertson is a Republican.
FRANK N. GILMORE. The financial standing of Hope, in Steele County, North Dakota, has been materially increased by the labors of this gentleman since taking up his residence here. He was one of the five original business men of the city, and has always taken an active part in affairs of a public or social nature. He is the possessor of a fine farm near the city, and is a resident of Hope, wherein he is the manager of the lumber yards of the Beidler & Robinson Lumber Company.
Our subject was born in Monroe County, Maine, January 4, 1855. His grandparents on the father's side were from Scotland and England, and were early settlers of Monroe County, Maine, where they followed farming. Our subject and an older sister were the only children born to Josiah and Rosella (Nichols) Gilmore, and our subject is now the only survivor of the family. The father was a general merchant in the town of Monroe, and he died when our subject was but one year of age. after which the mother and two children made their home with the maternal grandparents, and resided in Davenport, Iowa. After about two years they returned to a farm, and there our subject remained until about seventeen years of age. He then learned the manufacture of sand paper in Melrose. Massachusetts, and when about twenty-five years of age learned telegraphy and was employed with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad. He joined a Northern Pacific surveying party in the spring of 1882, and traveled through Montana, and in the fall of that year began work for the company with which he is now engaged, at Portland, Traill County, North Dakota, and in the spring of 1883 was placed in charge of the yards at Hope. He is a successful business man, and has gained the confidence of his employers and associates. He is the owner of one half section of land, and has gained a comfortable competence by earnest efforts.
Our subject was married, in 1886, to Miss Lela Johnson. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore, as follows: Frank W. and Eileen V. Mrs. Gilmore was born in Illinois, October 4, 1860, and she died in North Dakota, October 14, 1898. She was a lady who was mourned by a host of friends, and was a member of the Congregational church, and an earnest worker in the same, and she was also a member of the Daughters of Rebekah. Mr., Gilmore is prominent in the fraternal world and is a thirty-second-degree Mason, and a member of the Mystic Shrine, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the last named order he has served as grand treasurer for five years, and he was a charter member and the first noble grand of Hope Lodge, No. 19, which was organized August 25, 1885. He also holds membership in the brotherhood of American Yeomen. In political faith Mr. Gilmore is a Republican.
PORTER KIMBALL. Among the gentlemen who are engaged in agriculture in Riverside township, Steele county, none are more useful in sustaining and extending its farming interests than Mr. Kimball. He is a successful and substantial agriculturist, and a man well versed in the best and most approved methods of operating a farm, and as a pioneer settler of that locality is well known. He is the owner of one thousand five hundred acres of land, and his pleasant home is on section 28.
Our subject was born in Cumberland county, Maine, May 6, 1852, and was the youngest of a family of five children born to Charles and Ruth (Trafton) Kimball. Both his paternal and maternal ancestors were natives of England about four generations back.
Mr. Kimball remained at his boyhood home until seventeen years of age, when he left his father's farm and worked in a provision house at Lynn three years, and at Boston one year, and about 1873 went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and worked at logging in the Minnesota woods. He went to Wilmar, Minnesota, and followed farming there three summers, and in the spring of 1882 went with his family to Casselton, North Dakota, and during the spring season worked on the Dalrymple farm, after which he went to Hope, and in June, 1882, settled on his farm. He arrived at his land with four horses and a wagon, all mortgaged for their value, and other debts contracted made his financial condition discouraging indeed. To avoid hotel bills he loaded his wagon with lumber immediately upon arrival at Hope, and with his wife and child went direct to the farm, and while his wife and child sat in the prairie he built a shanty around them. He now enjoys the comforts of a substantial and commodious dwelling, and all the appointments of the place bespeak the thrift and taste of its owner. He is one of the most extensive resident land owners of the township, and his possessions cover one thousand five hundred acres. He keeps one hundred head of sheep and eighty head of other stock, and has a barn, 64x100 feet, with storage for eighty tons of hay. A windmill furnishes power for feed mill and pump, and all conveniences for farm work are supplied.
Our subject was married, in 1879, to Miss Eva Merritt. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kimball, as follows: Pearly C, Arthur W'., Edgar P., Leonard, Merritt, Eva R. and Grace. Mr. Kimball has always been actively interested in the welfare of his community, and assisted in naming and organizing the township in which he has made his home for so many years. He has served as chairman of the board, and has held school and township offices almost continuously, and is one of the public-spirited men of the locality. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a man who favors reform, and in political sentiment is a Populist.
JOHN A. KLOVSTAD. The lands beyond the sea have sent their full quota of energetic and industrious men to Steele county. North Dakota, and many have won honorable stations as citizens and business men, winning their way amid the disadvantages attending a stranger in a strange land. Among these is the subject of this review. He has resided in America many years and has thoroughly acquainted himself with American customs and methods and is well known and highly respected in Steele county, where he has been engaged in grain buying for many years and he has a handsome residence in the city of Hope.
Our subject was born in Kongsberg, Norway, September 2, 1860, and was the second in a family of seven children born to Andrew S. and Anna O. (Warket) Klovstad, both of whom are deceased. He came to America with his father and eldest brother in 1870, when ten years of age, and after landing at New York City, they at once made their way to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where our subject secured a position almost immediately with a physician, for whom he worked two years for his board and clothes and attended school regularly during the time. He and his father and brother went to Dodge county, Minnesota, in 1875, and there engaged in farming and in 1880 a home was made in Chippewa county and the same year the mother and the other children of the family joined them. Our subject went to Dakota in 1890 and entered the employ of the Red River Valley Elevator Company and was stationed as the agent at Hope. The company failed in about three years and our subject about the same time accepted a position as grain buyer for the Northwestern Elevator Company at Hope. He has prospered as a business man and possesses a fine residence property in the city as the result of his earnings.
Our subject was married, in 1894, to Miss Mayma B. Laramore. Two children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Klovstad, who bear the names of Annie E. L. and Ralph W. Mr. Klovstad is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the first named has passed the thirty-second degree. In political sentiment he is a Democrat and is firm in his convictions.
LOUIS A. JACOBSON, junior partner of the drug firm of Wamberg & Jacobson, of Hope, North Dakota, is a man of excellent business qualifications, and has been identified with the financial growth of Steele county. he now has charge of the extensive farming interests of the firm, and is well known as an early settler of that locality.
Our subject was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, December 31, 1859. His parents, Jacob and Randi (Synderol) Jacobson, were natives of Norway, and came to America in 1848 and were married in this country. They reared a family of six children, our subject being the third in order of birth.
Our subject worked on a farm and secured a common school education, after which he engaged m teaching, and by his efforts obtained the means with which to pursue a three-years course of study at Beloit College. He entered the employ of the American Express Company in 1880, and then spent two years as express messenger, and in the fail of 1882 began buying grain for the Cowgill Elevator Company, and was stationed at Hope, North Dakota, five years. He purchased an interest in the general merchandise business with Mr. Wamberg in March, 1883, and after his employment as grain buyer turned his attention to the mercantile business. Since the general merchandise department was disposed of in 1894, and the business is solely a drug business, Mr. Jacobson devotes his attention to the farming interests of the firm. They own fourteen hundred acres of land in various parts of Steele county, and are successful farmers and business men.
Our subject was married, in February, 1883, to Miss Etta C. Johnson, a native of Boone county, Illinois. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson, as follows: Ernest, Eunice I., William and Lillian R. Mr. Jacobson is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has passed the thirty-second and Shrine degrees, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Grand Lodge, and is at present grand junior deacon. He also holds membership in the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He is a man of active public spirit and was elected county treasurer in the fall of 1884, at the first general election. Politically he is a Republican.
 GUNDER O. JOHNSON, one of the best known and influential pioneer settlers of northwestern Steele county, is a man of excellent characteristics and has acquired a fortune in Dakota by his earnest efforts, supplemented by his integrity and honest dealings. He owns and operates a farm of eight hundred acres and resides on section 34, in Bergen township and engages in diversified farming.
Our subject was born in Hardanger, Bergens (Stift), Norway, January 3, 1855. In a family of five children there were two children older than he and his twin brother, and he was a son of Ole and Inglio (Gunderson) Johnson. The mother died in 1895 and the father now resides in Trempeauleau county, Wisconsin, When our subject was about twelve years of age the family embarked for America on the sailing craft "Helvasea," and after a pleasant voyage lasting about seven weeks landed at Quebec, Canada, and from thence immediately went to relatives at Trempeauleau, Wisconsin, and the father took a homestead farm. Our subject was employed at farm labor until 1881, when he rented land and began farming for himself and in the spring of 1882 went to Dakota and took the quarter as a homestead on which he is now living. He started from Wisconsin with about one hundred dollars, a team and six or seven head of horned stock and upon his arrival at his land he found himself with little means. With his one light team he managed to break ten or fifteen acres of land and then he and a neighbor combined teams and got considerable sod turned. Our subject erected a sod shanty I2x16 feet in the fall of 1882, which was his dwelling until 1888. He cropped about ten acres of wheat and five of oats and barley the first year and lived mostly on his stock and chickens and has devoted much of his attention to the raising of stock and the dairy interests and has added materially to his income from this source. He now has a fine stone basement provided for a dairy. He bought a tree claim soon after taking up his residence in Dakota and has since added to his possessions from time to time.
Our subject was married, in 1881, to Miss Helena Hiltness. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, as follows: Christopher O., deceased ; Martin H., deceased, and Martha C. The two sons died of diphtheria in 1886, passing away within a few days of each other. Mr. Johnson is a man of active public spirit and is the present chairman of the township board. He was appointed in 1897 to fill the vacancy caused on the board of county commissioners by the death of Mr. Brown and at the 1898 election was returned to that office by popular ballot and is now serving in that capacity in the second district. He is a stanch Republican in political sentiment and is a man in whom the people repose confidence.
KNUDT A. JOHNSON, proprietor of one of the fine farms of Norway township, Steele county, is one of the men in whose coming to that section all who honor honest industry and good citizenship can rejoice. He is one of the earliest pioneers of Steele county, and can recount with unerring accuracy many experiences and the early history of that region. He is the owner of a well-improved farm, and has gained his possessions by earnest efforts, and aided materially in extending and developing the vast agricultural interests of Dakota.
Our subject was born in Dane county. Wisconsin, April 3. 1855. and was the oldest in a family of four children. His parents, Osmond and Aase (Windloss) Johnson, were of Norwegian birth. When our subject was about twelve years of age the family settled in Worth county. Iowa, and there he remained at home until he attained his majority, receiving a common-school education. He went to Dakota on a visit to his cousin, Mr. Windloss, in the spring of 1880. and filed claim to land on section 11. in Norway township. He built a small dwelling place, half dugout, and arranged a place for cooking outside, and with an oyster can for a coffee-pot and friendly gophers for companions he began a life not wholly devoid of charms. After he had made his filings on his land his finances consisted of seven cents, and with himself and a team of horses to keep he saw but a few idle minutes. As he characteristically expresses, "In those days there was nothing to Dakota but mosquitoes and distance. The distance was unbroken by habitation of man. and the mosquito was lank, and hungry for a taste of the sturdy pioneer." Mr. Johnson passed the first winter with Mr. Windloss, in the latter's shanty, and the following summer was joined by his mother, who took charge of the home.
Mr. Johnson was married, in 1883, to Miss Antoinette Anderson. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, as follows: Albert, Andrew, Christina, Oscan Carl, Nettie, Betsey, Selmer and Hilma. Carl and Nettie are twins. Mr. Johnson is an active member of the Lutheran church, and is a man of exemplary character. He has held various offices in the county and township. He was one of the organizers of Norway township, and was then assessor for five years, and was chairman of the board of supervisors several terms and is the present township clerk, having held the office four years, and district clerk since 1896. He is well known as a Populist in political sentiment and is an ardent worker for reform principles, attending county and state conventions of his party, and is identified with all of the affairs of public interest. He is a man universally respected and esteemed.
GILBERT K. JORDET, one of the most extensive farmers of Steele county, conducts a finely improved estate in Primrose township and resides on section 7. He has resided in that locality for the past eight years, and has gained an enviable reputation as a man of intelligence and industrious habits.
Our subject was born near Dammond, in Begna Dalen, Valders, Norway, March 21, 1863, and was the fifth in a family of seven children born to Knute and Ranghild (Lindelin) Jordet. The family drove to Dammond in the spring of 1869 and embarked in the sailing vessel Manilla, bound for Quebec. The voyage lasted eleven weeks, and soon after their arrival in the New World they made their way to Black Earth, Dane county, Wisconsin. The father was taken ill a short time before leaving their native land, and survived his arrival in America but a few months, and died September 13, 1869. This left the family destitute, and when our subject was eight years of age he went to live with an uncle, with whom he remained until fourteen years of age. The mother re-married, and our subject made his home one year with his stepfather, and in 1878, in company with his brother, Ole K., went to Traill county, locating at Mayville,. Dakota. He there worked at herding and farm labor, and also attended high school and perfected himself in the common branches. The winter of 1880-81 he passed with his brother and sister in the western part of Primrose township, which at that time was thinly settled, and in 1885 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in that township, and with only two teams began farming. He has met with eminent success, and now owns four sections of land, making him the most extensive farmer of Primrose township. He has devoted much attention to the raising of Percheron horses, and is the owner of a full blood French draft stallion (Silk). His home farm is fully improved and evidences careful tillage.
Our subject was married, in 1898, to Miss Ingeborg Saalsaa, a native of Wisconsin. One daughter has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jordet, upon whom they have bestowed the name of Cora R. Mr. Jordet was postmaster of the Primrose post-office for three years, until the discontinuance of the office. He is a member of the Synod Lutheran church, and is a widely respected citizen. Politically he is a Republican, but devotes no time to political affairs, preferring to serve his community otherwise.
JAMES K. JOSLYN. The vast agricultural interests of Steele county, North Dakota, have been enhanced in a marked measure by the labors of such citizens and farmers as the above named gentleman. He is one of the progressive and enlightened men of Melrose township and his pleasant home on section 35 is evidence of his good taste and his entire estate evidences good management. He is the owner of seven quarter-sections of land and every appointment of his home farm is of the most approved and modern style.
Our subject was born in Orleans county, Vermont, November 30, 1847, and was the sixth in a family of seven children born to Peter A. and Alice (Sartwell) Joslyn. His parents were both born in 1808, and the father lived to the age of eighty-three years and the mother died at the advanced age of ninety years. His father was a mason and plasterer by trade.
Our subject began farming when a boy and at the age of seventeen years began working for others and devoted his earnings to the completion of his education. After attaining his majority he taught one term of school and then accepted a position as fireman on the C. & P. R. R.. which he held two years, and when twenty-three years of age became engineer and run freight and passenger engines for nine years. He then decided to turn his attention to farming and accordingly went to Hope, North Dakota, in the spring of 1883. and feeling confident of success in that region invested in six hundred and forty acres of land within a mile of the village of Hope, in Steele county. He rented out his land the first season and in 1884 lived thereon alone and followed farming, and also began the improvements, which, as circumstances permitted, he enlarged upon. He had not the means with which to pay in full for his land, and he is now the owner of an extensive tract, which he has fully improved. His residence, completed in 1887, is probably one of the best farm houses in the county and is a modern structure and furnishes every convenience and comfort. He built a commodious barn in 1892 and during the past year has erected a twelve-thousand-bushel-capacity elevator in which to conveniently stores his grain to take advantage of the market. He has taken great care in the selection of grain for seed, and does an extensive business in furnishing the same to his neighbors.
Our subject was married, in 1885, to Miss Cora Rugg. Three children were born to this union, as follows: Howard, deceased; Ethel and Edna, the last two named being twins. Mrs. Joslyn died in 1893. Mr. Joslyn was married to Miss Augusta Gray in 1895. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Joslyn, as follows: Alice, Everett and Claude. Our subject is prominent in public affairs of local importance, and is chairman of the township board, and has been a member of that body since the organization of the township. He is a supporter of the Congregational church, and is a man of exemplary character. Politically he is a Republican, and is a strong advocate of prohibition. He is a man who studies the questions of the day, and will always be found standing for justice and right, and is a man highly esteemed throughout the locality.
JACOB C. LANG, a prominent farmer and ex-soldier, residing on his pleasant farm near the village of Hope, in section 2, of Hope township, is a pioneer settler of Steele county. He now operates about eight hundred acres of land, and has met with success in his vocation.
Our subject was born in Bavaria, Germany, August 22, 1842, and was the fourth in a family of seven children, born to Henry and Elizabeth (Byraeder) Lang. His mother is now living in Iowa at the advanced age of ninety-three years. When our subject was six years of age the family came to America and located on a farm near Muscatine, Iowa, where he grew to manhood, and in August, 1863 enlisted in Company C, Thirty-fifth Iowa. He participated at Vicksburg, Pleasant
Hill, Yellow Bayou, Old River Lake, Tupela, Nashville, Spanish Fort, and Mobile, and was mustered out in September, 1865, after a brave and loyal service. After his return from the war he engaged in farming for himself in Iowa, and in the spring of 1883 left that state and went to Steele county. North
Dakota, where he filed on land in section 18, in Melrose township. He resided thereon two, years and then rented land near town, and in 1888 purchased the farm which he now occupies. He is well known as a successful farmer, and enjoys the comforts of a country life, and resides near the village, thus affording the pleasure of social life.
Our subject was married, in 1868, to Miss Margeretha Bernet, a native of Switzerland. Mr. and Mrs. Lang have been the parents of five children, as follows: Leo, now editor of the "Anneta Panorama ;" Ida, now Mrs. Dr. J. L. Stephenson, of Hope, North
Dakota; Fred, employed in Hope; Edward, deceased; and Arno O.. residing at home. Mr. Lang is past commander of George P. Foster Post, No. 22, G. A. R., and is prominent in the works of that organization. He has served several terms as treasurer of his township and at all times lends his influence for the up building of the better interests of his adopted land. He is intelligent and progressive and in political sentiment he is Republican.
JOHN W. LARAMORE, an enterprising agriculturist of Melrose township, in Steele county, furnishes a striking example of the results of well-directed labor and persistent efforts. He has met with many discouragements in his Dakota home, but despite these has risen to prominence as a wide-awake and progressive farmer and loyal citizen. He has a fine residence recently constructed on section 34 and has gathered about him the comforts and conveniences of a model farm.
Our subject was born near Frederica, Delaware, November 22, 1852, and was the seventh in a family of fourteen children born to John and Dorcas (Wyatt) Laramore. The family removed from the state of Delaware when our subject was five years of age and settled on a farm near Bradford, Stark county, Illinois. When eighteen years of age our subject left the home farm and worked on the railroad as bridge carpenter for two years and in the fall of 1872 went to Minnesota and worked at teaming in Rice county. He spent the winter of 1873 in Missouri and the following season engaged in farming in Iowa and the second season farmed in Missouri. He removed further north on account of sickness in his family and later went to Utah, returning to Iowa in 1877 and remained in Marshall county until 1881, when he went to Faribault, Minnesota, and in the spring of 1883 went to Wahpeton, Dakota, and broke land for the incoming settlers. He worked the following winter in the Minnesota woods and in the spring of 1884 shipped teams to Wheatland and arrived at Hope April 10 with a wagon load of household goods, a team and five dollars in money. His wife soon joined him and they lived in the wagon until a lox 12-foot house was built, he mortgaged his team to secure the lumber. He has since purchased additional land and is now the owner of one and a half sections. Lightning destroyed his barn and a fine running horse in 1893, entailing a loss of three thousand dollars, and in 1899 his pioneer house was burned and he has since erected one of the best farmhouses in the township and has placed other valuable improvements on the place.
Our subject was married, in 1873, to Miss Celina Owen, a native of Minnesota. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Laramore, as follows: Mamie, now Mrs. Klovstad, of Hope, North Dakota: Walter and Maude. Mr. Laramore is a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the Scottish Rite and also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Brotherhood of American Yeomen. In political sentiment he is a Democrat and is a man of strong convictions.
JOHN LERAAS. The farming interests of Easton township, in Steele county, have a worthy representative in the gentleman above named, who operates a fine farm of four hundred and eighty acres and has a pleasant home on section 4. He is yet in the prime of life and has attained an assured position among the substantial men of his calling in Steele county, and he is possessed of an indomitable will and energetic character.
Our subject was born in Norway. February 18, 1863, and was a son of Knute and Mary Leraas. The family came to America from Norway in 1882, and at once located in Dakota and engaged in farming. Our subject began for himself with fifty cents and soon obtained work at farm labor, at which he was employed four years, in which time he saved from his earnings six hundred dollars, and with this began the improvement of his farm, which he claimed in 1885. He erected a small shanty and began work there, and was soon recognized in the township as a substantial citizen. He has acquired another half-section of land by recent purchase, and is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land. His farm is well improved and evidences painstaking care in the labors thereon.
Our subject was married, in 1889,to Miss Martha Erewig. Four children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leraas. as follows: Clara, Leway, Albert and Arthur. Mr. Leraas is a member of the Lutheran church. He is actively interested in welfare of his community, and is an earnest worker in educational affairs, and is a member of the school board. Politically he is a Republican, and is a man who keeps pace with the times and lends his influence for good government and right and justice in public affairs, and is deservedly popular in his township.
 SAMUEL L. LINN, one of the earliest pioneer settlers of Sherbrooke township, is the present sheriff of Steele county, and is a man of many estimable traits of character. He is possessed of a good capacity for well-directed labor, which has placed him among the foremost farmers of his vicinity, and his home farm in section 24 makes a fine showing as to improvements and a well-chosen location.
Our subject was born in Green county, Wisconsin, April 24, 1854, and was the third in a family of six children born to John J. and Taran L. (Putten) Linn. His parents were both natives of Norway, and are now residents of Steele county. North
Dakota, where they and one daughter and our subject and wife located in 1882. The father and son took land adjoining and our subject assumed charge of the farms, and his was the first family to pass a winter in Sherbrooke township. He is now the owner of eight hundred acres of land along the middle branch of the Goose river, and an abundance of good water is a feature of the place, making it admirably adapted to general farming.
Our subject was married, in 1878, to Miss Carrie C. Domholt. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Linn, as follows: Tilda B., deceased; Henry J., deceased ; Henrietta J.; Julia M., who was the first child born in Sherbrooke township; Isabel E.; Clara S.; Benjamin H.; Thomas J., and Gertrude H. Mr. Linn was elected on the first board of trustees, on the organization of the township of Sherbrooke , and he has been active in public affairs. He was elected county sheriff in 1888 and served two terms, and in 1894 was again elected to that office and served two terms. John J. Hogan was elected to that office in 1898, but later resigned his position, and our subject was appointed to till the unexpired term. He is a brave and efficient officer, and enjoys the confidence of the people. He is a stanch and influential Republican, and is well known throughout the county. A family group portrait is above.
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