Trails to the Past

Traill County North Dakota

Biographies

North Dakota History and People
S. J. Clarke Publishing Company Chicago, Ill. 1917

N. C. ANDERSON, is now living retired at Clifford but for a long period was actively engaged in general farming and in other business interests, wherein his carefully directed labors and sound business judgment brought him substantial success. Mr. Anderson was born in Sweden, April 37, 1841, a son of Anders Carlson and Carrie Larson. The mother died in Sweden and in 1873 the father followed his sons to the United States, spending his last days in Minnesota, where he passed away in 1876.

N. C. Anderson acquired his education in the public schools of Sweden and spent his youthful days under the parental roof but in 1870 came to the United States, attracted by the almost limitless opportunities here offered to the energetic and ambitious young man.  He settled first at Meeker, Minnesota, but during the succeeding nine years drifted around, working at various occupations in that state, in Iowa, and in Ontario, Canada. In 1879, however, he took up his permanent abode in North Dakota, journeying across the country from Clear Lake, Iowa, with his wife and two children, in a covered wagon drawn by a team of horses. It was his intention to homestead in this state but on reaching Fargo he found that he had but seven dollars and a half. Winter was coming on and he and his wife decided that their small capital was hardly sufficient to enable them to spend the winter on the homestead and they decided to remain in the city, where Mr. Anderson might secure employment.  He obtained work at carpentering, although he had not been trained to the trade, and his first job netted him twenty dollars. Later he took out a drayman’s license and for two years was engaged in the draying business, during which time he purchased a lot, whereon he erected a frame dwelling. Immediately afterward he and his wife began keeping boarders and prospered in the undertaking. In 1880 he began the construction of a brick house, which adjoins the old Central Hotel on First avenue North and is still standing. This was the first house built on that street. In that building for six years Mr. Anderson conducted a hotel under the name of the Red River House, it being one of the popular hostelries of Fargo. In 1885 he sold his hotel and removed to his farm in Norman township, Traill county, which he had purchased in 1883 and to his original quarter section he added from time to time until he owned a full section. In 1893 he purchased the section on which the town of Clifford now stands and at that time he owned two sections, or twelve hundred and eighty acres of valuable North Dakota land. Since then, however, he has sold five quarter sections and now owns but four hundred and eighty acres of the original tract. He carried on farming with success for a number of years but about 1903 left the farm and took up his abode in Clifford, where he has since lived retired. He is a stockholder , in the Clifford Farmers Elevator Company.

In 1877 Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Carrie Johnson, a native of Sweden, the marriage ceremony being performed in Canada. This union has been blessed with six children but only three survive, as follows: Victoria, the wife of John Nelson, a farmer of Norman township, Traill county; Nels, who follows farming in Montana; and William, who operates the homestead farm. The wife and mother passed away March 31, 1912.

In politics Mr. Anderson is a republican but is liberal in his views and at local elections casts his ballot for the men whom he deems best qualified for office rather than for party.  He served as chairman of the town board while living on the farm for a period of ten years and for a number of years was assessor and also a member of the school board. In early days in Norman township, Traill county, he was one of the dominant factors in building schoolhouses and establishing a system of education. He holds membership in the Church of the Latter Day Saints. In 1913 Mr. Anderson made a trip back to Sweden, which was the first time he had visited his native country in forty-three years. His unfaltering industry and his business ability have brought him substantial success as the years have gone on.  lie worked persistently and energetically and as the years have passed his business affairs have been so carefully and wisely directed that success in substantial measure has come to him, enabling him now to rest from further labor and enjoy the fruits of his former toil.

JOHN CARMODY, an ex-member of the supreme court of North Dakota and for thirty years a prominent representative of the bar of Hillsboro, has carved his name high on the keystone of the legal arch of the state, being prominently connected with a profession which has important bearing upon the progress and stable prosperity of any section or community and one which has long been considered as conserving the public welfare by furthering the ends of justice and maintaining individual rights. A native of Wisconsin, he was born at Granville, Milwaukee county, January 6, 1854, a son of John and Mary (Purcell) Carmody, natives of Ireland, who came to the new world with their respective parents, the two families being established in Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Carmody removed to Waseca county, Minnesota, in 1868, and upon the farm which the father secured in that year he is still living at the remarkable old age of ninety-six years.

Judge Carmody spent his youthful days under the parental roof and supplemented his district school training by a term’s study in the high school. He afterward engaged in teaching for twelve terms in the country schools and utilized the summer months in farm work, spending seven summer seasons in the employ of one man. It was his purpose and desire, however, to turn his attention to a professional career and in 1878 he took up the study of law in the office of Hon. James E. Child, of Waseca, Minnesota, who directed his reading until his admission to the bar in 1880. He then entered upon the practice of his profession in Waseca, where he remained until 1885. In the summer of 1884 lie visited Dakota territory in search of a location and the following year removed to Hillsboro, where he has now been engaged in the active practice of law for three decades. In 1909 he was elevated to the bench, being appointed by Governor Burke a member of the state supreme court, in which connection he served for two years. He had previously been city justice of the peace and municipal judge of Waseca, Minnesota, and in Hillsboro has filled the offices of city attorney and mayor. He has likewise been states attorney of Traill county, has been a member of the state board of control of penal and charitable institutions, has been assistant attorney general and at the present writing is filling the office of assistant United states district attorney. His public service has been of the utmost benefit and value to the state, as in all his duties he has been actuated by a public-spirited devotion to the general good.

On the 12th of July 1880, Mr. Carmody was united in marriage to Miss Anna Madden, of Waseca, Minnesota, by whom he has three children, namely: Winifred Mary, a Dominican Sister located at Sinsinawa, Wisconsin; Irene Frances, the wife of J. G. McClintock, of Rugby, North Dakota; and George Christie, who is a teacher in the College of St. Thomas at St. Paul, is pursuing the night law course and reports the St. Thomas athletics for the Pioneer Press. He also played on the St. Thomas football team for three years, during which time the team never lost a game in which he participated.  Judge Carmody and his family are all members of the Catholic church and the Judge belongs to Grand Forks Lodge, No. 255, B. P. 0. E. he is likewise a member of the Knights of Columbus, of which he served as state advocate for three years, and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, of which he has been grand master workman for the state and a member of the board of directors for eleven years, he also has membership with tbc Degree of Honor, the Independent Order of Foresters and the American Yeomen. He has been the president and the vice president of the Volunteer Firemen’s Association and he has served as president of the State Bar Association, he ranks with the distinguished and eminent members of the North Dakota bar, his ability bringing him prominently to the front in the trial of important cases before the courts. His interests and activities arc many and have been of a far-reaching and beneficial character, but most of all he is known in his profession and is regarded as a distinguished and able lawyer by his colleagues and contemporaries.

WILLIAM DOMIER, The business interests of Clifford find a worthy representative in William Domier, who is a dealer in agricultural implements and has various other active connections with business affairs. In fact his interests are so broad in their scope and important in their nature as to further in large measure the material development of the community. Mr.  Domier was born in Norway, January 23, 1859, a son of Henry and Carrie (Running) Domier, who came to the United States in 1866 and settled in Goodhue county, Minnesota, where they spent fifteen years. In 1881 they arrived in North Dakota, taking up their abode in Roseville township, Traill county, where Mr. Domier secured a homestead claim on which he resided until his death in 1902. His widow survived him for seven years, passing away in 1909.

William Domier pursued his education in the district schools of Minnesota, being but a lad of seven years when the family crossed the Atlantic. At a very early age, however, he became a wage earner, working as chore boy for neighboring farmers and doing general farm work as early as his ninth or tenth year. He is truly a self-made man, for from that time forward lie has depended solely upon his own resources. In 1882 he began farming on his own account, homesteading one hundred and sixty acres on section 20, Roseville township, Traill county. There he resided for three years, after which he sold that property and went to Nelson county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, there carrying on general farming for eleven years, he next took up his abode in Steele county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres and for nine years he resided in that county, carrying on general agricultural pursuits. In 1905 he removed to Clifford to become manager for the Goose River Implement Company, in which connection he has since continued. He still owns his farm in Steele county, located eight miles west of Clifford.  He is regarded as one of the substantial residents of the town in which he resides, for aside from his farming and mercantile interests he is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company and in the Traill County Telephone Company. His business connections are of an important character and have won him place among the representative and valued residents of this part of the state.

In 1881 Mr. Domier was married to Miss Josephine Quelle, a native of Norway, who died November 29, 1911. Mr. Domier is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, His political allegiance has always given to the republican party since age brought him the right of franchise, he has served as a member of the town board and for many years he was chairman of the board, while living in Steele county. He takes a deep and helpful interest in community affairs, casting his influence always on the side of progress and improvement and his efforts in behalf of public welfare have been productive of excellent results.

FRED O. FOLDEN, who owns and conducts a drug store at Clifford, Traill county, was born in Norway, September 11, 1864, of the marriage of Ole and Serine Folden, both also natives of that country. The father passed away there and subsequently, in 1879, the mother came to America, locating in Minnesota. Later she removed to Traill county, North Dakota, where she passed away.

Fred O. Folden is one of a family of eight children, of whom five are living. He received his education in Norway, where he remained until 1879, in which year he came to America with his mother. After living for a time in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he worked as a farm hand, he decided to try his fortunes in North Dakota and located in Griggs county. He remained there for two years but in 1888 came to Traill county and two years later purchased a drug store at Clifford and has gained recognition as one of the up-to-date and reliable merchants of the town. He carries a good stock, his prices are reasonable, he has gained an enviable reputation for fair dealing and as the years have passed his patronage has shown a steady growth. He also owns stock in the Farmers Elevator and in the Traill County Telephone Company, both prosperous local enterprises.

In 1904 occurred the marriage of Mr. Folden and Miss Ingeborg Jacobson and they have two sons, Oscar E. and Ernest 0. Mr. Folden is a republican in his political belief and for nine years served as clerk of the school board. In 1896, under McKinley’s administration, he was appointed postmaster of Clifford and was continued in that office until 1915, making an unusual record not only as to the length of his service but also as regards the ability with which he discharged his duties. He holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America and he and his family attend the Lutheran church. He is entitled to the credit which is given to a self-made man, for he came to this country a poor boy and through his own efforts has gained a competence and has also won a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens.

LEWIS E. GEORGE, a well known newspaper man, who since June 1, 1911, has been editor and publisher of the Hillsboro Banner, was born February 9, 1867, in Cannon Falls, Minnesota, his parents being Moses and Lucretia (Lewis) George. He completed his education in the high school at Dodge Center, Minnesota, and when twenty years of age began publishing a newspaper there. He has since been identified with newspaper publication at Ada, Minnesota, at Olivia and Fertile, that state, and on the 1st of June 1911, he came to Hillsboro and began the publication of the Banner, which he has since owned and edited, making it an attractive journal, widely read. It is given to the dissemination of local and general news and its free discussion of the significant problems of the day constitutes an interesting feature of the paper. Mr. George has been continuously connected with the printing business from the age of thirteen years, for even while attending school he worked at the trade after school hours and during vacation periods. He made his initial independent step, as stated, when twenty years of age, when he began to publish a weekly paper called the Dodge Center Times. After two years’ connection therewith he sold out and removed to Ada, Minnesota, where he published the Ada Herald for a year and then removed to Fertile, where he published the Fertile Journal for twenty years with the exception of one year spent in publishing the Olivia (Minn.) Press. On the expiration of that period he returned to Fertile and repurchased the Journal, continuing its publication until 1910, when he sold out, it was in June of the following year that he purchased the Hillsboro Banner and through the intervening period of five years he has been closely associated with the interests of the city in which he makes his home.

Mr. George was married to Miss Constance Johnson, a daughter of W. P. Johnson, of Crookston, Minnesota, and their children are Carl, George, Vila, Rai, Lyle and Dona. In his fraternal connections Mr. George is a Mason, a Knight of Pythias and an Odd Fellow. His political indorsement has ever been given to the republican party, in the interests of which he issues his paper, and upon the party ticket he has been called to several local offices. For sixteen years he served as city recorder of Fertile and in March, 1915, he was elected a member of the city commission of Hillsboro for a term of four years, being therefore the present incumbent in the office.

CHARLES GRADY, was for many years engaged in farming in Elm River township, Traill county, and at the time of his death was the owner of a large tract of valuable land there.  He was born in England on the 10th of January 1831, of the marriage of Charles and Mary Grady, both of whom passed their entire lives in that country. They were the parents of eight children, of whom five have passed away.

Charles Grady remained in England until he was fourteen years of age, when he went to Canada, where he continued to live until 1880. He was a farmer by occupation and, becoming convinced that better opportunities awaited the agriculturist in North Dakota, removed to Traill county, this state, and took up a homestead on section 22, Elm River township. He built a log cabin, which remained the family residence for a time, and the conditions of life were in general those of a frontier district. As the years passed, however, the county advanced in development, his land increased in value and he secured the comforts and conveniences of life. He continued to operate his farm until his demise, which occurred in 1907, and his well directed labor yielded him a good income.  Mr. Grady was married in Canada in 1870 to Miss Isabella Gemmell, a native of Scotland.  She is one of a family of six children born to William and Elizabeth (Wilson) Gemmell, who passed their entire lives in the land of hills and heather. To Mr. and Mrs. Grady were born seven children: James, a resident of Valley City, North Dakota; Mary, the wife of Robert Robertson; W. J.; Albert, who is residing in Tower City; George H., who is farming the homestead; Frank L.; and Charles.

Mr. Grady was not remiss in any of the duties of a good citizen but did not take an active part in public affairs, his farm interests requiring his undivided attention. He held membership in the Presbyterian church, whose work he furthered and whose teachings were the guiding principle of his life. He was well known throughout the county, and his demise was recognized as a loss to his community. He was laid to rest in the Elm River cemetery.  His wife still holds title to the homestead, which comprises three hundred and twenty acres of fine land and is well improved and from which she derives a gratifying financial return. She is also a member of the Presbyterian church, and her many excellent qualities of character have gained her the warm regard of those with whom she has come in contact.

CHARLES E. GRADY, a farmer living on section 15, Elm River township, Traill county, is numbered among those ambitious, enterprising men whose labors have made North Dakota a great agricultural state. He was born in Ontario, Canada, on the 1st of April 1875, and spent his youthful days under the parental roof, acquiring a public school education, after which he pursued a business course in Fargo College. He has since been actively identified with agricultural interests and made his first purchase of land in 1897, when he became owner of one hundred and sixty acres in Elm River township, Traill county. He then began farming independently and the following year he purchased an adjoining tract of one hundred and sixty acres, so that he now owns three hundred and twenty acres, while his wife owns two hundred and nine acres. He is now operating his own land and eighty acres of that which belongs to Mrs. Grady. He is a most energetic agriculturist, studying closely modern methods of farming, and his persistency of purpose and diligence have resulted in the attainment of gratifying success.

On the 4th of December, 1911, Mr. Grady was united in marriage to Miss Anna Foster, of Elm River township, by whom he has a son, Merrill Charles. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as township treasurer for about twelve years, while for several years he has also acted as clerk of the school board. Fraternally Mr. Grady is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, to the teachings of which they loyally adhere.

JOHN M. HERBERG, For over four decades John M. Herberg, a farmer of Herberg township, has resided in Traill county, and he is recognized as one of the leading citizens of the county. He began his career empty handed, but through the exercise of sound judgment, determination and industry he has gained financial independence and now holds title to five hundred acres of excellent land. A native of Norway, he was born on the 15th of February 1839, of the marriage of Thomas and Bertha Herberg, both natives of that country, where they lived and died. To them were born ten children, of whom only two now survive, our subject and a sister, Bertha Benedickson, who is living in Norway.

John M. Herberg was reared and educated in his native land and remained there until 1870, when he came to America and, making his way into the interior of the country, settled in Minnesota. The following year, however, he came to North Dakota and located on a claim near Fargo, which he soon afterward sold. He then removed to Traill county and took up a homestead on section 36, Herberg township, where he has since resided. The place was totally unimproved when it came into his possession, and as soon as possible he erected a small log cabin, which was covered with a sod roof and which had only the ground for the floor. For sometime this primitive structure was his only home, but later he built a substantial and attractive frame residence. He has also erected good barns and other necessary farm buildings and the improvements upon his place compare favorably with those on adjoining farms. He has brought his land to a high state of development, has carefully conserved its fertility and has seldom failed to harvest large crops. From time to time he has purchased additional land and now owns five hundred acres. He was one of the pioneers of the county and has always been among the leaders in movements for the community welfare, and the high esteem in which he is held by the early settlers of the county is evidenced by the fact that Herberg township, in which he lives, was named in his honor. The school district was also given his name.

Mr. Herberg was married in Norway to Miss Magel Serine Kolsto, and they have become the parents of ten children, namely, Thomas, Tracy, Olof, Bertha, Albert, Olga, Edward, Thorolf, Herbert, and one who is deceased.

Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Herberg has stanchly supported the republican party and he has been called to office, having served acceptably as supervisor and as treasurer of his township. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Lutheran church, and take a commendable interest in the moral advancement of their community.  He is a fine representative of those self-reliant, determined and public-spirited men who in a generation transformed the state of North Dakota from a wild, uninviting and sparsely settled region to a prosperous and highly developed commonwealth.

JALMER HERRE, is one of the younger farmers of Traill county and is also one of the most substantial as he holds title to seven hundred and sixty-six acres of fine land. A native son of the county, he was born in Elm River township on the 18th of July 1883, of the marriage of Alford and Alfred Johnson, natives of Norway, who emigrated to the United States in 1860 and first located in Wisconsin. Eighteen years later they removed with their family to North Dakota and settled upon a farm in Traill county, where they passed their remaining days.

Jalmer Herre, their only child, was just three months old when his mother died and he was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Nels Herre. He was reared under their roof and received his education in the public schools of Traill county and in the North Dakota Agricultural College at Fargo. He is progressive in his methods of farming, profiting by the experience of investigators who are seeking to make agriculture more of an exact science and utilizing the most improved farm machinery. He seldom fails to harvest large crops and as he understands the importance of studying the market so as to sell to the best advantage he realizes a large financial return from his land. He owns three hundred and twenty acres on section 33, Herberg township, on which his residence is located, and three hundred and twenty acres on section 8, the same township, and one hundred and twenty-six acres on section 6, Elm River township. All of his land is well improved and everything is kept in excellent condition.

Mr. Herre supports the republican party and takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs. He is now serving on the township board and is proving a very able official, he ranks among the foremost farmers of his county and has done much to promote an interest in scientific agriculture in this section. He has passed his entire life here and his genuine worth is indicated by the fact that those who have known him most intimately are his warmest friends.

NELS A. HERRE, a wealthy farmer residing in Heiberg township, Traill county, where he owns six hundred and seventy-five acres of excellent land, is a native of Norway and has manifested the sturdy characteristics of his race. He was born on the 14th of August 1852, of the marriage of Andrew and Julia Herre both also natives of that country. In 1860 they removed with their family to America and first located in Wisconsin, where the mother passed away. The father subsequently became a resident of North Dakota and here his demise occurred.

Nels A. Herre, who is the only one living of a family of four children, was reared in Wisconsin as he was but a child when the family emigrated to the United States. He is indebted for his education to the public schools of that state, and after putting aside his textbooks engaged in farming there until 1877, when he came to North Dakota and filed on land on section 32, Herberg township, Traill county. He has since resided upon his homestead but has increased the boundaries of the place from time to time until it now comprises six hundred and seventy-five acres, all of which is finely improved. His success as an agriculturist has been due not to an}’ fortunate circumstances but to his enterprise, his untiring industry and his good management.

In 1879 occurred the marriage of Mr. Herre and Miss Johanna Sunfry, who was also born in Norway. Both belong to the Lutheran church and in their lives seek to conform to the teachings of that organization. He has supported the republican party since becoming of age but has never sought nor desired office. When he came to this state conditions were those of the frontier and there were few who were able to foresee the marvelous transformation which it was destined to undergo within four decades. He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his adopted state from the first and at all times has sought to further its advancement. He found here excellent opportunities and through his readiness in utilizing them has gained more than financial independence, although at the time of his arrival here he was practically empty handed.

GUNDER HOWARD, has built up a large business as a dealer in agricultural implements in Hillsboro and is also one of the most extensive landowners of the county, owning sixteen hundred acres of fine land in North Dakota and Minnesota, he has not only been connected with the agricultural and business interests of his locality, but he has also taken an active part in public affairs, having represented his district in the state legislature.  Mr. Howard was born in Fyrisdal, Norway, on the 28th of August 1855, a son of Gunderson and Anna (Bendikson) Howard. The father passed away in his native land but the mother emigrated to the United States with her four sons in 1872. She located on a preemption claim in Clay county, Minnesota, near Moorhead, where she remained until 1882, when she came to Hillsboro. She is still living here and is held in the highest esteem by all who knew her. Three of her sons are also living, namely: Guilder; Ole, who is associated with our subject in business; and Jorgen, a resident of Kildeer, North Dakota.

Gunder Howard received the greater part of his education in Norway, attending the public and high schools there. After coming to the United States he only attended school for eighteen days. Soon after his arrival in Minnesota he squatted on a claim adjoining that of his mother and later proved up on that place as a preemption. Until 1875 he divided his time between farming and steam boating, being employed on boats running between Moorhead and Winnipeg. In the fall of 1875 he entered the employ of Barrett &.  Company of Fargo as a salesman of farm implements and remained with them until the fall of 1880. During that time he had become thoroughly familiar with the implement business and decided to establish a store of his own. He came to Hillsboro and founded his present business, which has developed into one of the leading commercial enterprises of Traill county. He carries a large stock of the best farm machinery made, understands the points of superiority of each line handled and is able to assist his patrons in choosing the implements best fitted for their purposes. He recognizes the fact that real estate is an excellent investment and that as the public land has been largely taken up realty values are certain to increase and he has invested heavily in land both in this state and in Minnesota, owning in all sixteen hundred acres.

In 1899 Mr. Howard was united in marriage to Miss Andrea Treet, who was born in Norway but came to this country with her parents when five or six years of age. the family home being established at Moorhead, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Howard have four children, Ellen, Ruth, Bernice and Gertrude.

Mr. Howard supports the republican party and is recognized as a leader in local political circles. In 1897 and 1898 he represented his district in the state legislature and his record as a member of that body was highly creditable to his insight into public affairs and his devotion to the general good, he has also served in local offices, having been an alderman of Hillsboro for several terms arid having served as president of the school board for years. He has had much to do in promoting the advancement of his community along material and also along civic lines, and he holds the high esteem and the warm regard of all who have been closely associated with him.

OLE A. KALDOR, the present efficient and popular county treasurer of Traill county, is one of the best-known residents of Hillsboro. His birth occurred in Norway on the 8th of May, 1873, and he is a son of Anders and Anna Kaldor, also natives of that country. The family removed to America in 1873 and coming at once to the northwest, located on a homestead in Traill county, North Dakota. The father devoted his time to the improvement and operation of that place until 1910, when he removed to Hillsboro, where both he and his wife are now living, enjoying a period of leisure made possible by their former efficient labor.  Four of their seven children survive and all are residents of Traill county.  Ole A. Kaldor attended the common schools in the acquirement of his early education and was later a student in a business college at Minneapolis, he remained on the home farm until he became of age and then went to Ward county, this state, where he filed on a homestead. Through assisting his father with the work of the home farm he became thoroughly familiar with agricultural pursuits and was very successful in the cultivation of his land. At the end of eight years he sold that place and, returning to Traill county, purchased the Kaldor homestead on section 20, Norway township, which comprises two hundred and forty acres of splendidly improved land. After living there for three years he removed to Hillsboro, where he has since resided. He is now filling the office of county treasurer and is making an excellent record in that capacity, being systematic, prompt and accurate in the discharge of his duties. His integrity has always been above question, and the confidence which his constituents have placed in him is well deserved.

In 1901 occurred the marriage of Mr. Kaldor and Miss Lena Veikley, who was also born in Norway. They are the parents of three children. May Adelia. Archie J. and Floyd 0.  Mr. Kaldor is a stanch adherent of the republican party and has served on the school hoard and has held other township offices. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Lutheran Free church, and their influence is invariably given on the side of right and progress. Both have a wide acquaintance and their genuine worth is attested by the fact that those who have been the most intimately associated with them are their warmest friends.

THEODORE KALDOR, of Hillsboro, a prominent representative of the legal profession in Traill county, where he has practiced continuously since admitted to the bar in 1901. His ability is evidenced by the large clientage accorded him. Moreover, his life record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, for Mr. Kaldor is a native of Traill county, his birth having occurred on his father’s farm in Norway township, August 8, 1875. His parents, Christian O. and Ragnhild Kaldor, were both natives of Oier, Gudbrandsdal, Norway, and both came to the United States in 1868. They were married in Freeborn county, Minnesota, where the father followed farming for two years, and on the 32d of June 1871, came to Traill county, where he was among the first to take up a homestead. He continued to reside thereon, his attention being given to its further development and improvement until his death, which occurred in 1909.  His widow still resides upon that place.

After mastering the brunches of learning taught in the common schools Theodore Kaldor attended Concordia College at Moorhead, Minnesota, and in 1896 was graduated from the Mayviile State Normal School. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota, where he completed a course in the law department with the class of 1901, at which time the LL. B. degree was conferred upon him. During vacation periods up to that time he had worked upon his father’s farm and in outdoor life gained that vigor and strength which has constituted a basic element of his professional success. After thorough training for the bar he at once opened an office in Hillsboro, where he has since remained, and while advancement at the bar is proverbially slow, he has nevertheless made steady progress and his ability has gained him distinction, for in the trial of various important eases he has given proof of his resourcefulness, his comprehensive knowledge of the law and his ready and almost intuitive understanding of the workings of justice. Aside from his law practice he is interested in farming and banking, being connected with two banks and owning eight hundred acres of farm lands in this state, most of which is near his home town.

On the 27th of June 1905 Mr. Kaldor was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Larson, a daughter of Necoli and Christine Larson, pioneer settlers of Traill county. Mr. and Mrs.  Kaldor are the parents of two children, Chauncey Theodore and Harvey Nathaniel, aged respectively seven and five years.

Mr. Kaldor and his wife are members of the Lutheran church and he is identified with the Masonic fraternity and the Sons of Norway. In politics he has always been a republican and on various occasions his follow citizens have manifested their confidence in his trustworthiness and ability by electing him to public office. For six years, from 1904 until 1910, he was states attorney of Traill county, and during the past five years he has been a member of the board of education of Hillsboro and has also been a member of the board of park commissioners since the creation of the park district four years ago, being president of the park board during the last two years. He was likewise city attorney for two years.  Mr. Kaldor labors earnestly and effectively as an official and as a private citizen to further the best interests of the community in which he resides.

ANDREW KNUDSON, who is making an excellent record as cashier of the Galesburg State Bank of Galesburg, Traill county, is a native of Norway and displays the excellent qualities characteristic of his race. He was born on the 28th of March, 1860, a son of Knud and Barbara Knudson, the former of whom died in that country, while the latter is still living there. They were the parents of twelve children, of whom four are deceased.  Andrew Knudson attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and remained at home until he was nineteen years of age, when, having heard much concerning the unusual opportunities offered to a young man in the United States, he emigrated to this country. He first located in Wisconsin and remained there for about two years, working during the summers and attending school during the winters, thus perfecting his knowledge of English. At the end of that time he went to Minnesota, where he spent a year, but in 1881 he came to Traill county, North Dakota, where he has since lived. He homesteaded land on section 20, Galesburg township, and concentrated his energies upon its improvement and cultivation until 1902, when be removed to Galesburg. In 1901 he had aided in organizing the Galesburg State Bank, of which he became a director. In 1905 the bank was sold and in 1907 he was made cashier, in which capacity he has since served. He has been judicious in the management of its affairs, following a progressive policy tempered by a conservatism that safeguards the interests of depositors and stockholders, he also finds time to supervise the operation of his fine farm of four hundred acres, from which he derives a gratifying addition to his income, he is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator and in the Traill County Telephone Company, of which he is a director.

Mr. Knudson was married in 1906 to Miss Christine Agotness, who was born in Norway but was brought to America when but four years of age. They both hold membership in the Lutheran church and he is connected with the Sons of Norway. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served as assessor and as treasurer of Galesburg township. He has been a resident of Traill county for thirty-five years and during that time has done all in his power to further the advancement of the community along not only material but also moral and civic lines.

HON. ANTON T. KRAABEL, whose name figures on the pages of North Dakota’s history in connection with the office of lieutenant governor, and who in business circles has won a substantial position as a hardware dealer of Clifford, was born in Norway, October 16, 1862, a son of Torger and Ragnhild (Brekke) Kraabel, who came to the United States in 1867 and established their home at Coon Valley, Wisconsin. The father was a carpenter and contractor and was prominently identified with building interests in Wisconsin up to the time of his retirement from active business life in 1896. He then removed to Clifford, North Dakota, and took up his abode with his son Anton, with whom he lived until his death, which occurred in the year 1904, his wife passing away in 1903.

Anton T. Kraabel was but five years of age when the family came to the new world and in the common schools acquired his education. He was twenty years of age, when, in 1882, he came to North Dakota, spending the first year after his arrival in Portland, Traill county, where he secured a clerkship in a hardware store. In the fall of 1883 he removed to Clifford to take charge of the lumberyards of the firm of Beidler & Robinson. After two years he embarked in the general mercantile business at Clifford and subsequently opened a hardware store, operating the two business concerns separately. For the [last thirty years he has figured as the leading business man of Clifford, controlling important commercial interests. His trade has steadily grown and he has kept in touch with advanced commercial methods. He has ever closely studied the needs of the people and has maintained the highest standards in the personnel of the house, in the character of goods carried and in the treatment accorded patrons.

In 1892 Mr. Kraabel was married to Miss Mary Oswold, of Viroqua, Wisconsin, and this union has been blessed with seven children as follows: Torger Oswold, who is a graduate of Luther College at Decorah, Iowa; Ragnar Evald and Alf McKinley, who are students in Luther College, and Elvida Constance, Thelma Aloise, Ragnhild Eline and Maynord Orvis, all of whom are at home.

In politics Mr. Kraabel is a stanch republican, recognized for many years as one of the prominent party leaders in his section of the state. For several years he served as township clerk and township treasurer, also as a member of the school board and in 1902 he was elected to the state legislature, while in 1904 he was elected to the state senate and in 1906 was reelected from the central district. Other high political honors awaited him in his election to the office of lieutenant governor of North Dakota in 1912. He has had much to do with shaping the political history of the state and his influence has been a potent factor in promoting the public good. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church and his activities have furthered public advancement along many lines, his work being ever an element of reform, of progress and improvement.