Trails to the Past-ND-Walsh Co-Biographies Pg 2

JOHN E. HANAWALT is one of the leading farmers of Walsh county, wherein he is a large land owner. His real estate amounts to some over a section of land, the home being located in section 10 of Harriston township. The farm is well improved in every particular, and furnishes a home of great comfort and even luxury. In the accumulation of this fine property much credit is due Mrs. Hanawalt, who has borne a fair share in the good management from which it has resulted.

Our subject is a native of Ashland county, Ohio, and was born August 21, 1852, and was the fifth in a family of eight children. He was about two years of age when the parents removed to Wisconsin and settled in Washara county on a farm, and there our subject grew to manhood. He entered Berlin high school in March, 1873, and was graduated in 1877. He taught school in Plainfield and Poysippi, Wisconsin, two years, and then with a four-horse team and covered wagon in the spring of 1880 drove overland to North Dakota. He at once entered a homestead claim in Harriston township, Walsh county, where he began his farming operations, and has continued to reside. He has erected a complete set of excellent buildings on his farm, including residence, barns, granary, etc., and uses modern methods and machinery in the operation of the place, and is regarded as one of the solid men of his township.

Our subject was married at Steven's Point, Portage county, Wisconsin, March 1, 1882, to Miss Luella A. Perry. Mrs. Hanawalt was born at Pine Grove, Portage county, Wisconsin, April 19, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Hanawalt are the parents of six children, named as follows: Guy H., Maud E., Jay R., John J., Gladys L., and an infant unnamed. Mr. Hanawalt is a man of active public spirit, and has been called upon to serve in various local offices. He was the first chairman of the township board of Harriston township, and has served as assessor for several years, and justice of peace for some years, and has served some years in the capacity of township treasurer. He holds membership in the Order of Foresters, and is identified with the Republican party politically. He has followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life, and has met with success in his business and social career.

JAMES E. HALL, sheriff of Walsh county, residing in Grafton, is one of the efficient public officers, and is widely known and enjoys the highest regard of his fellow men. He is a member of the drug firm of J. A. Dunn & Company, of Walhalla, in Pembina county, and has other financial interests, and is a gentleman of strict integrity and good business ability.

Our subject was born in the northern peninsula of Michigan in 1856, and is a son of Edward and Marie (Elms) Hall. His parents were natives of Ireland and came to America when children, and were married in New York. They moved from Michigan to Minnesota in 1866. and the father died there in 1893, and the mother still resides in Minnesota. Four sons were born to this worthy couple, of whom our subject is the only one in North Dakota.

Mr. Hall was reared and educated in Minnesota, and in the spring of 1880 came to Pembina county, North Dakota, and there entered claim to land and remained one year. He then came to Grafton, Walsh county, and began buying wheat for Brooks Brothers, and also for Mr. Leistikow, and continued thus engaged nine years. He was elected sheriff of Walsh county in 1898, and is now serving in that capacity, and fills the office with credit to himself and his county alike.

Our subject was married, in 1885, to Louisa Kelley, a native of Canada. One son and four daughters, all of whom are living, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hall. Mr. Hall served as alderman of the city of Grafton two terms prior to his election to his present office, and takes a hearty interest in affairs of a public nature. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and in political sentiment is a Democrat and an earnest worker for party principles. His high standing as a citizen is well merited.

AUGUST HEIN. The incomes from the well-regulated farms of Farmington township, form a large part of the wealth of Walsh county, and one of these carefully cultivated tracts belongs to the gentleman whose name introduces this review. It is located in section 36 and consists of one hundred and sixty acres, on which buildings of substantial construction and good design have been erected.

He also owns one hundred and sixty acres in Grafton township. Modern methods are used in carrying on the work of the farm and various arrangements have been made by which the soil can be more easily tilled and the products more perfectly garnered and disposed of. Mr. Hein is one of the early settlers of that locality, and although a citizen of foreign birth, he has become thoroughly identified with American progress and customs and is one of the influential citizens of his locality.

Our subject was born in Germany, February 16, 1849, and spent his childhood and boyhood there and remained until 1871, when he came to America. He landed at Baltimore and soon after his arrival went to Olmstead county, Minnesota, and worked at farm labor in Minnesota until 1882. In the spring of that year he went to North Dakota and at once purchased land, on which he now resides in Farmington township, and has his home in section 36. Mr. Hein is well versed in his calling and his honest industry and careful management have brought about most satisfactory results and his home and surroundings are of the most pleasant nature.

Our subject was married, in Germany, to Miss Minnie Martin, who was born in Germany, February 12, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Hein are the parents of nine children, named in order of birth as follows: Amil, Hulda, Charles, Minnie, Ida, John, Edward, Mary and Lizzie. One child died in infancy. Charles Hein, the second son of our subject, was a soldier in the Spanish-American war and was a member of Company C, First North Dakota Regiment. Mr. Hein has spent his career in agricultural pursuits and takes little part in public affairs and is one of tne highly esteemed and energetic men of Farmington township.

LESLIE J. HERBISON is an able representative of the farming community of Farmington township, Walsh county, and has been a resident of that locality for fifteen years, and is well and favorably known. He has an excellent farm, good buildings and a comfortable home, and has gathered about him a host of friends who willingly accord him a prominent place as a citizen and agriculturist. His residence is in section 25, where he located in the early days.

Our subject was born in Leeds county, Ontario, February 5. 1852, and was reared on a farm. He assisted with the work there and learned his first lessons in agriculture from practical work on his father's farm. When nineteen years of age he left home and came to the United States, in 1869, and first settled in Flint, Michigan, where he lived eight years, engaged in lumbering. He then went to Montana in 1879, and was engaged in stock raising and mining until the fall of 1885. when he came to Walsh county, North Dakota. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in 1886, and has been a resident thereon since that date. He has thoroughly improved his place, and added to his acreage from time to time, and his farm now extends over four hundred acres, and the entire tract is improved and tillable, and general farming is carried on there.

Our subject was married in Redwood Falls, Minnesota , to Miss Carrie Allen, a native of that state. Three children who died in infancy were born to Mr. and Mrs. Herbison. Mr. Herbison is a man of earnest endeavors and active public spirit, and has served his community in various offices of trust, and in the fall of 1898 was a candidate on the Republican ticket as a member for the state legislature. His success is the result of a well-spent career, and his life is worthy the emulation of the rising generation.

ANDREW P. HEROM, a son of the land of Norway, has been a resident of Walsh county for about twenty-one years, and during that time has established himself firmly in the esteem and respect of his fellow men. His pleasant home is on section 28, Walsh Center township.

Mr. Herom was born in Voss. Norway. March 20, 1858. He grew to young manhood in his native laud and in 1876 came to America. He first located in Iowa, and for three years worked at farm labor in Worth county, near Northwood. He then spent one year in Saint Ansgar College. In the early summer of 1879 he came to Walsh county, Dakota, and took up a homestead claim of one hundred and sixty acres in Walsh Center township, where he has since resided. He is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, and has brought it to a high state of cultivation,, and has improved his property by the erection of various farm buildings, and other conveniences in the prosecution of agriculture.

Mr. Herom was married in Grafton, North Dakota , to Miss Annie Svensrud. Mrs. Herom is a native of Norway, but her own home and the happiness of her husband and children have so occupied her mind that she has come to regard North Dakota as her permanent abiding place. To Mr. and Mrs. Herom three children have been born, named in order of birth, as follows: Annie, Julia and Peter W. They have a pleasant homestead, surrounded by all the conveniences and comforts of farm life, and they have been given the advantages of the best education the common schools afford. Mr. Herom has been active in local public affairs and has been selected to fill the offices of township treasurer, township assessor, and has always been active in the interest of education in his community.

HON. GEORGE HILL. Among the prominent men now living in Ardoch, Walsh county, who have won an honorable name as a citizen of that thriving town, none is better deserving of special mention than Hon. George Hill. He has risen to prominence by dint of his own efforts, and is a gentleman of indomitable will and intelligence and commands the confidence and esteem of the people. He is engaged in the hardware business in Ardoch and is successful as a business man.

Our subject was born in Wellington county, Ontario, June 22,1860, and was reared on a farm in that county and received a common school education and continued his residence there until 1880, in which year he went to Minnesota, and was there engaged in civil engineering for J. J. Hill on railroad work for two summers and then removed to Ardoch, North Dakota. He soon afterward established in the hardware business in Ardoch, in which he has since continued, and formed a partnership with W. A. Fox, under the firm name of Fox & Hill.

Our subject was married in Ontario to Louisa J. Shaw, a native of Ontario. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hill, upon whom they have bestowed the names of Arlington G. and Lee R. Mr. Hill was elected to the North Dakota legislature in the fall of 1894. and served one term, and proved himself an efficient member of that body. He has been president of the village school board for some years, and also village clerk, and is always interested heartily in the up building of his village and county, and is an earnest worker for the advancement of the business and social interests of the people. He is identified with the Republican party politically, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias. He was appointed postmaster of Ardoch North Dakota, in July, 1897, still serving in that capacity.

MARTIN O. HOLT. Rugged Norway has furnished to the great plains of the Northwest the sturdy hands and earnest minds that have transformed it into the most prosperous and progressive region of the world. Of those whose labors and zeal for right principles have helped to work this transformation none is more worthy of mention than Martin O. Holt, whose valuable land lies in Grafton township, on section lo of which he makes his home.

Mr. Holt was born in Norway, January 28, 1856, and lived there until the age of nine years, when he accompanied his parents to America. They proceeded at once to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and four years later moved to Ottertail county, Minnesota. The mother had died in Fillmore county. Our subject lived in Ottertail county until the spring of 1877, when he came to Dakota and took up land in Walsh county. He made improvements upon it at once and has continued to make it his home ever since. He has added many valuable improvements from time to time and to-day it is one of the most valuable farms in Walsh county. Mr. Holt is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres and his success as an agriculturist has been proven. Mr. Holt's father died on his homestead in Ottertail county in 1899.

Mr. Holt was married to Miss Dorothy Ellefson, March 10, 1881. Mrs. Holt is a native of Norway and has been a constant aid and second to her husband's labors and endeavors. Their family consists of nine children, named in the order of their birth as follows: Ole, Elmer, Oscar, Matilda, Alice, Henry, Mary, Dedrick, William M.

Mr. Holt has always proven himself a substantial citizen and stanch supporter of the principles of good government. He takes an intelligent and active interest in all local matters of a public nature and he has often been called upon to serve his fellow citizens in various public capacities. He has served as supervisor of Grafton township and has been school treasurer of his district for many years. He has never sought political preferment, however, and has been content to pursue the pleasant and honorable calling of an agriculturist.

CHARLES H. HONEY. The development and growth of Park River, Walsh county, and vicinity, is due in a large measure to the faithful efforts toward this end put forth by the subject of this review, whose portrait appears elsewhere. Mr. Honey has been a resident of that locality since the early settlement of that region and was instrumental, with others, in getting the railroad line through Park River and consequently building up the town, and he has also personally added to the improvements of the place by setting shade trees, and doing other services in the town and he is recognized as a leading and influential citizen. He has two fine farms near the city and also has a comfortable home within the city limits.

Our subject was born in Biddeford, England, May 31. 1830, and when twenty-two years of age, in 1852, came to Canada and followed the carriage-maker's trade there for several years, and then engaged in the manufacture of planning mills and also operated a planning-mill and dealt in lumber. He remained there until 1879, and in the fall of that year went to Dakota territory and located land on Park river, in Kensington township, Walsh county. and then returned to Canada. He made permanent settlement on his land in 1880, and was actively engaged in farming his land until 1885, when he removed to Park River, as its first postmaster, where he has since resided.

Our subject was married, in Ontario county, Canada, to Miss Susan Wadge, a native of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Honey are the parents of six living children, as follows: William F.; George F.; Sarah E., now Mrs. Thomas Catherwood; Edith M., now Mrs. M. E. Quigley; Florence M., now Mrs. George E. Towle, and Beatrice H. Two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Honey died in infancy and were buried in Canada. One daughter, Ada Jane, died in Park River, North Dakota, at the age of nineteen years. While residing on his farm in Kensington township, Mr. Honey was appointed postmaster of the Kensington post office, which was later transferred to Park River, and he held the office for several years and was an efficient and popular officer. He was again appointed postmaster by President Harrison and held the office four years. He served as chairman of the board of supervisors when Kensington township was organized and held that office five years, and has been justice of the peace and police magistrate of Park River since 1887. He was nominated on the Republican ticket for the state legislature in the fall of 1898, but was defeated in the election. He is a Republican politically and an earnest worker for party principles. In religious work he takes a most hearty interest and is active in Sunday school work. He has been a Christian from his boyhood days and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since seventeen years of age.

JOHN ILDSTAD, residing in section 1 of Acton township, Walsh county, is one of the public spirited and enterprising citizens of his community, and is highly esteemed for his labors as a citizen and agriculturist. He is a foreign born citizen, but has acquired a thorough knowledge of the customs and progress of America, and is identified with the growth and development of that part of North Dakota. He has engaged in various enterprises since taking up his residence in this country, in all of which he has met with good success, and his present home is one of comfort and convenience.

Our subject was born in Norway, September 29, 1840. From nine years of age he followed the sea until 1872, serving in different capacities up to sea captain. He emigrated to America in the spring of 1871 with his wife and one child, and settled in Lyon county, Minnesota, and there followed farming until 1881, in which year he went to Grand Forks, North Dakota. He there engaged in the machinery, collection and insurance business for about five years and then removed to Park River, Walsh county, and there engaged in the hotel business two years and then moved to Grafton. He erected the Merchants' Hotel of Grafton, which he operated until December, 1894, when he traded his property for the farm on which he now resides and took up his residence thereon. He owns a half-section of choice land, and this tract is well cultivated and operated with good management and is one of the pleasant farms of the locality.

Our subject was married in Norway, in November, 1866, to Miss Rachel Fostevdt, who was born in Norway July 20, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. lldstad are the parents of seven children, named as follows: Thomas, Sarah S., Adolph J., Samuel, Ida R., May and Edna A. Two children born to Mr. and Mrs. lldstad died in childhood. While a resident of Grafton Mr. lldstad was elected as a member of the city council, and in Minnesota he held various public offices of local import, and is active in maintaining and supporting good local government. He has prospered through his own efforts and his success is well merited.

CARL R. JOHNSON. This gentleman has been identified with the farming interests of Walsh county for over twenty years, and during that time has always been found standing for right and justice and has gathered about him a host of true and loving friends. He has a pleasant estate, well improved, and has made a success of his vocation, and has a comfortable competence to tide him through his declining years.

Our subject was born in Sweden, July 16, 1851, and was reared and educated in his native country. He spent his early business life there, and in 1880 emigrated to America, thinking the advantages for an energetic and intelligent man were more favorable than in his native land, and he has made a success of his career since taking up his residence in North Dakota. Soon after reaching the United States, in the spring of the year he went to North Dakota, and in the fall of tlie same year entered a homestead claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land in section 9, of Martin township, where he has since held continuous residence. He has erected first-class buildings on his homestead farm, and conducts the place on modern and most economical plans, and now owns and operates three hundred and twenty acres of good land.

Our subject was married in Grafton, North Dakota , December 3, 1885, to Miss Mary W. Nelson. Mrs. Johnson was born in Sweden , November 7, 1857. Six children complete the family circle, and are named in order of birth as follows : Hulda A., Carl R.. Jr.. Holger J.. Ellen A., Gerhard F. and Adolph R. One son died in infancy. Mr. Johnson is devoted to his farm work, and takes little part in public affairs. He is intelligent and progressive, and his home is well kept and furnished with good taste and in the accumulation of this property Mr. Johnson has been an important factor in the development and growth of the great agricultural resources of the state.

TOLLEF JOHNSON, one of the many sons of Norway who have assisted to develop the great northwest into a home of civilization and prosperity, has become one of the most influential citizens of Walsh county. His home is on section 32, Grafton township.

Mr. Johnson was born in Norway .August 11, 1852. He remained in his native land until the spring of 1873, when he came to America. He first located in Michigan and made his home in Mecosta county for three years, most of the time living in Big Rapids. He then removed to Mitchell county, Iowa, and worked at farm work until 1880. In that year he came to Dakota and filed a claim to the land on which he now makes his home. He made many improvements and soon had his land under a good state of cultivation. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of good land, and is regarded as one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of the county.

Mr. Johnson was married in Grafton township to Miss Martha Torkelson. Mrs. Johnson is a native of Norway. They have five children, named as follows: Thea, John, Melvin, Theodore and Arnold. Mr. Johnson enjoys to a high degree the confidence and esteem of his fellow men. He has been an important figure in public affairs of a local nature, has served two terms on the board of supervisors, and has been road overseer and has held school offices. He is a great worker for the better interests of his community, and every enterprise worthy of encouragement receives his hearty support.

HON. WILLIAM R. JOHNSTON, one of Walsh county's most enterprising and popular citizens, has been a resident of the county since the pioneer days. His home is on section 17, Forest River township.

Mr. Johnston was horn near Ottawa, Canada, October 14 1859. He was reared on the farm and remained in Canada until 1878. He attended the common schools of his native land, and in 1878 came to Walsh county. North Dakota, and filed a claim to a homestead in Forest River township, where he now resides. He made valuable improvements upon his land from time to time, and is now the owner of nearly one thousand acres of the most valuable land in the county.

In political faith Mr. Johnston is a Democrat, and has been active in public affairs since coming to Walsh county. In 1892 he was elected as representative in the state legislature, and re-elected in the fall of 1898. He has done good service for the people as their representative, and he has the confidence of all progressive and right thinking citizens, regardless of political bias. He has done much to advance the interests of his county in its material progress.

Mr. Johnston was married, in March, 1895, to Miss Rose McCanell. Mrs. Johnston was born in Canada, in the province of Ontario, and is well pleased with her adopted state.

HON. AUGUSTUS H. KELLOGG, one of the early settlers of Walsh county, and one of its most prominent men from the first, has his home on section 28, Medford township, where he has resided continuously since 1881.

Mr. Kellogg was born in Litchfield, Herkimer county. New York, August 14, 1834. There he lived with his parents until the spring of 1847, when he removed with the family to Wisconsin. They settled in Dane county, near Madison, and there our subject grew to manhood. In the fall of 1854 he went to Minnesota, and took up land in the spring of 1856, in Olmsted county, under the pre-emption laws. He lived there and in Goodhue county until 1881. In April of that year he went to Dakota Territory, to what is now Walsh county. North Dakota, and located on the one-hundred-and-sixty-acre tract of land that is his present farm, and upon which he has since continuously resided.

Mr. Kellogg has always been a man who took a lively interest in all public questions, and has been prominent in political life. In 1861, October 10, he enlisted in Company D, Fourth Minnesota Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. For three years he served his country in its time of peril, and has been ready at all times to do his duty as a citizen or as a soldier. In the fall of 1894 he was elected to the legislature of North Dakota. He has been a justice of the peace for many years, and has served in many of the township offices. He has held a commission of a notary public since 1882. In 1890 he was appointed one of the enumerators of the census for the townships of Medford, Rushford, Eden and Vernon. He was again appointed in 1900 enumerator for the townships of Medford, Cleveland and Vernon.

Mr. Kellogg was married in Olmsted county, Minnesota, Mrs. Laura M. Baker, nee Worthing, becoming his wife. They are the parents of five children, whose names are as follows: Annie L., now the wife of George W. Millhouse; Fred A.; Grace G., now the wife of Edward Adler; Boyd V. and Guy H. Mr. Kellogg is one of the best-known men in Walsh county and northeastern North Dakota, and is held in high esteem by all who know him because of his sterling integrity and native worth.

DR. P. U. LABERGE. physician and surgeon of Grafton, North Dakota, has gained an assured position as a citizen and leader of his profession through his excellent work as a practitioner, and is a gentleman of broad mind and good education.

Our subject was born near Montreal, Canada. August 22. 1860, and is a son of Joseph and Julia (Darias) Laberge. His parents were natives of Canada, and both died in their native country. Of three sons born to this worthy couple, our subject is the only one residing in North Dakota.

Dr. Laberge was reared and educated in Montreal and took a classical course in Montreal College, graduating in 1879. He began the study of medicine in 1882, and entered the Victoria University of Montreal and graduated there from in 1886. He began the practice of his profession the same year in Franklin county. New York, but soon afterward moved to Ogdenburg where he remained a short time. He came to Grafton, Walsh county, in December, 1886. and has followed the practice of medicine in the county and city continuously since that date, and has built up a remunerative and ever-increasing patronage.

Our subject was married, in 1888, to Marie Deschenes, a native of lower Canada. Two daughters have been born to Doctor and Mrs. Laberge, one of whom is now living. Dr. Laberge served as president of the United States pension board from April, 1894, to 1898, when he resigned, and he has also filled the position of county coroner and county physician for four years. He is the local surgeon for the Northern Pacific Railroad. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America and Knights of the Maccabees, and is medical examiner for five life insurance companies, including the Mutual, of New Y'ork, the Manhattan, of New York, and the Equitable, of New York. He has been superintendent of the county board of health for the past six years, and has devoted his entire attention to the practice of his profession, and has been well rewarded and is deservedly popular with the people.

JOHN H. LANBERG. The lands beyond the sea have sent their full quota of energetic and industrious men to Walsh county, and many have won high positions as citizens, business men and agriculturists. Of the men who entered Dakota in pioneer days, and by the exercise of honest industry have become worthy citizens and a credit to themselves and their country, the gentleman above named is entitled to a foremost place. He has devoted his career to farming, and now has a fine estate in Martin township, his home being located in section 9.

Our subject was born in Sweden, February 21, 1849. and remained in his native place until twenty years of age, when he emigrated to America, in 1869. He landed in New York and at once went from there to Illinois and later to Minnesota, where he was employed at railroad work for about three years, and then worked at farm labor in Minnesota. In the spring of i88o he left Minnesota for North Dakota, and soon after his arrival there he entered claim to one there he entered claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land in Martin township, Walsh county, upon which farm he has since resided. He has thoroughly improved his property, and has erected excellent buildings for the comfort of the family and stock, and the protection of the products of the place, and his real-estate now covers three hundred and twenty acres of land. He has followed general farming and has been successful in his work.

Our subject was married in Martin township, Walsh county. North Dakota , to Miss Johanna Martinson, a native of Sweden . Mr. and Mrs. Lanberg are the parents of three children, named as follows: Samuel J., Josephine M. and Andrew H. Mr. Lanberg always had the welfare of his adopted country at heart, and has entered into the public affairs of his township and served in various official positions, including constable and justice of the peace, in which capacity he has served for several years. He is a gentleman of excellent character, and has gathered about him a comfortable home and many friends.

PAUL LARSON, an agriculturist of prominence, whose residence is on section 13, Grafton township, in Walsh county, is one of the enterprising sons of Norway who have done so much to render the wilderness of the great Northwest a fit habitation for civilized men and a land of unequaled prosperity and progress.

Mr. Larson was born in Norway, July 13, 1849. At the age of seven years he accompanied his parents to America. The family settled in Dane county, Wisconsin, near Madison, the capital of the state, and lived in that locality for three years. They then went to Emmett county, Iowa, and there our subject grew to manhood on the farm, and learned the arts of the successful farmer. At the age of twenty-five years Mr. Larson came to Dakota territory, arriving in Traill county, in July, 1874. There he worked out at farm labor for four years. In 1878 he came to Walsh county, reaching there in June, and took up land in section 16, Grafton township, and this farm has since been his home.

Mr. Larson was married, in Walsh county, to Ingorberg Hellerud. Mrs. Larson was born in Rice county, Minnesota, and she has cheerfully done her share in the work of making for them a comfortable and pleasant home. To Mr. and Mrs. Larson eight children have been born, named as follows: Lewis, Albert, Gustave, Ole, Eli, Tilda. Julia and Emma. Mr. Larson has always been a stanch supporter of the common school system and has taken a great interest in educational matters. He is at present a member of the board of school directors. He has been a most successful farmer, and has improved his estate by the erection of substantial buildings and numerous conveniences for the proper prosecution of agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of four hundred acres of valuable land, and is one of the substantial and prosperous citizens of Walsh county. He is respected for the many good deeds he has done, and is held in high esteem for his uniform integrity and fairness in all his dealings.

HIRAM A. LIBBY. For so young a state. North Dakota can present a bar of which many an older state might be proud, and as a result a body of state and local law is growing up steadily which bids fair to render its reports as famous and as eagerly sought after as are those of one or two of the older states where the bench and the profession have influenced the course of justice all over the Union. The bar is in no respect less responsible for the jurisprudence of a state than is the bench, and therefore it is with pleasure that we meet in new communities men such as Mr. Hiram A. Libby, of Park River, in Walsh county, whose conservative learning has helped to shape the policy and administration of the law in his adopted state. Mr. Libby was born in Ashland, Dodge county, Minnesota. His father was the Rev. Thomas Libby, a clergyman of note. At the age of six years he moved with the family to Owatonna, Minnesota, where young Hiram attended the public schools and gleaned from them such education as they afford, until he was about ten years old. He then went to Atwater, in the same state, where he entered the high school. He remained at that place during about seven years following. He then went to Aledo, Illinois, and began the study of law when he was about nineteen years of age. He remained there and in Rock Island county for about three years, and spent some time in teaching, keeping up his study in the meantime. In 1882, May 23, he was admitted to the bar, and began the practice of his profession at Crookston, Minnesota. He came to Park River. North Dakota, in 1884, opened an office and has continued in practice since. He has made a pronounced success of his profession, and has attracted much attention throughout the state. He was Park River's first mayor, and filled that office four years. He was states attorney in Walsh county for ten years, and city attorney for Park River fourteen years.

Mr. Libby was married, in 1881, at Atwater, Minnesota, to Miss Adella J. Towler. Mrs. Libby was born in Ohio, but removed with her parents to Minnesota at an early age. To Mr. and Mrs. Libby four children have been born: Grace A., Florence D., Hiram Joy and Walter A. The family circle has been broken by the death of Florence D., a young girl possessed of all the Christian graces. beloved by all and mourned by all who knew her. Her death occurred April 22, 1900, when she was nearing her fifteen birthday.

Mr. Libby has taken a leading part in public affairs since his arrival in North Dakota. He has always acted with the Republican party, and has been honored with many proofs of the esteem in which he is held by his fellow men. As a lawyer he stands at the head of the profession, in Walsh county, and is well known to the legal fraternity throughout the state. His law library is one of the finest collections in the state, and he has always been a careful, painstaking and studious worker, and has earned the confidence and respect which he now enjoys. Mr. Libby and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and are faithful workers in the cause of morality and education.

HUGH LONGHEAD, superintendent of the Walsh county poor farm, has served in that capacity for the past two years, and has made a success of the work there. He was also superintendent two years before, from 1888 to 1890. He is well versed in agricultural pursuits, having devoted his career to farming, and his keen observation and practical experience, together with his industrious character and good judgment, commend him to all with whom he has to do. He is owner of a pleasant farm in Kensington township, Walsh county, where he located in pioneer days. He owns a five-acre lot in city of Park River, with a good residence.

Our subject was born in Gray county, Ontario, May 24, 1853, and was reared there on a farm, and in the spring of 1881 went to North Dakota. He pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of land in Kensington township, Walsh county, where he also had a homestead, and has followed farming continuously thereon since that date, and has made a success of his vocation. He has held his present position as superintendent of the county poor farm since 1899, and the farm of which he has charge is well developed and cultivated, and in every particular evidences careful management and painstaking work in its operation.

Mr. Longhead was married in Kensington township to Miss Elizabeth Craig, and Mrs. Longhead died in September, 1890. Three children were born of this union, as follows: Mary, Robena; Robert W., who died February 14, 1895, aged seven years; and Florence E. Mr. Longhead married Sophia Craig, a sister of his first wife, in Kensington township, and of this union three children were born, named as follows: Hugh A., Ida M. and William E. Our subject has served as a supervisor of Kensington township, and is the present chairman of the township board, and also has held various school offices, and takes an active part in public affairs of local importance. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and is active in religious work. He is an exemplary citizen, well known and deservedly popular.

GILMER H. LYKKEN, an agriculturist of much prominence in Walsh county, is a resident of Grafton township, his home being on section 10.

Mr. Lykkftn was born in Norway, March 15, 1854, and was reared in his native country, receiving his education in the country schools and working on the farm. In the spring of 1872 he came to America, by way of Quebec, and first settled in Farmington, Minnesota. There he engaged in farming for himself and working for others for nine years, when he removed to Dakota and settled in Farmington township in Walsh county. He took up his residence upon a claim which he located in 1879 and proceeded to cultivate and improve his land. He placed upon it a good set of buildings and other conveniences, and resided there until 1896, when he sold out and moved to Grafton township and took up his residence on the farm where he now resides. He owns two hundred and seventy-five acres in Grafton township and four hundred and eighty acres in Farmington township, and is one of the substantial and prosperous citizens of the county.

Mr. Lykken was married in Dacotah county, Minnesota, November 21, 1879, to Miss Ella Thoreson, a native of that county. Mrs. Lykken was born January 15, 1860. They are now the parents of seven children, named as follows: Henry, Carl G., Stephen, Esther E., Tilda L., Lawrence and John E. Mr. Lykken has held school offices both in Farmington and Grafton townships, and has taken much interest in educational matters. He has also been an active worker for the church, he and his family being members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

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