Compendium history and biography of North Dakota; a history of early settlement, political history, and biography; reminiscences of pioneer life, Part 104

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago, G.A.Ogle
Number of Pages: 1432

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WALKER D. THOMPSON. Among the well- regulated farms of Cass county, those in Erie town- ship have contributed a large number, and the pro- prietor of one of these finely-cultivated tracts is the gentleman above named. He has been closely con- nected with the agricultural interests of that locality since the earliest days of its settlement, and now en- joys a comfortable and happy home, the result of a well-spent career.

Our subject was born in Crawford county, Penn- sylvania, October 11, 1855, and was a son of Jesse and Sarah (Walker) Thompson, also natives of Pennsylvania. His father is a farmer, and still re- sides in that state. Three sons and five daughters composed the family of children of whom our sub- ject was a member, and he now has one sister living in North Dakota.

Mr. Thompson was reared and educated in Pennsylvania, and followed farming there until 1881, when he went to Cass county, and entered claim to land as a homestead in section 12, of Erie township, and has resided thereon since that date. He has prospered in his chosen calling, and is one of the substantial men of his locality.

Our subject was married in Pennsylvania, in 1881, to Miss Maggie Tudhop, a native of Pennsyl- vania. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, three of whom are still living, as fol- lows: Jessie, Homer and Colby. One daughter, Maggie, is deceased. Mrs. Thompson died in 1891. Mr. Thompson was married to Sarah Marslı, a na- tive of Wisconsin, September 28, 1892. Two chil- dren have blessed this union, as follows: Fern E. and Delbert A. Mr. Thompson assisted in the or- ganization of his township, and was assessor during the first term of that office in the township, and has since filled various township offices on the board and also school offices. He is a Republican in political sentiment. He holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen and Degree of Honor.

FRANK NEWTON CHAFFEE, one of the prominent merchants of Carrington, North Dakota, is also extensively engaged in farming in Foster

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county. He is a native of Troy, Orleans county, Vermont, and was born September 26, 1861.

Mr. Chaffee is a son of L. S. and Emma F. (Hitchcock) Chaffee, who were natives of Ver- mont. The Chaffee family was one of the early families of Vermont, and the father of our subject is a farmer by occupation, and makes his home in Troy, Vermont.

MIr. Chaffee was reared in the town of Troy, and received a common school education, and later attended the Derby Academy for some time. He went to Foster county, North Dakota, April 2, 1883, on the first passenger train which went into Foster county. He entered claim to land northwest of the present town of Carrington, and remained there un- til the fall of 1884, when he returned for a short time to his old home in Vermont. He has since been a resident of Foster county, and now has a farm of 800 acres, most of which is under cultiva- tion. The land is located northwest of Carrington. In 1892 Mr. Chaffee began the fire insurance busi- ness, which he still conducts, and represents about six different companies, and has met with success in that line. He embarked in the general merchan- dise business in August, 1898, in Carrington, under the firm name of F. N. Chaffee & Company, and in April, 1899, the firm established a store at Barlow, Foster county. Two brothers, C. C. and P. S. Chaffee, are associated with Mr. Chaffee in the mer- chandise business. Our subject completed a hand- some residence in Carrington, in 1899, and this is one of the finest pieces of property in the town, and was built at a cost of $4,000, and is supplied with all modern conveniences and perfect in appointment throughout.

Our subject was married, in 1885, to Miss Emo- gene A. Perkins, of Masonville, Canada. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee, who are named as follows: Mollie F., Clemma E. and Harry P. Mr. Chaffee is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, Knights of Pythias, Ancient Order of United Workmen and Woodmen of the World. He settled in Foster county before its organization, and has always been actively interested in public af- fairs and is deservedly popular.

JOHN MATTHEWS. This gentleman has been identified with the farming interests of Cass county since the earliest days of the settlement of Erie township, and has a well improved tract, and has made a success of general farming. He is well known as an old settler and highly esteemed as a citizen.

Our subject was born in Mecklenburg Schwerin, Germany, January 2, 1837, and was a son of David and Mary Matthews, hoth of whom were natives of Germany. The family emigrated to the United States in 1871, and settled near Detroit, Michigan, where the father died in 1884. He was twice mar- ried, and three sons and one daughter survive him.

Mr. Matthews was reared and educated in Ger-

many, and came with the family to America, and re- sided at home until 1880, when he went to Cass county and entered claim to land as a homestead in Erie township, where he has since resided. He was among the very first settlers of that section of the country, and he now possesses a fine farm of one quarter-section, which he has fully improved.

Our subject was married in his native land, in 1866, to Hannah Tisman, also a native of Germany. Four children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, as follows: Henry I .; Annie M., now Mrs. Wild; Mary. now Mrs. Wil- son ; and Emma M., all of whom are living. Mr.

Matthews has always labored to advance the inter- ests of those for whom he worked, as well as his personal interests, and is possessed of those charac- teristics which place him among the prominent and deservedly popular men of his township. He has never sought or filled public office, and devotes his entire attention to his farm duties, and has acquired a comfortable competence since taking up his resi- dence in Dakota. The first six months of his life in Dakota was spent in the employ of the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, on the section at Bis- marck, but he soon took up his agricultural pursuits, since which time he has met with success.

MORRIS JOHNSON, of the firm of Johnson & Wroolie, hardware and lumber merchants of Mil- ton, North Dakota, is well known to the people of that locality. He is of foreign birth, but is thor- oughly identified with American progress, and holds a high position in the minds of his associates.

Mr. Johnson was born in Norway, October 25, 1858, and was reared and educated in his native land, and remained there until 1880. He emigrated to America in the spring of that year, and was em- ployed as clerk in a general store in Crookston, Min- nesota, until 1885, when he went to Park River and engaged in the mercantile business with Simon A. Wroolie, under the firm name of Johnson & Wroolie, and the firm moved to Milton, in 1888, and have since conducted business in that thriving town with pronounced success.

Mr. Johnson was married in Grafton, North Da- kota, to Miss Louise Arneson, a native of Norway also. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, named as follows: Stella, Eivend E., and an infant, unnamed. Mr. Johnson served as village treasurer of Milton two years, and is de- servedly popular with the people among whom he resides.

JAMES JENKINS has been identified with the farming interests of Erie township, Cass county, for nearly twenty years, and is well known and highly respected as an industrious and well-to-do farmer.

Our subject is a native of Ontario, Canada, and was born July 12, 1860. His parents, William and

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Ann (Pickard) Jenkins, were natives of England, and emigrated to Canada about 1849, where the fa- ther died and the mother still resides. They were farmers by occupation, and were the parents of four sons and two daughters, our subject being the only member of the family in North Dakota.

Mr. Jenkins was reared and educated in Canada, and followed farming there until 1882, when he went to Cass county, North Dakota, and settled in Erie township, and has resided there since. He has a section of choice land, and has placed good in- provements on the place, and enjoys the comforts of country life, meeting with success in his vocation.

Our subject was married, in 1883, to Magdalene Morrow, a sister of William Morrow, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Four chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, named as follows: Minnie M .; Sarah C. and Susie A., twins, and William J. Mr. Jenkins has served as a member of the township board, and is prominent in school affairs. He is a member of the Ancient Or- der of United Workmen.

ALLEN L. POWLISON. A prominent posi- tion as a citizen and a member of the farming community of Dows township, Cass county, is held by the gentleman whose name heads the present article. He was one of the first settlers of the township, and has a finely developed farm which is the result of his earnest and persistent industry and judicious care.

Our subject was born in Michigan, August 22, 1859, and was a son of Isaac and Elizabeth Powli- son. Mention of his parents will be found in the sketch of his brother who resides in Wheatland. Our subject was reared and educated in Michigan, and engaged in farming there until 1881, when he went to Cass county, North Dakota, and entered claim to land as a homestead in section 32 in Dows township, where he has since resided. He now owns three quarter-sections of choice land, and has met with unbounded success in the pursuit of ag- riculture.

Our subject was married in Michigan, in 1887, to Clara Hathaway, a native of Michigan, and a daughter of Emerson and Lucy Byington Hathaway, natives respectively of Massachusetts and Connecti- cut. Mr. and Mrs. Powlison are the parents of three children, as follows: Leslie D., Arthur H. and Agnes M. Mr. Powlison assisted in the organ- ization of his township and is chairman of the town- ship board, in which capacity he has served for the past three years, and is also a member of the school board. He holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in political sentiment is a Republican.

EDWIN DIMICK. Among the energetic and prosperous business men of Harvey, Wells county, who have acquired a sound financial standing and

an enviable reputation as a citizen, may well be noted the name of Edwin Dimick. He is engaged in the meat business and is a man of good manage- ment and unbounded enterprise.

Our subject was born on a farm in Ohio, in 1853. His father, Royal Dimick, was a farmer throughout his life and was of English descent, but born in Connecticut. The mother was of English descent, but her parents were born in the state of New York.

Our subject was one of twins, the first born of the family, and was raised on the farm in Olio. At the age of twelve years he began for himself and worked out at farm labor and received limited educational advantages, gaining his knowledge by his own efforts. He followed farming and various business enterpises before going to North Dakota in the spring of 1882 in company with his brothers, George and Addison Dimick. They settled in Eddy county after having spent one year near Grand Forks and engaged in stock raising. In 1891 they located a ranch twenty-two miles southeast of Harvey in McLain county, and conducted stock raising there until the spring of 1896, when they went to Harvey and established in the livery busi- ness. After two years they returned to the ranch and in the spring of 1899 started the meat market at Harvey which they still conduct. The business has proved successful and they enjoy a liberal trade. When they went to Wells county it was a waste prairie and Mr. Dimick and brothers have witnessed the growth and aided in the upbuilding of the town and county.

Our subject is a member of the Modern Wood- men of America, and in political faith is a Repub- lican. He went to Dakota without means and is now one of the solid men of that locality.

AUGUST TRYGG. Among the agriculturists of township 139, range 79, in Burleigh county, few are more useful in sustaining and extending its farm- ing interests than Mr. Trygg. He is one of the substantial and successful citizens, and is well versed in the most approved methods of operating a farm.

Our subject was born in the town of Linefors, county of Ostorgotland, Sweden, November 20, 1852. His father, John Trygg, was a miller and millwright, and the grandfather, Andres Trygg, was a soldier in the Swedish army until he was retired. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Christina Falk, and she was born and raised about seven miles from the birthplace of our subject. The parents were married in Sweden, and reared a family of three children, of whom our subject was the eldest. The father operated flouring mills in different parts of Sweden, and our subject was reared at home and helped his father until he was about sixteen years old.

Mr. Trygg's first work was in a woolen mill where he spent three years and then took charge of

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his father's business after his death, and followed farming on the small tract and also did carpenter work and remamed with his mother until he came to America in 1880. He landed at New York City and remained there two and a half years, working in a rolling mill, and also worked at carpentry for the same company, and in 1882 came to Dakota. He located land in October of that year and still resides thereon, and then worked at Bismarck as a carpenter, and the family remained in that city dur- ing the first winter, and in the spring moved to the farm and lived in a small shanty. Mr. Trygg be- gan his farm improvements and cultivation without means or implements, and purchased the necessary machinery and an ox team in partnership with C. O. Engdahl, and these two gentlemen farmed together for several years, Mr. Trygg working at his trade and Mr. Engdahl conducting the farm. Success attended the hrst year's work, but prairie fire de- stroyed the crop the next year, but this, however, did not cause him to cease striving, and he now has a farm of four hundred and eighty acres, and operates one hunded and eighty-five acres of cultivated land, and he has placed valuable improvements on his farm and has all machinery and stock for operating a model farnı.

Our subject was married, in 1876, to Matilda Johnson. Her father, Johanis Jolinson, was a na- tive of Sweden,. Mrs. Trygg died in America in 1883, and left one daughter, Lydia Sophia, now married. Mr. Trygg was married to Mrs. Augusta Anderson in 1886. Mrs. Trygg was born in Sweden and came to America in April, 1886. Her father, Andres Orest, was a soldier in the Swedish army. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Trygg, who are named as follows : David, born February 14, 1888; Oscar, born August 2, 1889, and Frank, born April 3, 1891.

Mr. Trygg is independent in politics, and has never held any public office except school director. His rule in life has always been so far as he could do it, whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.

SIMON A. WROOLIE, of the firm of Johnson & Wroolie, hardware and lumber merchants of Mil- ton, North Dakota, is one of the wide-awake and successful business men of that locality. He has been identified with the financial growth of Milton and the country surrounding for many years, and is widely and favorably known as an able business man and citizen of true worth.

Our subject was born in Norway, October 8, 1854, and left his native country when a child with his parents and settled in Wisconsin. He assisted with the farm work in Dane county, that state, and after two years there removed to Faribault county, Minnesota, where he resided until 1882, in which ycar he removed to Crookston, Minnesota, and re- mained there until he came to Park River, North Dakota, in 1885. He was then engaged in the gen-

eral merchandise business about three years, and then came to Milton in 1888 and began the mercan- tile business. He formed a partnership with Mor- ris Johnson in Park River, and this partnership has continued to the present time. They are largely interested in the hardware and lumber trade, and also own about two sections of land in that region.

Mr. Wroolie was married in Milton, North Da- kota, to Lena Taarud, a native of Pope county, Min- setota. Mrs. Wroolie died early in the 'gos. One son was born to this union, named Vernon O. Mr. Wroolie was married in Milton, North Dakota, to Mrs. Bertha Hougan. Our subject is a gentleman of excellent executive ability and has prospered in his business pursuits, and in all matters of a public nature takes a hearty interest, and well merits his high standing.

JAMES H. BOSARD, senior member of the firm of Bosard & Bosard, attorneys-at-law, of Grand Forks, has followed his profession in that city since the early days of its history, and is well known throughout the state as a man of broad mind and executive ability. He has been closely con- nected with the prosperity of the country, and has in every way shown himself to be a man in whom the people can repose their trust, as the important affairs of his community have his earnest support. He has gradually built up an extensive law practice and has long stood with those at the head of the North Dakota bar.

Our subject was born at Osceola, Pennsylvania,. April 21, 1845, and was the son of Andrew K. and Hittie (Cilley) Bosard, natives respectively of Penn- sylvania and New Hampshire. His father was a farmer and cabinet maker, and lived and died in Pennsylvania. He was assistant provost marshal in Pennsylvania during the Rebellion, and engaged in enlisting men. He was colonel of the Pennsyl- vania state militia in 1849. The grandfather of our subject, Andrew Bosard, was a native of Monroe county, Pennsylvania, and served in the war of 1812 as a non-commissioned officer.

Our subject has two brothers living, one at Eme- rado, North Dakota, and the other brother at Grand Forks. James H. Bosard was reared and educated in the public schools of his native state, and gradu- ated from the State Normal, after which he taught school two years in New York. He began reading law at Wellsborough, Pennsylvania, with M. F. Ei- liott, in 1868, and was admitted to the bar from his office in 1870, and remained as his partner seven years. He came to Grand Forks, North Dakota, in May, 1879, and established himself in his profession, since which time he has been increasing his prac- tice, and the present prosperous and extensive business in which he and his son, Robert H.,. are partners, is due largely to his efforts.

James H. Bosard was married, in 1872, to Re- becca Faulkner, of Erie, Pennsylvania. Six chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bosard, as.

I Bosand

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follows: Florence H., Robert H., Helen D., now the wife of Captain C. S. Farnsworth, of the United States Army; Gerald F., Sarah K. and Daphne. Mr. Bosard is a member of the Masonic fraternity. having passed the Knights Templar degree, and is also a member of the Order of Foresters. He was state's attorney for Grand Forks county in 1891-92, and city attorney two years, in 1894-95. He is the owner of Bosard's Jersey dairy of Grand Forks. Politically he has advocated the principles of the Re- publican party during his entire career, and has traveled over the county and state in defense of those principles. He is a forcible speaker and convincing in his arguments, and takes great interest in the affairs of his local government. A portrait of Mr. Bosard will be found on another page.

ROBERT H. BOSARD, junior member of the firm of Bosard & Bosard, is one of the rising young attorneys of Grand Forks, North Dakota. He was born in Wellsborough, Pennsylvania, in 1875, and is a son of J. H. Bosard, a sketch of whose life ap- pears above.

Our subject was educated in the North Dakota Agricultural College and the State University, and began the study of law with his father, entered the Columbian Law School of Washington, District of Columbia, as a senior, and graduated from that in- stitution in 1897. He was admitted to the bar the same year and began the practice of his profession in partnership with his father, and has since resided in Grand Forks and conducted his profession.

Our subject was married, in June, 1899, to Miss Jessie A. Miller, of North Dakota.

THOMAS J. SAMPSON, proprietor of one of the finest farms of Cass county, is an early set- tler of Dows township, and is well and favorably known. He has made a success of his vocation and is well versed in the most approved methods of operating a farm, and the improvements on his estate bespeak thrift and painstaking care.

Our subject was born in Erie county, Pennsyl- vania. April 6, 1859, and was a son of James and Harriet (Sullivan) Sampson, who were natives re- spectively of England and New York. His father was a farmer by occupation and was born in 1818, and came to the United States when ten years of age and resided many years in Pennsylvania. He is now a resident of California. Mr. Sampson has one brother and two sisters, but is the only one of the family in North Dakota.

Our subject was reared in Pennsylvania and re- ceived his education there and began his business career on a farm. He went to North Dakota in 1882 and went direct to Erie, Cass county, and the same year entered claim to land in Dows township, where he has since resided. He has a farm of three quarter-sections and he has placed all under cul- tivation and his improvements are the best.

Our subject was married, in 1889, to Hattie Bostwick, a native of Michigan. Mrs. Sampson's parents, John and Mary Bostwick, were natives of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Sampson are the parents of two children, named Robert H. and Florence M. Mr. Sampson assisted in the organization of Dows township and served as a member of the township board and is now chairman of the school board, and is also serving as assessor. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has gained many friends by his push and energy and enjoys well merited success.

ROBERT WALDEN. A prominent position as a citizen and member of the farming community of township 148, range 66, in Eddy county, is held by the gentleman above named. He is gaining a good support from his farm and is the owner of six hundred and fifty acres of well improved land.

Our subject was born in Branbury, Oxford- shire, England, January 18, 1859. His father, Isaac Walden, was a mechanical engineer and ma- chinist and followed the same throughout his career. He çame to America in 1887 and died in 1889. The grandfather of our subject, James Walden, was a shepherd during his career, and his father before him ; Robert Walden, was a farmer by occupation. The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Betsey Newton, and her father, William Newton, was a descendant of Sir Isaac Newton.

Our subject was the fourth in a family of ten children, and was raised in the city of Banbury, and attended the city schools. At the age of four- teen years he began work in a foundry and there learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in his native land until he came to America. He left home at the age of seventeen years, and in Au- gust, 1885, came to America with his family and located in St. Louis, where he followed his trade and also worked in a nursery, and in 1886 he re- moved to North Dakota, and settled in Eddy county, taking land as a pre-emption, whereon he erected a claim shanty, sod barn and sod blacksmith shop. He had three dollars and a few blacksmith tools when he took up his residence in Dakota, and he hired his land broke for the first two and a half years, before he had a team. He bought a team of oxen in 1888 and farmed with them till 1891, and has passed through the experiences of pioneer life. He has about five hundred acres under cultivation, four acres of forest trees, plenty of small fruits, and en- gages in wheat, cattle and sheep raising, and has met with good success in the last named culture. He now keeps about thirteen head of farm horses. and has all necessary machinery for the operation of a model farm. He has made a success of his voca- tion and is regarded as one of the substantial men of his community.

Our subject was married in England, January 24. 1879. to Miss Mary Herbert. Mrs. Walden's father, Daniel Herbert, was a weaver by trade, and

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was also sheriff. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Walden, as follows: Katie, born No- vember 12, 1879; Henry, born April 24, 1882; Isaac N., born August 10, 1885 ; Ellen May, born August 24, 1887 ; Etta, born June 24, 1889 ; Maggie, born November 12, 1891; Edward, born July 31, 1894: Mabel, born October 5, 1896 and Daniel, born March 29, 1898. Mr. Walden has served as a meni- ber of the school board for six years and is a man who lends his influence for the upbuilding of his community. He is an independent voter, and keeps pace with current events.

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Compendium history and biography of North Dakota; a history of early settlement, political history, and biography; reminiscences of pioneer life, Part 104

Author: Publication date: 1900 Publisher: Chicago, G.A.Ogle Number of Pages: 1432

Author:
Publication date: 1900
Publisher: Chicago, G.A.Ogle
Number of Pages: 1432