USA > North Dakota > Compendium history and biography of North Dakota; a history of early settlement, political history, and biography; reminiscences of pioneer life > Part 123
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R. L. PRICE. One of the best equipped news- paper plants of Wells county is that owned and operated by the gentleman above named, who is editor and proprietor of the "Harvey Herald." He is well known in newspaper circles as a gentleman of ability and good education, and his paper enjoys a wide circulation, in fact is the most widely circu- lated strictly English newspaper of the county.
Mr. Price was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1872. His father, T. J. Price, was a newspaper man throughout his career, and the family are Americans for many generations, as is also the family on the mother's side.
Our subject was the second in a family of three children, and was raised in Chicago until about thir- teen years of age when the family removed to Min- nesota and our subject grew to manhood in that state. He began to learn the printer's trade when about fourteen years of age in St. Paul, and fol- lowed his trade there until 1895, when he went to Welcome, Minnesota, and established the "Wel- come Times." He conducted this sheet about ten months, and in the spring of 1896 went to Harvey, North Dakota, and established the "Harvey Her- ald." The first issue of the paper was April 28, 1896, and in the fall of that year the entire plant was destroyed by fire and was a loss. He immedi- ately rebuilt, and did not miss an issue of the pa- per, the sheet being printed in Fessenden for two weeks. The circulation of the paper has steadily increased, and prosperity has attended Mr. Price in his business. The plant is well fitted with presses and other equipment for job printing, and this work forms no small part of the work.
Our subject was married, in November, 1898, to Miss Mary Lucey. Mrs. Price was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and was reared in North Dakota. She is of Yankee descent. Mr. Price was among the early settlers of the town of Harvey, and has become identified with the financial and social growth of the town, and is one of the highly es- teemed citizens of his community. In politics he is a Republican, and is strong in his convictions.
WILLIAM B. DICKSON, state's attorney in Cavalier county, North Dakota, is one of the able lawyers of the state, and is actively engaged in the practice of law in Langdon in partnership with his brother, Robert MI. He is greatly respected in the
community where he resides, and has gained an as- sured position in his profession.
Our subject was born in Huron county, Onta- rio, November 26, 1853, and was reared in his na- tive county, and there received his education and attended the Georgetown Academy, located near To- ronto. He engaged in teaching for three years, and then began the study of law in the office of Gar- row & Proudfoot, where he remained five years, and was admitted to the bar about 1885. He began the practice of his profession at Brussels, Ontario, and after some time went to Colorado, and was engaged in the ranch business during 1892-93. He came to Langdon, Cavalier county, North Dakota, in the spring of 1894, and here resumed the practice of his profession. He was appointed state's attorney for Cavalier county by the county commissioners to fill a vacancy caused by the death of W. F. Kessler, and in the fall of 1896 was elected to that office. His efficient service is best evidenced by the fact that he received a second election to that office in the fall of 1898. He formed a partnership with his brother, James G., in the spring of 1894, and they conduct an extensive real-estate business. The present law firm, composed of our subject and his brother, Robert M., was formed in the spring of 1899, and they enjoy a liberal patronage.
William B. Dickson was married at Brussels, Ontario, to Miss Jennie H. Cormack, a native of Ontario. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dickson, named in the order of birth as fol- lows: Alice R., Robert M., Agnes and James S. In politics he is a Democrat.
WILLIAM L. KETCHUM, who has made a success of diversified farming in township 140, range 72, is one of the pioneer settlers of that lo- cality. He was born on an island, in New Jersey, in 1853.
The father of our subject, Benjamin Ketchum, died when the boy was only two years of age. The mother was born and reared in New Jersey, and bore the maiden name of Levina Cocks. The grandmother related many stories of her ancestors of Revolutionary times.
Mr. Ketchum was the third in a family of four children, and was reared in Grand Rapids, Wood county, Wisconsin, where his mother moved with her brother in 1855, and they were among the pio- neers of Wood county. Our subject left home at the age of eleven years, and worked on a farm south of Portage three years, and removed with the owner of the farm to another farm north of Madison, Wis- consin, and at the age of sixteen years he went to Long Island, New York, and learned the mason's trade, and then returned to Illinois and worked at hi's trade a few years. At the age of twenty-one he went into the pineries and spent several years lumbering, and worked on the log drives and raft- ed to Quincy, Illinois. He went to North Dakota in 1882 and bought a relinquishment of land north
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of Dawson, in township 140, range 72, and has made his home there since that date. Part of the farm is the old battle ground between Colonel Sib- ley's forces and the Sioux Indians in July, 1863, and Mr. Ketchum has found relics of the battle nearby. He worked for others the first three years, as he had no means with which to improve his farm, and in 1883 built a shanty on the place, and his first crop was raised in 1885. He now has a farm of six hundred and forty acres, and has a complete set of good farm buildings thereon, and all machinery for operating a model farm. He has engaged in wheat and flax raising and stock, and has fourteen head of horses on the farm.
Our subject was married, in 1876, to Miss Ella Stephens. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, and are named as follows: Ed- and Mrs Ketchum, and are named as follows: Ed- ward, Joseph, Matthew and John. Mr. Ketchum has held various local offices, including a member of the school board, and takes an active part in public affairs. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and politically is a Republican.
JOHN M. WAGAR, county commissioner for the fifth district of Cass county, is a resident of Tower City, and is well known as an early settler of that locality. He was actively engaged in agricul- tural pursuits for many years in Hill township, and successfully conducted farming on the land which he purchased in the early day. He is a gentleman of ability and excellent characteristics, and is pop- ular with the people among whom he makes his home.
Our subject was born near Cleveland, Ohio, Au- gust 1, 1849. His parents, Israel D. and Elizabeth (Pyle) Wagar, were natives of Ohio, and were farmers and followed that occupation for many years. His father is now living retired from active pursuits at the advanced age of eighty years. The grandparents of our subject, Mars and Keturah Wagar, went from Ontario county, New York, to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1818, and assisted in clearing the land on which the city of Cleveland now stands. Our subject has two brothers and five sisters.
Mr. Wagar was reared and educated in Cleve- land, Ohio, and remained there till 1870, when he went to the southwestern part of Texas and served as deputy collector of internal revenue, and was sta- tioned at Corpus Christi five years. He then re- turned to Cleveland and spent two years, and then passed some time in Kansas and Texas, and in the spring of 1880 went to North Dakota and purchased a tract of land in Hill township, Cass county. He resided on his farm until 1898, when he took up his residence in Tower City, where he has since made his home.
Our subject was married, in 1889, to Miss Har- nett Hotchkiss, a native of Cleveland, Ohio. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wagar, as follows: George D., Isabelle E. and John B.
Mr. Wagar was elected county commissioner in 1897, and is now serving as such. He is a Demo- crat in political faith, and is the only official of his party in the county offices, evidencing his popular- ity regardless of party affiliations. He has filled various local offices, and is actively interested in the general welfare of his community. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
J. W. EEDE, M. D. As a physician this gen- tleman stands at the head of his profession, and as a citizen he is highly esteemed in the community in which he lives. He is a young man in whom the people repose confidence, is a gentleman of excel- lent education and strives to perfect himself in his work. He has become prominent in the social cir- cles of the town and vicinity, and takes a hearty interest in all matters tending to promote the gen- eral welfare of the people.
Our subject was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1872. His father, J. L. Eede, was a native of Can- ada, and was of English descent. He followed farming throughout his life. The grandfather of our subject came from England about 1840 and was a dealer in real estate. The mother of our sub- ject was of Dutch descent, and the family settled in Pennsylvania.
Mr. Eede was the fifth in a family of nine chil- dren and was raised on the farm until fourteen years of age, when he went to Detroit, Michigan, and at the age of eighteen years graduated from the Detroit high school, and then spent three years at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the scientific course. He began studying medicine, in 1893, in Detroit Med- ical College, and graduated in 1896 with the degree of M. D., and in the spring of the same year lo- cated at Oberon, North Dakota, where he practiced his profession about nine months, and in 1897 lo- cated at Harvey. He took a short post-graduate course in the college at Chicago, in 1900, and has built up a good practice and his future in North Dakota is assured. He is medical examiner for some nine or ten insurance companies and does a large insurance business, and he also deals some in real estate.
Mr. Eede is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, Modern Woodmen of America, the Red Cross, also of the A. F. & A. M., and is prom- inent in secret society circles. In political senti- ment he is independent.
JAMES M. TUSTEN. In whatever vocation engaged the successful man is the persistent man. This gentleman has gained his possessions single- handed and is the owner of one of the fine farms of Gardner township, Cass county, and resides on sec- tion 25. He is highly respected for his industry, energy and integrity, and well merits his success as an agriculturist.
Our subject was born in Green Lake county,
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COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY.
Wisconsin, September 14, 1852, and was raised on a farm and received a common-school education. He resided in his native state till the spring of 1885, when he went to North Dakota, having spent two years in Fond du Lac county, and two years in Wau- shara county, and two and a half years in Winne- bago county, following farming in each location. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land when he settled in North Dakota, the tract being in section 25, in Gardner township, on which he has since resided. He has erected a complete set of substantial farm buildings and is now the owner of one and a half sections of well-improved land, on which he follows general farming.
Our subject was married in Waushara county, Wisconsin, to Miss Martha A. Spoor, a native of that county. Two children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tusten, upon whom they have bestowed the following names: Mabel E. and Edna M. Mr. Tusten is active in public affairs, and has served as assessor of Gardner township for the past three years. He is a member of the An- cient Order of United Workmen and Brotherhood of American Yeomen.
OSMAND D. NELSON belongs to that large class of intelligent and enterprising farmers who have accumulated a good fortune in North Dakota, and have pleasant homes and comfortable surround- ings. His estate is located in section 20, of Mar- tin township, Walsh county, and is adorned by a commodious and substantial dwelling, barn and out- buildings, and modern machinery is used in the op- eration of the place, and the latest and most ap- proved methods are seen in the conduct of the farm.
Our subject was born in La Salle county, Illi- nois, December 23, 1852, and when about four years of age removed with his parents to Story county, Iowa. He was reared to manhood in Iowa and spent his early life there as an agriculturist, and in the spring of 1880 came to North Dakota. He en- tered claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land in Martin township, Walsh county, as a pre-emp- tion, and at once took up his residence thereon and has resided there continuously since that date. He now owns and operates three hundred and twenty acres of choice land, and his farm evidences careful management and painstaking work in its opera- tion. Mr. Nelson is now one of the well-to-do men of his township.
Our subject was married in Story county, Iowa, in the spring of 1883, to Miss Julia Thompson. Mrs. Nelson was born in Norway, and after five years of happy married life departed this life in Martin township, Walsh county, North Dakota, September 23, 1888. Two children were born to bless this union, named Gertie and Johnnie. Mr. Nelson was married to Miss Hulda Nelson, of Mar- tin township, Walsh county. Mrs. Nelson is a na- tive of Sweden, and presides over her household duties with true dignity of manner. Three chil-
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, named as follows: Julia, Manvel and Anthony W. Mr. Nelson has held various local offices and the general welfare of his adopted state is always foremost in his efforts. He is recognized as a gen- tleman of progressive ideas and public spirit, and commands the respect and esteem of his associates. In politics he is a Republican.
CHARLES MALE, who resides on section 9, Center township, Richland county, owns and oper- ates a valuable farm of four hundred and eighty acres, whose neat and thrifty appearance well indi- cates his careful supervision. Substantial improve- ments are surrounded by well tilled fields, and the farm is one of the most desirable of its size in the locality.
Mr. Male was born on the 27th of February, 1844, in Halderman township, Northumberland county, Ontario, Canada, and is a son of William Male, who was born on the ocean while his parents were emigrating from England to America, and died in Montcalm county, Michigan, at the age of sixty years. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Gleason, was also a native of Northum- berland county, Ontario, and is still living at an ad- vanced age.
Charles Male continued his residence on a farm in his native province until twenty-one years of age, when he removed with the family to Montcalm county, Michigan, making his home there until he and his wife came to Dakota territory in June, 1872. In Macomb county, Michigan, January 3, 1867, he led to the marriage altar Miss Mary J. Fuller, a native of New York, and to themt has been born a daughter, Josephine. A family group portrait ap- pears on another page. On reaching Dakota they took up a homestead on the northeast quarter of sec- tion 9. Center township, Richland county, where they have since resided. Throughout his active business life Mr. Male has always followed agricult- ural pursuits, and has met with well deserved success.
In January, 1864, Mr. Male laid aside all per- sonal interests and joined the boys in blue as a mem- ber of Company E, Tenth Michigan Cavalry, and remained in the service until November, 1865. He has since been a constant sufferer from the effects of a sunstroke received in East Tennessee. and his left arm was also injured while in the service by a fall from his horse. He now holds membership in Summit Post, No. 7, G. A. R., of Wahpeton, and he and his wife are active and prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal church of that place, in which he has held several offices. On the organiza- tion of Center township he was elected treasurer of the same and creditably filled that office for two years. He is one of the progressive men of his community, and takes great interest in all matters that are calculated to enhance its value, or to benefit his fellow men.
MR. AND MRS. CHARLES MALE AND DAUGHTER.
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HON. HORACE HALBERT. Intelligence, untiring energy and integrity are the leading char- acteristics which have guided this gentleman to success, financially and socially. He is proprie- tor of one of the most extensive and finest tracts of land in Cass county, and is held in the highest es- teem by his fellowinen. His home is in Kinyon township, on section 7, and he follows general farm- ing
Our subject was born in Potter township, Yates county, New York, March 1, 1827, and was reared on a farm in his native county. He went to Kal- amazoo, Michigan, in 1858, after graduating from the State University, at Ann Arbor, Michigan, which he entered in 1854. He was engaged in teach- ing mathematics in the Kalamazoo high school about four years and then returned to his native place and followed farming until about 1866, when he removed to Livingstone county, Michigan, and followed agriculture one year and then taught mathematics in the Baptist College, at Kalamazoo. He resided in Livingstone county, Michigan, till the spring of 1885, when he went to North Da- kota, and settled in Kenyon township, wher he has since been aresident and has devoted his entire at- tention to agricultural pursuits. He owns one thou- sand two hundred and eighty acres of land in Kin- yon township and is among the substantial men of his calling.
Our subject was married in Yates county, New York, to Miss Mary E. Taylor, a native of that county. Mrs. Halbert died in Kinyon township, Cass county, North Dakota, June 28, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Halbert adopted two children, brother and sister: Theresa E., now Mrs. D. E. Porter ; and Clifford E., who married Miss M. E. Garrett, and resides in Kinyon township, Cass county. Mr. Halbert has always taken an active part in public affairs wherever he has chosen his home, and while a resident of Livingstone county, Michigan, he served as county treasurer four years, and for some years was supervisor of his township. He was elected to the Michigan senate on the Repub- lican ticket in the fall of 1878 and served one term. He has been county commissioner for Cass county for six years, and has also served as a member of the board of supervisors of Kinyon township, Cass county. He is identified with the Presbyterian church and is active in church work. He was a charter member of the college society, Zeta Psi, of Michigan.
CHARLES F. PETERSON, cashier of the State Bank of New Salem, North Dakota, is one of the rising young business men of Morton county. He is a gentleman of good business principles, and thoroughly understands the work to which he is de- voting his attention, and under his care the affairs of the institution are sure of meeting with the most pleasing results.
Our subject was born near Oxford, in Henry
county, Illinois, October 15, 1867. His father, J. W. Peterson, was a carpenter and contractor throughout his career, and the family are Americans for many generations back, having settled in Dela- ware in Colonial days. The mother of our sub- ject bore the maiden name of Almira Lynn. She was of American birth and the parents were mar- ried in Ohio, and our subject was the sixth in a family of seven children. He was reared in his native place, and attended the country school, and at the age of sixteen years started railroad work, learning telegraphy. His first position was with the C. B. & Q. R. R. in Illinois, at which work he began when seventeen years of age, and he oper- ated a station, and was engaged in railroad work in Illinois four years. In 1889 he went to Grand Forks, North Dakota, and accepted a position on the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railroad, now the Great Northern, and then held a position at Morehead, Minnesota, acting as cashier and operator, and the last year was in charge of the sta- tion, and spent six years at Moorehead. He took charge of the New Salem station for the Northern Pacific Railroad Company in 1894, and remained thus engaged until the spring of 1899, when he was sent to Forsyth, Montana, and September 1, 1899, entered upon his present duties as cashier of the State Bank of New Salem. He is one of the stock- holders of the bank, and the other stockholders and officers are as follows: C. L. Tinnerman, president ; H. R. Lyon, vice-president. The bank was opened for business in September, 1899, and is fast becoming one of the sound financial insti- tutions of the state.
Mr. Peterson is a gentleman of broad mind, and keeps pace with the times, and in political sentiment is a Republican.
JENS O. LEE, one of the substantial agriculture- ists of Cass county, North Dakota, makes his home in section 25, in Noble township, and is held in the highest respect by his fellow men. He is energetic and industrious, and his fine farm evidences careful tillage and the most approved methods in its oper- ation.
Our subject was born in Norway, March 23, 1861, and was a son of Ole J. and Johanna Lee. The mother died in Cass county, North Dakota, in the latter part of the 'zos. Our subject came to America with his parents when he was seven years of age, and lived with them in Goodhue county, Minnesota, two years, and in the spring of 1871 went to Cass county and settled one mile south of Fargo, North Dakota, and lived there several years. He then settled in Norman county, Minnesota, where he resided until he removed to Noble town- ship. Cass county, North Dakota, in March, 1898. He is now the fortunate possessor of one hundred and ten acres of land in Noble township, Cass coun- ty, and two hundred and forty acres in Norman county, Minnesota.
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Our subject was married in Hillsboro, North Dakota, November 9, 1886, to Miss Sophia Grandol, a native of Norway. Three children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lee, named as follows: Julia, Annie and Clarence. Mr. Lee is intelligent and progressive, and is heartily inter- ested in the welfare of his adopted land, and in all local matters takes a prominent part. He is a mem- ber of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and enjoys the confidence of the people among whom he re- sides.
GILBERT G. HAUGEN. Among the foreign- born citizens of Cass county who have entered heartily into American customs and civilization and are found prospering in their chosen callings and gaining an assured position among their associates, this gentleman is entitled to prominent mention. He came to America in his youth and has since that time been identified with American progress and is now the fortunate possessor of a fine farm in Noble township, Cass county, his home being located on section 25.
Our subject was born in Norway, December 10, 1850, and resided in his native land until eighteen years of age, when he emigrated to America and landed at Quebec. He went at once to Houston county, Minnesota, where he was employed at farm labor for eight years and then settled in Da- kota in June, 1877. He located on the farm where lie still resides in Noble township and is the owner of three hundred and seventy acres of well-im- proved land. He has followed farming through- out his career and is well versed in that calling and has met with success.
Our subject was married in Noble township, Cass county, North Dakota, June 7, 1880, to Miss Martha Oseth, who was born in Houston county, Minnesota, May 7, 1861. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Haugen, named as fol- lows: Gena Maria, Henry O., Gustave M., Olena, Oliver Albert and Selma B. Mr. Haugen is widely known as a public-spirited citizen and one who keeps pace with the times. He is a hearty supporter of every enterprise which has for its end the upbuild- ing or advancement of his community, and has served as a member of the board of supervisors of Noble township. He is a member of the Nor- wegian Lutheran church.
THORSTEIN K. ROGNE, the efficient and well known postmaster of Manfred, Wells county, was identified with the business interests of that thriving town from the early days of its existence. He is a man of good business qualifications, and has met with success in every enterprise in which he has embarked, and has built up an enviable repu- tation for integrity of character, and is highly es- teemed as an exemplary citizen.
Our subject was born in Valders, Norway, in
1859. His father, Christ Rogne, was a native of Norway, and died in his native land. Our subject was the fourth in a family of six children, and was raised on a farm, and graduated from a military school in Christiania in 1880. He emigrated to America in 1881, and spent one year in Wisconsin at farm work, and then lived five years at Minne- apolis, Minnesota. He worked on a Scandinavian newspaper during the winter months, and spent the summers with a surveying party. He visited his native land four months in 1888, and then went to North Dakota and took government land in Foster county, and farmed with oxen the first two years. He went to Wells county in 1892 and located near Manfred, where he has followed farming since. In company with Lewis Burkham he established the first general store in Manfred in 1894. He disposed of his interests in 1898 and established a furniture and hardware business and erected a building 52x52 feet, the largest in the town, and after con- ducting the business a year and a half sold the same to J. L. Berg. He has held the office of postmaster for five years, and was the first officer appointed at Manfred.
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