Compendium history and biography of North Dakota; a history of early settlement, political history, and biography; reminiscences of pioneer life, Part 137

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

USA > North Dakota > Compendium history and biography of North Dakota; a history of early settlement, political history, and biography; reminiscences of pioneer life > Part 137

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Our subject was born in Bohemia, Austria, June 2, 1858. His boyhood days were spent in his native country and in 1870 he came to America, and on his arrival went at once to Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he lived about ten years and then went to what is now South Dakota and remained there 1111- till he went to Walsh county in 1881. He went to Grafton and engaged in the mercantile business with Peter Oleson and Peter Sandager, under the firm name of Birder, Oleson & Sandager, and they con- tinued in business until 1885, when Mr. Birder sold his interest and went to Park River and engaged in the general merchandise business there until early in the 'gos, since which time he has been engaged in banking and real estate. The Bank of Park River (a private institution) was organized in 1886, with Henry Keller, president, and C. D. Lord, cashier. In 1890 it was reorganized as a state bank and Mr. Birder · became president and Mr. Lord continuted as cashier. Mr. Birder has since served as the head

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of the institution and ably conducts the affairs of the same. He is also a stockholder in the Scandia American Bank, of Crookston, Minnesota, and is a stockholder in the First National Bank, of Grafton, and is also a stockholder in the Cando State Bank. He laid out what is known as Birder addition to Park River, which comprises sixty acres of land, and he owns nearly two thousand acres of land in North Dakota.

Mr. Birder was married, in Grafton, North Dakota, to Miss Gertie Sandager. Mrs. Birder died in Park River, North Dakota, in 1886. Mr. Bird- er married Miss Minnie A. O. Reilley, in Park River, North Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Birder have been the parents of five children, of whom two sons and one daughter died in infancy, and two sons are now living and bear the names of Don Jacob Viv- ian and Cecil Edward Eugene. Mr. Birder erected a handsome residence in 1896, which is second to none in the state, and the appointments of the home bespeak culture and refinement in every particular. Mr. Birder was elected treasurer of Walsh county in the fall of 1882 and served one term, and was the first elected treasurer of the county. He has always taken an active interest in public affairs wherever he has resided and is identified with the Democratic party in political sentiment.

CHARLES W. SIBLEY, editor and proprietor of "The Grandin Chronicle," is well known as an able newspaper man. He has published the "Chron- icle" several years and the paper now has alarge circulation, extending to the entire country sur- rounding.

Our subject was born in Somersetshire, Eng- land, August 5, 1868. He came to America with his parents in the spring of 1873 and resided with them on a farm in Clay county, Minnesota, till the sum- men of 1888, when he began the printing business. He engaged in the same in different places till the spring of 1893, when he removed to Grandin, North Dakota, and purchased the "Chronicle," of which he has since been sole proprietor and editor. The paper boasts a circulation of seven hundred copies each issue and is Republican in politics.

Mr. Sibley was married, in Fargo, North Da- kota, March 8, 1898, to Miss Julia Hanson, a na- tive of Denmark. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sibley, named Wesley. Mr. Sibley is active in public affairs and has served as justice of the peace.

GUNDER TORGESON has been a resident of Benson county since its early settlement and has aided in the development of its natural resources by his perseverance, industry and good manage- ment and by his honesty and good citizenship. His pleasant home is on section 10, township 155, range 68.

Mr. Torgeson was born in Satersdalen, Chris-

tiansandstift, Norway, October 22, 1842. He was the fourth of six children born to the union of 'lorge and Torbor Halvorson, also natives of Nor- way. The family came to America in 1861 and set- tled in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where our subject engaged in farming. He acquired a small farm in that county and made his home there until 1883. Two years prior to that time he had made a visit to North Dakota in the spring of 1881, passing through part of Minnesota and going as far out as Fort Totten. In 1883 he sold his tarm in Iowa and came to Benton county to take up govern- ment land. He first filed a pre-emption claim to a tract of land south of Churchs Ferry and lived there about one year and then took up a homestead claim on the shore of Lake Ibsen, where he now resides. He thus became one of the earliest settlers of the township and has assisted and witnessed the won- derful growth and development of Benson county within the past few years. His present residence is a substantial and convenient structure and his barn is one of the best in the county. He has im- proved his lands and is now the owner of a valuable property.

Mr. Torgeson was married, in 1865, to Miss Gunild Salveson, and to this union nine children have been born, namely : Torges, deceased ; Salve, deceased ; Sigur; Tilda, deceased; Ole, Annie, Salve, Louise and Thomas. The family are mem- bers of the Lutheran church and Mr. Torgeson supports the principles of the Republican party. He has gained his present valuable property by hon- est industry and good management and has a host of warm friends throughout the county.

JOHN M. BLYTHE. As a progressive farm- er and public-spirited citizen of Sargent county, this gentleman is entitled to prominent mention. He is proprietor of a fine estate in Herman town- ship, and his home is located in section 14. He is an ex-soldier, and in all public affairs is ever ready to defend the right, and work for the ad- vancement of his country and fellowmen. He has gained his possessions through his own efforts, and provided a competence to enjoy through his declining years.

Our subject was born in Lincolnshire, Eng- land, July 4, 1833. He was reared in his native place and remained there until about eighteen years of age, when he came to America, and after a few months spent in Buffalo, New York, went to. Illinois and followed brick making about four years in Cook county. From thence he went to Adams county, Wisconsin, and engaged in farm- ing, residing there until the fall of 1861, when he enlisted in the Eighth Wisconsin Light Artillery. He served nearly four years, and was mustered out of the service in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He then returned to Adams county, and resumed farming, remaining there until 1879, and then removed to. Columbia county, Wisconsin, where he lived one

MR. AND MRS. JOHN M. BLYTHE,

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year. He went to Dakota in March, 1882, and pre- empted one hundred and sixty acres in Herman township, Sargent county, where he has sinceresided. He has improved his estate, and added to his pos- sessions, and is now the fortunate owner of four hundred and eighty acres of land.

Our subject was married in Cook county, Illi- nois, February 16, 1856, to Miss Hannah William- son, who was also a native of Lincolnshire, Eng- land. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Blythe, as follows: Emma, Fannie, Hannah, Charles and Sabina. He has also an adopted son, Harry H. Blythe. Mr. Blythe takes an active · part in church affairs, and with his entire family are members of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. He is well known throughout that vicinity, and has served his community in various offices of trust, including school offices. Politically he is a Republican, and is firm in his convictions.

A portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Blythe is shown in connection with this sketch.

PETER FERRY, a pioneer settler of Ferry township, has a fine farm and enjoys a good com- petence. He was born in Ireland June 29, 1834. and is a brother of Michel Ferry, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Ferry came to America with his parents and he was reared in Canada and followed farming there until 1863, when he removed to Schoolcraft county, Michigan. He worked in the pineries there ten years and in 1873 went to Grand Forks county, North Dakota. The following year he entered claim to the land on which he now resides in Ferry township and has continued his residence thereon since that date. He has three hundred and twenty acres, well improved and plenty of good timber.

Our subject was married, in the state of New York, in 1871, to Julia A. Hickey, a native of New ada. Mr. and Mrs. Ferry are the parents of one son, named Joseph S. The family are members of the Catholic church. Our subject was one of the first county commissioners elected in the county and served one term. He has also served as township clerk and school treasurer and is widely and favor- ably known.

JOHN CAIN, deputy collector and inspector of custome at the sub-port of Turtle mountains, lo- cated at St. John's, is one of the most widely known and influential citizens of Rolette county. He is a native of Ontario, Canada, and was born March 23, 1853.

Our subject was the third in a family of eight children born to John and Ann (Alguire) Cain. His father was of Irish parentage and is still liv- ing. The mother was of Scotch-German descent and both parents were natives of Canada. Our subject's earliest memory is of stone picking and stump grubbing, at which he was engaged until

1873. At the age of twenty years he began a three- years apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade and in 1874 he went to the United States and joined his brother in California, where he followed his trade. Some years later he returned to his old home and in April, 1883, went to Rolette county, North Da- kota. He "squatted" on land and established the pioneer blacksmith shop of that region and work came to him from great distance and was mostly plow work. Mr. Cain also followed farming and in 1888 erected the first livery barn of Rolla. He was deputy sheriff under Sheriff Flynn and in 1894 was elected sheriff of the county and served two terms, with the exception of a short time at the last of his second term, when he resigned to accept the appointment to his present office. In the uprising of the Turtle Mountain Indians, in 1895, our sub- ject was made a deputy, and with the other officers performed his duties in compelling about two hun- dred Indians and half breeds to surrender uncon- ditionally.

Mr. Cain was married, in 1873, to Miss Eliza- beth Duff, who died in 1881. One child was born to this union, named George, who is now a resident of St. John's. Our subject was married to Miss Sarah A. Hamblin in 1880. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cain, who are as follows: Anna E., a teacher ; Margaret H., a teacher ; Jesse S., Isabelle, Warren N. and John. Mr. Cain served as a member of the first board of county commis- sioners. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and Knights of the Maccabees, and po- litically is a Republican.

GEORGE W. KLINE. The maturer years of this gentleman have been devoted exclusively to the toil and labor pertaining to the calling of a farmer, and he has acquired a knowledge of his vocation which makes him a source of information to others less favored by experience or less observing. He owns and occupies a pleasant and remunerative tract of land in Dry Lake township, Ramsey coun- ty, and enjoys the comforts of a happy home in section 20.

Our subject was born on a farm in Lasalle coun- ty, Illinois, September 5, 1858, where he was reared and educated. He remained in his native county until the spring of 1886, when he went to North Da- kota and settled in Dry Lake township, and has since been a resident there. He owns eight hundred acres of land, which he has gained from time to time. and has thoroughly improved the farm and ranks among the foremost men of his calling in his community.

Mr. Kline was married, in LaSalle county, Illi- nois, May 30, 1880, to Miss Salina D. Schoonover, a native of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Kline are the par- ents of two children, named as follows: William L. and Ernest L. Mr. Kline has held the office of township treasurer and school clerk and is a gentle- man of true merit, whose public spirit has never

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been called in question, and is an influence for good in the community with whose higher interests huis name is associated. He is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity and Modern Woodmen of America.

GUNNAR G. HAMMARS, an exceedingly successful lumber dealer of Willow City, is one of the most popular business men in Bottineau county. He knows his business thoroughly, is alert and ac- commodating and always ready to do a friend a kindness.

Mr. Hammars was born on a farm near Moland, Norway, July 14, 1855, where his father lived and died. Our subject went through the common school and the local seminary and was sent to Switzer- land to attend a polytechnical school. When he was twenty-seven he left home and coming directly to the United States located at Fargo. He was at first a clerk in a store and then was employed on the government survey from Red river to Minot and from the Northern Pacific Railroad north to the Canadian line. He was with the surveying party four years and his work carried him over the greater part of the state. He came to Willow City May 16, 1887, on the first passenger train and immediately opened a lumber yard for Warner Stoltz, of St. Paul. He has continued in the em- ployment of that firm to the present time and is re- garded as one of their most capable and trusted representatives in the northwest. He improved the opportunity and acquired land in Griggs county and has also had real estate in other counties, but has disposed of it all and is devoted to his Willow City work. He has sold much of the lumber that has been used in the building of the city and the im- provement of the surrounding farms. He was married, in 1898, to Miss Eliza Cleveland. She is a native of Wisconsin, though her parents were born in Norway. She is a lady of much character and has rapidly taken a recognized position of in- fluence in social affairs in Willow City. Mr. Ham- mars is a Republican and has served on the town- ship board several years. He is among the earliest settlers of this community and has watched its growth from the beginning. He is generally re- garded as one of the leading men of this part of the county and his words command the respect of all.

WILLIAM NAGLE, one of the early pioneers of Grand Forks county, enjoys a comfortable home and the highest regard of his associates. He has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and his present estate is successfully managed and ranks among the best cultivated tracts of land in his vicinity. He resides on section 12 in Ferry town- ship, near the town of Manvel, North Dakota.

Our subject is a native of Canada, and was born November 13, 1851. His parents, William and Eliza J. (Nugent ) Nagle, were also natives of Canada, where the father died. The mother survives and

makes her home in Grand Forks county, North Da- kota. The family of children born to this worthy couple consisted of three sons and three daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter now reside in North Dakota.

Mr. Nagle was reared and educated in Canada and remained there until 1878, when he went to Grand Forks and entered claim to land west of Manvel of the same year. In 1889 purchased the farm he now owns, where he has resided since that date, and now has five hundred and sixty acres of good land, on which he has erected a complete set of substantial farm buildings and has added other valuable improvements and carefully and economi- cally conducts the estate.

Our subject was married in North Dakota in 1882 to Sarah Doyl, a native also of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Nagle are the parents of eight children now living, who are named in order of birth as follows: William, Isabella, Walter, Thomas, Mag- gie, Leslie, Edward and Bertha I. The family are members of the Catholic church and enjoy the high- est esteem of the community where they make their home. Mr. Nagle is a man who keeps abreast of the times in all public affairs, and stands for the principles of the Republican party in politics. He is firm in his adherence to the right, and to his friends, and his popularity is well merited.

JOHN W. BLISS, one of the prominent citi- zens of Lakota, Nelson county, has for many years been identified with the farming interests of Os- ago township, and has made a success of his voca- tion, and now owns and operates more than twelve hundred acres of land on which he held his residence until recently. He has now settled his family in a comfortable home in Lakota and enjoys the fruit of many years of hard labor, which was shared equally by his faithful companion, Mrs. Bliss.

Mr. Bliss was born in Geauga county, Ohio, March 27, 1859, and was the fourth in a family of five children born to Olney and Mahala ( McFar- land) Bliss, both of whom now reside in Kan- sas. He was reared on the Ohio farm and attended several terms of college at Oberlin, Ohio, and taught school a short time in his native town, and then devoted his attention to agriculture and in the spring of 1882, with very little money in his pockets, but with a heart filled with pluck and de- termination, started out to make his fortune in the West. The place chosen for this was Dakota. He filed on a claim, and with an ox team began his ca- rcer. The first winter spent in Dakota was, in- deed, a tough one for the eastern boy, who, with an- other bachelor, spent the winter on the claim, going through about all the hardships known to a new country, seeing no one and living on scanty and frozen rations. The following season he worked for others, and during the summer, after putting in a small crop on his own claim, which crop was en- tirely hailed out, he became thoroughly discouraged

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and wrote to Mis Alice Cowles, a teacher in Geauga county, Ohio, to whom he was affianced, and urged a hasty marriage. She accordingly made arrange- ments, and together with her father and sister, came west. They were met at Grand Forks by Mr. Bliss, also by Mr. Fairbanks, who was affianced to her sister. The party proceeded to Harrisburg, where they were married November 16, 1883, by Justice of the Peace Hennessy, after which they drove to their claim, where they partook of such a feast as we think very few wedding parties ever sit down to, viz :. Fried salt pork, water gravy and bis- cuits ( such asonly bachelors can make ), and served upon dishes of every description-tin lard pail cov- ers and jack knives playing an important part. And there, in their one-room, with home- made pine bedstead and table, an old cook stove and three chairs, the bride and groom began housekeeping, and then began also the years of successes and failures which came to their lot. They have now a comfortable home and one which may well be the pride of our subject and wife, who have labored together with a will and cheerful hands and hearts. Land was purchased from time to time and they now own a fine estate in Nelson county. Three children have been born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bliss, who bear the names of Jay W., Vera M. and Eva Gertrude. Mr. Bliss served continuously on the town and school board during his residence in Osage township and in 1895 was elected to the office of county commissioner of Nelson county, in which capacity he served three years. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and politically is a Republican.

CARL DAHLSTROM. North Dakota has many foreign-born citizens who have become thor- oughly identified with her financial and social in- terests and who have gained for themselves a high place in their respective communities. Ramsey county is not without her share of these men and among them a high station is accorded the gentleman above named. He has a comfortable home and pleasant estate in section 27, of Dry Lake township, and has accumulated his possessions since taking up his residence in North Dakota.

Our subject was born in Sweden, November 21, 1862. He came to America early in the '8os and located in Minnesota, but after a short stay there came to Cass county, North Dakota, and re- mained in Fargo and vicinity until 1883. In June of that year he went to Ramsey county, and soon afterward entered claim to the land on which he now resides in Dry Lake township. He has resided thereon continuously since that date and has made a success of general farming, and is now the fortu- nate possessor of two hundred acres of land. He uses modern methods in operating the same and realizes a good income from the place.

Our subject was married in Dry Lake township,

Ramsey county, North Dakota, to Miss Mary Erick- son. Mrs. Dahlstrom was born in Norway and came to America with her parents in 1879 when about ten years of age. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dahlstrom, upon whom they have bestowed the name of Eddie E. Our subject was a man of active public spirit and has served as a member of the township board of supervisors and in other ways aided in bettering the condition of his com- munity.

JOHN F. MAGER. This gentleman is the pioneer miller of Pembina county, and in reviewing his life it will be seen that his dominant character- istics commend him to the people of North Dakota as a loyal citizen and business man of strict integ- rity of word and deed. He has practically developed the country around Walhalla, by his thrift and en- terprise in his business, and his name is intimately . connected with the history of that region.

Our subject was born in Alsace Lorraine, Ger- many, December 27, 1850, and was the fifth of a family of six children, born to John and Mary L. Mager, both of whom are deceased. The father emigrated to America in 1855 and the family joined him here one year later and located at St. Paul, and about 1858 the father went to the Red River Valley in Canada and settled at Fort Gary, and in 1859 the family removed there via the Pembina moun- tains, the valley being too wet for travel, and while en route passed through Walhalla, then settled by half-breed Indians, and it was noted as a remarkably beautiful spot.

When eighteen years of age our subject went to St. Paul to learn the machinist's trade, but could not find employment at that work and began engin- eering, and in the spring of 1871 visited his brother- in-law, Mr. Emmerling, who was located on a farm at Walhalla, then known as St. Jo. Provisions were scarce in St. Jo and flour was five dollars per sack, and the supply uncertain at any money. Our subject and Mr. Emerling decided to start a flouring mill and to this end a dam was built across the Pembina river near where the railroad bridge now stands, and a pony saw-mill was put in. The dam washed out and in the fall of that year our subject went to Fort Garry and secured an old threshing engine and with this power and a set of two-feet French burr stones wheat was ground, and New Year's day, 1872, biscuits were served. This saw was connected with the engine and timbers sawed and a new dam constructed, giving both water and steam power, and in the fall of 1874. nine hundred bushels of wheat, all that was raised in the country surrounding, was ground. Trouble with the dam continued and in 1876 the mill was re- constructed and removed to its present location, and an engine of greater capacity secured, and another run of stone, and a saw-mill was put in, and then the reward of many years of patient labor be- came apparent. Mr. Emerling died of small-pox

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in 1881, and our subject succeeded to the milling business. The mill was remodeled to rolls in 1883, and burned in 1887, and was again rebuilt, assuming its present dimensions. A fine stone engine room has recently been constructed, and the mill con- tintes operations by combined water and steam power. Mr. Emmerling had secured land in the town limits and by government rights our subject secured an adjoining quarter-section, now included in the town limits, and Mr. Mager is conceded to be the chief promotor for the upbuilding of Walhalla. In this connection may be mentioned the Walhalla, Bathgate & Eastern Railroad corporation, of which our subject was vice-president. A line was contemplated from Drayton to Walhalla and work was begun, thus forcing the Great Northern Rail- road to push their line into the town, thus giving Walhalla the necessary transportation facilities for its growth and the development of that locality. Our subject has also graciously thrown open a park to the public and Mager's Park is a pleasant resort.

Our subject was married, in 1874, to Miss Chris- tine Hermann, a native of Germany. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mager, named in order of birth as follows: Aimee, Hortense, Marie Louise, deceased ; Robert, deceased ; Joseph G., de- ceased, and Albert. Mr. Mager is a member of the Roman Catholic church, and was a charter mem- ber of the following secret societies of Walhalla : Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Independent Order of Foresters and Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically he is a Republican.

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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 137

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