Compendium history and biography of North Dakota; a history of early settlement, political history, and biography; reminiscences of pioneer life, Part 62

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 62

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Our subject was born in Fond du Lac county. Wisconsin, December 6, 1855. His mother died when he was but five years of age and at the

age of ten years he was called upon to mourn his father's deatlı. He began to earn his own liveli- hood at the age of thirteen years and while a mere boy worked in the factories in Fond du Lac, Wis- consin, for about three years, afterward going to northern Michigan. He worked there in the copper mines two years and then returned to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he learned the blacksmith's trade, following that occupation in Fond du Lac county, and at St. Cloud, Wisconsin, for about two years. He engaged in the cheese business in St. Cloud one year and in July, 1879, went to Dakota and entered a homestead claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 3, in Summit township, which he afterward traded for a quarter-section on section 19 of the same township. He improved this farm and later engaged in the hotel business in Wahpe- ton for fifteen months and then purchased one half- section of land on section 14, in Summit township. He there conducted farming four years and then rented his land and engaged in the hotel business in Breckenridge, Minnesota, two years, returning to his farm at the end of that time. He is now the owner of four hundred acres of land and has added substantial improvements to his farm.

Our subject was married, in Wahpeton, North Dakota, April 30, 1881, to Miss Elizabeth Moersch, who was born in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, November 1, 1863. Mrs. Schmitt died at St. Paul, while en route to a hospital, October 10, 1898.

Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt were parents of the fol- lowing children: Joseph died April 4, 1898, aged about sixteen years ; Paulina, and Leo P. The fam- ily are member of St. John's Catholic church. Mr. Schmitt is a well-known citizen and highly respected in his community.

HENRY BIERMANN is one of the leading and influential farmers of Traill county, wherein he is a large land owner. His farm is in section 22 of Eldorado township, and his residence is located on the northeast quarter. He has been successful as an agriculturist, but many years were spent in a seemingly fruitless struggle for the accumulation of a comfortable home. He lived in his first log house for many years and labored with untiring en- ergy, his efforts being rewarded by the acquisition of a fine property and a high station as a citizen.

Our subject was born in Nemberg, Germany, July 10, 1847, and was the younger of two children born to Henry and Mary (Patroson ) Biermann. His mother died in 1853 and in 1859 the father with his two children crossed the ocean and arrived in New Orleans shortly before Christmas and there took a steamer up the Mississippi river to St. Louis and there visited an uncle of our subject. The father began farming in St. Louis county, Missouri, and after a few years remarried.

Although but fourteen years of age our sub- ject enlisted, August 14, 1861, in Company G, Twelfth Missouri Volunteer Infantry. Pea Ridge

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was the first engagement and then followed Vicks- burg, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain and the bat- burg, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain and the battle of Atlanta and the capture of Atlanta, and then he marched with Sherman to the sea and then northward and participated in the grand review at Washington. He took part in some of the hardest-fought engagements and though but a boy proved himself loyal to the cause of his adopted land. He was home but eight days during his long and hard service and most of the time was actively engaged at the front. He was mustered out Sep- tember 3. 1864, and afterward worked in Missouri at farm labor. He went to Cook county, Illinois, in 1867 and followed farm work and about 1870 re- turned to Missouri and from there, in the fall of 1878, went to Dakota, arriving at Fargo with thirty dollars and a few household goods. His father-in- law had preceded him to the Goose river country and he took land as near him as could be found and erected a 16×24-foot shanty. He incurred debts in getting farm machinery and teams and his second crop was destroyed by prairie fire. He now owns four hundred acres of plow land and ten acres of timber and on his home farm has erected a large barn and comfortable residence and enjoys country life.

Our subject was married, December 17, 1870, to Miss Augusta Housemann. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Biermann, as fol- lows: William; Louisa ; John; Katie, deceased ; Henry ; Amelia ; Emile ; Hammon, deceased ; Hen- rietta : Carl, deceased, and Alfred. Mr. Biermann is a member of the German Lutheran church and in political sentiment is a Republican and is also a member of the G. A. R. He is a member of the township board and is influential in public affairs.

WILLIAM J. ANDERSON, ex-receiver of United States land office, of Grand Forks, is now engaged in the practice of law in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and is one of the able and well- known attorneys of the state. He is a native of Canada and was born in Elgin county, May 20, 1854.

The parents of our subject, William and Jane (Plowman) Anderson, were both natives of Canada and the father was a shoe dealer and maker and died in Ontario.

Our subject is the only son and was reared and educated in Le Sueur county, Minnesota, going there with his mother, and in 1862, on account of the In- dian troubles in Minnesota, they removed to St. Paul, where Mr. Anderson attended the public schools. He followed various callings until 1875. when he came to Grand Forks, North Dakota, as agent for the Red River Transportation Company and the following year was elected justice of the peace and continued with the transportation com- pany until 1879 and the following year was ap- pointed receiver of the land office. He opened the

office April 20, 1880, and worked in that capacity eight years and then began the study of law and was admitted to the bar about 1887. He was elected county auditor in 1888 and served four years and was an efficient and popular public official. He was elected mayor of Grand Forks in 1890, and served two years and he always proved himself worthy the confidence placed in him by the people. He has a good business in the practice of his profession and his integrity and knowledge of his calling entitle him to a high station as a professional man and citizen.

Our subject was married, in 1879, to Josephine Russell, a native of Wisconsin. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, named Ray- mond -G. and Virginia E. Mr. Anderson is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Tem- plar, and he also holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, of which order he is deputy grand chan- cellor. Politically, he is a Republican and has been identified with the movements of that party during his entire career. He has been president of the Old Settlers' Association of the Red river valley, and is one of the best known citizens of the state.

JOHN P. HOAGLAND is an honored pioneer and a prominent contractor and builder of Bis- marck, who has taken an active part in promoting its substantial improvement and material develop- ment. An adopted son of America, his loyalty is above question and his labors in the interests of the city have been most effective and beneficial. Mr. Hoagland was born in central Sweden October 29, 1840, a son of John and Mary Hoagland, who spent their entire lives in that country.

Our subject was reared to manhood in his na- tive land and there learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed in Sweden until 1868, when he emigrated to America, landing in Quebec, Canada. He proceeded at once to Red Wing, Minnesota, and remained in that state until coming to Bismarck, in 1873, arriving here in May, of that year, on the first train run into the place. For two days and a half he had stopped some miles out of Bismarck, waiting for the track to be completed.

Here Mr. Hoagland found employment at his trade and soon went to work on Fort Lincoln, which was then being built, remaining there until its com- pletion. The Indians at that time were very trouble- some and our subject had several exciting adven- tures with them, being chased to the fort by small war parties. At one time, in company with a num- ber of other carpenters employed there, he left the fort one bright Sunday morning in search of wild berrics, as fruit of all kinds was very scarce and even potatoes were considered quite a luxury. They had gone, perhaps, a mile from the post and had found an abundance of June berries in a small ravine. After eating all they were able to dispose of, they lay around on the grass enjoying the sunshine and passing the time by shooting at blackbirds with their revolvers. By the merest chance Mr. Hoagland

JOHN P. HOAGLAND.

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happened to look up over the hills and discovered a large band of Indians stealthily approaching them. As our subject and his party were only armed with revolvers, their only safety lay in flight. With the others he ran in close pursuit by the In- dians for perhaps a half-mile and then concealed himself in a patch of brush where he was soon joined by the rest of the party. They remained in hiding there for some time and then cautiously made their way by a circuitous route back to the fort. Mr. Hoagland says he was never so badly scared in his life and it required some time for his heart to resume its normal action.

In 1876 he assisted in building the fort at Stand- ing Rock, where he was employed for about two years, the lumber for its construction being sawed from cottonwood logs cut on the river bottom. When that work was completed he returned to Bismarck, where he has since engaged in contract- ing and building with marked success, and also con- ducts a lumber yard. He has assisted in building most of the leading business houses of the city, in- cluding the First National Bank building, the Center block and the Dakota block. In connection with his other business he has also engaged in farming to some extent. Upright and reliable in all things, he conscientiously fulfills his part of every contract and is an important factor in the business circles of the city. Through his own well-directed efforts he has become the owner of a handsome property. He takes a deep and commendable interest in pub- lic affairs and does all in his power to advance the interests of his adopted city, giving two thousand dollars toward getting the capitol located at Bis- marck. In political sentiment he is a Republican. He was elected county treasurer on an independent ticket, but was re-elected as a Republican, serving in all four years with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the public. A portrait of Mr. Hoagland will be found on another page.

CHRIS H. ANHEIER, cashier of the Citizens' National Bank, is a man of excellent business quali- fications and broad ideas and enjoys the confidence and esteem of a large circle of business and social friends. He was born in St. Croix county. Wiscon- sin, March II, 1858, and was the son of William and Margaret ( Moskop) Anheier.

The parents of our subject were natives of Ger- many and came to the United States about 1848, and were married in southern Illinois, where they resided for some time and then moved to Wiscon- sin, and from there, in 1864, to Minneapolis, where they still live, the father retired from active labors.

Our subject was one of two sons and the only one of the family in North Dakota. He was reared and educated in Minneapolis, where he remained with his father in the milling business until 1880. when he went to Grand Forks, North Dakota, and in 1881 went to Fargo as elevator manager and bought wheat one year and then was engaged as en-

gineer for the city water works for a short time. He soon afterward engaged again in the elevator busi- ness and in 1886 was elected auditor of Cass county, on what was known as the farmers' ticket. He was re-elected in 1890 and again in 1892 and in the fall of 1895 was appointed bank examiner and served until July 1, 1898. During that time he was receiver of the Grand Forks National Bank for five months and in January, 1897, was appointed receiver of the Citizens' National Bank, of Fargo, which office he is now filling.

Our subject was married, in 1886, to Miss Kate Schulte, a native of Minnesota. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Anheier : Harry W., Clarence M., Carl, Marie and Walter. Mr. Anheier is a member of the Order of Foresters, of which order he is chief ranger. He is also a member of the Zodiac, recently organized, and is the executive officer of that order. He served as county judge for a short period during the absence of Judge Roberts and is one of the most prominent men of Fargo and keenly alive to the welfare of that thriving city. He has been associated with the Democratic party since he attained his majority and is an ardent worker for the principles of that or- ganization.

FRANK J. BURNHAM, one of the influential citizens of Carrington, Foster county, near where he conducts an extensive farm, is one of the enter- prising and well-to-do citizens of that region. He was born in St. Albans, Vermont, December 18, 1851, and is a son of G. B. and Augusta (Trusell) Burnham. His father was of English descent and his ancestors came from England in colonial times. He was a mason during his career and the grand- father of our subject was a farmer in Vermont. The mother of our subject was born in New Hamp- shire and her father was a native of England.

Mr. Burnham is the oldest in a family of three children and was raised in his native place and at the age of twelve years removed with his parents to High Gate. Vermont, where he lived six years. He learned his father's trade and at the age of twenty years started for himself. He worked at his trade four years in Vermont, after which he did contract work for himself twelve years, part of the time in New Hampshire. He came to Dakota in March, 1883, and entered claim to government land, the southwest quarter of section 30, in township 145, range 66, as a pre-emption, but later turned his claim to a homestead and he also took land as a tree claim. He erected a 16x24 house, the first building of any size in the locality, and this was a familiar landmark and could be seen many miles. He is now the owner of nine hundred and sixty acres of land, about half of which is under cultivation, and he has ten acres of forest trees and a complete set of excellent farm buildings, among the best in the county, and keeps sixty head of cattle and twenty head of horses on the place. He manages the farm

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himself, but has a tenant on the place. He erected a substantial and commodious residence in Carring- ton in the summer of 1898, since which time he has made his home there. He has worked at his trade in Carrington and all of the largest and best con- structed dwellings he has worked on.

Our subject was married, in Vermont, Decem- ber 6, 1873, to Miss Emma Rorabaugh, who was born and raised in Duncannon, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Burnham's father, Daniel Rorabaugh, is of Ger- man descent and is a prosperous farmer of Iowa. Three children have been born to Mr.and Mrs. Burnham, as follows: George, Chilo and Pluma. Mr. Burnham is active in local affairs of a public nature and has held various offices in his township. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically, he is a Republican.

HON. JOHN. W. SCOTT, auditor of Grand Forks county, has served in that capacity many years and is one of the best known and most highly esteemed officials of the county. He is efficient, faithful and posessed of true Americanism and his high standing and enviable reputation is well mer- ited. For some years he has been identified with the agricultural interests of Grand Forks county, and still owns a large and well-improved estate in this county. He owns nine hundred acres in the township of Gilby.

Our subject was born in Ontario, Canada, Oc- tober 21, 1849, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Noyes) Scott. His father was a native of Ireland and came to America about 1825 and his death oc- curred in Canada. Four sons constituted the chil- dren of this family, of which our subject and one brother are the only ones of the family in North Dakota.

Mr. Scott was reared and educated in Wiscon- sin and began his business career as a farmer and followed the same in Wisconsin until 1880. He came to North Dakota in 1879 and entered a home- stead claim to land in Grand Forks county, on which he resided until 1892, when he was elected to his present office. He thoroughly improved the place and it is one of the pleasant farmis of the locality. Mr. Scott was elected auditor of Grand Forks county in 1892 and began to serve in that capacity in 1893 and was again elected to that office in 1896, evidencing his efficient work and popularity. He was elected county commissioner in 1881 and was the first commissioner from the fifth district. He was elected as a member of the state legislature in 1884 and served one terni.

Our subject was married, in 1875, to Miss Ella Harshman. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Scott, five of whom are now living and bear the following names: Roy, Charles, George, Ruth and Harry. Mrs. Scott died in 1891. Mr. Scott was afterward married to Miss Hannah Varner. Three children have been born to this union, named Hannah, Leona and Ada. Mr. Scott is a member

of the Knights of Pythias. He is a stanch and life- long Republican and has served on the county cen- tral committee of his party.

HERBERT J. MASTIN, one of the energetic farmers of Stutsman county, is carefully tilling the soil on section 8, in township 139, range 64, and the improvements on his estate evidence his prosperity. He went to Dakota without means, but his indomit- able will and energetic efforts have placed him among the substantial men of his community.

Mr. Mastin was born on a farm in Kent county, Michigan, March 12, 1859, and was the fifth in a family of ten children, nine of whom are now living. His father, Joseph Mastin, was partly of Irish de- scent and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Martha Hart, was of German descent and was born in New York.

Our subject was raised on a farm in his native state and at the age of fourteen years left home and worked at farm labor for about four years, after which he went into the lumber woods of northern Michigan and was later lumber inspector and worked with the firm of Cummer & Son for five years and was regarded bv them as one of their most efficient men. He went to North Dakota in the spring of 1882 and entered a pre-emption claim to land which he sold later. He began farming on the land which he now owns and on which he was farm foreman for about six years, after which he purchased an interest in the place and was in part- nership in the operation of the same for six years. The partnership was then dissolved and our subject moved to Jamestown and operated a dairy one vear and in 1895 purchased the old farm on which he had begun his farming in Dakota. He entered Dakota with about nine dollars and is now the possessor of one hundred and sixty acres of well-improved land and annually cultivates over five hundred acres. He has a complete set of farm buildings and all machin- ery for the economical conduct of the place and for the past sixteen years has owned and operated a threshing machine and now has a steam rig. He has made a success of his vocation and has provided for his declining years.

Our subject was married, in 1897, to Miss Lilie Anderson, a native of Indiana, who was raised in Michigan. Mrs. Mastin's parents came from Swe- den while young and her father. Erick Anderson, was a farmer by occupation. Mrs. Mastin is a member of the Presbyterian church and our subject holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

HENRY L. STAFFORD, an ex-soldier and prominent early settler of Ayr township, Cass coun- tv, is a gentleman of active public spirit and enjoys . the highest esteem of his associates. He has re- sided in Ayr township since the pioneer days and is

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owner of a fine farm of three quarter-sections, on which he successfully conducts general farming and has a pleasant home in section 30.

Our subject was born in Erie county, New York, June 6, 1843, and was a son of Lyman J. and Lucv (Prentice) Stafford, both natives of New York. His father was a carpenter and farmer and went to Dodge county, Wisconsin, in 1845, where he re- mained until his death, in 1886. The mother died in 1850. The grandfather of our subject, Levi Stafford was a native of New England.

Mr. Stafford was reared in Wisconsin and re- ceived superior educational advantages in that state and remained at home until 1861, when he enlisted in band of the Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and served ten months. He again enlisted in 1863 in the Sixteenth Indiana Volnteer Infantry and was de- tailed in the band and served as such until the close of the war. He was most of the time with the Army of the Gulf. After his discharge from the service he returned to Wisconsin and remained there until 1878, when he visited Cass county, North Dakota, and the following spring filed claim to the south- west quarter of section 30, in Ayr township, which has since been his home. He has followed farming continuously since that time and is now the possessor of three quarter-sections of choice land, which is under cultivation.

Our subject was married, in 1874, to Angie M. Hotchkiss, a native of Wisconsin. Mrs. Stafford's parents, John and Camilla ( Fisher ) Hotchkiss, were natives of New York and settled in Wisconsin in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford are the parents of three children, named as follows : Harry H., Camilla L. and Addie F. Mr. Stafford was elected county six years and is now one of the county drainage commissioner in 1891 and served in that capacity commission. He has filled all the local offices in his township, which he assisted in organizing and was the first town clerk. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ancient Order of United Workmen and G. A. R., of Fargo, North Dakota, and is one of the influential citizens of Cass county.

CHARLES L. WARD is well known through- out Dickey county as a man of excellent character- istics and business ability. He has been a resident of Ellendale and vicinity many years and has gained a comfortable income and an enviable reputation.

Mr. Ward was born on a farm near Fort Atkin- son, Jefferson county, Wisconsin, November 12, 1848, and was the elder of two children born to Hiram and Diantha ( Bissell) Ward. His father was a farmer by occupation until recent years when he retired from active pursuits and is now a resident of Fort Atkinson. The mother of our subject died in Wisconsin, in 1876.

Our subject was educated in the schools of his native place and remained at home until about twen- ty-four years of age, when he went to Fort Atkinson

and followed teaming for two years, after which he became yard foreman for a large manufacturing con- cern in that city, at which he was engaged seven years. He went to Ellendale, North Dakota, in 1883, and filed on land twelve miles east of the town, which he later sold and purchased land nearer town. He resided thereon until 1891, when he removed to Ellendale and began buying grain, which occupa- tion he has since followed with success. He retains. his farm in Ellendale township, which consists of four hundred and eighty acres.

Our subject was married, in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, in 1871, to Lillian Truax, a native of New York. Mrs. Ward died in Fort Atkinson in 1876, leaving one child, Nettie, now Mrs. Aaron Edgeley, of Ellendale. Mr. Ward married Miss Ida M. Scram, in Fort Atkinson, in 1879. Mrs. Ward was a native of Illinois. Two children have been born to this union, as follows: Verdena, who died aged two years and eight months, and Hiram. Mr. Ward is prominent in secret society circles and is a member of the Knights of Pythiias, Ancient Order of United Workmen and Modern Woodmen of America and is state deputy of the last named, which office he is ably filling and has aided in rapidly increasing the membership of that organization. Politically, he is a Republican and is a man who keeps pace with the times in all matters of a public nature and is strong in his convictions. His suc- cess is due alone to his own persistent efforts and he now enjoys prosperity and the confidence of the en- tire community.

HIRAM A. SPRINGER. This gentleman is- well known as an agriculturist of Richland county, North Dakota, and is the fortunate owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land in Danton town- ship. He resides on section 27, and his farm build- ings are of substantial construction and convenient arrangement.

Mr. Springer was born in Jefferson county, New York, January 7, 1854. When two and a half years. of age he went with his parents to Illinois and the family settled in Whiteside county, where our sub- ject resided until twenty-two years of age. He then went to Franklin county, Iowa, and engaged in farming there seven years. In March, 1884, he went to Dakota and made settlement in Danton township, where he has since been a resident. He is a success- ful farmer and has successfully run a threshing ma- chine for many years and has gathered about him a comfortable competence.

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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 62

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