Compendium history and biography of North Dakota; a history of early settlement, political history, and biography; reminiscences of pioneer life, Part 75

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 75

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The parents of our subject, John H. and Freda (Goldwin) Plath, were natives of Nerstine and Hanover, Germany, respectively, and lived and died in their native land. The father was twice married and two sons were born to each marriage, who now make their home in the United States.

Mr. Plath was reared and educated in Germany, and there learned the carpenter's trade, and June 5, 1851, emigrated to America and settled in Galena, Illinois, where he followed his trade three years. He then moved to Buffalo county, Wisconsin, and followed farming there until the spring of 1878, when he entered a homestead claim to land in sec- tion 6, of Davenport township, Cass county, North Dakota, and was among the first to begin the culti- vation of land in that locality. He followed his call- ing there until 1894 and then retired to a comforta- ble home in Galena, Illinois, and the property is now conducted by his son, J. G. Plath. He owned three and a half sections of land on which he made excel- lent improvements, and his farm furnished a home of more than usual comforts and is among the finest pieces of property in Davenport township.

Mr. Plath was married at Galena, Illinois, No-

J. H. PLATH, SR.

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vember 2, 1852, to Helen M. Hanken, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Plath are the parents of four sons and four daughters, named as follows: Annie, now Mrs. Lenhardt; Christina, now Mrs. Hoefer ; J. Henry, Jr., Minnie, now Mrs. Snyder of Galeria, Illinois ; Hannah L., now Mrs. F. F. Len- hardt, of Minneapolis; William L., August A. and John G. All the sons and one daughter live in Cass county, North Dakota. The family are members of the German Lutheran church and are held in high esteem where they reside. Mr. Plath was active in public affairs while a resident of North Dakota, and served as chairman of the township board, and assisted in the organization of Davenport township. He has met with success in his business and is well-to-do.

JOHN G. PLATH, the youngest son of the subject of this review, who is the owner of the old homestead farm in Cass county, is a young man of energetic spirit and is well and favorably known. He was born June 21, 1871, in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, and was reared in North Dakota. He was married, in 1894, to Josephine Bucklin, a native of Minnesota. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Plath, named as follows: Harry W. and Gladys M. Mr. Plath has served on the township board in Dav- enport township two years, and is one of the rising young men of Cass county.

HAMLIN F. EATON, residing on section 27, in Port Emma township, Dickey county, is one of the successful and prominent stock raisers of that re- gion. His farm is equipped with every arrange- ment for lessening labor and the conomical conduct of the place, and is the best improved estate in that part of the state. Mr. Eaton is a gentleman of intel- ligence and is an influential citizen, working for the better interests of his community, and enjoys an en- viable reputation.

Our subject was born in Trenton, Maine, August 12, 1838, and was a son of Herrick M. and J. L. (Hopkins) Eaton. His father was born in Sedgwick, Maine, and followed the sea until he at- tained his majority, when he entered the Theologi- cal Institute at Bangor, Maine, from which he grad- uated, and entered the Methodist ministry. He was an eminent divine and preached in several of the New England states, his ministry extending over more than half a century. Three sons were born to Rev. and Mrs. Eaton, as follows: Amos H., Russell W. and Hamlin F., (our subject).

His father being stationed at various places in the state, our subject moved to several places until four- teen years of age, when he entered the Maine Wes- leyan Seminary at Kents Hills, and pursued his studies there four years. After leaving the insti- tution he established a family boarding school for boys at Kents Hills, and conducted it until he was forty-five years of age. During the time he re- moved the institution to Norridgewock, in 1866, and the school constantly increased under his man-

agement until six to seven teachers were engaged in the work. Our subject left the school in charge of of his brother, Amos H., in October, 1861, and an- swered the call for troops, and enlisted as lieutenant in the Fourth Maine Battery, and served with dis- tinction in the Army of the Potomac. He was mus- tered out in Washington, D. C., in 1863, and re- turned to Maine to again take charge of his school, which he conducted until 1882. He then sold his interests and removed to Dickey county, North Da- kota, spending the fall of that year in traveling throughout the territory. He settled on the farm on which he now lives in the spring of 1883, and first conducted a wheat farm, but finding the soil and climate undesirable for that line of farming be- came interested in the raising of stock. He in- vested in cattle, and now has a fine herd of Here- fords on his ranch, and also keeps a large flock of fine sheep. His buildings are of the most substan- tial and convenient design, and excellent water is bountiful from artesian wells.

Our subject was married in Kents Hill, Maine, in 1861, to Elizabeth Goodwin. One daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Eaton, who bore the name of Fannie. Both mother and daughter passed away in 1866. Mr. Eaton married Lizzie S. Wheeler, a native of Norridgewock, in that city in 1867. Mrs. Eaton was born in 1840. Five children have been been born to bless this union, as follows: Mrs. Charles S. Brown, of Oakes; Mrs. E. G. Barnes, residing about two miles from her parents; H. W., a graduate of the Fargo Agricultural College, who is now reading law at the University of Minnesota ; Jane H., attending school at Oakes; and Ruth A., also a student at Oakes. Mr. Eaton is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Masonic fraternity.

CHRIST LUDWIG. Among the most enter- prising citizens of Barnes county, North Dakota, are those of foreign birth, who have brought into this fertile and productive country the thrift and economy of the old world. Among these there is no figure that stands out more prominently in the history of the county than Mr. Ludwig, who is meeting with marked success in his farming operations on section 22, township 142, range 58 west.

He is a native of Germany, born in 1835, and is a son of Jacob and Mary Ludwig. At the age of fourteen years he emigrated to the United States, and spent two years in New York. He then trav- eled quite extensively, stopping in various states, until 1879, when he came to Barnes county, North Dakota, and took up land on the southwest quarter of section 22, where he still resides. He has met with excellent success in this state, and is now the owner of a whole section of land, which he has placed under excellent cultivation and improved with good buildings, that stand as monuments to his. thrift and industry.

Mr. Ludwig wedded Miss Mary Stainman, who

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was born in Greene county, Wisconsin, in 1863, and they now have a family of ten children, all living. Since casting his first vote Mr. Ludwig has been a stalwart supporter of the Republican party, but has never found time to devote to public affairs, though he always faithfully performs his duties of citizenship, and is one of the most public-spirited citizens of his township.

JOHN R. BLACKMER, proprietor of one of the fine farms of Fairmount township, Richland county, is a representative citizen of that region. His industry and integrity are well known, and from a limited start he has acquired a goodly for- tune. His career has been marked with persistent and faithful efforts to advance the interests of those for whom he worked, while furthering his personal interests, and he has gained an enviable reputation.

Our subject was born in Hamilton township. Van Buren county, Michigan, June 25, 1860, and was the only son born to John R. and Mary S. ( Bid- Jack) Blackmer. Mr. Blackmer had one sister, named Jeanette. Our subject was reared in his native place and attended the common schools. He followed farming in Michigan until the spring of 1882, when he went to North Dakota, then a terri- tory, and for three years was foreman on the "Fair- view farm," located in Mooreton township. He en- gaged in farm work for others until he settled on his present estate, on section 20, in Fairmount town- ship,, about 1888, and he is now the possessor of eight hundred acres of land. He uses modern methods and machinery for the lessening of labor incident to farm life, and has surrounded himself with the comforts of life.

Our subject was married in Wahpeton, North Dakota, December 1, 1885, to Miss Minnie L. Steb- bins, a daughter of Hon. S. E. Stebbins, of Devillo township. Mrs. Blackmer's mother bore the maiden name of Maggie King. She was a native of Scot- land, and Mr. Stebbins was born in Vermont. A sketch of their lives appears on another page of this work. Mrs. Blackmer was born in Winona county, Minnesota, December 1, 1861. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Blackmer, as follows: Walter S., John R., J., and Nettie E. Mr. Black- mer is a member of the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica, and Knights of Pythias. He is an earnest worker for the advancement of his community, and the station of Blackmers was named for him, in ap- preciation of his services in the upbuilding of that region.

WILLIAM TRUMBULL, who is well known as one of the most extensive farmers of township 133, range 57, is an early settler of that locality, and was for many years connected with the business interests of Lisbon, Ransom county. He makes his home on section 10, and aside from grain raising is interested largely in stock raising. He is a man

of careful management, and possessed of business ability, which, when supplemented by the strictest honesty, brings abundant reward.

Our subject was born in Juneau county, Wis- consin, May 22, 1856, and was the fifth in a family of nine children, born to William and Anna ( Browne) Trumbull, both of whom were natives of Ireland. When eighteen years of age he went to Olmsted county, Minnesota, and worked at farm labor and well digging. He went to Cass county, Dakota, in the spring of 1880, and dealt in horses for some time, and in 1882 located butcher shops in Lisbon, and also dealt in stock. He was one of the early day business men of that place, and aided in its upbuilding. He secured land in 1882, and he and his brother did an extensive business in farm- ing, well digging, and dealing in horses and cattle. He located on his farm to reside in 1895, and is now the fortunate possessor of four hundred and eighty acres of land, and crops about eleven hundred acres annually. He has a flock of three hundred sheep, which proves profitable, and intends following stock raising more extensively. His farm is well supplied with water, and range is plentiful, and the farm is admirably adapted to that line of agriculture.

Our subject was married, in 1895, to Miss Addie Lebo. Mr. and Mrs. Trumbull are the parents of one daughter, upon whom they have bestowed the name of Ruth. Mr. Trumbull is one of the promi- nent men of his community, and has served in vari- ous important commissions. He takes an active in- terest in the welfare of his locality, and is now serv- ing his third term as county commissioner for the third district. Politically he is a Republican, and has served as a member of the Republican county central committee, and has attended as delegate numerous county and state conventions. He holds membership in the Ancient Order of United Work- men and Modern Woodmen of America.

O. B. OLSON. Probably no man has been more intimately associated with the business inter- ests of Buxton and surrounding country than the gentleman whose name heads our present article. He is conducting the farming implement business, and also the livery business and Buxton House hotel. He is a man of ability and has prospered in North Dakota and is well known throughout Traill county.

Our subject was born in Waseca county, Min- nesota, July 6, 1856. His parents had emigrated to the pioneer home in Minnesota and had not erected a dwelling when he was born in the emigrant wagon. He was the oldest of a family of eight children born to Berguff and Julia (Anderson) Olson, and his father now lives on the homestead farm.

Our subject was reared on the farm and remained there until after attaining his majority, when he be- gan work with a grading crew and later was en- gaged as a brakeman on the M. & St. L. Railroad. He followed that work one year and then began dealing in horses, and in April, 1881, went to Da-

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kota. He arrived at Hillsboro without resources, and secured a position as the first foreman of the Gould farm, which he held two years. He removed to Buxton in the fall of 1882, where he handled the collection business about two years and then estab- lished the implement business which he still conducts. He purchased the livery barn and Buxton hotel in 1888, and has prospered in every enterprise which he has undertaken.

Our subject was married in 1881 to Miss Betsey Rogn, a native of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Olson are the parents of five children, as follows: Josephine, Beatrice, Berto, Oscar and Ada. Mr. Olson was ap- pointed constable of Buxton soon after his arrival in the village, and in 1884 he was appointed deputy sheriff and served as such about nine years. He served as sergeant-at-arms at Bismarck in 1897, and is well known in public affairs. He is a Repub- lican in political sentiment, and has served on the county central committee, and is a well known figure of the North Dakota Sporting Club and manager of the Buxton base ball team, and is an authority on athletics, having been given a thorough training in that line when a young man.

JOHN MINEAR, one of the prosperous and en- ergetic farmers of Stutsman county, resides on sec- tion 4, in township 140, range 63. He was one of the early settlers of that region, and has a well-im- proved estate, which he has acquired by persistent efforts.

Our subject was born in the county of Cornwall, England, in 1845, and was a son of Henry Minear, who was a carpenter by trade, and was in turn the son of Henry James Minear. The family for many gen- erations have been well known as worthy citizens and active in the affairs of the community in which they lived. Our subject was raised on a farm in his na- tive land, and at the age of twenty-one years he start- ed for himself, tin mining, in Cornwall, England. He followed that line of work in England until 1871, when he came to America and settled in Houghton county, Michigan, the family joining him in 1873. He followed copper mining in Michigan until 1881, and then went to North Dakota and located on sec- tion 4, in township 140, range 63, and erected a 12x16-foot frame shanty and barn and lived on the farm alone during 1881 and 1882, when he proved his claim and in 1883 returned to Michigan, and in the spring of that year went to New Mexico and took charge of a silver mine, which he operated three years as manager, and was efficient in the work. He returned to his homestead in North Dakota in 1887, as his health would not permit him to remain any longer in New Mexico, and he then began farming on. his place. His crop the first year was taken by grasshoppers and the crop of 1888 was bountiful and the proceeds from the same placed him on the road to prosperity. He is now the owner of six hun- dred and fifty acres of land, and cultivates about five hundred acres annually, and has a complete set of

substantial farm buildings, all necessary farm ma- chinery, twenty head of horses, and a steam thresh- ing outfit, and aside from engaging in grain raising he is interested to some extent in the raising of cat- tle and now has about twenty-five head. For some years he followed sheep raising with success.

Our subject was first married to Grace Cock in April, 1866, in England. They became the parents of two children, Thomas and John. He was again married, in 1873,his second wife being Amelia Will- iams. They were the parents of the following chil- dren : Lillian, now Mrs. Phil. Sheridan ; Lizzie, now Mrs. Albert Ross; William, Frank, Allie, Bert, Chester, Ethel, Belle and Clyde. Mr. Minear was married to his third and present wife, Mary ( Will- iams) Minear, March 26, 1894. Mr. Minear is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is prominent in public affairs in his township, and has served on the school board two years. He is a Republican in political sentiment and has attended as delegate most of the state and county conven- tions of his party.

HON. EGBERT GILBERTSON, an honored pioneer of Cass county, resides in Pleasant township, where he has a pleasant home furnished with the comforts and conveniences of modern country life. Mr. Gilbertson was born in the southern part of Nor- way, March 5, 1853. His parents, Gulbrand Bean- son and Karri ( Oleson) Branson, were also natives of Norway, where the father died in 1865. The mother brought her family to the United States in 1872, and she now resides in Kindred, Cass county, North Dakota. The three children were: Julius; Kjerstie, now Mrs. Everingston, of Kindred; and Egbert, the subject of this biography.

Egbert Gilbertson was reared on the farm in Norway, where he remained until 1869, when he came to the United States. He first settled in Hous- ton county, Minnesota, where he engaged in carpen- ter work, and also did some work at that trade in lowa. In the spring of 1879 he came to Cass coun- ty, North Dakota, and purchased land of the rail- road company in Pleasant township. His land was without any improvements whatever, and had never been touched by a plow. He set to work with a will, and he now owns two hundred acres of well- improved and valuable land, enhanced by a modern residence, good barns and other buildings for stor- ing of his crops and the shelter of stock and ma- chinery.

Mr. Gilbertson was married, in 1889, to Agnes Hansen, a native of Norway. The following chil- dren have been born to them : Mabel H., Oeidia A., Clara E., Bernice C., George W. and Elmer A., all of whom are living. The family worships at the Lutheran Synod church.

Mr. Gilbertson has always taken an active inter- est in the affairs of good government. He is a Re- publican and has served his fellow men in the state legislature, first in 1895 and again in 1897. He

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has also filled various local offices, serving as asses- sor fourteen years, school clerk fifteen years, and was chairman of the township board seven years. He has a pleasant and hospitable home, and enjoys the re- spect and esteem of all who know him.

LEWIE C. THORESON, who has devoted the greater part of his life to the pursuit of agricult- ure, has met with marked success, and his farm in Eagle township, Richland county, is one of the pleas- ant homes of that region. He resides on section 29 and follows general farming.

Our subject was born in Winona county, Minne- sota, May 1, 1858. He was reared on a farmi in Fremont township, in his native county, and con- tinued his residence there until about the time he at- tained his majority. He went to Dakota territory in May, 1879, and entered claim to land as a home- stead on section 32, in Eagle township, where he lived till the fall of 1895, when he settled on sec- tion 29, since which time he has been a resident on that estate. He is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land in Eagle township, Richland county, and three hundred and twenty acres in Minnesota. On his home farm every arrangement has been completed to provide comfort for the in- habitants, and a complete set of farm buildings have been erected.

Our subject was married in Filmore county, Minnesota, March 27, 1879, to Miss Anna Moen, who was born in Filmore county, Minnesota. Mr, and Mrs. Thoreson are the parents of eight chil- dren, as follows: Carl T., Christian H., Anie H., Martin O., Arnold R., Lilly A., Julia E. and Odelia E. Mr. Thoreson is practical and systematic in his labors, and is one of the substantial men of his com- munity and deservedly held in high esteem.

KNUT O. BROKKE is successfully pursuing farming on the fertile soil of Belmont township, Traill county, and his home is in section 10 of town- ship 147, range 49. He is yet in the prime of vigor- ous manhood, progressive and enterprising, and is highly respected as a citizen and farmer.

Our subject was born in Winneshiek county, Iowa, May 28, 1863, and was the fourth child and oldest son in a family of seven children born to Ole K. and Berget (Knutson) Brokke. His parents were natives of Norway and came to America in 1861 and now reside in Belmont township, Traill county. Our subject was reared to a quiet farm life, and in 1878, when fifteen years of age, went with his parents to Dakota and the family became one of the earliest settlers any distance from the river. Our subject was deprived of school advantages at the age of fifteen years and has acquired his knowledge by contact with the world and by his own efforts. He remained at home for some years and then assumed charge of the farm of Knud Nomland four years, after which he purchased the land on which he now

resides. He has three hundred and twenty acres of land and has made a success of his vocation.

Our subject was married in 1883 to Miss Gertie Noinland. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brokke as follows: Betsie, Tilda, Emma, Ole, Gergen, Clarence and Leona. Mr. Brokke has served as a member of the township board for seven years and is now chairman of the board. He has also served as assessor and is prominent in public af- fairs. He was identified with the movements of the Alliance and supported the Populist party and was one of the organizers of the party in Belmont town- ship. He holds membership in the Modern Wood- men of America.

FRANCIS W. VAIL, cashier of the Bank of Sargent County, at Milnor, North Dakota, is a young man of excellent abilities, and high standing in his community. He is thoroughly conversant with the details of the institution with which he is connected, and his efforts in behalf of the same have been re- warded with success.

Mr. Vail was born at Port Washington, Wis- consin, March 18, 1864, and was a son of J. W. and Celestia M. (Beals) Vail. The mother is now de- ceased, and the father survives. Our subject was. reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and at the Shattuck Military School, at Faribault, Minnesota, and attended two years at Markham Academy, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He lived in his native place until he attained his ma- jority, when he went to Wahpeton, North Dakota, .and after six months went to Milnor, Sargent coun- ty, in November, 1885, since which time he has been engaged in the banking business. He is thor- ough and practical and is among the prominent business men of that part of the state.

Our subject was married in Milnor, North Da- kota, September 4, 1888, to Miss Ella Linton, who was born in Charleston, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Vail are the parents of two children, one son and one daughter, upon whom they have bestowed the names of David L. and Katherine M. Mr. Vail is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is an earnest worker for the advancement of his town and county and has served in various offices of trust and done very efficient work as a member of the school board. Politically he is a Republican and stands firmly for the principles of the party.

MAURICE E. DYE, who has devoted much time to the study and development of the dairy in- terests of the state of North Dakota, may well be classed among the upbuilders of his locality. He is the pioneer dairyman of that region, and his efforts to promulgate all dairy and stock enterprises have been untiring. He now resides on section 32 in Sydna township, and is engaged profitably in butter and cheese making.

Our subject was born in Sheboygan county, Wis-

MR. AND MRS. M. E. DYE.

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consin, November 15, 1856, and was the second in a family of seven children, born to Alonzo and Sarah (Breed) Dye. He settled in that part of Ransom county, which is now known as Sargent county, May. 24, 1882, a few miles distant from his present home. There he engaged in wheat raising and gradually increased his investments in stock, but the supply of water failed, and he was forced to seek a new location, when he secured a farm which he operated until 1900. He is now operating a farm on section 34 township 134, range 55. He had a fairly good start in dairy cows, and devoted himself to cheese making. He introduced the Holstein cat- tle, and of late has been changing to the Galoway. and as range is abundant is intending to change to beef cattle to some extent. He was instrumental in starting a creamery at Milnor, but this is at pres- ent idle for lack of patronage, although hope is held that it will yet prove a success.

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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 75

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