"A History of Western Murray County" by Robt. B. Forrest, Pages 150-163, Murray Co., MN Published 1947 ========================================================================= USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. If you have found this file through a source other than the MNArchives Table Of Contents you can find other Minnesota related Archives at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/mn/mnfiles.htm Please note the county and type of file at the top of this page to find the submitter information or other files for this county. Made available to The USGenWeb Archives by: Robert B. Forrest III ========================================================================= Note: Use your "Find and Replace" option under "Edit" to search this file. Where there is noted (Picture) there is a picture or darwing that you can view. The file name (ex: 004.jpg) can be found on the TOC in the description box next to the file you are viewing. Just click on the picture file name or you can view the book in HTML format at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/mn/murray/history/home.htm where the pictures are placed within the book. Special thanks go to Robert B, Forrest for sharing his Grandfather's works. Be sure to read: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mn/murray/history/western/preface3.txt ================================================================================ Early W. Murray Co. MN Hist., pages 150-163 Phillip, who was the first secretary of the Lake Wilson Farmers Elevator Company, started in farming in 1905. He farmed until 1907 when he entered the rural mail service and he has been a carrier on Route No. 2 since 1907 with the exception of two years. Phil was born at Ackley, September 15, 1879. He married Mary Ryan of Millville June 24, 1908. To this union five children were born: James P., Elizabeth M., Eleanor F., Loretta Arliss, and Eileene. James P. spent three years in World War II. He took part in African and Sicilian campaigns. He was Sgt. in the ground air force, and is now manager of Real Silk, Inc. of Jamestown, N.Y. Elizabeth worked as instructor of the N. W. air plant in World War II. She married Melvin Carlson, August 18, 1944. They have two children: Michael and Phillip Allen. They live in St. Paul. Mr. Carlson is an orderly at the Veteran's Hospital. He is a veteran of World War II. Eleanor married Edward Jensen, March 8, 1942. They live on a farm near Slayton. Loretta Arliss attended civil service school at Rochester. She went to Washington in 1943 and has charge of the Travel unit office of vocational rehabilitation division of Washington, D.C. Eileene died in infancy. THE AXEL FRESK FAMILY Axel Fresk is a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Fresk who came to Lowville township from Michigan in 1887. Axel was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Webster in 1905. To this union three children were born: Evelyn, Gordon, and Goodwin. Evelyn was united in marriage to Dewey Thatcher in 1941. They live in Chattanooga, Tenn. Gordon saw three years and 8 months' service in World War II in the air corps with rank of Staff Sgt. He was united in marriage to Miss Edith Krog of Lake Benton in Tallahassee, —150— Fla. in 1943. They have one daughter, Dianne, October 8,1944. Goodwin was united in marriage to Miss Marjorie Thompson of Slayton in 1944. They have two daughters, Judith, April 26, 1945 and JoAnne, May 1,1946. The Axel Fresk family moved from Lowville township to Leeds township in 1918. The record of his life has been one of public service especially that of co-operation. Taking a part in the organization of the Farm Bureau. Among the offices he has held are: President of the Hadley Farmer's Elevator Company, president of the Murray County Insurance Company, director of the Murray County Oil Company, county commissioner, helped organize the Hadley Creamery, director of the Fair board, vice president of the Murray County public health board, and for years was active in the Murray County shipping association. He was also the first "voting delegate" to the state Farm Bureau from the county. In fact there have been few organizations in Murray County that have benefited agriculture that he did not play a part in. THE DR. JAMES FORREST FAMILY Dr. James Forrest and family came to Murray County and settled in Cameron Township in 1883. The Forrests came from Stirling, Scotland. Dr. Forrest was a graduate of Edinburgh University. There were five children in the Forrest family: Martin, born September 5,1869; William, born January 3,1871; Robert, born July 21, 1872; Jane and Margaret were twins, born January 1,1882. Martin was united in marriage on October 10, 1923 to Miss Kittie Hart of Pipestone. He died in 1936 from injuries received in an auto accident. Wm. Forrest, who has made his home in California for the past 40 years, was united in marriage to Miss Elaine Elworthy in 1911. Mr. Forrest was an official of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company for over 30years. Robert B. Forrest, postmaster, editor, and assistant game and fish commissioner, was married September 4,1899 to Miss —151— Catherine Peterson. Three children were born to this union: Nola G., born June 19, 1900; Robert J., born February 6,1902, and Marjorie K., born February 11, 1913. Nola attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn. after which she was graduated from Eitel Hospital, Minneapolis, Minn. She then became a 2nd Lt. in the U. S. Army Nurse Corps and during World War II became a Lt. Colonel. She was Chief Nurse in several hospitals and in 1944 was Chief of Nursing Personnel in the Office of Surgeon General, Washington, D. C. ln June 1944 she became Director of Nurses in the S. W. Pacific Area and participated in the Invasion of Leyte and the Liberation of Manila, being the first woman to set foot on Philippine soil in 1944. She has 4 battle stars and was awarded the Bronze Star medal for heroic action. In 1945 she was returned to the States as a patient and was retired for physical disability, with the rank of Lt. Col. She resides at present at Los Angeles, California. Robert J. died at Pocahontas, Iowa in 1935 where he was publishing the Pocahontas Democrat. He was married in 1926 to Grace Meyer. To this union two children were born: James B., March 5,1928; and Robert B. III, March 28, 1934. James B. was in the Maritime service and now a Pfc. in the transportation corps of the army as a telegrapher, in Germany. Mrs. Forrest and Robert live in St. Paul. Marjorie was united in marriage to Ray D. Elias, a representative of the Sherwin-Williams Paint Co., on July 4,1937. Two children were born to this union: Katherine Ann, born May 4, 1938, and Margaret Jane, born May 7,1942. Jane Forrest was united in marriage to Lee Hosmer of Parkman, Ohio, in 1903. They live in Pipestone. He lived in Lake Wilson in 1901. He is a jeweler by trade. Mr. Hosmer was mayor of Lake Wilson in 1902. Margaret Forrest was married to Chas. F. Lentz of Minnesota Lake in 1916. The Lentzes live in Lake Wilson. Mr. Lentz was in the contracting business but is now retired. He has been director of the First National Bank for the last twenty years. —152— THE ROBERT FRASER SR. FAMILY Robert Fraser Sr. of Aberdeen, Scotland, was married to Miss Barbara Muir at London, England, May 9, 1871. To this union four children were born: Margaret, February 22, 1872; Mary, January 25, 1874; Robert, March 30, 1876, and James, March 23, 1878. They immigrated to America in 1882 and settled in Slayton where there were only six houses in the village. Margaret still makes her home in Slayton. Mary married Rev. John Christensen. Both passed away several years ago. They left one son, William, who is married and lives at Pierz, Minn. They have a daughter, Willa Gene. Robert Jr. came to Chanarambie township in 1892 and worked on a farm until he saved enough money to buy a fine farm for himself in 1912. He married Miss Emma Kench, September 27, 1905. Two children were born to this union: Roberta, November 24, and Roland, August 23, 1916. Roberta married Ed Dahlquist (See Peter Dahlquist biography). Roland married Eunice Endersbee June 10, 1940; they have a daughter, Donna Jean, born October 31, 1942. Eunice was born May 20, 1917. Mrs. Robert Fraser, Jr. died November 23, 1929. On December 26, 1933 Mr. Fraser, Jr. was united in marriage to Mable Olson Endersbee. They now make their home in the village of Lake Wilson. Mr. Fraser served the township of Chanarambie as supervisor for 17 years and treasurer for three years. Since coming to Lake Wilson Mr. Fraser has served as village trustee for three years. James Fraser is married and lives near New Port, Washington. They have one son, Clarence. THE WILLIAM GINN FAMILY Wm. Ginn was born in St. Leonard, New Brunswick, Canada, December 26, 1870. He came to America in 1892, landing in Minneapolis and from there he reached Murray County. He was married to Adeline Gnadt in 1896. To this union two children were born: Amanda and Harold. Amanda —153— was born May 2, 1896 and after attending the Nichols Business College in St. Paul, managed stores in northern Iowa for L. J. Kaplan. She married Adrian K. Blok, April 14, 1936. They live at Primghar, Iowa. Harold married Miss Linda Gudmonson in 1926. They have four children: Loretta, Chester, Phyllis and LeRoy. Loretta married Earl Erickson in October 1946. The other children are at home north of Lake Wilson. Mrs. Ginn passed away on November 4, 1902 and on February 5, 1904, Mr. Ginn was united in marriage to Hermina Gnadt. To this union: Charlotte, May 9, 1906; Ernest, March 12, 1909; Edwin, March 21, 1913 were born. Charlotte Emma took Domestic Science at Stout Institute in Menomomonie, Wisconsin and attended Layton Art School at Milwaukee, Wis. She married Jacob Bluemenschein, November 11, 1929. They have three children: Durwood E., December 2,1930; Ernes Marie, April 2, 1933; and Amanda Charlotte, April 6, 1943. The Bluemenscheins, who were married in Hamm, Germany, lived in Germany from 1929 to 1934. During this time except during his military service, Mr. Bluemenschein has been in charge of a Woolworth store. Mr. Bluemenschein had an interesting military experience. He was with the Germans during the winter siege of Moscow and was finally transferred to the interpreters corps. He was taken prisoner and brought to this country—then returned to Germany where he is now in charge of the Woolworth store at Oberhausen. Mrs. Bluemenschein who was completely obscured during the late years of the war, finally reached the U. S. with the two daughters; they are now at the Ginn home. Her husband plans on returning to the U. S. Durwood is in Germany with his father. Ernest is at home and is in partnership with his father on the farm. Edwin married Lola Anderson in March 1934. They have four children: Edwin, Jr., born 1935; Janet, born in 1938; Gordon, born in 1940; and Constance, born in 1942. —154— THE JAMES A. GILFILLAN FAMILY James Almond Gilfillan was married to Martha Whitmore in 1862 in Canada. He came to Chanarambie Township in 1876. They had four children: Nelson, 1864; James Almond, 1866; Louie, 1868; a girl died in infancy. Nelson lives in Flin Flon, Canada. James Almond came here with his parents. He was married to Miss Alma Mae Adams in 1899. They spent three years in Washington, returning to Minnesota in 1910. They have eight children: Alberta, Lee, Clover, Arlo, Durwood, Dorothy, James Almond and Rosebud. Alberta was married to Von Price at Chicago, Ill. in 1945. She was a nurse at the Municipal Hospital at Chicago. Lee was married to Margaret Krock 1923. They have two children: Marion and Marjorie. Clover married Frank Swanson in 1925. They have three children: Joy, Alma, and Barbara. Joy married Lester Rupp in 1945 and has a daughter, Joyce. Arlo married Frieda Grunewald in 1935. They have two children: Janice and Arlo Vee. Durwood married Genevieve Berreau in 1940. They live at Racine, Wis. Dorothy was married to Niemar Harstad in 1930. They have two children: Niemar Roy and Bertie Vee. James Almond was married to Helen Vitrock in 1938. They have two children: Billie Lee and James Almond. Rosebud married Nerl Ballweg in 1937. They have four children: Keith, Patricia, Darlo Dee and Zoneene. They live at Lennox, S. Dak. James Almond Gilfillan took an active part in the development of this section. He worked and worked hard. In the spring and summer digging wells, in the fall he threshed and baled hay during the winter months: No man worked more steadily than "Ally" Gilfillan. There wasn't a still bone in his body. —155— THE FRED G. GASS FAMILY Fred G. Gass was born June 18, 1883 at Alta, Iowa, and came to Murray County with his parents in 1902. They settled on December 18 in Lowville township. Mr. Gass started farming for himself in 1905 and made a success not only in farming but in his activities in governmental affairs. He has served as town clerk of Leeds township for 20 years, is a director of the Murray County Mutual Fire Ins. Co., was a member of the Murray County Selective Service board for six years, and was a director of PCA of SW Minnesota eight years. He was married to Elvira A. Burke, November 25, 1909. Mrs. Gass was born July 24, 1886, in Slayton, Minn. To this union were born Kenneth, August 29, 1910; Chloris, July 24, 1912; Clinton B., January 9, 1920. Kenneth died in infancy. Chloris, a graduate of Mankato Normal, taught school eight years, married Lucas Harmsen, June 22, 1939; to this union two girls were born: Gretchen L., August 9, 1940; and Kathryn, January 5, 1945. Mrs. Harmsen is teaching in Detroit, Michigan. Clinton married Myrtle E. Brewer, October 18, 1941. They have two children: Frederick S., April 21, 1943; Kenneth B., June 13, 1946. Clinton was graduated Magna Cum Laude from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1941. He was a member of the faculty at the University of Nebraska for two years, then to the Nebraska Wesleyan College where he is now professor of Mathematics. He entered the army September 15, 1944. Finally landed at Los Almos, N. M. where he was attached to the Manhattan Engineering project (the Atomic Bomb). He was with the static bomb project for over a year, working in Mathematics and Theoretical physics. He also has a master degree from the University of Nebraska. THE OTTO K. HEIMNESS FAMILY Otto K. Heimness was born in Norway and came to this country in 1883 settling first in Fillmore county. He moved to Murray county in 1884 settling on a farm in Leeds township. He was one of the most successful farmers in that township. He was married to Miss Jetta Jonette Mickelson, November 18, —156— 1886. A daughter, Elsie Bendine, was born to this union June 4, 1903. She was united in marriage to Louis Ostergaard on June 28, 1922. To this union three children were born: Jeanette Marie, April 25, 1929; Elsie Lorraine, September 1,1930; and Marion Louise, October 14, 1938. Mr. Heimness died November 1, 1928. Mr. Ostergaard who was born in Denmark was a Lt. in the Danish army. He is a veteran of World War I, serving as a Sgt. in the Inf. The Ostergaards farmed from 1928 to 1942 when they moved to Lake Wilson. THE L. J. HEIMNESS FAMILY L. J. Heimness was born in Norway and came to this country in 1869, landing at Decorah, Iowa. He was married to Johanna S. Engebretson in 1870. They moved to Fillmore county, where they lived until 1872 when they moved to Murray county, settling on section 8 in Leeds. Mr. Heimness was a substantial citizen and served as assessor and supervisor for Leeds township which he helped organize in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Heimness had three daughters: Anna, Ellen and Isabel. Anna was united in marriage to Iver Erdahl of Lake Wilson in 1910. They have one daughter, Ivey, who attended Mankato Commercial School and now has a fine position with Griggs Cooper Co. of St. Paul. Isabel married Knut Mostrom in 1896. The Mostroms had three children: Arnold, Julia and Gladys. Julia married Ole Strand of McHenry, North Dakota. They had four children. Ellen married Henry Bruns. She died in 1943. Mr. Bruns died in 1940. THE WILLIAM HELMKE FAMILY Wm. Helmke was born in Germany January 5, 1870. He came to America in 1884, settling near Avoca, Nebraska. He came to Minnesota in 1891, settling on a farm in Cameron township. He was united in marriage to Lena Dettmer in 1895. They had eleven children: Sophia (who died in 1923); Margaret, March 23, 1897; Minnie, August 30, 1898; Henry, July 23, 1900; Fred; Lena, July 24, 1903; Elizabeth, October —157— 18, 1904; Emma, March 16, 1907; Anna, July 30, 1908; William, November 28, 1909; and Alice, October 13, 1916. Margaret married Gustave Kruse, born June 16, 1894, on June 25, 1919. They have five children: Kenneth, May 25, 1920; Gordon, April 5, 1926; Darlene, November 25, 1928; Naomi, February 26, 1937; and Mavis, October 24, 1942. Kenneth married Johanna Van Ruler and has two children, Barbara and Alvin. Gordon married Marge Kline and has one son, Michael Gustaf. They live in Sioux Falls. Darlene is at home. Minnie married Emil Boese, born June 19, 1900, on February 22, 1922. They have three children: Anton, born February 3,1925; Berle, born August 22, 1927; and Clifford, born November 17, 1935. Berle served in the Navy in World War II. Anton was in the Medical Division in the Army of World War. The boys are staying at home. Henry married Elsie Haveman, born November 2, 1900, of Avoca, Nebraska, September 28, 1921. They have three children: Eileen, born Nov. 24, 1922; Roy, born March 28, 1926; and Iris, born Aug. 24, 1929. Eileen married H. Isebrands. They have a girl, Marcia. Eileen is a graduate of the Minneapolis Business College, and is with the Occidental Loan Assn. of Omaha, Nebraska. Roy saw some service in the U. S. Navy. Iris is in school. Fred died at the age of two years. Lena married Carl Boese, born April 29, 1904, on January 7, 1925. They have three children: Virgil, October 31, 1928; Wayne, December 1,1930; and Myrna, April 4,1937. Elizabeth married Ernest Grieme, born September 8, 1900, on Dec. 29, 1926. They have two children: Orville, November 21, 1927; and Beverly, February 6, 1939. Orville was in the U.S. Navy several months and Beverly is attending school. They live on the old homestead. Emma married Adolph Loftus, born January 14, 1901, on June 30, 1928. They have two children: ImoJean, born July 28, 1929; and Stanley, June 17, 1932. They live in Ellsborough township. —158— Anna married Henning Laffrenzen, born June 17, 1904, on February 12, 1926. They have five children: Dale, born January 31, 1928; Donna, September 19, 1929; Wilbur, April 1,1941; Darl, May 27, 1935; and David, May 21, 1940. They live in Pipestone. Dale is still in the Navy. William married Margaret Thuringer, born March 3, 1917, on February 15, 1935. They have two children: Maris, December 23, 1936; and Garry, July 24, 1943. They live in St. Paul. Alice married Henry Martensen, born October 23, 1910, on June 26, 1935. They have two children: Mona, April 15, 1937; and Marvin, August 19, 1944. They are living in Cameron Township. William Helmke, Sr., died January 30, 1934. His wife, who was born in 1875, died October 20, 1936. None of the old settlers were more universally esteemed than Mr. and Mrs. William Helmke. THE FRED HELMKE FAMILY Fred Helmke was the youngest son of Henry and Margaret (Schulter) Helmke of Hanover, Germany. He was born July 3,1880, and came to this country in 1895. He married Margaret Post, June 7, 1899. They moved to Pine County and then to Murray County in 1913. One of the most successful farmers in Cameron, he was the first farmer to demonstrate that quack grass could be eradicated from the farm. He retired in 1928 and moved to Lake Wilson. His wife died in 1941. Mr. Helmke married Marie Meyer of Omaha, Nebraska. He left in October, 1946 for Texas to spend the winter, but was seized with a heart attack and died November 6, 1946. Mr. and Mrs. Helmke had ten children, Henry, John, Lena, William, Fred, Sophia, Herman, Mary, Ella, and Ralph. Henry, born December 24, 1901, was married to Lillian Madge Ripley, born January 30, 1910, on September 25, 1929. They have four children, Eugene Vernon, January 24, 1931; Dale Leroy, April 21, 1933; Ronald Henry, December 10, 1936; and Darlene Claire, March 17, 1939. —159— John Henry was born May 15, 1903. He married Esther Elsie Koyn of Slayton, who was born August 27, 1904, on February 10, 1927. They have two children, Duane John, born February 3, 1931, and Shirley Ann who was born November 3, 1938. Lena was born September 22, 1905. She married Chris Voss, February 14, 1924. They have four children: Leone, born November 22, 1924, who married Bueford Peterson. They have one daughter, Doreen Leona, August 10, 1946. They live at Mound. The boys, Duane, born December 16, 1928; Gerald, born December 21, 1932; and Raymond, born January 10, 1936, are at home. Mr. Voss was born October 24, 1896. William August, born August 8,1907, married Lila Oclaire of Spencer, Iowa, December 20, 1934. They have two boys: Allen Eldridge, born December 29, 1935; and Eldon Elbert, born November 26, 1942. Mrs. Helmke was born December 12, 1913. Fred was born August 15, 1909, and married Olena Knudson, November 15, 1945. They live at Pipestone. Fred was a veteran of World War II and came out a top Sgt. He served in the European sector. Mrs. Helmke was born November 15, 1921. Sophia was born December 29, 1910. She married Carl Neuhalfen February 9,1935. They have two children: Phillip Lee, born March 9,1936; and Richard, born February 27, 1940. They live at Omaha. Mr. Neuhalfen was born January 27, 1909. Herman was born December 29, 1911, was married to Leila Bjerke on September 26, 1933. They have three children: Donna Agnes, born April 11, 1935; Sherill Herman, born April 8, 1938; and Jacqueline Leila, born January 29, 1944. Mary was born November 26, 1914. She married Douglas Johnson. (See Johnson biography.) Ella Bertha was born June 6, 1918. She married Dale Ohme, who was born January 14, 1913, on January 21, 1937. They have two children: Ardis Fern, born April 24, 1941; and Dianne Margaret, born January 4, 1946. Ralph Julius married Ann Aga. (See Aga biography.) —160— THE ROLF HARMSEN FAMILY Rolf and Elsabe Harmsen came to Cameron township in 1888 from Nebraska. They were the parents of 12 children: Ralph, Catherine, Herman, Mary, Elsie, Marcus, Hans, Emma, John, Herbert, Margaret and Adelia. Ralph, who was cashier of the Hazen and Krem banks in North Dakota, during the 20's, married Nina McAllister in 1901. They have four children: Rhea, Rolf, Lyle and Lucas. Rhea married Albert Beilke in 1927. They have 3 children: Mary, Gerald, and Richard. Rolf married Ruby Grady. They live at Bismarck, North Dakota. They have 3 children: Lois, Rolf and Wilbur. Lyle married Walter McDonald in 1932; was widowed in 1935; has 3 children: Shirley, Thomas and Barbara. Lucas married Chloris Gass in 1939. Catherine married Peter Wrigg in 1897. Mr. Wrigg died in 1908. She then married Peter Fredrickson. They raised 7 daughters: Clara, Hulda, Edna, Esther, Helen Marie, Verna and Helen Louise. G. H. or Herman married Emma Beal in 1904. Four children were born: Laura, Walter, Charlie and Edna. Laura, a graduate nurse was married in Hawaii to Voler Viles; has one daughter, Kathleen. Walter married Lenore Nelson of Hills. They have a daughter, Carol Jane, and a son, Larry. Charles married Marjorie Colby of Rock Rapids, Iowa. They have one daughter, Patricia. Edna married Robert Stewart and has two sons, Michael and Robert. Mary married Fred Edwards in 1907. They lived at Woodstock until Mr. Edwards died in 1939. Marcus died at the age of 21 in 1907. Hans was 17 when he died in 1905. —161— Elsie, a graduate nurse, served overseas in World War I; married Charles Abel in 1919. They live in Orlando, Florida. Emma, a graduate nurse, married Hans Hansen of Gretna, Nebraska. A daughter, Dorothy, was born in 1929. Emma died in 1940. John married Ruth Meyers in 1916. Six children were born to this union: John Vincent, Gwendolyn, Paul, Jean, Mark and Ross. Vincent is a veteran of World War II. He was attached to the 34th Eng., served in Australia, New Guinea and was wounded on Morotai in 1944. Was discharged in 1945, married Joan Roberts of Adelaide, Australia in 1944. Gwendolyn married Douglas Mihin. (See Mihin biography.) Paul was in the Navy in World War II, served in Japan; discharged 1946. Jean is a cadet nurse in training at Rochester. Mark is a student in the Lake Wilson High School. Herbert died at the age of 32 in 1924. Margaret married Phillip Burke in 1916. Two daughters were born to them: Phyllis, who died in 1928; and Dorothy. Adelia married Wm. Nepp in 1919. (See Nepp biog-raphy.) THE WESLEY HROMATKO FAMILY One of the younger Iowa farmers who came to Murray County and made a success of farming was Wesley Hromatko, who landed in Lowville township in 1912. He came here first in 1912, returned to Iowa, and returned in 1915. Wesley Hromatko was born in Ocheyedan, Iowa, May 21, 1888. He was united in marriage to Miss Emma Jenson December 9, 1913. Mrs. Hromatko was born on September 11, 1888. To this union three children were born: Wilma Emily, Annel Jay, and Gladys Adra. —162— Wilma, who was born in Paulina, Iowa, died at the age of 23. Annel J. was born in Lake Wilson and is now operating the home farm. He married Maybelle Moffat on June 26, 1943. Gladys Adra, who was born in Lake Wilson, was united in marriage to Eldon Heetland of Ackley, Iowa, on June 13, 1943. They have two children: Stephen Jay born March 13, 1945, and Adra Ann, born October 22, 1946. Mr. Hromatko's great grandfather, who was nearly a hundred years old, and Mr. Hromatko's mother are both buried at Ocheyedan Iowa THE JOHN HEINS FAMILY John Heins was born in Germany in 1857 and came to the United States in 1882. He was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Emshoff in 1886. Mrs. Heins was born in Germany in 1863 and came to the United States in 1868. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Heins: Henry, Fred, Anna, Mary, and Herman. The family moved to Cameron township, Murray County in 1896. Henry, who was a member of the infantry in World War I, died in the hospital at Camp Cody, New Mexico, on November 9, 1918. His death resulted from influenza. Fred, Mary and Herman live on the farm in Cameron township. Anna died April 17, 1905, from diphtheria. John Heins was an outstanding member of the community and always took an active interest in all things pertaining to the betterment of the community. For many years he served on the town board in Cameron township. THE EVAN E. JONES FAMILY One of the striking figures in the early settlement of this section was Evan E. Jones. Mr. Jones was born in Wales in —163—