"A History of Western Murray County" by Robt. B. Forrest, Pages 188-203, 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 188-203 have three children: Gordon, Margaret and Rodney. Gordon B. Olson was born May 30, 1926. He entered the army August 7,1944. He was attached to the 15th infantry of the 3rd Division. He took part in the drive on the Siegfried Line and was wounded March 18, 1945. He died from the effects of his wounds on March 20, and was buried on March 21 in the U. S. Military cemetery at St. Avold, France, 23 miles west of Metz. Gordon, for bravery of the highest degree, was awarded a citation and with it the Distinguished Service Cross. Rodney is attending high school at Lake Wilson. Margaret married Ray Thorne of the Canadian army. Ernest was born October 11, 1891 and is a veteran of World War I; he lives at Chandler, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Olson conduct the Gamble store in Lake Wilson. THE C. F. SIERK FAMILY Chas. F. Sierk was born in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska and came to Minnesota in 1915 settling on a farm that had been in the Sierk family for 45 years. Since coming to Minnesota Mr. Sierk has been active in township affairs as well as in projects for the benefit of agriculture and did much to promote the Farm Bureau and its affiliations. He is now serving as county commissioner from the 3rd District. He was united in marriage to Edna Jane Vaughan, March 6, 1907. To this union six sons were born: John L. 1908, Harry G. 1910, Carl F. 1912, Lyle and Leon (twins) in 1920; George M. in 1921. No family in this section exceeded that of the Sierk family in war service. Out of the six sons, five saw service in World War II. John L. was married in Springfield, Mo. to Freda Moody. She passed away on January 1, 1946. John saw European service in the last conflict, taking part in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a top sergeant when discharged. Harry G., a graduate of Dunwoody in Minneapolis, was married to Gertrude Foster of Minneapolis. They have two girls: Susan and the baby Sara Jane, who was born March 9, 1947. Harry, also, saw service in the European sector being a Sergeant in the 8th Radio Force. —188— Carl F., after attending high school here, graduated from the state agricultural college and from the college of Agriculture at Moscow, Idaho. He was 1st Lieut. in the Coast Guard, being stationed on the S.S. Pomona, Marine Division. He was married to Miss Frances Smith in 1941. They have one daughter, Catherine. Lyle and Leon were twins: Lyle was one of Minnesota's ace airmen having participated in many daring exploits. He enlisted before war was declared and was in Honolulu during the attack of December 7, 1941. Winning his way to the top he had 50 flying missions and 251 combat flying hours over enemy territory to his credit. He was forced down in Russian territory. Besides having the Distinguished Flying Cross, he also had the Air Medal, the Pilot Wings of the Yugoslavian air force decorations which were pinned on him by King Peter. He trained and led Yugoslavian Combat Troops in England. He met an untimely death in an airplane accident near Lake Wilson, Sunday, September 1, 1946. Lyle was married to Miss Flo Piasser of Brooklyn, N.Y. September 15, 1942. Leon, the other twin, was left to assist in the farm work. He was united in marriage to Miss Erma Eichhorn, July 20, 1946. George finished his education at the State Agriculture School. Enlisted in the war, he spent three and a half years in the Pacific area and was a Master Technical Sergeant Air Corps Ground Supply Squadron. He was united in marriage to Miss Lorna Reha July 22, 1943. They have one daughter, Muriel Edna. THE GEORGE H. SMITH FAMILY George H. Smith was one of the first settlers of Cameron Township. He was united in marriage to Miss Emma Shipley in 1880. The Smiths moved to Lake Wilson in 1893. Mr. Smith entered the general merchandise business and later became postmaster. They had seven children: Wallace, Maud, Robert, Charles, Lyle, Harold, and Helen. Wallace was united in marriage in —189— 1919 to Miss Amy Baldridge. To this union five children were born: Lavonne, Fay, Dean, Arliss, and Connie. Lavonne died in 1943. Fay was married in 1943 to Don Babcock. Don saw six years service in Newfoundland, and the European sector. He came out a Tech. Sgt. in the 30th Division. Sgt. Babcock is a past commander of Herbert Holtke Post No. 285. They have one son. Dean, who saw three years' service in World War II was attached to the 70th Division. He had the rank of Sergeant. Arliss is a graduate of the Lake Wilson High School. Maud was united in marriage to Frank Webster, son of one of Lake Wilson’s first business men. Mrs. Webster died in 1922. Robert was united in marriage to Miss Martha Daily in 1918. He has been rural mail carrier here for nearly thirty years. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Doris, who is now deceased; Eldon, Audrey, Delilah, and Esther. Eldon is serving in the army of occupation in Japan. Audrey married Elmer Martensen in 1941. They have three children: Larry, James, and Ronald. Delilah married Chester Baack in 1939. They have three children: Dianna, Dennie, and Richard. Esther was united in marriage to Myrl Bruemmer in 1946. Charles was married February 8, 1917 to Miss Emma Kerger. Mr. Smith is now postmaster in Lake Wilson as his father had been before him in 1892. They have three children: Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Smith who served six years in World War II, serving in the African, Sicilian, Italian, and European campaigns. He married Miss Martha Fjellenger in February 1946. Vivian married Don Osmonson in 1942. They have two children. Rodney is now editor of the Lake Wilson Pilot. Rodney was in the Pacific area for three years in World War WII and came out a SC-3c. Lyle Smith married John Twedt of Sioux Falls, S. D. They have two children: Oliver and Robert. Harold married Sadie Baldridge in 1938. They have an adopted child. They live at Backus. Hade was attached to a torpedo destroyer flotilla during World War I. —190— CHARLES SWAN, SR. FAMILY Charles Swan was born in Easter Junby, Skona, Sweden, on October 7, 1869. He borrowed money from a relative and came to the United States landing in Murray County on May 21, 1884. He worked for George Wilkinson for $5.00 a month. That was the start and he worked hard, was thrifty, a good manager, a fine family, and finally owned at one time about 3,000 acres of land. He was one of the, if not, the largest landowner in western Murray county but he is dividing his holdings among the children. He has taken an active interest in politics and affairs of government. He served for 14 years on the town board of Lowville, took part in organizing two school districts and among the many official positions he has held was one on the Federal Land Bank Association. He was united in marriage to Miss Anna Johnson on November 14, 1890. Mrs. Swan was born in Skona, Sweden, on January 26, 1872. To Mr. and Mrs. Swan were born 13 children, of whom eleven are now living. They have all been brought up in the Lutheran faith. HISTORY OF THE SWAN FAMILY Stanley A. Swan: Born March 5, 1892, Cedar County, Hartington, Nebraska. Lost sight at the age of nine. Graduated from the school for the blind at Faribault, Minnesota. Lives with his father in Balaton, Minnesota. Delia L. Swan: Born October 1, 1893, Mason Township. Married Heye Greenfield, born April 11, 1887, September 12, 1916, deceased May 1,1944. Now lives with her father in Balaton. One child, Muriel Greenfield, born November 1, 1922. Married Dean Dinsmore of Ulen, Minnesota. One child: Steven Charles Dinsmore, born October 17, 1946—a great grandchild. Charles Swan, Jr.: Born May 29, 1895, Lowville Township. Lives on a farm in Lake Sarah Township. Married Edith Hokanson, born February 15, 1897, on February 15, 1922. Two children: Charles V. Swan, born March 16, 1923. Married Eunice Nelson, June 16, 1946. Lola Swan, born March 16, 1932. —191— Nels H. Swan: Born November 16, 1896, Lowville Township. Lives on a farm in Skandia Township. Married Anna Hermodson of Crookston, Minnesota. Born in Sweden March 16, 1903. Married September 19, 1934. Four children: Dennis Swan, born April 15, 1936; Donald Swan, born June 4, 1938; Daryle Swan, born July 17, 1939; Marilyn Swan, born August 1,1943. John E. Swan: Born September 11, 1 898, Lowville Township. Married Olga Nyquist, born January 3, 1900, February 12, 1926. Lives on a farm near Hadley, Minnesota. Two children: Harriet Swan, born November 26, 1928; Harris Swan, born February 28, 1935. Mabel D. Swan: Born June 25, 1900, Lowville Township. Married Walter Zabel, born March 25, 1897 on October 7, 1931. Lives on a farm near Garvin, Minnesota. One child, Vernon Zabel, born May 24, 1932. Oscar L. Swan: Born July 24, 1903, in Lowville Township. Married Leva Helmke, born November 12, 1904, on January 1, 1935. Lives at Balaton, Minnesota. Operates an oil station at Balaton. Alfred E. Swan: Born September 8,1906, Lowville Township. Married Ruth Swanson, born July 22, 1912, on February 14, 1940. Lives on a farm in Skandia Township. Two children: Darlene Swan, born May 19, 1942; Douglas Swan, born May 29, 1945. Hilding B. Swan: Born January 18, 1908, Lowville Township. Married Blanche Kadolph, born April 21, 1918, on March 31, 1943. Lives on the home farm in Lowville Township. One child: Betty Swan, born March 30, 1945. Viola E. Swan: Born April 18, 1910, Lowville Township. Married Harry Hanson, born January 2, 1911, on March 16, 1937. Lives on a farm in Skandia Township. One child: Robert Hanson, born July 25, 1940. Allan P. Swan: Born July 16, 1912, Lowville Township. Married Orla Nelson, born October 29, 1916, on May 8, 1941. Lives on the home farm in Lowville Township. One child: Corrine Swan, born April 23, 1946. —192— Stanley, who lost his eyesight when a boy, has been in business and is now a traveling salesman and has supported himself for the last thirty years—a real accomplishment for a blind man. THE HANS SIMONSON FAMILY Mr. and Mrs. Hans Simonson who were born in Norway, were Leeds Township's first settlers, arriving here in July 1872. Both of them have long since passed away. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Simonson: Simon, Bertha, Iver, Carrie, Knute, Turena and John. Simon had six children: Henry, Gertrude, Charles, Lillie, Chester and William. Henry is married, lives near Ellendale, and has one married daughter. Gertrude lives at Ray, North Dakota. She has two daughters: Margaret and Dorothy. Lillie is married and lives in California. She has one daughter. William lives at Wheelock, North Dakota. Charles and Chester farm the home place. Simon and his wife passed away several years ago. Bertha married John Anderson of Fillmore county. They have ten children: Andrew, Hans, Julia, Peter, Anna, Lena, Hannah, Edward, Nettie, and John. Carrie married lra Engebretson in 1882. Four children were born to this union: Archie, Effie, Bertha, and Lulu. Bertha died in 1886. Effie, born in 1886, married C. F. Lowe in 1907. They live in Canada. Archie, who was born in 1890, was married to Violet Hillquist of Balaton in 1915. They have two children: Howard and Ardis. Howard is a veteran of World War II. Traveling with the E.T.O., he encircled the world. Ardis works in the Murray County State Bank. Ardis was married to Harold Martin, January 11, 1947. Mr. Engebretson has been a rural mail carrier for thirty years. Lulu, born in 1895, married James Jensen. They have four children: Wallace, Iola, Barbara, and Robert. They live at Worthington. Wallace served in World War II and returned with an English wife. Ira and Peter Engebretson were engaged in the mercantile business at Lake Wilson for years. Ira was also postmaster. —193— Ira moved to Hadley to enter the mercantile business and again served as Postmaster. Archie was Postmaster and managed the store for a year. Peter sold his store at Lake Wilson and moved on a farm near Madison, Minnesota. Both Ira and Peter passed away some time ago. Turena was married to Peter Engebretson in 1885. They had five children: Veda, Lawrence, Mayme, Nettie and Marvin. Nettie died at the age of 12. Veda, born in 1892, married Helmer Oslund. They have three children: Gordon spent five years in the service in World War II. He was married to Edith Stoneberg of Chandler. They have a son, Gary John. Lois, born in 1926, married Alvin Rheinhold in 1944. They have one girl, Dianne Louise. Robert, born in 1922, is at home with his parents. Lawrence, born in 1 894, is married and has a daughter, Sonja, born in 1945. They live near Madison. Marvin, born in 1906, is with his mother on the farm. Mayme, born in 1897, married Clarence Linde in 1920. They have four children: Clifton, born in 1922, served in World War II. Robert, Dorothy, and Gerald are at home. Knute, born in 1860; John born in 1866, and Iver born in 1854 have passed away. They were bachelors. Mrs. Carrie Engebretson and Mrs. Turena Engebretson are the only living children of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Simonson, first settlers of Leeds township. Mrs. Carrie is the oldest member of the Hadley Lutheran Church and the oldest living resident of Leeds township. THE LARS O. SOLEM FAMILY Lars O. Solem and wife were born in Norway and came to Murray county in 1872, settling on a claim. Mr. Solem was one of the signers on the petition for the formation of Leeds township in 1873. They had four children: Mary, Johanna, Martin and Ole. Ole was married to Augusta Johnson December 16, 1903. They live in Hadley. They had six children. —194— Gladys Lenore born in 1904 was united in marriage to Oscar Benson. Twelve sons were born to this union; ten are still living. Marvin was born in October 1907. He is a veteran of World War II serving in New Guinea. He served in the Engineer Division. Married Dorothy Reynolds of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they now live. Marvin is a road builder. Harris was born in 1910. He was in the air corps and saw service in England and France during World War II. Lester was born in 1912, married Gladys Lundeen. Two children were born to this union, Brian and Cleo. He is employed in the Hadley Creamery. Arden was born in 1916. He is now in the employ of the Hadley Creamery. Margaret, who was born in 1922, married Lawrence Amundson of Lake Wilson. They now live in Lake Wilson. Ole had the longest term of service of any man in the history of the Hadley Co-operative creamery. He served over thirty years and retired two years ago. THE PETE THOMPSON FAMILY One of the founders of Leeds Township back in 1872 was Pete Thompson. When he came here he was known as Peter Sacarrisen. The name was an unusual one and was hard for his neighbors to pronounce so he changed it to Pete Thompson. A popular man was Pete. One year he was elected as Peter Sacarrisen to the town hoard and the next time he was elected as Pete Thompson. He took up a claim on the western side of the township. He was a carpenter by trade and made many coffins in the early days besides building homes and barns after the railroads came. He was married to Elena Ruen in 1876. To this union one son, Theodore, was born. One son was born to Theodore, his name is Clifford A. Thompson. He married Miss Elsie Yearous at Madison, South Dakota, October 26, 1934. Three children were born to this union: Keith Albin, May 5, 1937; Gary —195— Lee, April 7, 1940; Carolyn Kay, February 18, 1944. Clifford and family live on the homestead that his grandfather filed on in 1872. Mrs. Peter Thompson died on February 17, 1947. THE JOHN A. TUTT FAMILY John A. Tutt came to Murray County in 1901. He broke up the prairie and raised flax and wheat on his father's farm, north of Lake Wilson. In 1904 he located on the farm. He has been a member of the board of directors of the Farmers' Co-op. Elevator and Lumber Company for several years and in all community affairs. John Tutt and Christine Corneliussen were married at Alta, Iowa in 1908. They had eight children: Mary, Arthur, Earl, John, Fred, Carroll, Irene, and Ralph. Mary graduated in 1931 from Nurses' Training after two years at Pipestone Memorial Hospital and one at Ancker, St. Paul. She became a Minnesota registered nurse and worked short periods in the Indian Hospitals at Pipestone and Flandreau. She received an appointment to Ft. Duchesne, Utah. She married Robert Owens in 1941. They have three children: Mary Roberta, Barbara and Beverly. Arthur was married to Nina Parrish in 1931. They live in Chico, California, where he is an electrician. They have two children: Barbara and Maxine. Earl graduated from Dunwoody School in Minneapolis, in 1940. He lives at Vallejo, California, and is an electrician in the shipyards at Mare Island. John married Stella Erickson in 1941. They live on a farm and have three children: John, Judith and James. Fred enlisted in the army in February 1941. He was in the 2nd Bn. Sr. A. Btry. 147th Field Artillery. He was stationed at Fort Ord, California, until he left the United States in November 1941. He arrived in the Pacific theatre January 6, 1942. He served in the Australia, East Indies, and New Guinea campaigns. He returned to the United States in April —196— 1944 and was transferred to Ft. Bragg and Camp Butner, N. C. until in October when he received his discharge. Carroll has helped on the farm since he graduated from high school. The last two years he and Fred have been in partnership with their father. Irene enlisted in the Navy in June 1943. After training in New York and Great Lakes, she was stationed at Glenview, Ill. She was transferred to Dallas, Texas January 1945 and received her discharge in November 1945. She graduated from McConnell Airline Hostess school in Minneapolis in August 1946 and is now stationed in San Francisco. Her flights are between San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ralph died in infancy. Sam Tutt, the father of John, was a pioneer in Buena Vista county, Iowa, and underwent all the privations of the early settlers. He came to Murray county in 1938 and purchased 400 acres of land in Ellsborough township. THE BENJAMIN F. WARREN FAMILY Benjamin F. Warren was born October 4, 1856 in Ireland. After coming to this country he lived for a time in Wisconsin, coming to Chanarambie township in 1881. Mr. Warren did much to introduce full-blooded horses, cattle, and sheep in this section and he always took an active part in the affairs of government. He died July 13, 1925. He was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Sheppard on March 27, 1881. Mrs. Warren was born in Algone, Wisconsin November 9, 1858 and died December 21, 1940. Four children were born to this union: Ralph B., January 3, 1883; Walter T., March 14, 1885; Arthur, born December 9, 1886, who died in infancy; and Winnie, born October 26, 1888. Ralph B. was united in marriage in 1908 to Catherine Rathman, of Blair, Nebraska, born December 9, 1881. To this union were born five children: Arthur, who was born July 6, 1909, was married to Miss Viola Johannsen of Pipestone—born May 11, 1915—on Sep- —197— tember 14, 1940. They have four daughters: Patricia, born July 9, 1941; Karen, March 17, 1943; Barbara, on November 23, 1944; and Ardelle, born September 19, 1946. Marjorie, born April 26, 1911, was united in marriage to Clarence N. Lange, of Avoca, September 12, 1941-. They have two daughters: Caryl, born June 20, 1942, and Muriel, born April 16, 1946. Winifred, born October 25, 1912, was married to Edwin C. Madison of Slayton, October 30, 1931. They have four children: Betty, born August 21, 1932; Myrna, on May 28, 1934; Warren, born January 17, 1938; and Judy, born on November 14,1940. Frances, born April 28, 1914, married Dr. Carl Steinhauser of Mountain Lake on August 14,1937. They have one daughter, Mary, born October 30, 1940. Walter Russell, born December, 1915, and died at birth. Walter, the second son, was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Jones of Edgerton, June 16, 1907. Mrs. Warren was born October 17, 1884. They have one son, Donovan, who was born May 26, 1921. He was married to Miss Eleanor Toner of Slayton November 28, 1945. Mrs. Warren was born July 13, 1927. They have one daughter, Kathleen Ann, born November 7, 1946. Both Walter and Don still live on the old home place. Winnie married J. Pinkerton Squire of Aberdeen, South Dakota, November 28, 1910. They had five children: Vincent Warren, born August 13, 1912. He married Myrtle Hunziker of Cornell, Wisconsin, June 3, 1939. They have two children: Richard Guy, October 28, 1942; and Mary Beth, November 17, 1945. They live in Cornell. Maurice LeRoy, born January 16, 1915. He was in the navy for four years; Sr. Lieut. of Submarines in Pacific. He won The Dolphin, combat pin, Bronze Star. He lives in Chicago, Illinois. Mildred Winnifred born May 19, 1917—a registered nurse and dietitian. She married Chester A. Smith, December 20, 1941. He was in the Adjutant General Dept. and served in the European sector. —198— John Pinkerton, born August 17, 1923, and married Jeanne C. LaSalle, August 25, 1943. He was a flight officer navigator in the U. S. Army. He is now attending the University of Minnesota. Carol Joy Squire, born December 25, 1926, is a junior at the University of Minnesota. J. Pinkerton Squire died in 1927. B. F. Warren died at Ely in 1925 at the age of sixty-nine. His wife, Lizzie, passed away in 1940. Ralph Warren and his wife retired from farming in 1944 and are now making their home at Pipestone. Their son, Arthur, has built up a fine home on what was part of the late B. F. Warren's holdings. THE REUBEN WEE FAMILY For over thirty years there has been a country store on the edge of Ellsborough township. The store was started by A. O. Gravely. It was purchased several years ago by Reuben Wee, son of a former pastor of the Ellsborough church. In the last six years, Reuben has developed the place into a real market center with his general merchandise, stock, oil tanks, etc. He also handles poultry, cream and eggs and buys livestock. He is assisted by Russel Qualey. Mr. Wee was united in marriage to Miss Inez Sether of Jackson, Minnesota, October 23, 1938. They have six children: Wayne, born September 30, 1939; Sharon, November 4,1941; Dale, January 15, 1943; Reuben, Jr., January 11, 1944; Mark, May 25, 1945; and Bruce, November 6,1946. Mr. Wee attended the Montevideo Normal school and graduated from Augsburg college at Minneapolis, Mrs. Wee graduated from the Jackson Normal and the Minneapolis Business college. THE R. E. YORK FAMILY The R. E. York family came to eastern Murray county in the spring of 1918. Their three oldest children, Ruth, Gladys, and Eunice, graduated from the Westbrook High School during their residence there. —199— In the fall of 1930, they bought the old Prahm farm east of town and became residents of the Lake Wilson community. Here the other four children: Rex, Rachel, Don, and Jay completed their high school education. All four of the girls are graduates of the St. Cloud Teachers'; College and have taught in the rural and graded schools of southwestern Minnesota. In 1932, Ruth was married to Courtney W. Potter of St. Cloud. They have four children: Terry, Muriel, Rose Marie, and Linda June. Gladys married Maynard Dahms of Walnut Grove, Minnesota, in 1934, and they have three children: Alan, Dahna, and Mary Margaret. Eunice was married to Francis J. Anderson of Chanarambie township in 1938. They have two children, Nancy and Byron. Rachel, the youngest daughter, married Earl G. Heding of Minneapolis, August 24, 1946. Rex married Ruth Michaelson of Glenwood, Iowa, in 1940, and to this union was born one daughter, Jacquelyn. Don married Marjorie Ann Murray of Lone Pine, Mon-tana, February 14, 1946, and since his discharge has been operating the home place in which he will be assisted by Jay. All three of the boys enlisted in World War II and saw service in the Pacific area Rex and Jay in the Marines, and Don in the Navy, all in aviation. Rex was first sent to Guadalcanal. The second time out he went to Guam and finally to Okinawa. He served 3 1/2 years, and made M. T. Sgt. in engineering. Since his discharge he has been employed by the Pacific Greyhound Company at Los Angeles. Don, as A. O. M. 1/c was a member of a navy plane crew based in the Admiralty Group. He also served 3 1/2 years. He was awarded the navy air medal. Jay went to the service in 1943 and served about 2 /12 years. He received radio training and was sent to Guam and later took part in the Iwo Jima battle as liaison man for his battalion and the planes on the carriers. Later he was sent to Tientsin, China, with the occupation forces. —200— Roy York was born in Tecumseh, Nebraska, in 1879. He was united in marriage to Miss Edith M. Banks in 1909. Mr. York has taken an active part in governmental affairs and agricultural development. He was director of the Westbrook Insurance Company, director of the Murray County Form Bureau. He is a graduate of the state normal school at Peru, Indiana; member of the Minnesota legislature 1943-45. His father was a member of the Nebraska legislature in 1879. —201— [BLANK PAGE] —202— The photographs in this book were from Chas. Smith and the collection of the late Martin Forrest, who for fifty years kept a photographic record of the happenings in this vicinity. The preparation of this little volume has been a work of real pleasure. It was the good fortune to know personally seventy-five per cent of the men whose names appear in the formation of the townships or whose names appear in the first census reports. In books of this nature where so many names and dates appear errors are bound to creep in. An extra page could be pasted on the inside back cover which could be used for births, deaths, corrections, etc. —203—