J austin regan, one of the pioneer business men of Fessenden, Wells County, is engaged in handling implements and machinery, and is snidely known as a man of ability, and true citizenship

OLE E. HEADLAND. For over a quarter of a century this gentleman has been identified with the farming interests of Stanley Township, Cass County, and has acquired a codifortable competence and a pleasant home, and gained the confidence and esteem of his associates. He came to America in search of a home and advantages for a young man, and his fine farm is evidence of Iris prosperity and thrift. He has a thorough knowledge of his calling and has aided materially in the development of that region. His home is in section 2, and he is engaged in general farming.

Our subject was born in Norway, June 1, 18.1.1, and retitled in his native land until 1875, when he came to America and landed in New York, in May of that year. He went train there direct to Dakota, and entered claim to one hundred and sixty acres of land as a pre-emption, and has since resided thereon. He has increased his acreage, and is now the owner of a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, the improvements of which he has placed there, and they include a good residence, barn and outbuildings, and all the machinery and conveniences of modern farming.

Our subject was married in Norway, in June, 1873, to Miss Bertha Burial, who was also a native of Norway. Ten children have been born to Sir. and Mrs. Headland, named as follows: Ella, Gertie, Andrew, Gertina. Hannah G., Ada N., Edwin H., Jensene M., Adolph J. and Oscar B. Adolph died at the age of elevens and a half years. Mr. Headland is active in public affairs, and has served as a member of the school board for several years. The family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran hurch.
WILLIAM J. MILLIGAN is well known as an early settler and influential citizen of Steele County, North Dakota. He is a man of good business tact, and has met with success as grain buyer. and is the representative in the city of Hope for the St. Anthony & Dakota Elevator Company.

Our subject was born in Burlington County, New Jersey. April 15. 1854, and was a son of William and Alice (Taggart) Milligan, both of whom were natives of county Antrim, Ireland. His parents were married in America, and six children were born to them, our subject being the second child and oldest son. He removed with lus parents to Ford county, Illinois, when about nine years of age, and remained with his father on the farm there until about twenty-two years of age, when he learned the blacksmith's trade. He followed the trade about one and a half years, and April to, 1883, went to Hope, North Dakota, and soon began work at Isis trade in Colgate, Steele County, and erected the first blacksmith shop in that town. He disposed of his shop in August, and in the fall worked in the harvest field and then returned to Illinois for his wife. He returned to Hope, North Dakota, in January, 7884, and for four years worked at various occupations, and then began grain buying for the company with which he is now associated. He was located in Colgate for about three years, and was then placed in charge of the business at Hope. He was postmaster of Hope from 1891-94, and was again tendered the office, but refused, on account of party sentiment, although supported by members of both political parties. During the early days many amusements were indulged in to while away the time, and Mr. Milligan was a member and captain of a base ball nine during the summer of 1885, known as the Hope Blackstochdngs. The team successfully competed with all amateur teams of the state.

Mr. Milligan was married in 7882 to Miss Mary A. \Varner, a native of Ford County, Illinois. Mrs. Milligan is the present postmaster of Hope, North Dakota. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Milligan, as follows: Myrtle hi., Edgar, Carrie, Gene, Bert and Mamie. Their many friends will be pleased to find a portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Milligan on another page. Mr. Milligan is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the blue lodge and lodge of perfection in the Masonic fraternity. He is a stanch Democrat its political faith and advocates prohibition.
NELS M. BERSETH. Among the better class of agriculturists, the young man whose name heads this personal history is entitled to prominent locution. He possesses many estimable traits of character, is endowed with activity, persistence, and a good capacity for well-directed labor, and has met with marked success in his vocation. He is keenly alive to the interests of his community, and is highly esteemed by his associates. He OWI1S a pleasant estate in Eagle Township, Richland County, and snakes his home there on section 14.

Our subject was born in Norway, October 30, 18(s9, and was a son of Mickel Berseth, a resident of Richland County. In 1872 when he was about 4Wo years of age, he came to America with his parents, and the family settled near Northfield, Minnesota, where the mother died in t875. His father removed the family to Richland County, North

Dakota, in the summer of 1877, and settled on sec-

tion 14 of Eagle Township. here our subject grew

to manhood, and was educated in the common schools, and attended one year at Concordia College, in Morehead, Minnesota. He has followed farming since completing his studies, and is now the owner of two hundred and eighty acres of land, on which he has good improvements, and is gaining, a competence for future years.

Mr. Berseth was married in Eagle Township, Richland County, February 14, 1899, to bliss Mary Stomprud, daughter of Frederick stomprud. Mrs. Berseth was born in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, January 1, 1874. Both our subject and wife are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and are highly respected in their community. Mr. Berseth takes an active part in local, state and national public affairs and has been a member of the board of supervisors for two years, chairman of the school boad and clerk of the school board. He has been a member of the school board since twenty-one years old. Politically he is a Republican.

ALBERT W. WEDM.AN. Among the best class of agriculturists, whose fine estates evidence the present solid prosperity of Stutsman County-, this gentleman is worthy special mention. His farm is well improved, and is one of the best in the western part of the county. He is possessed of practical knowledge of his calling, and every arrangement for the lessening of labor has been supplied, and Mr. Wedman has prospered as a general farmer. He makes his home on section 8, in township 140, range ⁶4-

Our subject was born in Port Washington County, Wisconsin, in 1852, and was a son of Peter and Jane (Evans) Weilman. His father was born in America, and was of Holland descent, and was a soldier in the United States army during the Civil war. The mother of our subject was born and reared in England and came to America when a young girl. His father was a woolen manufacturer in England and later in New York.

Our subject was the third in a family of seven children, and lived at home on the farm until about fifteen years of age, when the family removed to the town near the funs and there our subject received a common-school education. He left home at the age of twenty years, and worked in the lumber woods in northern Wisconsin at contract work which he followed until MI. He then went to Jamestown, North Dakota, and entered claim to the northwest quarter of section 8, in township 140, range 64, and erected a dwelling and board barn. His first crop yielded abundantly. and he had a fair start toward Isis present comfortable circumstances. He now has a farm of six hundred and forty acres and by lease and ownership operates about fifteen hundred acres of land each season. His residence and barn are the largest and most substantial in that vicinity and are of modern design and finish.

He has an ample supply of machinery, including seven binders, and a twelve-horse-power threshing machine and engine, which latter machine Ile uses for his own threshing only. He engages in grain raising mostly, but is interested to some extent in the raising of cattle, and now has about forty head. His extensive farm interests claim his entire attention.

Mr. Wedman was married in t873, to Miss Sylvia Lee, a native of Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Wedman are the parents of the following children: Fred, Emma. Maud, Harry, Hiram, George, Mabel, Wesley, Elsie, and Yinie. Mr. Wedman is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Politically he is a Republican, and is a man who keeps pace with the times in all public affairs, and is highly respected in his community.
CHARLES H. MITCHELL, one of the brave defenders of the Union during the Civil war and the present popular city treasurer of Fargo, North Dakota, was born in Norwich, New York, June 8, 1842, and is the only son of Charles H. and Mary (Ryder) Mitchell, also natives of the Empire state, where the father was engaged in practice as a physician and surgeon throughout his active business life. He died in 1842. The grandfather, Henry Mitchell, was also a physician and surgeon of New York state and was a very prominent and influential citizen of his community. He was of English descent.

The subject of this sketch was reared and educated at Norwich and Oxford, Nev.^, York, and after leaving school commenced the study of medicine, but in t861, on the opening of the Rebellion, he laid aside all personal interests and enlisted in Company G, Sixty-first New York Volunteer Infantry, of which regiment General Miles was then lieutenant-colonel. Mr. Mitchell was in active service with that command for fourteen months, participating in the battles of Yorktown, Fair Oakes, the seven days' fight the battles of Malvern Hill, White Oaks and a number of smaller engagements, and was then discharged on account of disability in 1863, but subsequently he re-enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Fourteenth New York Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Southwest. He was captured at Cain River Crossing, Louisiana, and held prisoner for six months, being exchanged in 1864. He was then in active service until the winter of 1865, when he was placed on duty in the reconstruction of the south. Fortunately he escaped unwounded, and when finally mustered out returned to his home in New York.

In 1867 Mr. Mitchell went to Chicago, where he remained three years, being engaged in the grocery trade a part of the time and the remainder as an employe in the postoffice. The following, two years were passed at Minneapolis. and for seven years he conducted a hotel at Duluth, Minnesota. In 1878 he came to Fargo, North Dakota, and here he has since made his home, conducting a livery, sale and feed stable and also engaging in farming to some extent.

In 1874 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Mitchell and Miss Eleanore A. Bennett, also a native of New York. He has always been identified with the Republican party, and is now a prominent member of the Grand Army post of Fargo. As one of its leading, progressive and public-spirited citizens, he has been called upon to serve as alderman of Fargo and in 1898 was elected city treasurer, which office he is now filling in a most commendable manner.

JOEL S. WEISER. One of the busiest, most energetic and most enterprising citizens of Valley City, North Dakota, is Joel S. Weiser, a prominent merchant and business man of that place. He bears in his veins some of the best blood of our early colonists, being a descendant of Conrad Weiser, of colonial fame, who played an important part in dealing with the British and the Indians in the days when our forefathers were striving to free themselves front the English yoke of oppression, and a man whose deeds were cherished by Washington and those high in authority.

Our subject was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, August 3t, 1834, and during early life attended school and assisted his father on the home farm until eighteen years of age, when he came west. After stopping for about thirty days at Dan-by Station, Du Page County, Illinois, he proceeded to St. Paul, Minnesota, and shortly afterward located in Shakopee, that state, where he made his home for fifteen years, following the trade of a mason.

Ott the 31st of September, 1864, Mr. Weiser enlisted in Company 1, Ninth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and was at once ordered to Memphis, Tennessee, where the regiment was on cathp duty until the middle of November, when they moved to Nashville, going through Kentucky on the tray. After taking part in the two-days' engagement at Nashville, they followed Hood to Pulaski, Tennessee, and then turned to the right, passing through Clifton, on the Cumberland river, on their way to Mississippi. During the march they were engaged in fighting bushwhackers. On the morning of January 17, 1865, they arrived in Eastport, Mississippi, where they went into camp and remained three weeks, Miring which time they were constantly annoyed by bushwhackers. They next pushed forward to Vicksburg, where they camped five days and then proceeded to New Orleans, where they embarked on a steamer for Dauphin island. After remaining there for about four weeks they went up the Perdido river and on through the pines to Spanish Fort, to which they laid siege and captured April 9. On the nth they marched^, towards Montgomery and Selma to destroy the rebel works, but on their arrival found they had been taken by Wilson's cavalry regiment. After camping at Selma three days they went to Marion, where the regiment remained until the close of the war.- Returning home they were mustered out August 24, 1865.

Mr. Weiser continued his residence in Shakopee, Minnesota, until 5870, when he removed to St. Paul, and Wan there engaged in contracting for a period of four years. Later he lived on a farm in Washington County, Minnesota, twelve miles east of St. Paul, for three and a half years, during which time he followed farming, and in the fall of 1877 came to Valley City, where he has since made his home. He erected the second house in the village, known as the Northern Pacific House, which was burned to the ground April 25, 1808. In the spring of 1878 he embarked in general merchandising at this place, and is now the oldest merchant in years of continuous business in the city.

On the loth of May, 1854, Mr. Weiser was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Clever, of Berks County, Pennsylvania, by whom he has had eleven children, six still living, one son and five daughters, three sons and two daughters being now deceased. The youngest daughter, Lillian, was the second white child born in Barnes County, and is now teaching in the public schools of Valley City. The son, John, is in the store with his father.

Mr. Weiser has been prominently identified with public affairs during his residence in this state. He was a member of the territorial council under Governor Church, also of the second assembly of the state legislature under Governor John Burke, now of Minnesota. During his career in Bismarck he was appointed watchman of the constitutional convention. He was the first treasurer of Barnes County, being first appointed by Governor Howard and later elected to that position for two terms, serving in all five years. He was also mayor of Valley City for four years, and alderman and member of the school board for years. He was given the honor of christening the city in which he now lives, and has borne a very active and prominent part in her tip-building and prosperity. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church and is an honored member of the Grand Army post. In business affairs he has met with a well deserved success during his residence here, and he has also won the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens and of all with whom he has come in contact, either its public or private life.

OLE. N. HEM, register of deeds of Traill County, is among the popular and influential public officials of that county. Ile has resided in Hillsboro for the past four years, but previous to that time was a well-known and prosperous business man of Portland. He attends strictly to the duties of his office, and is efficient, thorough, and a man in whom the people repose confidence.

Our subject was born in Christiansands Stift, Norway, June 16, 1857, and was the oldest in a family of eight children, born to Eels and Guro (Hem) Sundvall, both of whom are deceased. The soother died when our subject was twelve years of age.

Mr. Hem worked at farm labor and attended the Military College, and at the age of twenty-two years, after completing his education, he came to America and worked a short time in Swift County, Minnesota, and later entered a hardware store in Benson. He went to Train County, North Dakota, May 13, 1882, and worked in a hardware store in Portland, and in the early part of:884, assumed the management of the lumber business now conducted under the firm name of the Beidler & Robinson Lumber Company. He was elected to his present office in 180 and then removed his family to Hillsboro.

Our subject was married, in t883,to Miss Amelia H. Engeland, a native of Norway. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hem, as follows: Nils, deceased, Hans, Gina, Ida, Otto, Effie, Alfha and William MeK. Mr. Hem served as mayor of Portland and also treasurer while a resident of that place, and has participated in public affairs wherever he has resided. He is a man of the best of character, unassuming, and earnestly devoted to his work, and his popularity is best evidenced by the fact that he was returned to the office of register of deeds of Traill County by general vote. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Modern 'Woodmen, of America, and AncientOrder of United Workmen. In political faith he is a Republican and attends the county and state conventions of his party and is firm in his convictions.

FRANK N. GILMORE. The financial standing of Hope, in Steele County, North Dakota, has been materially increased by the labors of this gentleman since taking up his residence here. He was one of the five original business men of the city, and has always taken an active part in affairs of a public or social nature. He is the possessor of a fine farm near the city, and is a resident of Hope, wherein he is the manager of the lumber yards of the Beidler & Robinson Lumber Company.

Our subject was born in Monroe County, Maine, January 4, 1855. His grandparents on the father's side were from Scotland and England, and were early settlers of Monroe County, Maine, where they followed farming. Our subject and an older sister were the only children born to Josiah and Rosella (Nichols) Gilmore, and our subject is now the only survivor of the family. The father was a general merchant in the town of Monroe, and he died when our subject Wan but one year of age. after which the mother and two children made their home with the maternal grandparents, and resided in Davenport, Iowa. After about two years they returned to a farm, and there our subject remained until about seventeen years of age. He then learned the manufacture of sand-paper in Melrose, Massachusetts, and when about twenty-five years of age learned telegraphy and was employed with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad. He joined a Northern Pacific surveying party in the spring of 1882, and traveled through Montana, and in the fall of that year began work for the company with which he is now engaged, at Portland, Traill County, North Dakota, and in the spring of 1883 was placed in charge of the yards at Hope. He is a successful business man, and has gained the confidence of his employers and associates. He is the owner of one half-section of land, and has gained a comfortable competence by earnest efforts.

Our subject was married, in 1886, to bliss Lela Johnson. Two children were horn to Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore, as follows: Frank \V. and Eileen V. Mrs. Gilmore was horn in Illinois, October 4, 1866, and she died in North Dakota, October 14, 1898. She was a lady who was mourned by a host of friends, and was a member of the Congregational church, and an earnest worker in the same, and she was also a member of the Daughters of Rebekah. Mr, Gilmore is prominent in the fraternal world and is a thirty-second-degree Mason, and a member of the Mystic Shrine, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the last-named order he has served as grand treasurer for five years, and he was a charter member and the first noble grand of Hope Lodge, No. 59, which was organized August 23, 1885. He also holds membership in the' Brotherhood of American Yeomen. In political faith Mr. Gilmore is a Republican.
JOHN 0. STRAND. Although this gentleman is a foreign born resident of Richland County, he has become thoroughly identified with American civilization and progress, and is one of the substantial citizens of Eagle Township, wherein he is a large land owner. He has been a resident of Richland County since its early settlement, and his farm is one of the well-improved estates of that region.

Mr. Strand was horn in Norway, October 30, 1853. He was reared on a farm and educated in She common schools of his native land, where he continued his residence until 1873, and in the fall of that year came to America. He locates] in Menomonie, Dunn County, Wisconsin, and was employed by a large lumber firm, remaining until the spring of t 878, when he went to Richland County, North Dakota. He entered claim to a homestead on sections 2 of Abercrombie Township, where he lived until t896, engaged in farming with marked success. He purchased the farm on section 30 of Eagle Township, where he now resides, in 1896, and is now the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of land. He has a set of tine buildings on his farm, and enjoys the comforts afforded by country life, and is engaged in general farming.

Otnr subject was married in Eau Claire. Wisconsin, November my, 1877, to Miss Hilda Thompson, a native of Muskeg°, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Strand are the parents of the following, children: Oscar. Hulbert. Selma. John O., Jr., Helen, Myrtle, Clarence, Torfend and Inmar. Three chil dren died in infancy. Alr. Strand has held the office of supervisor In Abercrombie Township, and takes an active interest in matters of local importance. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Politically he is a Republican.
HON. HARRY D. HURLEY, residing on section 33, in township 146, range 49, in Caledonia tow^-mg^-11p, is one of the most extensive farmers and business men of North Dakota, and is widely and favorably known. He is a man of excellent business qualifications, and whatever enlists his assistance is sure of meeting with success. Careful and systematic in all details, the general outcome of all matters is assuredly desirable and profitable. He possesses twenty-three hundred acres of land, and is also president of the H. D. C. & S. Telephone Company. His home is a commodious and handsome structure and in all its appointments bespeaks the culture and refinement of its occupants. A portrait of Mr. Hurley appears on another page.

Our subject was born in Fultonville, Montgomery County, New York, October 3, 1853, and was the elder of two children and only son born to John and Mary (Chamberlain) Hurley. His parents were natives of Ireland, but the mother is not of Irish descent. His father was a brickmaker.

When our subject was but ten years of age he left home and began driving on the canal, and then was engaged as water boy on the train two years, and then became news agent on the train. Following railroad work, he began at the lowest position and worked himself up, becoming conductor of sleeping and drawing-room cars on the Vanderbilt system. He heard of the wonderful resources of the Red river valley, and in the fall of 1879, in company with A. W. Russell, went to North Dakota and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land from the Northern Pacific Railroad Company, and then resumed his work in the east, and in 1882 went again to North Dakota to engage in farming. In the meantime he had purchased an additional one hundred and sixty acres of land, and cultivated the first purchase. He took the first crop from the original purchase in 1881, and the yield was valued at $6,400. This determined his future, and he settle° to fanning in the West. He now has one of the best improved estates in the state, and during the working season fifteen men are kept busy, while seven private grain storehouses are put in each year. His buildings are of the best, and Isis residence is equipped with hot-water heat, telephone, all modern conveniences, and is a model in finish and furnishings.