One of the early makers of McIntosh County history was Adam G. Haas. Mr. Haas was born in Kassel, South Russia, August 19, 1869, emigrating to Menno, S. D. He come overland from Menno with wagon and horses to this county in the year 1888. At this time he was single but was united in marriage a few years later to Miss Christina Tesky, also a native of South Russia, born February 9, 1875. They were both of Baptist faith.

Their first home was a sod house 13 miles North of Zeeland in what is known as the Beaver Creek settlement. Many were the hardships experienced by these staunch pioneers. Straw was burned in a sod stove, buffalo bones were gathered from the prairie and hauled to market, the proceeds being used to buy flour and other food. Shoes were a luxury which they were unable to afford and so they were forced to go barefoot.

A sod barn sheltered the stock and poultry. No shiny painted machinery was at hand far use on the Haas farm. An old binder, a hand plow, and an old mower was about all that he possessed to wrestle a living from the prairie sod. Crops were good but the prices as compared with recent years were low, wheat sold for fifty cents a bushel, butter five cents a pound and eggs sold at five cents a dozen.

With little or nothing to start with, Mr. and Mrs. Haas worked hard and saved carefully and prospered. After living 14 years in Beaver Creek county they moved to a farm three and one half miles southwest of Venturia and twenty-five years after their start at farming they retired and moved to Venturia to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Haas, namely: Adolph and Asoph, now farming on the old farm 3 ½ miles southwest of Venturia; Emma Iszler on a farm 3 ½ miles south of Danzig; Otilia Weber, living with her husband, Harold Weber at Ashley; Samuel, employed in The Bank of North Dakota, Bismarck;

Theodore employed by the Standard Oil Company at Venturia; a daughter Pauline, wife of C. C. Delzer, died in 1928. Four of their children died in childhood.

Mr. Haas passed away in Venturia, February 24, 1937 Mrs. Haas is still a resident of Venturia, N. D.

Becoming dissatisfied with conditions in the country of their birth and with glowing reports of a new country where everyone could get free land Mr. and Mrs. George Haas left Russia and emigrated to the United States arriving at Menno, S. D., on October 28, 1884.

Not being able to proceed further that fall they remained with their friends, Mr. and Mrs. William Hieb of Menno until the next spring and in May of 1885, came overland by ox team to McIntosh County, settling on land Mr. Haas had filed on about a mile west of Venturia, N. D.

The Haas family had the usual hardships of all early pioneers, no machinery except a hand plow, a wagon and a harrow; however with the aid of the oxen and the plow and lots of hard work they were able to erect the usual sod buildings so common in those days; broke up about five acres for flax and potatoes.

Like many another early pioneer about the only income the Haas family had is what they could make picking buffalo bones off the prairie, hauling them to Ipswich, S. D., and receiving $11.00 in trade for a wagon full.

Hail and drouth took most of their crops the second year but by perseverance they managed to get along and eventually became quite well fixed. They continued farming until Mr. Haas passed away on April 12, 1915, when their son Arthur took over the management of the farm where Mrs. Haas now makes her home.

Mr. Haas was born June 5, 1859, and was married to Katharina Knoll, both were of Baptist faith and were married by Rev. Becker. They were the parents of 11 children of whom nine are living, namely: Mrs. Katharine Wiedman, born October 23, 1882; Adam S. Haas, born January 11, 1885; Edward Haas, born October 10, 1891; Andrew B. Haas, born February 20, 1894; Anna Knoll, born March 17, 1898; Esther Hoff, born November 29, 1899; Theophil Haas, born December 22, 1901, and Arthur Haas, born April 14, 1905, all living in or near Venturia, N. D.; a son A. Haas, born June 12, 1910, living at Salem Oregon; two children a son Daniel Haas born October 8, 1888, and Lydia Haas, born December 19, 1895, both passed away in early life.

Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Haerter

Coming to America with his parents, Johann and Barbara Haerter, over fifty years ago, was Gottlieb Haerter. He was born in Beresina, South Russia, on March 19, 1887. Mr. Haerter says he does not remember much about the early years spent in McIntosh County, but has been told by his parents that they came by rail to Ellendale in May, 1888, and that friends already living here met them and brought him, his mother and his brother John to Ashley. His father, Johann Haerter, Thomas Martz and Gottfried Herman, followed in about three days, after they had purchased oxen and wagons.

The early buildings of the Haerter family were a sod house and barn, beds were made of boards and were about 6 feet long and 4 feet wide, no springs were available except the hard boards and the mattress was of straw spread out on the boards. Their stove was built between the walls of the house and was fired from the outside with straw.

Farming equipment was very limited, consisting of a walking plow, a wagon and a team of oxen, these were later supplanted by horses and additional machinery.

Mr. Haerter’s parents settled on land about five miles east of Ashley. Here Gottlieb assisted with the farm work until he was 23 years of age, when on July 14, 1910, he was united in marriage to Amilia Wahl, daughter of Fred Wahl, Sr., the services were read by Rev. C. H. W. Schulz, pastor of the Lutheran Church, to which faith Mr. and Mrs. Haerter have always subscribed. To this union six children were born, namely: Ruth, born April 30, 1914, the wife of Julius Klipfel, farming near Ashley, N. D.; Barbara, born August 29, 1915, the wife of Andreas Kraemer, farming near Ashley, N. D.; Esther, born July 17, 1917; Hilda, born February 28, 1920; Wilmar, born March 21, 1924; and Paul, born March 17, 1926, all living at home with their parents.

Mr. Haerter has always been engaged in farming, but has found time to act as School Director for three terms, he was also director of the Ashley National Farm Loan Association from 1933 to 1936. Mr. Haerter makes his home on his farm about five miles east of Ashley, N. D.

Karl Hager was born September 25, 1862, in Borodeno, South Russia. His parents were John and Margaret---nee Schauer---Hager. Karl grew to manhood and in the early 80’s married Dorothea Schulz. Two children were born to them, namely:

Mathilda Martz, born January 30, 1883, now living at Leola, South Dakota, and Karl, born May 22, 1884 made his home in Saskatchewan, Canada, but is now deceased. No record shows when the first wife Dorothea passed away but in 1888, Mr. Hager and Christina Schulz were married by the Rev. Bencho. Other children in the family are Malethia Reule, born May 11, 1890, now living on a farm east of Ashley; Bertha Erlenbusch, born March 3, 1894, Ashley, N. D.; Eva Erbele, born October 20, 1892, living at Powell, Wyoming; Martha Quashnick, born September 12, 1900, now making home at Lodi, Calif.; Gottfried Hager, born April 7, 1898, now deceased; Otillia Maier, born December 2, 1902, and living at Leola. S. D.; Olga George, born June 3, 1905, living at Ashley, North Dakota, and Leonard, born June 29, 1910, is single and lives at home with his parents in Ashley, North Dakota.

In the year of 1892, Mr. and Mrs. Hager with the three first born children set sail for America, where they hoped to own land and make a good living. They settled about 15 miles east of Ashley near Coldwater Lake. Like others who were seeking their fortune here they had only their youth and determination to carry them through to success. Very little money was on hand with which to purchase new equipment, household furnishings and food supplies. Clothing and some bedding was brought from the "old country" and was very welcome during the long cold winters.

A house of sod was built and straw and "mihst" were used for fuel. The mother found it hard to cook for her family as they had no lard, other food supplies were scant. They were probably like the family of one pioneer who said, "For breakfast we had "Kertofel," bread and coffee, for dinner "gromber", bread and coffee and for supper potatoes, bread and coffee."

The farm equipment was mostly borrowed from neighbors and later bought second handed. A yoke of oxen was the cause of both joy and sorrow to them, when hitched to a plow and led by some member of the family they performed their work well, on long trips to Ellendale for supplies the slow, stubborn animals caused the family much grief. They either did not want to move at all or became unmanageable and ran away. One time in particular a load of lumber for building was being brought from Ellendale---coming through the hills the oxen ran away down a steep hill and over rocks frightening these driving until they despaired of their lives. As time went on success came to the family in spite of the early hardships.

Mr. and Mrs. Hager retired from farming several years ago and built a comfortable home in Ashley where they reside at the present writing. They are members and regular attendants of the Lutheran church.

Among the early builders of McIntosh County history and one of the pioneers in this section of the State was "Cash" Hammond. He has been an important factor in the growth of the county and is to be regarded as one of the state makers of the constructive period and whose name should be preserved to posterity among the list of those who made history in McIntosh County.

Mr. Hammond is of American birth having been born at Dublin, Wayne County, Indiana, on May 17, 1860. He is the son of James Hammond, a native of Manchester, England, his mother Sarah Bond Hammond, was born in Ohio.

He was educated in the public schools of Indiana and also attended Purdue University, and after leaving college he spent three years in Ohio, then returned to Indiana for two years, then in the month of April, 1884, he arrived in McIntosh County and became a pioneer in the opening up of the financial phase of business in the then undeveloped country. The settlement was sparse and it took courage as well as capacity to engage in the real estate, loan and banking business. The life of the business man in those days was not different from that of the pioneers in agriculture. It was a matter of roughing it and taking chances with the rest of the early settlers. He soon became a leader of public as well as business life in the community. In 1886 he engaged in his first banking venture at Hoskins, becoming cashier of the McIntosh County Bank and was also elected to the office of Clerk of Court and served as such from October, 1886, to January, 1896, he was again elected Clerk of Court and served from 1897 to 1899, and from January, 1901, to January, 1907, he was secretary of the State Railroad Commission.

His activity in public life was merely incident to the career pursued in his private affairs. He continued in the real estate and loan business, and in this connection was an important factor in bringing settlers into the state. Mr. Hammond also engaged in banking business, and at one time was connected with seven banks in the state in three of which he had a controlling interest, he also was connected with numerous commercial enterprises.

Mr. Hammond was married January 22, 1889 at Connersville, Indiana, to Carrie E. Loder, and to this union was born five children, namely: Francis L. Hammond, born October 4, 1892, now located in Minneapolis as an accountant; Harold J. Hammond, born December 1, 1894, now located in St. Paul, Real Estate; Murry M. Hammond, born Dec. 22, 1893, now living in Minneapolis; Cassius C. Hammond, born in 1902, and now living in Milwaukee; Helen E. Hammond, born in 1905, and now living in St. Paul. Of the children Francis and Murry served their country in the World War by serving in the U. S. Navy while Harold served in the U. S. Army.

At an advanced age Mr. Hammond retired from active life and moved from McIntosh County to St. Paul where he lived until the time of his death.

Mr. Hammond, known to the people of McIntosh County as "Murray" was born in Dublin, Wayne County, Indiana, on July 14, 1871. He got his early schooling at that point. His brother Cassius C. Hammond having preceded him to McIntosh County and advising him of the wonderful opportunities persuaded him to join him in the far west, so leaving his home in Indiana he went by rail as far as Eureka, S. D., and from there by team to Ashley, arriving here April 29, 1889. Being only 18 years of age he was not eligible to file on a homestead, instead he assisted his brother and others in their work.

Mr. Hammond was not well fixed financially when he arrived in this county having only about $40.00 in cash and was not well impressed with conditions here, the cold weather, blizzards and not an overabundance of good things to eat, had quite a depressing effect, however times changed and conditions improved and as Mr. Hammond says, "Many people forgetful of past favors are loud in their condemnation of North Dakota especially now on account of very adverse climatic conditions, which I believe to be only temporary. I personally am both thankful and grateful for the favors she bestowed on me and mine and it will ever seem like home to me."

Mr. Hammond was united in marriage to Margaret Miles by Rev. Schwitzer at Brazil, Ind., on September 14, 1892, and to this union was born five children, namely Mrs. Eugenie Gregory, born September 21, 1894, living in Vancouver, Wash.; J. Whitney Hammond, born January 30, 1900, living at Zillah, Wash.; Robert M. Hammond, born April 10, 1895, living at Yakima, Wash.; Dorothy Kennedy, born March 22, 1903, and Justus M. Hammond, born November 24, 1910, both living at Seattle, Wash. J. Whitney Hammond served in the World War from September 1918 until the close of the war.

During the time Mr. Hammond lived in Ashley he has served as Deputy Sheriff and was also a member of the Ashley Town Board, and from 1907 to 1920 was engaged in banking business in Ashley and other points of the county.

Mr. Hammond relates incidents of the Indian scare and tells of the terrified people fleeing through Ashley, some going as far as Ellendale and Aberdeen. One woman stopped in the old Land Office and found in her haste that she had smothered her baby, that had been carried between two pillows, and of one farmer who had thrown all his fresh meat in the well "to keep," as he said, "the Indians from getting it."

Mr. Hammond after living in McIntosh County in the neighborhood of 31 or 32 years moved with his family to Zillah, Washington. where he still resides.

Among those who came early to McIntosh County was Johann Harter, a native of South Russia. He was born in Beresina on January 6, 1862, where he grew to young manhood.

He was married by the Rev. Peters to Barbara Nitschke. In 1888, Mr. Harter, with his wife, and two small children emigrated to America, experiencing a sea voyage to the United States, a trip by rail to Ellendale and from there a journey through the hills to Ashley with a slow moving ox team.

A home was established four and a half miles east of Ashley, a sod house being their shelter from the weather. House furnishings and farm machinery and tools were scarce. About all the worldly goods owned by Mr. Harter at the time he arrived in McIntosh County was an old pair of oxen, a stone boat and around $80.00 in cash. The early days were not easy for either the husband or wife, but they worked hard and prospered.

Mr. and Mrs. Harter were the parents of fifteen children, eight of whom are living, namely: John, Gottlieb, Fred, Jacob, Mrs. Otto Walz, Mrs. Gottlieb Walz all of Ashley, N. D. Otto and Enoch.

Many times Mr. Harter worked out up near Jamestown for a few cents a day so that he might provide food and clothing for his wife and children. Farm products were low in price, wheat selling at about 50 cents a bushel, flax at 66 cents a bushel and other farm products in proportion.

On March 24, 1933, Mrs. Harter passed away and was laid to rest in the Lutheran cemetery south of town.

Mr. Harter remarried Mrs. Wilhelm Ley on July 31, 1933. After many years of successful farming Mr. Harter left the farm for younger hands to manage and moved to Ashley, where he makes his home at the present time.

A native of Europe and born on April 27, 1872 is August Haupt, subject of this sketch.

Mr. Haupt emigrated to America in the early nineties, stopping first at Marion, S. D., later settling in McIntosh County near the present site of Venturia, N.D.

The early home of the Haupt family was a sod house, the barn was also constructed of the same material. Their financial circumstances were about nill and in addition to their clothes and a few household necessities their total wealth consisted of a wagon, three horses, a hand plow and an old seeder. Mr. Haupt tells us that prices for grain were very low, 50 cents a bushel being paid for wheat, butter sold for six cents a pound and eggs brought six cents a dozen.

Although times were hard and not much could be earned in the way of cash, the Haupt family prospered and eventually acquired quite a bit of land and other property.

Mr. Haupt was united in marriage with Magdalena Hanneld, the service being performed by Rev. Henry Vogler. To this union twelve children were born, all of whom are living, namely: Anna, born October 29, 1897; Emma, born April 4, 1899;

Rudolf, born May 27, 1900; Albert, born November 29, 1901; Lydia, born March 6, 1903: Martha, born December 24, 1904; August, born August 6, 1906; Annetta, born October 29, 1908; Hulda, born October 26, 1910; Edwin, born April 13, 1913; Enoch, born November 21, 1916; and Gertrude, born October 28, 1918.

Mr. Haupt makes his home on his farm near Venturia, N. D.

Ludwig Hein was born November 28, 1859 in Borodino, South Russia, the son of Michael and Katharina Hein. He grew to manhood there and in the fall of 1883 married Miss Katherina Reule. Pastor Peters officiated at the service.

Stories of the new opportunities for people in America came into South Russia, and in 1887, Mr. and Mrs. Ludwig Hein and their two little daughters joined several other families and started on a journey to the "new country." On their way and while still in Germany the Hein family tarried longer than the others and when they continued their trip a wee small son Michael was one of the family party.

The Heins, upon reaching America, started immediately by rail to Ellendale. They drove from there out across the flats and up through the hills and on over into McIntosh County, and settled on Section 6, Township 129, Range 67. They arrived in June and built a sod house as their first prairie home. Bedding and some dishes were brought with them from the homeland. Furniture was very scarce, in fact almost missing at first. For a table, Mr. Hein tells friends, they used a box and sat on the floor around it or used any low object obtainable as a stool. As soon as he could Mr. Hein bought lumber and constructed beds, a table, chairs and a wardrobe.

With two oxen and a cow hitched to a plow this sturdy pioneer broke up the sod and planted a little crop. During the early days he states that snow and rain were more plentiful than in recent years and gophers were more damaging than grasshoppers. There was lots of hard work with few tools and implements to help but the family worked, saved and prospered. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hein, five passing away during childhood. The oldest son Michael, the one born just before they embarked for America, was a victim of the flu epidemic in 1917, and never fully recovered. He resided on the old homestead east of Ashley with his wife and children until his death in 1932.

Other children are Katherina, wife of M. Dobler, Ellendale: Johanna, wife of Christ Schock, Ashley; Magdalina, wife of G. Oster, Monango; Martha, wife of Martin Schaeffer, Pollock, S. D., and William married to Miss Helen Pressler, living at Ashley, N. D.

While on the homestead Mr. and Mr. Hein belonged to the Congregational Church where he served as deacon. He also was treasurer and director of the school board. During the early years when mail came over from Ellendale Mr. Hein had a two year contract to make the delivery. He drove with a team making a trip over one day and back the next. In those days the same as today the rule must have been "the mail must go through," for no trips were missed during those two years except one during a severe blizzard. The storm came upon him after he was out on the road and after a hard struggle he managed to find refuge with a bachelor and his sister. First aid was administered to a badly frozen face and ear. Mr. Hein’s hearing was permanently damaged as a result of this painful experience. He remained over Saturday and Sunday with the hospitable couple and then continued with the mail.

About twenty years ago Mr. Hein retired from farming and moved to Ashley with his wife and the younger children who were at home. Upon establishing here they made the Evangelical Church their place of worship as there was no Congregational Church in Ashley. Mr. Hein served as Deacon in this church for several years and also as Sunday School treasurer, holding that trustworthy position until last year when he asked to be relieved of the task. His son William seems to be following in his father’s footsteps as he has held several public offices namely, city Treasurer and as Clerk, director and president of the local school board.

In the year of 1925 Mr. Hein suffered the loss of his wife Katharina. Far a few months he lived in their town home or visited with his children. His son William, then living in Eureka, S. D., moved up to Ashley and they make their home together.

Mr. Hein still enjoys good health and can tell many interesting experiences of the early days when McIntosh County and Ashley were in their infancy.

Very prominent in the early development of McIntosh County was Gottfried Heinrich, now deceased. He was a native of South Russia and was born on November 20, 1847.

Mr. Heinrich spent his boyhood and early manhood in the land of his birth. At the age of 24 and in the year 1871 he was united in marriage to Christina Finkbeil. This young couple spent the first ten years of their married life in their native land, but being lured by the fascinating stories of the great America where one could own land and be free to worship as they pleased, they with their four children and in company with John Mueller, Gottlieb Glaesmann, Christian Raugust and Jakob Grosz set sail. It took them eighteen days to cross the ocean and two days by boat from Sioux City to Yankton, S. D., the trip on the Missouri river was very dangerous owing to the high water caused by the abundance of snow the previous winter. The trip from Russia to South Dakota was no small undertaking, what with the small children and not much money, they could not go to hotels or cafes to eat and had to be satisfied with bread and tea.

The Heinrich family arrived in Yankton, S. D., on May 22, 1881 and shortly thereafter settled on land five miles southeast of Parkston, S. D. There a house was built of sod and stone, the roof being constructed of reeds gathered along the creeks and lakes. Mr. Heinrich not being blessed with much cash and having no income was forced to hire out to neighbors in order to earn enough to support his wife and children, they remaining at home in the sod house which contained neither doors or windows.

Not being satisfied with his location Mr. Heinrich about a year later filed on land near by and had to build another set of sod buildings; here he prospered and six years later built a fine frame house and barn. Not long thereafter Mr. Heinrich had an opportunity to dispose of his holdings at a very good price and in 1889 he and his family moved north and settled in Jewell Township southeast of Ashley, where he purchased 480 acres of land.

Times were good, although at one time he had to mortgage his land to purchase machinery, and in a short time Mr. Heinrich was able to establish a new home near Coldwater where he continued farming for several years, finally turning it over to the boys.

In addition to farming Mr. Heinrich was also engaged in mercantile business in Ashley. He purchased an established business which shortly thereafter was destroyed by fire; not being discouraged by this misfortune he then built another store which he later sold and retired from active business.

Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Heinrich, namely: Karolina Merkel of Ashley, N. D.; Maria Georg, Lehr, N. D.; Karl farming east of Ashley; Friedrich in the mercantile business, Herreid, S. D.; Louise, wife of August Mueller;

Johann and Gottlieb, farming east of Ashley; Theresa Nill, Forbes, N. D., and Julius of Forbes, N. D. Of the children Karl has served as a member of the school board in his district for many years, and has served as deacon in his church. Gottlieb has been a reader in his church. All of the children are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, thereby remaining true to the faith of their parents. Friedrich served as Register of Deeds of McIntosh County for several years.

A very prominent figure in the early development of Hoskins, Ashley and McIntosh County was Friederich Heiss.

He was born at Millheim, Baden, Germany, in 1848. As a young man he left Germany and moved to France where he was married.

During the Franco-Prussian War, he left France and came to the United States in 1881. It was during the year of 1886, that he came to McIntosh County.

He served as Deputy Register of Deeds under J. H. Wishek. In 1892 he was appointed Treasurer of McIntosh County to serve out the unexpired term of G. O. Gulack. At the next election he was elected Treasurer and held the office up to and including 1898.

He became associated with H. R. Clowes in the newspaper business in 1889, and was connected with the McIntosh County Republican until 1909.

Mr. Heiss was affiliated with the Lutheran Church and lived in Ashley until his death.

All who knew Mr. Heiss remembered him as a jolly good hearted fellow, always ready and willing to help and assist his fellow man. He was quite interested in wild life and most any day, during the open season, could be seen walking through the fields in search of game accompanied by his dog "Prince."

Anton Helmer, age four, came to Dakota Territory in 1876 with his father, Frank Helmer. They settled in the Red River Valley, in Cass County, near Fargo and stayed there five years. In 1881 they moved to Logan County, locating near Red Lake.

He and his brother, Joseph, helped their father build their house. It was made of stone and sod. Their oven or fireplace, as it was sometimes called, was also made of stone, sod and clay and twisted hay was used for fuel. Later they found coal and enough was mined for their own use. Anton and his brother worked on farms and at any other kind of work they could get, thus helping their parents all that they could.

Mr. Helmer says he saw buffaloes and when they came to Logan County, remembers seeing deer in herds of forty or fifty. Wild game was plentiful, as there was water in all the low places and in the lakes. Geese, cranes and swans stayed around Red Lake and hatched their young.

From 1892 to 1902, Anton Helmer was mail carrier; two years on the Ashley-Eureka route; two years Ashley-Ellendale; two years Ashley-Odina; two years Ashley-Napoleon; and two years Ashley-Wishek.

He was united in marriage to Mathilda Klauss and in 1902, they filed on a homestead eight miles Northwest of Ashley. Their first home was a frame building, 12’ x 12’. They still live on the homestead but several improvements have been made. Mr. Helmer was a member of the school board of his District for twenty-two years. All of their children attended the home school. Their names and addresses are: Mrs. Gottlieb Wolfe, Danzig, N. D.; Martin, a blacksmith, at Lehr, N. D.; Mrs. L. Heinrich, Gopher, S. D.; Mrs. John Stepper, Ashley, N. D.; Frank Helmer, a blacksmith, Enderlin, N. D.; William, school teacher, Lehr, N.D.; and David at home.

When asked his experiences with Indians, Mr. Helmer says his memories of them are pleasant ones. The tribes would stop near their place in Logan County, traveling from the Missouri River to Minnesota and they were always very friendly.

George Herr, Sr., was among the early pioneers of McIntosh County and is worthy of mention. He was born in Kassel, South Russia on July 18 th , 1871. His father died when he was a small boy and when he was thirteen years old, he was adopted by Jacob Herr, Sr. He came to America in 1884 and went to Scotland, Dakota Territory. Here he worked for a couple of years or more and in 1887 he came to McIntosh County.

He worked during the spring work and in the fall during the harvesting season. In 1891, Jacob Herr gave him $400.00 and he purchased two horses, a team of oxen, wagon and a plow. The next year he filed on a homestead fifteen miles west of the present site of the town of Wishek.

In 1891 he was united in marriage to Christina Boschee. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Matzkee of the Baptist Church of which they were members.

Their house and barn were built under one roof and were made of sod and stones. The first year they broke a few acres and planted three bushels of flax. There was plenty of moisture and the weather was ideal for the grain. It produced a good yield, one hundred and fifty-two bushels, which Mr. Herr sold for eighty cents per bushel. Wheat that year was cheap and only brought fifty cents per bushel. Butter sold for five cents per pound and eggs for four or five cents per dozen. Often times there was no market for these products and the farmers would have to take them back home.

There were not many churches or schools established at this time, but the neighbors would gather at a farm and hold their religious service. Occasionally they were fortunate enough to have a minister stop and hold the meetings.

There were ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Herr. Their names and addresses are: Emanuel, farmer, Wishek; Willie, farmer, Wishek; Edward, in Wishek; George G., farmer, Wishek; Gottfried, farmer, Wishek; Adam, farmer, Wishek; Christina, now Mrs. Adolph Kramer, Shallow, Montana; Blandina, now Mrs. Sam Stading, Danzig, N. D.; Martha, now Mrs. Jacob J. Bertsch, Ashley, N. D.; and Bertha, now Mrs. Theo. Springer, Hardin, Montana.

Mrs. Herr died in 1923, and a couple of years later, Mr. Herr married the second time, taking as his wife, Karolina Bertsch.

Mr. Herr took an active part and was interested in affairs of the church and community in which he lived. He was Postmaster at Ostrum, N. D., for four years.

In August, 1933, Mrs. Herr passed away. Mr. Herr resides on his farm.

To McIntosh County, in 1887, came a man who was destined, through his honest dealings as a successful farmer, cattle trader and merchant, to become known and respected throughout the entire county. That man was Jacob Herr, Sr., an honored leader in his community.

Almost a century before this writing there lived in Kassel, South Russia, a prosperous family, that of Mr. and Mrs. George Herr (nee Hagele). They farmed extensively, the main crop being wheat, and also operated a fruit farm and two vineyards. To this couple on July 25, 1851, was barn a son whom they christened Jacob. His boyhood years were spent attending school at the village and assisting with the work on his father’s holdings. When manhood was reached he was united in marriage to Margaretha Krein and established a home of his own.

The price of land in Russia at that time was so high that few were able to purchase farm tracts. Mr. Herr desiring to become a land owner decided to leave his native country and seek his fortune in America. In 1876 accompanied by his wife and small son Jacob he set forth on the new venture. They journeyed by rail to the seaport of Hamburg, Germany, and from there set sail to the west. Arriving in New York they entrained for Hutchinson County, South Dakota. Here they located on land about seven miles west of the present site of Tripp, S. D. Their total possessions at this time consisted of bedding and clothing brought from abroad and about $200.00 in cash. With this the new home was established.

Very little can be learned of the life on the prairie which Mr. and Mrs. Herr experienced during their stay near Tripp. We assume that these years were very prosperous. Hearing of the land further north in Dakota Territory which one could buy very cheap or acquire by filing on a homestead Mr. Herr decided to move again. His land near Tripp was sold at a fair price and accompanied by his wife and six children he traveled by train to Bowdle, S. D. Here he loaded his property on wagons and set forth in a northerly direction. About seven miles southwest of the present site of Wishek, N. D., was the location chosen by Mr. Herr for his future home. Here he bought land very cheap and erected the buildings necessary far his home and farming operations. Mr. Herr was in better financial circumstances than many pioneers. He had about $2,000.00 in cash and property valued at about $2500.00 to $3000.00 consisting of various pieces of farm machinery, four oxen, ten horses, twenty head of cattle and some sheep.

In this new location Mr. Herr farmed extensively, bought and sold cattle and was well known as a successful farmer. Some time during the year of 1890 he became interested in mercantile business in Eureka, S. D. He bought the stock of a firm known as Ell, Weisz and Sprenger and took over the operation of the business. This was an unfortunate venture from a financial standpoint. In a short time he lost everything which he had invested and was forced to discontinue the business. About the only thing gained from this was the experience of how not to run a business.

Returning to his farm near Wishek, a sadder but wiser man, he enlarged his farming operations to about 400 acres farm land and an equal amount for cattle grazing. Realizing that dairying was to play an important part in the development of this county he engaged extensively along that line. He also supplemented his earnings in 1901 by serving as postmaster of an office nine miles southwest of Wishek. Being a hard worker and of a saving nature he soon recovered the losses suffered in Eureka and in 1905 decided to again enter the business field. In Wishek, with his two sons, Jacob, Jr., and August W. a general merchandise store was established under the name of Herr Brothers and Company. This business prospered and in 1916 it was incorporated as Herr Mercantile Company. This firm continues in business in Wishek and is considered one of the finest stocked and best operated stores in the state.

Going back to the early days, Mr. and Mrs. Herr and their children suffered hardships similar to those of other pioneers. Their early home was of stone and clay with a wooden roof. The blizzards of winter terrorized them as did the wild sweeping prairie fires of summer. Towns were distant with only roads across the unbroken prairie leading to them. When they first settled on their land, Bowdle, S. D., sixty-six miles distant was the nearest trading post where food supplies and medical aid could be secured.

An incident of the "Indian Scare" has been related by Mr. Herr. At the time of the report he was away from home but upon returning found several frightened neighbors gathered there for protection. Others had fled to Eureka, S. D. The family without him to direct them were hysterical with fear. A maid by the name of Maria Springer became so frightened and hysterical that she became sick and nearly died from the effects. Eventually things settled back to normal as it was just a "scare" and the Indians did not come.

Mr. and Mrs. Herr were members of the Baptist church and brought up their children in this faith. They were the parents of seventeen children, seven of whom died in infancy. The others are as follows: Jacob Herr, Jr., born March 6, 1874, whereabouts unknown; John Herr, born October 15, 1877, died July 3, 1901; August W. Herr, born October 15, 1880, engaged in cattle business at Wishek, N. D.; C. J. Herr, born March 22, 1882; Gottlieb Herr, born October 11, 1885, and Edward Herr, born April 14, 1894, all connected with the Herr Mercantile Company, Wishek, N. D.; Mrs. John W. Koth, born December 11, 1893, living on a farm near Wishek, N. D.; Magdalena Herr Pudwill, born February 14, 1886, died in the fall of 1907; Katharina Herr Humann, born October 17, 1888, living on a farm near Wishek, N. D., and Fred Herr, born Oct. 6, 1889, engaged in the plumbing business at Wishek, N. D.

Mrs. Herr passed to the Great Beyond in September, 1912. Sometime after this, desiring companionship Mr. Herr married Susanna Munsch who survives him.

In the fall of 1916 Mr. Herr was called to his Maker at the age of 65 years. Twenty nine of those years were spent in McIntosh County. He is well remembered by his many friends as one who was progressive in spirit and ever ready to lend a helping hand to a needy neighbor.

Mr. Hildenbrand was born at Friedenfeld, South Russia, on October 11, 1870. The home of an older brother, Israel, already in North Dakota, and living about five miles northwest of Wishek, N. D., was his destination when leaving Russia. He got as far as Eureka, S. D., by train, and from there he made his way to his brother’s home, where he remained until the spring of 1890.

Mr. Hildenbrand filed on land about sixteen miles northeast of Ashley, where he made his home until he passed on to the Great Beyond in 1912.

The Hildenbrand family had all the early hardships, common to early settlers. Their financial circumstances were not so good at that time and a walking plow, two oxen, a wagon and a mower were their early equipment, with which they tried to make a living. No seeder or thresher was available and all seeding had to be done by hand and what little crop was raised was pounded out by hand. With poor crops and low prices they did not prosper so well in those early years. They also, like many others, picked buffalo bones and trapped rabbits, which were hauled to Eureka, S. D., to be sold and the money used to buy food for the family.

Mr. Hildenbrand was united in marriage to Elizabeth Knoig, by Rev. August Klup, Pastor of the Baptist church, and to this union were born eleven children, all of whom are living, namely; Carl, born March 12, 1890, now farming in Canada;

Barbara, born June 20, 1892, the wife of Reinhold Keller, and living at Merricourt, N. D.; Lydia, born June 8, 1894, the wife of Carl Olsen, and farming near Lehr, N. D.,; Carolena, born November 16, 1895, married to George Bollinger, and living at Wishek, N. D.; Martha, born June 5, 1897, the wife of Jacob Kegle, and living at Pollock, S. D.; Emanuel, born March 30, 1899, farming in Canada; John born June 12, 1900, employed by the "Soo Line" at Bismarck, N. D.; Edwin, born June 29, 1904, living at Bismarck, N. D.; Paulena, born October 19, 1906, the wife of Henry Eissinger, farming near Burnstad, N. D.; Hilda, born November 23, 1908, the wife of John Kegele, living on a farm in the state of Washington; Hugo, born August 19, 1910, living at Wishek, N. D.

Mr. Hildenbrand spent fifteen years of his life in McIntosh County farming, but decided in 1904 to throw his hat into the political ring and was elected Sheriff of McIntosh County in the fall election of 1904. He served the county well during 1905-06 and so efficiently in his first term, that the voters returned him to office again, and he held the office in 1907 and 1908 and again in 1908 and 1909. He was again elected to the office in 1910, and held office until his death in 1912. Mrs. Hildenbrand was remarried to Mr. Eissinger, and now makes her home at Bismarck, N. D.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew A. Hoff were both born in South Russia, Mr. Hoff on February 15, 1877, and Mrs. Hoff on March 3, 1882.

In the early nineties both Mr. and Mrs. Hoff emigrated to America with their parents. Hr. Hoff’s parents settling near what is now known as Long Lake, S. D., and her parents settling near what is now know as Greenway, S. D.

The early life of the Hoff family with their parents was very much the same. Houses were built of sod and stone, machinery was very scarce, in fact the only piece of machinery was a hand plow.

The Indian scare is well remembered. Families would gather their children and leave their homes, not knowing or paying much attention to where they went, bedding was left to be scattered by the winds.

Blizzards lasting up to three days were common. Fuel could not be gathered for the house and they were compelled to burn the straw taken from the bed-tick. Stock could not be fed and the snow was so deep at times that the horses could not be taken out of the barn. At last the food supply was exhausted and traveling on skis was the only way the larder could be replenished.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoff, all living at home, namely:

Goldie, born February 26, 1910; Lea Clara, born September 19, 1916; Otto Arron, born May 21, 1920, and Tillie Lillian, born September 30, 1923.

The Hoff family now lives on a farm west of Venturia in modern up-to-date buildings. They have the more up-to-date farm machinery and are considered one of the progressive farmers of the county.

© Tim Stowell 2001-2017