In the early sixties when America was experiencing a period of unrest and war, a similar unrest was also stirring Austria and Germany. Emigrating groups were entering South Russia from these countries. With his parents came Jacob Mack, then a small child, having been born February 15, 1863, at Landestreu, Austria. Here in South Russia he grew to manhood, and on February 12, 1887, he was married to Wilhelmina Rempfer. She was born February 24, 1867, at Bersula, South Russia.

This little South Russian colony was still restless and unsatisfied. When news of the good fortune awaiting immigrants in America reached them, many decided to leave the homeland and seek their fortune abroad. In the year 1889 Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Mack, Sr., and their son Jacob J., who had been born to them November 8, 1887, came to America and settled at Eureka, S. D., on a homestead.

The spirit of unrest seemed to be still with them and they journeyed on in 1892 up into McIntosh County. Six miles south of the present site of Lehr they found a spot which looked suitable for a home. Here they staked out a claim and built a shelter. This was a combination barn and house of sod similar to many in the early days. Tedious trips on foot or with oxen were made to Ellendale about sixty miles away, or to the newer town of Ashley, for groceries. A walking plow and wagon were about the only pieces of farm equipment which the Macks owned at that time. Household furnishings were also meager and crude but they did not complain. They both worked hard and were happy in the thought that this was now their homeland, the country for which they had longed. Where they could acquire land, worship God, and be free from compulsory Military Service.

Many times the father worked for others receiving about fifty cents, not an hour, but for a day's work. With his family he attended Evangelical Church. In later years he became associated with the Seven Day Adventists, continuing in that faith until the time of his death.

After a few years on the homestead South of Lehr "Dame Fortune" lured the family to Logan County to a vicinity then called Dawson Flat. Here farming was engaged in until 1903, when another move was made and the family returned to Lehr. Here Mr. Mack engaged in the meat market and flour selling business for several years and then sold out. From that time on he worked at day labor. The spirit of adventure and unrest seemed ever with him, although after several moves he spent the last thirty years of his life in Lehr, N. D.

Mr. Mack passed away October 24, 1933, and was followed the next year May 6, 1934 by Mrs. Mack. Both were patient through long months of illness and suffering. They are survived by an only son J. J. Mack, who is a resident of Lehr, engaged in the lumber business.

Mr. Mock, Sr., served his city of Lehr as alderman, and his son has also served in the same capacity, and as Mayor and City Auditor.

Christian B. Maier is worthy of mention as one of the early pioneers in the vicinity of Ashley. He was born on the 7 th day of February, 1860, in Josephsdorf, Bessarabia, South Russia. He was united in marriage to Barbara Beglau, Rev. Peters officiating.

In the old country the farms were small and there was little chance for advancement, so Mr. Maier, following an impulse, cast his lot, and he, his wife and two children embarked for America. From New York, they came to Ellendale by train; from there the trip was made overland, arriving in Ashley in 1888. He had seven dollars in his purse when he got here.

Mr. Maier filed on a homestead five miles from Coldwater. Their house was 16' x 32' x 7' and was built of sod, having two rooms. The oven, made of clay and stones, was built in the wall between these rooms, and heated both of them. Hay, reeds and weeds were used as fuel. Lumber was purchased at Ellendale and benches, tables and beds were made of it. These trips to Ellendale took three or four days. Buffalo bones or hay were hauled to Ellendale and either sold or exchanged for provisions, One time a load of hay was sold and flour was bought with the proceeds. The cheapest flour sold for $1.50 per hundred pounds.

A pair of oxen were purchased, giving a note, payable in one year. When the year was up, Mr. Maier was unable to meet this obligation, so the oxen were returned to their owner. He borrowed money, paying 18% interest and bought a cow for $30 and a plow for $15.00.

The first summer Mr. Maier worked for a farmer and received the sum of $12.00 per month. During the harvest time, he received 75 cents per day but later these wages were raised to $1.00 per day. 1889 was a dry year and the crop did not mature; 1890 was also hot and dry, but in 1891, there were fields of waving grain and hopes were high for a good yield, only to have them shattered. A hail storm completely wiped out their fields. The following years were more prosperous.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Maier, one daughter having died before they left Russia. The others are: Selomena, now Mrs. Jacob Sackman, Fallon, Mont.; Frederick, living near Coldwater in McIntosh County; Katharina, now Mrs. Gottlieb Schlenker, living near Kulm; and Magdalena, now Mrs. William Quashnick, living in Lodi, Calif.

About 1920, Mr. and Mrs. Maier retired from actual farming and moved to Ashley where they still reside. They are members of the Lutheran Church.

Arndt Mammel located in McIntosh County in 1890, and lived here until 1907. He was barn in Klostitz, Bessarabia, Russia, on April 9 th , 1869.

He was married to Frieda Beidersted by Rev. Julius Peters It was in March 1890 that they left their native land to come to America to seek their fortune and establish a home.

They came directly to McIntosh County and filed on land about twenty miles northeast of Ashley. Mr. Mammel purchased a wagon for $65.00, a pair of oxen for $200.00, a cow for $50.00, and a breaking plow for $25.00, which left his finances very low but it was spring and crop conditions were very favorable, which was a promise of a means of existence. With the crop planted, the next thing they did was to build a house. This was made of home-made bricks, Mr. Mammel having learned the art of making these bricks in the old country.

Their nearest town was Ellendale and a distance of forty miles. It took three or four days to make a trip there and back and sometimes longer. Occasionally they would become lost, there were no fences or telephone lines to follow, and in the winter the trail would be covered with snow and hard to find. Many times they were caught in a storm on their way to or from town.

Crop conditions were poor and the farm products low in price the first two years but these people were not discouraged. Better and more prosperous years followed and more land was acquired.

Mr. Mammel served as Treasurer of the Beresina School District for ten years and was assessor for four years.

In 1907, Mr. Mammel sold his property in McIntosh County and bought land in Dickey County. At present, he is living in Merricourt, N. D.

First Sheriff of McIntosh County. Appointed by County Commissioners, served 1884 to September 1887 inclusive.

E. K. McGogy was one of the earliest pioneers who located in McIntosh County. He was born on April 6th , 1844, and came to Hoskins in 1884, two years after the death of his wife.

He came to Dakota Territory with a group of land seekers and their first stop was Bismarck. Wishing to go south from Bismarck and knowing nothing of the country or land, a Mr. Spencer, James Beveridge and E. K. McGogy hired a man to take them and help them find a good place to locate. With two platform buggies, their luggage in one and they in the other, they arrived at Hoskins late in the evening, dusty, tired and hungry. Here they spent the night but with the break of day, they were again on their way, this time going south from Hoskins, until they reached a valley, this valley was first called McGogy Valley and later changed to Lowell Valley. Being impressed with the looks of the land, they decided not to look further. This was in 1884. These three men had came from different parts of Iowa and were not acquainted with each other until they started on the trip to McIntosh County. How long Mr. Spencer was here is not known, but Mr. McGogy and Mr. Beveridge both filed on land and became good friends. Was it "Fate" or "Dan Cupid" that brought these two families to McIntosh County? Dan Cupid must have had a hand in it, because Mr. McGogy's son James chose Mr. Beveridge's daughter Nellie for his wife and life mate.

Mr. McGogy filed an a pre-emption and lived there for some time but he did not engage in farming. He was one of the men to help organize the county and was the first assessor. While there are not many to assess, it was not an easy task, as he walked from place to place. One time, he became lost and wandered on the prairies for three days. It was cloudy and foggy and he had no idea where he was, until finally, not far from Hoskins, he met a searching party that were looking for him.

After he proved up on his claim, he went back to Iowa and lived there for about ten years. Later he returned to Ashley and made his home with his son, James, until his death. When Mr. McGogy came to this county in 1884, and established a home, he was joined by his two sons, James and Charles, who grew to manhood here. Charles lives in Dryden, Ontario, Canada, and James, or "Jim" as he is known to people of this vicinity, lives in Ashley. These two sons are classed as pioneers of Ashley and this community. They lived with their father on his claim, and shouldered and shared the hardships of their father and other settlers.

A figure prominent in Ashley history is that of "Jim" McGogy. In the community he stands as one ever ready to lend a hand in any civic enterprise for betterment.

His arrival in the county was in March, 1895, when he came through Eureka, S. D., and on up here with his father.

A car load of emigrant supplies had been shipped out to Eureka for use in this new country. Seven horses, two wagons and some household goods were in the car. The first day after their arrival two wagon loads of goods were taken out to Lowell Valley and unloaded. A return trip for the remaining household goods was made the following day. A small frame house was built and later replaced with one of stone.

Being single at that time Mr. McGogy lived with his father, assisting him on the farm. Many were the long days, spent digging rock and breaking the tough prairie sod. He was born at La Porte City, Iowa, on February 16, 1872, and received his early schooling there.

After spending two years on the home farm, Mr. McGogy and Nellie S. Beveridge were married by County Judge Christian Becker, December 23, 1896. They started out farming for themselves and continued for four years. At this time the "Soo Line" built into Ashley, and Mr. McGogy made application for the position as station agent. He was well qualified as a telegraph operator, having worked as such several years in Iowa. Mr. McGogy became Depot agent for the Soo Line, August 15, 1901. His first days receipts for the company were $1250.00, and he realized he had a big job. At that time Ashley was considered one of the heaviest stations of this division. Cream was shipped in quantities then, a day's shipping being about 500 cans, a creamery was also running at this time and shipped two car loads of butter a week. Crops were good and thus all business was good. Mr. McGogy had very little help and by working early and late handled the heavy business with little outside help.

In 1915 he resigned as agent to immediately take over the position as Postmaster, in which he continued until 1933. Thus he was in active service for 32 years, a fine record.

Mr. and Mrs. McGogy are the parents of three living children, namely; J. S. McGogy, agent for the "Soo Line", Wilton, N. D.; Mary E., employed in the office of County Superintendent of Schools, Ashley, N. D., and Robert I. McGogy, laborer, Ashley, N. D.; Grace McGogy Cass, Louise McGogy, an infant child, died and are interred in the Ashley cemetery. His oldest son, J. S. McGogy, enlisted for service during the World War.

During 1918 Mr. McGogy was active in civic work, at one time being Liberty Loan Drive Chairman for McIntosh County. He organized all districts and completed the sale with a balance well over the quota. Much credit was due him for the successful manner in which he handled this drive.

Mr. McGogy has long been a member of the I. O. O. F., and still retains his membership.

Mr. and Mrs. McGogy and daughter Mary make their home in Ashley at the present time.

Adam Meidinger, Jr.. later known as Adam Meidinger Sr., was among the early immigrants coming to America in 1885. Adam Meidinger was born in Kassel, South Russia, on December 28 th , 1846.

In 1866, he was united in marriage to Fredericka Miller. Miss Miller was born on April 3 rd , 1848, in Rumania and moved with her parents to Russia. The first year of their married life was spent at the home of her parents. The following year, they moved on their own land and started farming. In 1874, they decided to came to America; so disposed of all their belongings. It was six months before their passport was given them and in the meantime Mr. Meidinger and a Michael Hoffman went to the market and got 200 head of cattle, thinking they could fatten and sell them and make same easy money. Fate seemed against them. The trip home, about two hundred miles, was a long and hard one, many of the cattle dying and some being left behind because they were too poor to make the trip. These two men were "sadder but wiser" when they arrived home with about half of their herd. With the cattle on hand to feed and fatten for market, the Meidingers again started farming and stayed there ten years.

Late in the year of 1884, they set sail for America. They arrived at Menno, S. D., in January 1885 and spent the year there. The next spring, all their belongings, consisting of 2 horses, 2 cows, 2 oxen, 2 pigs, dog, 10 chickens, covered wagon, bedding, clothing and cooking utensils were loaded and shipped to Ipswich by rail. When they were unloading the car, one horse seemed very anxious to see the new country first, so jumped, the fall being fatal. With 2 cows and a horse tied to the covered wagon and the chickens, pigs, dog and family packed in it, they started northward. And it was thus that Mr. and Mrs. Adam Meidinger and family came to McIntosh County, arriving here on the 6 th day of May, 1886.

Mr. Meidinger filed on a homestead in what is now known as Antelope Valley. The covered wagon box was carefully lifted from the wheels and anchored to the ground and in it the family lived about two months. They did not have a stove, so a hole was dug in the ground and the children gathered weeds and hay to use as fuel. A few acres were plowed with two oxen, a cow and a horse, and potatoes, corn and flax were planted. With the crop planted, the next thing was to build a house. The house was made of sod and was 12' x 24'. The oven or fireplace was made of sod bricks and stones, and hay and chips were used as fuel.

Winters were long and severe, much more snow fell then than now and blizzards were common. The Meidingers always spoke of the first winter they were here as the hardest one they ever experienced. Snow fell early and by October, everything was frozen and winter had come in full force. At times, the farm buildings were completely covered with snow, obscured from sight, but for a chimney. In the spring when the snow melted, water seeped in the house and barn. One can imagine the unpleasantness of this, as there were no floors in the early sod houses.

That same winter, the family larder was very lean and the flour bin empty, this meaning a trip to Ellendale to provide food for the family. Mr. Meidinger, John Meidinger, his brother and Christ Rott, his brother-in-law started for Ellendale, each having their own team and home-made sled. The family lived on potatoes and milk, that being the extent of their food supplies. Mother Meidinger's culinary ability was certainly stretched to the limit, trying to prepare a pleasing and palatable meal for her children. It was a most trying time for the mother. Each day, she thought her husband would be home, but four days passed, five days passed and no sign of him. It was bitter cold and storming and the hours of anxiety and fear she endured, can only be realized by one that has had a similar experience. In telling of their experience, Mr. Meidinger said that the trip to Ellendale was made without mishap; each man purchased five hundred pounds of flour and other necessities and started for home. It started to blizzard the first afternoon on their homeward journey and seeing an abandoned sod house and barn, they stayed there the first night. In the morning, the storm having abated, they started on, this time walking most of the time to keep warm. Late in the afternoon, the wind arose and the snow blew in every direction but they trudged on. It was not long before they realized they were lost. One of the sleds had to be repaired and it was while this was being fixed that they became drowsy and wanted to sleep. Adam Meidinger realized what would happen to them, should they rest out in the storm, so he insisted that they follow him. He drove his team, making a large circle, thinking that in doing this, they would not wander any farther and could keep warm. Round and round they drove, until John and Chris refused to drive any more. They were sure they could not make it home and were ready to give up. This was the time for a conference and Adam realizing the danger they were in, talked to them very sharply, pleading with them to think of their families at home and not to give up. They promised to do whatever he asked of them, so they started to drive their teams around in this circle again, walking beside the horses to keep warm and to limber up. When daylight began to make its appearance, the storm lessened. This was the beginning of the fifth day away from home. Onward they pushed, driving all day without food or rest. About dusk, the horses seemed to travel faster, when all of a sudden they stopped. The men were very much surprised, to find that the horses had stopped beside a chimney and that they were driving over the top of a house, it being completely covered with snow, save the chimney. They awakened the farmer and were surprised to find that they had reached the home of a friend, Mr. Schadler by name. He took them in and while his wife prepared food for them, he took care of their teams. The next morning, with their hopes renewed, they resumed their journey. There was great rejoicing when Mr. Meidinger reached home and it was an experience that was never forgotten. In speaking of it, Mr. Meidinger always said that he was more concerned about his family than himself, and contended that the wife and mother were the best pioneers and too much credit could not be given them.

Mr. Meidinger had the largest sod house and on Sundays, all the neighbors would gather there and hold religious services. In 1888, feeling the need of a church, the men folk organized and built the Berlin Baptist Church. In later years this church was remodeled and this year will celebrate its Golden Anniversary.

In 1891 to 1893, Mr. Meidinger served as County Commissioner of the First District and in 1903 he was Representative to the Legislature.

In 1902, Mr. Meidinger and his son, Jacob A., purchased the Hellwig Store from John Hellwig and operated it for four years. In 1906, they sold it to Gottlieb Meidinger and moved to Ashley, having purchased the Dockter Mercantile. They did business under the firm name of Meidinger and Son until 1920, when it was taken over by A. W. Meidinger.

Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger, seven of whom are living and are: Eva, married to Jacob Ohlhauser and living in Calgary, Alberta, Can.;

Katharina,, Mrs. John Wolf, died in 1893; Adam, married to Elizabeth Miller, is the owner of the original homestead of his father's. He and his wife have retired and live in Ashley; Jacob, whose biography is elsewhere in this book, resides in Lodi, Cal.; Christina, married to John Neher, lives near Carbon, Alberta, Can.; Fredericka, married to Jacob Buyer, lives near Carbon, Alberta, Can.; Andrew, married Frederika Nagel of Lehr. He disposed of his interest in the General Merchandise Business. In 1931 he was elected County Judge of McIntosh County, in which capacity he still serves. He and his family live at Ashley. John W. was assistant Cashier of the German State Bank at Zeeland from 1913 to 1915; Ass't. Cashier of the First State Bank of Wishek, N. D., from 1915 to 1917; Ass't. Cashier of the Ashley State Bank from 1917 to 1924. Elected as Cashier of that Bank, which position he still holds. He served in the World War for fourteen months, twelve of them being overseas. In 1920, he was united in marriage to Beth Mensing.

Mrs. Meidinger died in 1910 and is buried in the Ashley Cemetery.

Mr. Meidinger's second wife was Mrs. Christiana Schock. In 1919, they moved to Walla Walla, Wash. He came to Ashley to visit his sons and died at the home of A. W. Meidinger in 1934. He was laid to rest beside his wife. The second Mrs. Meidinger died the same fall and is buried in Wash.

When a boy of seven years, Adam Meidinger Sr., moved to Russia with his parents. At that time, the Czar of Russia was offering land to new settlers and the Meidingers were among the many that left their native land, to become subjects of Russia.

Little is known of his early life in Russia. He married Katharina Reich and they raised seven children. Czar Nicholas was ruling with an "Iron Hand", this causing unrest and discontent among his subjects. During this time, many people were leaving for America, among them, being one of his sons, Gottlieb, who came to America in 1877. Three sons left in 1886 and had his son John not been in the army, he and his wife would have left then too. They stayed and waited until John returned from the army and in company with him and his family, they came to the United States in 1887. The Meidingers coming before them had settled in Antelope Volley, McIntosh County, Dakota Territory, and it was here, they also came. Mr. Meidinger was sixty-seven years old then. Relatives and friends helped build a sod house for them. They were home abiding people, the only place they would go, was to the home of their son Adam for church services. Family worship was held every morning and evening in their home. They had a few chickens and a cow and with the care of their garden, they were kept busy.

One daughter, Eva, remained in Russia and the rest of the children came to America. They were Christoph, Adam, Jacob, Christina, Gottlieb and John and all located in Antelope Valley and were known as the Meidinger settlement.

In 1895, Mr. Meidinger became blind, but manifesting his Faith in his Maker, he was always cheerful and happy. Mrs. Meidinger died in the spring of 1897 and in the fall of the same year, her husband joined her in the Great Beyond. Both were laid to rest in the Berlin Church cemetery.

In 1888, Christoph Meidinger, accompanied by his wife, Christina, born Meyer, and their children embarked for America. Christoph was born in Kassel, South Russia, on October 10 th , 1844, and was 44 years old when he left his native land to seek his fortune in this land. On the ship with them were other immigrants from Kassel and from other provinces of Russia, who were coming here because of the opportunities offered them. Arriving in McIntosh County and Ashley, he inquired the location of the other Meidingers who had come before them and asked for land in the same vicinity. He filed an a homestead in the section of Antelope Valley that was known as the "Meidinger Settlement." His brothers and kind friends assisted him in the erection of a sod house and a shelter for his stock, also in digging a well. Before coming to Ashley, he had purchased a team of oxen, wagon, cow, two horses and a plow. These with the few personal belongings, the utensils, bedding and clothing they brought from their homeland were sufficient to start on this new adventure. Year after year, they toiled and struggled, experiencing hardships and trials but their efforts were not in vain. They prospered as conditions became better. When Mr. Meidinger first came here, his finances were low, so he worked out, receiving the sum of seventy cents per day. His wife and children gathered buffalo bones which were hauled to Ellendale and sold. Ashley was in its infancy then but there was no market here for buffalo bones.

Churches and schools were not organized as yet. These people never forgot when Sunday came and were eager to meet at the home of some friend to worship their Maker. Adam Meidinger had the largest sod house and church was held there every Sunday, neighbors and friends for miles around would gather to hold the service. Later the Berlin Baptist Church was organized and Mr. Meidinger was one of the earnest workers of the organization.

Winters were, as a rule, much more severe and more snow fell than now. The slightest wind meant a blizzard and many times the buildings would be covered with snow and shut off from daylight.

Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger raised seven children, namely: Christina, now Mrs. Staltz, Medina, N. D.; Rosena, now Mrs. Jacob Rembolt, Gackle, N. D.; Gottlieb, Medina; Jacob, Canada, Katie, now Mrs. Jacob Schauer, Medina; Adam, Hebron; and August in Montana.

Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger sold their property in McIntosh County about forty years ago and bought land near Medina. Later they retired from farming and moved to town where they lived until Mrs. Meidinger's death. Mr. Meidinger spent the remainder of his life with his daughter, Mrs. Jacob Rembolt at Gackle. At his death, internment was made in Medina beside his wife.

One of the early pioneers of McIntosh County, coming here in 1885, was Frederick Meidinger. He was born in Kassel, South Russia, on May 18th , 1859.

He, his wife Kathrina, in company with several other families left their native land to come to America, where they and their children might take advantage of the opportunities offered in this new land. Not speaking the English language, they were very happy when they reached Tripp, where there was a colony of their own people and they could discuss plans for the future. They spent the first winter there, doing any kind of work that they could get. During the winter they purchased a team of oxen, and a wagon, and later a cow. Spring found them on their way north to find a place to make a permanent home. They arrived in McIntosh County on May 5th , 1885, and located on land about fourteen miles northeast of Zeeland.

Even though their resources were low and their farm equipment meager, they built a sod house and barn and then began to break the sod for a crop. The first three years were not productive, crops did not mature, due to either lack of moisture, heat or hail. 1888 brought favorable conditions, there were fields of waving grain that produced bountiful yield when harvested. The nearest town was a distance of seventy-five miles, and it took nearly a week to make the round trip. The winters were long and very severe, there being much more snow on the level then now. Many times after a blizzard, the farm buildings would be completely covered, save for the chimney. Some kind neighbor would come to their assistance and shovel a passage to the door. Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger were never discouraged, their neighbors and friends were having the same experience as they and better times were sure to come. They worked and toiled from morning to night and as the years passed by they acquired more land and property. They farmed for a number of years, then turning the farm over to a son, they moved to Wishek, N. D.

There were no churches in the early days, but the neighbors would gather at a farm house and hold their religious service. Daily worship was held in the home each day. The Meidingers belonged to the Lutheran church and were one of the organizers of the church in their community.

Mr. Meidinger served as Commissioner of his District in 1910, and was a member of the school board.

There were nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger, and are: Andrew, Jacob, Ferdinand, Maria, Kathrina, Albert, Otto, Paul and Rose.

Mr. Meidinger died about two years ago. His wife resides with her son Albert, in Wishek, N. D.

Mr. Meidinger was one of McIntosh County's best farmers and owned considerable land, and was a well-to-do man at the time of his death.

In 1877 Gottlieb Meidinger and his wife Barbara, born Mayer, left their native land and came to America. Gottlieb was born October 1 st , 1854 in Kassel, South Russia. Arriving in America, and going through the customary inspection they boarded a train for Dakota Territory and stopped at Menno, where they lived until 1886. Gottlieb was the first of the Meidingers to come to this country and wrote many letters to his home folks telling them of the large tracts of fertile land open for homestead entry and of the advantages in this country. In 1885 his three brothers, Adam, Jacob and Christoph and their families joined him in this country. They spent the winter in Menno where they were near Gottlieb. Many of the settlers of that community were leaving for the northern part of the territory, so these brothers decided they too would go. In the spring of 1886, they loaded their belongings in a freight car and boarded the train for Ipswich. Being the end of the rail road, the rest of the trip was made with oxen and a covered wagon.

They arrived in Hoskins on May 10th , 1886. They had been told to contact John H. Wishek and that he would help them find a suitable place to make their future home. After being told and shown the county, they decided to locate in Antelope Valley. This settlement was called the Meidinger settlement.

The spring was far advanced so there was little crop planted that year. They lived under their wagons until their houses were completed. They built them of sod and hauled lumber from Ellendale to use for the door and window frames. The farm equipment consisted of the traditional plow, mower, wagon and oxen. The summer was spent in clearing the land of rock and picking buffalo bones. These bones were their only means of support and were hauled to Ellendale where they were sold or exchanged for flour and groceries. Their homestead was about eighteen miles from Hoskins and forty miles from Ellendale. There were no roads, telephone lines or fences to follow in those days, so they cut across the prairie and many times became lost, especially in a blizzard.

In 1906, Gottlieb Meidinger bought the general store from his brother Adam. He served as Postmaster while conducting the store business. Mr. Meidinger took on active part in the organization of the Berlin Baptist Church, and was always interested in the welfare of the county. About 1910 he sold his interests in McIntosh County and moved to Montana.

Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger were the parents of fifteen children, ten of whom are living and are, namely: Gottlieb, Fallon, Montana; Fredericka, now Mrs. Henry Hellwig, Lodi, Cal.; Rose, now Mrs. Johnson, Fallon, Mont.; Mary, now Mrs. John J. Nagel, Lehr, N, D.; Barbara, now Mrs. Ehman, Fallon, Mont.; August, Terry, Mont.; Henry, Lodi, Calif.; Emanuel, Fred and John at Fallon, Mont.

Mr. Meidinger died in June 1936. His wife, Mrs. Meidinger resides in Montana, spending her time with her children.

Among the early pioneers of McIntosh County who were natives of Kassel, South Russia, were Jacob Meidinger and his wife Rose, born Miller, and their family.

They arrived in America in the fall of 1885 and spent the winter with friends and relatives near Menno. The following spring, in company with his brother Adam and his family, he shipped his possessions by rail to Ipswich and from there the trip to Hoskins and McIntosh County was made across the country in a covered wagon. Mr. Meidinger filed on land near his brother, Adam Meidinger, in Antelope Valley, about twenty miles northeast of Ashley. The wagon box with cover was placed on the ground and served as a house until one could be built, which was about two months. It was late in the spring and the land was broken and the crop put in before the house could be started. A few acres of sod was broken and flax planted, being sown by hand.

The Meidingers and several other families located in Antelope Valley at the same time, this colony was known as the "Meidinger Settlement." They helped each other put in their crop and then the work on the sod houses was underway. Lumber was purchased and hauled from Ellendale for the rafters, doors and window frames. It took about two days to complete a house with the help of the neighbors. Stoves were made of clay and stones, being about six feet long, two feet wide and about four feet high. Often these were built through the partition, half extending into each room. Hay and chips were used as fuel and proved very satisfactory. These were stoked morning and evening and kept the place very comfortable.

The nearest town was Ellendale and a distance of forty-five miles. Flour and other supplies were purchased there. Usually two or three farmers would make the trip together and it would take three or four days to complete it.

Mrs. Meidinger died in 1894, and was buried in the Berlin Church Cemetery. Realizing the need of a mother for his children, he married Mrs. Katharina Spitzer in 1895.

Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger retired from actual farming in 1908, and moved to Ashley. In 1919, they sold their town property and moved to Walla Walla, Washington. Mr. Meidinger died in 1934. Mrs. Meidinger resides in Portland, Oregon.

The following is a list of the children; Katharina, Mrs. Christ Herr, Wishek; Eva, Mrs. Rutschke, Alberta, Canada; Adam, Alberta, Canada; Christina, Mrs. Rutschke, Alberta, Canada; Gottlieb, Idaho; Lydia, Mrs. F. H. Eisenbeisz, Ashley, N. D.; Rose, Mrs. John Pudwill, Wishek, N. D.; Pauline, Mrs. Smith, Prescott, Wash.; and William, Dufur, Oregon.

Coming to the United States in 1885 with his parents was Jacob A. Meidinger, when he was 4 years old. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Meidinger, Jr., farmed near Menno the first year they were in this country. They come to McIntosh County in May, 1886, and settled in Antelope Valley about eighteen miles northeast of Ashley and it was here that Jacob spent his boyhood days and grew to manhood.

Jacob, or Jake, as he is known, has a very vivid picture of the early pioneer days, the hardships and dangers that his parents and all other early settlers endured. The children of these pioneers had to be the "big brother or sister" when the trips to town were made by their parents.

He filed an a homestead in Section Twelve, Township One Hundred Thirty one, Range Sixty-eight and while living on it, he and his father purchased the Hellwig Store. This store they sold to Gottlieb Meidinger, and bought the Dockter Mercantile in Ashley. They operated this store under the firm name of Meidinger and Son until 1920, when it was sold to A. W. Meidinger. Mr. Meidinger built a home in the south part of Ashley and moved his family to town. In 1917 to 1921 he was Treasurer of McIntosh County, and in 1921 he bought an interest in the Ashley Farmers Implement Company, disposing of it in 1933. In 1929 and 1930 he was a Representative in the Legislature.

In 1904, he married Friederika Nehrer, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Bischoff of Ashley. Mrs. Meidinger died in 1912, leaving three small children, Arthur, Otto and Alma. In 1913, he married Elizabeth Nehrer. To them three sons were born and are Clifford, Irwin and De Laine. This Mrs. Meidinger passed away in 1933 and was laid to rest in the Ashley cemetery. In 1933 Mr. Meidinger moved to Lodi, Cal., and was united in marriage to Mrs. Katharina Ahnis. At present he operates a Service Station in that city.

The names and addresses of Mr. Meidinger's children are: Arthur, at Peoria, Ill.; Otto, San Jose, Cal.; Alma, now Mrs. Wm. Bauman, Ashley; Clifford, married, living at Lodi, Irwin and DeLaine at home. Mr. Meidinger and his children have always attended the Baptist Church, he being one of its members and helping the organization in whatever way he could.

Jacob O. Meidinger, came to McIntosh County with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Meidinger, Sr., in May 1886. He was born in South Russia on December 11th , 1878 and was seven years old when he come to America with his parents. His folks spent six months around Tripp, in the southern part of Dakota Territory, coming to Antelope Valley in the spring of 1887, where they were to make their future home.

Coming here in May, there was much to be done, a house to be built, the land broke to put in a small crop, well to be dug and many other things. Every one went to work, old and young, mother and father, brother and sister. Before the well was dug, water from the slough was used. After the crop had been put in, the house was constructed and was of sod and stones. Lumber was hauled from Ellendale for rafter and window frames. All their furniture was home made, but served the purpose very well. The children picked buffalo bones and horns. These were hauled to Ellendale and sold, getting from eight to ten dollars per load for them, and food supplies bought with this money. Weeds, twisted hay and chips were used as fuel. These were all gathered in the fall before the snow came.

Mr. Meidinger filed on land about eight miles south of Fredonia, where he lives. He was united in marriage to Justina Bitz in 1905. Twelve children were born to them and are: Walter, Ashley; Anna, Venturia; Lenora, Greenway, S. D.;

Katie, Ashley; Rosa, Kulm; Leonard, Ruth, Paul, Christina, Magdalena, John and Rubin at home.

Kassel, Russia was the birthplace of John Meidinger, Sr., one of the early pioneers to settle in McIntosh County. He was born on January 1 st , 1858, and came to the United States in 1886, accompanied by his wife and three children.

The Meidinger family arrived in Tripp, in the southern part of Dakota Territory in October, 1886, and spent the winter there. That part of the country was pretty well settled and all the available land was taken, so in the spring of 1887, they loaded all their possessions and came as far as Ipswich by rail. That being the end of the railroad, they unloaded their belongings. This part of the country was just being settled and his brothers had located northeast of Ashley, so he located there also. The trip from Ipswich was made with an oxen team, and it took a couple of days to get to Antelope Valley, where they were going to make their future home. They filed on a homestead in Antelope Valley, their claim being about twenty miles from Ashley. They brought a cow, a few chickens and a hand plow with them and with these, they started farming in McIntosh County. Their well was dug with a spade and had sufficient water for their household needs and the stock.

The first three years on their homestead, they did not realize anything from their crops, either drouth, heat or hail destroyed them. The other settlers gathered buffalo bones and sold them, so why not they? One week, the family would gather them and the next week, they would be hauled to Ellendale and exchanged for provisions. Ellendale was a distance of fifty miles or so and took four or five days without a mishap, to make it. The winters were long and cold, snow was deep, many times covering their buildings. Many were the hardships the pioneers of the early days endured and faced, only to live through it and enjoy better conditions for their children.

Mr. Meidinger was one of the organizers of the Berlin Baptist Church, which was organized in 1888. He and Mrs. Meidinger were devout church members and their life exemplified their faith.

Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger and are: Jacob O., farmer, Fredonia; Christina, now Mrs. John Hellwig, Canada; Eva, Mrs. Jacob J. Rott, Lodi, Cal.; Carl, farmer, Lehr; Lydia, now Mrs. Adam Hoffman, Lodi, Cal.;

Pauline, now Mrs. Jacob Schock, Merricourt; Bernard, Fredonia; John, Alfred, N. D.; Henry, farmer, Fredonia; Katie, now Mrs. Fred F. Wolf, Fredonia; and Emil, farmer, Fredonia, N. D. Bernard, son of Mr. Meidinger, served in the World War, in Co. P, 4 th Battalion, 163 rd Depot Brigade, and was honorably discharged.

Mr. Meidinger was Sheriff of McIntosh County from 1895 to 1899; 1902 to 1905; 1908 to 1909. In 1910, he was elected Commissioner of his District and held that office until 1918.

The next year Mr. and Mrs. Meidinger moved to Fredonia, where they lived until his death in August 1921. Mrs. Meidinger made her home with her son Bernard, after her husband's death. She died in June, 1930.

Lenhard Mertz was born January 3, 1876, at Beresina, South Russia, and about the time that citizens of Hoskins were busily transferring their belongings over to Ashley, Mr. Mertz, then a boy of twelve years came with his parents and settled six miles north of Ashley. They came in a covered wagon and like most of the families at that time had little money and few farm implements. A sod house was built and also a sod barn. Many long days were spent cutting the tough prairie sod into strips suitable for building. These strips were about thirty inches long and twelve or fifteen inches wide and were piled crosswise for the shanty walls. These buildings when covered overhead with a thatched roof, or boards if one could afford them, were very warm and comfortable in winter and also cool and comfortable in summer.

Plowing and planting followed the coming of the Mertz family and after the growing season the harvest was gathered. Prices were low compared with today. Butter was five cents a pound, eggs seven or eight cents a dozen, wheat thirty-three cents a bushel and feed and hay almost worthless for marketing. Many cold days were spent by Lenhard and other members of the family picking bones from the prairie. These were hauled to Ellendale and sold or exchanged for food and clothing.

When Lenhard became a young man he was married by the Rev. Finke to Magdalena Dockter. They were the parents of five children, namely: Magdalena, born February 24, 1902, living at Goodrich, N. D.; Theodore, born March 1, 1908, farming at Goodrich, N. D.; Pauline, born January 21, 1911, living at Anamoose, N. D.; Martha, born February 5, 1914, and Hildegarde, born March 22, 1918, both living at Goodrich, N. D. Mr. and Mrs. Mertz both worship at the Lutheran Church.

Among the few native born Americans, who had part in the development of Dakota Territory and the vicinity of Hoskins and Ashley, was La Motte Miles. He was born in Indiana on December 31st , 1859.

In the spring of 1883, he came to Dakota Territory and filed on a pre-emption claim near Newark in what is now known as Day County, S. D. He began working on the U. S. Government Survey under T. F. Marshall and continued with him the summers of 1884-1885.

Once while with the surveyors they ran out of water and their tongues became so swollen that they could hardly talk. While they were digging for water, the horses tried to eat the damp earth that was thrown aside. After they struck water, a storm came, filling every pool and ditch.

In 1886, he became manager of Andy Stone's Cattle Ranch at Green Lake, McIntosh County, Dakota Territory. This ranch furnished meat for Contractors who were building the R. R. grade from Aberdeen, S. D., to Bismarck, N. D. While here he experienced many unusual happenings. The cattle, being scattered after a severe blizzard, called far a long search of many months. He also had to fight prairie fires. One time, after a twenty-four hour siege, he removed his trousers to beat out the flames.

In 1888, La Motte Miles built the first building in Ashley as the town was moved from Hoskins Lake, four miles west, to the Railroad grade where the county seat now stands.

He held county offices at different times, of surveyor, auditor and treasurer of McIntosh County. He also had a cattle ranch northeast of Ashley; was part owner of a lumber yard and held an office in the First State Bank of Ashley with which he was connected at the time of his death.

On October 17, 1887, at Hoskins, he was united in marriage to Annie Helmer. Miss Helmer was born on December 12 th , 1869 in Germany. To them, two children were born, Samuel Robert, now living in Tacoma, Wash., and Barbara, now Mrs. Edgar Johnstone, Seattle, Washington.

Mr. and Mrs. Miles have passed to the Great Beyond and are both buried in the Ashley Cemetery.

Robert C. Miles, well known and one of Ashley's respected citizens, was born on the 15 th day of May, 1867, in Bowling Green, Indiana.

He came from Indiana to Dakota Territory and McIntosh County in the spring of 1885, and began working in the U. S. Survey under T. F. Marshall.

In the fall of 1885, he attended the Agricultural College at Brookings, Dakota Territory, now South Dakota. While in college, he was a member of the Band which accompanied the Editors on the excursion through Yellow Stone Park, Salt Lake City, Denver and Omaha. He came back to McIntosh County to stay, in the spring of 1889, when he filed and proved up on a homestead near Wishek.

On April 4 th 1897, he was united in marriage to Marie S. M. Aalund. Miss Aalund was born in Denmark on March 7th , 1876, and came to Dakota Territory when she was twelve years old. To this couple seven children were born, four of whom survive and are: Anna, now Mrs. Clyde A. Dow, Bismarck, N. D.; Edith Margaret, Public Health Nurse, New York City, N. Y.; Marion, now Mrs. Henry Doerr, Ashley; and Eunice, now Mrs. Wm. Serr, Yakima, Wash.

In 1906, Mr. Miles was elected to the office of Clerk of Court of McIntosh, holding that office for two terms. From 1911 to 1915, he was Postmaster at Ashley. Mr. Miles was engaged in the grain business at Ashley from 1917 to 1928, when he disposed of his elevator. He has been the official surveyor of McIntosh County for many years.

Mr. Miles spent last winter with his daughter, Mrs. Wm. Serr, in Yakima, Washington.

One of the early pioneers of this county and Hoskins is Otto Miller. He was born on November 2nd , 1856, in Schiadlwa, Germany. Possessed of the spirit of adventure, Otto Miller come to America in 1886. Leaving New York, his first stop was at Good Thunder, Minnesota, only to push onward to a newer settled country. He went as far as Ellendale by train and started west from there on foot or "shanks horses." Thus it was, one lovely spring day in March, 1886, Otto Miller came to Hoskins.

He had about fifty dollars on his person when he got here, but immediately looked for work. He bought a pick axe and a spade and hoped to earn enough money to purchase a team of oxen and a wagon and other farm implements. He had filed on a homestead in Lowell Valley and was eager to start farming. His claim shack was made of sod and was 12' x 16' in size.

On May 15 th , 1887, he started to go to Hoskins to mail a letter and became lost. Wandering around for some time, he finally found an empty Indian grave. With night creeping upon him, he gathered weeds and chips and built a fire to keep warm. Even though it was May, there was a heavy frost that night and the fire had to be kept burning all night to keep warm. Morning dawned bright and clear and he went on his way to Hoskins.

On November 1st , 1890, he was united in marriage to Emma C. Richards. He tells of how on his wedding day, he hitched up his team of oxen, called for Mr. and Mrs. James Beveridge, Mr. and Mrs. James Briggs and Mr. and Mrs. Warner Piper and went to the home of his bride to be. She was the daughter of Alonzo Richards, and in the presence of her parents and these friends, they were married. The ceremony was performed by Judge James Beveridge.

This union was blessed with five daughters. They are: Lida, Mrs. Victor Colberg, Litcher, S. D.; Bertha, Mrs. Joe Vanorney, Ashley, N. D.; Jeanie, Mrs. Young, Chicago, Ill.; Emma, Mrs. Joachim, Danzig, N. D.; and Myra, Mrs. Ladner, Eureka, S. D.

Mrs. Miller died on May 20th , 1900, and is buried in the Ashley Cemetery. Mr. Miller lived on his homestead until 1920, when he purchased a home in Ashley, where he resides.

A son of Karl Moench and his wife Louisa, nee Wutske, was born in Tarutina, South Russia, which is now a part of Roumania, on April 24, 1886. In the spring of 1893, at the age of six, he accompanied his parents, four brothers and one sister, namely: Daniel, Gottlieb, Ferdinand, Gustav and Maria to America, and settled with them on a homestead thirteen miles north of Eureka, S. D., in the southwestern part of McIntosh County. His father had only $14.00 left when he arrived at Eureka, so he had to buy a team of oxen on time and build his buildings of sod. He was brought up when his parents were poor and saw many hardships of the old settlers. The winters were severe and the school terms consisted of only three months, so he had little chance to get much education in schools, most of his education was obtained from books at home, later he had a chance to attend the Ashley school four months. He later taught country schools for six terms. In 1907, he filed on a homestead five miles north of Ashley and started farming for himself.

On November 14 th , 1907, he was married to Helena Layer the ceremony being performed at the house of his parents by Rev, H. Landsiedel. This union was blessed with six children of whom two died in infancy.

In 1910, he moved to Ashley where he still resides and has played an important part in the industrial and political development of the town. In 1912, he was elected Register of Deeds, which office he held for six years. In 1919, he was employed in the First State Bank of Ashley, which position he held for 12 years, during which time he also served as Village Trustee and seven years as Director of the Ashley School Board. He was a member of the Lutheran Church where he served as Secretary and Treasurer a number of years, also Sunday School teacher and a member of the building committee when the present Lutheran Church was built.

In January 1931, he resigned his position in the Bank and went into the Insurance business. In 1934, he was elected Mayor of the city of Ashley, which office he still holds. At the present time he is the Fieldman for the Bank of North Dakota for the Counties of McIntosh, Logan and Emmons.

In 1889 Henry Moos accompanied by Jacob Heiser and John Weist embarked on the ship Columbus for America. It took nine days to make the trip across the water. The three men took the train for Chicago and there parted company, two of them going to Nebraska and Henry Moos to Menno, then in Dakota Territory where he had a half brother.

It was a good thing that his brother lived at Menno or near there as Henry had just sixty cents left when he got there and it was not enough to hire some one to take him very far. A man noticing the distressed young man, offered him help and took him to his brother's place; this was twelve miles from Menno. He also had an uncle by the name of Jacob Edleman in this neighborhood and he found a place for Henry to work. He received $15.00 per month and worked for three months.

In 1894 Mr. Moos and his wife came to McIntosh County. They drove a herd of cattle to Eureka, taking them twelve days. After he had filed an land in this county he brought his stock here. They built a small sod house and then went to the Missouri River and got enough logs and lumber to build a barn large enough for forty head of cattle.

Mr. Moos recalls the winter of 1895. Snow fell early in the fall and remained until late spring. There were many storms but one in particular he remembers. The cattle were out on the prairie and after the storm, he went to look for them and they were nowhere to be found.

Crops were fairly good the first years Mr. Moos was here but they did not get much for their grain or other products. Wheat sold for forty cents per bushel but commodities were cheap also. Overalls could be purchased for fifty cents per pair and shoes for $1.00 per pair. Yardage was cheap and the wives made most of the clothing for the family.

Mr. Moos was born on the 29th day of July, 1872 in Rohelort, South Russia. In 1895, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Ottenbacher. To them fourteen children were born, thirteen of whom are living and are: Albert, Sherwood, Ore.;

Mrs. A. Walski, Herreid, S. D.; Mrs. Rose Schmidt, Linton, N. D.; Mrs. Rudolph Schuler, Lancester, Wash.; Mrs. Robert Walski, Herreid, S. D.; Mrs. Ed. Delzer, Pollock, S. D.; Mrs. Christ Rentz, Lodi, Cal,; Arthur, Venturia; Edwin, Erwin, Otto, Alvin, and Hilda at home. Rubin, the second oldest son was drowned in California in 1934 or 1935. Albert served in the World War in the Infantry for eighteen months.

Mr. and Mrs. Moos still live on their homestead about twenty miles southwest of Ashley. They have a well equipped farm and have prospered until these last years of drouth.

A history of early pioneers would not be complete unless something was written in memory of our subject Christian Mueller, who, together with his wife, Christina (nee Wahl), passed away in the year 1935, and were, at the time of their demise, members of the Baptist Church.

Mr. Mueller was born in South Russia on August 22, 1860, he spent 47 years of his life in McIntosh County in and around Venturia. He come to the U. S. from Russia with his father in 1880 and lived at Menno, S. D., until the year 1888 when he moved to McIntosh County and took up a homestead about one and one-half miles northwest of Venturia, where he built a sod house and barn, broke a few acres the first years. He had to be very careful of what little money he got so as to take care of his family but by careful saving and taking care of his credit he was able to get along and finally acquired quite a little property and was quite well fixed. Upon arriving in McIntosh County he started with two oxen, a plow, a cow and four chickens.

Mr. Mueller was married to Christina Wahl in 1882, to which union was born ten children all of whom were farmers, with the exception of William, who in addition to farming has been manager of the Venturia Grain Company, another son, August, was drafted in the World War but was exempted.

Anyone who was acquainted with Mr. Mueller knew him as a kind-hearted, lovable, God fearing man who was always ready to help his neighbor in times of stress.

© Tim Stowell 2001-2017