Mr. and Mrs. Jahraus are the owners of a large farm with a roomy modern house and a large barn for their stock and machinery. One would hardly think that this prosperous couple were the same who had started life an the prairie in a little two room stone house. At that time their equipment for wresting a living from the soil was two horses, two cows, a hand plow, drag, wagon, stone boat and a few old implements and tools. A small sod barn provided shelter far the stock. Work in the field and in the home were vastly different than today. No tractor pulled the plow, no header or binder cut the grain and no threshing machine separated the grain from the chaff. No varnished hardwood floors were in the shanty, no electric washing machine helped clean the soiled clothing and no modern cooking untensils and furniture adorned the home. But the Jahraus couple were young and loved life and cared not for hard work. They labored and saved and bought more land and better equipment as they were able. In the early days during the long cold winters the stock had to be watered and cared for and feed carried to them. Experience taught Mr. Jahraus to prepare for this in the summer and much suffering from the cold was avoided.

Prairie fires were frequent and very damaging and this family was ever ready to go out and assist in putting out the destructive flames. The "Indian Scare" of 1890 is well remembered by them as they were children about 12 years old. A neighbor came by and called to their families during the night "The Indians are coming to kill", fear reigned supreme, best clothes and quickly gathered heirlooms and treasures were snatched and out into the night went the frightened families. The general direction taken by all was eastward, driving fast and hard to escape their blood thirsty enemy. After a few very uncomfortable days and nights word was passed around that the trouble making Chief Sitting Bull was no more. A tiresome journey home, stock cared for, the house set in order and a good meal around the family table and things went on as before. The Indian scare was over and no one was very much the worse for it.

Mr. and Mrs. Jahraus raised a fine family of boys and girls who as they grew old enough assumed their share of the responsibility in improving the home farm and buildings. The children are namely: Ida Pauline Schempp, Glen Ullin, N. D., born August 25, 1898, died February 15, 1934; Ruben L., born December 4, 1899, living at Glen Ullin, N. D.; Ernest H., born November 20, 1901, living at Elgin, N. D.; Emma Werre, born June 18, 1903, living at Leola, S. D.; Albert W., born January 20, 1906, living at Herried, S. D.; Ruth L. Jung, born November 18, 1907, living at Greenway, S. D.; Arthur J., born March 5, 1909, living at Zeeland, N. D.; Irene C., born May 18, 1911, living at Eureka, S. D.; Henry C., born September 4, 1913, and Maybelle E., born February 7, 1917, both living at Greenway, S. D.; John Jr., born April 29, 1920, died same year.

Mr. John Jahraus was born in Yankton, S. D., January 20, 1878, and came with his parents when they settled south of Ashley in McPherson County 1885. His wife Katharina Ulmer was born in South Russia November 11, 1877, and came over with her parents when they emigrated to McPherson County in 1884. These young people grew up as neighbors and were married in the Rohrbach Reformed Church November 25, 1897, by the Rev. Peter Bauer. Following their marriage they took up a homestead near Greenway, S. D., where they still reside today.

In spite of the busy life at home and the responsibility of raising a large family Mr. Jahraus found time to serve as director and treasurer of the school board for several years and also held several church offices.

Jacob H. Jenner's parents settled in Hutchinson County, Dakota Territory in 1873. They farmed there until 1889, when they moved to Tripp and engaged in the General Merchandise Business. In the early nineties they returned to the farm and a couple of years later moved to Dickey County, where Mr. Jenner had purchased a farm. This farm was in the northwest corner of Dickey County, four miles south of the present townsite of Kulm.

Jacob H. Jenner was born in Hutchinson County, Dakota Territory, on January 25 th , 1880. He lived with his parents until he went to Lehr, N. D., in 1901 to buy grain for the Woodwerth Elevator Company of Minneapolis, Minn. In 1904 he moved to Ashley and resided there until 1907. That year he moved back to Lehr and has resided there since that time. He has been engaged in the grain business continuously since 1907. He recalls that in the early days wheat sold for 55 cents per bushel, flax $1.05 per bushel and barley for forty cents per bushel. From 1920 to 1931, he was engaged in the banking business, having interest in the banks at Zeeland, Ashley, Lehr and Kulm.

Mr. Jenner has always taken an active part in the welfare of his community. He served as city Alderman of Lehr for several terms and as Director of Loewenthal School District at various times. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Church.

He was united in marriage to Margaret Nagel, the ceremony being performed by Rev. Brockmiller. Six children were born to this union. They are: Arnold, operating an elevator at Lehr, N. D.; Harold H., operating an elevator at Ashley, N. D.; Edna, now Mrs. Fred Erlenbush, Lehr, N. D.; Ella, now Mrs. Walter T. Rott, Oelwein, Iowa; Edwin R., doing general trucking, Lehr, N. D.; and Violet at home, Lehr, N. D. Mr. and Mrs. Jenner reside in Lehr, N. D.

Pioneering held no fears for Jacob Jenner, Sr., son of John E. and Rosina Jenner. He was born in Bergdorf, South Russia, November 19, 1860, and grew up there, being confirmed and baptised in the Lutheran faith, by the Rev. Bembach. On October 31, 1883, Magdalina Lammle, daughter of David E. and Christina Lammle, became the bride of Jacob Jenner, Sr. The Rev. Bembach performed the ceremony.

At the age of 29 Mr. Jenner with his wife and their two small daughters, a brother John and several other families migrated to America. They arrived at Eureka, S. D., by train early in April 1888. Mrs. Jenner's folks entertained them for a few weeks and then they decided it was time to journey onward. The trail took them northeastward to within about 10 miles of Ashley. Here they decided to cast their lot with other newcomers and took up a homestead in McPherson County in what is now known as Petersburgh township. The $300.00 which Mr. Jenner had was used to buy an outfit for their farming venture. A horse and two cows were bought, also a plow, harrow and wagon. A sod house and barn were built and a well dug. The family then settled down to the task of making a living on the wind swept prairie of Dakota Territory. Land was broken and grain planted, the rain and the sun came and the crop was bountiful. Many were the long days of toil to harvest this crop. No modern reapers and threshing machines were available. Practically everything was done by hand. In the home, too, the furnishings were crude, no electric lights, washing machines and vacuum cleaners lightened the work of Mrs. Jenner but she kept her home neat and tidy with what she had at hand and did not complain.

The winters were much more severe then, or at least appeared to be, than now, and prices were much lower. In spite of the low prices, cold and stormy winters and summer drouths the Jenners prospered and acquired more land. At one time they were the owners of 1120 acres in McPherson County and 160 acres in McIntosh County.

A family of eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jenner. The two oldest passed away in childhood. The others are Jacob farming 10 miles southwest of Ashley; John, farming 9 miles southwest of Ashley; Fred, farming the homestead;

Lydia, wife of Andrew J. Bertsch, farming 10 miles southwest of Ashley; Ida, wife of Theodore J. Hoff, fieldman for Mandan Creamery Company, Mandan, N. D., and Elizabeth, wife of John Jesser, Long Lake, S. Dak.

During the World War, the two oldest sons were enlisted in the service of our country; Jacob spent 11 months over seas, and John was located at Camp Funston, Kansas, far about three months.

In 1917 after spending 30 years farming, Mr. and Mrs. Jenner retired and moved to Ashley to rest from their strenuous labors and enjoy their church and friends.

On July 14, 1932, Mr. Jenner was called by his Maker and departed this life. Mrs. Jenner still makes her home in Ashley, visited often by her children, grandchildren and many friends.

About to become of military age, Mr. Jenner, along with others, decided to try his fortunes in the much talked of and advertised America. He traveled by ship and train disembarking at Eureka, S. D., arriving in McIntosh County April 23, 1889.

John Jenner was born November 28, 1872 in Bergdorf, South Russia, a son of John and Rosa (nee Hoffman) Jenner and is a member of the Lutheran Church.

After coming to McIntosh County Mr. Jenner worked a year for John Klipfel and three years for George Wiles. These first few years Mr. Jenner says, were among his early hardships and no doubt he considered it quite hard work, trying to plow with an ox team, and not yet 20 years old. He also recalls that the first few years he spent in McIntosh County were very dry and the winters quite severe.

Mr. Jenner was united in marriage to Rosa Bender on April 9, 1895, by Rev. Reinhart, and to them were born nine children; namely, Lydia, (now Mrs. Andrew Schauer) born September 2, 1896, and living on a farm South of Ashley; Philip, born June 25, 1898; Christina (now Mrs. Carl Schauer), born August 15, 1901, living on a farm near Ashley; Emelia, born October 7, 1904; Christian, born July 10, 1906, living near Ashley; Arthur, born December 7, 1908, now operating a filling station at Morris, Minn.; Maria (now Mrs. Jacob Weisz), born April 12, 1910, and living on a farm in McPherson County, S. D.; Fredia, born September 13, 1912, and Walter, born December 18, 1915.

In 1890, Mr. Jenner's father emigrated to America and settled in McPherson County, S. D., he passed away in 1891, his wife having preceded him in death while still a resident of Russia.

Mr. Jenner after several prosperous years on the farm retired, for a well earned rest and moved to Ashley, where he now makes his home.

Included among the early arrival of pioneers in the nineties in the county of McIntosh, and living in Ashley at the present time is Wilhelm Jenner. He was born on August 6 th , 1869, in Marienberg, South Russia. When he was twenty-one years of age he decided to join the throng of immigration coming to America and establish a home for himself in this country. In 1892, he embarked for the United States. Arriving in New York, he took the train to Eureka, South Dakota. Friends and relatives of Mr. Jenner's had come to America before him and located near Ashley, and it was there he wanted to locate. At Eureka he purchased three oxen and a wagon, with which the remainder of the trip was made.

He filed on a homestead six miles south and one mile west of Ashley in 1892. The following year he was married to Magdalena Bertsch, Rev. Reischauer officiating. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jenner were members of the Lutheran Church.

After they erected a sod house and barn, they started to clear the land of stones and prepare for the spring work. The only farm equipment Mr. Jenner possessed was the oxen, wagon and a stubble plow. Seeding was done by hand and by the time the grain was ready to harvest, he had added more to his equipment. Wheat brought eighty-three cents per bushel the first year they were on the homestead. Butter and eggs were very cheap, eggs selling for six cents per dozen and butter for three cents per pound. Many times when these products were token to market, there was no sale for them and the farmers were compelled to take them back home with them. Butter was often used as axle grease.

In 1892, word came that the Indians were on the war path. After a lot of excitement, pack and wondering where to go and what to do, they were informed the report was erroneous, so they settled down to the regular routine of farm life again.

Mrs. Jenner died in 1920, leaving her husband and seven children to survive her. The children are: Wilhelm, Gottlieb, John and Edward, living on farms south of Ashley; Katharina. now Mrs. Jacob Graff, Hillsview, S. D.; Dora, now Mrs. Reinhold Graff, Hillsview, S. D., and Daniel at home. One daughter, Magdalena, married to Dan. Pressler, died a few years ago.

In 1925, Mr. Jenner married the second time, taking as his wife Mrs. Friedrich Maas, nee Lydia Grosz. Mrs. Maas was a widow with eight children. Her children had grown to manhood and womanhood and had their own homes.

Mr. and Mrs. Jenner lived on the farm until 1934, when they retired and moved to Ashley, where they still reside.

A familiar face in by gone days, often seen on the streets of Ashley, an early pioneer resident of our sister county on the south, was John Jesser.

Mr. Jesser was born in South Russia on August 30, 1847; he was the son of Johannes Jesser.

Prior to the time of his emigration to America, he was married to Magdalena Kurley, born November 24, 1850; four children were born to this union, all of whom, are living, namely: Christina Rath, born in 1878, living at Long Lake, S. D., her husband, John Rath, passed away on September 13, 1935; John, born in 1888, living at Long Lake, S. D.; Eva Merkel, born in 1890, living at Ashley, N. D., her husband, Fred Merkel, passed away on February 12, 1919; Johanna Gohring, born in 1892, wife of John Gohring, living at Long Lake, S. D.

Mr. and Mrs. Jesser after having spent the early years of their life in Russia, were of middle age when they arrived in America, and having not been able to acquire much in the way of worldly goods before their arrival in 1889 did not have very much to start their life in a new land. They were hard pressed at times to secure enough food for the family, clothes were such as could be made by Mrs. Jesser.

They continued on the farm until March 1915, when they retired and moved to Ashley, where they could rest and attend the Lutheran Church of which they were members.

On July 6, 1923, Mr. Jesser passed away; he is survived by his wife, now past 87 years of age, who makes her home with her daughter, Eva Merkel, in Ashley, N. D.

Clarence D. Johnson was born in Holmes County, Ohio, May 5, 1850. At the age of 5 years his parents removed to Ceader County, Iowa. His father S D. Johnson raised a company of soldiers for the Civil War, was elected Captain, and was killed in the battle of Champion Hills, May 6, 1863. His two brothers Frank and Joe S. Johnson both served in the war, our subject attempted three times to enlist but was not accepted on account of his age. On March 1, 1866 he enlisted in the regular army and served until March 1, 1869.

Mr. Johnson was one of a party of 21 men and one woman that left what was known as Ft. Pierre in 1876 to enter the Black Hills. They were attacked seven times by Indians in ten days and twelve of the reds paid for their fun with their scalps. They helped lay out Crook City (no longer in existence) and Deadwood, S. D., then scouted along the Missouri river until the summer of 1877, when on August 10, 1877, he with others settled on the banks of the James River near what is now Columbia, S. D. Ranching a little, doing some farming and Indian experiences notably of which was his encounter with Chief Drifting Goose, who on July 6, 1878, with four of his braves arrived at Johnson's cabin and ordered him to leave in 20 days, that he, Drifting Goose, was on his way to participate in a grand Sun Dance, and if on his return still found him there he would resort to means that certainly would remove him for good from the valley. Johnson replied that he intended to remain until carried off dead. The next day he and his brother Nathan started for Minnesota for provisions and to purchase cattle. They brought back 40 head of cattle and a load of provisions. About 3 days after their return Drifting Goose rode up to Johnson's cabin. Mr. Johnson stood in his cabin door eyeing the Chief, and speculating in his mind what the Indian would do next. About dark Mr. Johnson took his rifle and blanket and lay down within 20 feet of where the Chief had dismounted and tied his pony. The Chief made no hostile demonstrations during the night. Mr. Johnson did not take his eyes off the dusky form the entire night and would have sent him to the happy hunting grounds had he shown the least sign of hostility. The next morning Mr. Johnson went about his business, paying no attention to the Indian. After breakfast the Chief approached Mr. Johnson and requested permission to see his cattle, explaining that some of his cattle had strayed and he was looking for them. He was refused. It is presumed that the Chief merely made up the cattle story as an excuse and had really come to see how Johnson was protected. He then begged for a sack of flour and that was also refused him. He told the Chief that when he came and conducted himself civilly, he would be treated gentlemanly in return. Mr. Johnson had been among the Indians for several years and knew their ways quite well, he could talk their language and was known to have no fear. Drifting Goose departed and it was the last time he was seen in that part of the country.

In August 1880 Governor Ordway appointed Mr. Johnson and others as commissioners to organize Brown County, S. D., and at the election held in November of that year Mr. Johnson was elected as one of the three County Commissioners being on the first Board of County Commissioners of Brown County, S. D. They established the County Seat at Columbia which was later moved to Aberdeen, S. D.

In 1884 Mr. Johnson came to McIntosh County and located on the banks of Green Lake where he engaged extensively in ranching until he sold out to Andy Stone and moved to Hoskins, N. D.

On January 25, 1887, he was married to Louisa Castor, to this union was born one child Wilbur L. Johnson of Ashley, N. D., on November 28, 1887.

During the time Mr. Johnson lived in McIntosh County he held various offices most important of which was Sheriff of McIntosh County and served from 1887 to 1894 inclusive. He also engaged in farming and at one time was engaged in the hotel and livery business in Ashley. He moved the buildings from Hoskins to Ashley in the spring of 1888. Mr. Johnson was taken sick at Aberdeen, S.D., while there an a business trip and passed away November 4 th , 1898.

Information for this sketch was given us by Wilbur L. Johnson, Ashley, N. D.

The son of two of McIntosh county's earliest pioneers, Wilbur L. Johnson was the first white child born in Hoskins, N. D.

Born November 28, 1887, he was only six months old when his parents, Clarence D. and Louisa Castor Johnson moved to the new town of Ashley, where he received his early schooling.

After the death of his father in 1898, however, Mr. Johnson moved with his mother to Oakland, Ore., where he completed his elementary school training, and then took a business course at Portland, Ore.

Mr. Johnson returned to North Dakota in May, 1906, to accept a position in the First State Bank of Wishek. John H. Wishek, Sr., was his first employer and to this pioneer and his family Mr. Johnson has devoted his entire working career.

In July 1908, Mr. Johnson moved to Ashley to become assistant cashier of the Ashley State Bank. He has been employed by that institution since, and has risen from his first position to the one of vice president.

On December 29, 1910, he was married to Mildred Bernice Warren, daughter of Adam R. and Ella Woolsey Warren of Whitehall, Wis.

Mrs. Johnson, who has served as postmaster of Ashley since her appointment in 1933, was born August 26, 1889.

She has been an active feminine leader of the city, through her work in the Women's club, Thimble Bee, American Legion auxiliary and other church and civic movements.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of two children, Clair Warren, born July 5, 1914, and Mary Erle, born February 3, 1917. Louisa Helen, born October 8, 1920, died at the age of six weeks.

Both children were given excellent educational opportunities by their parents. Clair, after being graduated from the University of Oregon in 1937, accepted a position as reporter with the Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake city, Utah. Mary, who completed a business training course at the Minnesota School of Business, Minneapolis, Minn., is employed as a stenographer by the Home Owners Loan Corporation, Fargo, N. D.

Interested not only in the welfare of his children, but others as well, Mr. Johnson has been a leader in local youth movements. For six years he served as Scoutmaster. For several years he managed the Junior American Legion baseball team. He has been a constantly loyal supporter of public school activities.

Despite a physical handicap which made participation in strenuous activity impossible, Mr. Johnson has always been interested in sports. The first grandstand at the ball park west of town was constructed under his management. He has often served as manager of the city baseball team. He has helped promote various sporting events, and has gained an enviable reputation as a good sportsman in hunting and fishing circles.

Active in civic affairs, Mr. Johnson has served as city treasurer and justice of the peace. He was at one time a member of the I.O.O.F. He is a member of the Commercial club and a charter member of the newly organized Lions club.

Politically, Mr. Johnson has been a member of the Democratic party during his entire career. He is one of the party leaders in McIntosh county, and for several years has been one of the members of the Democratic State Central committee, part of which time he has served on the executive committee of seven members.

Mr. Johnson, in addition to his administrative position with the bank, is associated with others in the lumber and elevator business in Ashley and surrounding towns.

Mr. Johnson has little to say of early day hardships, but does tell of one amusing Indian experience, which occurred one time the Johnson, Wishek and several other families were visiting at Fort Yates.

It seems that while they were there Chief Sitting Bull rode up on his horse. For a joke, Mr. Wishek handed Mr. Johnson up to the famous chief, who held him on his lap. However, Mr. Johnson's father, who had never had any great love for Indians, made such a fuss about it that Sitting Bull was glad to return the boy to his father's arms.

Another interesting incident of Mr. Johnson's childhood occurred when he and another boy fastened their hand sleds on the back of a team drawn sled and rode out near the George Bender farm.

On their return trip they rested one knee on the sled, pushed with their free foot and started across the prairie, with Mr. Johnson following his friend.

He looked up and couldn't see his friend but kept following the tracks, and all of a sudden plopped down into a hole right beside his friend, and the two boys found themselves in a farmer's cow barn.

Snow was so deep they had started across the covered barn and then fallen through the roof. The farmer finished milking, gave them some food and then took them to town, where both boys "got what was coming to them" from their Dads.

One of the early pioneers of McIntosh County was Jacob Kempf. He was born in Beresina, South Russia, on November 6, 1857, and was united in marriage to Karoline Martz, by Rev. Bingo. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kempf adhered to the Lutheran faith.

Many of their friends had set sail for America, from where reports came of fertile farm lands upon which homesteads could be founded. With this in view they too, left for the land of promise and free land. When they reached Menno, S. D., they found most of the good land already taken and decided to go farther north, and in 1885, they came to McIntosh County. The trip from Menno was made by ox team and took twenty-two days. It was a hard trip but with the promise of a new home and better years, their burden was lightened. Mr. Kempf filed an a homestead ten miles southeast of Ashley. With the help of the family a sod house was constructed and with a small amount of farming equipment, consisting of a team of oxen, a wagon, a plow, a mower and one cow, he began his farming. Not having much seed very little was planted the first year, which perhaps was far the best as there was little or no rain and the grain did not mature. This left the family in poor circumstance and in order to earn a living and provide the barest necessities for his family, he and his children picked bones from the prairie. These had to be hauled to Ellendale about 40 miles away, this being their nearest trading town, but it meant money to buy what was actually needed. It took three days to make the round trip but it did not seem so long because with the money received from the sale of the bones, flour, sugar and coffee were purchased for the family.

Mr. and Mrs. Kempf were the parents of eight children, all of whom are living, namely; Jacob, Mattias and Mrs. Hanna Nagel, all of Ashley; Gottlieb, living on the homestead; John, farming near Ashley; Mike, Deputy State Treasurer, Bismarck, N. D.; Karolina Thurn and Emilia Bauman of Ashley.

Mr. Kempf passed away in 1932, and is buried at Ashley. His wife Mrs. Kempf, resides in Ashley.

Among the many emigrants from South Russia to settle in the Ashley community was Michael Kempf and his wife Katie Kempf (nee Bertsch). Mr. Kempf was born September 2, 1862.

Mr. Kempf grew to manhood in his native country, and was married to Mrs. Kempf before leaving there for America.

Arriving at Ellendale they came overland to McIntosh County, on June 6, 1887, and filed on land about fifteen miles southeast of Ashley in what is known as the Jewell settlement. Here the traditional sod shanty was built and a new home established. When they arrived here their finances were extremely low, a hand plow with a wooden beam, a pair of oxen and about $7.00 cash comprised their total wealth. Although they were not favored with good crops the first five years in McIntosh County their industry and frugality were rewarded and in later years they enjoyed a fine home, modern machinery and household conveniences.

Mr. Kempf after several years of prosperous farming was called to his Maker on June 3, 1919, after which Mrs. Kempf, continued on the farm for a time until she moved to Ashley where she now resides at the ripe old age of 72 years.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kempf, all living: Gottfried, born May 23, 1896; Pauline, born January 18, 1890, wife of Jacob F. Fregien; Julius, born May 2, 1898; Gust, born January 25, 1900; Otto, born April 25, 1902; Rosa, born April 10, 1905, wife of Albert Schmidt, Forbes, N. D., and Ephriam, born September 26, 1907.

At the age of 43 Mr. Kenagy came overland from Ohio, by covered wagon, and settled on a claim about one and one half miles northwest of Lake Hoskins. Mr. Kenagy was born in Ohio in the year 1843 and went to the great beyond in 1889.

It was in 1886 that Mr. Kenagy first entered McIntosh County, accompanied by his wife and their eight children. Having been quite successful financially before coming to this county he had quite an array of stock and farm implements when he arrived here and was fairly well fixed as to cash, considering the times and financial condition of others who came at that time, although he had a hard time making a living the few years he spent in this locality.

Mr. Kenagy served a short time as Deputy Sheriff of McIntosh County under Alex McDonald, first sheriff of McIntosh County, he also was editor of the McIntosh County Herald, a newspaper published at Hoskins and Ashley, during the years 1887, 1888 and 1889.

Mr. Kenagy served his country as a private in the 34 th Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War of 1861-65.

He was married to Lydia Paton Corey, a widow with two children, A. B. and Atlanta Corey, five children were born to them, namely: W. O. Kenagy, born July 6, 1869, and S. H. Kenagy, born January 31, 1871, both farmers living at Clarinda, Iowa; Mary, born October 17, 1874, married to Ort Ogden, and living at Portland, Oregon; Hallie, born March 20, 1881, married to Frank Ball, and living at Butte, Montana, and Grace, born April 20, 1883 married to Frank Carlson and living at Lehr, N. D.

We are indebted to W. O. Kenagy for the information used in this short sketch.

Gottlieb Kessel does not remember anything of his first few years as a pioneer in the Dakota Territory. He came here with his parents when about one year old. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mich. Kessel, was born April 20, 1885 in Josephdorf, South Russia. Early years were spent at home working on the farm of his father, attending school when any was held. February 23, 1905, he was married to Christina Sackman by the Rev. Kelbe. He filed on land---the southeast quarter of 30-130-68. Hardships endured by the very early settlers were not experienced by Mr. Kessel when he started farming. Better buildings were being constructed at that time, the farm home being a frame skeleton covered with home made brick. Horses had replaced the slow oxen and more modern machinery was added to the farm equipment. Crops were good and market prices were better than in the early days. In 1917, after several years of successful farming, Mr. and Mrs. Kessel and family moved to Ashley.

Children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kessel are: Andrew, engaged in Implement selling in Ashley; Johanna, wife of G. C. Schock, Hardware dealer in Ashley; Rebecca, wife of Adolph Thurn, Hardware dealer in Ashley; Theodore, attorney at Kulm, N. D.; Annella, teaching school at New Rockford, N. D.; Edna, employed at Creamery, Ashley; Marvin and Elnore both at home and attend Ashley school.

In 1919 Mr. Kessel engaged in the coal business and later an implement dealer.

His son Andrew is now associated with him in business.

Mr. Kessel has taken an active interest in the civic welfare of our town. In 1920 he started a two year term as alderman and in 1930 was again elected to the same office which he holds at the present time.

He and his family are active members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Kessel assumed the responsibility of cashier for the local church in 1934 and still holds the office.

John Kessel and his wife, Magdalena, lived in Borodino, South Russia. February 13, 1857 a baby boy was born to them and was christened Michael. This boy grew up and received some schooling here with other children. In 1878 he was married to Christina Hoffman. They worked here and tried to save but realized they would never be able to accumulate much property. Others were going to America and tales of a land of untold riches and freedom from military duty were written to those at home.

In 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kessel and three small children, John, Caroline and Gottlieb set out for the new land. Other families went at the same time but after reaching America they became separated and Mr. Kessel does not recall who they were.

The Kessel family, with about $200.00 in cash as their entire fortune, came to McIntosh County and filed on land. The usual prairie type of sod buildings were constructed and furniture enough to make the shanty home-like was also made. No household furnishings were brought from the old home with the exception of some bedding. But here the little family made their home, were happy and prospered.

The farm equipment the first few years was far different from that of the present day. No tractor or horses did the work of plowing and reaping. Instead, slow stolid oxen pulled the hand plow, often having to be led by some member of the family. The grain was seeded by hand and when harvest time came the grain was cut with a hand scythe. It was piled up by hand and oxen or horses tramped the grain free from the straw. No threshing machines were in operation until a few years later. As time went on more land was broken and planted, more grain harvested and thus more to sell. Better buildings were erected and better farm machinery bought; cattle, poultry and horses were added to the farm. winters were often more severe than those of the late years but no severe drouths or grasshopper plagues experienced.

When Mr. and Mrs. Kessel came to America they were the parents of three children. Four more were born to them in this country. The names of the children are: John, who was born in Russia in 1880. He married Caroline Bersch and they make their home at Ravens Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada; Carolina, born 1882 in Russia, married Gottlieb Ley and they engaged in farming near Ravens Creek, Saskatchewan, Canada, until their demise; Gottlieb, born 1885, in Russia, married Christina Sackman and lives in Ashley, N. D., conducting on implement business; Magdalena, born 1888, married to Christ Rothfusz and living in Burstal, Saskatchewan, Canada; Jacob, born 1890, married to Freda Sackman. (Jacob passed away in April 1933, his widow makes her home in Ashley);

Christina, born 1892, married John Schauer, and they operate a farm near Wishek, N. D. The youngest son Gottfried was born 1896, married to Emma Pohl, and engages in farming near Ashley.

In 1921 Mr. and Mrs. Kessel retired from farm work and moved to Ashley, where they might rest from their labors and enjoy visiting with their children and friends. They were members of the Lutheran Church and brought up their family in the same faith.

Mrs. Kessel became ill and passed away October 31, 1924. Mr. Kessel makes his home with his son Gottlieb in Ashley.

John Klaudt, a son of Christian Klaudt, was born in Paris, Bessarabia, South Russia, on June 27, 1867.

Mr. Klaudt emigrated to the United States with his parents in 1885, settling at Menno, South Dakota, where they stayed for three years and while there he worked to help the family finances. In 1888 he and his parents went by train to Eureka, S. D., and from there by team to McIntosh County, arriving in December, 1888. His father filed on land about five miles north of the present town of Zeeland. Here Mr. Klaudt remained with his parents for two years, helping them get established in their new home and working for others. He then went farther west and worked in Montana for two years, returning in 1892; he farmed until 1897.

Mr. Klaudt now about 30 years old, unmarried and not having any land of his own decided to strike out for himself and establish a home, and in 1898, he filed on land about fifteen miles north of Zeeland on Section 17, Township 131, Range 73. In March, 1898, was married to Katharina Foul, the ceremony being read by Rev. Otto Brunch, Pastor of the Lutheran Church. To this union eight children were born, namely: Herman, born February 13, 1901, now farming near Herried, S. D.; Otto, born February 26, 1903, now Manual Arts Instructor, Demming, New Mexico; Albert, born December 6, 1906, now employed as a lineman, Fort Peck, Montana; Amanda, born July 20, 1909, now Mrs. L. C. Mensing, and living with her husband at Ashley, N. D.; Alma, born February 11, 1912, now Mrs. Dahm, and living with her husband at St. Paul, Minn.; Malinda, born June 20, 1916, now a Registered Nurse, Bismarck Hospital, Bismarck, N. D. Two children died in infancy.

In 1895 Mr. Klaudt was postmaster at Odina postoffice, this being one of a line of country postoffices in McIntosh County served by a Star Route.

In 1910 Mr. Klaudt discontinued farming and he together with his family moved to Zeeland, N. D., where he engaged in the livery business until 1924, when he retired.

Mr. Klaudt through hard work and careful management was able to acquire in the neighborhood of 1100 acres of fine land in McIntosh County which he still owns.

Mrs. Klaudt passed away October 30, 1918, during the flu epidemic and Mr. Klaudt now makes his home with his daughter Mrs. Mensing, in Ashley, North Dakota.

Many years ago in Zugeundal, South Russia, on January 21, 1859 a baby boy named George Klipfel was born. Here he grew to manhood and in 1880 became married to Magdalena Rau by the Rev. Bernbach, a Lutheran minister.

Conditions for advancement in South Russia at that time were not very encouraging. Talk of a country across the sea where all could obtain free land tempted the young couple to leave their native country. In 1884 they decided to cast their lot with others who were dissatisfied with home conditions and venture forth to America. Besides Mr. and Mrs. Klipfel and their two sons George G. and John, there were in the party who emigrated, the Jacob Weis family, Mr. Klipfel's father, George Klipfel and brother John.

Upon arriving at New York arrangements were made to come to McIntosh County. They made the trip as far as possible by train and completed the remainder of the journey with an ox team and wagon which they purchased. Besides these they had a cow and a few other small articles. Some bedding and clothing was brought from the old home and was indeed useful in the little sod house which they built on land southeast of the present site of Ashley. At the time which they came there was no Hoskins nor Ashley, the nearest trading posts for supplies were Ellendale, N. D., and Ipswich, S. D. Later Eureka, S. D., was established, shortening the distance to supplies by many miles. The claim filed on by Mr. Klipfel was in Section 27, Township 129, Range 69, about seven and a half miles southeast of Ashley. In the sod house which was their early home more children were born and as they grew up all helped with the farm work. In the early years a hand plow pulled by oxen was used to break the sod, crops were planted, harvested, threshed and sold. The year of 1892-93 a drouth was experienced which damaged farm produce greatly. Prices were always low as compared to present prices but in spite of this progress was made. New and more modern machinery took the place of the old, horses replaced oxen, the sod house was discarded for a frame building and more land was acquired. The Klipfel family also enjoyed having many of the material things which insure comfort.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. George Klipfel, Sr., were: George G. who engaged in farming near Ashley until his death on July 15, 1937; John, (1) died as an infant; Christina, wife of Fred Walz, living at Jerome, Idaho, was born on October 10, 1884, and has the distinction of being the first child born in McIntosh County; Fredericka (1) and Jacob (1) died as infants; Magdalena, wife of John Walz, engaged in farming at Ashley, N. D.; Christian and John living at Merricourt, N. D., where they are farming; Fredericka, wife of John Malhoff, are farming near Tuttle, N. D. Jacob G. and Fred engaged in farming near Ashley, N. D.; Eva, wife of John Merkel, farmers east of Ashley, N. D.; Gottlieb in business in Ashley; and Emil. In 1919 Mr. Klipfel decided that enough time and energy had been spent on the farm and moved his family to Ashley to enjoy a well earned rest. He was ever interested in the welfare of the town and county serving six years as a member of the City Council and from 1903 to 1915 as County Commissioner.

During the years spent in town Mr. Klipfel related some of the experiences which his family had in the first years they were in McIntosh County. No churches or schools were established at the time they came plodding over the unbroken prairie. His family and others used to gather round and reverently listen as he read passages from the family Bible. They were reared in the Lutheran faith and remained true to the lessons learned in their Fatherland.

The trips for supplies were hard ones Mr. Klipfel said. Oxen were driven or led to Ellendale or Eureka and much suffering was experienced on the winter trips with the thermometer registering 20 to 30 below zero. Shoes were a luxury in the early days and many were the times they went barefoot.

On April 23, 1928 Mr. Klipfel answered the call of his Maker and departed from this uncertain life to life everlasting, to be followed on March 26, 1933, by Mrs. Klipfel, both are interred in the Lutheran Cemetery south of Ashley.

On May 5 th , 1886, Emanuel Koth left his homeland to come to America. He was born on May 23 rd , 1866, in Danzig, South Russia. Coming with him were his brother and his wife and seven other young men. These young men come to America to evade military service in the Russian army. When the Koth boys left Russia, their parents told them to establish a home for themselves and to expect them in a short time. The parents came in the fall of 1886.

These young people journeyed as far as Tyndall, now in South Dakota, and found employment there. The money they earned was to buy oxen, a wagon and a cow. In the fall six families started northward to look for land, having agreed before they left to stay together and locate in the same community. However, when they got to Mitchell, four of the families thought this means of travel too slow, and having the money to go the rest of the way by train, they left, via train. This discouraged the Koth boys and had it not been for the sister-in-low, they probably would have returned to Tyndall. She suggested they toss a coin, heads, they go north and tails, they go south; head won and north they came. While they were discussing their plans, a man asked if he might be of any help to them. He suggested they follow the railroad, told them of the towns enroute and helped them in every way possible. This was gratefully received and they again were on their way. After many weary days, they arrived at Hoskins in McIntosh County. Each of the brothers filed on land as homesteads. Their houses were made of sod, lumber being hauled from Ellendale for window frames and a door. Later when they built the barn, they hauled lumber from the Missouri River.

Mr. Koth remembers his first winter in the county. It started to snow on the 16 th of October and snowed almost continually. Paths were shoveled to the barn every day, only to be blown full of snow at night. Being out of supplies, Emanuel and his brother went to Hoskins and while there it started to blizzard, making it impossible to start home. They had brought their lunch with them but not enough to stay two or three days. Mr. Koth said John H. Wishek made coffee for them and they bought crackers and had a good time.

They did not raise much of a crop the first year because they did not get much of their land cultivated. So they, as all other pioneers were doing, picked buffalo bones and sold them. One time they got $15 for a load.

The report came that the Indians were headed this way. Many of the people threw their meat and food stuffs down a dry well, leaving their homes and household goods, also their cattle and hurried to Eureka. This report proved false so they returned to their homes.

On December 10 th , 1892, Mr. Koth was united in marriage to Katharina Orth. Nine children were born to this union. One of their sons served in the World War. Mr. Koth was assessor in the 3 rd District for four years and has served on the school board in his district.

There were no schools or churches in the early days, but religious services were held in the homes. Later schools were established and while the term was only three or four months every year, it was a start in the right direction and they knew that in time their children would learn to read and write.

Mr. and Mrs. Koth live on their farm about 1 ½ miles southeast of Wishek, N.D.

Gottlieb Krause, the son of Samuel and Beata Krause (nee Hiller), was born in Tarutina, South Russia, on December 26, 1864. He accompanied his parents to America in 1890, where they settled on land in McPherson County, S. D.

Shortly after his arrival in this country Mr. Krause was married to Katharina Dobler and they filed on land about six miles southwest of Venturia, N. D.

The usual sod buildings were erected and life in the new home was begun. Hardships of the Krause family were similar to other early pioneers. Their farm equipment was very meager, a wagon, a hand plow and a small drag together with a yoke of oxen comprised all the equipment owned by them. Drouths and low prices for what little crop was raised kept the family from getting ahead very fast, but with plenty of hard work and careful saving they managed to weather the hard times and eventually were quite prosperous.

Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Krause, seven of whom are still living, namely: Jacob Krause, Lehr, N. D.; Gottlieb Krause, Venturia, N. D.; Samuel Krause, Standard Oil Company agent, Ashley, N. D.; Bertha, wife of Emanuel Bertsch, Isabel, S. D.; Anna, wife of William Dobler, Arthur and Edwin, all living at Venturia, N. D.

Mr. Krause passed away on December 4, 1922. Mrs. Krause is still living and makes her home at Venturia, N. D.

Christian Krein belongs to the group of pioneers who came to McIntosh County in 1886. Both he and his wife Magdalena, born Schauer, were natives of Neudorf, South Russia. They were united in marriage by Rev. Kern and were members of the Reformed Church. Christian Krein was born on May 24, 1850. This couple decided to seek their fortune in America, having heard of the possibilities in this new land. They packed a few of their personal belongings and accompanied by their two daughters and two sons, they came to America and arrived in McIntosh County in 1886. They filed on land in the northwest part of the county, about eight miles west of the present site of the town of Wishek.

Their house and barn were built of sod, being under one roof with a partition separating them. They purchased a team of oxen, wagon, plow and a drag and with these they started farming. The nearest town was eighty miles distance and needless to say, every trip there was an absolute necessity. It took a week to make the round trip, traveling by oxen. Later when the farmers had horses and there were closer towns, it was much easier for them to make these trips and haul their grain to town.

One experience that the Kreins had that they will never forget, was being out of flour in the middle of the winter. The snow was so deep that it was impossible for anyone to drive. Realizing that he could not leave his family long enough to walk to the nearest town, he walked to his nearest neighbor who lived thirteen miles from him, pulling a hand sled. He had hoped to get enough flour to last them long enough while he went to town but to his surprise, the neighbor insisted on him taking a hundred pounds. This flour was used as sparingly as sugar and flour were used during the World War. Their meals consisted mostly of bread and coffee. The only time they had meat was when they were fortunate enough to kill a rabbit.

Mr. Krein recalls the fear they had of the Indians, although they were never attacked or had any experience with them. The Indians lived about seventy miles west of them on the Missouri River.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Krein and are: Mrs. Peter Ackerman, Lodi, Cal.; Christ Krein, Wishek, N. D.; Mrs. Adolph Boschee, Zeeland, N. D.; Jacob Krein, Wishek, N. D.; Fred Krein, Sidney, Mont.; John Krein, Trail City, S. D., and Mrs. John Stabler, Wishek, N. D.

Paul T. Kretschmar, pioneer farmer, statesman and banker, was born on March 10, 1868, in New York City, New York. His parents were Carl and Mary (Lehman) Kretschmar, natives of Saxony, Germany. The parents come to the United States at an early age and were married in New York city where they resided for a time, moving to Philadelphia, Pa., in 1870. In 1876 his father died leaving his mother with four dependent children upon her.

Mr. Kretschmar received his early schooling in Philadelphia, although compelled to leave school at the age of 12, working as a bootblack and newsboy to help support his mother and her family.

On July 7, 1884, he accompanied his mother and other members of the family to Yankton, S. D., where he remained until 1889 when he went by train to Eureka, S. D., and on April 7, 1889, he arrived in McIntosh County by team and wagon. Being then 21 years of age he filed on land about nine miles north of the present Town of Venturia.

Mr. Kretschmar at the time he arrived in McIntosh County was not blessed with very much in the way of worldly goods, having very little or no farm equipment and not much in the way of cash, but by hard work and continual saving he managed to continue his farming operations from year to year. Mr. Kretschmar's early farm buildings were constructed of sod and he informs us that hot winds of 1889 and 1890 damaged the crops then, as well as now, and that wheat sometimes sold as low as 25 cents a bushel and other produce in proportion.

In 1898 Mr. Kretschmar was elected to the office of Clerk of Court of McIntosh County, and at that time moved with his family to Ashley. He served as Clerk of Court from 1899 to 1904 inclusive, and was then elected as County Auditor and served as such from 1905 to 1908 inclusive. In 1910 he was elected as State Senator from this district and was again re-elected in 1914.

In 1896 Mr. Kretschmar was united in marriage with Katharina Mattis and to this union four children were born, all living, namely: Otto B., born in 1897, and now engaged in the lumber business at Venturia, N. D.; Mary, born 1899, living at home with her parents in Venturia; William E., born in 1900, now engaged in the banking business, being Cashier of the First State Bank, Venturia, N. D., and Paul O, born in 1902 living at Eureka, S. D., where he is engaged in the practice of law and represents his district as State Senator.

Mr. Kretschmar lives with his family at Venturia, where he has been President of the First State Bank, Venturia, since 1909.

Mrs. Kruse was born at Salem, Allegan County, Michigan, on July 6, 1868, and at the age of seventeen accompanied her parents, Theodore and Barbara Castor, a sister and three brothers on their trip to North Dakota. Two other families, Mr. and Mrs. James Briggs and daughter Lilly, and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Broughman and two children were also in the caravan that left their Michigan home in covered wagons for a new location.

Their destination when leaving Michigan was Glen Ullin, N. D., but after reaching Ellendale were persuaded to stop at Hoskins by Mr. George Lawrence, also a Michigan man, already located at Hoskins.

Experiences were many on their westward trek. Leaving Michigan with three cows, among their possession, the number was increased, when one of the cows had a calf, which caused them to lay over three days and from then on somebody had to walk while the calf rode.

Arriving at Hoskins in June, 1885, they camped until houses could be built on land filed on by the heads of the families. That summer Mrs. Kruse secured employment in Ellendale, with Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Bergendall, until the following spring, when she returned and made her home with her parents.

On Sunday, January 23, 1887, Lew Tickner left Hoskins with a four horse team and sled in snow six feet deep on the level to take Louisa Castor (now Mrs. Kruse) and Clare Johnson to Ellendale, from where they took the train to Aberdeen and were married on January 25, 1887.

Mrs. Johnson (now Kruse) after returning to Hoskins from her honeymoon trip lived there until the town was moved to Ashley, where Mr. Johnson had a livery barn. In 1895 she together with her husband left Ashley for a short time, she going to Michigan to live with her sister, Mrs. Helen Lawrence, and he looking for a new location. Nothing looked as good as N. Dakota and they returned to Ashley where Mr. Johnson acquired the "Washburn House" which they rebuilt and operated a hotel known as the "Wilbur House" until the death of Mr. Johnson in 1898, Mrs. Johnson (now Kruse) continued the business for a short period. In 1900 she and her son, Wilbur L. Johnson, moved to Oakland, Oregon, where for a time they lived with her father. Later she remarried to Mr. H. L. Kruse of Oakland, Oregon, where she still resides.

During the time Mrs. Kruse lived in Ashley she was active in women's organizations and was one of the organizers of the "Thimble Bee", a women's organization connected with the Methodist Church.

© Tim Stowell 2001-2017