JACOB SIEG, deceased, was born in Spades, Ind., February 11, 1859, son of Henry and Katherine Sieg, natives of Germany who migrated to Indiana in the fifties and spent the remainder of their lives farming at Spades. Jacob received his education in the schools of his native town, and worked with his father until twenty-one years of age. In 1881 he came to Red Wing, and engaged in the wholesale liquor business, which he continued until his death, July 5, 1903. He was a Democrat in politics and a very popular fraternity man, being a member of the Masonic order, the United Workmen, the Elks and the Sons of Herman.  He paid his religious worship at, the German Lutheran Church.  Mr. Sieg was married at Red Wing, September 8, 1890, to Louisa Zeitler, of this city, daughter of George E. and Martha (Zipple) Zeitler natives of Germany. The father was a miller by trade.  He came to America in 1851 and for a time engaged in the milling business in Goshen, Ind. Later he came to Hay Creek township, this county, with the early settlers, and purchased 160 acres of land, which he broke and improved, and where he carried on general farming until his death in February, 1883. His widow came to Red Wing and lived with Mrs. Sieg until her death, June 8, 1908. To Mr. and Mrs. Sieg were born three children, Frederick H. G., May 20, 1889; Walter F., July 25, 1899, and Martha, July 16, 1902. Mrs. Sieg and her family live in a comfortable residence at 215 Seventh street, Red Wing. In the Zeitler family were three brothers and three sisters. George, August, William and Anna live in Los Angeles. William is manager of a transfer line there and Anna is the wife of George Weifenbach, who is engaged in the marble and granite business. Sophia married Philip Heydman, of Oklahoma, and Louisa is the widow of Mr.  Sieg.

RASMUS R. SIGMOND, a well-known merchant of Zumbrota, first saw the light of day in La Salle county, Illinois, September 26, 1856, his parents being Rasmus R. and Mary (Wix) Sigmond, the former a native of Stavangen and the latter of Bergen, both in Norway. After arriving in this country they took up their residence in La Salle county, where the father expired March 1, 1884. The mother still makes her home on the old place. The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools, the Rock River Seminary at Mt. Morris, 111. ; the East High School, Aurora, 111., and Fowler Institute at Newark, 111., graduating from the latter in 1876. Previous to his graduation, however he had known something of business life, being entered the employ of a mercantile company at the early age of fifteen years. After leaving school as a student, he taught two years in his native county, and then started in the mercantile business at Danway, 111. Here he remained a little over a year and then went to Sheridan, 111., where he engaged in the same business four years. It was in August of 1880 that he decided to try his fortunes as a merchant in Zumbrota. His efforts met with success, and not only has his business prospered, but he himself has attained a position of honor and trust in the community.  His home on Fifth street is the center of many social gatherings, and his voice on the school board and village council, of which he has been a member, was always listened to with respect and consideration. He has been a member of the state militia twentytwo years, and is now the commissary of the Third regiment.  Fraternally, he is known throughout the state, being a member in high standing in the Masons, the Modern Woodmen, the Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Samaritans.  A Republican in politics, he nevertheless exercises his own judgment in voting, and does not always follow the party leaders when his own conscience dictates otherwise. Mr. Sigmond was married January 8, 1879, to Sarah Nelson, of Sheridan, 111., daughter of Peter C. and Signa (Danielson) Nelson, both natives of the United States and both now deceased. The fruits of this union are-Roy E., born October 14, 1879, is in partnership with his father; Lloyd E., born December 9, 1884, is an attorney-at-law in American Falls, Idaho, while Luverne N., born October 31, 1886, is a vocal and band instructor at Shoshone, Idaho. The family stands high in the work of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and generously assist in many public movements.

ALFRED K. SIMMONS, a successful Red Wing Dentist, is a native born son of this city, his father being 0. K. Simmons. He was born June 6, 1875, and attended the public schools, after which he decided to make the profession of dentistry his life work.  Through a year each in the dental department of the state university, the Chicago College of Dental Surgery and the Louisville College of Dentistry, he acquired excellent training, and graduated from the latter school in 1899. He started practice in Spring Valley, Wis., and remained there until 1903. After a year in St. Paul he returned in 1901 to the city of his birth and opened an office on Bush street, well equipped with all the latest appliances. He has a large practice and enjoys the confidence of all who have availed themselves of his services and advice in dental matters. Dr. Simmons belongs to the Psi Omega Delta fraternity and to the Louisville College Alumni Association. He was married July 17, 1902, at Red Wing, to Carrie Christopherson, of Eau Claire, Wis., daughter of John Christopherson, native of Norway. After many years' residence at Eau Claire they moved for a time to Dakota, later returning to Eau Claire. The father is deceased and the mother still survives. To Dr. and Mrs. Simmons have been born two children, Knute N. and Arvid K. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. 

OSTEN E. SKAAR, pioneer farmer of Cherry Grove township, was born in Lyster, Norway, Nov. 11, 1823, and after spending his boyhood and young manhood in that country came to America in 1854. After living in Wisconsin a short time he came to Goodhue with the early settlers and took up a homestead in Cherry Grove township, where he at once built a home. In 1859 he was married to Mari Barsness, born in Sogndal, Norway, August 10, 1840. She came to Chicago in 1855 and remained a short time with her uncle, Ole Anfinson, with whom she removed to Wanamingo township, this county, one year later. The uncle took up a homestead, upon which he and his niece resided until her marriage.  In 1859, at the beginning of their long and happy life together, Mr. and Mrs. Skaar took up their residence in a sod roof shanty. Soon however, Mr. Skaar erected a good sized, two story log house, but misfortune overtook them and the house was burned to the ground, entailing a total loss. It was 1866, before he was able to rebuild, but in that year he erected a comfortable 20x28 two story house which has since been the home of the family. Besides carrying on general farming, he was a blacksmith and did repairing for himself and for his neighbors. For several years he conducted a horse-power thresher in partnership with neighbors. Some of the finest horses in the county at that time, were raised on his farm. Osten E. Skaar died October 8, 1898. He had nine children : Martha lives at home; Gertrude M. married Hans E. Isaacson and lives in Minneapolis Anna M. married Anton Hofstad, of Minneapolis, and now lives in Spokane, Wash.; Andrew A. manages the home farm; Johanna married. Ole B. Hofstad, of Minneapolis; John is a clerk in Spokane, Wash.; Nels 0. assists his brother on the home farm; Christine died in 1893 and Bertha lives at home. The mother of this large family is still living, and occupies the old homestead, her declining years made happy by the love and care of her children.

LAMBERT SKILLMAN, a native of Red Wing, was born April 25, 1868, son of John and Clarinda (Philley) Skillman, of New York state, who migrated west to Belchester, Wabasha county, Minnesota, in 1859, and remained there until 1861, when they moved to Red Wing, where they engaged in the hotel business until 1868. They then came to Zumbrota and followed farming, purchasing a large tract of land in Lac qui Parle county, Minnesota.  The father and mother spent the years 1901 and 1902 in California, where the father died and where the mother resided.  Lambert received his education in Zumbrota, after which he carried on farming in Lac qui Parle county until 1898, when he went to Appleton, Wis., engaging in the machine business for two years. He then spent two years in California, returning to Zumbrota in 1902, engaging in contracting work until October, 1907, when he established a machine business which he has since continued. This enterprise includes a repair shop for automobiles and gasoline engines and a store for sporting goods, paints and oils. Mr. Skillman was married June 23, 1897, to Hannah M., daughter of John and Rhoda Bardwell. The father was a miller and died some years ago, while the mother is still living. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Skillman has been blessed with one child, Leona, who was born September 4, 1898. Lambert Skillman is a Republican and attends the Baptist church. Fraternally he associates with the Modern Woodmen of America. He has succeeded well in all his undertakings and is well liked by his many friends. 

C. J. FORD SMITH, deceased, formerly of Red Wing, was born in Hudson, N. H., March 28, 1826, son of Jefferson and Sarah Smith, natives of New Hampshire. He received his education in the common schools of Hudson, and later attended a seminary in New Hampshire for a short time. In 1852 he came west and located in St. Paul, where he Was employed in a general merchandise store until 1854, when he came to Red Wing and engaged in the mercantile business, which he conducted until 1882, when he sold out and retired from active business life. Mr. Smith was captain of the militia at the time of the Indian massacre and was ordered on guard duty for a short time. He was assistant assessor and revenue collector for the government a number of years. In politics he was originally a Republican, but in later life voted the Prohibition ticket. He was married November 8, 1857, to Elizabeth J. Adams, daughter of Ezra and Electa P.  (Ismond) Adams, natives of New York state, who in 1830 located in Illinois, where the father followed his trade of wagon and carriage making until his death in 1845. The mother passed away in 1883. Mrs. Smith received her education in the public schools and attended the Presbyterian seminary for girls at Jacksonville, 111. In 1856 she came to Red Wing, began teaching and continued for two years, being one of the pioneer teachers. The wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Smith was the first held in the Presbyterian church, Rev. J. W. Hancock officiating. They had five children: Harvey P., born August 8, 1858, now at Duluth; Albert L., of Helena, Mont., born October 5, I860; Harriet F., born March 11, 1865, now of Pittsburg, Pa.; Lyman A., born January 28, 1868, and died January 18, 1877; Helen S., of Boston, born February 5, 1873. Mr. Smith was one of the founders of the Presbyterian church, and was one of the elders until his death.  He Was also a constant attendant and teacher in the Sunday school.

GEORGE E. SMITH is another of the progressive men of Red Wing who have lived here practically their entire life, and have assisted in its development. He was born in this city, August 14, 1870, and here received his education; going through the graded and high schools, and then taking a course in Beeman's Business College in St. Paul. After leWing college he worked nearly seventeen years in the potteries, as a turner. On March 5, 1902, he opened a clothing establishment at 208. Bush street, where he has since conducted a rapidly increasing business. His geniality and business ability have combined to place his store among the leaders in its line in this city. Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics.  In fraternal circles he is well known, having served as exalted ruler of the Elks, as well as being a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen, the Foresters and the Commercial Club. His service on the school board has also been thoroughly appreciated. Company G numbered him as a private eighteen months, at the end of which time he received his honorable discharge on account of leaving town. June 28, 1893, Mr.  Smith was married to Jessie Adams, by whom he has two children, Hugh Adams, born September 7, 1895, and Nona Belle, born May 27, 1897. The family faith is that of the Episcopal Church.  William F. and Sophia (Hank) Smith, parents of George E. Smith, were born in Germany, the former in 1820. After leaving school, William F. Smith became a cabinet maker, an occupation he followed for the remainder of his life. He came to America in 1848 and located in Philadelphia, remaining there until March 10, 1855, when he came to Red Wing, then a village in its infancy. During the last eighteen months of the Civil War he served in Company D, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery. Here he remained until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1872. The mother lived until May 11, 1906.  In the family were seven children, of whom George E. is the youngest. Emma is Mrs. A. B. Wilgus, of Joplin, Mo.; William F. lives in St. Paul; Sophia is Mrs. B. F. Seiz, of Red Wing; Albert L. also lives in Red Wing. Two sisters, Julia, and Lillian, wife of F. P. Carson, are both deceased. Hugh Adams, father of Mrs. George E. Smith, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, June 12, 1827. and with his parents went to Licking county, Ohio, where he resided until going to Washington county, Illinois. After locating a short time in Maiden Rock, he came in the fall of 1852 to this city, being among the earlier settlers. He was married December 3, 1869, to Mary Jane Taylor, born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, January 25, 1844. Mr. Adams is dead and his widow resides on the corner of Dakota and Fifth streets, in Red Wing. Aside from Mrs. Smith there are two other children, Eva and Arthur N., both of this city.