HANS OSTERGAARD. During the early settlement of Riley County, there came within its borders a fine representation from the other side of the Atlantic—men who have been largely instrumental in developing the best resources of Northern Kansas. Among them, the subject of this notice deserves more than a passing mention, as he was one of the most intelligent men of his community, of Danish birth and parentage, and possessing all the traits of an excellent ancestry. He owns and operates eighty acres of fine land lying on section 24, Swede Creek Township, and is considerably interested in horticulture. His industry and prudence have resulted in the accumulation of a snug property, and as a man and a citizen, be occupies n leading position among his neighbors.

Mr. Ostergaard was born in Sleisvig, Denmark, near Ribe, now a Province of Germany, Nov. 21, 1851, and was deprived by death of the affectionate care of his mother when n little lad of five years. Ten years later he was wholly orphaned by the death of his father, and then commenced working on a farm, remaining in his native country until reaching his majority. Then not being satisfied with the outlook, financially, he determined to seek his fortunes on the other side of the Atlantic. Accordingly, in the spring of 1873, he sailed from Hamburg on the steamer “Hammonia," and two weeks later landed in New York City. Thence he emigrated to Davenport, Iowa, where he was occupied as a farm laborer two years. In 1875 he went into Colorado, and in Georgetown. Clear Lake County, engaged in mining on his own account, and for a short time was interested in a mine. Later he began working in a smelting furnace, and finally became manager of tins, having obtained a practical knowledge of the business.

In 1878, however, Mr. Ostergaard decided to change his vocation, and coming to Northern Kansas, entered the land which he now owes and occupies, securing his title as homesteader, and has since given his attention to its improvement and cultivation. There were upon it no improvements whatever, and he thus commenced at first principles in the opening up of a farm. It is now quite complete, being enclosed and divided with substantial fencing, embellished with a good set of frame buildings, adjacent to which are fruit and forest trees, and all the comforts and conveniences of modern farm life, stock-raising and fruit-growing are the leading features in the operations of Mr. Ostergaard in which he has been remarkably successful.

When leaving Colorado, Mr. Ostergaard was for a time the traveling agent for the Marysville Nursery, and thus became interested in horticulture, and acquired considerable knowledge in connection therewith. After working his land two years and laying the foundations for a future home, be took unto himself a wife and helpmate, being married in Manhattan, Oct. 14, 1880, to Miss Martha, daughter of Peter Engebretson. This lady was born near Kongsvig, Norway, April 2, 1859. Her father was a native of the same place and a farmer by occupation. He emigrated to America and in 1879, settled in May Day Township, Riley County, Kan., where his death took place in the fall of 1889, when he was seventy-two years old. The mother, Mrs. Martha (Oleson) Engebretson, was a native of the same place as her husband, and is still living, making her home in Center Township.

To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born four children, viz.: Andrew, Clara J., Nellie C. and George Washington. Mr. Ostergaard, politically, votes the Independent ticket. He has been the School Clerk of his district for six years, and has also served as a Director. Notwithstanding the death of his parents, he acquired a good education in his native land. His father, Thomas Ostergaard, was quite an extensive farmer, as was also his paternal grandfather. The maiden name of the mother was Maren Lund, daughter of Peter Lund, and she likewise was a native of Sleisvig.