On the 12th of June, 1881, Mr. Vollmer was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta Schmitt, a daughter of John and Katherine (Martin) Schmitt. To this union have been born nine children: John H.; Clara Augusta, the wife of Harland Mills; Emma Caroline, the wife of William Harris; William, who is farming in this locality; Julia, the wife of William Stimmel; Zelma, Minnie and Charles, all at home and graduates of the high school; and Katherine, deceased.
The parents hold membership in the Evangelical Lutheran church and its work profits by their hearty support. In politics Mr. Vollmer is a stanch republican and he has served his district ably for two terms as a member of the state legislature. His interest in education has found expression in effective work as a member of the school board, and all projects for the advancement of the public welfare have received his endorsement. He finds great pleasure in contrasting the early days in this section, when the settlers were to a great extent cut off from the outside world, with the present day with its excellent means of communication with all parts of the country. As an illustration of the extent to which the pioneers were dependent upon their resources it may be mentioned that Mr. Vollmer made the furniture used in his home from timber which he had cut. For a number of years it was necessary to practice the strictest economy, but he has never regretted his pioneer experiences and finds pleasure in the knowledge that he has had a part in the development of this region.
JAMES CHRISTENSEN.
James Christensen, a well known farmer of Garfield county who owns five hundred and twenty acres of good land on section 2, township 12 north, range 41 east, has resided in various parts of the west and in Alaska and for some time engaged in mining but for several years past has devoted his attention to farming and stock raising exclusively. He was born in Denmark, February 25, 1866, a son of Christian and Gertrude Petersen, who passed their entire lives in that country. To them were born seven children, of whom six are living.
James Christensen attended the public schools of Denmark as a boy and youth, thus acquiring a good education, and in 1885, at the age of nineteen years, came to America. For one year he was employed as a farm hand in Nebraska and then was for several years a resident of California. Later he spent a year in Montana and in 1891 removed to Walla Walla county, Washington, where he worked on a farm until his removal to Alaska. A decade was devoted to gold mining there and during that time he made three trips to Europe. On leaving Alaska he went to Idaho, but remained there for only a short period, after which he again came to Walla Walla county, Washington. He decided to turn his attention to farm work and took up a homestead on Eureka flats which he cultivated for eight years. He then traded that place for a farm in the vicinity of Walla Walla but two years later exchanged that property for his present farm of five hundred and twenty acres on section 2, township 12 north, range 41 east, Garfield county. Much of his land is given over to the growing of wheat but he also engages in stock raising and derives a good profit from both branches of his business.
Mr. Christensen was married in 1905 to Miss Dora Renn, who was born in Minnesota. They are the parents of three children, namely: George F., Gertrude M. and Anna M.
Mr. Christensen is an adherent of the republican party and casts his ballot in support of its candidates. He has not taken a very active part in political affairs but is now serving as a school director, in which connection he constantly works for the advancement of the local schools. He is a self-made man, having attained prosperity solely through his own efforts, and his energy and determination have gained him the respect of all who know him.
JOHN C. WRIGHT.