Abstract This collection consists of two biographical sketches written by Leo Edward Jefferson, of Mankato, Minnesota. The sketches highlight the lives of his parents, Adam and Mary Jefferson, of Mankato. Jefferson speaks about his parents’ childhoods in Bavaria and Lorraine, their lives in Wisconsin, and their move to Minnesota. Jefferson also discusses his father’s role in the building of Fort Ridgely, pioneer life in Mankato, and in passing mentions some events of the Civil War and the Dakota...