another two months, but then I will be able to earn something again."

Hardships of this kind were overcome, and the pioneer Finns remained dauntless in their hard work and efforts. As a result of their strivings, the next generation was able to aim higher, to get an education, and even to prepare to serve the state in responsible positions.

In the Minnesota legislature, Finns have been present at almost every session. The following chart lists those who are definitely known as Finns

Representatives

Session:   Name:   Election District:   Residence:

1905-1909   John Saari   49th   Sparta

1937-1945   John Anttila   59th   Duluth

1937-1939   George Sahlman   54th   Cloquet

1945-1955   Richard H. Silvola   61st   Virginia

1949-1951   R. R. Ryti   51st   Wadena

1949-1951   Henry W. Mattson   54th   Cloquet

1951-1955   J. A. Anderson   50th   New York Mills

In addition to the above, there apparently have been several others of Finnish descent with Swedish or Americanized names. The same can be said to be true for the upper house list which follows

Senators

1935-1939 Arvid Ruotsinoja 26th Kimball

1939-1947 J. William Huhtala 61st Virginia

1951-1955   Henry W. Matson   54th   Cloquet   (32)

As is apparent from the election districts listed and the home towns given, all (with the exception of Senator Ruotsinoja) have come from those areas of northern Minnesota where the Finnish population has been most numerous.

Finns have also definitely appeared in other positions: at least William Brukman, head of the tax bureau, and Paul Pesonen, a tax commissioner, were definitely Finns. During World War II, and up to 1954, Victor H. Gran served as assistant to the Minnesota attorney general, and after him came R. Mattson. Approximately at the same time Jafet Marjamaa became an official of the Economic Division and Väinö Kortesmäki became assistant director of the Agricultural Education Division. Alexander Oja is a technical advisor to the Natural History Museum of St. Paul. Taimi Ranta is serving as assistant professor at Hamline College in St. Paul.

32. The Legislative Manual of the State of Minnesota. St. Paul, Minn., 1905-1909, 1935-1955.

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