Treadwell Twichell was born November 19, 1864, at Hastings, Minnesota, the son of Luther L. and Sally (Dance) Twichell. Following his father's death in 1880, TreadwelI, at the age of 17, left high school and went to North Dakota to manage his late father's land holdings near Mapleton, North Dakota. Treadwell remained the rest of his life in the farming business. On November 26, 1890, Treadwell married Grace B. Dill of Prescott, Wisconsin, and they had four children. In 1895 and 1897, Mr. Twichell served in the North Dakota House of Representatives and in 1899, the North Dakota Senate. From 1901 to 1905, Treadwell served as Cass County Sheriff. In 1907, he was again elected to the House of Representatives where he became Speaker. In 1908, Mr. Twichell was nominated for governor at the Progressive Republican Convention but was defeated in the primary election. Mr. Twichell was again elected to the House of Representatives in 1913 and the Senate in 1915. He was known as an advocate of reform legislation and battled agressively against boss rule in state politics. He was a delegate to the 1912 national Republican convention and a longtime township official. Mr. Twichell is also credited with building the first gravel highway in the state and organizing the first truly cooperative elevator enterprise in the state. Mr.Twichell died on December 24, 1937, at Mapleton, North Dakota, where he is also buried.

Luther Lathrop Twichell was born at Hastings, Minnesota, on September l3, 1872, the son of Luther L. and Sally (Dance) TwichelI. The fami ly moved to Mi nneapolis where Mr. Twichell graduated from high school and the University of Minnesota School of Law. Prior to coming to North Dakotain 1897, Luther had worked part and full time for several Minneapolis newspapers. During his first three years in North Dakota, Mr. Twichell managed the Cass Farm. In 1900, he went to Fargo and began to practice law. In 1912, Mr. Twichell was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives where he served, except for the 1917 session, continuously until his retirement in 1944. He also served as Speaker in 1921. Mr. Twichell died at his home at Fargo on March 31 , 1944, and was buried at Riverside Cemetery at Fargo, North Dakota. 
 

Twichell Papers  | Politics and Government