About the Author

Ben Underwood is the great-great grandson of A.J. Underwood, founder of The Journal in 1873. After graduation from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism, Underwood worked at the Fergus Falls Daily Journal from 1978 to 1986.  Following a stint as a financial planner, Underwood founded and was publisher of Lake and Home Magazine from 1999 to 2015. Needing a spark to get this book going, Underwood enrolled in The Loft Literary Center’s 2021 Year Long Writing Project. Research for the book includes A.J. Underwood diaries, newspaper articles from 1873 to 1885, and documents preserved from The Journal’s beginning.

Underwood resides in Fergus Falls, Minnesota where he is still trying to perfect his tennis game. His wife, Peggy, and dog, Winnie, serve as his motivational team in writing, sports, and tending a sprawling landscape.

Contact Ben

Feel free to get in touch for any questions or just to say hello.