Born in 1887 on a Mineral Point farm about three miles southwest of this location, Professor Laurence F. Graber began his career in 1910 as an agronomy instructor at the University of Wisconsin - Madison and was charged with increasing alfalfa acreage throughout Wisconsin. After receiving his doctorate from the University of Chicago, he became an eminent agricultural scientist who helped develop superior winter hardy varieties of alfalfa seed and discovered new methods for planting and pasture renovation. He devoted his life to educating students, farmers, and the public about the benefits of alfalfa planting, calling alfalfa "one of the greatest forages of the new hemisphere, and also one of its principal sources of renewable wealth." Through his promotion of this productive feed crop, he earned the title "Mr. Alfalfa," and Wisconsin became the leading state in alfalfa acreage.