USA > Minnesota > Polk County > Compendium of history and biography of Polk County, Minnesota > Part 40
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74
262
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY OF POLK COUNTY
Bearson, being in charge of this business. Mr. Bear- son has ever given his active co-operation in affairs of public moment and has given able service as a progressive and publie spirited citizen but has always avoided politieal activity. Ile enjoys the hunting and fishing in which his native state abounds and makes these out of door sports his favorite form of reereation. Mr. Bearson was married at Britton, South Dakota, Angust 7, 1893, to Eliza Bundrock, who was born in Wisconsin in 1874 and accompanied her parents to Dakota in her early childhood. Two
children were born to them, Edwin, the manager of the garage of Bearson & Son; and Gertrude, who graduated from the Fertile high school in 1915 and is now engaged in the study of music. Mr. Bearson and his family are members of the United Lutheran church. Mr. Bearson's parents were Engebret and Guneld (Cresthaug) Bearson. They were natives of Norway and were among the pioneers of Fillmore county. The father died in that county and mother in North Dakota. They were farmers. They have five sons and three daughters living.
HOGEN MERRILL HOGENSON.
Hogen Merrill Hogenson, of Fertile, rural mail ear- rier and well known citizen, was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, November 29, 1857, the son of Peter and Sonva Hogenson, who had made the long trip across the waters from their native land of Norway to this country in a sailing vessel, taking several months to make the voyage. In 1863, when Hogen IIogenson was a lad of six years, the family removed to Ohn- stead county, where Peter Hogenson located on land and devoted his attention to the development of a farm. The parents made their home on the home- stead during the remainder of their lives. H. M. Hogenson resided there until 1880, when he took a homestead elaim in Clay county, Minnesota, and proved up on the tract, acquiring the title within two years, with a cash payment for the land. In 1886 he came to Polk county to seeure more land and pre- empted a claim in Garden township, filing one of the last preemptions permitted under the law. Here he engaged in the arduous labor of elearing and enlti- vating the wild land, working during the first years without a team and then became the owner of a yoke of oxen. For seventeen years he gave his attention to agricultural pursuits and built up a prosperous farm property which he left in 1903 to remove to Fer- tile, where he has sinee made his home. For a time he was employed in draying and other occupations and in October, 1905, seeured his appointment as
rural mail carrier and for ten years he has continued to capably discharge the duties of this position, which entails the responsibilities of a twenty-eight mile route, through Garfield, Woodside and Godfrey town- ships, with some eighty patrons, the number of de- liveries each month passing the six thousand mark. Mr. Hogenson is still interested in farm land near his old place in Garden township and on coming to Fertile, bought his present home which is one of the attractive residences of the town. As a progressive and publie spirited citizen, Mr. Hogenson has always been identified with publie activities and has earned the confidence and respect of all his associates for his integrity and ability in all phases of his career. He is widely known through his service in official capac- ity, having filled the various offices in Garden town- ship, and the office of constable in Fertile, from which he resigned to accept his position as mail carrier. He is a member of the order of the Sons of Norway. Mr. Hogenson has been three times married. His first union was with Christine J. Grimsrud, who is survived by three children, Peter E., employed as a motorman on the railway in St. Paul; Serena, who married Kittle Moen and resides in Dodge county, Minnesota ; and Anna, who is married and resides at Turtle Lake, North Dakota. Mr. Hogenson's second marriage was with Martha Johnson. His present wife, Bertha Souders Hogenson, is a native of Ohio and
Halvan Secretoor
263
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY OF POLK COUNTY
of German parentage. She is prominently associated with the social life of the community and takes an aetive interest in the affairs of the church and elub cireles. They have one son, Max, aged eleven years.
Mrs. Hogenson is the bonded substitute for her hus- band on the mail route and has ably served as such for the past two years.
HON. HALVOR STEENERSON.
A strong man, verily, is Halvor Steenerson-strong in physique, strong in mental power, strong in moral force and strong in the influence he wields in public life. For a member of the National Congress is he, and, as such, has rendered such valiant service that he has been re-elected by his constituents no less than six consecutive times, having thus been a member of the 58th, 59th, 60th, 61st, 62nd, 63rd and 64th Con- gresses.
As his name would indicate, the Honorable Halvor Steenerson is of sturdy Norwegian stoek. His father, Stener Knudson, was an edueator of no mean ability. A biographical sketch of him appears elsewhere in the volume.
Halvor, when about seventeen years of age, was entered as a student at Rushford IIigh school, and after attending that institution for two years was licensed to teach. By teaching and doing farm work he was enabled to pay his way at school for another year, and he then entered a law office as a elerk and law student. In 1878 he went to Chicago and entered the Union College of Law where he pursued his legal studies for two terms. He then essayed the bar exam- ination, passed with distinction and was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Illinois in June, 1878. Returning to Minnesota, he was admitted to practice there, opened an office at Lanesboro, Minnesota, in which city he remained till spring, 1880, when he moved to Crookston, Minnesota, which is still his lıome.
Sneh was the native ability and thoroughness of the work of Mr. Steenerson that, within six months after loeating in Crookston, he was elected County Attorney. As a prosecutor he was markedly sueeess-
ful and he began to be at once recognized as a rising lawyer of ability. Two years later he was elected State Senator, being the youngest member of that body. He served on the Judiciary Committee and helped to frame the law ereating the Board of Rail- road and Warehouse Commissioners of 1885. This was the first attempt at railroad and warehouse regu- lation in Minnesota, and was two years before the Congress of the United States passed the Interstate Commeree Aet. He served four years, his term end- ing in January, 1887. He then, for fifteen years, devoted himself to general practice, his reputation extended throughout the Northwest, and he took part in some of the most noted trials of those days. Before his cleetion to Congress he was twice sent as a Dele- gate to the Republican National Conventions (1884- 1888). His sueeess as a lawyer may be said to be due to natural talent and great industry, his taet and skill in the management of his ease, and his ability to eom- mand the respect and confidence of court and jury. Though not unskilled in the arts of advocaey, he rarely resorted to appeals to the emotions, but mainly relied on the logie and reason of his position. These traits have also marked him as a political speaker and de- bater.
In 1893, Mr. Steenerson brought a proceeding under the laws of the state of Minnesota to foree a reduction in the transportation rates on grain. This important litigation he eondneted, refusing all compensation therefor, and, through his masterly presentation of the facts carried to a sueeessful conclusion, the "Steen- erson Grain Rate Case," as it is known, which has since been cited in nearly every important ease in- volving the regulation of the charges of public utilities.
264
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY OF POLK COUNTY
The state of Minnesota in 1901 adopted a direct primary law for the nomination of Representatives in Congress, and Mr. Steenerson was nominated and elected by a large majority. As already stated, he is now serving his seventh consecutive term, and is the ranking Republican member of the Committee on Post Office and Post Roads, one of the most important Com- mittees in Congress.
During the sixtieth and sixty-first Congresses he was also Chairman of the Committee on the Militia, and was largely responsible for the enactment of the "Diek-Steenerson Militia Law," an act, "To promote the efficiency of the Militia," approved May 27, 1908. The merit of this law is being more and more recog- nized as the years go by.
Mr. Steenerson has favored the Hepburn Law, and all legislation for the effective control of interstate railroads and utilities, the conservation of natural resources, and progressive legislation generally. Ile has aided in opening large areas of the publie domain to settlement and development, and, being familiar with pioneer conditions, and appreciating the courage. fortitude, and sufferings of the pioneer settlers every- where, has favored liberal laws and administration in publie land matters so far as the settler is eoneerned. He has frequently secured the passage of acts for the relief of settlers on the publie domain, where the harshness of general rules or administration has justi- fied such aetion. In northern Minnesota were large traets of land ceded by Indians, which were subjeet to homestead entry only upon payment of from $1.25 to $4 per aere, the priee at which the Indians had sold the land to the United States. This land was so wet and swampy as to be unfit for occupaney until drained. He seeured the enactment of the Act of June 21, 1906, providing for a drainage survey of ceded Indian lands and free publie lands, which was executed by the United States Geological Survey, and the report thereon demonstrated the feasibility of the proposal. Later Congress passed the Aet of May 20, 1908, which made publie, as well as these eeded, unsold Indian
lands, and entered lands not yet proved up,-all sub- ject to the assessment for drainage improvements under the State law, the same as privately owned lands, and directed, in default of payment of such drainage assessment, the sale of the land to any qual- ified homesteader and the issuance of a patent to such purchaser upon his payment of the drainage assess- ment and the price, if any, due to the Indians. The effeet of these laws has been the reelamation of more than two millions of acres of land and the construc- tion of three or four thousand miles of main and lateral ditehes without a single dollar having been expended from the United States Treasury. The proj- ects are initiated and carried out under state laws, and finaneed by the issuing of county bonds.
A son of a veteran, himself, Mr. Steenerson has always taken an active interest in legislation and administration affecting the veterans of the Civil War. Hle has gladly devoted his legal ability and his time to the proseention of their claims, both before the Department, and before Congress.
His most important service to the publie, however, has been rendered as a member of the Post Office and Post Roads Committee of the House of Representa- tives. Ile has aided in perfecting the laws against fraudulent use of the mails, he has favored the im- provement of the postal service in every branch, and has worked especially to better the wages and work- ing conditions of the thousands of faithful and hard- working employees in the humbler and lower grades of the service. He was active in the establishment and development of the Rural Free Delivery Service, and the establishment of parcels post and postal savings banks. Ile is a friend of civil service, and lead the opposition in the Sixty-third Congress to the proposi- tion to abolish the position of "Assistant Postmaster," in first and second elass offices, and to put rural de- livery on a contraet basis, as an attack on the merit system and civil service. Although these propositions were supported by the administration and a majority of the Democratie members of the House, they were
265
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY OF POLK COUNTY
defeated, largely through the skillful leadership of Mr. Steenerson, acting as ranking member of the Post Office Committee, and in charge on the Republican side.
Though a believer in reasonable military prepara- tion, he has also been active in the cause of interna- tional arbitration and the peace movement. IIe is a member and one of the Vice-Presidents of the Amer- ican Group of the Interparliamentary Union for Inter- national Arbitration, and was chosen a Delegate to represent this country at the last meeting appointed to be held at Stockholm, Sweden, in August, 1914, but which, on account of the breaking out of the Euro- pean War, had to be abandoned. He, together with other delegates, started to attend the meeting, but on arrival in England, had to return home.
Personally Mr. Steenerson is of athletic build, stands 6 feet, 3 inches in his stocking fect, weighs 225 pounds, and is fond of out-door life, camping and fishing.
A study of the career of Mr. Steenerson-the noted, progressive Republican leader of Minnesota as nar- rated in the preceding pages, gives rise to the observa- tion that rather remarkable is the likeness in his life with that of the eminent Democratie leader, Speaker Champ Clark, of Missouri. Steenerson's father was a teacher, Clark's father was an educator also. Steen- erson was born on a farm in Wisconsin, Clark was born a few months sooner, on a farm in Kentucky. Work on the farm in Minnesota developed Steenerson into one of the biggest and strongest men physically now in publie life; one of the two largest men of the Republican side of the House of Representatives in the Congress of this great republic. Work on the farm in Kentucky developed Clark into a physical giant. He towers above all of the men on the Demo- cratie side of the House of Representatives, and he is easily the heavy weight of his party in Congress.
Steenerson and Clark, hundreds of miles apart, and unknown to each other, were much alike mentally, in their purposes and ambitions, although of course 17
wholly unknown to each other. Each of these eminent and worthy statesmen worked hard when young and earned their education, and each entertained a laud- able ambition to accomplish results really worth while in the higher walks of life. Clark went to Cincinnati, studied in one of the best law schools of that city, and then settled in the temperate climate of Missouri and began the practice of his profession. Steenerson went to Chicago, studied in a college of high reputation there and then returned to the severe climate of Min- nesota and began practicing the same profession, imme- diately achieving success. Unknown to each other, the orbits of these patriotic statesmen were widening, and approaching each other. Finally, because of their worth, merit, dignity, honor and uniform courtesy, the number of their friends so increased that they were elected to Congress, and there each recognized in the other a man of merit. They have become great personal friends. Each one of them is recognized as a leader. No man on the Republican side of the House of Representatives ean secure recognition of the Speaker sooner than Steenerson; and, if the people only knew it, such recognition makes a man exeeption- ally valuable to his constituents and to his State.
As all who are versed in parliamentary procedure and customs know, no member of Congress can obtain an important chairmanship in the House of Repre- sentatives unless his people elect and re-elect him eon- tinuously for several years. Mr. Steenerson's constitu- ents have done wisely and well by returning him again and again for seven terms. Mark the result.
Because of seniority of faithful service Mr. Steener- son is now the ranking Republiean member of the powerful and important Committee on Post-offices and Post-roads. That means much more than can be told in writing or in print. When the Republicans next have a majority in the House of Representatives Mr. Steenerson will be in all probability Chairman of that Committee; a position of great influence and power over the postal affairs of this vast Republic, from ocean to ocean, from the great lakes to the gulf, and over
26G
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY OF POLK COUNTY
our National possessions in the Atlantic and Pacifie Oceans.
Possessed of the genius of labor, Representative Steenerson is regarded as one of the most arduous and tremendous workers in the House of Representatives. In laying the foundation for a superstructure of a worthy and busy life, he, like Champ Clark, taught a country school while in his teens.
It is apparent that, early in life, Mr. Steenerson realized that in this world of strife and endeavor, to work strenuously and intelligently means to attain. Ilis aim was high. He desired to achieve, and he has amply succeeded.
Work, faithful and disinterested, forms the keynote of the character of this man who is looked up to by his colleagues in Congress; whose advice is sought by men from other states on almost all topies which call for consideration by the Congress. In the caveuses of his party, when considering questions affecting the prosperity and honor of this great nation, his col- leagues always want to hear from Halvor Steenerson. They are usually glad to follow his counsel, because they know it will be sound and wise.
Halvor Steenerson is a man of deep religious con- victions, and his faith and hope has never wavered, even in many afflietions.
Those who know him best, comprehending his
inherent foree, expect IIalvor Steenerson to go on achieving still greater things, as the days and years of his publie life give further opportunity for nobler effort.
Mr. Steenerson is a member of several fraternal orders, among them the Free Masons, the Elks and the Modern Woodmen of America.
He married at LaCrosse, Wisconsin, in November, 1878, Maria Fjangesund, born on Fjangesund estate, Thelemarken, Norway, daughter of Christoffer Fjangesund and Maria, his wife. Mr. Steenerson and his wife had issue as follows : One boy, died in infaney. Clara N., born June 3, 1881, graduated from Crooks- ton High School 1900, died 1901. Edwin, born 1882, died 1885. Benjamin Gilbert, born Feb. 21, 1884, graduated from George Washington University of Washington, D. C., 1906, drowned at Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, Feb. 16, 1908, while serving in United States Marine Corps, in an attempt to resene a comrade who had fallen overboard.
Thus, to the great grief of the parents, none of their children survive. The earnest sympathy of every American citizen is theirs in their repeated bereave- ments but especially in the loss of their beloved son who died a hero and gave his life while trying to save that of another.
H. S. AASEN.
HI. S. Aasen, the well known hardware merchant of Winger, was born at Telemarken, Norway, January 20, 1874, and eame to the United States and to Fill- more county, Minnesota, when seventeen years of age. He removed to Polk county about a year and a half later and was employed for a time in farm work. In 1896 he embarked upon his commercial career as the proprietor of a store at Gossen in Winger township, in a building which had been erected and used for business purposes, by a Mr. Hughes. Mr. Aasen con- dueted a general store here for some eight years, start-
ing with an investment of one hundred and thirty dollars and building up a profitable business. He also discharged the duties of postmaster until the office was discontinued. He located in Winger in 1906, after giving his attention to farming interests for two years, and bought the hardware store which had been estab- lished by A. K. Ingebo. Under the management of Mr. Aasen, this enterprise has met with marked pros- perity and a steadily growing trade. He has added a warehouse to the original building and handles a gen- eral line of hardware and agricultural implements,
267
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPIIY OF POLK COUNTY
the success of his operations readily appearing in the rapid increase in the capital invested from $2,000 to $11,000 and in the receipts of $32,000 in 1914 as com- pared with the eight thousand dollar trade of the first year. In 1913 he opened a hardware store at New Folden, in Marshall county, which has also enjoyed a large patronage. Aside from his mercantile interests, Mr. Aasen has conducted a successful real estate busi- ness and is extensively identified with the various business activities of Winger, being a stockholder in the Farmers State bank and elevator and in other local enterprises. IIe also gives his attention to the
management of his farm property, owning two hun- dred acres in Polk county and is especially interested in the cultivation of clover. His substantial standing in the community and the notable success which he has won through his individual efforts, bespeaks his ability and worth as a business man and citizen. Ile has been active in all matters of public moment and has served as township clerk and justice of peace, occupying the former office for some seven years. He is a member of the Free Lutheran church. Mr. Aasen was married in 1901, to Lena Carlson of Winger and they have three children, Harold, Anna and Norval.
A. I. SOLBERG.
A. I. Solberg, cashier of the Farmers State bank at Winger, was born in Norway, July 23, 1863, and came to the United States when a lad of seventeen. On landing he came direct to Wabasha county, Min- nesota, and for six years worked on the Mississippi river, employed on steamboats and in rafting logs. During the winter season he devoted his time to fitting himself for more efficient activity in the business world by attending the business college at La Crosse. He came to Crookston in January, 1887, as a sales- man and bookkeeper in the store of Joseph and Andrew Locken, the latter being the captain of the steamboat on which he had been employed, and re- mained in that position for three years. The store being sold in 1890, Mr. Solberg and Andy Locken, a fellow clerk, made an independent commercial ven- ture in Crookston, opening a clothing store which proved to be an unsuccessful enterprise. Subse- quently he worked in the office of John Amundson the registrar of deeds and in 1895 again entered the mercantile business, investing a small capital in the grocery trade and conducted a prosperous business during the next three years. In 1899, selling his interests, he bought a one hundred and sixty acre farm in Knute township, five miles south of Erskine. Very little of the land had been developed and for the ensuing eight years he devoted his attention to
its improvement, placing fifty acres into cultivation and equipping it for successful operation. In 1908 he became assistant cashier in the Citizens State bank at MeIntosh so serving for several years, in associa- tion with Mr. Charles L. Conger, the cashier. In 1912, he returned to his farm but soon becoming in- terested in the re-organization of the Farmers State bank at Winger, as one of the new stockholders, was made its cashier June 1, 1912. He made his home on the farm until 1914, when he sold and removed to Winger, where he platted a twelve acre addition, part of which he still owns. Aside from his private interests Mr. Solberg has been prominently identi- fied with public activity and enjoys the esteem and regard of a wide circle of friends. He has been hon- ored with various offices, serving while in Knute township as township clerk, justice of peace and member of the school board; and, was elected probate judge for Columbia county, the action of the supreme court in dissolving its organization, annulling his office. Mr. Solberg is a Democrat and in 1910 was candidate for Clerk of Court, being the only member of his party on the county ticket in that election. Mr. Solberg was married January 1, 1892, to Mary E. Johnson, of Crookston, the daughter of Mrs. Annie Johnson, who had been a homesteader in Knute town- ship in 1884. Five children have been born to this
268
COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY OF POLK COUNTY
union, Agnes, who was a teacher in the Polk county schools for a time; Hilma, Phillip, Ralph and Arthur. Mr. Solberg is a member of the United Lutheran
church and is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America.
JOSEPH TAGLEY.
Joseph Tagley, eashier of the First State bank of -
Mentor and vice president of the State bank of Gully, has been associated for many years with the business interests of this section. He is a native of Wisconsin, born in St. Croix county, October 26, 1867, the young- est of five brothers and one sister, children of John J. and Bertha Tagley. The family, after fourteen years residence in Jackson county, Minnesota, came to I'olk county in 1883 and John J. Tagley became a home- steader in Woodside township about four miles south- east of the present village of Mentor. In the same year, in partnership with his father, Joseph Tagley engaged upon his initial venture in the business world with a small store at Rothsay, Minnesota, and three years later transferred his operations to Polk county, opening a store at the location of the Woodside post- office, in seetion twenty-two, the first store and for a few years the only one in Woodside township. Under the able direction of the young merehant, this proved a most sueeessful enterprise, he bought out his father's interest and rapidly advaneed from his modest start with a three hundred dollar capital to a two thousand dollar stoek of general merchandise. In 1892 he sold the building and removed his goods to Mentor, seven miles distant, where he opened a general store with a marked inerease on his former activities, putting in a six thousand dollar stock. Although he was not able to entirely finance his opera- tions during the first few months, this ambitious endeavor was made possible through the confident cooperation of the wholesale firms and one of the flourishing mereantile enterprises of the county was auspiciously started on its eareer. Mr. Tagley con- tinued his prosperous relations with this business until 1900 and in the later years was conducting an annual business of $30,000. He then sold the store
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.