USA > Minnesota > Watonwan County > History of Cottonwood and Watonwan counties, Minnesota : their people, industries, and institutions, Volume II > Part 46
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
Harris Mitchell grew up on the farm where he worked when a boy dur- ing the crop seasons, and he received his education in the public schools in Blue Earth county, also attended the Curtis College, or Minneapolis Academy, for some time, after which he returned to the farm and lived at home until he was twenty-nine years of age, when he married Fannie Estes, to which union three children have been born, Harold, Eldon and Cyril. He became owner of a good farm of about two hundred acres in Blue Earth county, where he farmed until he sold out and moved to Watonwan county, locating in Madelia, engaging in the ice business for two years, then moved to the country, buying the cherry farm, which he sold a few years later and pur- chased the place which he now owns. In 1913 his barn burned, containing a large quantity of hay and grain, but he rebuilt a large substantial barn the
(31a)
474
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
following year. His place consists of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he has placed all the improvements, including the planting of many box-elder and soft maple trees. He built a good residence in 1913. He believes in modern methods and pumps his water with a gasoline engine; has a large silo and other up-to-date improvements. In connection with general farming he handles annually from six hundred to twelve hundred Western sheep, and large numbers of hogs, especially Duroc-Jerseys.
Mr. Mitchell belongs to the Masonic Order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he was reared, his father having been quite active in the work of the same during his life time.
JENS TAKLE.
Jens Takle, one of the best-known and most substantial farmers of Ann township, Cottonwood county, and for years actively identified with the civic affairs of that township, having served at various times as clerk, treasurer and supervisor of the township, is a native son of Cottonwood county, born on the farm on which he now lives, and has been a witness to and a partici- pant in the development of that part of the county since pioneer days. He was born on June 18, 1879, son of I. I. and Gudve Takle, natives of Norway and pioneers of Cottonwood county, the latter of whom is still living, making her home at Walnut Grove, in the neighboring county of Redwood.
About 1870 I. I. Takle and his wife came from Norway to Minnesota. They first settled in Goodhue county, but about two years later, in 1872, moved over into Cottonwood county. I. I. Takle homesteaded a quarter of a section in section 28 of Ann township and there established his home. He built a dug-out, with a sod roof, and that humble abode served as a home until he was able some time later to erect a more substantial dwelling. After he got a start he prospered in his farming operations, enlarged his holdings and became one of Ann township's most substantial and influential farmers. In 1908 he retired from the active labors of the farm and he and his wife moved to the neighboring town of Walnut Grove, where he died on March 30, 1915, and where his widow is still living. They were the parents of four children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth, the others being Kirsti, widow of Andrew Marson; Ebert, who is with his mother in Walnut Grove, and Henry, who is farming in Ann township.
Jens Takle grew to manhood on the homestead farm on which he was
475
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
born, receiving his schooling in the district school in the neighborhood of his home and at Lamberton, helping on the farm during the summers, and remained at home until his marriage in the fall of 1900. He then started farming for himself on an "eighty" secured from his father and upon the retirement of the elder Takle from the old home farm two years later, moved to the latter place, assumed the management of the same and there has lived ever since, he and his family being very pleasantly situated. Mr. Takle is a progressive farmer and in addition to farming the old home place, rents an additional "eighty" from his brother, Ebert, and is thus farming about three hundred and twenty acres. He has given considerable attention to the raising of pure-bred Shorthorn cattle and has done very well. Mr. Takle for years has given close attention to the affairs of local government and has served the township in various public capacities, supervisor for three years, clerk for two years, treasurer three years and school clerk for a number of years. He is a member of the East Ann Farmers' Club and takes a warm interest in the affairs of the same.
It was on September 6, 1906, that Jens Takle was united in marriage to Charlotte Kopperud and to this union four children have been born, Gunda, Ira, Carrol and John. Mr. and Mrs. Takle are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and take an active interest in the general beneficences of the same, as well as in all neighborhood good works, helpful in promoting all proper movements thereabout.
JOHN HEPPNER.
John Heppner, one of the largest landowners in Watonwan county, pro- prietor of a fine home place in Butterfield township, vice-president of the Peoples Bank of Butterfield, former county commissioner and for many years actively identified with the agricultural, civic and business life of the com- munity in which he has so long resided, is a native of Russia, but has been a resident of Minnesota since 1876. He was born on March 19, 1858, son of Deitrich and Mary Heppner, both natives of that same country, the former born in 1816 and the latter in 1821, whose last days were spent in Watonwan county, where they settled in pioneer days.
In 1876 Deitrich Heppner and his family came from Russia to this country, proceeding straightway out to Minnesota and settling in Watonwan county, where they arrived on July 20 of that year. Deitrich Heppner home-
476
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
steaded a quarter of a section of land in Adrian township and there estab- lished his home. He died there in 1882, before he had the place "proved up" and his widow completed the homestead requirements and continued to make her home there the rest of her life, her death occurring in 1906. Deitrich and Mary Heppner were the parents of fourteen children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the tenth in order of birth, the others being as follow : Mary, born on September 23, 1841; Margaret, May 1, 1843; Cornelius, November 18, 1844; Jacob, 1846, deceased; Deitrich, September 12, 1847, who died in infancy ; Deitrich, second, December 7, 1848; Susanna, April 20, 1851, who died in 1855; Jacob, March 26, 1853; Peter, July 19, 1855; Susanna, second, February 19, 1859; Aganeta, April 27, 1861, who died on July 6, 1866; Helena, December 8, 1864, who died on January 21, 1878, and Erdman, December 11, 1866. Deitrich Heppner and his wife were members of the Mennonite church and their children were reared in that faith.
John Heppner was about eighteen years old when he came to Minnesota with his parents in 1876 and he has lived here ever since. He remained on the homestead farm in Adrian township, assisting in the development of the same until after his marriage, when, in 1883, he bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 8 of Butterfield township and there he established his home. Mr. Heppner put out a fine grove and set about improving his farm in the most substantial manner. He succeeded from the very start of his farming operations and as he prospered gradually added to his land holdings until now he is the owner of one thousand three hundred and eighty acres of land and is accounted one of the most substantial residents of Watonwan county. He continues to make his home on the original quarter section on which he started his operations in 1883 and has a beautiful place, he and his family being very comfortably situated. Mr. Heppner, in addition to his extensive farming operations, has given considerable attention to general business affairs and is the vice-president of the Peoples Bank of Butterfield. He also has taken an active part in local political affairs, long having been counted one of the leaders of the Republican party in his part of the county. For many years he has served on the township board and the school board and also served for some time as a member of the board of county commissioners.
It was in 1882, in Butterfield township, that John Heppner was united in marriage to Anna Dick, who also was born in Russia, December 26, 1861, daughter of Ben and Aganeta Dick, natives of that same country, the former of whom came to Minnesota in 1875 and settled in Butterfield township, Watonwan county, with his eight children, his wife having died in her native land in 1871. Ben Dick settled on an eighty-acre farm in Butterfield town-
477
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
ship, where he lived for years, but later went to Saskatchewan, Canada, where he spent his last days, his death occurring in 1908, he then being seventy-eight years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Heppner seven children have been born, namely : Mary, born on May 5, 1883, who died just two weeks later ; Mary, second, April 5, 1884; Ben, October 6, 1886; Deitrich, June 29, 1888; John, October 10, 1891 ; Jacob, October 8, 1893, and Peter, January 19, 1902. The Heppners are members of the Mennonite church, in the affairs of which they take a warm interest, as well as in all local good works, and have long been helpful in promoting measures for the general good of the community in which they live.
ROY W. LEWIS.
Roy W. Lewis, one of the prominent and successful young farmers of Watonwan county, was born on October 15, 1888, in Antrim township. He is the son of James and Bertha I. (Martin) Lewis.
Roy W. Lewis was educated, in the common schools of the county and attended the Agricultural school at St. Paul for fourteen months. He is progressive and successful in the practice of the modern methods of tilling the soil.
On March 13. 1912, Roy W. Lewis was united in marriage to Alice Goore, who was born in Blue Earth county, on February 25, 1891. Mrs. Lewis is the daughter of George and Sarah ( Polk) Goore, both of whom are natives of England, and came to the United States and located in this section twenty-five years ago. George and Sarah Goore are the parents of the fol- lowing children : William, Alice, Earl, Hazel, Alfred, Lena, Robert, Leona and Percy.
Charles O. Martin, the maternal grandfather of Roy W. Lewis, was born in Maine on September 21, 1834. He was the son of Samuel and Ann (Goss) Martin. John Martin, the grandfather of Charles O. Martin, was a farmer in Maine.
Samuel Martin and wife were the parents of the following children : James, Jane, Sarah and Charles O. Samuel Martin died on March 19, 1851, Mrs. Martin surviving some years and died at the age of eighty-three.
· Charles O. Martin received his education and grew to manhood in his native state of Maine. Here he was married to Dorcas Marston and to this union were born the following children : Ida, Bertha, the mother of Roy W. Lewis; Edgar and H. L. For thirty-six years Charles O. Martin bought
478
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
stock, in the territory about Lewisville, where he lived. He has been super- visor of the township and has served on the school board. He gave the land for the location of school No. 8, Antrim township.
The home farm of Roy W. Lewis consists of one hundred and sixty acres of well improved and highly cultivated land. The large barn was built in 1911 and the modern house erected in 1915. The farm is situated two miles west of Lewisville in section 6, Antrim township.
CHRISTIAN NICHOLAS NELSON.
Christian Nicholas Nelson, clerk of Amo township, Cottonwood county, and one of the best-known and most substantial farmers of that township, is a native of Illinois, born in the city of Chicago, but has been a resident of Minnesota since he was a child. He was born in Chicago on November 8, 1869, son of Christopher and Anna (Nicholas) Nelson, natives of Denmark, who later came to Minnesota and the former of whom is still living in this state, for many years a prominent resident of Long Lake township, in the neighboring county of Watonwan.
Christopher Nelson was born in Denmark on September 17, 1841, son of Nels and Anna Margaretta (Sonneson) Christensen, both natives of that same county, and grew to manhood there, becoming a proficient wagon maker and house builder. He served as a soldier of his king in the war with Ger- many in 1864-65 and in the year following, 1866, came to the United States and located at Chicago, where he began work as a carpenter. There, two or three years later, he married and continued to live in that city for about seven years, at the end of which time he came to Minnesota with his family and settled at Mankato, where for some time he was engaged at work in a sash and door factory. He then moved to Spring Valley, in Fillmore county, and worked at his trade as a carpenter there for about seven years, or until 1881, when he moved to Watonwan county and settled on the farm on which he is still living, in Long Lake township. Upon locating there, Christopher Nelson bought a farm of eighty acres, to which he later added an adjoining tract of forty acres, in addition to which he also bought a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Martin county, which latter tract he has since sold. He is a member of the Lutheran church at Long Lake and his children were reared in that faith. Christopher Nelson has been thrice married. It was about the year 1869, in Chicago, that he married Anna Nicholas, who had arrived in
479
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
that city not long before from her native Denmark, and to that union two children were born, Christian N., the subject of this biographical sketch, and Anna. The mother of these children died in 1874 and in 1875, in this state, Christopher Nelson married Martha Ringhort, who was born in Norway and who had come to Minnesota with her parents, Over Ringhort and wife, the latter of who was a Goodwith, when she was a child, the family settling in Model township, in Blue Earth county. To that union four children were born, Edward, William, Albert and Emma. The mother of these children died in 1889 and the next year Mr. Nelson married her sister, Olena Ring- hort, who died in 1893, leaving one child, a son, Martin.
Christian N. Nelson, eldest of the seven children born to Christopher Nelson, was but a child when he came to Minnesota with his parents and was about eleven years old when his father moved from Spring Valley to the farm in the vicinity of Long Lake. He completed the course in the common schools at Long Lake and later began to work on his own account on a farm in Antrim township in that same county. In 1892 he went up into North Dakota and worked there for a year and then went into the woods of north- ern Minnesota, where he worked for a year, at the end of which time he returned to Watonwan county and spent the summer working in a creamery at St. James. During the following winter, 1894-5, he took a course in the dairy school of the Minnesota State University and then began working in a creamery at Windom, later being given charge of the creamery in Amo town- ship, Cottonwood county, and conducted the same from 1895 to 1901. In the meantime he had purchased the farm of eighty acres on which he now lives in Amo township and in 1900, the year following his marriage, began actively to farm the same, establishing his home there and there he has lived ever since. In addition to the eighty acres which he owns, Mr. Nelson rents and farms an adjoining tract of seventy acres and has done very well, both with his farming and with his stock raising. During his residence in Amo township Mr. Nelson has given close attention to local civic affairs and since the year 1900 has served as township clerk, the longest continuous period of service in that office ever performed by one incumbent. He also at various times has been school clerk. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
In 1899 Christian N. Nelson was united in marriage to Mattie M. Felch, who was born in Mower county, this state, daughter of William and Lucy (Lyman) Felch, the former a native of the state of Washington and the latter of this state, and to this union four children have been born, Leslie
480
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
Felch, Myrtle Lucile, Cornelius Lyman and Lyman Warren. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active interest in church affairs, as well as in all local good works.
DAVID C. JANZEN.
Of the farmers of Mountain Lake township, Cottonwood county, who not only raises big crops, but who keeps his farm in an attractive condition, everything well cared for, thus presenting to the visitor a pleasing appear- ance, is David C. Janzen. He was born in Russia, October 8, 1864, and is a son of Cornelius and Sarah (Nickel) Janzen, both born in Russia, from which country they removed to America with their family in 1878, landing at Mountain Lake, Minnesota, on July 6 of that year, the father buying the farm on which the subject of this sketch now lives, lying immediately south of the village. He first purchased eighty acres, on which the farm buildings now stand, later added one hundred and sixty acres. He began improving the place and erected the present building. However, the subject of this sketch has remodeled the dwelling and put up a new barn, he having purchased the place of his father in 1901, the latter living retired in the village until his death, in 1914, and here his widow still resides. Five children, who grew up, were born to these parents, namely : David C., of this sketch; Sarah and Augunita are twins; Cornelius and Helen.
David C. Janzen spent his boyhood in Russia, where he attended school, finishing his education after coming to Minnesota. He grew up on the home farm, and started out as a farmer for himself in Midway township, where he owned one hundred and sixty acres, which he operated five years, then moved to the homestead which he owns and which he has kept tilled and well improved. He is one of the successful farmers and stock raisers of his township.
Mr. Janzen was married in 1894, to Agnes Geortzen, who was born in Russia, and is a daughter of William Geortzen, who brought his family to Mountain Lake, Minnesota, in 1876, where he established the future home of the family. He and his wife are now deceased. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Janzen, namely: David, William, Esther, deceased; Cornelius, deceased; Alfred, Esther, the second; Lydia and Ferdinand. Mr. Janzen was township treasurer for a number of years.
481
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
SIVER HAGE.
Step by step Siver Hage, of Madelia, Watonwan county, has worked his way up from a modest beginning to a position of no mean importance in his community. He came to the New World from a foreign strand, "A youth to fortune and to fame unknown." Thus he is deserving of much credit for what he has accomplished unaided.
Mr. Hage was born in Norway in 1840, and is a son of Jorgen and Kari T. (Halstenstande) Hage, both natives of Norway, where they spent their entire lives. The father was a school teacher. He was twice married. Four children were born to his first union, which was with the mother of the sub- ject of this sketch. His second wife bore him five children.
Siver Hage spent his boyhood in Norway and was educated there, and there he began life for himself as a farmer when only fourteen years of age, and he continued for a period of thirteen years, immigrating to America in 1867, spending two years in Okanto, Wisconsin, removing to Brown county, this state, in 1869, and took up a homestead of eighty acres in Lake Hanska township. He added to his original holdings until he had a good farm of three hundred acres. He continued to reside there until the fall of 1876, then came to Madelia township, Watonwan county, Minnesota, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres on which he continued farming until 1884 when he moved to the village of Madelia. He has continued to reside here but has owned and operated various farms near the village, at present owning two hundred acres in this county. He formerly owned two fine farms near New Ulm, in Nicollet county, containing two hundred acres and two hundred and forty acres, respectively. In 1884 he started a lumber yard at Madelia, which he has continued to operate to the present time, enjoying a large business all the while. The business was incorporated in 1902, with Mr. Hage as presi- dent, under the firm name of S. Hage Lumber Company. He is also a stock- holder in the Madelia State Bank, which he helped organize, and in which he was a director from the time of its organization until 1914 when he retired. He also assisted in organizing the LaSalle State Bank, in which he is still a stockholder ; also helped organize the Security State Bank of Hanska, in which he is still a stockholder and director. He was formerly president of the last named institution. He is a stockholder in the National Citizens Bank of Mankato, and the Peoples Bank of St. Paul. He has worked hard, managed well, dealt honorably with his fellow men and is deserving of the universal
482
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
respect and good will which are his. He is one of the most substantial and influential men of affairs of Watonwan county.
Mr. Hage was married in 1873, to Ingri Serumgard, a native of Nor- way, and to this union the following children have been born : Anna M. Helling, George S., Karen P., Emil G. and Segar.
Mr. Hage is a Unitarian in his religious beliefs. He has long been active in party affairs and has done much toward the upbuilding and better- ment of his town and county. While living in Hanska township he served as justice of the peace, and was also assessor while living there ; township treas- urer and treasurer of the school board, holding these offices until he removed from the township in 1876. He subsequently served as justice of the peace in Madelia township, and was also assessor two years in that township, and was for two years a member of the board of aldermen of the village of Madelia. As a public servant he has always performed his duties in an able, faithful and highly acceptable manner.
HENRY F. LOEWEN.
The business of farming comprises many points-the consideration of what crops to grow, how to grow them to the best advantage, whether for sale or for use on the farm. It brings out more than anything else the busi- ness acumen of the farmer, and is more or less the very keynote of success or failure. One of the energetic farmers of Mountain Lake township, Cotton- wood county, is Henry F. Loewen, who was born in the above named town- ship and county on March 26, 1879. He is a son of Frank and Katherina (Wall) Loewen, the mother a sister of J. H. Wall, who is mentioned else- where in this book. The parents of the subject of this sketch were both born in Russia, where they spent their earlier years, immigrating to America in 1876, locating one mile north of Mountain Lake, Cottonwood county, Minne- sonta, becoming owners of about two hundred and forty acres of good land there, on which they spent the rest of their lives. Their family consisted of the following children : Frank, deceased; Anna, deceased ; Henry F., of this review; Frank, the second; Jacob was next in order; Lizzie is the wife of Abe Wiebe; Nick and John are the two youngest. All these children are farmers and live near Mountain Lake. The father was for some time school director in his district. He and his family were always adherents of the Mennonite faith.
483
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
Henry F. Loewen grew up on the farm and he received his education in the district schools of Midway township and Mountain Lake village. He has always engaged in farming, and is now owner of one hundred and sixty acres of well-improved land in Mountain Lake township, where he carries on general farming and stock raising.
Mr. Loewen was married in 1900, to Katie Niessen, a native of Russia and a sister of Jacob Niessen. She came to America when young. Six children, all living, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Loewen, namely: Mary, Henry, Frank, Tina, Jennie and Jacob.
CHARLES ANDERSON.
One of the sterling pioneers in Long Lake township, Watonwan county is Charles Anderson, who is now living in retirement in the city of St. James, after a successful career as railroader and farmer. He has lived to see many great changes come over the face of the land since he located on the wild prairie here forty years ago, and he has played well his part in this develop- ment.
Mr. Anderson was born in Sweden, April 26, 1848. He is a son of Andres and Stina Peterson, both of whom spent their lives in Sweden. He took the name of Anderson upon coming to America.
Mr. Anderson grew to manhood in his native land and remained there until 1869, when he immigrated to America, arriving in Minnesota about May 15 of that year. He worked on the St. Paul & Sioux City railroad the first two or three years, on the construction of the road, when it was being built into this state. In 1876 he took up farming in Long Lake township, Watonwan county, developing a good farm from the raw prairie, and con- tinued farming successfully until about 1906, when he retired from active life and has since lived in St. James. He became owner of five hundred acres of good land through his thrift and good management.
Mr. Anderson was married in 1876, to Louisa Jackson, a native of Sweden, and to their union the following children have been born: Elex, Sophia, Jennie, Mary, Fred, Rudolph and Roy.
· Mr. Anderson has repeatedly been chairman of the township board and also supervisor of Long Lake township. He is a member of the Lutheran church.
Elex Anderson was born on December 23, 1887, in Long Lake town-
-
484
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
ship, this county, and he grew up on the home farm and received a common school education. After leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade which he followed for seven years, also worked one year as a railway fireman, then turned his attention to general farming, which he has since continued with success. He operates two hundred acres, and makes a specialty of raising full-blood Poland China hogs. He was married on April 2, 1913, to Edith Newberg, a native of Watonwan county, where she grew up and was educated. She is a daughter of Nels Newberg. One child has been born to this union, Marion Anderson. Elex Anderson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
LOUIS E. SCHROEDER.
It is now becoming generally understood that the life of the man who lives closest to nature is the best life, and no class of men are in better posi- tion to receive the benefits which are thus to be derived than farmers. The life of Louis E. Schroeder, a retired farmer of Great Bend township, Cot- tonwood county, now living in Windom, has been pleasant and remunerative.
Mr. Schroeder was born in Winona county, Minnesota, February 22, 1863, and he is a son of Martin and Henrietta (Meilicke) Schroeder, both natives of Brandenberg, Germany. He was about nineteen years old when he immigrated to the United States with his parents, the family locating on a farm on the Rock river, near Theresa, Wisconsin. He remained there, assisting his father with the work of the farm, five or six years, then came to Winona county, Minnesota, and bought one hundred and twenty acres, which he farmed for a number of years. He then moved to Blue Earth county and bought one hundred and sixty acres south of Mankato, which place he improved and continued to operate until a short time before his death. Although he remained on the farm, he spent his last days in retire- ment. It was in his house that the first meeting of the township officials of Lyon township was held. in Blue Earth county. His death occurred on May 18. 1881. His widow is still living, being now advanced in years, and makes her home with the subject of this sketch. To these parents nine chil- dren were born, all still living but one, namely: August M., Carl G., Louis E., Oscar H., Ottilia H., Clara C., Bertha, Ida L., and William, who died in 1902.
Louis E. Schroeder grew up on the home farm, where he worked when
485
COTTONWOOD AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
a boy, and he received a common school education. Upon the death of his father he took charge of the homestead, on which he remained until 1895, when he removed to Cottonwood county, locating in Great Bend township, where he bought a farm of two hundred and twenty acres, which he improved and operated with his usual success until 1913, when he retired from active life and located in Windom, where he purchased three and one-half acres within the city limits, on which ground he has a pleasant home. Politically, Mr. Schroeder is an independent voter. He attends the Baptist church.
NIC F. LOEWEN.
The man who produces double the customary crop of any one grain or grass, assumes a leadership in his community that brings responsibilities. His farm is an object of interest. When his work becomes known and his methods discussed, he is called a model farmer. Others want to see and learn and then do likewise. Nic F. Loewen, of Mountain Lake township, Cotton- wood county, does not raise twice the amount of crops that his neighbors do, but he is nevertheless, a very painstaking farmer. He was born in Midway township, this county, on October 9, 1890, and is a son of Frank Loewen, of Russia, who came to Cottonwood county with the colony that formed the Mennonite settlement. about 1876. He devoted his active life to farming, becoming owner of a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Carson town- ship and two hundred acres in Midway township, Cottonwood county, in fact, he became one of the leading farmers of this locality and was an influen- tial citizen. His family consisted of six children, namely: Henry, Frank, Jacob, Lizzie, Nic C. and John.
Nic F. Loewen grew up on the home farm where he worked when a boy, and he received his early education in the district schools of Midway township. He had a natural bent toward architecture, and when a boy turned his attention to tools instead of farming, learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed three years, but in 1913 he moved to his present excellent farm of one hundred and seven acres in Mountain Lake township, where he has since carried on general farming successfully.
Mr. Loewen was married in the fall of 1912, to Katie Dick, a daughter of Claus Dick and wife, of Cottonwood county, where she was reared to
486
COTTONWOOD. AND WATONWAN COUNTIES, MINN.
womanhood and received her education in the common schools. To this union one child has been born, Wilmer Loewen.
Mr. Loewen was road overseer in 1915 and did good work on the roads of his district. He is a member of the Mennonite church.
JOHN ALBERT LANTZ.
John Albert Lantz, a successful farmer of Watonwan county, was born in Odin township on January 13, 1872, being the son of Carl Johan and Anna Sophia (Gustavson) Lantz.
Carl Johan Lantz was born in Sweden and came to the United States in 1868. Anna Sophia Lantz was also a native of Sweden and came to America in 1870. The young people met and later were married. Mr. Lantz first settled at Red Wing, where he worked on the railroad. During his first year in this country he, with three companions, walked from Red Wing to Odin township, where Mr. Lantz homesteaded eighty acres of land. He then returned afoot to his work on the railroad. This claim became his home and here he lived until his death on October 23, 1907. He was for a time town- ship supervisor and assisted in the organization of the Kansas Lake Swedish church. To Carl and Anna Lantz were born the following children: John Albert, Charles E., Oscar Theodore, Emma Sophia, who died in 1892, and David Victor.
John Albert Lantz was educated in the early schools of the township and has always followed farming. He has one hundred and thirty acres and does general farming. In 1905 Mr. Lantz was married to Lillian Gustavson, the daughter of Nels and Ingeborg Gustavson, who located in Odin township in an early day. To this union one child, Emma Margaret, has been born.
John A. Lantz became chairman of his township at the age of twenty- six and held the office, with the exception of three years, until he became town- ship clerk. He is now a candidate for county commissioner.
The mother of John A. Lantz is living on the old homestead with her son Victor. This is the farm that was homesteaded in an early day by the father. Charles E. Lantz, a brother of John A., after graduating from Gus- tavus Adolphus College, at St. Peter, and later receiving the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Minnesota, is a college professor.
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.