History of Fillmore County, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 84

Author: Edward D. Neill
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
Number of Pages:

USA > Minnesota > Fillmore County > History of Fillmore County, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota > Part 84

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EMIL EVENSON was born, of Norwegian par- ents, in Vernon county, Wisconsin, on the 14th of February, 1855. He resided at home until 1873, when he went to Sparta where he was employed in a saloon. In 1879, he came to Lanesboro and opened the La Crosse Beer and Billiard Hall, at

which he has since continued. Miss Mary Vieth became the wife of Mr. Evenson on the 22d of June, 1880. They have one child.

M. G. FELLOWS, proprietor and editor of the “Lanesboro Journal," was born in Orange connty, Vermont, on the 27th of December, 1825. At the age of eighteen years he entered the office of the "Vermont Patriot," and learned the printer's trade. He finally concluded to complete his education, and in 1844, attended the Bradford Academy in his na- tive State. In 1851, he entered the Madison Uni- . versity, New York, from which he graduated in 1856. Mr. Fellows then taught school in the Brookfield Academy, New York, and also in Cleve- land Ohio. In 1858, he returned to New York and became assistant editor of the "Hamilton Repub- lican." He was afterward engaged in the same position with several leading newspapers, and finally returned to Vermont and took charge of the paper in the office of which he had served his apprenticeship. On the 1st of May, 1860, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Ellen McDonald. Two years later they moved to New York and Mr. Fellows again entered the office of the "Hamilton Republican, remaining ten years. After severing his connection with the latter paper he moved to Michigan and purchased an interest in the "Morenci News," remaining, however, but one year. He then came to Lanesboro and assissted in the publication of the "Lanesboro Journal;" then in the "Preston Republican," and in Febru- ary, 1882, took charge of his present paper. Mr. and Mrs. Fellows have one child, Frank H. Dur- ing his student life Mr. Fellows won the dis- tinction of being a rapid and entertaining writer, both of poetry and prose, a reputation which he has honorably retained.

ROBERT R. GREER, one of the first merchants in this city, is a native of Canada, born in Hunting- don county, Quebec, on the 10th of May, 1842. He was reared on a farm and also worked in a blacksmith shop owned by his father. When but thirteen years old he came to Decorah, Iowa, where he found employment at his trade until moving to La Crosse in 1863. In 1868, he camne to this place, and in company with his cousin, J. C. Greer, erected a frame building in which they put a stock of groceries and have since added general merchandise. Mr. Greer was the first Mayor of Lanesboro after its organization as a

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city. He was married on the 11th of March, 1874, to Miss Sadie Roberts. Their children are Mabel, Allie, Blanche, and Guy R.

JAMES C. GREER is a also a native of Hunting- don county, Quebec, his birth dating the 14th of May, 1842. When eighteen years old he com- menced learning; the wagon maker's trade at which he was engaged near his home and also in Massa- chusetts. In 1863, he came to Decorah, Iowa, and three years later moved to the state of New Jer- sey. He has been a resident of this place since 1868, there being but two shanties in the present city limits on his arrival. In January of the fol- lowing year, as stated in the preceding sketch, he opened a grocery store, their firm being the oldest now in the city. On the 1st of November, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Maria E. Cook, the ceremony taking place on the 1st of No- vember. They have three children; Theresa E., Leslie C., and James L. In 1871, he was elected County Commissioner, but resigned at the end of two years and was then elected to the State Legis- lature, filling the latter position one term Mr. Greer, as well as the firm of which he is a partner, has been identified with the progressive interests of the place ever since arriving here. He is a member of the company now engaged in the con- struction of the North Star Creamery in Lanes- boro.

SEYMORE GILBERT is a native of Genesee county, New York, born the 17th of October, 1831. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, coming with his parents to Wisconsin in 1839, and locat- ing on a farm about ten miles from Milwaukee where they were among the old settlers. Mr. Gilbert was married in 1860, to Miss Almira Nash. In 1862, he enlisted in Company G of the Twenty-Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant, and discharged for disability after serving three years. His wife died in 1865. The maiden name of his present wife was Martha E. Case, whom he married in 1868. They moved to this place in 1874, and Mr. Gilbert, in company with Mr. A. F. Nash, built a flouring mill, which was burned four years later. The two partners then, with Mr. White as a third, purchased the Lanesboro flonr- mill, to which business the subject of this sketch has since given his attention, the firm name being White & Gilbert, they having bought the Nash interest.

REV. PAUL GOTAAS is a native of Norway, born the 10th of December, 1847. He resided with his parents until seventeen years old, when he came to America and directly to this county, locating in Highland Prairie. In 1866, he entered the Nor- wegian Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa, grad- uating in the spring of 1873. He then returned to Norway and attended the University in Chris- tiania, from which he was graduated in 1878. The following year he came again to America, and im- mediately took charge of the parish in this city, having previously been ordained by Rev. V. Koren, of Decorah Iowa. He also conducts ser- vices at Union Prairie and Whalan.

EDWARD JOHNSON, one of the successful busi- ness men of this town, was born in the northern part of Norway, on the 26th of June, 1846. He was engaged in mercantile pursuits in his native country, and came to America in 1867. For two years he was engaged as clerk in a store in Minneapolis; then came to Fillmore county, locat- ing in Whalan. In 1870, he came to this city and for several years was employed in flouring mills. Miss Malena Hermanson became the wife of Mr. Johnson on the 25th of December, 1870. Of five children born to them, but one is living. Mr. Johnson opened his present fine grocery store in 1879. He is a member and officer in the Nor- wegian Lutheran church.

CHARLES JOHNSON, one of the early settlers and active business men of this city, is a native of Nor- way, born on the 14th of September, 1847. In 1861, he came with his mother to Minnesota, locat- ing in Spring Grove, Houston county. In the spring of 1868, he and his brother bought land in this place, which they soon after sold to the town- site company, and which is now the business cen- ter of Lanesboro. Charles was afterward engaged as clerk in a store in the town. He was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Hanson on the 17th of May, 1871. Mr. Johnson engaged in the dry goods business in 1874, and at the same time was elected Deputy Postmaster, holding the office two years. Ih 1876, he sold the store and opened his present one with a stock of hardware, the firm name being C. Johnson & Co. The marriage has been blessed with two children, both boys.

OLE IVERSON, one of the oldest settlers in this part of the State, was born in Norway in the fall of 1830, and remained in his native land until the spring of 1852, when he, in company with a num-

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ber of associates, started for the "land of prom- ise," arriving in New York on the 29th of June. In the summer, he wended his way to Chicago, where he remained for about two years engaged as a mechanic. He then moved to Decorah, Iowa, and in 1855, in Illinois, he married Miss Belle Nelson, of Boone county. In 1856, he came to Carrol- ton township to build a mill, and being so well pleased with the country, determined to settle here, and at once brought his family. He engaged first in farming, and went to Winona in 1858, but returned to Lanesboro in 1860, and went into the restaurant business, at which he continued until 1876, when he commenced the erection of the Winona Hotel in Lanesboro, and completed it at a cost of $7,000. He has since been manager and proprietor of it. Mr. Iverson is a member of the "Southern Minnesota Old Settlers' Association." He has been blessed with five children, three boys and two girls.

EDWARD KEVIN, a native of Ireland, was born in Tipperary county on the 22d of June, 1838. He came to America in 1863, and located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he was in the employ of J. J. Hogan, wholesale grocer. He remained until 1868, when he came to Fillmore county and opened a store in Rushford. On the 14th of November, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Jo- hanna Mulvihill, whose father is one of the pio- neers of this county. In 1869, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin came to Lanesboro, where he erected a building in which he put a stock of groceries, and continued in the business untill 1875, when he opened his present billiard and wine hall. Of six children born to him, four are living.

JOHAN I. KVITTUM was born in Norway on the 19th of August, 1843. He learned the tailor trade, at which he was engaged until 1869, when he joined the Norwegian army and served as Ser- geant for six years. He was married on the 31st of November, 1870, to Miss Margrete Rosten. In 1876, they came to America, and directly to this place, where Mr. Kvittum was engaged in various occupations until 1880, when he opened his present tailor shop, the firm name being Kvittum & Saether. Mr. and Mrs. Kvittum have had five chil- dren, four of whom are living.

C. O. KROGSTAD was born in the southwestern part of Norway, near the city of Drammen, on the 22d of December, 1844. He was reared on a farm, and learned the shoemaker trade in the city of

Drammen, coming to America when twenty-two years old. He came directly to this county and located in Rushford, where he followed his trade for three weeks, then clerked in a general mercan- tile store. In 1873, he came to Lanesboro, and opened his present store in 1874, in which he keeps drugs, books, and a line of stationery.

ELLEF LOVLAND, one of the early settlers of this place, is a native of Norway, his birth dating the 26th of December, 1842. He received his educa- tion at the Christiansand Stift Seminary, grad- uating in 1861, after which he taught school for seven years within the same Stift. In 1866, he married Miss Torund Osland. They came to America in 1668, and directly to Minnesota, loca- ting in this county. During that summer he came to Lanesboro, and was employed by the Lanes- boro Company to assist in making improvements. In the fall he opened a school which he continued for several years, since when he has been engaged at the cooper trade. Mrs. Lovland died in 1876, and Miss Anna Maria Westeren became his wife on the 7th of November, 1878. They are active members of the Lutheran Church, in which Mr. Lovland has been secretary since its organization in this place. He was elected to the State Legis- tature in 1880.

OLE LANGLIE is a native of Throndhjem, Nor- way, where he was born the 7th of July 1836. He received a good education, and afterward was en- gaged in teaching, which he followed in his native country about nine years. In 1866, he came to America, and for one year taught school in this county, on Highland Prairie; then in Spring Grove for three years. After the expiration of six years he returned to Fillmore county, and resided in Amherst for a time. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Pederson Lomen in May, 1872. The following year they came to this place, and Mr. Langlie opened his present store, since which time he has built up a good trade. Of five chil- dren born to him, three are living.

JOHN LEAHY was born in the county of Kerry, Ireland, in March, 1822, which place he made his home until 1847. He then came to America and resided in New Hampshire two years, then in New York about three years. In 1851, he was united in marriage with Miss Julia Nolan, the ceremony taking place on the 23d of November, in Buffalo, New York. In 1853, they moved to Ohio, and a year later to Wisconsin, and Mr. Leahy was em-

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ployed on the Southern Minnesota railroad. He came to this place in 1869, and for three years was engaged in a boarding house. In 1876, he opened the American House, which he has since conducted. Eleven children have been born to Mr. Leahy, six of whom are living.

JOHN MCCAULEY was born in Ireland, and came to America when about ten years old. He resided with his family in Winona county a few years; then moved to La Crosse, where his parents now live. In 1863, John enlisted in the Third Min- nesota Light Artillery, serving two years and two months. He was afterward engaged in steamers on the Mississippi River, in which occupation he lost one hand. He came to this place in 1881, and opened his present billiard and wine hall.

B. A. MAN, the present Mayor of Lanesboro, is a native of New York. His grand-father, Dr. Al- bon Man, was one of the pioneers of Franklin county, in that State, and cut a road through that and Clinton counties for which service he received from the State an extensive homestead in what is now Westville, Franklin county. During the war of 1812, the old house ( which was the only large frame building in that vicinity) became quite a noted hospital for the soldiers. Albon Man died in 1819, from the effects of injuries received by a fall from his borse. He left three sons and four daughters. Buel, the father of our subject, coming into possession of the old homestead. B. A. was born on the same on the 15th of June, 1840. He remained at home until 1862, when he enlisted in the One hundred and sixth New York Volunteer Infantry, Company H. He held the position of First Lieutenant, and for good behavior in the battle of Graham's Landing, South Carolina, where he was on staff duty with Lieut. Governor Wood- ford, of New York, was offered a Captain's commis- sion, which he respectfully declined, retaining his former rank. He remained as brigade and regi- mental Quartermaster till the close of the war, with the Second . Brigade Coast Division, Depart- ment of the South. After receiving his discharge he returned to New York. In 1869, he came to Minnesota, and acted as agent for the Lanesboro Townsite Company, continuing that occupation for six years. He then opened a loan and collection office, and in 1878, was admitted to the bar, since which time he has practiced law. The maiden name of his wife was Abby T. Wecott, of Malone, New York.

LOUIS MILLER was born in Copenhagen, Den- mark, in 1845. When he was fifteen years old he went to sea with the intention of learning naviga- tion, but on reaching America left the ship and came Indiana, In 1864, he joined the United States Navy connected with the Mississippi Squad- roon and remained in the service two years. He was then engaged on steamers, and by close at- tention acquired a thorough knowledge of the business. For many years he was purser for the Coulson line of boats on the upper Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers, and now owns an interest in the same. He engaged in the drug business in this place in 1879, spending the winters here and the summers on the river. The firm name is L. Miller & Co. Mr. Miller was married to Miss Mary Henderson who has borne him one child, Ida L.

JOHN MULLEN is a native of Jefferson county, Wisconsin, born on the 14th of December, 1853. After receiving his education he entered a mercan- tile establishment and was also engaged in farm- ing. In May, 1876, he came to Lanesboro and was one of a firm to open a general mercantile store, remaining with the company three years, after which he carried on a branch store for J. C. Smith, of La Crosse. Since April, 1880, he has been landlord of the Lanesboro Hotel.

C. J. NILSON, a native of Norway, was born on the 22d of December, 1855. He learned of his father, who was a shoemaker, the trade, and was engaged at the same until 1870, when he came to America. He resided in Dodgeville, Wis- consin, a few years; then in Dubuque, Iowa, a short time, and in 1874, came to Fillmore county, locating in Whalan. He came to this place in 1878, and the following year opened a shoe shop in which he has since devoted his time and energy.

MARK NELSON, who was born the 9th of May, 1818, is a native of Denmark. When he was young he learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he was engaged near his home until coming to America. He was joined in marriage on the 13th of December, 1845, with Miss Emilie Larson. They left Denmark for this country in 1869, and came directly to Lanesboro, which has since been their home. Mr. Nelson opened his present shoe store soon after coming here, and has since done a successful business. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have been blessed with five children, four of whom are living.

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SAMUEL A. NELSON "ERICKSTAD" is a native of Norway, where he was born the 6th of January, 1851. When he was an infant his parents came to America, locating in Chicago, and three years later to Winneshiek county, Iowa. In 1865, they moved to a farm in Newburg. At the age of seven- teen years Samuel entered a business college in Chicago, from which he graduated in 1870. Two years later he engaged in general mercantile bus- iness in Lanesboro, continuing in the same six years. He was joined in marriage with Miss Julia Skarie in January, 1878. The following year he opened his present large establishment, the firm name being Nelson & Nepstad. Mr. Nelson has held the office of Town and Village Treasurer, each two years. He has two children, both boys.

CHRIST SCHANSBERG was born on the 30th of April, 1854, in Norway. He came with his par- ents to America when but six years of age, and located in Vernon county, Wisconsin. At the age of seventeen years he was employed in a butcher shop at Sparta, remaining four years. In 1875, he came to Fillmore county, and opened a shop in Peterson. In May, 1878, he was married to Miss Helen Everson, the result of which union is one child. They came to Lanesboro the following year, and Mr. Schansberg, in company with John and Severt Solberg, opened the only butcher shop in this place.

M. SCANLAN, who was born in Ireland on the 25th of September, 1840, is one of the oldest set- tlers and active business men of this town. When young he came with his parents to America, locat- ing in Lake county, Ohio. In 1856, he came here and resided with his brothers (who had come the previous year) until the arrival of his parents in 1857. Upon the organization of Lanesboro Mr. Scanlan found a portion of his farm to be located inside the village limits. He soon after, in com- pany with C. C. Abbott, erected a store in which they kept a line of hardware. In 1876, he sold his interest in the latter, and has since been en- gaged in the real estate and insurance business. He is also a member of the firm of H. Lyngaas & Co., general merchants. Since 1859, Mr. Scanlan has been Town Clerk, and in 1869 and '70, was a member of the State Legislature.

JAMES THOMPSON was born in the town of Union, Canada West, on the 7th of November, 1839. In 1841, the family came to Winnebago county, Illi-

nois, where James attended school, and after the death of his father, in 1853, he assisted his mother in setling up the estate, teaching a district school during the fall and winter of 1860. He came to Saint Paul in August, 1861, and was engaged with his brother, Clark W. Thompson, then Superinten- dent of Indian Affairs, spending a year at the Chippewa Agency, near Crow Wing, Minnesota. He entered the commission and grocery house of J. C. & H. C. Burbank in 1863, and had charge of their Military Transportation of Government supplies to the Forts Ridgely and Wadsworth for two years. He visited Illinois in 1866, to close up his father's estate, and in the following year he moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he was agent of the Southern Minnesota Railroad Company at Grand Crossing station for nearly two years. In 1869, Mr. Thompson came to Lanesboro, and in company with Harrison Williams and his brothers, Clark W. and John M. Thompson, built the Lanes- boro Mills, and on their completion he was made manager by the firm of Thompson & Williams. Miss Ella L. Horton became his wife on the 10th of May, 1876. He sold his interest in the Lanes- boro Mill in 1879, and in September, 1880, com- menced his present fine establishment, which is known as the "Anchor Oat Meal Mill," and is one of the leading industries of this thriving town. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of two children, James and Horton.

JOHN H. TRAVIS is a native of Dutchess county, New York, born the 11th of January, 1821. When he was ten years old he entered a cotton factory, afterward learned a trade in a soap and candle fac- tory, and later, in a print establishment. Mr. Travis was employed in a blacksmith shop for eight years; then engaged as a machinist, and finally as a millwright. Miss Sarah Nutt became his wife on the 18th of August, 1841. Of eight children, the result of this union, five are living. Iu 1860, the family moved to this county, and for many years Mr. Travis was a prominent farmer of Amherst, but in 1877, rented the farm there and came to this village, where he is engaged in gar- dening.

THOMAS THORP, a resident of Minnesota since 1852, is a native of New York City, born the 16th of July, 1844. After coming to this State, in 1852, he located in Minnesota City, Winona county, and remained engaged on a farm until 1871. He then cammenced learning the cooper trade, and in

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1872, came to Lanesboro. The following year he entered the cooper shop of Doud, Son & Co., where he has since had entire charge. He was united in marriage, on the 10th of June, 1873, with Miss Nellie Cotton, who had also been a resident of Winona county since 1852. They have been blessed with one child, Nellie C.

O. G. WALL, one of the old settlers of this county, was born near Logansport, Indiana, on the 25th of June, 1844. At the age of ten years he came with his parents to Fillmore county, located on a farm near Chatfield, and attended school in that village. In 1861, he entered the office of the "Chatfield Republican." which, in October of that year, was removed to Preston, where Mr. Wall as- sisted, mechanically, in producing the first news- paper ever printed at the county seat of Fillmore county. In 1862, ho enlisted in Company B, of the Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and was among those who defended Fort Ridgely on the occasion of the Sioux outbreak in August, 1862. He was discharged for disability after eight months service, and subsequently re-enlisted in the First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, Company F, serving one year. In 1864, at the age of twenty years, he engaged in his first newspaper enter- prise, taking and conducting the "Free Home- stead," of Winnebago City, for Mr. J. L. Christie, who entered the service in a Minnesota regiment. He successfully conducted the "Homestead" until after the close of the war. He was afterward en- gaged in mercantile pursuits in the latter place for three years. In 1867, he went to Caledonia on a leave of absence, and assisted in establishing the "Houston County Journal," and in 1868, re- turned and bought a half interest in the office, with his brother, P. P. Wall. In 1870, he pur- chased his brother's interest, and conducted the paper alone until 1873, when he sold out, spend- ing a year out of business on the line of the Northern Pacific railroad. In 1874, he removed to Lanesboro, and established the "Lanesboro Journal," which he conducted six years. Mr. Wall was appointed Deputy Collector of Internal Rev- enne for the Fifth Division of his district in 1875, and Postmaster at Lanesboro in 1879, the latter of which he now holds. He has filled many other local offices, among them that of Mayor of Lanes- boro.

CARROLTON TOWNSHIP.

K. K. BELL was born in Bergen, Norway, in

1817. . He was reared on a farm and resided at home until his marriage in 1841, to Miss Annie K. Stonedahl. They came to America in 1847, and first found a home in Dane county, Wisconsin, where they remained until coming to this place in 1854. They settled in section twelve, and Mr. Bell built the first house in Carrolton township. They had six children; Gertrude, Kari, Jorina, Lucretia, Knudt, and Annie. Kari died on the 22d of July, 1877, and Mrs. Bell on the 22d of September, 1880; both were buried in the Root River Cemetery.

THOR CHRISTEN, a native of Norway, was born on the 13th of January, 1834. He came with his parents to America in 1848, and located in Rock county, Wisconsin. In 1854, they moved to Fill- more county, and settled in what is now Carrolton township. Mr. Christen took a claim upon which he has made substantial improvements, and now has a fine farm. He was married in March, 1858, to Miss Carrie Erickson. They have had thirteen children; Christian, Sophia, Leva, Petra, Lena, John, Christina, Edward, who died in infancy, Elisha, Theodore, Clara, Edward, and Julia. Mr. Christen is one of the pioneers of this place, there being few settlers except Indians when he came. He was obliged to go to Decorah, Iowa, a distance of forty miles, for provisions, making the trip with an ox team.

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History of Fillmore County, Including the Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 84

Author: Edward D. Neill Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author: Edward D. Neill
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
Number of Pages: