USA > Minnesota > Freeborn County > History of Freeborn County, Minnesota > Part 62
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MR. AND MRS. CLAUS H. FLINDT
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
Albert Lea township, this county. Anna and Ida are teachers in Albert Lea schools. The family faith is that of the German Methodist Episcopal church.
O. F. Stieler was born in Germany, December 3, 1863, and left the shores of his native land to seek his fortune in a new country in 1881. He came to America and settled in Alden township, Minnesota, where he worked in a meat shop for two years, after which he spent a short time in Wells. He then went to Albert Lea and was employed by the Brunden Brothers, large meat dealers. Three years later he worked for C. Richardson remain- ing with them for some time. He then opened a butcher shop in partnership with C. E. Brainard and two years later bought out his partner's interest and for the following sixteen years conducted the business on his own responsibility. His brother then purchased the business and Mr. Steiler moved to his farm where he resides at the present time. In 1887 he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Elizabeth Kaemmer, daughter of John Kaemmer a retired farmer of this county, to them have been born five children: Harold, Walter and Maxamillion ; Helen Mary and Lawrence are dead. Mr. Steiler has eighty acres of land under careful cultivation and his house is modern in every re- spect, having been remodeled by him. His property is only one-half mile from the city limits of Albert Lea, thus giving his children the advantages of education offered in the public schools of that city. He is a member of the M. W. A. lodge, 835, of Albert Lea, also belongs to the Elks Lodge of that city, and is a Yeoman. He has ever been an industrious man and owes all he has at the present time to his own hard work, a fact of which he is justly proud.
John A. Gustaveson, a liveryman of Albert Lea, was born in Sweden in 1870, the son of Isaac and Bengta Gustaveson. John A. came to America in the year 1881 and located in Albert Lea township at New Denmark. His parents came to the United States in 1888, they remained in Albert Lea township about one year and then bought a farm in Alden township, where the father farmed until 1903. He then retired and came to Albert Lea, where he lived until his death in 1906. The mother still lives in Albert Lea. The subject of this sketch attended the schools of Freeborn and Faribault counties. Leaving school, he worked out on different farms. In the year 1888 John came to Albert Lea and clerked in a grocery store for three years. He established a livery business where the Hotel Albert now stands, in 1891 and continued there until 1908. He then built a brick building on the corner of Main and Newton streets. On July 7, 1910, Mr. Gustafson suffered a severe fire. However, he was fortunate in not losing any horses, though he lost several sleighs,
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
ete. At this time, Mr. Gustaveson rebuilt and now carries on an up-to-date livery. The subject was married in 1899 to Lena Quenvold, daughter of Hans Quenvold of Ellendale. They have one child, Ann Jeanette. Mr. Gustaveson in his political life is a Republican and attends the Lutheran church. He is a faithful member of the Elks, K. of P., I. O. O. F. and M. W. A., and has served as alderman from third ward for several years. At the present time he is on the school board, upon which board he has served six years. Mr. Gustaveson has been assistant chief of fire department for the past eleven years, and is now serving on the park board. Mr. Gustaveson lives at 110 St. Mary street.
John G. Godley, an honored veteran of the Civil War, and for a good many years a farmer in Albert Lea township, was born in Lincolnshire, England, November 24, 1837, son of Thomas and Ann Godley, farmers of that shire. John G. spent his early youth in England, attended school there, and was a bookkeeper in his native place for some two and a half years. In 1854 he came to America, lived at Jamaica, Long Island, a year, and then stayed a short time in Chemung county, New York. In 1855 he located in Richland City, Wis., and there remained two years. He dates his residence in Freeborn county from 1857, when he came to Albert Lea township and laid claim to land in section 18. Later he returned to Wisconsin. In 1860 he again came to his claim, and was engaged in farming in 1862 when the war broke out. He then enlisted in Co. C, 5th Minn. Vol. Inf., and became chief clerk in the quartermaster's department. At the close of the war Mr. Godley returned to Albert Lea, and resumed farming, acquiring in time 240 acres of splendid land south of the city. Here he lived and prospered until 1895. After the passing of these years, Mr. Godley and his wife moved to the city of Albert Lea where they purchased the beautiful home on Fountain Lake known as "Linden Terrace." In this charming home they are spending their retiring years. Mr. Godley is a Democrat, and a member of Robson Post, No. 5, G. A. R. He and his good wife are faithful attendants of the Presbyterian church. The subject of this sketch was married April 15, 1868, to Margaret Slater, who was born in Lancastershire, England, March 19, 1843, came to America 1854. They were married at the brides home in Bancroft township, this county, and this union has been blessed with one daughter, Anna M. She is the wife of Rev. J. W. Countermine. They live at Des Moines, Iowa, and have one child, Ruth Godley Countermine.
A. U. Mayland, probate judge of Albert Lea, was born on the 28th of November, 1864, in Goodhue county, Minnesota, the son of L. A. and Uni (Thorsness) Mayland, both natives of Norway. They came to Wisconsin, mother in 1848, father in 1846, where
JOHN G. GODLEY
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
they were married and farmed until 1864, then came to Goodhue county, Minnesota, and in the spring of 1864 moved to Wanamingo township, where they lived until they died. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of Goodhue County. He took the preparatory course at Carleton college, North- field, Minn., and the classical and law courses at the State University. After completing his education, he went to Okla- homa, Kay county, in 1893. He located at Ponca City, where he remained for one and one-half years, at the end of which time he returned to Goodhue county. He stayed at home for a short time at the time of his father's death. Mr. Mayland then went to Minneapolis, where he practiced law for a short time, and in 1896 established a law practice in Albert Lea, which practice he still continues. In 1909 he was made Probate Judge, and he served as county attorney from 1901 until 1905. Mr. Mayland is a Republican in his political life, and a member of the I. O. O. F., and M. W. A. lodges. In the year 1901, he was mar- ried to Ella J. Sorenson, daughter of S. P. and Alice (Gunder- son) Sorenson. At the time of their marriage, Mr. Sorenson was postmaster of Albert Lea. He is now in business in the city of Duluth. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Mayland has been made happy by two children-Vivian L. and Sevena A. He is a loyal member of the Lutheran Church, being one of the trustees, and member of the church council. Mr. Mayland owns considerable city property, and is one of Albert Lea's most substantial and progressive citizens. He lives at 425 East Third street.
George W. Peterson, one of Albert Lea's successful business men, began life in Freeborn county, September 25, 1875. His parents, C. F. and Mary (Jorgenson) Peterson, came to America from Denmark in 1869, and obtained land in Clark's Grove, where they made their home and improved their farm until recently. They are now living in New Denmark and enjoying the fruits of their more active years. Seven children came to their home. George, the subject of this sketch, received his early education in the public schools of Freeborn county, and after- ward followed farming for a period of five years. He then came to Albert Lea, where he clerked in a clothing store for three years. Mr. Peterson, after this, formed a co-partnership with his brother, P. August, known as Peterson Brothers' Hardware Company. In this line they continued for ten years, then sold the regular hardware interests, but George retained the imple- ment and International Harvester business. Mr. Peterson is now doing a flourishing business. In 1897, George W. Peterson mar- ried Esther C. Peterson, daughter of Charles Peterson. Two daughters, Valda and Helen, and one son, George Wallace, have been welcomed to their home. Mr. Peterson and his brother
HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
also own the building in which is located the Albert Lea Auto Company and Garage. His home is on the corner of Washington and Water streets. In the business life of Albert Lea Mr. Peter- son is an active and public spirited factor, an independent voter and an all round successful man.
O. C. Styve, an estimable and well known citizen and farmer, was born in this county January 21, 1875, son of Ole and Inge- borg Bottolfson Styve. He attended the public schools and in them acquired his primary education, after which he was a student in the Academy in Albert Lea and later in the University of Minnesota. He then went to Decorah, Iowa, and completed a course in Luther College, in 1900. Returning home he engaged in farming and assisted his father in making many improvements on their farm. Here at the present time he follows farming, having 148 acres of land under cultivation. He also raises stock and is interested in dairying. Louise Jordahl, daughter of Ole Jordahl, one of the earliest settlers, now deceased, became the wife of Mr. Styve, June 12, 1907, and they are the parents of one child, Alton. Mr. Styve has many business interests which have prevented his mingling actively in politics though he votes the Republican ticket. He is a stockholder in Albert Lea Co-Operative Creamery, and he owns a popular summer resort, known as Coney Island. His farm, situated on the northern side of Fountain lake, is one of the well cared for and improved farms in that locality. He attends the Lutheran Church, but belongs to no lodges.
Ole O. Styve, now deceased, was born in Norway in 1842. He came to America in 1850, located in Dane county, Wisconsin for four years, then to Decorah, Iowa, for three years, and, in 1857, located in Bancroft township, where he acquired land and worked at farming. December 20, 1868, he married Ingeborg Bottolfson, daughter of G. and Annie P. (Wange) Bottolfson. Mr. and Mrs. Bottolfson were old settlers of the township and came to this locality in 1855, when there were but two families living here, and these two had arrived but eight days before the Bottolfson family. These were the real pioneer days in the state, and many were the hardships which those people endured. In a dugout were the first few years of their life in this locality spent, and later the log cabin, which Mr. Bottolfson erected, was considered a fine dwelling, and the best residence in this part of the country. Very different were the surroundings of Mr. and Mrs. O. O. Styve, for the country was more thickly settled at the time of their marriage, and they were better prepared to meet and overcome the difficulties incident to pioneer life at that time, profiting by the experiences of their parents. Mr. and Mrs. O. O. Styve were parents of eleven children : Lucy A.,
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Gertrude L., Oscar C., Gilbert B., Peter B., Alice M., Joseph E., and Isabella are living and three are deceased. Mr. Styve fought through the war, entering the combat in Company K, 5th Wiscon- sin Volunteer Infantry Army of the Potomac. When the war was ended he returned to his home in Bancroft and resumed farming. For years he served in all the offices of this township and the remainder of his life was spent in forwarding the inter- ests of others, giving assistance where needed and advancing the general welfare of his community. He was summoned. by death January 13, 1905. His widow now makes her home with her son Oscar.
H. C. Hansen, who conducts the Star Marble Works, was born on August 28, 1871, at Wells, Faribault county, and came to Albert Lea, at the age of two years, with his parents, Lars and Trena Hansen, natives of Denmark. They came to the United States in the early days and settled in Martin county. They came to Albert Lea in 1874, when Mr. Hansen, Sr., engaged in the marble and granite business until 1901; at that time he retired from active life and has since lived in retirement at Oakwood Park. His son, H. C., the subject of this sketch, succeeded his father in the marble works at the old place of business on the corner of Pearl and Broadway. In the year 1901, H. C. Hansen - was married to Rena Hansen, daughter of Jens and Mary Anna Hansen, the former a farmer in this county. Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Hansen are the parents of two children-Mildred and Arthur. Mr. Hansen is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Danish Lutheran Church and the Modern Woodmen of America Lodge. The subject lives at 409 Euclid street. Mr. Hansen is a member of Albert Lea Protective Game Association.
Soren K. Swenson, the progressive president of the Albert Lea Gas Light Company, was born in New Sweden, Minn., on May 25, 1879, the son of Swen and Kristi (Knudson) Swenson, both natives of Norway. They came to America in 1859, locat- ing in New Sweden, where the father farmed until the time of his death in 1905. The mother still lives on the old farm in New Sweden. Soren attended district schools in New Sweden and also followed his studies at Luther. Academy, Albert Lea, for three years. Upon leaving school he was employed by Ramson Bros. Wholesale Grocers, now succeeded by the Western Grocer Company. In 1902, he went into partnership with P. C. Johnson and established the P. C. Johnson Clothing Company, remaining in this business for one and one-half years. At the end of this time Mr. Swenson went in with the American Gas Machine Company, and in the second year in their employ was named secretary of the company, which position he filled for some time. Leaving this position, he organized the Albert Lea
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
Gas Light Company, which company manufactures gasoline light- ing apparatus. Mr. Swenson was united in marriage on April 16, 1902, to Emeline Ellen Rogers, born at Albert Lea, Febru- ary 23, 1879, daughter of Nicholas and Katherine (Flynn) Rogers, natives of Ireland. Their union has been blessed with two children, Roger J. and Robert B. Mr. Swenson is politically a Republican, and affiliates with the Catholic Church. He is a loyal member of the Royal Arcanum, U. C. T., Elks, Knights of commbus, and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He owns his comfortable home at 616 West Fountain street. and is always willing to promote Albert Lea's best interests. Mr. Swenson was elected Grand Regent of the Royal Arcanum. April, 1911, for one year. He is a member of the Business Men's League of Albert Lea.
P. W. Nobel, one of the prominent citizens of Albert Lea township was born in Denmark on October 31, 1844. His parents were Carl E. and Sophia Seventsen, who passed their lives in their native land. Mr. Nobel was educated in Denmark, and when he had reached manhood's estate he decided to leave the home of his boyhood and seek his fortune in a new country. Upon arriving in the United States, he spent six months in New York. after which he went to Racine, Wis., and worked in a sawmill, and at different occupations whereby he could earn his living. He came to Minnesota in 1869, and settled in Albert Lea, where he acquired some land and began to farm. In 1888, he had accumulated enough money to purchase a farm of his own, which he did, and he has made many improvements on his property and carries on general and dairy farming. He married Carrie Petersen, a daughter of Peter and Christina (Jensen) Petersen, on February 12, 1878; and to them have been born three children : Carl Edward, deceased; Walter, works the home farm, and Emelia is at home. Mr. Nobel has occupied many responsible offices in his township, he is now clerk of the town board and has held this office for the last nineteen years, lie has also been town assessor. He is secretary of the Albert Lea Co-Operative Creamery and a stockholder in this institution. He affiliates with the Republican party, and is a member of the Danish Lutheran Church. He owes his prosperity to his years of industry and good management, and he is respected by those with whom he has associated, either in social or business affairs. Has been clerk of his school district for thirty-five years.
Bernt Johnson, who is of Danish birth and parentage, was born May 2, 1860, son of Sever and Mary Johnson. The family came to America in 1883, landing in Philadelphia, and settled in Waseka county, Minnesota, where the subject of this sketch worked out by the month for eight years. He then came to Riceland, where for six years he rented land and farmed. At
HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY 581
the end of this time he bought 160 acres in sections 7 and 8, Moscow, where he still resides. He does general farming and keeps a good herd of dairy cattle.' In May, 1886, he married Mary Sorson, who died January 4, 1906. To them were born nine children, of which three are dead. Those living are: Nora, Hattie, Dagmer, Arthur, Hartve, Myrtle. Mr. Johnson and his present wife, Mary, were married in 1909. In politics Mr. John- son is a Republican, but has never aspired to public office. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and an active worker.
N. O. Nelson was born in Freeman township November 25,. 1868, and is the son of John and Julia Nelson, who came to this country from Norway in 1853. In 1856 they came to Freeborn county and settled in Freeman township where they did general farming on land which they homesteaded, they remained here until 1893, and then moved to Northwood, Iowa, for about two years after which they went to Glenville and worked a farm of forty acres for two years; here they were not contented and decided to try their fortune in Tennessee, but after staying there for a few years they returned to Northwood, and they have since made their home there. Their son, N. O., the subject of this sketch attended the common schools of Freeman township, and after leaving school he farmed for two years then went to North Dakota, remaining there about a year and a half after which he returned to Freeman township and worked for a few months, and then he went back to Northwood, and there he purchased a harness shop which proved an unsatisfactory invest- ment; this he sold in two years. He returned to his father's farm and rented it, remaining on it for seven years, after which he did general farming in Worth county, Iowa, for five years, and then he purchased his father's farm in Freeman township, and he does general farming here and keeps a fine grade of Holstein cattle. In 1890, Mr. Nelson married Christina Christian- sen, of worth county. To them have been born five children : Caspar J., Guyda M., Ella N., Gaylord C., and Inez N. In politics Mr. Nelson supports the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and has held many responsible offices in his township, was census enumerator in 1910, is treasurer of the school district; he was also president of the Freeman Dairy Association for two years.
O. A. Hammer is one of the leading citizens of Freeborn county, and will ever live in the history of this part of the state by reason of his fourteen years' efficient service as member of the board of county commissioners, serving as chairman four years. An able presiding officer, and possessed of hard headed common sense, his administrative duties have contributed to the same management of county affairs. Of Viking ancestry. he was
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
born in Norway, December 11, 1842, son of Erick and Ingebar (Gulgrandson) Hammer, who were unostentatious and respected residents of Norway before coming to America. O. A. Hammer came to America as a youth, received a good common school education. During a part of his early manhood he was a railway mail agent on the Minneapolis & St. Louis, and on the Burlington & Cedar Rapids, the latter of which is now the Chicago & Rock Island. Since 1885 he has been a farmer in Albert Lea township, where he has achieved great success at general farming. Mr. Hammer is a studious reader, and is well informed on all the current matters of the day, being also an historical investigator who has taken considerable interest in the facts of the early Scandinavian settlements in. Minesota. His interest in modern education is shown by his service for twenty-five years as clerk of school district 107. The subject of this sketch was married in 1882 to Caroline Dahl, a daughter of Ole Dahl, also natives of Norway.
Erick Hammer, for many years a resident of Albert Lea township. was born in Norway, and there married Ingebar Gul- brandson. About 1865 they came to Freeborn county, and settled two miles from the city of Albert Lea. There they became sub- stantial residents, and farmed the remainder of their lives. Erick died in 1890. His wife died in 1895.
Ole A. Korstad, whose parents, Andrew and Ingre Korstad, came from Norway to America in 1862, was born in Houston county, Minnesota, November 8, 1862. When he was three years old the family moved to Freeman township, Minnesota, and there acquired land which they developed and improved, making for themselves a comfortable home and carrying on general farming. Ole K .. subject of this biography attended the country school near his home and worked with his father on the farm, where work is so necessary and idleness hardly known. When his father died in 1908, he came into full possession of the home and farm, and has followed the work which his father conducted successfully for so many years. Mr. Korstad keeps a fine herd of short-horn and Aberdeen Angus cattle, he also raises many hogs, which yield him a profitable income. In politics he votes with the Republican party, and he worships at the Lutheran Church. He is interested in the Freeman Dairy Association, and owns stock in this company.
E. K. Flaskerud, who for thirty years has been assessor in Freeman township. is a native of Norway, and was born July 20, 1841. son of Knute and Annie Flaskerud, the former of whom was a farmer and died in Norway, the latter also lived in Norway till death. E. K. received a common school education in Norway and later learned the shoe trade, which he followed until he
MR. AND MRS. WIFFING WADSWORTH
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
emigrated to America, in 1869. He first located in Calmer, Iowa, where he worked at his trade for a time, then he came to Freeborn county to visit a brother, who lived near Twin Lakes, and was so well pleased with the country that he purchased forty acres and farmed. To his forty acres he added, as oppor- tunity offered, until he now has 200 acres, and here until 1908, he followed general farming and stock raising. He kept a good grade of short-horn cattle and mixed breeds of hogs. Since 1908 he has rented his land and has given his time to other lines of business. He purchased a store which he conducted two years while he was postmaster at Knatvold, but later sold out to his son-in-law, H. G. Nagel. In 1869 he married Caroline Stronstod, who is a native of Norway, and this union has been blessed with six children, two of whom, Edward and Carrie are deceased, the former having died in 1901, and the latter in 1908. Christian is at home ; Oliva is now Mrs. H. G. Nagel; Annie lives in Freeman ; Theodore is conducting a general store and elevator at Arm- strong, Freeborn county. Mr. Flaskerud is an active member of the Lutheran Church. He is a Republican, and has been a member of the town board two years, school clerk since 1872, and is also treasurer of the Freeman Dairy Association, in which he is a stock holder. It is in his work as assessor, since 1881. that he has shown the rare good judgment and care taking business ability for which he is well known and highly esteemed.
G. W. Wadsworth, is a native of this county, having been born in Freeman township November 28, 1869, son of W. Wads- worth, a veteran of the Civil War. His boyhood was passed in acquiring knowledge in the country schools and on the farm. In 1897 he assumed the entire charge of a farm for himself, which is located in sections 9, 10 and 16, and comprises 160 acres. He is now actively engaged in general farming and dairy- ing, keeping a valuable dairy herd of Shorthorn cows. He also raises pure bred Poland China hogs and Percheon horses, and cultivates about 70 acres of his land. He selected as his life's companion, Clara Fisher, a daughter of Jacob Fisher, formerly of Iowa, but now a resident of Mower county, this state, and they were married in 1897; to them one son, Harry J., has been born. Mr. Wadsworth is a member of the Republican party, and has been elected to serve as school clerk for the past six years. He is a stockholder in the Freeman Co-Operative Creamery, and he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and also to the Yeomen. He is an enterprising and industrious citizen, whose progressive ideas have made him sucessful in his chosen work of farming.
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