History of Freeborn County, Minnesota, Part 64

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn. 4n
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : H. C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1220

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stead, which consisted of eighty acres, and has since added to this forty acres more. In 1903 Caroline Thompson, daughter of Andrew and Olena Thompson, became his wife, and this union. has been blessed by the birth of two children; Mabel and Russell. Mr. Nelson favors the political theories advanced by the Repub- lican party, but has devoted his time to the upkeep of his home and farm and not sought public office. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson both are members of the Synod Norwegian Lutheran Church, of Albert Lea, and Mr. Nelson is a member of the Danish Brother- hood . Lodge, No. 75. Mrs. Nelson belongs to the Ladies Aid Society of the church.

S. J. Nelson is a native of Denmark, who emigrated from the land of his birth to this country in the pioneer days. He and his worthy wife settled in Albert Lea township, and here founded their home and reared their children of whom there were nine: Ole, Hanna, Minnie, Nels, Mary, James, T. C., Tillie and Nancy, all of whom are living. With the exception of four years Mr. Nelson has followed farming since coming to America, the four years being spent in working for a railroad company. He votes the Republican ticket.

Peter P. Bohl, one of the substantial farmers of Albert Lea township, was born in Denmark in 1858. He is the son of Hans P. and Botilla Bohl, both of whom died in that country. In 1881 the subject of this sketch came to America and for three years engaged in farming in Dekalb county, Illinois. Then he bought land in Franklin county, Iowa, and cultivated and im- proved it for five years. He then removed to Minnesota, farm- ing in Faribault county, and afterwards coming to Freeborn county where he rented land for some years in Albert Lea town- ship. He then bought his present farm home of 135 acres. One hundred acres of this is under cultivation, and the balance is timber and pasturage. He carries on general farming, but is much interested in his dairy. He has a herd of twenty-five Jersey cattle, and is a stockholder in the Albert Lea Creamery Association. In 1886 Mr. Bohl was married to Christina Sippel. There are eight children. They are: Thora, Meta, Elvina, George, Harold, Anna, Axel and Joseph. Politically, Mr. Bohl is a Republican. He has never held public office.\ He is a member of the Danish Lutheran Church of Albert Lea. His beautiful farm home is situated about two miles from Albert Lea.

S. M. Beighley, the well liked merchant of Gordonsville, was born February 18, 1856, in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, son of Simon Peter and Louisa (Miller) Beighley. His father was a tanner by trade, who came to Minnesota in 1856, and home- steaded land in Shell Rock township, making his home here until 1907, at which time he retired from active life, and makes his

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home with his son James A. He served in the Indian outbreak at Fort Ridgley, Fort Snelling, Birch Cooley and New Ulm; and also fought for the Union in Company C, Fifth Regiment, Minne- sota Infantry. S. M., the subject of this biography attended school in Gordonsville, and completing his education he went to work on the farm. Some time later he purchased a farm for himself, and here was engaged in general farming together with buying and selling stock and grain. In 1888 he erected the building in Gordonsville in which he is now carrying on business, and here keeps a fine line of confectionery. He is also interested in buying and selling stock. He is one of a family of nine chil- dren, having three brothers and five sisters. Mr. Beighley has served in many offices of trust in the township, and at present he is serving as a member of the school board. Together with his business interests in Gordonsville, he owns a fruit farm in Arkan- sas, and is one of the ambitious and energetic men in the township.

James Rassmusson, living in Dunbar, Faribault county, was born September 24, 1860, in Raymond township, Racine county, Wisconsin. He is the son of Jacom C. Rasmusson, who came to America in 1856, and located in Wisconsin. At the breaking out of the Civil War he removed to Bath, Freeborn county, and in 1866 he purchased land in Dunbar, Faribault county, and here made his home. Jacob C. Rassmusson experienced the hardships and privations of pioneer life, and hauled his grain by team to Hastings. on the Mississippi river. He died in 1882, and his wife in 1888.

James, the subject of this sketch, grew up on the farm and married Christina, daughter of Jens Hanson. They have four children, Jesse M., Mable J., Hartie P., and Ethel V. Mr. Rasmusson lived in section 30, Freeborn township, Freeborn county, remaining there two years. He had previously lived at Wells for three years, and is now living at the old homestead at Dunbar. Mr. Rasmusson has 160 acres in Faribault county, and 160 in Freeborn county. In 1884 he and his brother John bought the first steam thresher in this section of the country.

Peter Kvale, who is in charge of the Emmons Creamery, was born on his father's farm in Nunda, May 7, 1880, the son of Thoud and Ingra Kvale, who were among the early pioneers of Freeborn county. He attended the country schools, and always having a strong inclination to books and study, he did well in his school work. After he had completed the common school, he worked at home with his father till he was twenty-one years of age, and then went to the Minnesota University, where he took a full course in dairying. Having completed this course he was offered and accepted a position with the Clover Valley

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Creamery of Pickerel Lake, where he remained in charge four years. The Emmons Creamery was formerly in charge of an especially good man who was ambitious, and with the enthusiastic - support of the members of the board was enabled to step from there into a very lucrative position in government employe. At this time the board were on the lookout for another man equally good, and decided on the subject of this biography as the man. It was in 1907 that Mr. Kvale came to his present position, and long ago all concerned were of the opinion that he was the right man for the place. Mr. Kvale is a member of the Lutheran Church. He votes with the Republican party. On May 26, 1901, he married Jensena Lah, of Iowa, and to them have been born four children, Ingra, Joseph, Myrtle and Pearl.

Edward K. Hovland, who is a member of one of the old families of Nunda township was born August 18, 1879, the son of Knut O. Hovland, who came to Freeborn county in 1861, and settled in Nunda, where he lived till his death in 1906. It was here that the subject of this biography was born and grew to manhood. After finishing his school years he worked on the home farm for some years, and then went to the Dakotas, where he worked out for farmers for three years. In 1907 the brothers and sisters, together with the subject of this sketch, acquired by inheritance, 160 acres of land in section 24, Mansfield. He has here made his home, his brother Louis and sister Annie living with him. He had found dairy farming profitable, and keeps a good herd of Guernsey cattle, some of which are regis- tered. His dairy product is sold to the Emmons Creamery, in which he is a stock holder. Mr. Hovland is a Lutheran Church member. Although Mr. Hovland is a strong Republican, he has never sought office, but is a worker for what he chooses to call clean politics, and does not spare time when necessary to work for this cause.

Ole Anderson Gudvangen, who after a five-year stay in the far west returned in 1911 to his farm in section 33, Mansfield, is a native of Norway, and was born May 18, 1852. He settled in Stoughton, Wis., when he first came to the United States, in 1870, where he worked for a time before coming to Freeborn county. He then located in Albert Lea, where he worked as a laborer for seven years. He did not like the town life and removed to the country, where he rented land two years, after which time he bought the farm where he now resides. He now owns 170 acres in Iowa and Minnesota. In 1906 he was one of many who went to the far west, where he bought thirty-five acres of fruit land in Washington. He here cultivated fruit, and followed dairy farming for five years which he found profit- able, but feeling that Minnesota was his real home he returned

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here, and as soon as he can dispose of his property in Washing- ton advantageously he will make his permanent home here. He rents his land in Minnesota, and looks after it as best he may without actively engaging in farm work. On July 10, 1878, he married Betsy Johnson, of Freeborn county, and to this union has been born fifteen children, twelve of whom are living: Andrew, John, Alexander, Oscar, Edith, Olina, Alma, Gena, Sorena and one pair of twins, Nels and Erick, Enve, Karolina, Bertina and Anvina. Mr. Gudvangen is a member of the Lutheran church. In politics he votes the Republican ticket but is in the front of the progressive movement.

J. L. Sorenson, who for the past three years has been assist- ant cashier and manager of the Clarks Grove State Bank, is one of the progressive men in the township. He was born in . Martin county, Minnesota, July 27, 1883. His parents are A. C. and Louise (Lawrenson) Sorenson, natives of Denmark, who came to the United States in the pioneer days and located in Minnesota. For many years the father carried on general farm- ing in Martin county, but finally moved to Albert Lea and is now engaged in buying and selling grain. To himself and wife eleven children were born, of whom ten are living. J. L., their son, received a practical business education, which began in the district school and on his father's farm. When he had grown to manhood he for a short time worked on a farm, after which he was employed by the C. M. & St. P. Ry. Co., as baggage- man in Albert Lea. He remained in this position for more than a year and then secured a position as yard clerk in the Union Station for the C. R. I. & P. Later he was brakeman for this railroad, serving as such for a period of four years. He then resigned and was elected to occupy the office in the bank in which he is employed at the present time. He married Anna Berglund, a daughter of Peter Berglund, July, 1904, and their home has been gladdened by the birth of a daughter, Ruth E. Mr. Sorenson has the respect of his fellow men and is worthy of the responsible position which they have elected him to occupy. Practically he upholds the tenets of the Republican . party but his many business interests have prevented his taking active parts in the political affairs of the township.

A. L. Tracy, a retired farmer residing in the village of Free- born, was born in Onondaga county, New York, son of Eri Tracy, a carpenter by trade, who became a farmer in later years. Mr. Tracy first saw the light of day May 27. 1831, and he grew to manhood in New York and received his education in the country schools near his old home. He married Annie Stone, a resident of Cattaraugus county. and the family moved to Wisconsin in 1870. Three years later Mr. Tracy and his wife came to Free-

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born township and lived with. Jerome Wilbur. One year later they purchased material and erected a house on this farm and eventually were able to buy eighty acres of said farm, located in Section 33. Here, Mr. Tracy conducted agricultural pursuits and by dint of hard work and good management made his prop- erty yield abundantly and become more valuable each year. To Mr. and Mrs. Tracy one daughter, Idella, was born, and she is now the wife of Freemont Snyder, and has five children, Elsie, married to O. G. Christgan, a lawyer of Wheaton, Ill .; Elma, the wife of Dr. J. P. McDowell of St. Paul; Verian, now Mrs. F. M. Buchanan; Lora, a school teacher, and George B. Mr. Tracy has given up his work on the farm and is enjoying the reward of his years of toil, which are a comfortable home and plenty with which to provide for the needs of himself and estimable wife.

Guy J. Chaffee, now employed by the Huntting Elevator Com- pany at Freeborn, was born in Wisconsin February 7, 1873. His parents, J. E. and Josephine (Bassett) Chaffee have charge of the hotel at Lansing, Minn., and it was here that they have made their home since coming to this state. Guy J., the subject of this sketch, received his schooling in Wisconsin and upon reach- ing Lansing he secured employment with O. C. LaBar. He remained with him for four years learning the grain and elevator business, after which he came to Freeborn, in which town he has resided four years. His wife, Emma (Stimson), is the daughter of Bert Stimson, a retired farmer of Austin, who was one of the pioneer residents of Udolpho township. To Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee one child has been born, Miles. Mr. Chaffee is a mem- ber of the M. W. A. and also the B. A. Y. orders, and he is one of the active and enterprising men in the locality, whose natural business ability is sure to win him a place among the successful men in Freeborn.

H. G. Hunte is a progressive and well liked resident of the township of Freeborn. He was born in Will county, Illinois, September 1, 1865, son of Henry and Dorthea Hunte, the former of whom was a native of Hanover, Germany, and came to the United States and located in Illinois. H. G., the son, attended school near his father's farm and worked for his father when a boy. When he had grown to manhood he left the old home and came to Minnesota and secured employment of Mr. Theeds, for whom he worked two years. He went back to Illinois in 1890 and remained a year and then returned to Freeborn, where he again worked on a farm. Later he went to Fairbault county, where he rented land and was engaged in agricultural indus- tries for a period of five years, and during this time he pur- chased the farm which he now owns in section 28, Freeborn township. Alvena Rafoth became his wife and their home has

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been gladdened by the following: George H., Ella E., and Her- man H. Mr. Hunte's well improved farm comprises 120 acres of land and he has a large and comfortable house and good out buildings. He has put in over 600 rods of tiling for drainage purposes and is constantly striving to better his property. He and his wife are members of the M. B. A. lodge, but he does not take any active part in the political affairs of the township.

Thomas J. Howser, the well known farmer of Freeborn town- ship, first saw the light of day in Ohio, April 8, 1855. His parents were David and Eliza (McCoy) Howser, the former of whom fought. in the Civil War, and there contracted an illness which eventually resulted in his death. Thomas J. came to Livingston county, Illinois, and was engaged in farming there for twenty-two years, later moving to western Kansas, where he remained five years; proving up on a homestead of 160 acres in Logan county, Kansas, he then went to Nebraska, but returned to Iowa shortly and made his home in that state for the following seven years. Coming to Freeborn township in 1907 he pur- chased a farm in section 33, comprising 15634 acres, and two years later moved his family to this place. Here he has suc- cessfully demonstrated that Minnesota can grow as good corn as any of her sister states. At the Farmers' Short Course in Albert Lea, in 1909, Mr. Howser took the first prize for the best corn grown in the southern part of the state, the prize was a silo; the following year he won the second prize of $25.00 for the best corn exhibited. He has shown that a small farm well cultivated and cared for yields greater profits than a large one partially worked. Ida Stilson, a daughter of George and Lura (McDowell) Stilson, deceased, married Mr. Howser and this union has resulted in four children: George A., Louis G., Dar- win V., and Ruth G., all of whom are at home. He is a member of the M. W. A. lodge, and a man whose genial manner has won for him a host of friends.

Peter Jacobsen, one of the thriving farmers of Freeborn township, is a native of the island of Moen, Denmark. where he first saw the light on January 23, 1852. He is the son of Jacob Larson. Peter came to America in 1872 and first worked in Alden upon his arrival in Minnesota. In 1876 he purchased a farm in section 33, in Freeborn township, where he still resides. Mr. Jacobsen married Cassia Christianson, and four children bless their home. They are: Alma Clara. died February 6, 1902; William H., who married Abbie Mcclellan, and who has one child, Alma; Henry and Mary. both living at home. The farm on which Mr. Jacobsen lives has steadily expanded with the passing years until it now comprises 200 acres. He makes a

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specialty of fine Holstein cattle and is one of the most prosperous farmers in the township. He is a member of the M. W. A.

Masse Petersen, a native of Germany, was born June 25, 1870. He is the son of Christian and Mary Petersen. His father came to America from Germany about 1879 or 1880 and first rented a farm in Freeborn township. Afterwards he bought eighty acres in Hartland township. The subject of this sketch is engaged in farming. He married Birdie G., the daughter of C. F. Leonard. They have one child, Leroy L. Mr. Petersen is a member of the M. W. A. and M. B. A.

Albert Hansen, one of the industrious younger farmers of Freeborn township, Freeborn county, Minnesota, was born in Indianapolis, Ind., April 30, 1881. He is the son of Nels Hansen, who was born in Denmark, January 11, 1845. When Nels was 22 years of age he served eighteen months in the standing army. In 1870 he came to America and located in Indianapolis, where he was employed in the blacksmith trade for ten years. In 1874 he married Christiana Hansen, who was also a native of Den- mark. The Hansen family came West and located in Freeborn village in the summer of 1881. They soon moved onto a farm of 160 acres, in section 26, Freeborn township, where they still reside. The subject of this sketch lives with his parents and his life is that of a busy farmer from day to day. Albert Hansen is a member of the M. W. A. and A. F. & A. M., has been constable for three terms and is at the present time a member of the board of supervisors.

William Guthier, who was formerly the genial hotel keeper and later druggist of Emmons, is a native of Blue Earth county, Minnesota, where he was born May 10, 1873, son of Philip and Helen (Ottmeyer) Guthier, both natives of Germany. They were among the early day immigrants who came to Wisconsin and settled in Fond du Lac county, where they farmed, later coming to Minnesota. The father died in 1900, nine years after the mother. William was educated in the common schools of Blue Earth county, and later he completed the course in pharmacy in the University of Minnesota. He then came to Emmons and for a time was associated with Dr. Freeman in the drug store here. Having had experience he went to Nobles county, where he bought and conducted a store two years. At the end of this time he returned to Emmons, having other interests in this local- ity which needed his attention. He here bought the drug store from Dr. Freeman and conducted it a while, but later sold out. While in Emmons he has been in many lines of business interests. He built and ran the hotel here four and one-half years, and though he was successful in the hotel work, he had to give it up because of his wife's health. He

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also built the telephone system at Emmons, later selling to the present owners. He converted his hotel building into a store building in which he conducted his drug business. In 1891 he married Teressa Schimmele, a daughter of Casper Schimmele. who is a veteran of the Civil War and one of the pioneers of Blue Earth county. To Mr. and Mrs. Guthier have been born two children, Clayton and Margaret. The subject of this biography is an independent voter but active in political affairs when he has the time from business to give to such activities. When in Nobles county he was elected mayor of Dundee and has been a member of the village council in Emmons three sucessive years. He is a member of the Masonic order, M. W. A., A. O. U. W., and is as popular socially as he is in his business associations.

Hudson Pettit was born in Rosville, Ia., July 23, 1858, the son of Hiram M. and Elesif Pettit, who took a homestead in section 1. Mansfield, in 1864. Hiram M. was a native of Penn- sylvania and came west to Iowa and enlisted with Company I, 27th Volunteer Infantry, served through the war with this com- mand and returned with them. After his return from the war he farmed in Mansfield. He died January 30, 1908. Hudson grew to manhood here and when 20 years of age he began renting land for farming and now owns eighty acres in section 1. On December 12. 1878, he married Addie Walker, of Alden, and to them have been born six children, two of whom are living, Lilie and Lulu. Mr. Pettit is a Republican and has been a member of the school board district 74 about fifteen years.

Frank W. Lovestrom was born in St. Ansgar, Ia., August 19, 1884, the son of Gustave and Charlotte Lovestrom. He was educated in the common schools of St. Ansgar and later in the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, Ia., where he took the normal and business courses. After completing his studies he was employed by the Winnebago State Bank of Forest City and by the St. Ansgar Bank for a period of one year. After this he went to Adams, N. D., where he went into the newspaper busi- ness with his brother John. He later bought a paper at Nekoma, N. D., which he subsequently sold and took the managership of the Park River (N. D.) "Republican." He later worked for the the Albert Lea "Standard" one year. It was while in Albert Lea that the business men of Emmons induced him to take the Emmons "Leader," which he is at present publishing, and also doing a good business in job work, having taken charge in Feb- ruary, 1911. On December 22, 1909, he married Minnie Gullick- son, of Park River, N. D.

O. N. Olson, the popular merchant of Emmons, is the son of Nels and Anna (Emmons) Olson and was born in Nunda in 1867.

HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY

His mother was a member of the Emmons family, for whom the village is named, and the subject of this biography has been closely identified with the village from boyhood. His father- was one of the pioneers in this locality. O. N., realizing the advantage of an education, went to Albert Lea schools, where he finished his education. Returning from Albert Lea and school he went into the lumber business in the village and carried on a constantly increasing business in this line for five years. He later engaged in a general merchandise business in the building now occupied by the postoffice. He sold this busiess and for a time worked in the local mill as helper. He liked this work and soon became manager, which position he occupied three years. Having been in business for himself he wished to be on his own responsibility once more and opened his present store after he had resigned as manager of the mill. He here carries a well selected stock of goods, usually to the amount of near $6,000, and his trade is steadily demanding greater variety and volume, which he meets, and thus holds an excellent trade among the best people of the locality. In 1895 Mr. Olson married Caroline Knutson, a daughter of Ole and (Ingeborg Verke) Knutson, natives of Norway, who came to America in recent years. Mr. Knutson died some years ago; the mother still lives near Em- mons. To Mr. and Mrs. Olson have been born two children, Norris and Olendo. The subject of this sketch is an independent voter, believing that man seeking an office is more to be con- sidered than the party organization which has placed his name on the ticket. He has held several offices which he felt he could administrate without too great a loss of time from his business : among these are, director of village school board, nine years; town clerk assessor several terms, as well as minor offices. He worships at the Lutheran Church and is an active member of the Sons of Norway. Mr. Olson by his work as carpenter, miller, and merchant has done much to advance the prosperity of his village. He gives his effort to give the people at home advantage of the same markets they could have by going to other and larger towns and this is a convenience for the purchaser and is essential in building up local pride and a growing town.

Gunder Clemmetson, the popular merchant of Emmons, is a native of Norway, where he was born February 14, 1858, son of Clemmet and Emma Torgerson. They came to America in 1856 and settled in Freeborn county, Nunda township, later moving across the state line into Iowa. Here they followed farming the remainder of their lives. The mother died in 1874; the father in 1906. Gunder is one of a family of ten children, namely, Ole, Christi, Tena, Henry, Simon, John, and Caroline and Sigri, only one of whom (Emma) is dead. The subject of

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History of Freeborn County, Minnesota, Part 64

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn. 4n Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago : H. C. Cooper Number of Pages: 1220

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn. 4n
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago : H. C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1220