USA > Minnesota > Freeborn County > History of Freeborn County, Minnesota > Part 83
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Gunlek O. Wasmoen was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, son of Ole and Guro Wasmoen. He was educated in the country schools and has always been at home. Since his father's death, No- vember 21, 1906, he has tried to take his place as head of the family and that he has conducted the farm successfully is evident. He keeps a good herd of dairy cattle and sells the dairy product to the Scarville Creamery, Scarville, Iowa.
Ole G. Wasmoen was born in Telemarken, Norway, March 12, 1864, where he stayed until sixteen years of age, when he immi- grated to this country, to Dane county, Wisconsin, where he worked for the farmers for $12 a month. He stayed in Wiscon- sin seven years and for two years he was in Minnesota, near Fergus Falls. Then he went back to Norway for a short visit. In 1890 he was married to Guro E. Haugen, also of Telemarken, Norway. After that they resided two years in Dane county, Wisconsin, where their son, Gunlek was born. In 1889 Ole Was- moen came to Mansfield township, in Freeborn county, for the first time, and bought 120 acres of land of Sam Emerson for the consideration of $13.33 an acre. In 1892 he moved from Wiscon- sin to Freeborn county and six years later, in 1898, he bought forty acres of land from Hans T. Olson for the sum of $1,000.
FRED BAILEY AND FAMILY
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
Ole Wasmoen belonged to the Democratic party. In the spring of 1906 he was taken sick and on the twenty-first day of Novem- ber, the same year, he died. He was survived by his wife and seven children, namely, Gunlek, Gunheld, Eddie, Halvor, Guro, George and Thomas.
C. H. Trogstad is one of the prosperous farmers of Bancroft township. He was born in Norway, in due time came to America, and like most of his countrymen worked about for a time before purchasing land for himself. He now carries on general farming and dairying. His wife was the daughter of a pioneer family and bore him a number of children, the family being well thought of in the community.
Fred Bailey, a prominent and respected farmer residing in Alden township, was born in Waldeck, Germany, son of William and Juanita Bailey. The subject of this biography grew to man- hood in his native land and there attended school and acquired his education. In 1868 he decided to seek his fortune in America, and crossed the ocean and landed in this country, after which he proceeded west to Minnesota and settled in Pickerel Lake. For some time after this Mr. Bailey made his home with his uncle, Christian Bailey, remaining with him for six years, and then working for his brother-in-law for three years. Mr. Bailey bought a farm in 1877, comprising eighty acres, which was located in section 12, Alden township, living in a sod house, which was on the place when he bought it, until the year 1878. On April 22, 1878, Mr. Bailey bought another eighty acres from William E. Dean, moving the frame house which stood on the last named eighty onto the first eighty which he had purchased. During the year 1892 he disposed of the original farm and then purchased land in section 11, later becoming the owner of a half section. He at once set to work improving his property, repairing the old buildings and erecting new ones, and giving much time and atten- tion to the careful cultivation of the soil. As prosperity and opportunity have afforded, Mr. Bailey has added to his land hold- ings, and he is now the owner of 400 acres. He carries on general diversified farming, together with some stock raising and dairy- ing. Mr. Bailey is a supporter of the principles endorsed by the Republican party, and he has been elected to serve in many of the responsible public offices in the township, among which are: supervisor, in which capacity he served for three years; and clerk of school district 40 for eight years. He is a stockholder in the Alden creamery. Mr. Bailey attends the Presbyterian church, and has for many years been an esteemed member of that organi- zation and one of its elders. Fraternally he affiliates with the I. O. O. F., M. W. A. and the M. B. A. On March 19, 1875, Eliza- beth Larson, of Swedish birth and parentage, became the wife
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of Mr. Bailey, and their marriage has been blessed by nine chil- dren. Charles, now a resident of Pickerel Lake township, was born February 13, 1877; Edward, living at home, was born April 9, 1878; Fred, also at home, was born July 15, 1879; Albert, of Alden township, was born May 10, 1881; Ida, now Mrs. Charles H. Bailey, of Gary, S. D., was born January 9, 1884. William, born January 22, 1887 ; Mary, born September 14, 1889 ; Elizabeth, born March 1, 1891, and Oscar, born March 15, 1893, are all at home. The wife and mother entered into rest September 13, 1897. Of his fine family Mr. Bailey is justly proud, and as his children have grown to young man and womanhood he has educated them for useful lives and made them self-reliant and fitted for their chosen occupations.
William Bailey and Juanita Bailey, his wife, who were among the early settlers in Freeborn county, were natives of Waldeck, Germany, where they were born, educated and married. In 1871 they came to America and west to Minnesota, where they located in Pickerel Lake township with their son William, who had acquired land, which they assisted in breaking, cultivating and erecting buildings and established their home. Mr. Bailey carried on agricultural industries with his son William until his death. The wife and mother is also dead. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were the parents of four children : William, of Pickerel Lake; Mary, now Mrs. Charles Krueger; Elizabeth, deceased, and Fred, a farmer in Alden.
Theodore Haraldson, who for many years has been a resident of Nunda township, was born in Freeman, on July 15, 1865, son of Knute Haraldson (Loftsgaard) and Ingeborg (Haatweit) Har- aldson. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on his father's farm and attended the country school near home. After completing his studies in the district school he went to a paro- chial institution of learning, where he completed his education. For several years after leaving school Mr. Haraldson was em- ployed at well digging, after which he accepted a position as rural mail carrier, serving in this capacity for seven years. He is at present employed by the Freeborn Creamery Company. Business interests in Canada require his presence there at inter- vals and he has made several trips there. Mr. Haraldson is a member of the Lutheran Church and he was a delegate from Freeborn county to the convention held in St. Paul in the summer of 1911. He affiliates with the Republican party, but has not been a seeker of public office. On May 2, 1897, he married Rachel Hovden, a daughter of William Hovden, and to them have been born three daughters : Thelma Rebecca, Agnes Victoria and Wilma Esther. Mrs. Rachel Hovden Haraldson was born in Lyons county, Minnesota, on February 16, 1873, daughter of William
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
and Anna (Hatveit) Hovden, natives of Norway. She was edu- cated in the common schools of this state and later took a two- year course in Wheaton College, at Wheaton, Ill. She is a mem- ber of the W. C. T. U. and also of the I. O. G. T. Her father passed away September 3, 1907, and left her some valuable prop- erty located near Alberta, Canada. Mrs. Haraldson is descended from a noted family, and has written many interesting articles concerning the doings of her gifted ancestors.
Lauritz Peterson, proprietor of the Evergreen Farm, in section 16, is one of the ambitious and successful farmers of Manchester, in which township he was born, September 24, 1865. He was reared in the home of his parents, Christian and Mari (Trondson) Peterson, and received a good common school education, which he has increased by careful reading and close observation. Since leaving school he has carried on farming, now owning 160 acres of good land. His success is indicated by the excellent condition of his property and the fine residence in which he lives. He was married January 30, 1907, to Gina Nelson, and two children have been born to them: Myrtle Margaret and Gladys Luella. Mr. Peterson does not interest himself in any particular political party but votes independently. His faith is that of the Nor- wegian Lutheran Church, of which he is a member. Mr. Peterson is an ideal citizen in every respect, and is a great believer in the ultimate prosperity which results from persevering endeavor.
Christian Peterson was born in Ringebo, Gulbrandsdalen, Nor- way, January 14, 1822, and married Mari Trondson, also a native of the same locality, born November 5, 1823. They came to America in 1855, and first located in Wisconsin, where they remained but a short time. They then moved to Iowa, where they conducted general farming and later, in 1857, came to Man- chester township, acquired land and founded their home. To them several children were born. Theodore and Peter are pros- perous farmers of Grand Forks, N. D., and Hans, Lauritz and Matthias live in Manchester. Christian Peterson died November 5, 1887, and his wife November 3, 1906.
Andrew A. Egge, a retired farmer, who is now residing at 513 West Main street, Albert Lea, was born in Norway, March 31, 1839, son of Andrew Anderson. In 1852 the subject of this biog- raphy came to America with his father and settled in Wisconsin, where the father later passed away, after which Andrew went to Iowa and located at Washington Prairie, where he remained until 1859. In 1860 he came to Minnesota, settled in Bath township, purchased land and prepared to engage in general farming. The following year, in October, he enlisted in Company G, Twelfth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and went to the front. He served in this company until 1863, when he again enlisted as a veteran in
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
the same company and served through all the battles with his regiment, as follows: The capture of Fort Henry; the battle of Fort Donelson ; the battles of Shiloh, Jackson, Vicksburg, Tupelo, Mobile, Nashville and several skirmishes. He was captured at the battle of Shiloh, on April 6, 1862, and held as prisoner at the Macon (Ga.) and Libby prisons until the following November. He was mustered out with his regiment in January, 1866, after which he returned to Minnesota and settled on his farm. He then began farming in earnest, broke the land, erected necessary buildings and made many improvements, carrying on agricultural industries until 1899. At this time Mr. Egge rented his farm, which comprised 280 acres, and moved into Albert Lea. He affili- ates with the Republican party, and has served in many offices in the township in which he made his home for so many years. He was town treasurer for several terms, and also was a member of the school board. In all public offices to which he was elected he represented the best interests of the community and held the respect and esteem of all. In 1867 Mr. Egge was united in matri- mony with Anna S. Sigurson, who was born at Drammon, Nor- way, November 24, 1849, and came to America at about four years of age. To this marriage eight children have been born: Emma A. is the wife of Theodore Thorson, a section foreman at Otho, Iowa. Matilda married Rudolph M. Olson, a farmer near Hart- land, Minn. Henry is a successful shoe merchant in Albert Lea. Ida is Mrs. Adolph H. Siblerud and resides with her husband on their farm north of Hartland, Minn. Nora married Ole B. Flaske, a hardware merchant at Walnut Grove, Minn. Alick is a shoe merchant with Henry in Albert Lea. Arthur, a twin of Alick, was drowned in Lake Albert Lea. Fred is in the hardware business at Walnut Grove, Minn. The wife and mother entered into rest July 31, 1911, at the age of sixty-one years, eight months and six days. The family faith is that of the United Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Egge has long been an esteemed member.
Thomas O. Gavle is the son of Ole and Ranvie Gavle, who, in 1868, came from Norway to. Winnebago county, Iowa; where Thomas O. was born November 1, 1873. The family lived in Winnebago county till 1874, when they moved. to section 25, town- ship of Mansfield, Freeborn county, where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, attending the common schools and working with his father on,the home form. When he was twenty- one years of age he took 160 acres of fand in section 28 in the township of Mansfield, and has since followed general farming. In 1901 he built a fine new house and barn. He keeps a good herd of milch cows and derives a steady and substantial income from this source. On December 14, 1894, he married Enga Ingabratson, of Iowa, and to them four children have been born: Ruth, Mabel,
C
CHARLES C. AYARS AND FAMILY
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
Clarence and Ora. Mr. Gavle is a member of he Lutheran Church. In politics he is independent. He has been a member of the school board in district No. 86 for nine years and has also served the people in his community by acceptably filling the office of justice of the peace for nine years.
Casper W. Ayars, a well-known resident of Albert Lea, dates his residence in Freeborn county from 1856, the time of his com- ing being one year before the county was organized and two years before the state was admitted. He was born in Shiloh, N. J., No- vember 30, 1848, son of John W. and Mary B. (Bowen) Ayars, who brought him to this county a few months before he reached his eighth birthday. He grew to manhood in Freeborn township, attended the district schools, and as time passed took up farming for himself, having in the meantime taken a course in the Cashel & Rogers Business College at La Crosse, Wis. In 1876 he severed partnership with his father and purchased 480 acres in Freeborn township, later adding 160 acres more, making a full section of land. This land he developed and improved, erected many build- ings, and carried on general farming successfully until 1902, when he retired. 'After a year and a half in Minneapolis he canie to Albert Lea and purchased one of the most beautiful residences in Albert Lea, located at 418 Grove avenue, and extending through to the lake. While in the country Mr. Ayars took a prominent part in the affairs of his neighborhood. He was town supervisor some time, was school treasurer thirty years, and occu- pied other positions of trust and honor. He helped organize the Trenton Creamery Association at Trenton postoffice, Freeborn town, served as its clerk when first organized and was finally made president. The subject of this sketch was married June 17, 1875, to Sarah E. Tellett, a native of Wisconsin. They have two children-Lucius and Harold C., both of whom live at home. The family faith is that of the Baptist Church.
Charles C. Ayars, residing in the township of Freeborn, was born in Cumberland county, New Jersey, March 12, 1844, son of John W. and Mary (Bowen) Ayars, first seeing the light of day in the same house in which his father was born. The subject of this sketch was twelve years of age when he came with his parents to Freeborn township. Here he attended the district school as he had previously at Milton, Wis. In 1866 he purchased the farm on which he still lives, in section 6. He married Susan M., daugh- ter of Louis Pierce, who came from Jefferson county, New York, and five children have been born to them. They are: Flora E., Arthur W., Louis, Florence E. and Laura M. Mr. Ayars has shared in the growth and progress of his township and county from the very beginning of the settlement, and has held many
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of the township offices. For twenty-five years he was justice of the peace. The family faith is that of the Baptist Church.
John W. Ayars was born in New Jersey. He removed to Milton, Wisconsin, in 1855, and in 1856 came with his family to Freeborn county, Minn., and pre-empted land in section 3, Free- born township. It was on June 13 that they arrived and during the summer they lived in the wagon and a tent. In October a log house was built and some land was broken up for planting the next year. That summer and fall it was very dry and the prairie fires were alarming. Fortunately they had taken the pre- caution to surround their home with a wide "breaking," and thus escaped the desolation which others suffered. All the grain in those days was threshed out by horses. It was placed on the frozen ground in a circle and the horses tramped over it. The nearest market was Hastings, in Dakota county, on the Mississippi river, where it was taken in wagons drawn by oxen. The trip there and back consumed nine days. At this early period there was not more than a dozen families in the township of Freeborn and the home of Mr. Ayars was the postoffice. He remained post- master in the northern end of the township for thirty years. In after years he built a frame dwelling, where he continued to live until his death in 1890. His wife died in 1905. Six children blessed their home: They were: Charles C .; Casper W .; Phoebe M., the wife of Henry F. Weed; Laura J., now Mrs. George A. Barnes ; Anna M., living on the old homestead, and Alma A., the wife of Edward Larson. After the death of Mr. Ayars, his wife was appointed postmistress, and served six years.
E. A. McColley, a popular supervisor of Freeborn township, has served in this capacity for three consecutive years, and that he is particularly adapted for public office is also shown by his service as clerk of school district 11 for nine years. He was born in Hartland, August 21, 1864, son of George and Electa (More- house) McColley, and passed the early years of his life on his father's farm. His education was acquired in the schools of Hartland, while his knowledge of farming was imparted to him by his father, who believed in training his son for a life of prac- tical work. When he was twenty-six years of age he purchased a farm of 160 acres in section 10, Freeborn township, and here he makes his home and carries on general farming. He married Effie Shequen, who was born August 2, 1869, in Vermont, a daughter of James Shequen, of that state. To them have been born twelve children. Ten are living : Elgen L., Ruby, Marlet R., Cora M., Grant, Vestia, Hazel, Irvin, Kenneth and Marian. Two died in infancy Mrs. McColley's grandparents are still living at Belton, Minn., at the extreme age of 92 and 103 years, respectively.
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
Mr. McColley is a public-spirited man, thoroughly respected throughout the township and county in which he resides.
George McColley, one of the pioneers of Hartland, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, March 24, 1831. When a young man he went to Ohio with his parents and later to Portage City, Wis., where he made his home for many years and was married to Electa Morehouse, March 6, 1853. Three years after his marriage he and his wife left Portage City for Hartland. This trip was accomplished by means of a team of oxen, and after reaching Hartland they camped in their wagon for two months, after which he erected a rough slab cabin, in which they made their home for many years. When the call for men to fight for the Union came Mr. McColley enlisted in Company E, First Minne- sota Volunteer Infantry, and served his country through the war, after which he received an honorable discharge. He died October 13, 1910, and his wife July 19, 1881.
Thomas W. Purdie, deceased, was one of the leading men in the township of Freeborn. He was born in Scotland, September 3, 1829, and came to the United States when five years old. He located in Freeborn township in June, 1857, took a claim in sec- tion 25, and engaged in farming. As he was a man of culture and education, he at various times was asked to conduct religious services, and he delivered many good sermons. He married Tillie L. Crandall, a daughter of Rev. P. S. Crandall, of New York, and this marriage was blessed with four children : Tillie J., now Mrs. Wilbur J. Althouse; Margaret E., the wife of Rev. John Buttelman ; Marion S., married to A. M. Borland, and David R. Mr. Purdie owned a farm of 160 acres, which he cultivated and improved, thereby increasing its value. Mrs. Purdue gives the information that he was one of the first county commissioners and the first town clerk that Freeborn township ever elected. He was elected to the state legislature in 1859 and also in 1877, and was prominent in the political affairs in the county. He entered into rest June 21, 1908, at the age of four score years, and Mrs. Purdie still makes her home on the farm. Mrs. Purdie received her early schooling in New London, Conn., and attended the Shilough Academy of New Jersey. Later she completed her edu- cation at the Albion Academy in Wisconsin and married Thomas Purdie December 18, 1859.
Rev. P. S. Crandall was a native of the Empire State, born in Alleghany county. He married Louisa J. Smith, of Cohocton; N. Y., and they were the parents of the following : Tillie L., Etta L., Charles A., Susan J. and Fred O. For several years Mr. Crandall preached in various localities in New York. He also was a pastor of churches in Rhode Island and Connecticut and in New Jersey. In the fall of 1857 he came west and located in Dodge
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county, Minnesota, where he remained for a year, after which he moved his family to Freeborn township. As he was a missionary, he was obliged to preach in many places, and made the journey to these points on horseback.
Mark A. Freeman, a retired farmer of Freeman township, was born in England, February 6, 1834, son of John and Betsy Free- man, early pioneers. In 1854 the subject of this sketch came to America with his brother, William, and they settled in Illinois, where they made their home for two years, after which they came to Minnesota and pre-empted land in Freeman township, this county. This 160 acres of land was in timber and prairie, the timber being owned by Mark and the prairie land being the pos- session of his brother William. Some time later each exchanged one-half of their property to the other, so that they each had both timber and prairie land and a total of 160 acres each. Mr. Freeman returned to Illinois after a few years, where for some years he remained and then he again came to Minnesota, settling on his farm in Freeman township. He then set about clearing and improving the land and erected a comfortable house and outbuildings, and later added to his farm another eighty" acres. He planted the fine grove which surrounds his home and his apple orchards are among the finest in the county. The row of black walnut trees which adorn his farm was planted by Mr. Freeman and as the years have come and gone many improve- ments have been made by him, and he now lives a retired life, surrounded by many comforts which his life of unceasing toil and industry have made possible. On December 25, 1864, Mr. Free- man was united in the bonds of matrimony with Mary J. Seavy, and of the children born to this marriage three are now living : Chloe, a nurse at the City and County Hospital in Albert Lea; W. G., of Freeman township, with whom the subject of this sketch makes his home, and Inez, who resides in Illinois. Mr. Freeman in politics favors the Republican party, and he has held the office of road overseer for the past fifteen years.
John F. Hansen, senior partner of Tapager & Hansen, con- tractors, was born in Denmark on October 11, 1876, the son of Rasmus R. and Margaret. The father was a blacksmith in Den- mark and died there in 1882. The subject of this sketch attended the schools in his native land and spent two years in school in the United States. When he left school he started to learn the cigar trade and tailoring, but never completed them. Instead he learned the carpenter trade. Coming to America in 1886, he located at Albert Lea, where he worked at carpentry until 1897. At this time Mr. Hansen established a contracting business and one year later took into partnership C. M. Tapager. They have carried on a flourishing business ever since, and have handled
MARK A. FREEMAN
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
a number of big contracts, among their more recent work being the American Gas Machine Company and the Danish Brotherhood buildings at Albert Lea. In the year 1902, Mary C. Nelson be- came the wife of Mr. Hansen. She is the daughter of Christ Nelson, of Albert Lea. To them have been born three children: Iva, Raymond and Violet. In his political life Mr. Hansen is a Republican, and in church life a Baptist. He is a loyal member of the M. W. A. and has served as alderman from the Third Ward for four years.
Henry H. Emmons has taken an active part in the agricultural development of Freeborn county, devoting his life to stock deal- ing and farm pursuits, but finding the time also to serve his com- munity, town and county in several honorable capacities. He is one of those men who have achieved success in life, and his prosperity is due to hard work and a keen observation of local conditions. Although a stock fancier, he has not cared to be- come an extensive breeder, but keeps in close touch with the markets, buying stock when the prices are most reasonable, fat- tening it, and shipping it to the most desirable centers at such times as the most favorable quotations prevail. As a farmer he is of the most modern type, and has spent many thousands of dol- lars in tilling and improving his 620 acres in Nunda township. While realizing the many advantages to be secured by diversified farming, he nevertheless is a great believer in corn as a staple crop for this locality, and plants many acres of this product each year. Hard as Mr. Emmons works, however, it must not be sup- posed that he devotes all of his time to his own personal interests. He is a leader in every progressive movement, and has done ex- cellent service to his fellow citizens as town clerk of Nunda and as county commissioner of Freeborn county, as well as in minor offices. He is also an official, active member and liberal sup- porter of the Norwegian Lutheran church. The subject of this sketch was born in Nunda township, this county, February 21, 1867, son of Henry G. and Christina (Larson) Emmons. He was reared to manhood in his native township, attended the neighbor- hood schools, and received his commercial training in a business college at Decorah, Iowa. In 1890 he married Isabell Helland, daughter of Jacob Helland, an early pioneer of Mansfield town- ship. This union has been blessed with five children, as follows : Harry, Carrena, Lawrence, Raymond and Esker. Harry, the oldest, attended the public schools, graduated from the Southern Minnesota Normal College at Austin, Minn., and is now a student at the St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn.
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