USA > Minnesota > Freeborn County > History of Freeborn County, Minnesota > Part 85
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
lett's useful life came to a close on April 24, 1902, and his widow and children survive him.
Jay Bartlett, the well known merchant of Glenville, was born July 20, 1861, in the town where he now resides. His parents were Amander and Ann D. (Peet) Bartlett, natives of Cat- taraugus county, New York. Mr. Barlett attended the public schools of his home town and there grew to manhood, working with his father and fitting himself for a useful and industrious life. In 1886 he entered the hardware and lumber business in partnership with his father, with whom he worked for four years, after which he purchased the father's interests and has since conducted the business on his own responsibility. In 1897 he erected the brick block in which his store is located at the present time, and the second story is finished as a modern flat or apartment in which Mr. Bartlet resides. He is a member of the Prohibitionist party, and has held many important offices in the town, among which services are in the postoffice for a period of several years, town clerk of Shell Rock for 20 years, president of the village board, treasurer of the school board and also treas- urer of the Glenville cemetery association. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge, A. F. & A. M., No. 26, of Albert Lea. Mr. Bart- lett married Viola N. Palmer, August 11, 1886. She was born at Glenville, August 11, 1865, daughter of Rev. Daniel H. Palmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett a son, Owen was born, April 23, 1899, and died March 2, 1911.
Roscoe E. Goward, a capable farmer of Freeborn, was born in Acton, Massachusetts, June 8, 1852. When he was six years of age he came to this country with his parents, Jason L. and Charlotte (Dean) Goward, and here grew to manhood. He at- tended school in Freeborn and worked as store clerk and assis- tant postmaster for a time. Later with his father as partner he opened a general store at Armstrong, and was subsequently made postmaster, being the first postmaster at that point. When the store at Armstrong was sold, the subject of this sketch went to St. Paul and was there employed for a time. In 1893 he came back to Freeborn, purchased a farm, and engaged in diversified farming, an occupation at which he has been very successful. His farm is situated in section 36, Freeborn township. In addi- tion to his agricultural interests he owns stock in the Freeborn creamery.
Jason L. Goward, now deceased, was one of the early settlers who came to Freeborn township in 1858. He acquired some land and the following year brought his family here making the trip by the means of an ox team and coming through McGregor, Iowa. For two years he farmed on 160 acres of land in section 36. Then he decided to establish a mercantile business in the.
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
village of Freeborn. That his venture in this new line of work was a success is shown by his continuing the business for twenty years. Hle then sold it to George Whitman and engaged in the real estate business and at one time was the owner of an entire section of land. Later in life he retired from active service and enjoyed the comforts which his years of hard work made possi- ble. His death occurred July 3, 1893, eleven years after his wife had passed away. He was postmaster several years in Freeborn village. was town clerk a time and served on the schoolboard for many terms. Being a carpenter by trade he assisted in erecting many buildings, and at an early day he planned and built one of the first and long the best schoolhouse in Freeborn county. This house is still standing and is used by W. C. Jackman as an imple- ment sales house.
Robert P. Farr, a successful farmer of Geneva township was born in Kentucky March 7, 1832, son of George and Polly Farr. He came to Minnesota as a young man and has made his home here since that time. His farm of 880 acres is one of the well improved and valuable farms in Geneva, and the fine liouse in which he resides is the result of his years of hard work and privations. The trees which surround his home were planted by himself and father as were the twenty acres of timber which adorn his farm. Mr. Farr carries on general farming and makes a specialty of raising Duroc-Jersey hogs, the cement hog house which he has built being considered one of the best in the county. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party, but has never sought public offices. As one of the prosperous and industrious farmers in his locality, Mr. Farr has the respect of the com- munity in general. Mr. Farr is the father of nine children : Alice is Mrs. Morarity of Steele county; Robert W., Irving J., Charles, Amos and Harvey live on the old homestead; Sarah and George S., 2nd, are deceased. Robert W. Farr, a son, was mar- ried August 26, 1896, to Florence Kinney, of Owatonna. She died May 7, leaving one son, George Sanford, now of Seattle, Wash. Robert W. is at present serving on the town board of supervisors. He has been clerk of the town and justice of the peace, and has served seven years as secretary of the Monarch Creamery.
George S. Farr was born in Kentucky, and as a young man had an interesting career in various places, including several years spent in Lower California where he worked on the railroad which was being constructed across the isthmus. He was a black- smith and wheelright by trade. In the sixties he came to Minne- sota and settled in Geneva township. He had many interesting experiences as a pioneer, making a long overland trip by oxen, settling in a pioneer community, living for a time in a rude log
MR. AND MRS. GUTHORM BOTOLFSON
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
cabin, and sharing his few supplies with his scattering and needy neighbors.
O. G. Botolfson, one of the successful farmers of Bancroft township, was born February 28, 1859, on the farm where he still makes his home, son of Guthorm and Anna (Wange) Botolfson, who were among the earliest pioneers. He went to the district schools when a boy and worked with his father. He now owns a fine and valuable farm of 160 acres and is interested in general farming, stock raising and dairying. He also raises Poland China hogs and a good breed of draft horses. This farm is situated about three miles from the city of Albert Lea. Mr. Botolfson is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, and votes the Prohibition ticket. He has been elected to serve in various offices in the school district 58 and is regarded as one of Bancroft's substantial citizens.
Guthorm Botolfson and Anna Wange his wife, were among the very earliest pioneers of Freeborn county, being natives of Norway, who emigrated from their fatherland and came to America in July, 1854, making their first home in this country at Caporn, Ill. One year later, in July, 1855, they moved west to Minnesota and settled in Bancroft. Their home here was in a dugout and like the other pioneers in this country, they faced many trials and endured great hardships, but their courage never failed them, and from year to year they toiled and saved and at length were able to erect a fine roomy house and make' their broad acres yield most abundantly. The father died June 2, 1901, and his widow is yet living at the advanced age of 85 years. They had eleven children of whom four are living. Of those dead Lucy, Anna, Botolf and Peter all died the same week of the black measles. The children dead are: Lucy, born November 6, 1850, died February 11, 1869; Anna, born January 22, 1853, died February 18, 1869; Botolf, born February 14, 1855, died February 16, 1869 ; Peter, born January 2, 1857, died Febru- ary 14, 1869; Bertha, born June 28, 1964, died September 4, 1865; Lucy Annette, born August 15, 1873, died May 9, 1874; Pernille, born October 17, 1860, died January 5, 1905. Four are living. O. G. was born February 28, 1859; Johanna, known by her friends as Hannah, was born October 18, 1862; Bertha Maria was born June 19, 1866, and Ingeborg, now Mrs. O. O. Styve, of Albert Lea, was born May 30, 1848.
Botolf Guthormson Tistel, a pioneer, was born March 7, 1794, and died February 13, 1866. His wife was born June 21, 1796, and died October 17, 1878. They left Norway, their native country, and came to America in July, 1854, with their son, Guthorm Botolfson, and three daughters, Mrs. J. Hermanson and the Misses Olena and Pernille. In the spring of 1856 they
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
came from Illinois, and settled on the farm in Bancroft town- ship now owned by their son-in-law, N. O. Styve.
George Hoffman, now deceased, was for many years a respected resident of Riceland township. He was born in Du Bois county, Indiana, December 13, 1847, son of John and Bar- bara Hoffman, who came to the United State from Germany when this country was sparsely settled and made a home for themselves in Indiana where the father died when the subject of this sketch was but six months old. . George Hoffman received his education in the common schools of Indiana and later went to Louisville where he was employed for a short time. Wishing to see more of the world than the occupation of farming afforded, he joined a show troupe and traveled with them for five years. In 1874 he went to Colorado and later to Wyoming, and here he was foreman of a large horse ranch. He came to Minnesota in 1886, located in Freeborn county and purchased a farm of 200 acres in section 23, Riceland township. On this farm he made many improvements and carried on general and dairy farming until his death, August 14, 1911. Mr. Hoffman was mar- ried July 21, 1884, to Rosie Fjeldbroten, born October 26, 1862, in Aadalen, Norway, daughter of Ole Fjeldbroten, who settled in Riceland township. To Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman four children were born. Willis was born in 1886, Charles in 1888, Ray in 1892 and Agnes in 1897. All are at home. Mr. Hoffman voted with the Republican party, but his many business interests pre- vented his taking an active part in politics. He was a stock- holder in the Sumner Valley Creamery, also one of the stock- holders in the local telephone company and threshing company. HIe also served on the school board for five years thus proving his efficiency in such service. The family attend the Norwegian Lutheran Church. The farm is now being conducted by Mrs. Hoffman and her sons.
Godfrey Hintz was born February 4, 1871, on his father's farm in Mansfield, the son of August and Louisa (Jost) Hintz. Godfrey attended school until seventeen years of age, and after his father's death took full charge of the farm which he has since conducted. He now owns the home farm, and in addition to regular farming he raises from fifty to seventy-five hogs an- nually, keeps a drove of fifty sheep as well as a good dairy herd and horses which he raises for his own use and for sale. On September 1, 1898, he married Emma Tessman and to them have been born five children, Orville, Emil, Gertrude, Margaret and Adelbert. Mr. Hintz is a member of the Mansfield Lutheran Church. In politics he supports the Republican party.
August Hintz came to America and settled in Wisconsin in 1863. He purchased 160 acres of land in Mansfield township, this
GEORGE HOFFMAN
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
county, for $200.00, and about two years later moved onto the farm. He had a blacksmith shop and did general smithing in connection with farming until his death in 1894, at which time he owned in all 280 acres in sections 2 and 11. He served in town and school offices. His wife, whose maiden name was Louisa Hintz, died in 1888.
Dr. C. M. Simonson, son of Ole O. Simonson and Susan A. Gjellum, his wife, was born in the city of Albert Lea, or rather village as it was known at that time, on April 26, 1871. - When a year old, the family moved to their farm in Hartland township where they remained till January 1, 1878, when they again moved to Albert Lea, where his father assumed his duties as register of deeds of Freeborn county, to which office he had been elected the previous fall. C. M. received his early education in the Albert Lea public schools and when about sixteen years of age entered the employ of "Decorah Posten," Decorah, Iowa, a newspaper which boasted of having the largest circulation of any Scandinavian paper published at that time. During his four years' stay here he resided at the home of his brother-in- law E. S. Gjellum, who was the Posten's editor for eighteen years. Mr. Simonson desired to study dentistry so returncd to Albert Lea and entered the dental office of Brown & Parker, where he remained about a year as an apprentice. In the fall of 1892 he entered the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, at Cincin- nati, Ohio, from which institution he graduated in the spring of 1896, in the meanwhile conducting an office in New Prague, Minn., one year. After the completion of his course he located in his home town, Albert Lea, where he has continued the prac- tice of his profession ever since with the exception of the year 1898 when there was a call for volunteers for the Spanish- American War, and he enlisted in Company I, 12th Regiment Minnesota Volunteers-Company I having the distinction of being the first company to fill its quoto and report. Though a member of dental and local organizations Mr. Simonson never was a political aspirant, devoting his time exclusively to the practice of his profession and having a good following from both city and country.
Daniel Hurd, who died in October 14, 1905, was one of the carliest pioneers of this county. He was born in Rochester, New York, December 7, 1827, and at an early day located near Ripon, Wis. From there he went to Iowa, and afterward came to Albert Lea, March 16, 1856, taking up his claim north of what is now Fountain Lake. There he farmed until 1865. Then he sold out, and moved to section 29, Manchester township, where he farmed until the fall of 1892. In that year he retired and moved to Albert Lea where he spent his declining years.
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Ilis wife, whose maiden name was Mary A. Colby, was one of the earliest pioneers of the county, having come to Albert Lea township September 16, 1855. She was born in Pennsylvania July 13, 1838, and married Daniel Hurd, January 13, 1857. There were two sons in the family, George and Frank. In June, 1857, Daniel Hurd built the first frame house in Albert Lea, on East Clark street.
George Hurd, real estate dealer, was born in Freeborn county, December 25, 1859, son of Daniel and Mary (Colby) Hurd, his being one of the carly births in the county. He received his education in the public schools and in such high school as the city of Albert Lea then afforded. Afterward he taught school five winters, and then continued farming until 1888 when he moved to the city of Albert Lea and engaged in the mercantile business. In 1906 he sold out and engaged in his present busi- ness. He does a large business and makes a specialty of Free- born county and Dakota lands. Mr. Hurd is a Republican, and affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He lives with his mother at 244 West Clark street.
Louis Hass was born in Germany. He spent the earlier years of his life in that country, there acquired his education and grew to manhood. Later he brought his wife and family to America and settled in Freeborn township, on the farm which he sold some time ago to his son William H. with whom he now lives. He and his wife have six children. The son, William H., who now owns the home farm is married and has several chil- dren. Mr. Hass has served in school office and his family is well regarded in the community.
W. D. Horning is one of the well thought of citizens of Albert Lea township. His parents, D. W. and Carrie (Powers) Horning came to Minnesota from New York and located in Albert Lea. Here they acquired land which was cleared by the father whose hard work and farsightedness have resulted in the comfortable home and a farm of 240 acres now owned by him. In a simple log cabin their son was born November 17, 1873, and he grew to manhood attending the school and working with his father on the farm learning each day much which would be of great value to him later in life. Evelyn Nelson became his wife on March 20, 1906. and this marriage has resulted in two children ; Clarence, born November 4, 1907, and Edith, born January 22, 1910. Mr. Horning believes in modern education and has shown his interest by serving as member of the school board. He carries on diversified farming and keeps a good herd of dairy cows, and disposes of their product at profitable prices. In his political opinions, he endorses the sentiments of the Democratic
MR. AND MRS. D. W. HORNING
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
party, and his common sense and good judgment are respected by all with whom he has business dealings. Mr. Horning owns 160 acres of land in Clay county, Minnesota, which he rents for farm purposes. He is a member of the Albert Lea Lodge, No. 61, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mrs. Horning was born August 27, 1882, at Albert Lea, daughter of Andrew and Anna Elickson. Her father lives in Forest City, Iowa, and her mother is dead.
Ole M. Olson, for eleven years past the efficient chairman of the town of Manchester, was born in a dug-out in the township where he still resides, November 8, 1859, son of Mads and Martha (Hanson) Olson, the pioneers. He attended the district schools, farmed with his father, and grew to manhood on the home place. In 1887 he purchased 240 acres from his father, and started farming for himself. At this occupation he has prospered greatly, adding to his acreage until he now owns 400 acres, all in sections 1 and 2, Manchester, and section 36, Hartland. On this large tract he carries on general farming on an extensive scale. In 1902, he erected a beautiful new residence, replacing the pioneer log cabin in which the family had lived for so many years. Before assuming his present town office, Mr. Olson was a member of the board of supervisors, and at one time served as assessor. He has also been treasurer of the school board of his district some twenty-two years. The subject of this sketch was married December 22, 1883, to Martha Peterson, and this union has been blessed with four children: Mabel M., the wife of Rudolph Furgersen; Hilda M., Esther J. and Ole Malankton, the latter three being at home. The family faith is that of the Lutheran Church.
Mads Olson, the pioneer, was born in Norway, and came to America in 1854, going at once to Illinois where he engaged in railroad work, and working the first winter in the pineries. In 1856 he came to Freeborn county, via Winnishiek county, Iowa. Later he went back to Winnishiek county, and in 1858 was there married to Martha Hanson who came to America in 1856. To- gether they came to Freeborn county, and located on land in sections 1 and 2, Manchester township, which Mads had acquired from the government by preemption at $1.25 an acre. They lived for a time in a dug-out, and there their first son was born. Later they erected a log cabin. Mads Olson became a prosperous farmer, and in time acquired 600 acres of land. He died August 15, 1896, and his wife died July 30, 1875.
James Hansen, one of the enterprising and prosperous farmers of Freeborn township was born in Denmark on the island of Fryen, January 7, 1837, son of Hans Hansen. In 1856, James migrated to America, first settling in Manitowoc, Wis.,
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where he obtained employment at whatever offered itself. For a time he worked in a shingle mill, later on a farm, then in the leather manufactory of J. T. Wright, at Janesville, Wis. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, 8th United States Infantry, and served three years. After being mustered out of service he re- turned to Janesville and worked in the hardware business for a year. In 1867 he came to Freeborn township and purchased a farm in section 27. While breaking the rude prairie and converting it into fertile acres he lived in a "dug-out" dug in the side of a hill. At the end of two years he went back to Janesville and married Augusta Dorn. With his wife he then returned to the farm in Freeborn county, where they have ever since lived. This fall they are leaving their farm and taking up their residence in their new home in the village of Freeborn, where they will spend their declining years in comfort, enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. Eight children have been born to them : Joseph, Mary, Helen, Thomas, Louis and Henry (twins), Hannalı and Nettie. Thomas died when an infant. Helen Soren- son died in 1904, leaving her husband and two sons. Mary is now Mrs. Louis Andersen. Mr. Andersen was killed by an elec- tric shock. Hannah is the wife of Alfred Parsons, and Nettie is Mrs. Harry Johnson.
Oluf Jorgenson, a progressive farmer of Riceland, was born in Bath township, this county, May 9, 1870. The father, George, a native of Denmark, came to the United States in 1856 and first located in Chicago for a time. He then came to Freeborn county and located on land in Bath township, again moving and going to New Richland, Minn., where he remained until 1886. In that year he came once more to this country and bought a farm in Riceland and followed general farming till his death in 1901. His wife, mother of Oluf, was a native of Norway and died in 1886. Oluf Jorgenson, the subject of this biography, attended school as a boy, and engaged in farming for some years. He afterwards clerked in a hardware store in New Richland five years. Having thus gained exper- ience he purchased a store building at Lerdal and with his brother-in-law opened a general merchandise store, which they continued until 1908. His interest in the store he traded for 160 acres in Riceland, and has since done general farming there. In June, 1893, he married Annie Haugen, of Waseca county, and to them have been born six children, Melvin, Agnes, George, Conrad, Floyd and Orville, all of whom are at home. Mr. Jor- genson is a member and a regular attendant of the Lutheran Church. In politics he supports the tenets of the Republican party and has held several offices including positions on the school board. For a number of years he was postmaster at
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MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL H. KRAUSHAAR
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HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY
Lerdal. He is an active supporter of the dairying interests of the locality and is a stockholder in the creamery.
S. H. Kraushaar is a modern and scientific farmer who owns 200 acres of valuable land in section 35 in the township of Alden. He was born in Iowa June 15, 1854, son of John and Sarah (Beck) Kraushaar. His father was a native of Germany who came to the United States in 1846, and was employed for a time in Illinois. He then went to Michigan where he was married. He brought his wife to Austin, Minn., and they made their home in that city for about four years, after which they moved to Mitchell county, Iowa, and remained there for eight years. Re- turning to Minnesota they settled in Mansfield township and here passed the remainder of their lives. Samuel H., the subject of this biography was educated in the common schools. When he was twenty-two years of age he purchased a farm in Alden, and has here since conducted diversified farming. He married Margaret, daughter of Hans Nelson, and their home has been brightened by the arrival of six children; Daisy, wife of Clark Hord, Joseph, George, Esther, Lee and Andrew, the latter being deceased. Mr. Kraushaar has served as a member of the school board and at present is road overseer in his district. He is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the Seventh Day Advent Church.
Christ. M. Larsen, a highly esteemed citizen of Albert Lea, was born in Denmark, September 9, 1852, son of Lars Borup and Helena (Mork) Borup. The subject of this biography was educated in the schools of his native land and there reached his majority. In 1873 he crossed the ocean and landed in America ; coming west to Iowa where he located in Marshall county, pur- chased land, and carried on agricultural industries for a period of six years. He later sold this farm and moved to Hamilton county, in the same state, where he farmed until 1898, after which he disposed of the farm and moved into the city of Albert Lea, where he now lives in retirement. He purchased land, erected a home in this city and has taken an active interest in all charitable movements in the city, having been a liberal con- tributor to the hospital. Aside from his property in Albert Lea, Mr. Larsen has various real estate holdings, owning a quarter section in Alberta, Canada. He also owns a bottling plant in Albert Lea, and his present prosperity has been reached by years of earnest effort and close application to duty. Mr. Lar- sen is in every sense of the phrase, a self made man, and he often relates the story of his arrival in this country when he possessed but 10 cents. He affiliates with the Republican party, and attends the Quaker Church, contributing liberally to its
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