History of Freeborn County, Minnesota, Part 86

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

USA > Minnesota > Freeborn County > History of Freeborn County, Minnesota > Part 86

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

790

HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY

support. He has won the respect and regard of his fellow man by his many philanthropies.

L. P. Lawson, a venerable and esteemed farmer residing in Geneva township was born in Denmark, October 16, 1844, and came to this country in 1852 with his parents, Hans and Mary C. Lawson. They first settled in Raymond, Racine county, Wis- consin, where the father secured employment, and there they remained for twelve years, after which they moved to Bath, Minn., and here the parents lived for the remainder of their lives. L. P. Lawson, the subject of this biography, is the eldest of three children, one of whom, Nels, is now deceased : the other, James, is living in North Dakota. Mr. Lawson was educated in (ne schools of the county and later learned the carpenter's trade, an occupation which he followed for fifteen years after which he engaged in farming. At the present time he is able to do the necessary carpentry work required on his farm; and all the improvements here, he, with the able assistance of his sons, has made. Mary K. Peterson became his wife in 1869. She died January 23, 1911, leaving four children: William, living at Owatonna ; Albert, Mary and Mark, at home. Mr. Lawson owns 400 acres of land which is worked by himself and sons, and they have improved this farm until now it is one of the valuable farms in the township. It is situated about one and one-half miles from the village of Geneva. Mr. Lawson has been a candi- date for the Legislature on the Prohibition ticket, and he favors the Prohibition views. He has been chairman of Geneva town- ship for several years, also clerk of school board in District 82 for twenty-six years, which proves the great regard in which he is held by his townsmen. In all cooperative enterprises which have for their object the betterment of the farmer and the improvement of farm conditions he has taken a prominent part. He has been president of the Freeborn County Creamery and Buttermakers' Association for several years and of the Farmers' Live Stock Union of Freeborn county since its organization. IIe has served fifteen years as secretary of the Geneva Village Creamery and is also secretary of the Clarks Grove Lumber Stock & Fuel Co. He is a stockholder in the Clarks Grove Mer- cantile Co., the Clarks Grove Hardware & Implement Co., and the State Bank of Clarks Grove. He has taken a deep interest in the Danish Baptist Church of Clarks Grove and has the unus- ual distinction of having served as Sunday School superintend- ent in this congregation for a period of forty years.

Lars Lunde, one of the successful farmers of Hayward, was born in Norway in 1836, and came to America in 1865, being followed in 1869 by his parents, Nels and Ragnheld Lunde, who came from Norway, and died the year of their arrival. Lars,

791

HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY

upon arriving in this country, went first to Wisconsin where he remained a short time in the pineries, after which he made a trip to Minnesota, where he had relatives. He next went to Michigan and secured employment in a lumber camp. He was three years in one employ as foreman, and did the scaling for the Pere Marquette Lumber Co. two years. He con- tinued lumbering until 1871. Then he located in Hayward town- ship, where he has since made his home. Mr. Lunde owns 160 acres of good farm land, and also has ten acres of timber. He engages in diversified farming, keeps a herd of some twenty- two cows and sells the products of his dairy to the Hayward Cooperative Creamery, of which he has been the treasurer since it was established. At intervals during his life he has held many town offices, but has now retired from public service and devotes his time and energies to conducting agricultural pur- suits. His well-improved farm and good substantial home are the results of years of industry. Mr. Lunde affiliates with the Democratic party, and attends the Norwegian Lutheran Church, to the support of which he liberally contributes. Mr. Lunde is justly proud of a rare book of family genealogy which he possesses. This book is well illustrated and traces the fortunes and genealogy of the family back to 1585, thus forming a most valuable possession. The subject of this sketch was mar- ried September. 21, 1869, to Carrie Gulbrandson, daughter of Endre Gulbrandson, the pioneer. To this union eleven children have been born: Magdelena is the wife of J. J. Hove, banker at Hayward. Gulbrand is a farmer living in North Dakota. Pauline, Marion and Edwin are dead. Gertrude is the wife of E. C. Sebra. Martha is the wife of Gilbert Skow, a merchant of Hayward. Hilda is an expert stenographer for the law firm of Morgan & Meighen at Albert Lea. Barbara and Carl are at home. Lars recently graduated from the Albert Lea High School.

C. J. Larson, a popular resident of Clarks Grove was born in Denmark June 22, 1869. He came to America with his par- ents, J. C. and Julina (Berthelson) Larson, when he was four- teen years of age, and they settled in Geneva, where the father followed general farming until his death, in 1902. The mother makes her home with her son at the present time. C. J. Larson attended the schools of his native land and completed his studies in the public schools of this county. As a young man he farmed out, conducted agricultural operations for himself, carried the mail between Owatonna and Albert Lea, and engaged in team- ing in Geneva. In 1903 he came to Clarks Grove, and here, with his brother Bert as a partner under the firm name of Larson Brothers, he conducts a livery, engaging also in draying and

792

HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY

house moving. In February, 1908, he married Carrie Paulson, daughter of Jens Paulson, of Bath township. They are the parents of one child, Ray W. Mr. Larson votes with the Repub- licans, but has never sought office in his township. He is an industrious, hard-working man, who has made all he possesses by careful management and farsightedness. Bert Larson, part- ner and brother of C. J. Larson, is a mail carrier on Route 1, out of the Clarks Grove postoffice. He married Hanna Olson.

A. W. Massee was born in Oneida county, New York, May 5, 1845, the son of John Massee. He came to Minnesota in 1875, settled in Carlson township, bought a farm in section 24, and continued to follow general farming till 1893. Since that time he has rented 240 acres of his land and has lived a retired life in the vicinity of Albert Lea, having a very attractive home in Oakhurst Park. In February, 1887, he married Sarah Emergene Walker, daughter of Asa Walker, the pioneer. Mrs. Massee was one of the pioneer teachers of the county, her first school being in district 18, Manchester township, where she taught twenty-five terms, being the first teacher in that school. Mr. Massee has never given a large amount of time to politics. He has been elected to some minor offices, but has refused to serve. He is a Prohibitionist of independent mind. The family church is the Methodist.

Asa Walker, now deceased, was for many years a prominent resident in the township of Carlston. He was one of the first members of the board of county supervisors, after the organiza- tion of this town, having come here in 1859. He was born in Vermont May 31, 1813, and grew to manhood in that state. In 1840 he married Mary Bruce and later they moved to Dane county, Wisconsin. They came to Carlston in 1859. In 1862 and 1863 Mr. Walker was a member of the state legislature. He also held many local offices, and was enrolling officer during the war. To Mr. and Mrs. Walker two children were born : W. H. and Sarah Emergene. The wife and mother entered into rest in January, 1880, and Mr. Walker passed away in August, 1887. As Mr. Walker was one of the early pioneers, he erected a log house, and in true pioneer style, roofed it with "shakes." His daughter, Sarah Emergene, now Mrs. A. W. Massee, well remembers the trip from Wisconsin to Minnesota and recalls that she lead the colt the whole distance. The first Thanks- giving dinner was held by several families together, and in the absence of the men of the families, the women each contributed what they could. The bill of fare contained only samp (cracked corn). milk, one sweet cake and rye coffee.

John Murtaugh was born in Old Castle county, Ireland, and came to the United States with his wife Catherine (Fox)

JOHN W. MURTAUGH AND FAMILY

793

HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY

Murtaugh, in 1840. They made their first home in this country on Forty-second street, New York city, and later moved to Port Chester. In July 1856 the family came to Minnesota and settled in Albert Lea township, where he pre-empted a claim of 160 acres and followed farming. Many were the hard- ships endured by this family, and at times they subsisted entirely on bread made of corn meal, wheat being scarce and expensive. During hay-making season for three successive years they went without the midday meal, and in the fall of 1857 their princi- pal article of food was cottage cheese. These privations are but a few of those experienced by this sturdy family, who over- came their difficulties and established their home in the wilder- ness, which, though rude at first, was eventually one of com- fort and convenience. Mr. Murtaugh was summoned by death January 1, 1882, and his widow entered into rest May 28, 1891.

J. W. Murtaugh, a pioneer resident of Albert Lea township and veteran of the Civil War, was born in Port Chester, New York, October 3, 1842, son of John and Catherine Murtaugh, who came West when he was a boy and located in Albert Lea. He received his earlier education in New York and later attended

school in Albert Lea. Subsequently he went to Wells, where he studied to fit himself for the work of a teacher, and passed the examination which entitled him to a teachers' certificate, but deciding that he preferred a farmer's life, he returned to his home and worked with his father until the latter's death in 1882. Mr. Murtaugh married Chloe Knapp, who was born in Medina, Medina county, Ohio, April 3, 1847, daughter of Charles T. and Mary (Hamilton) Knapp, the pioneers. The Knapps moved from Ohio to Medina in 1852, and came to Min- nesota in June, 1855, settling in section 36, Albert Lea township, continuing farming all their days. C. T. Knapp died in April, 1906, and his wife in 1872. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mur- taugh has resulted in the birth of eleven children. The living are : William, at home; Edward, employed in the postoffice at Albert Lea; Thomas, working for the C. P. & R. I .; Leonard, a clerk in the postoffice at Albert Lea; Bernard, in the railway postal service ; Hulda, holding a position in the Soldiers' Home at Marshalltown; Annie, the wife of George Carny, of Mar- shalltown, and Lucy, a stenographer in Mason City. Cora M., Mary and Margaret J .. are deceased. Mr. Murtaugh owns a well-kept farm of eighty acres and engages in general and dairy farming, disposing of his dairy products to the Glenville Coopera- tive Creamery. He lost his first house by fire and then built his present comfortable home, drawing the lumber for it from Owatonna. He has been school clerk for twenty years and also town assessor for the same length of time. He is a member of

794

HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY

the Old Settlers' Association, and one of the venerable and respected men of the township. He also belongs to the G. A. R. J. W. Murtaugh enlisted in Company H, First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, and was mustered in October 31, 1862. He was honor- ably discharged November 24, 1863, having served in the battle of Big Mound July 24, 1863; the battle of Stormy Lake July 25; the battle of Dead Buffalo Lake July 26, and the battle at Camp Stanton, on the Missouri river, July 30.

W. H. Miller, proprietor of the "Home Farms," and for nearly all his life a resident of Freeborn township, came here as a boy, during the closing years of the Civil War, and has watched the county grow from a pioneer community to its present thriving and prosperous condition. He was born in Columbia county, Wisconsin, September 19, 1857, son of John and Samantha (Woodward) Miller, who brought him to Free- born township when he was about seven years old, in 1864. He received his education in the district schools, and later taught in the district in which he had received his boyhood lessons. He has since devoted his life to farming. In 1874 he erected his first house, which was across the street from his boyhood home. In 1895 he erected his present modern and comfortable home, and three years later built a fine and commodious barn, fifty by eighty feet. He owns 320 acres of land, and carries on general farming with great success. Being a thorough believer in the tiling system of farm drainage he has laid several thou- sand feet, and the result has more than justified his expectations. Mr. Miller is especially fond of his fine herd of Holstein-Fresian cattle, being in this connection a member of the Freeborn County Breeders' Association and of the Holstein-Fresian Association of America. He is a stockholder of the Freeborn Creamery and was one of the directors of that institution for several years. At the present time Mr. Miller is chairman of his township. He was assessor twenty-two years, and school treasurer for many terms. He is also vice-president of the First State Bank of Freeborn. Fraternally he is a member of Western Star Lodge, No. 26, of the M. B. A., and the M. W. A., having been clerk of the latter for many years. Mr. Miller married Amanda, the daughter of Carl and Mary (Wasmer) Leonard, born August 25, 1857, in Manchester township, this county. Seven children have blessed their home. They are: Henry D., Sidney R., Merry C., Elsie M., Anna R., Robert B. and Alice F. L. Merry C. mar- ried Earl Longshare, and they have one daughter, Beverly. Elsie M. is the wife of Charles C. Cornwell, of Arizona. Mr. Miller is highly esteemed and is one of Freeborn county's wide-awake and enthusiastic farmers. always alert to whatever may be

MR. AND MRS. W. H. MILLER

795

HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY

for the advancement of the farmer and the welfare of the town and county.

John Miller, who died in February, 1911, in his ninety-second year, was born in Sackett's Harbor, N. Y., and in 1848 came to Columbia county, Wisconsin, where he carried on farming for several years. He brought his family to Freeborn township in 1864, and securing land, continued his occupation of tilling the soil for forty years. His wife, Samantha Woodward-Miller, is yet living at the age of eighty-three years.

W. C. Mitchell, noted for many years as chief of the Albert Lea Fire Department, was born in Erie county, New York, on April 10, 1854, the son of Charles and Katherine (Murray) Mitchell, natives of England and Ireland respectively. Charles Mitchell came to America about 1850 and settled in Erie county, where he met Katherine Murray and was married. They came to Wisconsin at an early day, locating in Rock county, where they farmed. Then they moved to Jefferson county, where they also farmed. In 1868 they removed to Martin county, Minne- sota, where they farmed until 1890. Charles then retired and still lives at Fairmont, in Martin county, at the age of eighty- three. His wife died in December, 1888. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of Martin county, Minnesota. Leaving school, he farmed until 1877, then came . to Albert Lea and established a mercantile business which he conducted for two and one-half years, after which he sold the business. In the spring of 1880 Mr. Mitchell was appointed chief of police, holding that office for four years. He was then appointed deputy sheriff for three years. The following twelve years Mr. Mitchell held the office of county sheriff. In January, 1901, he went with the Central Minnesota Land Company, and remained in their employ for two years. At the end of that time he joined the Jones Land Company, for which company he worked one year. Since that time he has handled real estate for himself. In the year 1880 Mr. Mitchell was married to Helen Rue, a native of Racine county, Wisconsin. Their home has been blessed with two children: Bernice, who died, and Beatrice C., who is at home. Mr. Mitchell is a Republican politically, and a member of the Christian Church. He affiliates with the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery at Albert Lea and with Osman Temple of A. A. O. N. M. S., St. Paul. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Mitchell served as chief of the Albert Lea Volunteer Fire Department for twenty-eight years, and has been a fireman for thirty-two years. He is a member of the Firemen's Relief Association, and served as president of Minnesota Fire Department Association in 1887. Mr. Mitchell was a delegate from the state association to the

796

HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY

national convention, held at Kansas City in 1905, and the fol- lowing year he represented the state association at Roanoke, Va. During the following years he was sent to represent them at the International Association of Chief Engineers at Wash- ington, D. C. Mr. Mitchell owns his pleasant home at 221 South Pearl street. In 1911, Mr. Mitchell resigned his position as chief of the Albert Lea Fire Department, which he had held so long and so honorably, and on April 1, 1911, was appointed state factory inspector by Governor A. O. Eberhardt. It is worthy of note that he is a life honorary member of the State Fire Department Association, and has served as high priest of Albert Lea Chapter, No. 30, R. A. M.

John A. Severson, a prosperous farmer of Manchester, is one of the influential men in that community. He has occupied many public offices in the township, greatly to his own credit and the satisfaction of his fellow citizens, having been school director for fifteen years, supervisor of the town for three years, assessor for two years and treasurer for five years. He still occupies the latter office, and his services are very satisfactory. Mr. Severson was born in Sogn, Norway, September 5, 1852, and came to the United States in 1854 with his parents. Andrew and Johanna Severson. He acquired his education in the com- mon schools of Manchester township, and has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns 2431/2 acres of land, and together with general farming he is interested in dairying, for which purpose he keeps a good herd of Shorthorn cattle. He pur- chased his well-improved farm in 1882, and its present prosper- ous condition is due to his untiring efforts to make it one of the valuable farms in the county. He married Cary Olson, daughter of Ole Olson, a resident of South Dakota, June 27, 1883, and this marriage has resulted in six children: Alfred, married Minna Gunderson, and lives in Burley county, North Dakota; Hannah is the wife of Berger Seberson, of Cresbard, S. D .; Toby is engaged in the banking business of Lake Mills, Towa; Edwin and Mathilda are at home; Julia died when six- teen years of age. Mr. Severson upholds the tenets of the Republican party, and is a respected member of the Synod Lutheran Church. He is actively interested in the local cream- ery, of which he is now the treasurer, having been elected to this office for the past seven years. For five years he has been the director of this same institution. In both business and social interests, Mr. Severson has the esteem of the citizens of the township and is indeed one of the leading men of the county. He is a stockholder in the Citizen's National Bank of Albert Lea and also in the Manchester State Bank.

JOHN A. SEVERSON AND FAMILY

797

HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY

Andrew Severson came from Norway to America in 1854 and located in Boone county, Illinois, where he followed general farming for three years, after which he moved to Manchester. township, this county, July 16, 1857, coming by ox team from Boone county, Illinois. Here he acquired land and engaged in farming, making his home in this place until his death, which occurred June 7, 1909. To himself and wife, Johanna Severson, were born eight children, of whom three, Susan, Sever and Britta, are deceased; Betsie married A. J. Stodheim and lives in Bath, Minn .; John A. is a resident of Manchester, Minn .; Mary is the wife of E. J. Hallum ; Severina is now Mrs. Charles Stout, of Minneapolis, and Julia married John Kabrud, of McPherson county, South Dakota; Susan married John Ellingson, and they had eight children. In 1880 Mr. and Mrs. Ellingson moved to Polk county, Minnesota, and there Susan died. After her death Mr. Ellingson moved to Canada, and there he died.

Andrew Stoddart, now deceased, was one of the well-known farmers in Carlston. He was born in Scotland and came to America when a young man and settled in Wisconsin. He married Louisa Holland, daughter of George and Mary (Hamp- son) Holland, and for two years after their marriage they made their home in Wisconsin, where they were engaged in general farming. In 1881 they came to Carlston township and located in section 8 on a farm which comprises 120 acres. Here they established their permanent home and reared their family, and it was here that Mr. Stoddart passed away in 1905. Mrs. Stod- dart, with the help of her sons, has continued to run the farm since her husband's death. To Mr. and Mrs. Stoddart were born the following children : George, John, Andrew, Mary, wife of Herbert Scoville; Morris, Olive, Meda, Martha, David, Jennie and William. Jennie died December 11, 1904. Mr. Stod- dart was an active worker for the interests of the township of Carlston, and for many years was a member of the school board, and he belonged to the M. W. A. Mrs. Stoddart was a loving and sympathetic companion in all his endeavors, and proved a devoted wife, a faithful and loving mother and a staunch friend.

N. C. Sorenson, a busy contractor of Albert Lea, is a native of Denmark, having been born there on January 9, 1866, the son of Christian and Anna (Christianson) Sorenson. The father was a farmer in Denmark. The subject of this sketch attended the schools of Denmark. Upon leaving school, he learned the carpenter trade. In the year 1882 he came to America, locating at Evansville, Minn., where he followed his trade for a short time, after which he removed to Breton, S. D., where he did carpenter work for about seven years. From there Mr. Soren-

798

HISTORY OF FREEBORN COUNTY

son went to the city of Duluth, where he remained for a short time. Leaving Duluth, he came to Albert Lea, in 1890, followed his trade for three years, and then established a contracting business, in which he is very successful, having built his share of the best buildings of Albert Lea, among which may be men- tioned : The Auditorium, the Wedge-Jones building, the Third Ward school building, the Gulbrandson building, the A. P. Han- son business house, the Naeve & Soth building, Albert Lea Gas Light Co. building and numerous structures out of the city. In 1897 Mr. Sorenson was united in marriage to Matilda Han- son, daughter of Lars Hanson, of Albert Lea. Their union has been blessed by two children, Phoebe and Russell, both at home. In politics Mr. Sorenson is a Republican. He attends the English Lutheran Church. Mr. Sorenson is an officer of all the Masonic orders in Albert Lea, and belongs also to Zurah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Minneapolis, the K. of P., the Royal Arcanum, M. W. A. and I. O. O. F. He is now serving in the city council as alder- man from the First ward and is vice-president of the People's Building & Loan Association. His home is situated at 124 St. Mary street. Mr. Sorenson is always interested in Albert Lea's advancement and is one of it's substantial citizens. His office is located in the Wedge-Jones building. In addition to the lodges named he is a member of the Business Men's League and of the Albert Lea Automobile Association.

George Seath, a sturdy early settler of Freeborn township, was born in. Scotland, October 15, 1833, and was brought to America by his parents when but five weeks old. He lived with his parents in New York city a year, and then was taken by them to Delaware county, in the same state, where he spent his boyhood. At the age of about eighteen years, he came to Wisconsin and located in Fond du Lac county. February 9, 1858, he married Phoebe Larrabee, of Wisconsin. In 1861 they came to Minnesota and located in section 27, Freeborn town- ship, where they reared their family and farmed for many years. George Seath now lives in Lyman county, South Dakota.

Ira Herbert Seath is an extensive landowner and prosperous farmer of Freeborn township. He is a progressive citizen, and his influence in the community has ever been toward true devel- opinent and improvement. He was born in Alto township, Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, June 21, 1860, son of George and Phoebe (Larrabee) Seath. He came with them to Freeborn county in 1861, and here attended the public schools. He assisted his father on the farm as a boy and thus learned the lessons of industry and energy which have proven so valuable to lıim in after years. He now owns a fine farm of 240 acres which he cultivates, and also a tract of eighty acres not adjoining the

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Freeborn County, Minnesota, Part 86

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