History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 100

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

Albert L. Hjermstad was born in Wanamingo township, where he still resides. March 20, 1871, son of Lars and Anna (Overby) Hjermstad, natives of Norway. Lars Hjermstad eame to Ameriea in 1847, locating in Rock River, Wis., remaining a few years. after which he removed to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and en- gaged in farming until 1859. when he came to Wanamingo town- ship, where he purchased 160 acres of prairie land in section 3, which he broke and cleared, erecting a home and other outbuild- ings, following general farming until his death, October 9, 1877. He was married in 1865 to Anna Overby, who still lives with her son. Albert L. received his education in the district school of Wanamingo, and at the age of seventeen years managed the farm. At the age of twenty-two years he rented it, and in 1900 bought eighty acres of it. In 1908 he bought forty aeres adjoining and five acres of timber land in Leon. He now carries on general farming and stock raising. Mr. Hjermstad was mar- ried November 4, 1903, to Hannah Moe, daughter of Hans and Anna (Overby) Moe, natives of Norway, who came to America and about a year later located in Wanamingo township and en- gaged in general farming. The mother died in 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Hjermstad have been blessed with three children : Lars, born July 18, 1904; Hans, born July 8, 1907, and Alf, born July 3, 1909. Mr. Hjermstad is a Republican. The family attend the Lutheran church.

Bernt Hennum, of Wanamingo township, was born in Norway January 14. 1857, son of Gunder A. Hennum and Lena Eriekson, natives of Norway. Bernt came to America in 1878. locating in Iowa, where he worked at his trade, that of blacksmithing, for two years, then moved to Nebraska, where he worked for two years, then came to St. Paul, where he worked for three months. From there he went to Warren, Minn .. and in 1893 came to Wanamingo, where he bought 160 acres of land and engaged in general farming. Later he added forty acres and made extensive improvements. Mr. Hennum was married January 8, 1887, to Randi Imsdahl. daughter of T. and Anna Imsdahl, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1865, settling in Zumbrota. In 1867 they engaged in farming and are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Hennum have six children : Leofred, born October 7, 1887 ; Arthur, born February 5. 1890: Gunda, born May 14, 1891; fIarold O., born April 18. 1895. and died October 7, 1901 ; Louise, born Deeember 30, 1897, and died April 29, 1903; Lydia, born May 8, 1903. Mr. Hennum is a Republican in his political views, and the family attend the Lutheran church.

Sivert O. Haugen, of Wanamingo township, was born in Min- neola township February 18. 1870, son of O. S. and Sigrid (Romo) Haugen, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1861, loeat-

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ing in Nerstrand, Rice county, remaining there eight years, after which they came to Minneola and bought 160 acres of land, which the father improved and built a home, following general farming until in 1908, when they retired and moved to Wana- mingo. Sivert received his education in the schools of Minneola and the Red Wing Seminary. After leaving school he worked on the farm with his father until 1897, when he purchased 240 acres of land in Wanamingo township, section 1, where he has since followed general farming. Mr. Haugen was married May 14, 1897, to Nettie Jensen. daughter of Andrew Jensen, of Rice county. They have four children, Osear, Alma, Sigrid and Agnes, all living at home. Mr. Haugen is a Republican in politics and is clerk of the school board in district 64. He and his family attend the Lutheran church.

Nils A. Hostager, of Wanamingo township, was born in Cherry Grove township February 27. 1867, son of Anfin N. and Mary (Olson) Hostager, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1861 and located in Cherry Grove township, where the father engaged in farming for two years, after which he removed to Wanamingo township. where he bought a farm in section 28 and engaged in general farming until 1898, when they retired and moved to Kenyon village. The father died May 10, 1904, but the mother is still living at Kenyon. Nils A. received his education in the schools of Wanamingo and worked on the farm with his father until 1896, when his father presented him with a farm of 160 aeres, which he improved and built a new barn. Mr. Hostager was married June 6, 1897, to Anna Ronningen, daughter of Ole and Gura Ronningen, who were farmers in Wanamingo township and are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Hostager have two children : Myrtle, born December 20, 1901, and Olga, born Jan- uary 5, 1905. Mr. Hostager is a Republican in his politics, and he and his family attend the Lutheran church.

James Jordal was born in Wanamingo township, where he still resides, August 7, 1872, son of Hans and Carrie (Flesshe) Jordal, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1864, locating in Wisconsin, remaining there two years, after which they eame to Holden township, where they lived two years, then removed to Wanamingo township and purchased 120 acres of wild land, which the father broke and cleared, built a home and followed general farming until his death, June 2, 1891. John received his education in the common sehools of Wanamingo and worked with his father on the farm until the latter's death, when he took charge of the homestead and has since carried on a general line of farming. Mr. Jordal has six sisters and three brothers. Susie married Peter Rostad, of Belle Creek; Martha married Iver Jel- lum ; Sarah married Ole Anfinson, Stina married Carl Stromme, of

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

Hannaford, N. D .; Carrie married Thomas Egtoet; Josephine married Olaf Anderson, who was killed three months later, after which she came home to live. The brothers are: Hans, now of Shell Lake, Wis .; Ole, now of Morrison county, and Henry, who lives at home. Mr. Jordal is a stockholder in the Farmers' Ele- vator and Creamery at Wanamingo, and is a Republican in his politics. He attends the Lutheran church.

Andrew E. Lee was born in Wanamingo township, where he still lives, November 19, 1886, son of Erick and Ragnild (Kulseth) Lee. He received his education in the common schools of Wan- amingo and worked with his father on the farm until his father's death, when he took charge of the place, with his brothers, and continued general farming. Mr. Lee is a Republican in politics, and attends the Lutheran church. The father of Mr. Lee was born in Illinois, came to Wanamingo township when a young man and purchased 160 acres of land, which he broke and cleared, built a home and carried on a general line of farming up to the time of his death, April 18, 1903. The mother was born in Norway and emigrated to America in 1882. They had eight children. Gertrude, who married John Hegvik, is now deceased. The others are: Henry, of Zumbrota; Martin, Andrew, Caroline, Mary, Julia and Simon.

Enar B. Lunde, one of the prosperous farmers of Wanamingo township, was born in Norway in June, 1832, son of Bottle and Breta (Erickson) Lunde, both natives of Norway. The father died in 1866 and the mother in 1890. Enar received his education in Norway and came to America in 1852. locating in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he remained for four years. In 1856 he came to Wanamingo and purchased 160 acres of wild land, which he broke and cleared, erecting a home and other outbuildings. To this he has added land until he now has a farm of 435 acres. all in seetion 34, constituting one of the best farms in the county. Mr. Lunde was married in 1857 to Christie Ellingson, by whom he had two children : Breta, married to Nels Almi, now in North Dakota, and Bertha, married to B. Lunde, of Cherry Grove. Mrs. Christine Lunde died in 1875, and on September 11, 1879, Mr. Lunde was married to Anna Johnson, daughter of John . Johnson. Both her parents died in Norway. By this union were born: Ellen, married to David Davidson; and Anna, living at home. Mr. Lunde has been successful and owes his present pros- perity to his own untiring efforts and hard work. He is a Re- publican in politics, but has never sought public office. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Bank of Wanamingo, in the Farm- ers' Elevator at Wanamingo and in the Farmers' Elevator at Kenyon. He and his family are communicants of the United Lutheran church.

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Bottolf B. Lunde, of Wanamingo township, was born in Nor- way November 8, 1862, son of B. B. and Anna A. (Hogi) Lunde, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1868 and located in Cherry Grove. In 1876 they came to Wanamingo, where they purchased 160 acres of wild land, which they improved and enlti- vated, following a diversified line of farming. The father died November 18, 1889, and the mother June 1, 1907. Bottolf re- ceived his education in the common school of Wanamingo and worked with his father on the farm until the latter's death, when he rented the old homestead until 1907, after which he pur- chased it and has since followed diversified farming. Mr. Lunde has never married. He has two brothers and two sisters. The sisters are: Gertrude and Bertha, living at Petersburg, N. D., and the brothers are Arne B., of Wanamingo township, and Erick, living at home. Mr. Lunde is a Republican in his political views, but has never sought public office. He has stock in the Wana- mingo Farmers' Elevator and the Farmers' State Bank of Wana- mingo, and is a member of the Lutheran church.

Oliver J. Lee, Wanamingo township, was born in Leon town- ship January 17, 1876, son of John and Emily (Rislov) Lee, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1846 and located in Illinois until 1856, when they came to Leon and took up a home- stead of 160 acres of wild land, which the father cleared, built a home and other outbuildings and carried on farming and thresh- ing. In 1899 they removed to Wanamingo and purchased a farm of K. B. Smith, in section 11, where they farmed for four years, after which they retired from active life. Oliver J. received his education in the schools of Leon and at the Red Wing Seminary, after which he attended the Northern Illinois Normal School and Business College, of Dixon, Ill., graduating in 1898, receiving the degree of bachelor of accounts. He then entered the employ of the county attorney as stenographer, at Dixon, Ill., and later taught bookkeeping and shorthand in the business college of Iowa City, Iowa, remaining two years, after which he returned to Wanamingo township and took up teaching in the public school in the winter and worked on the farm in the summer. In 1903 he took charge of the farm and has since engaged in general farming. Mr. Lee was married April 4, 1906, to Louise Walsvik, daughter of L. A. and Inga (Gjesme) Walsvik, natives of Nor- way, who came to America and were among the first settlers of Wanamingo township. Mr. and Mrs. Lee have one child, Jerome Llewellyn, born July 26, 1907. Mr. Lee is a Republican in his political views. The family attends the Lutheran church.

Joseph A. Norstad, a rising young business man of Wana- mingo village. was born at Eagle Grove, Iowa. September 10, 1880, son of Lars and Ingebor (Lenning) Norstad, natives of

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

Norway, who came to America and located in Illinois, later going to Iowa, where they still reside, carrying on farming. Joseph A. acquired his education in Iowa and attended Jewell Lutheran College, in Jewell, Iowa, where he completed the com- mercial course. After finishing school he took a clerkship at Eagle Grove for a time, and subsequently held a similar position at Bellmont, Iowa, for three years. In August, 1904, he removed to Wanamingo and entered the mercantile business, which he still conducts. He was married October 1, 1903, to Hannah E. Haugen, daughter of O. S. and Sigrid (Romo) Haugen, natives of Norway. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Norstad are: Lester E., born May 19, 1905, and Orwin S., born January 29, 1908. Mr. Norstad is an independent Republican in politics, and attends the Lutheran church. He is a highly respected citizen in the village in which he lives. In business he has been very suceess- ful. He comes of good stock and his upright dealings have merited the excellent reputation which his store bears.

Halvor O. Oakland was born in Wanamingo township, where he still lives, September 14, 1861, son of Ole O. and Ture (Hal- vorson) Oakland, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1852, settled in Kirkland, Wis., and in 1854 removed to Wana- mingo township, where they took np a homestead of 160 acres. Later they sold this and purchased 140 acres in seetions 18 and 19, which the father cleared and improved, building a home, and followed general farming until his death, January 26, 1895. The mother died in September, 1887. Halvor received his eduea- tion in the common schools, and in 1882 he went to Coddington county, South Dakota, where he took up a homestead of 160 acres. This he improved and farmed until 1889, when he sold out, returned to Wanamingo township and purchased the old homestead, where he has made many improvements. In 1901 he added thirty acres adjoining, and in 1904 built a new house, which is well furnished throughout. He is now remodeling his barn. Mr. Oakland was married June 23, 1886, to Lena Nerson, daughter of Neri Strand and Guri Toeto, natives of Norway, who came to America and located in Belle Creek township, where they engaged in general farming until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Oakland have six children, Nora, Olof, Gena, Lydia, Hilda and Clara, all living at home. Mr. Oakland is a Repub- liean in his political views. He is now clerk of the school board of district 148, which office he has held for twelve years. He is also a stockholder in the elevators at Kenyon and Bombay. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church.

John G. Olstad, of Wanamingo township, was born in Craw- ford county, Wisconsin, November 25, 1863, son of Ole C. and Carrie (Hostager) Olstad, natives of Norway, who came to

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

America in 1859, located in Crawford county, Wisconsin, and engaged in farming until 1882, when they sold the farm, came to Wanamingo township and purchased a farm in section 23, following general farming up to the time of the father's death. The mother still lives in Wanamingo village. John G. received his education in Crawford county. After leaving school he took up farming, and in 1882 came with his parents to Wanamingo township. In 1889 he purchased a farm in section 35, upon which he built a home and all other buildings necessary and where he has since followed general farming. Mr. Olstad was married July 2, 1889, to Bertha Lawson, daughter of Andrew H. and Catrina (Egeland) Lawson, natives of Norway, who came to America and settled in Wanamingo township, engaging in general farming. The mother died October 4, 1908, but the father is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Olstad have had eight children : Elmer, Clara. Nellie, Gilbert, Charles, William, Leroy and Ida, all living at home. Mr. Olstad is a Republican. He and his family attend the Lutheran church.

Theodore T. Rygh was born in Wanamingo township on the farm where he now lives. March 13, 1873. son of Torger and Rachel Rygh, natives of Norway. Torger came to America with his parents in 1845, locating in Chicago, where they lived until 1856, when they came to Wanamingo and pre-empted 160 acres of land in section 15. He received his education in Wanamingo and worked on the farm with his father until the latter's death, when he came into possession of the farm. He made many im- provements, erected buildings and followed general farming until 1905, when he went to Traill county, North Dakota, where he owns 160 acres of land and where he now resides. The mother. Rachel, died in 1887. Theodore received his education in the common schools and at the Augsborg Seminary, at Minneapolis. In 1904 he took charge of the old homestead in Wanamingo town- ship and has since followed general farming and dairying. Mr. Rygh was married September 5, 1901, to Mary Holtan, daughter of Hans Holtan. To this union have been born four children : Rachel, born April 2. 1902; Hans, born July 16, 1903; Ramer, born January 21, 1905 (deceased) ; and Leah, born February 8, 1908. Mr. Rygh is an independent voter, and was at one time clerk of school board for distriet 60. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Wanamingo. The family attend the Lu- theran church.

Joseph J. Swenson was born in Wanamingo township on the farm where he now resides May 1, 1872, son of John and Anna Swenson, natives of Norway, who came to America and located in Illinois, later coming to Wanamingo township, where they purchased a farm consisting of 160 acres, subsequently adding

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

more land until they had a farm of 302 acres in sections 5 and 8. Upon this land the father built a home for his family and other buildings necessary for his stoek and followed general farming until his death, April 25, 1902. The mother still lives in Kenyon. Joseph received his education in the public schools of Wanamingo and worked on the farm with his father up to the time of his death. In 1902 he purchased the old homestead of 302 acres and improved the land and buildings, carrying on general farming, dairying and stock raising. He has now under construction a new barn, 40x90. November 1. 1905, Mr. Swenson was married at Leon to Emma Edstrom, daughter of Charles and Christine Edstrom, natives of Norway, who came to America and settled in Leon township, where they still reside, engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Swenson have two children : Evelyn B., born September 24, 1906, and Ernest Joseph, born July 13, 1909. Mr. Swenson is a Republican in politics, but has never sought publie office. The family are communicants of the Lutheran church.

Harry S. Swan is a well known young man of Wanamingo village. He was born April 29, 1876, to John J. and Marguerite (Swenson) Swan, natives of Sweden, who came to America June 24, 1887, and reached Kansas, where they lived until 1896, en- gaged in farming. Then they removed to Sherburne county, Minnesota, where they farmed for three years, after which they went to Minneapolis, where Mr. Swan was in the employ of the Bovey & Delaittre Lumber Company seven years. Removing to Isanti county, they remained until they came to Goodhue county, locating on their farm of 100 acres. Harry S. acquired his edu- cation in Sweden and America, after which he farmed with his father for a time and later went to Minneapolis, where he worked for the Bovey & Delaittre Lumber Company for four years. He then went to the village of Isanti, working in the lumber. yards two years, subsequently coming to Wanamingo and entering the service of the Charles Betcher Lumber Company as local manager. This business was later sold to MeMullin Lumber Company, and in 1908 to the Wanamingo Lumber Company, but Mr. Swan still retained his position as general manager, which office he now holds and the duties of which he performs most faithfully. Mr. Swan was married December 12, 1902, at Minneapolis, to Tillie Johnson, a native of Sweden, born February 9, 1876. The chil- dren of this union are : Herbert C., born at Isanti, July 15, 1904; Mildred P., born January 19, 1906, and Russel W., born March 15, 1908, all of whom are at home. Mr. Swan is a Republican in politics and the family attend the Swedish Lutheran church. HIe fraternizes with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Mod- ern Samaritans. For some years he was constable of Wanamingo.

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Mr. Swan is a man of good character, always willing to use his influence in behalf of anything pertaining to the good of the community.

Lars H. Voxland, of Wanamingo township, was born in Holden township, September 1, 1861, son of Halvor and Clara (Quam), natives of Norway, who came to America in the late fifties, and located in Wisconsin, where they were married and came to Holden township in 1858, where they purchased eighty acres of land to which they added from time to time, until they had in all, 680 acres, all in Holden township. Here they carried on general farming until the death of the father, March 4, 1894. The mother is still living on the old homestead with her son George. Lars received his education in the common schools of Holden township and the high school at Faribault, Minn. After leaving school he worked with his father on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, when he came to Wanamingo town- ship and purchased 251 acres in Section 19, where he has since carried on general farming and stock raising. He has added land at different times to his farm, until he now has a fine farm of 750 acres, all in Wanamingo township, except 110 aeres, which is in Holden township, but adjoins the other land. It is all under cultivation. On October 27, 1882, Mr. Voxland was married to Christine Aabye, daughter of Thorsten A. and Olena (Bergan) Aabye, natives of Norway, who came to Dodgeville, Wis., from Norway in 1851. In 1854 they removed to Wanamingo township and took up a homestead of 160 acres of wild land which the father improved, following general farming until his death, May 3, 1901. The mother is still living with her daughter at the age of eighty-three years. She and her husband, with two others. Henry Nelson and William Ronnin, were among the first settlers in this locality. Mr. and Mrs. Voxland have been blessed with ten children : Clara, married to Ole L. Thoen, of Litchfield, Minn .; Lena (deceased) ; Halvor, who is a farmer of Wanamingo, mar- ried to Hannah Wrolstad, June 3, 1909; Olof, Lena, Laura, Man- ton, Alice, Harriett, who are at home, and Carl (deceased). Mr. Voxland is an independent voter, and has been treasurer of school district No. 148. He is one of the directors of the Farmers' Elevator in Kenyon. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church.

Lars A. Walsvik, of Wanamingo township, was born in Nor- way, November 24, 1847, son of Andreas and Segre (Nesseth). natives of Norway, who came to America in 1856, settling in Illinois, and remaining there three years. In 1859 they came to Wanamingo township where they purchased 120 acres of wild land, which the father broke and improved, following general farming until his death, February 19, 1906. The mother died

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June 26, 1906. Lars received his edueation in the common schools and worked on the farm until 1882, when he went to North Dakota, later returning and purchasing the old homestead, where he has made many improvements. He now follows general farm- ing. Mr. Walsvik was married in July, 1875, to Inga M. Gjesme, daughter of Lars and Anna (Mayland) Gjesme. The mother died several years ago, but the father is still living. Mrs. Walsvik died April 13, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Walsvik have had nine children : Sarah, who lives at home; Anna, now Mrs. Anders Turk, of Minne- apolis ; Alma, of Minneapolis; Leonard, living at home; Louisa, married to O. Lee, of Wanamingo ; Hattie, married to C. M. Nes- seth ; Bertha, Inger, and Mary, who live at home. Mr. Walsvik is a Republican in politics, and has held the offices of supervisor and town treasurer, for several years. He is now treasurer of school district No. 61, which office he has held for the past five years. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator of Kenyon.

Senkpiehl Brothers. Among the prosperous and progressive farmers of Goodhue county, G. F. and H. W. Senkpiehl are well entitled to prominent mention. Their large farm is brought to a Ingh degree of cultivation, and the brothers take pride in keeping everything in the best of condition. In the spring, when the black earth is plowed in deep furrows; in the summer, when the crops wave in beauty on the rolling land, and in the fall, when the ripened grains stand in shocks or stacks awaiting the thresher, the farm presents a pleasing picture of intelligent and successful effort along agricultural lines. To the property left them by their father the brothers and their sister, who keeps house for them, have added from time to time until they now own 620 acres of as good land as is found in the county. They carry on general farming with great success and also raise considerable stock, their barns being arranged with a view to the best housing of their cattle. All the stock is well looked after, with the result the dairying operations on the place have proven most profitable. Christian and Mary Senkpiehl. parents of the Senkpiehl brothers, were born in Germany and came to Hay Creek township in 1858 with the early pioneers, taking up a homestead of 160 acres, erecting the necessary buildings and carrying on general farming. In the family were seven children: Charles. Hinnarika, Gustaf, Christine. William, Henry and Christian. The mother died in 1896 and the father in 1901. At the time of the father's death he left 400 acres to his children. This has since been increased to 620 acres and some fine buildings have been erected thereupon.

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 100

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper Number of Pages: 1264

Author: Curtiss-Wedge, Franklyn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, H.C. Cooper
Number of Pages: 1264