History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 104

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

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Anton V. Anderson was born in Vasa October 31, 1873, son of John and Hannah (Hanson) Anderson, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1868 and located in Vasa township, where they purchased eighty acres of improved land and carried on general farming until 1875, when they sold, removed to Belle Creek township and bought 120 acres of land, where the subject of this sketch now lives. Here the father built a home and other buildings and carried on farming until his death, December 11, 1882. In 1888 the mother was married to P. M. Ljungren. Anton V. received his education in the publie schools of Belle Creek, and afterward took a course at Beeman's Business College, of Red Wing. He also attended the State Agricultural School in 1903 to 1906. During this time, in 1905, he took up farming on the old homestead. He has since continued agricultural opera-

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tions on a large scale, raising excellent crops, horses and dairy cattle. He believes in seientifie farming, and all his farm ma- chinery is of the latest approved design. His progressiveness is shown by the fact that for the past year and a half he has used a milking machine which milks four cows at a time. Its power is furnished by a fine gasoline engine. Mr. Anderson is an up-to- date farmer in every way, standing in the front rank of those who have endeavored to better farm conditions in this county. February 11, 1907, he was married to Emma Monson, daughter of Charles and Mary (Hobart) Monson, both of whom are living in Belle Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have two children : Leonard A., born December 3, 1907. and Edgar J., born January 22, 1909. Mr. Anderson is a Prohibitionist in his political views and has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his community, having held the positions of constable for four years and justice of the peace for the past six years. In 1908 he was a candidate on the Prohibition ticket for the state legislature. He has been president of the Belle Creek Mercantile Co-operative Company since 1904, and of the Belle Creek Creamery since 1901. He is a member of the Good Templar's Mutual Benefit Association of Wisconsin, and he and his family belong to the Swedish Lutheran church.

Johannes Boraas, a substantial farmer, of Belle Creek town- ship, was born in Norway March 18, 1850, son of John and Eliza- beth (Storset) Boraas, who came to America in 1866 and located in Minneola township, remaining until 1871, when they came to Belle Creek township. Here the father. in partnership with Johannes, purchased 130 acres of land and carried on general farming until his death, in November. 1893, the mother having died many years before. Johannes received his education in the schools of Norway, and came to this country in 1866 with his parents. Since his father's death he has added eighty acres to the original purchase of 130 acres, and on this farm he carries on general agricultural operations. He was married June 30, 1871, to Ellen Anna, daughter of Erick P. and Anna Hegge, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1867 and located in Minneola township, where they engaged in farming for the remainder of their life. To Johannes and Ellen Boraas have been born thirteen children. The oldest. Prof. Julius, is super- intendent of county schools; Anna is the wife of Rev. O. J. Marken, of Lac qui Parle county, this state; Lena is the wife of Prof. E. O. Ellingson, of Northfield, Rice county, this state; Ingmar is superintendent of the high school at Ida, Norman county, this state; Joseph, married to Mary Nerison, is a farmer in Belle Creek; Julia, a normal school graduate, is a school teacher; Lydia, Nora, Justinus, Esther, Ethel and Herman are

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at home. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Erick P. Erickson is now serving his second term as a member of the board of supervisors of Belle Creek township and has been on the school board for a number of years. He was born in Sweden November 12, 1867, and received his education in the schools of his native land. also in Rock Island, Ill., where he lived from 1884 to 1887. Ile has devoted his time to farming since early boyhood, and still continues in that occupation, with his father and brother in this township, making his home with his parents. Politically he is an independent voter and fra- ternally he associates with the Modern Woodmen. the Royal Neighbors and the Red Men. Peter and Betsy (Johnson) Erick- son, parents of Erick P .. came from Sweden to America in 1884, and after remaining in Rock Island. Ill .. three years. came to Belle Creek. where the father, in company with his four sons, rented 320 acres of land, upon which they have since conducted general farming and stock raising. In the family are four brothers and three sisters. Erick P. is the oldest. John P. was born March 24, 1869: Carl P. was born December 14, 1870, and lives in San Francisco; Nels P. was born July 24. 1874, and died November 20, 1907: Ellen was born January 31, 1877, and lives in St. Paul; while Margaret, born November 14. 1878, and Anna, born April 2. 1881. both live at home. The family faith if the Ericksons is that of the Swedish Lutheran church.

Walfred Anderson, of Belle Creek township, was born in Sweden November 20, 1852, son of Andrew and Catherine An- derson, natives of Sweden, who came to America July 3. 1864, locating in Leon township, where they purchased eighty acres of land, remaining until 1869, when they sold and purchased 120 acres in Belle Creek township, section 19, which the father broke and improved, following general farming until his death, January 19, 1908, at the age of eighty-nine years. The mother died February 12, 1893. Walfred received his education in the common schools and worked on the farm with his father. In 1877 he took charge of the old homestead, made many improve- ments, built a new house and barn and has since followed general farming. In addition to his farm, upon which he resides, he owns 101 acres adjoining and fifty acres of timber land in Leon township. a total of 271 acres. Mr. Anderson was married No- vember 26, 1880, to Christine Johnson, daughter of John and Johannah Johnson, natives of Sweden. They came to America in 1854, locating in Chicago, where they remained for two years, after which they came to Leon township and took up a claim of 160 acres and engaged in farming until the father's death. five years later. The mother died in July, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Ander-

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son have four children: Selma married Arthur Swenson, who has a share in the G. O. Miller & Co. store at White Rock, where he resides ; Alice. Clifton and Whilmer live at home. Mr. Ander- son is a Republican in politics, has held the office of supervisor for seven years. and has been director on the school board for twelve years. He owns stock in the Farmers' Elevator at Good- hue and in the Belle Creek Creamery. Mr. Anderson has achieved success through his own efforts.

John C. Jacobson was born in Belle Creek township Septem- ber 15, 1872, son of Colbin and Mary (Burg) Jacobson, natives of Norway, who emigrated to America in 1870, locating in Illinois, where the father was employed at form work. In 1871 they removed to Minnesota, settled in Belle Creek township and purchased eighty acres of wild land, which the father broke and improved, built a home and other buildings, and carried on general farming and stock raising. He has now retired and his son. Aron O., manages the farm. John C. received his education in the public schools of Belle Creek and worked at home on the farm until 1896, when he bought eighty acres in Belle Creek township, where he has made many improvements and carries on farming and stock raising. Mr. Jacobson was married November 15. 1896. to Hilda C. Vanberg. daughter of Charles and Augusta (Erickson) Vanberg. The mother was a native of Sweden and the father of America. They farmed in Goodhue county until the death of the father. in 1877. The mother is now living in California. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson have three children : Mabel A .. born August 16, 1897; Conrad H. J., born February 16, 1900, and Esther A .. born September 20, 1901. Mr. Jacobson is a Republican in polities, and is serving his second term as town supervisor. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator of Goodhue. The family attend the Norwegian Lutheran church.

John P. Mark, proprietor of Belle Rock Farm, of Belle Creek, was born in Wisconsin August 2, 1857, son of John and Louise Peterson, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1845, set- tling in Boston, Mass., where they remained until 1849, when they emigrated west to California, the father engaging in pros- pecting for four years, after which he returned to Boston, and removed to Wisconsin the same year, loeating at Stoughton. Here he purchased eighty acres of land, of which a part was improved. They remained in Wisconsin until 1862, after which the father sold his farm and moved to Minnesota, settling in Leon township, where he bought eighty acres of prairie land, which he improved. and carried on general farming, built a home and other buildings necessary, remaining twelve years. In 1874 he sold and came to Belle Creek township and purchased 160 acres of land. which he improved in many ways. The father

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died in 1902 and the mother in 1901. John P. received his educa- tion in the public schools and the Swedish parochial schools and worked on the farm with his father until in 1880, when he took up a homestead of 160 acres of land in Dakota territory, which he proved up, and bought 160 acres more, built a home and all buildings necessary and carried on general farming for fourteen years, after which he returned to Belle Creek township on account of the death of his brother, to assume the management of his father's farm, which he has since continued, carrying on general farming and stock raising. also making a specialty of dairying. He has now under construction a barn 36x64. Mr. Mark was married March 15, 1880, to Christine Anderson, of Red Wing, daughter of Peter and Katie Anderson, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1870 and located at Red Wing, where the father worked at various labors. The mother died in 1892, but the father is still living with his daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Mark have been blessed with five children: Louise C., Chester, Levi E., Inez H. and Ward J. Mr. Mark has held several prom- inent offices, and is a member of the Episcopal church. Fra- ternally he affiliates with the A. O. U. W.

John P. Schweiger was born in Belle Creek township Febru- ary 5, 1871, son of Henry and Martha C. (Chandler) Schweiger, who were natives of Canada and Maine. The father, a farmer, came to Minnesota in October, 1855, landed at Red Wing and located in Belle Creek township, where he purchased 160 acres of land, a part of which was improved. He continued to improve, ereeting a home and other buildings, and carried on general farming and stock raising. He added more land from time to time until he had 285 acres, which he managed until his death, July 5, 1907, at the age of sixty-six years. He was treasurer of the township and school district many years. The mother resides on the homestead with her son, the subject of this sketch. John P. received his education in the Belle Creek schools and worked with his father on the farm until 1907, when he assumed the management of the homestead. He has one sister, Louisa Ellen, living at home, and one brother, Carl B., also living at home, working on the farm with his brother. Mr. Schweiger is an independent voter. He is a stockholder in the Belle Creek Creamery. Fraternally he affiliates with the M. W. A., venerable council, and holds the office of advisor. The family faith is that of the Episcopal church.

J. Albert Swanson was born in Belle Creek township February 1, 1860, son of John F. and G. Albertina (Carlson) Swanson, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1851, settling in Boston, Mass., where the father worked at his trade of shoe- making until 1858, when they emigrated west to Minnesota,

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and settled in Vasa township, where they took up a homestead of 160 acres of land, which the father broke, cleared and im- proved, remaining there until 1865, when they removed to Belle Creek and bought a farm consisting of 160 acres, of which Gustaf Carlson owned a half interest, and carried on a general line of farming. Later Mr. Swanson purchased Mr. Carlson's interest. J. A. Swanson received his education in the public schools of Belle Creek and worked on the home farm, where he still remains. J. F. Swanson, the father, died in 1902 and his wife is still liv- ing. J. A. is one of four children, of whom two are living. Mary Louise and Emma C. are dead. and C. E. and Albert live on the farm. Albert was married in 1886 to Elizabeth Smithson. daughter of Robert and Sarah Smithson, natives of England, who emigrated to America in 1858 and settled in Belle Creek township, where they purchased 320 acres of land and have since carried on general farming. The father, Robert Smithson, died in 1906 and the mother in 1874. To Albert Swanson and his wife have been born nine children. of whom the six living are: Arnold. Charlotte, Gladys. Harold. Raymond and Laura. The Swanson brothers are Republican in politics, and attend the Swedish Lutheran church.

Hans Mattson, pioneer and soldier, was born December 23. 1832, in Onnestad. Skane, Sweden; died March 5, 1893. The "North," at the time of his death, gave the following biography of him: "Ile received a good education in Kristianstad; served a year and a half in the Swedish army as cadet of the artillery. Emigrated in the spring of 1851, arriving at Boston June 29. Suffered in the hardships and disappointments incident to igno- rance of the English language, and inability to perform hard manual labor. Went west to Illinois in 1852. settling the next year in Minnesota, which henceforth remained his home. Was married in 1855 at Vasa, Goodhne county, Minnesota, to Cherstin Peterson, who, with five children, survives him. Quit farming and went into mercantile business, but was caught in the crisis of 1857. Read law at Red Wing and was admitted to the bar, but soon gave up practice to become county auditor of Goodhue county. Commenced to take active part in politics as a Repub- liean. During the summer of 1861 organized a company of young Goodhne county Swedes and Norwegians, with whom, in the fall, he reported at Fort Snelling. was elected its captain and went south with the Third Regiment in November. Was pro- moted to major the following year; was on his way back after having been home. sick, on furlough. when the regiment sur- rendered at Murfeesboro. Was made lieutenant colonel after the surrender of Vicksburg. and in April. 1863, was promoted to colonel, remaining in command of the regiment until September

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LISAAEY

Fris auck Quock

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16, 1865, when it was mustered out at Fort Snelling, Minn. Assisted in establishing .Svenska Amerikanaren' in Chicago. Was in 1867 appointed secretary of the Minnesota board of emigration, returning on his first visit to Sweden in 1868. Was in 1869 elected secretary of state for Minnesota, but left before the expiration of his term with his family for Sweden, as general agent in northern Europe for the Northern Pacific Railroad Com- pany. Returned to the United States early in 1876. Was elected a presidential elector the same year. Helped establish 'Svenska Tribunen,' of Chicago, having previously commenced the publi- cation of the Minnesota 'Stats Tidning,' at Minneapolis, with which latter he remained identified until 1881. On July 2, 1881. was appointed consul general to India. Filled this important position with great credit for two years, when he returned home and tendered his resignation. Was appointed manager of a land grant company in New Mexico and Colorado. In 1886 was elected secretary of state for Minnesota, and re-elected in 1888. serving two terms. In 1887 he organized the Security Savings and Loan Association, of Minneapolis, whose president he was at the time of his death. Two years later he formed a company for the publication of 'The North.' Was one of the principal pro- moters, in 1888, of the 250th anniversary celebration of the land- ing of the first Swedish settlers on the Delaware, and collected the addresses delivered on this occasion in a small souvenir. In 1891 wrote and published a volume of recollections, which in the Swedish version is known as 'Minnen,' while the English edition is entitled 'The Story of an Emigrant.' Mattson's knowledge was confined to no particular class of people. Swedish-Americans naturally looked up to him as a leader, for he possessed in an eminent degree many of the requirements of leadership." The "Valkyrian" for August, 1897, says of Mattson: "His character shows us. in general features, the product of the two factors, Swedish birth and education combined with a long and active life under the protection of the American flag. Very few Swe- dish-Americans have led such a romantic life as his. It was rich in sudden changes and new departures; and behind the outlines of this life lay an interesting world which at first sight looked less important, but which in fact is more instructive to him who desires to study it in the light of the spirit of the times in which he most vigorously appeared as the Swedish pioneer in America."

Friedrich Busch was born October 8, 1839, in Reuthen, West- phalia, Germany. Ile attended the Catholic parochial school of his native place, later entered the Gymnasium of Brilon, at West- phalia, and afterward pursued higher studies at Muenster with the Jesuit Fathers. The opportunities of the United States

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attracting him, he came to Red Wing in 1860 and entered the employ of Friedrich & Hack. Some years later he went into business himself, under the firm name of Olson & Busch, groceries and dry goods, the business continuing for eleven years. In 1875 Mr. Busch left Red Wing and engaged in the hardware busi- ness in Mankato, Minn., under the firm name of Meagher & Busch. His exceptional qualities as a financier became well known and the position of cashier in the First National Bank was offered him. This position he held until he was called to a wider field of operation as cashier in the Goodhue County Bank, at Red Wing, through the inducement of his elder brother, Will- iam. Mr. Busch in course of time became one of the directors, the largest stockholder and president of the bank, which posi- tion he held until compelled by ill health to resign, in 1906. Mr. Busch was connected with the following enterprises: President of Goodhne County Bank, president of the La Grange Mills, director in Red Wing Union Stoneware Company, director in Red Wing Sewer Pipe Company, director in Red Wing Hat Com- pany, and director in Red Wing Cigar Company. Mr. Busch was a heavy investor in farm lands in Goodhue and Pierce counties. He was a member of the German Roman Catholic Benevolent Society, of the Knights of Columbus, and of the Commercial Club. Mr. Busch was a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and deeply interested in church work. He died January 27, 1908, leaving nine children : Joseph F., now Rev. J. F. Busch, director of Mission Band of the archdiocese of St. Paul; Mary, now Ven. Sr. M. Hildegard of Sisters of Christian Charity ; Fried- rich A., residing at Red Wing; Clement, residing at Bismarck, N. D .: Francis, now with Jesuit Fathers, St. Louis, Mo., to be ordained three years hence; Lucy, wife of Patrick W. MeKasey, residing at Le Suenr, Minn .: William. now Rev. William Busch, assistant priest at St. Luke's church, St. Paul; Bernard, student at St. Paul Seminary : Margaret, residing with her mother at St. Paul.

Elias P. Lowater was born July 20, 1820, at Dunham, Canada, and in 1854 came to Red Wing, where he opened a shoe store, afterward conducting a book, stationery and jewelry business where the St. James hotel now stands, which he sold to Rosen- bloom & Sheldon and engaged in the grocery business on the corner of Fourth street and West avenue. He took an active part in the affairs of the little settlement that he found here, and in his store was discussed the future greatness of the recently settled village. To Mr. Lowater, it is believed, belongs the credit for having proposed the introduction of the alley system, when the place was first platted and laid out. In politics he was a Republican, and held the office of postmaster in the early sixties.

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Ile was an earnest advocate of temperanee, belonged to the Sons of Temperance and Good Templars, and was one of the founders of the Methodist church, to which he belonged for many years. He was married October 27, 1847, to Susan J. MeIntire, of Han- over, N. H., and six children blessed this union, three of whom are living: Wallis S., of Red Wing; Mrs. Fred Tebben, of Spokane, Wash., and Mrs. L. P. Cordell, of La Crosse, Wis. Effie, Edith and Lettie, the other sisters, are deceased. Mr. Lowater died in 1888.

Wallis S. Lowater, proprietor of a boat livery on the levee at Red Wing, is a native of the city, born April 10, 1869, son of Elias P. and Susan J. (MeIntire) Lowater, early pioneers. After attending the public and high schools of Red Wing Wallis S. worked in the store with his father, and after his father's death took charge of the business for his mother several years. The store, together with the house and lot, was sold after the death of the mother, and in 1904 Mr. Lowater took up his present business, in partnership with H. E. Sayles, with whom he also engaged in wood sawing. He has never married and has never cared for public life, either in a fraternal or political way. He has, however, since his first vote, consistently voted the Repub- lican ticket. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church.

F. W. Kohn, of Florence township, was born in Ilay Creek township April 24, 1856, son of Frederick and Sophia (Vesphal) Kohn, natives of Mecklenburg, Germany, who came to America in 1853 and located in New York state, remaining three years. In 1856 they came to Hay Creek township, where they took up a homestead, which the father cleared and improved, and carried on general farming until a few years before his death, when they moved to Florence township. The father died in 1900 and the mother in 1906. F. W. Kohn received his education in the public schools of the township, and after being employed by others for a while, engaged in farming for himself on a place of 264 acres, of which 140 is under cultivation. He has made many improve- ments on the place, built a fine house and barns, and carries on general and diversified farming, also dairying. He was married March 14, 1882. to Louise Isensee, daughter of IIenry and Caro- line (Opperman) Isensee, natives of Brunswiek, who came to the United States in 1852, remaining in New York for one year, after which they came to St. Paul. They remained only a short time in St. Paul, and then went to Florence township, where the father engaged in his trade of plasterer and stone mason. He plastered the first house in Red Wing. He carried all his supplies to Florence from Red Wing, sometimes nsing ox teams. Mr. and Mrs. Kohn have three children living: Clara married John Steffenhagen; Caroline and Fred live at home. Lonis, the

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oldest, died in 1898. at the age of fifteen years. Mr. Kohn is a Republican in politics, has served on the town board four years, and has been clerk of school district No. 93 for the past twenty-two years.

Nels J. Olness, vice-president of the Farmer's State Bank, of Wanamingo, since its organization, was born in Norway May 7, 1855. son of Jacob and Carrie (Quam) Olness, the latter of whom died in the late fifties and the former of whom is still living in Norway at the grand old age of ninety-seven years. Nels J. received his education in the public schools and farmed in his native country until 1877. when he came to America, located in Adams Mower county, Minnesota, and two years later went to Moorehead. Clay county. this state, and did farm and railroad work for several years. after which, in 1879, he purchased a quarter-section. Some seven years later he came to Cherry Grove and acquired 145 acres, to which he afterward added by purchase until he now owns 305 acres, upon which he conduets general farming and stock raising. He also owns seventeen acres of timber land in Dodge county. Minnesota. In addition to his banking and farming interests, he has been president of the Wanamingo Lumber Company since its organization, and was director in the Wanamingo Creamery Company for twelve years. Politically he is a Republican, and has been school director of district 84. Mr. Olness was married November 12. 1886, to Chris- tina Anderson, who has borne him four children: Josephine (deceased), Annie J. (deceased). Arthur (deceased) and Jacob. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which Mr. Olness has been trustee for several years. Arne A. and Carrie Bjorg. parents of Mrs. Olness, came from Norway to Wisconsin. and in 1862 to Cherry Grove, where they purchased the farm where the Olness family now resides. The father, who served in the Civil War, died in 1894, and the mother lived until 1900, when she. too, passed to her eternal reward.

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 104

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