History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 106

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

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Andrew B. Haller, of Wanamingo township, is a native of Wernland, Sweden, born April 2, 1850, son of Bjorn and Martha Anderson, who brought their family to America in 1868 and lo-

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

cated in Wanamingo township, living for the first five years in a dugout. They then purchased forty acres in section 13 from Henry Brown, and followed general farming many years, the father also practicing his trade as a tailor. He died June 15, 1899, and the mother June 7, 1901. Andrew B. Haller received his edu- cation in his native country and came to America with his par- ents. He assisted in purchasing and developing the homestead and upon the death of his father came into possession of the home place, which he has since conducted, carrying on general farming. He is a Republican in politics, and although a faithful adherent of that party, has never cared to seek public office. In the family, aside from Andrew B., there were nine brothers and sisters. Ingeborg is the wife of Ole Gunderson, of Red Wing. Mary is the wife of John Johnson, of Red Wing. Nels lives in Lac qui Parle county. Ole lives with Andrew B. at home. Christine is the wife of Andrew Johnson, of Alexandria, Minn., and John Martin, An- ton and Carrie are all on a farm in Canada. The subject of this sketch is an honest. law-abiding citizen, well esteemed in the com- munity where he has made his home.

Frank T. O'Gorman, one of the rising young practitioners of this county, is a native of Belle Creek township, born August 27, 1874. He received his education in the schools of his neighbor- hood, and after completing the course taught in the grades, graduated from the high school at Cannon Falls in 1900. Like many other men of his profession, he laid the foundation of his career by teaching school two years, and then entered the law department of the State University, from which he was gradu- ated in 1905. As a preliminary to starting out for himself, he practiced one year with the law firm of C. D. and Thomas D. O'Brien, of St. Paul. April 1, 1906, he came to Goodhue, and opened an office, entering at once upon a legal career of success and prosperity. He is honest, able and fluent, an ideal country lawyer in every respect. A Democrat in politics, he has served as justice of the peace and has been a candidate for the office of county attorney. In fraternal circles he has affiliated himself with the Knights of Columbus, the Yeomen, the Catholic Foresters and the Commercial Club, in all of which he has taken an active part. John O'Gorman, father of Attorney O'Gorman, was born in Ireland and came to America in 1841, and engaged in the livery business in Racine, Wis., until 1849, when he went to California, with the gold rush, and prospected five years. In 1854 he re- turned to Wisconsin. and lived in Portage until 1865, when he located in Belle Creek township and purchased 160 acres of land, which he later increased to 480 acres, managing this large farm until his death. July 7, 1890. His wife died April 27. 1906. In the family were fourteen children : Catherine, now Mrs. William

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

Loftus, of Minneapolis; Elizabeth, wife of John O'Neal; William, a farmer of Belle Creek township; John, who died in infancy; Sarah, now Mrs. Thomas O'Reilly, of Goodhne township; Charles, living on the oldl homestead: George MI .. a railroad agent. who died July 18, 1904; Henry, a railroad agent at Bowman, N. D .; Anna, now Mrs. Thomas MeHlugh, of Litchfield, Minn. : Edward, a farmer of Belle Creek ; Theresa, now Mrs. Fred Hutchinson, of Featherstone: Frank T., the subject of this sketch; Joseph, who lives at home, and Benjamin, who also lives at home. All the members of the family are highly regarded in the respective com- munities wherein they reside.

Edward L. Sudheimer, master mechanic for the local branch of the Great Western railroad, is a native of this state, born in Ramsey county, near St. Paul, April 21, 1878. His parents, Charles J. Sndheimer and Katherine Simons Sudheimer, natives respectively of Germany and France, came to America in 1849 and settled in Carver county, Minnesota. There the father re- mained several years, engaged in the crockery business. In 1851 he came up the river with the intention of settling on the spot that is now Red Wing, but finding the Indians still in possession, he continued his trip up the river and took up his home in Ramsey county. He retired in December, 1904, and both he and his wife now make their home in St. Paul. Edward L. received his educa- tion in the public and high schools, and his technical training in the University of Minnesota, where he took the course in me- chanical and electrical engineering. He worked two years for the Northern Pacific, then in 1900 entered the employ of the Great Western. March 1, 1908, he received his present appoint- ment and came to Red Wing. Mr. Sudheimer is a Mason and an Elk, and while at the University served as captain of the cadet corps. He was married, in October, 1907, to Charlotte Shipley, of St. Paul, daughter of Lewis and Catherine Shipley, the former of whom is a paving contractor in St. Paul. It is worthy of note that Mrs. Sudheimer's grandfather, on her mother's side, was an admiral in the English navy. To Mr. and Mrs. Sudheimer has been born one son, Lewis, March 13, 1909.

J. M. R. Olmstad, of Leon township, is a fine type of the edu- cated farmer, combining knowledge of farming operations with a goodly store of classical learning. He is a native product of this county, born in Leon township, September 29, 1874, son of R. J. and Perina (Otterness) Olmstad, natives of Norway, who located in Chicago in 1853. After remaining there three years they came to Red Wing, making the trip up the river aboard one of the old Mississippi steamboats. After looking abont a short time they came to Leon township and homesteaded their present farm. At once upon their arrival here they put up a log

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

cabin, hauling all their lumber from Red Wing by ox team. They also conveyed their grain to that city by the same means. In the family there are six sons and daughters. The mother is deceased, but the father is still living, having reached the age of seventy- seven years. J. M. R. Olmstad received his education in the com- mon schools, and then took a two years' course in St. Olaf's Col- lege, and later two years in Carlton College. Upon his return he took up farming on the home place, where he still remains. The family estate consists of 453 aeres, all in Leon township. Of this 300 acres is under the plow, and on this rich land the family car- ries on general farming, making a specialty of high grade cattle and hogs. The subject of this sketch has served for six years as town clerk, and his father was at one time supervisor. The Olmstad farm is well developed and improved and has many neat buildings. making the place well suited for agricultural pursuits along the latest approved methods.

Oscar R. Wermuth. the leading furrier of Red Wing, having an establishment located on Main street, is a German by birth. having first seen the light of day in the German empire, Novem- ber 24, 1873. His father. William Wermuth, and his mother, whose maiden name was Augusta Fredricka, came to America in 1879 and lived about seven years in ('hicago. the father working at his trade as furrier. They then located at St. Paul, where William Wermuth opened a fur establishment, remaining in this business until his death, April 11, 1907. The mother died Febru- ary 11. 1907. Oscar R. went through the public and high schools of St. Paul and also took a course in manual training. At the age of nineteen he started in life for himself as a clerk in the "Standard" office, remaining seven years. Another year. during which time he was employed as clerk in the Minnesota Club, com- pleted his residence in St. Paul. He came to Red Wing in the fall of 1896. and with his father as partner opened a fur dealing establishment on Plum street. This firm was later changed to O. R. Wermuth & Co., with Oscar R. Wermuth and Fred A. Busch as partners. This business Mr. Wermuth has since continued, the store now being on Main street. The business is constantly increasing, and Mr. Wermuth handles not only the finest goods but also has the select trade of Red Wing and the surrounding country. Mr. Wermuth is a Democrat in politics and belongs to the Woodmen. the United Workmen, the Yeomen, the Elks, the Red Men, the Samaritans, the Union Commercial Travelers and the Red Wing Commercial Club. He served four years as a member of Company G. Oscar R. Wermuth was married June 26, 1901, to Elizabeth C. Metzler. of Red Wing, daughter of Daniel and Bertha (Denslage) Metzler, the former of whom, a native of Germany, was a Red Wing brewer. He died July 27,

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

1906. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Wermuth has been blessed with one daughter, Helen Maria, born March 11, 1904. Mr. Wermuth is a member of the German Lutheran and his wife of the Roman Catholic church.

Charles J. Whipple, a prosperous farmer of Zumbrota town- ship, was born in Madison county, New York, September 10, 1846, son of Michael and Mary (Eddy) Whipple, natives and prominent farmers of New York state. The father died in 1870 and the mother in 1856. Charles J. received his education in New York state, after which he took up farming near Rochester, N. Y., until coming west in 1865. In Zumbrota township, February 18, 1886, he bought eighty acres of land and later eighty acres ad- joining this, which he has broken and improved. Besides this 160 acres, he has 160 aeres in Wabasha county. Mr. Whipple was married in February, 1866. to Laura Nichols, daughter of Harsha Nichols, a prominent farmer of Zumbrota. The children by this wife were: Charles. Lewis and Mary, deceased : Clarenee, who is engaged in farming at West Concord, Minn .; and Wallace, who is at Zumbrota Falls, Minn. After the death of the mother of these children, the father was married in 1883 to Mary Colling, daugh- ter of Charles Colling, a furniture manufacturer at Mazeppa. She died March 7, 1897. By this union there were nine children : Marvin, who is at South Troy, Wabasha county; William, who is in Wabasha county; Martha, who is at home; Dolly, who is in Olmsted county; George, Nellie, John, Elsie and Edna are at home. Mr. Whipple is an independent Republican in politics and the family are worshipers at the Methodist Episcopal church. He has served on the school board in his district. Mr. Whipple is a hard-working, conscientious man and well deserves the success he has gained.

Charles Pierpont, proprietor of a tinning shop and well drill- ing works at 120 East Fifth street. is of eastern birth, having first seen the light of day in North Adams, Mass., September 5. 1841. His father, Levi Pierpont (married to Jane Wright, of New York state), was a machinist by trade and lived and died in Massachusetts. Charles received a grammar school education in North Adams, and after leaving school learned the trade of tin- ner. Apprenticeship in those days meant far different from what it does at the present time, and during the three years when Mr. Pierpont was learning the trade he received in all but $150. $25 the first year, $50 the second year and $75 the third. But he learned the work well, and after completing the three years was an expert tinner of a proficiency that more modern systems of apprenticeship do not produce. After working at his trade in Durand, Wis .. from 1867 to 1874, he came to Red Wing, and en- tered the employ of Nelson and Peterson, with whom he remained

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

about eleven years. In 1886 he looked over the field and deter- mined that the time was ripe for another tinning concern in the city. He accordingly opened an establishment of his own, which he has since continued. He employs a force of men the year around, and the rush reason has a considerably increased force. In politics, Mr. Pierpont is a Republican. IIe was married No- vember 8, 1863, to Angeline Martin, of Johnstown, N. Y., daugh- ter of John Martin. a New York farmer. Both her parents are deceased. To Charles and Angeline Martin were born five chil- dren. Carrie J. married Fred Sempt. and upon his death was united in marriage with P. Geaney She is now deceased. Mattie married Eli Coon and lives in Red Wing. Jennie M., married to Richard Ore, also lives in Red Wing. Georgiana married George Bounar, both she and her husband being now deceased. Charles, Jr., is also dead. Angeline Martin died April 10, 1873, and Mr. Pierpont was married, July 29, 1874, to Mrs. Lovetta E. Campbell, danghter of Alpheus and Sallie (White) Sanders, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York state. The father was a mill owner and lumberman in Maine. He sold out his business in 1849 and located at LaCrosse, Wis., remaining there ten years. In 1859 he came to Red Wing and purchased a large tract of land in the eastern part of the city. Sanderson street, for which he gave the right of way, was named in his honor. Mr. Sanderson and his wife are both deceased. To Charles and Lovetta Pierpont was born one daughter, Cora T., born May 22. 1877. She was married January 1, 1893, and upon his death she was united in marriage with William Eisenbrand, who is engaged in the tea, coffee and spice business in this city. By her former marriage to G. W. Campbell, now deceased, Mrs. Pierpont had two children. Frank K. D. is married and lives at Ellsworth, Wis. Nettie Estelle married Oscar Marchesseault. The family faith of the Pierpont family is that of the Presbyterian church.

Herman W. Zemke, of Goodhue township. is another native born son. having first seen the light of day in Goodhue town- ship March 12. 1883. Like other boys of his time, he attended the district schools and spent his spare time working on a farm, an occupation which he continued for a number of years with his father. He now rents the farm from his father and carries on general farming. having 160 acres appropriately divided into plowed land and pasture. Being a man of considerable intelli- gence, he votes independently. and on one occasion he served as road overseer. He was married October 23. 1907, to Clara Kliste, whose parents originally came from Germany. To this union has been born one child, Earl Edward, born June 3, 1908. Her- man Zemke, father of Herman W. Zemke. came from Germany to

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

America and settled in this township, where he purchased eighty aeres which he broke and improved. Later he purchased 160 aeres more and subsequently still another eighty, owning at the present time in addition to this, a half section in North Dakota. Ile is still in the prime of his activities, but his wife died several years ago.

Charles Zander, a substantial German citizen of Hay Creek township, was born in Mecklinburg. July 18, 1850, son of Andrew and Mariah (Zandmann) Zander, who brought their family to America in 1861, and located on the farm which is now owned by Charles Zander. At first they built a shanty with lumber brought from Red Wing, but later erected the comfortable home where the family now lives. The mother died in 1880 and the' father in 1893. Charles was brought up on the farm, and after his parents' death took charge of the home place. Ile owns 380 acres around the homestead in Hay Creek township, and in company with his brother, Andrew. also possesses some land in Belvidere township. He raises some stock and carries on gen- eral farming. Mr. Zander is a Republican in politics, has been a supervisor of the township one year and path master many years. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church. Andrew Zander, brother of Charles, married Marguerite Augustine, and has five children. Mary, Christine. Louis, Gustave and Lena.

A. C. Bryan carries on general farming in an up-to-date man- ner, on a fine homestead in Burnside township. He has a large silo, commodious barns, a well-furnished house, and all the latest farm machinery of every description, having been most success- ful in all his undertakings. Mr. Bryan was born in this county, April 28, 1863, a son of Thomas and Margaret (Gleeson) Bryan. The father came from Ireland in 1847 and settled for a time in Erie county, Pennsylvania, where he remained ten years. In 1857 he came to Burnside and purchased a farm, where he con- tinned general farming until the time of his death, in April, 1906. A. C. showed marked aptitude in his studies in the com- mon schools, and supplemented this training with courses in the normal school at Winona and the Curtiss Business College in Minneapolis. After this he taught school three years. He now makes a specialty, aside from his agricultural pursuits, of feeding stock and selling it on the hoof. Mr. Bryan has been town chairman for five years and for several terms occupied school office. He was married in 1892 to Emma J. Crandall, daughter of J. S. and Cinderilla Crandall, early settlers of the county, who came from New York state via Illinois. To this union have been born five children, Helen, Ralph, Harry C .. Everett and Bernice C.

Andrew O. Berg, of Wanamingo village, was born in Cherry

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HISTORY OF GOODNIUE COUNTY

Grove township, May 6, 1876. His father, O. T. Berg, was a native of Norway, and his mother, Carrie Flatland Berg. a native of Wisconsin. The father eame with his father to this country when a boy of ten years, after a long and perilous voyage, in which his mother, one sister and one brother died, and were buried at sea. The father and the surviving members of his family located in Cherry Grove township, where they worked at various labor. until 1869, when he purchased 120 acres of im- proved land and engaged in farming. Ilere he built a home, barn and other outbuildings, and carried on general and diversi- fied farming, and which he still manages. Andrew O. Berg re- ceived his education in the common school of Cherry Grove, and took a preparatory course at St. Olof's College at Northfield. completing with a course at a Minneapolis business college in 1899. After completing his studies, he entered the First State Bank of Zumbrota, holding the position of clerk until May, 1904. Hle then took the management of the hardware, wagon and farm implement store of Myron & Olson, at Wanamingo, which he still conducts. February 21, 1906, he was married to Mary Shay. daughter of Nicolai Shay, native of Norway, and came to America. locating in Belle Creek, and took up farming. The mother died in 1889 and the father was married again. Mr. and Mrs. Berg have one child, Oswald Norman, born December 24, 1906. In his polities, Mr. Berg is Prohibition. He is a mem- ber of the Modern Samaritans, and was a member of Company D of Zumbrota for one year. He and his family attend Land's Norwegian church.

Michael J. Barry, who owns and operates 120 acres of land in Belle Creek township, was born in Wisconsin, October 22, 1850. to F. John and Ellen (Murphy) Barry. natives of County Cork, Ireland. The father. a farmer, came to America in 1849, settling in Wisconsin, where he farmed eighty acres of land. Later he sold this and purchased one-half section in Belle Creek township, where he followed general farming until his death at Goodhue in December, 1892. The mother died in July, 1888. They had four children. besides Michael: Margaret. married to John Dewitt, a farmer living at Goodhue; Patrick, living in Ellsworth, Minn .. engaged in dray business ; James, living at Min- neapolis, engaged in express business ; Hannah, living at home ; and Ellen S., who died the summer of 1881. Michael received his education in the public school of Belle Creek. After leaving school he farmed with his father. from whom in 1874 he pur- chased 120 acres, on which he still does common farming, and also raises Perchon horses and Shorthorn cattle. Mr. Barry was married November 16, 1875, to Elizabeth Richards, daughter of George and Vandenah (Wentink) Richards, natives of New

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

York. They came west to Waconta in 1855, purchased land and carried on farming until Mr. Richards' death, November 28, 1895. Mrs. Richards is living in Red Wing. Mrs. Barry has two sisters: Emelia, married to Thomas Harlow, living in Chi- cago, and Julia, married to Patrick Edwards, living at Red Wing; also three brothers, George, August and Frank, all deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Barry there have been born eight children, four of whom are now living: Lauretta, married to D. C. Bell, of Goodhne; John F., manager of the Farmers' Elevator at Good- hue; Bernard. at home on the farm; Blanche, at home; and George, who died at the age of seventeen. Mr. Barry is Demo- cratic and the family faith is that of the Catholic church. He is also a member of the Red Men and the Catholic Foresters. He is a good man and a progressive, being highly regarded by those with whom he has dealings. For twelve years he was chairman of the town supervisors and is now serving as clerk of the school board, which position he has held for the past five years.

Abbott L. Ballord, of Minneola township, was born in Hen- driek county, Indiana, June 6. 1874. He received his education in the schools of Minneola and after finishing his schooling worked for his father, engaging in general farming, but making a specialty of dairving and hog raising. He has been very sue- cessful in bringing the farm to a high state of cultivation, having entire charge of the farm for some time. Ilis father and mother are living with him. Mr. Ballard was married September 30, 1896, at Zumbrota, to Charlotte M. Berg, daughter of C. O. Berg, merchant tailor of Red Wing. His wife has four sisters and two brothers, she being the eldest of the family. The second, Mary L., married to Edwin Peterson, of Minneola; Hattie, married Nels Iverson, of Minneapolis; Oscar lives in Chicago; Charles, lives in Superior; Bettie married Carl Lundt, of Minneola, and Nellie still lives in Red Wing. Abbott L. Ballord is a Republican in his political views, and is now serving as clerk of school district No. 65. His fraternal affiliation is with the Modern Samaritans. He is a good citizen and takes an active interest in the affairs of the county in which he lives. His parents are Joshua and Nancy E. (Eames) Ballord. The father was born in Indiana and the mother in Maine, but later moved to Indiana, where she taught school until her marriage to Mr. Ballord, one of the prominent farmers of that community. In 1884 Mrs. Ballord's uncle, a cotton manufacturer of Massachusetts, pre- sented her with a farm in Minneola township, to which they removed and still occupy. The father is a member of Friend's church and the mother is a Baptist.

T. H. Bunn, the leading druggist of Pine Island, was born in

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Pine Island township, October 12, 1866, son of Isaac and Cynthia (Cryley) Bunn, natives of Pennsylvania, and came to Pine Island in 1856, where they took up a homestead of 160 acres and followed general farming until the death of the father in 1887. The mother died in April 29, 1905. They had a family of fourteen children, nine of whom are living. T. H. Bunn re- ceived his education in the common schools and worked on the farm with his father until he was eighteen years old. He then entered a drug store and learned the business. In 1893 he started in the drug business for himself. taking his brother-in-law as a partner, but five years later bought out his interest, and has since continued to conduct the store. He organized the present telephone exchange in 1900, which he controlled until 1908, when he sold out, and also operated the Oronoco telephone sys- tem in partnership with L. L. Cornwell, but sold out the same year in 1903. In 1892 Mr. Bunn was married to Florence Miller, daughter of Charles R. Miller, an early settler in Roscoe town- ship. They have one ehild. Lloyd. In polities Mr. Bunn is a Democrat. He belongs to the Masonic and Modern Woodmen orders. Mr. Bunn is a wideawake and energetic business man and takes an active interest in the affairs of the village. He has a fine home which he ereeted last summer.

James R. Mills, of Stanton township, was born in London, Ohio, August 24. 1840, son of Lewis and Ann (Havener) Mills, natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio in the early days and engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1856 they emigrated west, traveling by team to Dubuque, Iowa, and from there by boat up the Mississippi river to Red Wing. They located in Warsaw township and took up a homestead, which the father broke and cultivated. His life in the west, however, was destined to be short, and he died a year after coming to Warsaw, in Feb- ruary of 1857. The mother lived until 1876. They had a family of six children: John, who left home in 1856 and was never heard from; Margaret. now of North Dakota; Joseph and Will- iam, deceased; Silas, a farmer, and James J., the subject of this sketeh. James received his education in the schools of the county, and worked at home on the farm. In 1865 he enlisted in Company I, Heavy Artillery, remaining until the end of the war. After the war, he returned home and engaged in farming, and has now 200 aeres of land which he managed, carrying on general farming, until he retired in 1889 and rented his farm. He also has 160 aeres in Polk county. He is a Republican and is a member of the G. A. R.

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 106

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