History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 108

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

USA > Minnesota > Goodhue County > History of Goodhue County, Minnesota > Part 108

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).

1000

· HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

1893, he retired from active work and bought a home on East avenue in Zumbrota. Mr. Mathews was married, July 1, 1883, at Zumbrota to Anna J. Miller, daughter of Alfred J. and Amy A. (Davis) Miller, who came from Nova Scotia, first settling in Illinois and later removing to Zumbrota. The father died in 1882 and the mother is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Mathews had three children : Leslie E., born August 23, 1884; Margie A., born October 7, 1886; Robert A., born September 21, 1889. Mrs. Mathews died October 14. 1898, at Zumbrota and Mr. Mathews was married June 24, 1908, to Emma E. Miers, of Zumbrota, daughter of Simon and Catherine ( Weiss) Miers, the father being a retired farmer of that place. Mr. Mathews is a Republican in his political views and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Modern Samaritans. He and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

Swen L. Swenson, of Zumbrota village, was born in Minneola township, August 25, 1864, son of Lars and Borgel (Haugen) Swenson. They located in Minneola township in 1860, purchas- ing 170 acres of land, which the father broke and improved, erecting a comfortable home for himself and family, and other farm buildings for his stock. He followed general farming until he retired in 1894, at which time his son, the subject of this sketch, purchased the homestead. Swen L. received his educa- tion in the public schools of Minneola and after finishing his school days remained with his father on the farm, assisting him until he became owner. He added many improvements to the . place and was a very successful and progressive farmer, continu- ing to live on the farm until 1906. when he rented it and removed to Zumbrota village, purchasing a substantial home, where he now resides with his mother, his father having passed away in 1895. Mr. Swenson is Republican in his political views, but has never sought public office. He has made his own way by industry and perseverance, being a man who was not only a good farmer, but a good citizen, being interested in the affairs of the village in which he lives. He and his mother attend the Lutheran church. Mr. Swenson has never married.

Ole A. Stonedahl, of Zumbrota village, was born in Decorah, Iowa. August 25. 1854, son of Ragnald K. and Martha Stonedahl. originally from Norway. They came to America in 1878, locat- ing in Wisconsin for five years. for one year in Iowa. and then in 1854 in Fillmore county. Minnesota, where they purchased 160 acres of land. To this they added at different times until they had 520 acres. which they broke and improved. following general farming up to the time of the father's death in 1851. The mother died June 20, 1865. Ole acquired his education in the public schools and the business college of LaCrosse, Wis., and

1001

HISTORY OF GOODIIUE COUNTY

worked with his father until twenty years of age. Subsequently he farmed one year for himself in the county, worked at the machine trade one year and then located in South Dakota two years. After this he went to Norman county. Minnesota and homesteaded 160 acres of land on which he farmed for seven years. In 1889 he removed to Cummings, N. D., and bought grain for two years, and in 1891 became manager of the Na- tional Elevator Company for twelve years, after which he ae- cepted the position of general manager for the Zumbrota Farmers' Mercantile and Elevator Company, which position he still holds. Mr. Stonedahl was married October 9, 1892, at Cum- mings, N. D., to Martha Holm. Their home is brightened by the presence of an adopted daughter Mary and a little nieee whom they have cared for sinee two years old. Mr. Stonedahl is a Republican and has the excellent record of twelve years' service as constable and two years' service as assessor at Cummings, N. D. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen and attends the Lutheran church.

Charles Himmelman is a name that will be remembered for many generations to come. whenever the story is told of the early days of Vasa township. He first saw the light of day in Sweden, April 26, 1827, and after going to school and working for a time in that country he came to America in 1853. One year later he' took up his residence in Vasa and pre-empted some land, where he carried on farming operations on an extensive scale. Adding to his property from time to time, he finally owned 460 acres, all rich and under eultivation. He was the first chairman of the township of Vasa and he and his family were numbered among those who joined the church at Vasa at the time of its organization by the Rev. E. Norelius. In 1859, he rented his farm and came to Red Wing, where he carried on the grain business until 1870. In 1862, while still engaged in selling grain, he purchased a farm in Belle Creek township, and eight years later moved onto the place, carrying on general farming for sev- eral years. From 1888 to 1892 he sold sewing machines in Red Wing and then went to California with his family for the benefit of his health. There he remained until his death, November 9, 1901. After his decease. his widow returned to Red Wing and took up her residenee at 611 East avenue, where she still resides. Aside from the office above mentioned, Mr. Himmelman saw pub- lie service as supervisor, justice of the peace and town clerk. He was married October 23, 1850, at Boraas, Sweden, to Pauline Constantia Brovall, who came to America in 1857, and joined her husband at Vasa. To this union were born three children : Alma M., born March 10, 1851, died July 26, 1867: Teckla M., born March 6, 1852, died March 31, 1852; Charles, born May 4,

1002

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

1853, at Sweden, is now a farmer in Belle Creek township, this county. Hilma (adopted) married John Webster, of Red Wing.

Dr. H. L. Brynildsen, the late physician of Vasa, was born in Nedre Telemarken, Norway. where he for a short period at- tended the public schools. In the early sixties he emigrated to America, settling first in Minneapolis, where he began to study medicine, and later on engaged in the practice of the medical profession in Goodhue county, where he resided about thirty years, until his death, June 29, 1908. During all these years Dr. Brynildsen also engaged in the general merchandise business and enjoyed the confidence of the entire community. Dr. Brynildsen was for many years "the Good Samaritan" in Vasa, and hun- dreds are those to whom he extended a helping hand, medical assistance, when in sickness and distress. His true worth has perhaps nor never will be appreciated as it should in Vasa and the surrounding towns, but be that as it may, he was an un- selfish man, possessed of a tender heart and had the welfare of the community at heart. Mrs. H. L. Brynildsen, who is also a native of Norway, was married to Mr. Brynildsen in Minneapolis about thirty years ago and has, together with her husband, spent her life in Vasa. where she still resides with two sons and one daughter. To Dr. and Mrs. Brynildsen were born the following children, who are all alive: Allan Undvig, hardware merchant, Stampede, N. D .; Robert Justus, farmer at Fern, N. D .; Lillie. nee Mrs Bertle Nelson, whose husband is the leading banker and attorney at Flaxton, N. D .; Delmar, merchant at Vasa, Minn .; and IIerbert, who is engaged as a clerk in his brother's store at Vasa. Delmar was born in Vasa, March 12, 1885. He attended the public schools in Vasa and from early boyhood his mind has turned to business, so that it was not a surprise to his many friends that he engaged in the mercantile business, in which he is making a splendid success. In December, 1908, he married Alice Larson, the youngest daughter of Gustaf Larson, a well- to-do farmer of Featherstone. Young Brynildsen is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church at Vasa and of the Modern Woodmen of America, takes a great deal of interest in road im- provements and is a rising man in the community.

Osee Matson Hall, of Red Wing, was born in Conneaut, Ohio. graduated at Williams College in the class of 1868; has since resided and practiced law in Red Wing; was elected to the fifty- second congress and re-elected to the fifty-third congress, repre- senting the third Minnesota district. At present he is a member of Minnesota State Tax Commission. In the early days of his practice he was in partnership with W. C. Wiliston, later district judge, and later with N. O. Werner, now president of the Swedish- American Bank of Minneapolis.

1003

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

Charles P. Hall was born in Red Wing, graduated at Hobart College in the class of 1897; taught school one year in western New York, and graduated from the law department of the Uni- versity of Michigan in 1901. Admitted to the bar in Minnesota in 1902; practiced in co-partnership with O. M. Hall until 1904, when he located at Cannon Falls, holding position of city attor- ney 1905-6-7. At present he practices in Red Wing and Cannon Falls.

William Busch received his education in the public schools of Germany, and at the age of twenty years, in 1851, came to America. Seventeen months' work at the baker's trade in New York gave him enough money to move to Chicago, where he remained from 1853 to 1858. At Hay Creek, in this county, which was then being settled, he took up a claim of 160 aeres and carried on farming about eighteen years. Although he pros- pered in this venture he had a desire for larger business ventures, and in 1876 he sold his farm and came to Red Wing, where he invested his money in several different concerns, including the Goodhue County Bank, of which he is now a director. He is also a director in the Red Wing Sewer Pipe Company, the Red Wing Milling Company, the Linseed Oil Company and the Red Wing Briek Manufacturing Company. IIe is vice president of the LaGrange Mills. His real estate holdings include city prop- erty. a 320-acre farm in Vasa township and a 185-aere farm in Featherstone township. In politics, Mr. Busch is a Democrat. He has been township supervisor and a member of the city coun- cil. In 1853-1854 he served in the militia. To the Knights of Pythias he pays his fraternal allegiance. William Busch was married in February, 1868, to Fredericka Wolbrus, by whom he has six children.

Carl E. Vangsness was born in Wisconsin, October 14, 1860, son of Iver and Unni Vangsness. He received his education in Belle Creek, and worked on the farm with his father until he was twenty-eight years of age, when he purchased eighty acres of land in Section 29; he also rents 160 acres and follows a gen- eral line of farming and stock raising. Mr. Vangsness was mar- ried March 2. 1888, to Elizabeth Iverson, daughter of Iver and Berit (Romo) Iverson, natives of Norway. They came to America and located in Wanamingo township, where they have since been engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Vangsness have ten children : Ingmar, who is a student at the State University; Iver, Bella, Henry, Rudolph, George, Ida, Florence, Luella and Clarence. Mr. Vangsness is a Republican in his polities and has been road overseer and director of the school board for several years. Ile and his family are members of the Norwegian Lu- theran church.

1004

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

George F. Wolfe was born on the farm where he now resides, in Belle Creek township, September 4, 1878, son of Zenius and Susan (Cook) Wolfe. The father was born in Minnesota and the mother in Pennsylvania. The father worked at various labor in early life, then engaged in farming in this county, which he followed until his death in November, 1896. The mother still lives with her son. George received his education in Belle Creek township, after which he took up farming on the farm he now owns, renting it in 1901, and in 1904 he purchased it. This farm consists of 200 acres located in Section 16, and was the old homestead of his grandfather Jacob Cook, who purchased the land in 1856. It was all wild land. and he broke. cleared and improved it and followed general and diversified farming until his death. This land is now all under cultivation and George has erected a new house and several outbuildings, following gen- eral farming and stock raising. September 11, 1907, George was married to Sarah M. Nelson, who was a prominent school teacher, having taught for several years in this county. She was the daughter of C. J. and Jennette Nelson. The father was of Swed- ish descent and the mother of Norwegian. They were prominent farmers of Belle Creek township. The father died in June, 1905, but the mother is still living on the old homestead with her son. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe have no children. Mr. Wolfe is a staunch Prohibitionist in his political views, and is constable of the town- ship, also clerk of the school board of district No. 39, which office he has held for seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe are mem- bers of the Episcopal church. Fraternally Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe affiliate with the I. O. G. T. of Belle Creek.

John A. Cavanaugh was born at Belle Creek February 6, 1871, son of Timothy and Mary (Ryan) Cavanaugh, natives of Ireland. They came to America and located in Belle Creek township. where they took a homestead of 160 acres, which they broke and improved. Timothy Cavanaugh'served in the Civil War as cor- poral Company G, Seventh Regiment Minnesota Volunteers. Be- side doing a general line of farming, the father raised horses and eattle. In 1886 he had 110 acres under cultivation, and in that year he took up his home in St. Paul, where he died in 1894. The mother is still living in St. Paul. John A. received his edu- cation in the common school of Belle Creek and completed the commercial course of study in the high school of St. Paul. He then worked in a railroad office until the summer of 1894, when he came to Belle Creek and took charge of the farm, doing a general line of farming. He has eight horses and twenty head of cattle, also raises pure bred Plymouth Rock chickens as a specialty, and is now erecting a 36x78 stock barn which is mod- ern in every way, also 20x36 grain elevator and 20x30 hog house

1005

HISTORY OF GOODIIUE COUNTY

in connection with same, all with basement bottom. Mr. Cava- naugh was married December 31. 1895, to Annie M. Underdahl, daughter of Engebrecht Underdahl and Johanna Lilleskov, of Norway, who came to America and settled near Cannon Falls, where they carry on a general line of farming. They have now retired from farming and are living in Albert Lea, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Cavanaugh have a family of six children : Mary T., Thomas E., John H., Bernard F .. Joseph I., and Helen J., all at home. Mr. Cavanaugh is an independent voter and the family faith is that of the Catholic church. At the present time he is serving as town clerk of Belle Creek ; he is also secretary of the Farmers' Co-operative Elevator of Goodhue. Ile is a member of the Mod- ern Woodmen of America, the Royal Neighbors and the Catholic Order of Foresters, the latter of which he is financial secretary. Mrs. Cavanaugh is also a member of the Royal Neighbors.

A. W. Tillman lives on the Tillman homestead in Welch, which he conducts for the family estate. the property not having been divided upon the death of the parents. He was born in this township. on the place where he still resides, May 7, 1877, son of E. and Nellie (Nelson) Tillman, early settlers of Afton, Washington county. this state, where they settled after coming to this country from Sweden. In 1874 they came to Welch town- ship, and followed farming for the remainder of their lives. The mother died March 23, 1906, and the father August 29, 1908. They left children, all of whom are an honor to the family name. Emma is married; Lillian is at home; A. W. is the subject of this sketch; Frank is associated with his brother in managing the family estate; Gillmore is a bookkeeper and stenographer for the Eagle Iron Works at Minneapolis; and Hildegard is at home, keeping house for her brothers. A. W. was brought up on the home farm and has since remained here with the exception of three years at different intervals spent on his farm of 360 acres in Canada. Like many men who like to think for themselves, he is an independent voter. Having a liking for congenial com- panionship, he has associated himself with the Modern Woodmen at Welch. The Tillman estate consists of 120 acres of good land, with comfortable house and buildings, all the improvements being the work of the father and sons.

Richard A. Tiller, son of John and Mina (Sjervold) Tiller, was born in Wanamingo township, October 5, 1875. The parents were natives of Norway, where the father was a blacksmith by trade. They came to the United States in 1863, locating in Chicago, Ill., where they remained for two years, the father being employed as carpenter. Then they came to Red Wing, where he was employed in Densmore Brothers' foundry, remaining for ten years, after which he went to Wanamingo and started a

1006

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

blacksmith shop. and in 1894 purchased land consisting of 148 acres. Here he built a home and other outbuildings and carried on general farming and stock raising until his death, February, 1908. The mother is still living on the homestead. Richard received his education in the public school, and after leaving school days behind worked on the farm with his father until in 1903, when he went into the dray and livery business, which he has since continued. He was married October 28, 1905, to Jen- nie Kolsum, daughter of S. E. Kolsum, a native of Norway, who came to America and located in Minneola township, and later moved to Cherry Grove township, where they engaged in farming on 160 acres of land. The mother died May, 1893, and the father died January 24, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Tiller have no children. Mr. Tiller is a Prohibitionist in his polities, and has served as constable for two terms. Mr. Tiller is a succesful busi- ness man, doing an extensive dray and livery business, and has recently erected a new and modern barn.

Andrew Johnson, of Welch township, was born in Sweden, April 10, 1846, son of John and Sara Johnson, natives of Sweden. Ile came to America in 1871 and located in Red Wing, where he worked for farmers for five months, and in the pineries, where he was employed two winters. Then he came to Welch town- ship, renting a piece of land for a short time, after which he pur- chased 162 acres of land which he improved, built a home, and carried on general farming, dairying and stock raising. In 1876 he was married to Eunice Peterson. Their home has been blessed with five children : Mary, married Nels Arlingson, a farmer of Vasa township; Frank A., lives at home: Carrie, who is in St. Paul, married Emil Carlson, foreman of the stock yards; Charles N., is a bookkeeper at Adler & Schacht, of Red Wing; and Arthur C., lives at home. Mr. Johnson is a Republican in his political views, and has served as supervisor for the past ten years; he is also a member of the school board of his district. The family are members of the Swedish Lutheran church, of which he is one of the trustees.

Thomas A. Agnew, proprietor of the Cannon Falls Canning Company, is at the head of an institution which has already met with great success, and promises in the future to meet with still greater prosperity. furnishing as it does an opportunity to the farmers for disposing of their products without seeking far-away city markets. Mr. Agnew was born April 11, 1873, and, after attending the common schools, learned stenography and book- keeping. His first experience in the canning business was in Westfield, N. Y., where he thoroughly mastered all the details. In 1904 he came to Cannon Falls and opened his present estab- lishment, canning vegetables of all kinds, but making a specialty

1007

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

of a fine grade of sweet corn. The eorn chosen for canning by Mr. Agnew is of the sweetest and best, and the process insures absolute cleanliness. Mr. Agnew has associated himself with the Masonic order, and in polities he is an independent voter. By Laura Watson, whom he married September 16, 1897, he has one laughter, Dorothy, born March 24, 1907. The family faith is that of the Congregational church. William and Minnie (Leahy), Agnew, parents of Thomas A., were both natives of Pennsylvania. The mother died in 1877, and the father still lives in his native state, where he is engaged as a railroad engineer.

Andrew J. Vangsness, of Belle Creek township, was born in Wisconsin, January 8, 1858, son of Iver and Una Vangsness, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1854 and located in Wisconsin, where the father engaged in general labor until 1862, when they came to Belle Creek township and purchased 130 acres of wild land on Section 31, which the father broke and cleared, improved the land and built a home and other buildings necessary to carry on successful farming. IFere he died on May 2. 1905, the mother having passed away in 1868. Andrew re- ceived his education in Belle Creek township, and worked with his father on the farm until 1905, when he and his brother came into possession of the farm, which they have continued to im- prove, and are now among the leading farmers in the township. Mr. Vangsness was married November, 1885, to Anna Johnson, a native of Norway. They have been blessed with three chil- dren : Una, born March 20, 1887, married to Carl Nerison, now of Minneola township; Julius, born December 1, 1891, lives at home; Ingvald, born October 7, 1888, died June 2, 1904. Mr. Vangsness is a Republican in politics and has taken an active in- terest in the affairs of his community. He has served as super- visor for five years, is now treasurer of school district No. 92, and has been road overseer several times. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church.

Lewis L. Agrey, of Minneola township, son of Erick and Bertha Agrey, was born June 8, 1854, in Norway. His parents both being natives of that country, immigrating to America in the year 1856 when Lewis was two years old. They settled in Winneshiek county, Iowa, engaging in farming until 1864, when they moved to Fillmore county, purchased a farm, re- maining here for one year. In the spring of 1865 they removed to Minneola township, purchasing a farm of 166 aeres, mostly wild land, which they cultivated and improved. The father died No- vember 1, 1865. The mother continued to live on the homestead until she died, May 1, 1895. Lewis was educated in the public schools of Minneola, and after finishing his education he re- . mained on the home farm, building a new house and other build- -

1008

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

ings, and followed general and mixed farming ever since. Mr. Agrey is single, living with his mother until her death. He is a Republican and a member of the Lutheran church.

Nels Ellingston, proprietor of the Cannon Valley Stock Farm, Warsaw township. was born in Norway. September 3. 1837, and, after attending school as a boy, took up farming with his father, working in Norway and in Boone county, Illinois, where the family located in 1845. In 1863 he came to Warsaw, purchased 160 acres, and started farming for himself, later adding to his original place by purchase until he now owns 226 acres of excel- lent farm land, upon which he carries on general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of Norman horses and Short- horn cattle. A staunch Republican in politics he has served the town as supervisor and has been clerk of school district No. 52 . many years. He has stock in the farmers' elevators at Cannon Falls and at Dennison. and has been chairman of the Sogn Co- operative Dairy Association. His wife, Gertrude Lee, whom he married May 25, 1868, has borne him five children : Elizabeth, wife of N. J. Nesheim, of Willow Lake; George II., a professor in the Red Wing Seminary; Gerena, living in Red Wing; Louisa, wife of Christopher Gensvold; and Andrew J .. who lives at home.

Mrs. Ellingson's parents were Johannas and Gertrude Lee, who came to America in 1846. located in Illinois and remained several years, after which they took up their residence in Leon township, where they ended their days.

Lars and Gerena Ellingson, parents of Nels Ellingson, came to this country from Norway in 1845. and located in Boone county, Illinois. where the mother died in 1849. The father came to Minnesota in 1865 and died in South Dakota in 1875.

Jorgen Ingebretson was born in Norway, September 18, 1844, son of Englebret and Dorothy (Johnson) Ingebretson, who came to America in 1872. locating in Michigan, where the father en- gaged in the carpenter's trade for four years, after which they removed to Wabasha county and engaged in farming. Here they lived for sixteen years, and then came to Wanamingo town- ship to reside with their son. The father died June 30, 1906, while the mother passed away in June, 1889. Jorgen received his education in Norway, and came to America in 1866 and lo- cated in Michigan, where he was employed in the pineries for three years. In 1869 he returned to Norway, remaining one year. In 1870 he came back to America and engaged in car- pentering in Michigan for four years, after which he removed to Wabasha county, Minnesota, and purchased 228 acres of land and carried on general farming until in 1880, when he came to Wanamingo township and bought 320 acres in Section 22, where

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 Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 108

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