History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 74

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

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William J. Longcor, a Red Wing builder and contractor, with extensive business interests, to whose skill several of the most ornamental buildings in Red Wing will stand for all time as a perpetual monument, is a native born son of Minnesota, having first seen the light of day in Lake City, May 6, 1867. His father, Madison Longeor (married to Mary Bartron of Pennsylvania). was a native of New York state. In 1855 he came to Red Wing and engaged in his trade as millwright; removing in 1860 to Lake City, Minn., where he took up the carpenter and contracting business. In 1872 he became a contractor at Bay ('ity, Wis., con- tinuing until his death, October 22, 1880. His widow is now liv- ing in Red Wing. William J. attended the schools of his native city and as a young man became à civil and constructing en- gineer. After locating in Red Wing in 1893 he served two years as county surveyor, later engaging in the contracting business for himself. His interests have steadily grown, and he now con- ducts a general building and contracting business on a large scale. At the present time he has in the course of construction the new Methodist Episcopal church, the new government build- ing, the addition to St. John's hospital, and other edifices that are

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architectural beautifiers of the city. He has just completed the new building occupied by the Red Wing Printing Company. As a member of the city council, Mr. Longcor's services have met with pleasing encomiums from his fellow citizens. He is a Re- publican in politics, a member of the Masons, the Odd Fellow's and the Modern Samaritans. He attends the Methodist church. Mr. Longeor was married September 28, 1892, at Kirkwood, Mo., to Mary Dumcheek, of that city. To this union have been born, in the city of Red Wing, five children, Mabel, July 14, 1893; Albert, September 26, 1895; Grace, September 9, 1897; Dorothy, October 5, 1899 ; and Evelyn. October 21. 1901. The family resi- dence is a pleasant home at 709 Fifth street, Red Wing.

Ole Hawkinson, one of the earlier settlers of Featherstone township. now a retired farmer living in Red Wing at 1245 East avenue, was born in Sweden, November 9, 1833. son of Hawkin Olson and Hannah Hanson, natives of that country. The father was a carpenter by trade. In his native country he followed that trade in connection with farming, and in 1854 came to America. locating at Saint Charles, Ill., still following his trade. Soon afterward he came to Red Wing. For some years he was a car- penter and during the latter part of his life manufactured or- gans in this city. Ile died in 1897 at the age of 87 years. His wife died in January, 1856. Ole, after receiving his education in the public schools, worked with his father in his native land, and came to America with the family in 1854. In the spring of 1855 he came to Red Wing. and in 1857 located in the township of Featherstone. this county. Hle took up 160 acres, cleared and broke the land, erected a house and suitable barns, and carried on general farming. His efforts were crowned with success and in 1903 he decided to leave the more strenuous activities of farm life to a younger generation. Accordingly he came to Red Wing, taking up his residence at his present location, which he had purchased in 1889, and where he is now enjoying the case which he so well deserves after so many years of toil and labor. He is a Republican in politics. and a member of the Swedish Luth- eran Church. For many years he was director of his school dis- trict in Featherstone. Mr. Hawkinson was married at Red Wing October 30. 1857. to Kiersti Nelson, who shared with him the dis- comforts of pioneer life, as well as the case of his later years. She was the daughter of Nels Nelson and Nellie Parsons, natives of Sweden, who came to America and took up their home in Featherstone township, remaining until the time of their death. To Mr. and Mrs. Hawkinson twelve children were born-William. now of Oregon; Hannah, now of Red Wing : Nellie, now of Hast- ings. Minn. (now Mrs. J. H. Featherstone) ; Howard and Edward, now of California : Ferdinand; Oscar, now of Red Wood Falls,

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Minn. ; Theodore; Calma, now of Red Wing; Lovenia, now Mrs. Otto Taylor, of Northfield, Minn .; Elmer, of California, and Ernest, of Texas. These children are all well thought of in their respective communities, and their respect and affection is making glad the declining years of their parents.

John C. Johnson, Red Wing, of the firm of Johnson & Nelson. contractors, estimators and builders, comes of vigorous Nor- wegian stock. born in Norway. February 22, 1864, son of J. C. and Anna (Anderson) Johnson, both natives of that country. The parents carried on general farming in their native country, the father dying late in the year of 1863, and the mother in 1903, the latter having reached a good old age. John C. attended the public schools of his native land and there grew to manhood, becoming proficient in the carpenter trade. In 1885, at the age of twenty-one years, he came to America and settled at Red · Wing, in which city he worked until 1887. afterward going to St. Paul and remaining until 1892, when he again returned to this city. During his years of labor he had been both frugal and in- dustrions, and in 1892 his funds and experience were sufficient. to warrant his embarking in business for himself. He accord- ingly formed a partnership with E. G. Nelson. in the contracting business, under the firm name of Johnson & Nelson. This part- nership continued until February 1. 1909. when they dissolved the partnership. Mr. Nelson moving out of town and Mr. Johnson continuing the business, the venture having met with consider- able success. Mr. Johnson is an independent voter, and belongs to the Woodmen. the Foresters, the E. F. U. and I. O. O. F. He belongs to St. Peter's Norwegian Lutheran Church. John C. Johnson was married in 1890 to Matilda Quist. daughter of Israel Quist, and to this nion one child, Mabel A. L., was born September 2, 1891. In 1903 Mrs. Matilda Quist Johnson passed away. and Mr. Johnson was married, some time later, to Anna Mehrkens, daughter of Henry Mehrkens, of Red Wing. This union has been blessed with two children-Theodore A. J., born October 23. 1905, and Ellen II. L., born November 21, 1907.

William Johnson, traveling salesman, living at 419 Eighth street. Red Wing. was born in Norway, October 1. 1853. His parents. John Bersvendson and Ingeborg Paulson, came to Amer. ica in 1865 and located at Bratsberg in Fillmore county, Minne- sota. There the father worked at different trades until 1866. when they moved to Belle Creek, this county, where he pur- chased a farm and lived there until 1871. Their next location was at Lake Sacheteck. in Murray county, this state. There the father homesteaded 160 acres, and by purchase acquired other land. until he owned 500 acres, upon which he farmed until 1890. After about three years in Tracy. Lyon county, this state, during

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which time he purchased various property, they bought a home in Canby village, Yellow Medicine county, Minnesota. The mother still lives in the old homestead, in that village, the father having passed away some years ago. William attended the schools of his neighborhood at Belle Creek, and for a year lived in Murray county. He then returned to Goodhue county, and after working in the harvest fields and on a farm for a short time, came to Red Wing and clerked in the grocery store of Watts Sherman. In 1873 he traveled for Gunder Stuvrud, of Aspelund, this county, selling farm machinery, with Northfield, this state, for his headquarters. He returned to Red Wing the same year. and entered the employ of G. R. Sterling & Co., with whom he remained as clerk and salesman for twelve years. He became thoroughly conversant with the business and in 1885 purchased Mr. Sterling's interest, the new firm being known as William Johnson & Co. After about seven years this firm sold out in 1892 to J. T. Chinnock. and Mr. Johnson became traveling sales- man for the firm of Tarbox. Schliek & Co., of St. Paul. This com- pany was bought out by the Western Shoe Company, with whom Mr. Johnson is at present employed, being trusted by his employ- ers and liked by those with whom he comes in contact in the course of his business dealings. Although on the road for the greater part of the time, Mr. Johnson retains his interests here, holding stock in several local manufacturing industries. He is a member of the Commercial Club and of the Scandinavian Re- lief Association. in which latter organization he was a member of the revising board until the present year. He votes the Re- publican ticket and attends the Norwegian Lutheran Church. William JJohnson was married May 15. 1875. to Ingeborg Kirkeby, daughter of Hemming Kirkeby, of this county. Her mother died many years ago and her father was married in 1885 to Mrs. Sigfrid Velvang. To Mr. and Mrs. JJohnson have been born nine children-John II .. deceased ; Inga M., deceased; Ida M., Bertha G .. Emma L., Clara A., William B., Florence I., and Inge- borg B. Ida married W. O. Gilruth, of Minneapolis, Minn., man- ager of the First Mortgage and Farm Loan Company, of that city. Bertha married G. E. Mack, of Red Wing, Minn., who travels for the Red Wing Linseed Oil Company. William is traveling salesman for the Red Wing Shoe Company, with terri- tory on the Pacific coast. The other children are living at home. Emma and Florence are graduates of the Red Wing high school.

Peter Jorgensen, Red Wing, manager of the Red Wing Fur- niture Company. is of Danish birth. His parents, Hans and Marie ( Hansen) Jorgensen, came of a substantial family of that country, the former being a cooper by trade. He died in 1894, having survived his wife twelve years. Peter was born in Den-

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mark, January 10, 1850, and at the age of twenty years de- termined to seek his fortunes in America, having already secured a good education in his native country. His first position was in a bank in Chicago, where he clerked from 1870 to 1876. From 1876 to 1879 he ran a book and stationery store in the same city. Deciding that the opportunities for advancement were greater in a smaller place, he came to Red Wing. shortly before 1880, and entered the employ of the Boxrud Brothers as bookkeeper for three years. Subsequently he filled the same position in the Red Wing office of the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, until 1886, when he beeame interested in the company of which he has since been the manager. Under his management the busi- ness has prospered and is now one of the leading business houses of the city. Mr. Jorgensen is a Democrat in politics and has been too busy with his business to seek public office. He is a member of the Masons and the Knights of Pythias and attends the Episcopal Church. Mr. Jorgensen was married in May, 1881, at Chicago, Il., to Nanny Danielson, who came from Denmark that year. her husband having gone back to the old country for the purpose of bringing her to America to share his fortunes. Her father, Christian, died in 1904, and her mother is still liv- ing in Denmark. To Mr. and Mrs. Jorgensen have been born nine children. Hans P. is dead and Marie is Mrs. F. D. Putnam, of Red Wing. Harriet, Nanny, Eva, Ruth, Esther, George and Emma are at home.

John C. Johnson, now retired and living at Red Wing, is still well known in Belvidere township, where he was a prominent citizen and farmer, and where he occupied many important posi- tions of trust and honor during the days of his activity. Mr. Johnson was born in Norway, June 15, 1839, son of Christian and Carrie (Guliekson) Johnson, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1857 and located in Winnebago county, Wisconsin. later coming to Belvidere township in 1859, where the father homesteaded 160 acres of land, which he cleared and broke. On this place he built a comfortable home and carried on general farming until his death in October, 1901. His wife died in March, 1899. John C. was educated in the public schools of his native land. He was brought to America by his parents as a lad of eighteen years, and in 1861 he decided to start farming for himself. With this resolve in mind he purchased 160 acres in Belvidere township, and to this he soon added eighty more. making in all 240 acres. IIe broke the land, built a home, and devoted his attention to general farming. making a specialty. however, of grain raising, of which he made a most pronounced success. In 1900 he retired and moved to the city where he now lives at the corner of Norwood and Sylvan streets, in a house .

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which he purchased. He continues to own the farm. During the days of his activity he was chairman and assessor of the township of Belvidere, and since removing to Red Wing has served one term as a member of the city council. He also has a military record. At the last call for volunteers, he enlisted in the Union army, in January. 1864, under Captain Carney and. Colonel Col- vill. He was mustered in at Nashville, Tenn., as a corporal in Company I. First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and did garrison duty at Chattanooga. Tenn .. until mustered out at Nashville, Tenn .. in September. 1865. He is a Democrat in politics, and be- longs to the Lutheran Church. Mr. Johnson was married May 6, 1870, at Belvidere, to Christina Amundson, of that township, daughter of Christ and Regnaa (Simonson) Amundson, natives - of Norway, who came to America in 1861 and located in Belvi- dere, where both ended their days. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born six children-Charles, born in 1870, died in 1887 ; Clara married Andrew Anderson, of Goodhne township, this county ; Alma married Austin Everson. of Mazeppa, Minn .; Han- nah married John Otterson, now deceased. and lives with her parents; Inga and Clarence also live at home.

William Thomas Llewellyn, Red Wing, carpenter and con- tractor, now deceased. was born in Wales, England, May 22, 1833, son of John and Mary Elizabeth (Beavers) Llewellyn, who spent the entire span of their years in that locality. William T. received his early education and grew to young manhood in his native town, also working in early youth as a carpenter. After coming to this country he lived in New York city and Cleveland, O .. until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he placed his life at the command of his adopted country. He enlisted in Company C, First Ohio Light AArtillery (Ohio Battery), for three months, under Captain Pelton, being mustered out July 27, 1861. at Columbus, O. Ile re-enlisted for three years' service under Cap- tain Louis Heekman, in Company K, First Ohio Volunteer In- fantry. September 15, 1861, and was mustered out September 12, 1864, at Nashville, having been promoted to the position of sergeant under Captain William Eckles. He participated in all the battles of his regiment. and acquitted himself as a brave and efficient soldier on all occasions. His brother, John, met his death in the bloody carnage in the Shenandoah Valley, having been a private in Co. A., 14th New Jersey Vol. Inf .. First Brigade. Third Division. Army of the Potomac. Ile is buried in Grave 1133 at the Arlington National Cemetery. After the war, William T. came to Red Wing and worked at his trade as carpenter. also doing general contracting. For fourteen years he was employed with the firm of Daniels and Stevens. as foreman on a number of important contracts, and was in charge of the wood work of the

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Red Wing Sewer Pipe works Factory A. when he was taken with a stroke of paralysis, and was incapacitated from work until his death December 1. 1903. Mrs. Llewellyn now makes her home with her daughter. Mrs. Carl Reckner, at 1038 South Park street, this city. Mr. Llewellyn, who served ten years as a fireman, was much interested in the passage of the firemen's relief bill by the state, and was a life member of the Firemen's State Relief Asso- ciation. He was street commissioner for nearly eight years, and was a member of the Odd Fellows, the United Workmen, and the G. A. R. William T. Llewellyn was married May 4, 1865, in Jefferson county. Pennsylvania, to Judith Yeoman, daughter of Charles and Martha (Beers) Yeoman, the former of whom died May 30. 1896. The mother now lives in Trenton township, Wis- consin, at the noble old age of eighty-six, and still in the full possession of all her faculties. The oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Llewellyn is Mattie E., married to Carl Reekner, foreman of factory A at the Red Wing sewer pipe factory, where he has been employed some sixteen years. Mr. Reekner was a member of Company G, 13th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and saw active service in the Philippines, being promoted from corporal to sergeant. To Mr. and Mrs. Reckner has been born one daughter, Gladys Catherine. born July 3, 1894, a pupil in the Red Wing public schools.

Carl N. Lien, Red Wing, who has a long and honorable record of public office holding in this and Ramsey counties, is the son of Nils G. and Martha (Holm) Lien, natives of Norway. The mother came to America in 1852 and located in Winneshiek county, Iowa. The father came a year later and settled in Manitowoc, Wis. They were married at Decorah, Iowa, in 1856, and in the spring of the following year came to Warsaw, this county, where the father carried on general farming until his death, in 1901. Ilis widow followed him to the grave two years later. Carl N. attended the public schools and took a course in the Lutheran College at Decorah, Iowa. After a course at Northfield, Minn .. at St. Olaf's College, he completed his schooling with a business training in the Curtiss Business Col- lege at St. Paul. Thus, well equipped with a classical and busi- ness education, he started out in life for himself. Between 1879 and 1889 he was justice of the peace. assessor and township chairman, and town clerk in Warsaw, and in 1883-85 was enroll- ing clerk in the house of representatives. From October. 1885, to June, 1886, he was transcribing clerk in the office of the United States surveyor-general, at St. Paul. He was then eleeted county auditor of Goodhue county, and from January, 1890, to January 4, 1909, served honorably and continuously in that position. Mr. Lien was married April 24, 1878, to Mary E.

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Johnson, who was educated in Carleton College and St. Olaf's College, at Northfield. Minn. She also taught school six years, four years in Iowa and two years in Goodhue county. This union has been blessed with eight children. Amanda, born July 29, 1879, married Elias Rachie. and lives at Willmar, Minn. Clara M., born October 30, 1880, married Ole J. Olson, a con- tractor and builder, of Sioux Falls, S. D. Anna married Edward Lidberg, of Red Wing. She was born September 11, 1882. Nels N .. born August 1. 1884. is deputy auditor of the county. Mabel C., born October 23, 1886, and Julia. born September 9, 1889, are graduates of the Red Wing high school. Conrad, born October 4, 1892, died December 31, 1893, and Carl, born Deeem- ber 31, 1894. died April 14. 1896. The family faith is that of St. Peter's Evangelical church. and Mr. Lien votes the Repub- lican ticket. During the years 1908-09 Mr. Lien has been teach- ing penmanship in the Red Wing Seminary.

Isaac Lauver, whose name is inseparably connected with the early history of Red Wing, was born in Union county, Penn- sylvania, June 20, 1832. son of Michael Lauver, a tailor by trade, an occupation which he followed until failing sight made it necessary for him to seek other business. In his later days he moved to Lena, Ill., and lived with his son until May, 1871, when he died. Of the nine children in the family. Elizabeth, Anna, Sarah, Mary, William, Lewis, Isaac. Solomon and Joseph, the only one still living is the subject of this sketch. Isaac Lanver received his education in his native county, and after leaving school took up carpenter and joiner work. which he has since followed. He moved to Lena, Ill., in July, 1855, and worked in the factory of Manning & Paterson; manufacturers of reapers and mowers, who were located near that place. Three months later he came to Red Wing and took up his trade, also doing general contracting. During nine years of his life he was foreman for Simmons & Daniels. In 1900 a cataract of the eyes compelled his retirement from active work. In<1857 Mr. Lauver was brought into prominence in connection with the Spirit Lake massacre. On March 31 of that year, in company with William Granger. W. W. DeKay, George Hhuntington and a Mr. Patten, he went to the lake and investigated the massacre, a full account of which is found elsewhere in this history. Returning, the party reached Red Wing toward the end of August. Mr. Lauver enlisted in the Civil War October 10, 1861, and re-enlisted January 1, 1864. being promoted from private to corporal, and then to sergeant. He served in Company E, 3rd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, under Clinton Gurnee, Edward L. Baker, W. W. DeKay and George W. Knight, and was badly wounded at Fichburg Woods, being confined in the hospital in Arkansas .

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fifteen days, after which he was removed to the convalescent camp, subsequently being granted a month's furlough, during which he came to Red Wing, landing June 9, 1862. He then returned to the army, which he joined at Pine Bluff, Ark .. August 7. While on the way to Little Rock, by boat, he narrowly escaped imprisonment or death at the hands of the bands of rebels infesting the banks of the river. He was discharged at Duvall's BInff, and then resumed his trade in Red Wing. Isaae Lauver was married August 16, 1866, to Helen Swanson, daughter of Ole Swanson. To this union were born four children : Angusta and Minnie are deceased; Lillian and Clyde live at home. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Carl Alfred Lovgren, one of the successful dentists of Red Wing, is a native born son of this city, having first seen the light of day July 11. 1879. He received his education in the publie and high schools, and was graduated in 1901 from the Chicago College of Dental Surgery. At once, after receiving his diploma, he opened an office at Ellsworth, Wis., and there practiced with considerable success, in the meantime gaining much experience and adding to his store of knowledge. November 15, 1907, he came back to Red Wing, and in December of the same year opened an office in the Gladstone block, where he has nicely furnished and well equipped rooms, enjoying a wide patronage, including many of his former patients in Ellsworth. Dr. Lovgren is a Republican in political affiliation and a member of the Foresters and Woodmen, as well as of the blue lodge of Masonry, belonging to River Falls chapter, No. 45, R. A. M., and Red Wing commandery, No. 10. He was married June 15, 1904, to Laura Jane Fleming, of Emerald, Wis., daughter of William and Elizabeth (Phillips) Fleming, the former of whom was a lum- berman and condneted a saw mill until his death, in February, 1908. The mother is still living. Barnard Lovgren, father of C. A. Lovgren, was born in Sweden. The mother, Ellen Sander- son Lovgren, was born in New York state. After coming to Red Wing, the father, who is now deceased, was for a number of years a member of the firm of Friedrich, Kempe & Co. The mother still makes her home in Red Wing. Dr. and Mrs. Lov- gren attend the Episcopal church.

Lewis P. Alexander, who for several years was chief train dispatcher of the local branch of the Great Western, with head- quarters at Red Wing, first saw the light of day in Morrison, Whiteside county, Illinois, son of Horace and Irene Alexander. The father was a veteran of the Civil War, his occupation being that of wagon painter and decorator. He died in Chicago in 1881. After the death of his mother, at Morrison, Ill., in 1875,

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

Lewis P. went to live with his grandmother, and received his education in the schools of his neighborhood, near Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He worked on a farm in the same locality until twenty- one years of age. His first railroad experience was as a tele- graph operator for the Chicago & Northwestern. In 1893 he accepted a similar position with the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern, and was later promoted to the position of train dispatcher. In 1903 he was appointed chief train dispatcher at Red Wing. which position he efficiently and honorably filled. Mr. Alexander is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the Woodmen and the Yeomen. He was married February 28, 1895, to Rilla Thompson, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, daughter of James (". and Angeline (Fritz) Thompson. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander has been blessed with two children: Mervin L., born April 13, 1896, and Firmin L .. born December 5. 1900. Both children attend the public schools. Mervin L., the elder son, is a clever musician, and plays first and second cornet in the Military band. The family worships at the Presbyterian church.

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 74

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