History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 79

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

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Columbus, and belongs to the Yeomen, the Red Men and the Red Wing Commercial Club. The family religion is that of the Roman Catholic church. John J. Ferrin was married at Chi- cago, August 1, 1884. to Catherine T. Farrel, of that city. The Farrel family passed through the horrors of the great Chicago fire, Catherine being the only one of the family who escaped with her life. To Mr. and Mrs. Ferrin have been born six children : Mary Ann, April 30, 1885; Francis J., December 22, 1888; George C., March 19, 1896; Margaret, February 19, 1898; Catherine E., September 17, 1902. and John B., September, 1905. All the children are at home, the older sons helping out in their father's store.

Gustaf S. Fisk, paperhanger, painter and decorator, also pro- prietor of a store at 224 Main street, Red Wing, was born in Sweden. November 25, 1874, son of Eriek J. and Annie (Parson) Fisk, the former of whom after spending his life as a miller in the old country died in the spring of 1882. The mother is still living, making her home in Sweden. Gustaf received his education in the Swedish public schools, worked on a farm until eighteen years of age, and then, in the spring of 1893 came to America and located in Red Wing. His first employment here was with the potteries, three years, as a kiln worker. Desiring more out-of-door employment, he learned the painting and paper- hanging trade with B. A. Olson, remaining four years. He next started in business for himself with Robert Ringstrom as a part- ner. Two years later he bought Mr. Ringstrom's interest, con- tinned the business alone one year, admitted Aaron Anderson as a partner one year, and then again conducted it himself. He now has a large establishment, handles a fine line of goods, does a good business, and during the busy season employs about a dozen men. From 1907 to 1909, Mr. Fisk served as a member of the city council. He votes the Republican ticket, attends the Swedish Mission church and belongs to the Scandinavian Benevolent Society. October 18, 1899, Mr. Fisk was married to Christine Peterson, daughter of Andrew Peterson, a wagon maker, who died in Sweden as the result of an accident. The mother still lives in Sweden. Mr. and Mrs. Fisk live at 537 East Seventh street, Red Wing.

Andrew J. Frenn, carpenter and general contractor, of Red Wing was born in Sweden, September 8, 1845, son of Lars and Stena Frenn, who came to America in 1852. Like several other Scandinavian families, who located in Goodhue county, they lived first for a time at St. Charles, Kane county, Illinois. Later the family went to Wayne, DuPage county, in the same state, where the father bought thirty-three acres and carried on farm- ing and stone laying, also working some at his trade as plasterer.

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In 1862 he sold his farm to Daniel Dunham, and in 1864 came to Minnesota in true pioneer style, making the trip with his family in a wagon. He purchased 160 acres in Featherstone township, and to this added twenty acres of timber land. Here he carried on farming of a general nature until 1868 when he . sold his land to his sons. John and Andrew, who continued to carry on farming on the home place until 1870. when John pur- chased Andrew's interest. JJohn still owns and works the old homestead. In 1868. the father purchased a farm known as "Popular Grove." consisting of 224 acres, which he worked until his death, November 9. 1880. The mother died in 1874. Charles. a brother of John and Andrew, now carries on this farm. Andrew J. received his boyhood training in the schools of Wayne. Ill., and there worked on his father's farm until coming with the rest of the family to Goodhne county. He continued farming in Featherstone township until 1872, when he came to Red Wing, living first on Sixth street for two years and later purchasing a home at 518 Bush street where he still resides. From 1873 to 1875 he worked at the carpenter trade, and in the latter year entered the employ of the grocery store of Seebach Brothers as a clerk. In 1879 he resumed farming on the homestead farm, remaining there until 1889 when he came back to Red Wing, since which time he has been engaged in the carpenter and building business. Mr. Frenn is a Repub- lican in politics. has been city treasurer two terms, 1904-1908, has served on the board of registration and has done jury duty in a number of important cases. Mr. Frem was married, November 18, 1866. to Emma Sophia Johnson, who came from Sweden to America on June 29. 1864. and took up her residence in DuPage county. Illinois. To this union have been born seven children-Julia S .. born April 28, 1868, is the wife of John August Nelson, of 453 Thirteenth street. Red Wing; Josel Edwin was born February 24, 1871 : William T ... -, born June 12, 1873, lives in California; Marie Emelia was born De- cember 16, 1875; Huldah E., born October 15, 1879, is the wife of Joseph Wagner. of 745 McSorley street, Red Wing; Emma H. was born January 31. 1883. and Andrew Sidney. February 4, 1885. The family worships at the Swedish Lutheran Church.

Charles O. Forssell, Red Wing's able and genial assistant postmaster. is a native of Sweden, born June 12, 1862, second son of John and Johanna (Petersdotter) Forssell, the former of whom was a Swedish land owner. The parents came to America in 1868, and located at Red Wing, where after a long life of devotion to husband and family, the mother died February 14, 1904. The father still makes his home in this eity, enjoying an honored old age. Brought to America as a youth of six

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years, Charles O. received his early education in the Red Wing public schools. At the age of fifteen he went to work, and the following years worked in the flour mills and on a farm. In 1881 he became postal clerk in the Red Wing postpoffice, hold- ing this position until 1891. In that year he was appointed to the assistant postmastership under Postmaster Fred Seebach, a position he still retains, giving satisfaction to his superiors in the service as well as to the publie whom he serves. Interested in the industrial growth of the city he has joined the Red Wing Commercial Club. He is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Swedish Lutheran Church. Mr. Forssell is not married. The brothers and sisters in the family numbered eight. All the living are respected and honored in the communities where . they have taken up their residence. Ida M., born in Sweden, February 13. 1858. lives at home, and keeps house for her father and brother; Axel. born in Sweden. April 1. 1860, died October 18. 1872; Charles O. is the subject of this sketch. Claus F., born in Sweden. September 5. 1864, is now located at St. Paul with Noyes Bros. & Cutler: Hilma, born in Sweden September 29, 1867, died June 28, 1868; John A., born in Red Wing September 30. 1869, is now with the Schubach Millinery Company. of St. Paul; Frank H., born at Red Wing, November 25, 1872, is prin- cipal of the Monroe School in Minneapolis; Hilda, born in Red Wing. September 16, 1876, died July 7, 1908.

Gustaf Edwin Freeman, is a native born son of this county, whose abilities have been recognized by his fellow citizens to the extent that they have retained him in public office for the past four years and have just reelected him to another term. Born in Red Wing, September 11, 1872, he attended public schools and at an early age decided to try his own fortunes as a worker. He learned the business of stoneware making. and followed this trade for nearly eighteen years in the same employ, an unusual record for a young man of this generation. His faithfulness and ability in this capacity attracted the attention of his fellow citizens and in 1904 they persuaded him to run for the office of Register of Deeds, to which office he was elected by a large majority. He took office in January. 1905. and his present term does not expire until January 1. 1911. Mr. Freeman is a Re- publican in politics and belongs to the I. O. O. F., the M. W. of A. and the Scandinavian Benevolent Society. He own a pleas- ant home at 803 East Seventh street in this city. Gustaf E. Freeman was married July 6. 1899. to Anna M. Youngquist. daughter of Carl and Christine (Dahlberg) Youngquist. natives of Sweden, who emigrated to America in 1866, and in 1870 be- rame residents of Red Wing. The father died April 22. 1903. and the mother makes her home in this city. To Mr. and Mrs.

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Freeman have been born two sons-Norman Everett, September 7, 1902, and Ilorace Benjamin, March 18, 1908. Nels, father of Gustaf E. Freeman came to America from Sweden in 1853 and lived in Chicago, Ill., six years, and in Centralia, Wis., two years. In 1861 he came to Red Wing, worked as laborer and later fol- lowed truck gardening. He now lives a retired life. His wife, whose maiden name was Betsy Johnson, is a native of Norway. She emigrated to America in 1860, and in 1867 became a resident of Red Wing.

Christian J. Bender, one of Red Wing's solid and substantial business men, is a native of this city, born August 25, 1870, son of the Rev. Christian Bender. Christian J. received his educa- tion in the public schools of Red Wing, and then took the eom- plete four years' academic course at Dr. Martin's Lutheran Col- lege at New Ulm, Minn. In 1893, after deciding to be a pharmacist, he went to Chicago, and there diligently pursued studies for two years in the College of Pharmacy. Subsequently he worked at the drug business five years, thoroughly perfecting himself in the art of medical and pharmaceutical compounding. In 1900 he returned to Red Wing and purchased the business of W. A. Hare at the corner of Third and Bush streets, where for so many years the old postoffice was located. His brother, Adolph, is associated with him in business and together they have built up a large trade and patronage. They handle all the usual lines customary in such a store, but make a specialty of compounding prescriptions. They also manufacture several proprietary arti- eles for toilet purposes. Mr. Bender is in politics an inde- pendent Republican. ITe is a member of his father's church, the St. John's German Lutheran, of this city.

Harrison P. Rich, one of the youngest business men of Red Wing. has formulated plans which it is expected will develop into one of the county's most important industries. He was born in this city, February 5, 1884, son of John HI. Rich. As a boy he attended the public schools of Red Wing, and later took a two years' preparatory course at the Mt. Pleasant Military Acad- emy, Mt. Pleasant, N. Y. In 1903 he entered Yale College at New Haven, Conn., graduating in 1907. After graduating he took a short trip abroad, and then returned to Red Wing and became interested in a new enterprise. the Forest Products Company. This undertaking, which in many of its features constituted a new departure in the lumbering industry, is spoken of elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Rich is the general manager, and is now busily engaged in laying the sure foundations of a prosperous future.

Henry Brown, deceased, for many years a hardware mer- chant in Red Wing, was born in the north of Ireland. and at the

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tender age of nine years was brought to this country by his parents. After a short stay at Newburg, N. Y., the family lo- cated near Argyle, Wis., where they preempted a farm. The father and brothers built a log cabin, broke and improved the land, and there lived for a long period. Henry Brown lived in Winona about five years, and in the early sixties came to Red Wing and entered the hardware store of W. P. Brown and Charles Betcher. In the course of time, W. P. Brown retired from the company, and Henry Brown, the subject of this sketch, who by industry and frugality had saved a considerable sum of money, was admitted to the firm, during the seventies. For thirty-four years Mr. Brown worked in the store, becoming one of the well-known business men of the city. The store was afterward sold, and Mr .. Brown retired. He died at Red Wing, September 7, 1894. Ile was a Republican in politics and be- longed to the Masons. Henry Brown was married in December, 1871, to Lizzie Elder, daughter of John II. Elder. To this union were born four children-Fred L., born at Red Wing, lives in Winnipeg, Canada; Harry M., who married Gertrude Lindner, at Red Wing, is treasurer of the Shedd Wright Manufacturing Company at Minneapolis; Bessie H., who lives in Red Wing, is a graduate of Carlton College at Northfield, Minn. The young- est, Leland P., died at the age of five years. The family re- ligion is that of the Presbyterian Church.

Thomas J. Bryan, deceased, was for many years a familiar figure in and about Red Wing and Burnside township, where he was a well-known farmer. A native of County Cork, Ireland. He was born November 27, 1831, and for a time tilled the soil in Ireland as his parents had done before him. In 1850, or soon after, he became stirred with an ambition for a wider oppor- tunity than was afforded in his native land, and consequently resolved to try his fortunes in America where so many of his countrymen were winning wealth and fame and honor. His first location was at Erie, Penn., and there he heard of the riell prairies and valleys of southern Minnesota, just opened to set- tlement. In 1857 he came to this county and purchased a farm at Burnside, where he spent the remainder of his days. His efforts were crowned with success, and at the time of his death he owned in all three farms, containing a total of 510 acres. In addition to this he owned sixty-five aeres of timber land, all in Goodhue county. This property is now held by Mrs. Bryan, Thomas J. having pased away April 29, 1905. Mr. Bryan was a staunch Republican, and affiliated with the Episcopal Church. He was also a member of A. E. Welch Post, No. 75, G. A. R., having served in the union army from March 15 to July 15, 1865, as sergeant. Mr. Bryan was married first to Margaret Gleason

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at Erie, Penn. By this union there were three children-J. S. was born August 3, 1858, married Anetta Anderson, January 20, 1885, and now serves in the United States commissary depart- ment at Oakland. Cal. Harriett M. was born October 16. 1860, and married Benjamin Boothroyd, who has charge of the United States express office at Aberdeen. S. D. Alfred C. was born April 28, 1863, married Emma Crandall and is now proprietor of the Cannon Dale stock farm at Burnside. Mrs. Margaret Gleason Bryan died March 28, 1869. Later Mr. Bryan wooed and won Sarah J. Campbell. to whom he was married at Faribault, Minn., June 21, 1877. She was born November 28, 1845, in Canada, daughter of John and Sarah (Brown) Campbell. Canadians of Scotch descent, who came to the United States in 1851, locating first at Lamoille. Ill. The father soon afterward went south and died of cholera the same year. Mrs. Bryan graduated from the Faribault High School. and then took up teaching, which she followed with great success for fifteen years. many well-known men of the county having passed under her tuition. She was also clerk of district No. 4. of Burnside, twenty-five years. To Mr. Bryan and Mrs. Sarah J. Campbell Bryan were born two children-Edward C., born June 10, 1880. is a real estate dealer and auctioneer at Red Wing: Edith L., born June 10, 1884, is, like her mother. a successful school teacher.

Charles E. Beckmark, secretary and treasurer, and also general manager of the Beekmark Shoe Company, which con- ducts one of the large business establishments of Red Wing at the corner of Third and Bush streets, has been actively interested in business since early youth. He was born in this city, January 8, 1869. a son of Conrad and Charlotte (Swanson) Beckmark. both natives of Sweden, in which country they were married. They came to American one year before Charles E. was born, and located at once in Red Wing, where the father was em- ployed at various ocenpations. For some time he was fireman at the old Bluff mill, and for three years served on the city police force. He is now deceased, and his wife makes her home in Red Wing. Charles E. received his educational training in the schools of Red Wing, and as a boy worked on a news stand in this city. Later he was employed by Willard and Willard in a sta- tionary store, after which he became interested in footwear, to the sale of which he has since devoted his attention. He clerked eight years for Charles Beckman, and for two years in' the Boston Clothing House. Following this. he was success- fully engaged eight years as traveling salesman for the North Star Shoe Company. broadening his knowledge of the world and increasing his familiarity with the shoe trade in all its aspects. From March 1, 1904, to July 1, 1905, he was a member of the firm

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of Holm & Beckmark, and on April 1, 1907, when the Beekmark Shoe Company was formed, he took entire charge, having since that date built up a successful trade, enjoying a large patronage. For nine years Mr. Beekmark was a member of Company G. serv- ing as commissary sergeant. He has seen public life as a member of the school board. He is a member of the Commercial Club and of several fraternal organizations; independent in politics and an Episcopalian in religion. On January 3, 1893, Charles E. Beckmark was married to Caroline Hawkins. of this city. daughter of G. W. and Mary Hawkins, of whom a sketch ap- pears in this work. This union has been blessed with two daughters-Phyliss G .. born July 6. 1897, and Margaret L., born April 17, 1906.

Heman M. Bird, dealer in general sporting goods at 304 Main street, Red Wing, has done much to further the athletic interests of Red Wing and vicinity, and is an active patron of all out-door sports. He was born at Hampton Mills. this state. March 28. 1867, son of Almond and Julia (Ambler) Bird, the former of Scotch-Irish and the latter of German-Scotch descent. The par- ents, who were natives of Michigan, came to Minnesota in the early days and located first in Winona county, where the father followed his trade as blacksmith, carpenter and millwright. Later he went to the Indian Territory where he died. The mother died in Elgin. Olmstead county. this state. Heman M. received his early educational training in the public schools of his neighborhood, and finished with a course at D. D. Darling's Business College at Rochester, Minn. He learned the trade of barber and at this worked for several years in St. Paul. Later he went South, worked at various labor, and in 1893 returned to St. Paul and learned the machinst trade. After six years' employment in this capacity, he came to Red Wing, September 15, 1899, and started in business for himself. He handles and repairs bieveles and motor cycles, and deals in fishing tackle, guns, baseball goods, talking machines and other sporting equip- ment. Mr. Bird is a Republican in politics and belongs to the Red Men and Equitable Fraternal Union lodges. The English Lutheran Church embodies the family religious belief. He was married April 9. 1898 to Evaline Peterson. of this city, daughter of Gustaf and Dena Peterson, natives of Sweden, who came to Red Wing and here ended their days. To Mr. and Mrs. Bird have been born three children-Burney B .. Richard M. and Alice E.

Gustave C. Beckmark, second miller at the La Grange Mills, Red Wing, was born in Sweden, May 10. 1863, a son of Conrad and Johanna (Swanson) Beckmark, also natives of that country. The father was a machinist and engineer, an occupation he fol-

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lowed for many years in the old country. He came to America in 1868 and located in Red Wing, entering the employ of D. C. Hill as engineer. After a few years he started work as engi- neer for the old Bluff Mill. In addition to. this he was a patrol- man on the police force and a member of the volunteer fire de- partment. In the latter capacity he assisted in the brave efforts to save the Bluff Mill from total destruction by fire in 1883, and in thus assisting, he received injuries which shortly afterward, in the early spring of 1883, resulted in his death. His widow still survives and makes her home in Red Wing. Having been brought to Red Wing at an early age, Gustave attended the city schools, and then worked in the office of A. Danielson, who at that time conducted an extensive lime and cement business. In 1881 he was engaged with the old Bluff Mill as miller. After the destruction of this mill by fire in 1883 he entered the employ of the La Grange Mills and a few years later was given his present position. Mr. Beekmark has served five years in the state militia and belongs to the Foresters, the Fraternal Insurance and the Samaritans. He was married February 15. 1894, to Edna E. Martin. daughter of John B. and Della (Hasting) Martin, the former a one-time Red Wing miller. now a land agent in Okla- homa. The latter is deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Beckmark there has been born one daughter-Frances Irine, November 4. 1894. who is now a pupil in the Red Wing high school.

William Boothroyd, one of the first settlers of Welch, and for many years one of its leading citizens, now living retired at 1209 Twelfth street, Red Wing, is a native of Pollington, Yorkshire, England, born July 16, 1833. His parents, Michael and Nancy Boothroyd, came from England to Canada in 1853 and there ended their days. their residence being near Thamesville, in that Dominion. William attened the schools of England and started work on a farm. This occupation he continued until May 10, 1855, when he came to Red Wing. For some time he was occupied with draying. Hle purchased a team of his own and engaged in the teaming and quarrying business. To him, and a man named Miller, who assisted him, belongs the honor of having furnished the stone for the county court house and also for the first Methodist church. In 1857 he went to Feather- stone township and farmed until 1862, when he went to Welch, purchased 280 acres, carried on farming, and became one of the most substantial citizens of that township. He served as justice of the peace fifteen years. as moderator for a long period, and as town treasurer, member of the school board and school director. When the Grange was enjoying the height of its popularity he went through all the offices of the branch of that society in Welch township. He also belongs to the I. O. O. F. and votes

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the Republican ticket. In 1894, Mr. Boothroyd and his son, Frank, worked the home farm on shares, and later this son purchased the place. Mr. Boothroyd then moved to Red Wing and took up his residence at 1209 Twelfth street, where he still resides. On the day following Christmas, in 1903, the home was destroyed, from unknown causes, by fire, but Mr. Bootrhoyd, nothing daunted, built a larger and more commodious place in the spring of the following year. Mr. Boothroyd was married June 15, 1858, at Lake City, Minn., to Mary Beavers, daughter of Benjamin and Jane Beavers, natives of England, who came to America and located in Illinois, where Mary was born. May 10, 1855, they came to Red Wing. and here the father and mother both died. The home of the Boothroyds has been blessed with six children-Carrie Jane, Charles William, Benjamin B., Albert Ross, Frank and Grant. Charles was killed November 3, 1879, in a runaway, while on his way to mill with a load of grain. Benjamin B. and Albert R. are married and live in Aberdeen, S. D. Frank is married and lives on the old home- stead in Welch township. Grant died in early childhood. The family faith is that of the Methodist Church.

Charles Philip Belin, the genial toll collector at the entrance of the high bridge across the Missisippi, is a familiar figure alike to Red Wing people and to strangers who in taking in the sights of the city invariably walk across the beautiful bridge. He was born in Sweden, April 17, 1845, son of Andrew E. and Annie (Olson) Belin, both natives of that country. The father, a coppersmith by trade, brought his family to Goodhue county. October 22. 1857, and after living for a time in Red Wing, took up farming in the township of Vasa, where he purchased 160 acres of land, engaging in general farming until his death, Sep- tember 24, 1863. The mother sold the farm and came to Red Wing. 'where she lived until her death. March 15, 1897. Charles P. received his education in the public and private schools of Sweden and America, and worked on the farm with his father until February 11, 1865, when he enlisted in Company I, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, serving under Captain Thomas Car- ney and Colonel William Colvill until mustered out in October of the same year. About this time he entered the employ of W. L. Webster. the liveryman, for whom he was foreman fifteen years. Later he accepted a similar position with Ed Johnson, and remained in this employ until 1893, when he was appointed on the police force. Ile proved an efficient officer and many times served as acting chief. June 11. 1907, he was given his present position, receiving at the same time an appointment as special police for the Red Wing and Trenton Transit Company. Mr. Belin is a Republican and a member of the Foresters, the

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 79

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