History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 84

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

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Henry W. Cooledge, a Civil War veteran, is a familiar fig- ure in Zumbrota, where he has been known as an old settler for many years. At Plymouth, Vt., where he was born April 14. 1841. he spent his early boyhood, and at the age of seven came west with his parents, Oliver and Polly (Wheelock) Cooledge, who ended their days as farmers in Columbia county, Wis. In that county he received his education, and in 1865 came to Goodhue county, where he developed eighty acres of land. How- ever. in 1880, he was attracted to Appleton, Minn., but his farm- ing operations came to an abrupt end there during the grass- hopper plague. Subsquently he engaged in the photograph busi-

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ness in Zumbrota village for a short period, then took up the trade of harness making, which he continued until 1893, when he sold out to M. H. Barsfield and retired. His military career began in the winter of 1861, when he enlisted at Milwaukee in Company F, Eighteenth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, in which he served seven months, receiving his discharge at Corinth, Miss., in August, 1862, for disability. Mr. Cooledge was married in 1863 to Rowena M. Nichols, by whom he had two children, Ada M., now of Minneapolis, and George W., now deceased. Mrs. Rowena Cooledge died May 22, 1892, at Zumbrota. Later Mr. Cooledge was married April 14, 1899, to Mrs. Alice (Cook) Nichols, daughter of Allen and Caroline (Cole) Cook, natives of Baltimore, Md., who came to Wisconsin in July, 1847, and there ended their days on a farm, the father, Allen Cook, a veteran of the Civil war, dying in March, 1873, and the mother in 1856. Mr. Cooledge has served as city marshal in Zumbrota. He is a mem- ber of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. and attends the Methodist Episcopal church.

James H. Farwell was born in New Ipswich, N. H., May 16, 1847, and died February 18, 1909. He came to Zumbrota in the year 1869 and engaged in farming, but later devoted most of his time to his real estate and collecting business, in which he was engaged at the time of his death. IIe was married October 8, 1874, at Zumbrota to Emma A. Barrett, daughter of Albert and - Lucy A. Barrett, who came to Zumbrota in 1857 and became pros- perous farmers. Mr. Barrett died in 1877 and Mrs. Barrett in 1901. Mr. and Mrs. James H. Farwell had one son, Albert B., born February 10. 1881, and one daughter. Edith L., born Oc- tober 10. 1884. Mr. Farwell was a Republican in his political views. He was one of the leading men in the village, prosperous and progressive, and for three years was its honored mayor. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Modern Wood- men of America. His death left a real vacancy in the village, the general sentiment being that the community had indeed lost a true man and a noble character.

Albert B. Farwell, of Zumbrota village, son of James H. Far- well, was born February 10. 1881, in Zumbrota village, where he acquired his education. After his school days were over he en- tered his father's office and engaged in the real estate and col- leeting business, which he has continued since his father's death. He is a Republican, holding the office of constable, and is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias and the Masons. He is still single and one of the rising young men of the village.

William Croxford, of Zumbrota village, was born October 15, 1863, in England, son of William and Lydia (Warren) Croxford, who came to America in 1884, settling in St. Paul, where his

J. H. FARWELL

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father followed his trade as a carpenter until his death in July, 1904. The mother is still living. William received his education in England, where he learned the carpenter trade, and in 1882 came to America, loeating at St. Paul, Minn. After following contracting until 1892, he came to Zumbrota, working at the same trade until 1901, when he became general manager of the F. G. Marvin Lumber Company, which position he still holds. In 1908, Mr. Croxford was elected president of the Zumbrota Clay Manu- facturing Company, and in February, 1909, general manager of that company. He was married at St. Paul, June 22, 1884, to Ellen Head, a native of England, who came to America in 1884. Mr. Head is dead, but Mrs. Head is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Croxford are the parents of four children: Lydia C., born July 3, 1885, married Josiah HI. Lothrop, a farmer of Goodhue county; Albert W .. born June 24, 1887, is now acting manager of the F. G. Marvin Lumber Company. of Zumbrota; Hattie was born May 17. 1891, and Ellen G. was born August 22, 1895. The last two named are both at home. Politically. Mr. Croxford is a Repub- lican and has been clerk of the school board four years. IIe is an active member of the I. O. O. F., the M. W. A., and the Modern Samaritans. The family religion is that of the Methodist Epis- copal church.

Ole N. Berg, of Zumbrota village, was born in Norway, Vestre Slidre Valdres, April 12. 1863, son of Nels and Gertrude (Dok- ken) Berg, also native of Norway. The father died in 1875 and the mother in 1903. Mr. Berg received his education in Norway and emigrated to America in 1883, locating at Decorah, Iowa, where he was engaged in clerking for eight years. May 16, 1889, he was married to Marie Peterson, of Hospers, Ia., born October 5, 1865, daughter of John and Marit Peterson. The father died in 1900 and the mother is still living. In 1891 Mr. and Mrs. Berg moved to Montevideo, Minn., and in May, 1893, came to Zum- brota, where Mr. Berg entered into the general merchandise busi- ness, which he has since continued. At one time he was asso- ciated with L. J. Henning, of Zumbrota, and also with J. N. Banitt, at Goodhne, this county, in the same line of business. In 1907 he was elected director and second vice president of the First State Bank, of Zumbrota, which position he still holds, be- ing very highly esteemed. Mr. Berg is a self-made man. He is a member of the board of education. He and his wife are both members of the Lutheran church. They have three children : Nel- lie, born October 9, 1890; Ovidia, born April 14, 1893; and Alma, born October 6, 1899.

Henry Bargsten, Zumbrota township, was born in Germany, March 14, 1863, son of Christ and Mary Bargsten, natives of Ger- many, who were farmers. The father died February 3, 1902, and

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the mother January 8, 1906. Henry received his education in Germany and came to America in 1887. locating in Goodhue town- ship, where he remained four years, after which he came to Zum- brota township and purchased thirty acres of land, which he broke and cleared, building a home and other outbuildings. In 1907 he bought eighty acres of improved land adjoining and again in 1909 bought seven aeres of timber land, also adjoining, making a nice farm of 117 acres, on which he has followed general farming and stock raising. He was married March 2, 1884, to Mary Bredehoft, daughter of Hans and Mattie (Tomhave) Bredehoft, natives of Germany, in which country they died. Mr. and Mrs. Bargsten have two children, Mary, who married Henry Rothgarn. living at Wabasha county, Hyde Park township, and Margaret. living at home. Mr. Bargsten paid a visit to his old home in Germany in 1901. returning in 1902. He is a Republican in his polities, has held the office of supervisor and road overseer for several years, and has been a member and director of the school board. He is interested in the Goodhue elevator. Mr. Bargsten has acquired what he now possesses by hard work, and the es- teem by which he is held in his community is clearly shown by the many offices to which he has been entrusted. The family attends the German Lutheran church.

Alfred E. Collinge, of Zumbrota village, was born August 10, 1871. son of Samuel and Hannah (Sutcliffe) Collinge, natives of England, who came to America in 1890, locating at Easton, Pa. In 1893 they came to Zumbrota, where the father engaged in brickmaking for three years, after which he went to Ireland. The mother died in 1890. Alfred E. received his education in England, after which he took up brickmaking. and in 1890 lo- cated in Radford, Va .. where he continued to work at his trade. In 1891 he went to Easton, Pa .. and in 1893 came to Zumbrota, where he again engaged in brickmaking. After three years he started in the dray business, and in 1905 in the ice business. He also entered the Vandusen Elevator Company, and 1908 was chosen its manager, which position he now holds. He still con- tinues the dray and ice business. The fraternal affiliations of Mr. Collinge consist of membership in the Modern Woodmen of America, of which he is clerk. the I. O. O. F .. the Masons and the M. B. A. By his wife. Matilda Person, a native of Sweden, who came to this country in 1893, Mr. Collinge has four children : Alfred. Hannah. Harry, and Mary Ann, all living at home. The subject of this sketch is a good citizen and capable business man, highly esteemed by his friends and acquaintances.

Frank W. Fulkerson, of Zumbrota, was born at Hamilton, Madison county. New York, June 9. 1851, son of Stephen and Mary (Worthington) Fulkerson, natives of England and Ger-

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many, respectively. The father, who was a contractor and stone- cutter, died December 25, 1859, and the mother November 24, 1891. Frank W. received his education in New York, after which he followed farming until 1872, when he came west and for one year worked on the government survey of the Red River valley. In 1873 he came to Zumbrota and engaged in carpenter work and contracting, which he has since followed. Mr. Fulkerson was mar- ried February 2. 1878, to Viola Dickerson. daughter of A. J. and Ilannah (Cooledge) Dickerson, the former of whom died in 1900 and the latter in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Fulkerson are the parents of six children: Robert L., born February 13, 1879. is with C. A. Zimmerman, of St. Paul: Harold E., born February 7, 1881, is with the Southern Pacific railroad at Oregon; Jay E .. born Au- gust 29, 1885. graduate of the Minnesota University, is with the C'ascade Lumber Company, of Washington state: Ruth E., born October 28, 1886, lives at home : Floyd F .. born January 2, 1889, lives in North Dakota; hois F., born December 10, 1890, lives at home. Politically, Mr. Fulkerson is an independent Republican, belongs to the Masons, the Modern Woodmen and the Modern Brotherhood. A sincere believer in education, he has given his children the advantage of a thorough school training. The fam- ily worships at the Congregational church.

Lars J. Henning, of Zumbrota village, was born in Holden township, April 21, 1876. son of Peter and Gjertru Henning, both natives of Norway. They came to America many years ago, and the father engaged for a time in teaching school. Ile was after- wards chosen manager for the Farmers' Co-operative Store, known as "Dovre Handels Forening." a position he held for seven years. He then purchased his present store at Aspelund, where he is still engaged in the general mercantile business. Lars received his education in the public schools at Aspelund, in the Zumbrota high school, and later at the Red Wing Business College. In 1896 he became a silent partner of O. N. Berg in the mercantile business, which partnership continued until 1900, when the firm's name was changed to Berg & Henning. In 1902 Mr. Henning purchased Mr. Berg's interest and has since continued the business alone, being very successful and making a specialty of handling poultry and farm produce. Hle also takes an active interest in the promotion of poultry raising throughout the eoun- try. Mr. Henning was married June 25, 1903, at Zumbrota, to Gjerstine Svee. This union has been blessed with three children : Hulda, born June 6, 1904: Palma, born September 4, 1907, and Leslie, born July 11, 1909. Mr. Henning is a Republican in poli- ties, and a member of the Modern Samaritans and Modern Wood- men of America, in both of which organizations he has held sey- eral offices.

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Ole Kittleson, of Zumbrota township, son of Kittie and Berit (Loken) Kittleson, was born in Norway, November 25, 1843. His parents died in Norway, the father in 1884 and the mother in 1845. Ole received his education in Norway, and came to America in 1859, locating at Roek county, Wisconsin, where he worked on a farm for two years. He then went to Illinois, and engaged in farming, remaining six years, after which he came to Pine Island township, where he purchased 100 acres of improved land and followed general farming until 1881, when he removed to Zumbrota and purchased a farm of 231 aeres in seetion 34. Here he built a home and other outbuildings and has followed a general line of farming. May, 1872, Mr. Kittleson was married to Julia Lee, daughter of Nels and Ambor (Torkelson) Lee, na- tives of Norway, who came to America in 1865, locating in Wis- consin and later removing to Pine Island, where they engaged in farming for six years, when they came to Clay county, where the father died in March, 1887, and the mother in 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Kittleson have had ten children: Bessie, married to Gustaf A. Nelson, of Minneola township; Nels, Cornelius and Julia, liv- ing at home; Josephine, married to Elba C. Harper, of Pine Island; Henry, of Cherry Grove; Theodore, of Spokane, Wash .; Emma and Emma (deceased), and Olaf, a medical student at the University of Minnesota. Mr. Kittleson is a Republican in his polities, but has never sought public office. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator of Zumbrota, and the family attend the Lutheran church.

Benjamin A. Kolbe, a well known shoe merchant of Zumbrota, was born in Minneola township, March 27. 1867, and received his education in the public schools, engaging in farming until the year 1898, when he removed to Zumbrota and engaged in the ice business for one year. Receiving the offer of a good position with the Plano Harvesting Company. he entered their employ, re- maining with them for four years, afterward becoming agent for the International Harvesting Company, for whom he worked for two years, and then traveled two years for the J. I. Case Thresh- ing Machine Company. Being ambitions to get into business for himself, he purchased the boot, shoe and harness business of W. E. Mosher & Son, which he has sinee conducted with great suc- cess, being one of the prominent merchants in Zumbrota and making it his aim to carry only high-grade and standard goods. Mr. Kolbe was married October 15, 1891, to Anna Maher. Hav- ing no children of their own, they adopted a little girl, Marie, still living at home. Mrs. Anna Maher Kolbe died January 27, 1900, and Mr. Kolbe was married October 22, 1901, to Anna Zetz- man, by whom he has two daughters: Myrtle, born in June, 1904, and Ruth, born in February, 1907. Mr. Kolbe is an independent

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Republican. Both he and his wife attend the Lutheran church. His parents were Henry and Marie (Zimmerman) Kolbe, natives of Germany, who came to America, locating in Red Wing in 1859, removing to Hay Creek until the fall of 1865, when they pur- chased a farm in Minneola township, cultivating and improving it. In 1869 Mr. Kolbe met with a serious accident, having his leg cut off by a threshing machine and dying before medical as- sistance could reach him. Mrs. Kolbe was left with seven small children, whom by her thrift, industry and hard labor she edu- cated, besides managing her farm and paying off a large mort- gage, thus making a home for herself and little ones

Oscar O. Larsen, M. D., of Zumbrota village, was born at Rush River, St. Croix county, Wisconsin, August 6, 1877. He attended the public schools of Rush River and after mastering the common branches, entered Luther College at Decorah, Iowa, where he obtained his degree of Bachelor of Arts, being distinguished for proficiency in his studies as well as for his good fellowship. De- ciding to take up the study of medicine, he entered the medical department of the State University, where he was graduated with high honors in 1907. Shortly after graduating he came to the village of Zumbrota and took up the active practice of his profession, meeting with great success, having a large and in- creasing practice, both in the city and country. IIe is now filling the position of county physician, and being thoroughly ethical in his practice, he has affiliated himself with the county, state and American medical associations. Dr. Larsen is of sterling charac- ter as a citizen, sympathetic and generous as a practitioner. He was married December 22, 1903, at River Falls, to Nora Isaacson Herum, daughter of Jeno and Carolina (Thoen) Isaacson, who were natives of Norway, and emigrated to America, locating in Pierce county and becoming prominent farmers. Her father is deceased, but her mother is still living in River Falls. Mrs. Larsen is a graduate of the Lutheran Ladies' Seminary of Red Wing. Dr. and Mrs. Larsen have three children : Erling H., born January 23, 1904; Einar O., born September 29, 1906; and Harold A. C., born September 9, 1908. The doctor is a Republican in politics and he and his family are members of the Norwegian Synod church. His parents are Ole and Anna (Olson) Larsen, who were born in Norway, and emigrated to America in the late sixties, locating in Wisconsin. In 1876 they removed to Rush River, purchasing 160 acres of land, which they farmed and im- proved, carrying on general farming, being highly respected in the community wherein they reside.

Oliver K. Anderson, of Zumbrota village, was born at La- crescent, Minn., December 15, 1856, son of William and Susan O. (Arnett) Anderson, natives of Ohio. They emigrated to Houston

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county, Minnesota, in 1855. where the father followed his trade as carpenter until he died, January 2. 1901. The mother passed away December 25, 1886. Oliver received his education at La- crescent. after which he learned telegraphy and began his services for the C. & M. railroad in 1882. He was first stationed at Frontenac. Minn., where he remained until 1887, then went to Orient, S. D., until 1889, thence to Weaver. Minn., where he was stationed until 1892, when he came to Zumbrota, where he was engaged as station agent and operator, and where he still is. During all this time he has been with the C. & M. railroad, and has always performed his duties to the great satisfaction of the company. Mr. Anderson was married November 13, 1883. at Red Wing to Flora 1. Spinney, who was also born in Minnesota. in the town of Florence. She was the daughter of J. D. and Lucania (Seavey) Spinney, who were natives of New Hampshire., and came to this county and located in Florence township in 1854, and for a number of years were engaged in milling, then en- gaged in farming, which they followed for forty years in the same place. The father died suddenly on a street car at Seattle, Wash .. where he had gone to visit his younger daughter. The mother died January 10, 1905. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have four . children: Earl F .. born August 21. 1885. is a civil engineer of Seattle, Wash .; Pearl I .. born March 6. 1886. is a teacher; Fred D .. born October 15. 1889. is wireless operator on a boat from Seattle to Alaska ; and Florence R., born September 20, 1891, is a high school student. Mr. Anderson is a Republican in his poli- ties and has served on the village council two years and on the school board for ten years. Fraternally. he affiliates with the Masons and the M. W. A. He and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

William J. McWaters, a native of Minneola township, now living in Zumbrota village, was born January 8, 1862. son of James and Esther (Kinneer) MeWaters. of Ireland. who came to America in 1844 and located in New York state. where the father engaged in farming and railroading. Coming west in 1856 to Minneola township, they bought 160 acres of wild land, which they cleared and cultivated. following general farming until 1889, when they retired and moved to Zumbrota. William J. ro- ceived his education in Minneola township and farmed with his father until twenty-four years old. He then went to Polk county, Minnesota, where from 1886 to 1894 he farmed 400 aeres of land which he rented from his father. In 1894 he returned to the old homestead in Minneola township. This he purchased and has since continued to improve. June 19, 1890. he was married to Jennie Hangan. daughter of Halvor and Anna Haugan. They have two children : John E .. born April 8, 1891, and William J.,

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born October 1, 1892. Both are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Waters now live on the farm in Minneola township. Mr. Me- Waters is a man of energy and deserves all the success won by him. He is a member of two fraternal organizations, the Red Men and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a communi- cant of the Lutheran church, and politically associates with the Republican party. Mr. MeWaters has served as town clerk and assessor, also as school clerk of district 66.

Miner C. Morgan, of Zumbrota township, was born in Seneca county, New York, April 28. 1846, son of Charles and Elizabeth (Marlatt) Morgan, natives . of New Jersey. The father was a machinist and patternmaker by trade. Both parents are de- ceased, Miner received his education in New York state and left school to enlist in the Union army at Trumansburg, N. Y., in Company A. Fiftieth New York Volunteer Engineers as artificer, February 13, 1863. Ile was discharged from the army June 13, 1865, at Fort Barre Va., when he returned to New York state, and December. 1865. went to Illinois. In March, 1867. he came with his brothers to Zumbrota township and purchased 160 acres of wild land, which they broke and improved, built a home and other outbuildings, and carried on general farming. In 1894 he bought his brother's interest in the farm and has since continued to do general farming. December 31, 1884. Mr. Morgan was married to Caroline A. Danielson, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (An- derson) Danielson. farmers of Belvidere township. The father died March 6. 1909, but the mother is still living in Belvidere. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan had no children of their own, but had adopted a boy. Charles Kivett Morgan, who is now a civil en- gineer at Minneapolis. Mr. Morgan is a Republican'in his polities and has served on the town board nine years, being chairman of the township for three years; as well as a member of the school board for fourteen years. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. and G. A. R. Post No. 121, and he and the family attend the Presbyterian church.

John O. Olsen, one of the prosperous merchants of Zumbrota, first saw the light of day in Chicago, February 8, 1878. His par- ents moved to Zumbrota in 1885, when John O. was seven years old. He received his education in the public schools of Zumbrota and graduated from the high school. After leaving school he took a position as a clerk, which he retained until 1907, when he started out for himself, opening the City Grocery and Crockery store, in which he has been very successful, he being the sole owner and proprietor, carrying a full line of goods and enjoying a large village and country trade. He was married June 27, 1904, at Decorah, Iowa, to Marie Fossom, daughter of L. L. and Mollie Fossom, prominent farmers of lowa, but now living in Decorah.

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having retired from active business. Mr. and Mrs. Olsen have no children. Mr. Olsen is an independent voter, and is one of the volunteer firemen. Being an active church worker, he is presi- dent of the Young People's League of Land's (Norwegian Lu- theran) church, which he and his wife attend. He owns two lots in town and has a substantial home on West avenue. John and Ingebor Olsen, parents of John O. Olsen, and natives of Norway, came to America in 1872, locating in Chicago, where the father engaged in the custom tailor's business until 1885, when he re- moved his family to Zumbrota, following the same trade. Both parents are still living.

Paul Paulson, of Zumbrota village, was born in Wanamingo township, November 1, 1877. son of Bottolf and Julia Foss Paul- son, both natives of Norway, who came to America in the early sixties, loeating in Wanamingo township and purchasing a farm of 120 acres, which the father cultivated and improved, residing here until 1893, when he sold the farm and moved to Zumbrota, where he purchased 168 acres of fine farm land. There he has since resided, carrying on general farming. Paul received his education in the public schools of Wanamingo and remained at home assisting his father until he was twenty-two years of age, when he went to Stevens county and engaged in farming until 1906. He then came to Zumbrota and took up the threshing business, which he has followed until the present time. He is also manager of the IIulbert Mills for the First State Bank of Zumbrota. Mr. Paulson was married December 24, 1899, to Emma Siebrecht, daughter of Henry and Catherina (Augustine) Sie- brecht, natives of Germany, who for many years resided in Pine Island township, where the father is engaged in farming, the mother having died July 17, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Paulson have four children : Luella, Joseph. Roy, and Norman, all living at home. Mr. Paulson is a Republican and he and his family attend the German Lutheran church. He has never sought public office, devoting all his time to his family and farm.

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 84

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