History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 86

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 86

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).

J. B. Closner, of Pine Island village, was born in Green county, Wisconsin, January 8, 1855, son of Christian and Catherine (Buh- ler) Closner, natives of Switzerland, who emigrated to America in 1848, locating in Green county, Wisconsin, where the father was engaged as cooper and later as a farmer. In 1855 they came to Minnesota, pre-empted land in Dodge county, and engaged in farming for a period of thirteen years. In 1868 they removed to Plymouth county, Iowa, where they still reside. J. B. Closner attended the common schools for a short time, but is practically self-educated, having acquired the larger part of his knowledge by experience and observation. He has been engaged the greater

802

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

part of his time in buying live stock around Pine Island and Zumbrota, but has made his home in Pine Island, where he has built a home and resided for twenty-nine years. He has also dealt extensively in cheese, butter and eggs for a number of years. He now rents a dairy farm of 177 acres of land in Olm- stead county, which his sons manage. December 25, 1877, he was married to Magdalen Stempfly, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. Stempfly, natives of Ohio. They have six children: Ida, now of North Dakota; Edward G., of North Dakota; Catherine, now of Pine Island; Marjory, of Dodge county : Albert and J. B., at home. Mr. Closner is well and favorably known throughout the county. He has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the community in which he lives, and has served as deputy sheriff for four years, also as justice of the peace for several years, and member of the village conneil. IIe belongs to several fraternities, the I. O. O. F .. the A. O. U. W. and the M. W. A. and the E. F. U. In politics, he is independent.

Warren W. Cutshall, of Pine Island village, was born in Craw- ford county, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1835, son of George and Jane Cutshall, natives of Pennsylvania, who later removed to Ohio, where they died. The father was a carpenter and joiner. Warren W. received his education in the common schools and at the age of fifteen years began to work at his father's trade, which he followed for twenty years. In 1864 he came to Pine Island and engaged at his trade. In 1872 he bought a saw mill and be- gan the manufacture of lumber. Ile retired in 1907, selling all the machinery bnt retaining the building. When he first came to Pine Island, forty-five years ago. he erected a small house in the woods, and in this lived for some time, but later built a fine home. He now owns 133 acres of land in Pine Island and Roscoe townships, besides fifteen acres in the city limits. He was mar- ried to Mary M. Dellamater, and to them were born three chil- dren. Leverett is dead; Della M., who lives at home, married Frank Howard, a traveling salesman. The third child died in infancy. Mr. Cutshall is a Prohibitionist in his polities, and at one time served as school treasurer, but has never sought public office.

Cornel Clementson, supervisor of Pine Island township, was born in the township, May 30, 1865, son of Knute and Julia (Hoff) Clementson, natives of Norway. who in 1856 came to Pine Island township, where they pre-empted 120 acres of land and engaged in farming. In 1902 they retired and moved to Zumbrota village, where they reside. Cornel Clementson received his education in the schools of the township, after which he en- gaged in farming. He has a fine farm of 300 acres, has made part of the improvements on the place, and has a good house and

PUBLIC (1)

R. J. ROBINSON'S RESIDENCE

9061

803

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

buildings. He carries on general farming and stock raising, also dairying. for which purpose he keeps from fifteen to twenty cows. In November, 1904, he was married to Vina Hoff, daughter of Andrew and Jennie Hoff. They have two children : Conrad and Gernelia. Mr. Clementson is a Republican in his political views and has held his present office of town supervisor for five years. He is also clerk of the school board of his district. The family attends the Lutheran church.

George W. Hayward, of Pine Island village, was born in Dorchestershire, England. September 23. 1835. son of Thomas and Mary (Watts) Hayward. natives of England, who are now deceased. George W. received his education in the common and higher schools of England, and at the age of nineteen he and his brother Gilis came to America and located at Pine Island town- ship April 25. 1855. He pre-empted 160 acres of land, which he broke and improved, and added later eighty acres more, carry- ing on general and diversified farming and stock raising. In 1889 he retired, rented his farm, and purchased a home in Pine Island village, where he now resides. Mr. Hayward has been married three times. In 1858 he was married to Lavina Rhein- hart. of Pine Island. Two children were born: Alfred W., of Pine Island, and Alice C., married Arthur Darknell, dealer in real estate in St. Maries, Idaho. In 1874 Mrs. Lavina Hayward died. In 1877 he married Sarah A. Marsh, native of England, by whom he had four children: Lavina B. is dead; Bertram S. lives in Washington : George I. is a civil engineer, now located at Liv- ingston, Mont., for the Northern Pacific railroad. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1906. Erle W. is dead. Mrs. Sarah Hayward died in December, 1889, and on February 24, 1892, Mr. Hayward was married to Mrs. Marion Morehouse, of Pine Island, widow of Capt. A. Morehouse, of Company H, Fifth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. Mrs. Hayward has one daughter, Georgia (Morehouse) Irish, of Wapalo, Wash. Mr. Hayward is a Democrat. He has served on the village council two terms, has been chairman and supervisor of the township and chairman of the school board. No less than five times he has crossed the Atlantic, visiting his old home in England. The family faith is that of the Episcopal church.

R. J. Robinson, of Pine Island village, was born in Roscoe township, August 6, 1863, son of Thomas and Martha (Jackson) Robinson, natives of England, where they were married, and together they came to the United States in 1860 and engaged in farming in Roscoe township. The father died in March, 1896, and the mother the following August. R. J. Robinson was edu- cated in the common schools of the township and stayed at home until his parents' death, when he engaged in farming for him-

804

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

self. Ile was married in 1897 to Mary B. Hayward, who was also born in Roscoe township, daughter of Gilis and Priscilla (Dun- ford) Hayward, also natives of England. She was a graduate of the Pine Island high school, and taught for a number of years. He purchased 253 acres of land in Pine Island township, where they moved in 1900. He also has thirty-eight acres in Roseoe township and a fruit farm in Kenwick, Benton county, Wash- ington. He carries on general farming. dairying, stock and poul- try raising. They have an elegant brick home, and all the out- buildings are good. Mr. Robinson having made all the improve- ments on the buildings and land. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have four children: Cora B .. Roy H., Ruth P .. and Violet P. Their home is inside the corporate limits of the village, and Mr. Robin- son is a member of the village school board and secretary of the Farmers' Creamery Company. The family attends the Episcopal church. In polities Mr. Robinson is a Republican.

Luther B. Hudson, of Pine Island village, was born in New York in the town of Springwater. May 14. 1827. son of Joel and Sarah (Ilover) Hudson, natives of New York state. The mother died February 28. 1874, and the father November 23. 1892. Imther B. received his education in the public schools and worked on the farm until 1856, then he left the home in New York and emigrated west. He came to Pine Island and purchased 240 acres of land, which he broke, cleared and cultivated. carrying on a general line of farming and stock raising. In 1866 he sold this farm, bought another of 160 acres in the same township, moved to the village of Pine Island and has lived there ever since. He and his wife have celebrated their silver and golden weddings in the same house and had 103 guests at the golden wedding. Mr. Hudson was married April 4. 1859, to Mary Ann Freeman, of Montvill, Madina county, Ohio, daughter of Reuben and Lydia Ann ( Denton) Freeman, natives of New York state. The father was a farmer and came west with the family from Ohio to Garna- villo, Clayton county, Iowa, lived there four years, then moved to Minnesota in 1854, where he owned half a section of land. Ile was a magnetic healer and lived and practiced about twenty years in Minneapolis. He built up a very large practice. He lied June 7, 1887, and the mother died April 25, 1865. Five chil- dren blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hudson: Frank R., born July 19, 1861, is now a barber of Chicago ; Willie A., born August 7, 1865, is a farmer; Lillie, born September 3, 1871, died in in- fancy: Lydia May, born October 24, 1871. adopted child, died July 6. 1876; Joel was born November 5, 1873, and died January 31. 1874; Calnod B. was born February 9. 1877, and died Janu- ary 30, 1880. Mr. Hudson is a Republican and has been road-

MR. AND MRS. THOMAS ROBINSON

٣:٠٧

THE ARY YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR. LENOX AND

W. W. JEWELL

805

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

master for a number of years. The family faith is that of the Episcopal church.

Leon L. Cornwell, of Pine Island village, was born in Ol- stead county, Minnesota, October 12, 1872, and was educated in the common schools of the county. and at Carleton college in Northfield. After completing his studies he taught for twelve years, being superintendent of the schools of Fountain, Fillmore county, and Minnesota. Lyon county. In November, 1903, he was elected cashier of the Citizens' State Bank of Pine Island, which position he still holds. He was one of the organizers of the Zumbro Falls State Bank, August 5, 1907, and was elected president, which office he also still holds. Mr. Cornwell was mar- ried on August 28. 1895, to Mattie Sinclair, of Byron, Minn., daughter of George and Rebecca (Fisher) Sinclair, natives of Maine and Indiana. They came west in 1863, bought land and engaged in farming until the death of the father in 1897. The mother is still living at Byron, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell have one child, Dorothy M .. born June 5. 1899, now attending school. In politics Mr. Cornwell is a Republican. He is a public spirited citizen, has taken an active interest in the affairs of the village, and has held several positions of public trust and honor, having been treasurer of the village, treasurer of the cemetery association, secretary of the board of education. secretary of the Commercial Club, and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the Masonie Lodge, No. 37. Thomas and Clarissa (Spencer) Cornwell, parents of L. L. Cornwell. were na- tives of New York, where they were farmers. They came west in 1856 and located in New Haven, Minn .. where they took up a homestead of 160 acres of land. This the father cleared and prepared for cultivation. and added more land to his farm until he had 440 acres, on which he conducted farming and stock rais- ing. He retired in 1894 and moved to Pine Island village, where he purchased a comfortable home, in which he and his wife still reside.

W. W. Jewell, a prosperous druggist of Pine Island, was born in Dane county, Wisconsin. August 16. 1847, son of Moses and Martha Jewell. Ile received his education in the public schools, and finished with a course at Northwestern Seminary at Wasioja. Minn. After completing his studies. he became a clerk in the store of F. H. Williamson, of Lake City, remaining with him for ten years. In 1874 he went into business for himself in Pine Island, conducting a general store and also carrying a full line of drugs. He was one of the organizers of the Pharmacy Society, and has been a registered pharmacist since the law requiring registration of druggists went into effect in Minnesota. He was married in 1874 to M. I. Haaszo, daughter of James and Harriett

806

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

Haasze, natives of New York state, who came west in 1862, lo- cating in Olmstead county and engaging in farming on eighty acres. Both parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Jewell have had two children: Emery L., now of Shoshone, Wyom., where he is a physician, having graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1903, and Scott W., recently of Shoshone, who was in the drug business. being a graduate of the University of Minnesota of the class of 1903 and also of Drew College. He was accidentally shot and died in Shoshone, June 2, 1909. In his politics, Mr. Jewell is a Republican. He has served as town treasurer one term, and has held the state depository of the county for a number of years. He is also a member of the Ma- sonic order; has stood at the head of the local lodge for a number of years and is now its treasurer.

Moses Jewell, one of the early pioneers of this county, settled in Pine Island in May, 1855. His oldest son, S. C. Jewell, also accompanied him and located on his farm adjoining the village, where he now resides. The following spring Mr. Jewell moved his family from Dane county. Wisconsin. Ile had five children : Sarah, now Mrs. A. B. Cron ; Eliza, now Mrs. H. Tome ; Fenn, now of Pine Island: W. W .. now of Pine Island ; and Nye, deeeased. Moses Jewell died January 9, 1888; Martha, his wife, died August 3. 1900. The family faith is that of the Episcopal church.

Loomis F. Irish, president of the State Bank of Pine Island, was born in New York state, January 15. 1856, son of Joseph and Evelyn (Newton) Irish, natives of New York, who in 1865 came west to Minnesota, locating at Rochester, where the father engaged in farming and also ran a distillery. In 1867 he moved with his family to Goodhue county, and engaged in farming for one year, after which he went to Dodge county. remaining five years, also spending five years in Olmstead county. In 1878 they came to Pine Island, where the mother died the same year. The father died in 1900. They had a family of five children : Loomis, the subject of this sketch; Augustus, Julia, Rush (deceased), and Riley. Loomis F. received his education in the public schools of Dodge county. For ten years he manufactured brick and also operated the Pine Island roller mill, which he built in 1899. He built the first block in the village in 1895. The block known as the Opera House Block is a model of beauty and usefulness. In 1882 he established a private bank, which he conducted for twenty-four years. In 1907 this bank was incorporated as the State Bank of Pine Island. Mr. Irish was married in 1877 to Lura S. Hawkins, daughter of J. F. and Mahalia (Phelps) Haw- kins, natives of Canada and Wisconsin, the former of whom was a brickmason by trade. They came to Pine Island in 1862 and both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Irish have had five chil-

807

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

dren : Blanche, who married V. E. Parker, of Pine Island; Caryl and Ruth, who live at home; Basil and IIilda (deceased). In polities Mr. Irish is Republican. Fraternally he affiliates with the I. O. O. F. and M. W. A. Ile and his family attend Grace church.

John Ihrke, a prosperous farmer of Pine Island township, was born in Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, July 28, 1864, son of John and Rickie (Miller) Ihrke, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1864 and located in Wisconsin. In 1875 they came to Minnesota, located in the township of Pine Island, and engaged in farming, until the death of the father, February 9, 1901, the mother having passed away in 1867. John attended the common schools and worked with his father. In 1885 he came to the farm, where he still resides. Of his 340 acres of land, eighty acres is well timbered, the remainder being devoted to a general line of farming and stock raising. All the improvements on the place, which include a fine home, have been made by himself. In addi- tion to this he has shown his modern spirit by purchasing a sub- stantial touring ear. Mr. Ihrke is a good citizen and has always taken an active interest in the welfare of his community. He is town treasurer and has been supervisor for a number of years. The family are members of the German Lutheran church.

George R. West, of Pine Island village, was born in New York state, July 6, 1850, son of Lyman and Emeline (Rinehart) West, who in 1852 came to Iowa, where they rented land for two years. In 1855 they came to Pine Island, remaining over the summer, go- ing in 1856 to Roscoe township, where they resided for the re- mainder of their lives, the father dying May 8, 1875, and the mother December 25, 1904. George received his education in the common schools of the township, and also in the Pine Island schools, remaining on the farm with his father until he was twenty-three years of age. He then bought a farm in the same township and engaged in farming for himself. In 1872 he was married to Anna (Page), daughter of Robert and Sara (Cole) Page, who were old settlers of this county, coming in 1861, and engaging in farming. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. West had seven children: Libbey, Lunie, Nettie, Lyman, Sadie, Earl and Lynn. In 1883 the family moved to Dakota, where they spent fourteen years, after which they sold their farm and went to Pope county, Minnesota, remaining for four years. There Mrs. West died in 1899. Mr. West then returned to Roscoe township with his family and took charge of the homestead, his mother living with him until her death, after which he farmed for several years. In 1907 he went to Wyoming. Minn., where he bought a farm, remaining until 1909, when he sold out and entered into business in Pine Island, which he has since conducted. In 1905

808

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

Mr. West was married to Jessie Sterling, by whom he has one child, Alice. Mr. West is independent in his politics. While a resident of Dakota he held the position of town treasurer and was a member of the school board, also justice of the peace. He was at one time member of the Good Templars.

Jacob Bringgold, Sr., of Pine Island village. was born in Switzerland. January 24. 1824. son of John and Adeline Bring- gold, natives of Switzerland. where the father was a farmer. They emigrated to America in 1840 and located in New York state. where they bought a farm of 200 acres of timber land. This they cleared and in 1865 sold. and came west to Minnesota, where they bought land in Roscoe township, consisting of 160 acres. of which sixty acres was improved land. Jacob partially broke and cleared this land and added more gradually, until he had in all 420 acres. He carried on general and diversified farming and stock raising on a large scale, and was the first farmer in the township to bring in Short Horn cattle. He had a fine stock barn. 36x80 feet. Ile was also the first cheese maker in Pine Island. He retired from active life in 1889, and moved to Pine Island, where he purchased a home and has since resided. He was married in May. 1855. to Susan Egger. of Switzerland, daughter of Gilbert and Sophronia Egger, natives of Switzerland, where the father was a farmer and maker of Swiss cheese. They came to America in 1832 and located in New York state, where the mother died in 1868. after which the father went to Illinois, where he died in 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Bringgold were the parents of eight children-Rosie (deceased) : Emma. married to C. O. Little. of Oklahoma; Susan, married to J. S. Talcott, of Santa Ana. Cal .: Helen. married to Grover Comstock. of Minneapolis ; Jacob A., of Pine Island : Annie, living at home; Charles R .. liv- ing at Pine Island. and Grace. married to George P. Stout. of Minneapolis. Mr. Bringgold is an independent voter. He has served as chairman of the board in Roscoe township for ten years, and was also road master for a long period. The family attends the German Lutheran Church.

Charles Henry West, of Pine Island village, was born in Ros- coe township July 11. 1857, son of Lyman and Emeline (Rine- hart) West. He was educated in the common schools of his neighborhood, and after leaving school worked at farming for ten years in the same township. In 1883 he went to South Da- kota. and took up a homestead in Weston township, Marshall county. where he resided fourteen years. being town clerk two terms. For two years he lived in Amherst, conducting a hard- ware and grocery store, and in 1896 went to Douglass county, Minnesota. remaining two years. then to Stearns county, where he lived for five years. He was in the hardware business in

JACOB BRINGGOLD

THE NEW YORS PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR. IZN,"

809

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

Brooten, Stearns county, for two years. after which he returned to Pine Island in 1904 and entered into partnership with T. C. Nolan in the hardware business. He also managed a furniture store in the ('ron building, which he conducted for one year. In the spring of 1909 he and his brother George purchased the R. J. Beire hardware stock and moved the furniture stock. They now conduct a general house furnishing store, carrying a full line of hardware and furnishings. In 1877 he was married to Zell (Perkins) daughter of Ilubard and Miranda Edget. They have two children-Hazel N. and Hattie E. Mr. West is independent in his politics. He is a member of the M. W. A.

Ole R. Reberg, a prosperous and progressive farmer of Minne- ola township: comes of good old Norse stock, having been born in Norway April 12, 1861, son of Ole and Riborg (Midkel) Reberg, who came to America in the spring of 1874, located in Minneola township, purchased eighty acres which he broke and improved, built a home, and carried on general farming until his death, October 4, 1897. The mother died February 11, 1906. Ole R. came to America with his parents as a boy of thirteen years and completed his education in the schools of Minneola township. He took up farming with his father, and has always remained on the home place, which in 1895 he purchased .. He has made many improvements of various kinds, including a new barn, 66x36 feet, which is a model of its kind. Mr. Reberg is an in- dependent voter, and has not cared to mix actively in public affairs. Ife has, however, been assessor of the township and is serving his thirteenth year as clerk of school district No. 138. He has made all he owns by hard work, and is a good citizen in every particular, one who is pointed to as a representative of modern methods of farming and stock breeding. May 30, 1900, he was married to Anna Fossum, daughter of Nels C. and Gurina (Hembre) Fossum. farmers of Minneola township, but natives of Norway. The father died November 21, 1908, and the mother October 7. 1887. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Reberg has been blessed with four children. Gurina, born April 11, 1901, died April 25 of the same year: Gurina, the second child, was born December 27. 1902. Ruth was born November 11, 1905. Osmund N. was born September 22, 1907, and died December 23, 1908. The family worships at the Lutheran Church. Mr. Reberg has been an ardent believer in the co-operation of farmers and has worked actively in that cause, taking a prominent part in the organization of several farmers' co-operative concerns. He has for a number of years been a director in the Zumbrota Farmers' Mercantile and Elevator Company, the Minneola Creamery Com- pany, and the Farmers' Telephone Company, of Wanamingo.

Lafayette H. Watts, of Minneola township, is a native of New

810

HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

York state, born July 6, 1848. son of Richard and Mary (Locke) Watts, who emigrated to the west in 1858, locating near Baraboo, Wis .. for one year. After living in various other places they came to Zumbrota township in 1873, and engaged in general farming. The father died in 1901, while on a visit to his old home in New York state, and the mother died in Minneapolis, January. 1908. Lafayette received his education in the public schools and followed the fortunes of the family until 1886, when he went to North Dakota. There he farmed until 1896, when he returned to Zumbrota township and resumed agricultural oper- ations. From that year until 1906 he owned and conducted the Zumbrota hotel, after which he purchased a pleasant home, sur- ronnded by seven acres of land in Minneola township, just ont- side the village limits of Zumbrota. Here he has since continued to reside. Mr. Watts is a well-known member of the Masons, the Modern Woodmen and the Modern Brotherhood. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, but he is to a large degree an independent voter. Ile is a thorough believer in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Watts was mar- ried August 3, 1873. at Zumbrota. to Athelia Miller, daughter of A. J. Miller, an early settler. Five children have blessed this union-Amelia, born September 16, 1874, died March 16, 1893. Edith, born July 6, 1877. is now Mrs. Chaney Coffman, of Port- land, Ore. Truman N., born May 25. 1884. was the third child. Lafayette A., born in October, 1893, and Reginald R., born March 16, 1897, live at home and attend the public schools.

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 86

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