USA > Minnesota > Goodhue County > History of Goodhue County, Minnesota > Part 87
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Nels A. Stageberg, a well-known farmer of Minneola town- ship, was born in Norway, June 26. 1850. son of Andrew and Bar- bara (Knutson) Stageberg, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1857. They located in Wisconsin for one year, then removed to Minneola township, this county, where they secured 160 acres of wild land, which they broke and improved, carry- ing on general farming until 1899, when they retired. Nels A. Stageberg came to America with his parents at seven years of age. After receiving a parochial school education he took up farming with his father, and continued to improve the home farm. erecting upon it many new and up-to-date buildings, among them a new home. Since 1879 he has followed general farming for himself. Mr. Stageberg was united in marriage the first time in March, 1869, to Guerina E. Knutson, a native of Norway. By this marriage there were two children, Bertha and Andrew, the latter of whom is a merchant at Owatonna. Mr. Stageberg was married the second time to Rosa Hesselberg, a native of Norway. This union was blessed with eight children-Gerda, now Mrs. An- derson, of Dodge Center; Lena. now Mrs. Grover, of Zumbrota; Osear, now at Montana; Albertha, now of Washington; Manda,
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now of Montana, and Selma, Rudolph and Clarence, all at home. The family attend the Lutheran Church. Mr. Stageberg is a Re- publican and has taken an active part in public affairs, as is shown by the fact that he was county commissioner for twelve years, to which position he gave his most earnest and faithful attention. He was also supervisor of the town and director of his school district for several years, treasurer of the Wanamingo. Minneola and Cherry Grove Fire Insurance Company for thir- teen years, and director for thirty years. At the present time he is a director in the Zumbrota Hospital and treasurer of the Minneola Congregation. To help develop his community he was instrumental in getting the rural delivery established in his see- tion. He is a stockholder in the Wanamingo creamery and also in the Farmers' elevator, of Zumbrota and Wanamingo. Mr. Stageberg is courteous and kind to all, and his one effort has been to please the community he has served so well. He has been very successful in his undertakings, and is generally re- garded as a man of ability.
Ole E. Ofstie, of Minneola township, was born in Norway, January 7, 1843, son of Estine Knutson and Aneka Bjorgen, na- tives of Norway. They came to America in 1866 and located in Minnesota, where the father engaged in farm work for fifteen years. In 1871 they went to Lac qui Parle county, where the father, in partnership with his son. bought 160 acres of land, which they cleared and improved and carried on general farming until the death of the father in 1895. The mother died in 1899, both deaths occurring at Lae qui Parle county. Ole received his education in the public schools of America, which he at- tended for a short time, and worked on the farm. Later he took up carpenter work and building, at which he was engaged until 1872. He then purchased 112 acres of land in Minneola town- ship. and engaged in farming, also stock raising. He improved the buildings and built a new house. February 12, 1866, he was married to Anna Marta, daughter of John and Ingeborg Besstad, natives of Norway, where the father was a carpenter. Both are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ofstie have had seven chil- dren- Edward (deceased) ; John E., a farmer of Minneola, mar- ried to Phina Lexvold; Anna, married to Henry Hanson, of Wanamingo; Carl. employed on the railroad; Andrew, a farmer at home; Erick, married to Hulda Dorn, and Olaf, who are at home. Mr. Ofstie is a Republican in his politics. He has served on the school board for three years, and on the school board for the Norwegian school two years. He is also road overseer. The family attend the Lutheran Church, which Mr. Ofstie has served as trustee nine years.
Louis H. Kopplin, of Minneola township, was born in Red
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Wing. February 1, 1865, son of Alex F. and Julia (Koenig) Kop- plin, both natives of Germany. In 1853 they emigrated to Amer- ica. locating in Wisconsin, where Alex F. attended college. After finishing his collegiate education he taught school and later eame to Red Wing and entered the employ of Frederick, Kempe & Co. In 1870 he removed to Minneola township, where he purchased eighty acres of land. which he broke and cultivated, erecting a substantial home and farm buildings. In addition to his Good- hue county property he owns land in Canada, Lac qui Parle county, Minnesota, and two sections in Pan Handle, Texas. He continued farming until 1893, when he removed to Bellingham, Lae qui Parle county. Minnesota. where he still lives, engaged in the hardware. lumber and land business. Ilis wife passed away in June, 1896. Louis H. acquired his education at Minne- ola. After leaving school he remained with his father until 1893, when he purchased eighty acres of land adjoining the old original homestead. which his father gave him. This consisted of eighty acres in section 2. making him in all a valuable farm of 160 acres. He has built a substantial home. also a large new barn 70x40, and erected several other farm buildings. Mr. Kopplin takes great interest in forestry, and has planted 1,000 Norway poplar trees, which will mature in future years. In June, 1893, the same year he started out for himself. he was married at Zum- brota to Anna G. Koch, born April 10, 1870, daughter of Henry Koch, born in 1836. and Margarita (Engel) Koch, born in 1843, both natives of Germany, who came to America. settling at Evans- ville. Ind. They moved to Hay Creek in 1873. and in 1886 came to Zumbrota and engaged in farming. The father is still living in Litchfield. Minn., and the mother died April 9, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Kopplin have three children. Selma. born April 11, 1894; Stella. born August 21. 1901. and Hildegarde, born February 5, 1904. Mr. Kopplin is a Democrat, and has held the office of school director for several years. He has acquired his present prosperity by hard work and honest toil, and is an honored citi- zen in every respect. The family attends the Lutheran Church.
Christian A. Lexvold was born on the old homestead in Minne- ola township. November 19, 1870. being the son of Andrew Lex- vold. He received his education in the common schools of Minne- ola township. and like his brothers worked on his father's farm. In 1890 he left home. going to North Dakota and remaining there for three years. In 1893 he returned and began farming on part of the old homestead, his land now consisting of 120 acres in section 22 and forty acres in section 16. making a farm of 160 acres. He erected the comfortable home in which he lives with his family. also built other necessary farm buildings. carrying on general farming and stock raising with considerable success
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and making a specialty of Short Horn and Holstein cattle. Mr. Lexvold was married November 8. 1897, to Louise J. Aadahl, daughter of John JJ. and Roberg Aadahl. of Norway, and has five children-Rachel, born March 4. 1898; Aimar, born Deeem- ber 25, 1901 ; Gurda, born October 5, 1905; JJoseph, born February 5. 1907. and Hilda, born March 27. 1909. He is a Republican in polities. He and his wife attend the Lutheran Church.
Knudt O. Strand, of Minneola township, was born in Norway, August 18. 1865, and came to America when one year of age, with his parents. O. K. and Christina Strand, in 1867. Upon their arrival in this country the family located in Minneola township, and a year later, in 1868, purchased 160 acres in section 34, on which the father erected a good house, barns and other buildings. In 1905 he went to Itasca county, taking up a homestead. After proving up his claim he returned to his former home in Minne- ola. where he died December 14, 1908. his wife having passed away in December, 1903. Knudt O. was educated in the public schools of Minneola and assisted his father on the farm, pur- chasing the old homestead in 1896. In this he has taken great pride. cultivating and improving the place and devoting his best efforts to carrying on general farming. December 28. 1893. he was married to Julia B. Lunde, daughter of Barnt and Inga (Guplon) Lunde, natives of Norway, who emigrated to America and settled in Roscoe township, purchasing farm land, on which they still live. Mr. and Mrs. Strand have four children-Con- stanee, Hildegard. Adela and Dagmar. all of whom are living at home.
Bortinus J. Aadahl was born in Minneola township on the farm where he still lives. June 27, 1873, son of John and Riborg (Lerfald) Aadahl, natives of Tröndelagen. Norway, who came to America in 1872, locating in Minneola township, where they bought 160 aeres of improved land, which they continued to improve, erecting substantial and up-to-date buildings and fol- lowing general and diversified farming until his death, February 28, 1905. The mother died June 22, 1895. Bortinus J. Aadahl received his education in the schools of Minneola, and worked with his father on the farm until the latter's death, when he came into possession of the farm, and continues to follow general and diversified farming. Mr. Aadahl was married May 16, 1898, to Anna Trelstad, a daughter of John P. and Riborg (Börstad) Trelstad, natives of Tröndelagen, Norway, who came to America in the early sixties, settling in Minneola township, and engaged in farming. The mother died October 19, 1871, but the father is still living and farming in Minneola township. Mr. and Mrs. Aadahl have been blessed with four children-Rudolph, born June 27, 1900: Julia R., born September 1, 1903; Ella, born July
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26, 1905, and Dena, born March 28, 1909, all living at home. Mr. Aadahl is a Republican in his political views and the family are members of the United Norwegian Lutheran Church.
Ole J. Hanson, of Minneola township, was born in Norway, June 20, 1849, son of John and Annie (Bjorge) Hanson, who came to America in 1863, residing at Rock Prairie, Wis., for one year. In June, 1864. they came to Minneola township, remaining there until 1868. then going to Kandiyohi county, where they took a homestead of 160 acres, which the father broke and improved, following general farming till 1878, then going to the Red River valley to live with his son. The father died December 28, 1890, and the mother in 1899. Ole came to America with his parents in 1863. taking up farming in Minneola township. Beginning farming for himself. he purchased forty acres of improved land, adding to this at various times until he now has 142 acres of farm land and twenty acres of timber land in Pine Island town- ship. He has always followed agriculture and for nine years gathered the cream for the Crescent creamery. Mr. Hanson was married June 3. 1874. to Gunnil, daughter of John and Anna (Johnson) Satren, who came to America from Norway, locating first at Rock Prairie, Wis. Later they came to Minneola town- ship, where Mr. Satren died April 2, 1907. and Mrs. Satren March 25. 1909. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hanson are: Joseph. born March 1. 1875. now in Reeder. N. D .: Anna. born June 22. 1876. now Mrs. Albert Paul, of Meservey, la. ; Magnus, born December 23, 1877. now at Brinsmade, N. D .; H. Andrew, born March 22. 1879, living at home: Fred. born April 14. 1881. now at Berthold. N. D .: Lena, born January 19, 1883, now of Minnewauken. N. D .; Melvin, born January 2. 1885, now' of Brinsmade. N. D .; Mary, born January 10, 1887, school teacher at Bigwood, Minn .: Josie, born November 9. 1888. now a school teacher; John. born December 18, 1890, now of Berthold. N. D .: Luella. born December 26, 1892. a student, who lives at home; Carl, Born March 5, 1895; George, born April 23. 1897; Adolph. born December 31, 1899. The last three named live at home. Politically Mr. Hanson is a Republican and attends the Lutheran Church. By hard work and fair dealings he has achieved success and won the respect of all.
Sam O. Aslakson, born March 6. 1861, on the farm in Minneola township where he now resides, is the son of Swen and Lev. Aslakson, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1857, locat- ing in Minneola township, where they bought 160 aeres of wild land, which they improved. The father died November 11, 1894, and the mother February 2. 1908. Sam O. received his education in Minneola township, after which he farmed with his father until 1890, when he came into possession of 1171/%
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arres of the old homestead. This he has continued to improve, rebuilding the house, beside constructing many other buildings for the shelter of stock and grain. Mr. Aslakson was married July 4, 1895, to Ellen Marie, daughter of Soren and Anna Under- dahl. Mrs. Underdahl died July 5. 1882, and her husband is stikt living. Sam O. Aslakson and wife have been blessed with six children-Selmer, Leonard, Matilda, Anna. Joseph and Lydia, all of whom are alive. Mr. Aslakson is a Republican, a member of the Lutheran Church and at the pres- ent time treasurer of the parochial school. He was once the treasurer of school district No. 92 for twelve years. and in 1900 took the census of Minneola township. At the present time he is director in and stockholder of the Minneola Creamery Company. He is an energetic business man and well deserves the rewards of his hard labor.
Frank Ahneman, of Minneola township, was born at Pine Island. this county, April 20. 1864. His parents. Henry and Sophia (Pultz) Ahneman, were both natives of Germany, who came to this country in the early forties, settling in Wisconsin. About ten years later they moved to Pine Island village, where the father conducted a store for the period of two years. Tiring of mercantile life, he sold this store and bought a farm of 310 acres, where he lived until his death, April 16, 1906, his wife having died November 10, 1893. Frank Ahneman received his education in the public schools of Pine Island. and after leaving school assisted his father on the farm until 1897, when he re- moved to Olmstead county, Minnesota. Here he engaged in farming until 1899. when he came to Minneola township, pur- chasing a farm of 160 acres in section 24, on which he conducted many improvements, making a good home for himself and family. In 1907 he built a substantial house and other farm buildings. He carries on a general farming, and has been very successful, ac- quiring his possessions by his frugal habits, honesty and hard work. Mr. Ahneman was married December 22, 1896, at Red Wing, to Hannah Degener, daughter of Henry and Ernestine (Verch) Degener, natives of Germany, came to America and located at Greenlake county, Wisconsin, where the father en- gaged in farming for several years, afterward removing to Pine Island and following the same line of work. He and his wife are still living on the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Ahneman have been blessed with one daughter and one son-Hilda, born May 15, 1897, and Arthur, born July 17, 1900. Mr. Ahneman is Demo- eratic in his political views. The family attends the Intheran Church.
Cornelius A. Erstad is one of the prosperous farmers of Minne- ola township. His parents. Andrew and Oline (Hanson) Erstad,
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left their native home in Norway and came to America, living first at various points in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, until 1855, when they took a homestead of 160 acres in section 35, Minneola township, which they improved and cultivated. On this farm the father built a comfortable home and commodious outbuildings. HIe was a good man in every way and is remembered by many as one of the early settlers of Goodhne county. He died in 1908 and his wife in 1878. Cornelius A. was born on the homestead June 26, 1860. He received his preliminary education in the pub- lie schools in Minneola township, then took a four years course of study in Luther College at Decorah. Ia. For a short period he returned to the old farm. and from 1884 to 1897 engaged in farming in Kenyon and Mazeppa. In 1897 he took charge of the old farm. on which he has made many improvements. He was married to Sigrid Ylvisaker, daughter of N. Th. and Kristine Ylvisaker. of Norway. who came to America and located at Red Wing, where Mr. Ylvisaker was a Lutheran minister. He died some years later, but his wife still lives with her children. Mr. and Mrs. Erstad are parents of Andrew. born November 4, 1888; Olaf, born February 19. 1892; Einar, born November 19, 1894. and Ruth, born May 2, 1897. With the exception of An- drew, who attends the Luther College at Decorah, la., they are all at home.
Gunder Froyum, one of the prosperous farmers of Minneola township. was born in Norway. September 5, 1849. During his childhood he attended school in Norway. At the age of sixteen he came to America with his parents and for six weeks was a pupil in the Minneola school. After leaving school he applied himself to the farm work, remaining as his father's assistant umtil his death, when he inherited the home farm, which he con- tinned to improve, erecting several new farm buildings. He has followed general mixed farming. being very successful. He is also interested in the stone quarry. He is prohibition in politics and has always been interested in the welfare of the country in which he lives, filling the office of town supervisor for two years, also road overseer, and treasurer of the school board. Mr. Froyum was married April 17. 1878, to Dena A. Goplin, daugh- ter of A. A. and Mary Goplin, farmers of Norway, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Froyum have ten children-Sophia, married to Carl Fossum; Matilda, married to Henry Bjugan ; Julia, now Mrs. Has- set, of North Dakota; John, Alfred, Helen, George, Selma, Her- man and Floyd, all at home. They all attend the Lutheran Church. The parents of Gunder Froyum were John and Sigri (Avelsgard) Froyum, both natives of Norway, emigrating to America in the year 1865, and locating in 1866 in Minneola, where they purchased 120 acres of land, which the father broke
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up and cultivated, erecting a home and other farm buildings. IIe died February 10, 1885, and the mother February 10, 1881.
Peter M. Johnson, Minneola township, son of S. J. and Chris- tine Marie (Peterson) Johnson, was born in Sweden, March 26, 1851. His father and mother were both natives of Sweden, com- ing to America in 1870, locating first in New York state, where they resided one year. In 1871 they removed to Red Wing, but the following year they came to Minneola township, where they engaged in farming. A few years later they removed to White Willow, Zumbrota township, where the father died in 1886. The mother is now residing in Welch, this county. Peter M. was edu- cated in Sweden, coming to America in 1868, two years before his parents, and locating in Red Wing, where he resided for three years. In 1871 he moved to Minneola township, and four years later. in 1875, purchased a farm of eighty acres. Here he has since made his home. improving the land and erecting a house and other farm buildings, engaging in general farming, but de- voting most of his time to grain raising and dairying. He is a progressive farmer and honored citizen, having served for sev- eral years as road commissioner. Mr. Johnson is a Republican and with his family attends the Swedish Lutheran Church. He was married July 3, 1877, in Hastings, to Sophia Carlson, dangh- ter of C. J. and Sarah (Jenson) Carlson, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1871, loeating in Hastings, where they continued to live until the death of Mrs. Johnson's father, April 27, 1900. Her mother then went to Center City, Minn., where she resided with her daughter until her death. May, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been blessed with eight children-Elsie M., born July 30, 1878, died July 15. 1898 ; Helma E., born August 22, 1880, married George Baslington, of Pine Island; John R., born February 14, 1883; Mabel A., born November 8, 1884; Vinnie S., born April 5, 1887 : Laura L., born December 22, 1889; Ethel W., born August 2, 1892, and Alice V., born June 20, 1898. All of these are at home.
Sivert A. Lexvold, of Minneola township, was born in Nor- way, March 12, 1862, coming to America with his father in 1866, his mother having died in Norway. His parents were Andrew and Berntina Lexvold. The family came first to Red Wing, then moved to Belle Creek, where they resided one year, finally settling in Minneola township, where Sivert A. received his edu- cation. He remained on the farm, assisting his father until he was twenty-six years of age, and then worked out until 1892, when he became the owner of 100 acres of land in Minneola, afterward purchasing eighty aeres more in section 1, Roscoe, all of which by hard work he has improved and cultivated, devoting his attention mostly to diversified farming. He has a substantial
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house and other farm buildings, including a barn, to which he has recently made a valuable addition. May 24, 1893, Mr. Lex- vold was married in Minneola township to Mary J. Aadahl, daughter of John J. and Reberg Aadahl, natives of Norway, who, after coming to this country, settled in Minneola, engaging in agricultural pursuits. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lexvold have ten children-Ragna B., Arthur J., Selma M., Leonard M., Segurd J., Bennie G., Mable J .. Hazel B. (deceased), IIazel B. and Myrtle A. Mr. Lexvold is Republican in his politi- cal views. He affiliates with the Modern Samaritans. Like many of his nationality, he has accumulated his property and made his home by hard work. The family attend the Lutheran Church.
Halbert A. Lexvold, son of Andrew Lexvold, was born in Minneola township November 7, 1876. on the old homestead, where he still resides. He acquired his education in the sehools of Minneola, and at the age of fifteen years. after leaving school, went to Sheldon, N. D .. where he engaged in farming for three years, returning to the home farm in 1894. Two years later he went to Perth, N. D., where he took up a claim of 160 aeres, which he proved up, remaining there five years. In 1901 he again turned his footsteps toward home, purchasing the family home- stead of 160 acres in sections 21 and 22. This, by thrift and hard work, he has cultivated and improved, being engaged in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Lexvold was married December 23, 1896, at Rolla. N. D., to Gena Hastad, daughter of L. J. and Kristina (Romo) Hastad. both natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Lexvold have six children-John. born April 10, 1898: Gladys, born November 10, 1901; Lillian, born October 28, 1903; Harold, born June 1, 1905; Mayme, born September 16, 1907, and Mar- shall. born May 9, 1909. The family attend the Lutheran Church. Mr. Lexvold is Republican in his political views. He is an hon- ored citizen and has held the office of school treasurer of district 67 for the last three years.
Peder N. Nesseth, a prominent resident of Minneola township, was born in Beraker Ovre Stordalen, Norway, July 21. 1828. He emigrated to America June 13. 1858, and located at Wana- mingo for two years. In 1860. in Minneola township. section 16, he bought 160 acres of land. which he broke and improved and upon which he built a comfortable home. He carried on general farming and proved a most successful farmer. Mr. Nesseth was married June 8, 1857, at Meraker, Norway. to Ingeborg G. Nustad, by whom he had seven children. Nels P. is employed with the Red Wing Malting Company, Red Wing. Dr. Marie Sophie. Gjertru Maria. Gustav, Hemming. Hemming second, all are dead. Rev. Guttorm P. is at Willborg. Clearwater county,
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Minnesota. In polities Mr. Nesseth is a Republican and the fam- ily worship at the Minneola Evangelical Lutheran Church, which he helped to organize and was one of the trustees for many years. He was also a member of the first board of directors of the Wana- mingo, Cherry Grove and Minneola Fire Insurance Company, which he always helped to promote. He has been a member of the school board in his district. Mr. Nesseth has made all he has by hard work and the family are highly respected by all their friends and neighbors.
W. Edwin Peterson, of Minneola, was born in the township April 27, 1870, son of Christian Peterson. During his early years he attended school in district No. 65 and the Zumbrota grammar school, finishing his education at the Beeman's Business College in Red Wing. After leaving college he rented the home farm of his father. which he conducted for several years. In 1902 he bought a farm in Pine county. moving on to it the next year. In the fall of 1904 he returned to Minneola. where he has a farmi of 160 acres, containing good buildings, which he has named Grand View, on which he conducts diversified farming, making a specialty of Shropshire sheep. Mr. Peterson was married in Zumbrota in May, 1894, to Mary L. Berg, daughter of C. O. Berg, of Red Wing. This union has been blessed with nine children- Mildred A., Ronald L .. Theodora E., Chester E., Leonora E., Wil- helm C., Beatrice M., Christian M., and Alfred L. Mr. Peterson is a Republican in his political views, and he and his family attend the Lutheran Church. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
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