USA > Minnesota > Goodhue County > History of Goodhue County, Minnesota > Part 88
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Herman Pirius, a prosperous. progressive and hard-working farmer of Minneola township, was born in Prussia. Germany, May 3, 1850, and came to America in the fall of 1869, locating in Minneola township, where he rented land and engaged in farm- ing. In 1875 he had prospered sufficiently to purchase 160 acres in section 12. This land he developed, erected a house and out- buildings, and improved in various ways. He carries on general farming, and is said to have one of the finest quarter-seetion farms in the county. Mr. Pirins came to America as a poor boy. and has never had financial assistance, acquiring all he possesses by his own hard work. Although he had but little chances for acquiring an education himself. he is a thorough believer in the public school system, and has ably served district No. 94 as treasurer for many years. In addition to his farm property he is a stockholder in the Farmers' elevator, of Zumbrota. By his wife, Mary Theada, whom he married in April, 1873, Mr. Pirius has seven children-Tillie, Mary, Martha and Alvina, who are married, and Theresa, Clara and Herman, who are single. The family worships at the Lutheran Church.
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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY
Carl O. Ring, of Minneola township, son of Andrew and Christina Ring, was born in Sweden, January 8, 1866. His par- ents were natives of Sweden, and followed farming until the death of the father, August 12, 1904. The mother still lives in Sweden at the age of eighty-seven years. Carl O. Ring received his education in the common schools of the country, and worked at farming until May, 1885, when he emigrated to America, coming direct to Minnesota, and settling in Minneola township, where he was employed with the farmers until in 1891. He then rented 290 acres of land and engaged in farming for himself, carrying on general farming and stock raising. In 1899 he pur- chased 290 acres of this farm, which is all under cultivation. He was married December 8, 1891, to Louisa Swenson, daughter of John and Christina Swenson, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1852. locating in Rockford, III., where they remained until 1855. Then they came to Minnesota and took up a claim. consisting of 160 acres of wild land in Minneola township, which they broke and prepared for cultivation, carrying on a general and diversified line of farming. He retired from farming in 1891, and died May 4. 1909. The mother died August 14, 1908. Mr. and Mrs. Ring have three children-Mabel E., born October 25. 1892; John R. A .. born August 14, 1895, and Melvin L., born April 21, 1905.
John Starz was born in Minneola. in which township he still lives. August 22, 1864, son of Jacob J. Starz. He attended the public schools of Minneola and Zumbrota, and after finishing his education purchased 160 acres of land, on which he erected a house and built a good barn and ontbuildings. He also made many other improvements, carrying on a general line of farming and raising horses and cattle. April 17, 1888. Mr. Starz was mar- ried to Amelia Kalass, daughter of Christian and Sophia (Grond- wold) Kalass, natives of Germany, who emigrated to America and settled in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Starz have three children- Rosina A., born January 23, 1889: Luella M., born May 20, 1893, and Harry, born June 30, 1895. The subject of this sketch is Republican in politics, and a representative man, taking great interest in the local affairs of his town. He has served as town treasurer, for the past thirteen years, as elerk of the school board for the past seven years, and also as road master and road overseer.
Edward H. Starz, of Minneola, was born in the township September 28, 1866, son of Jacob J. Starz. He received his education in the schools of his neighborhood, and then took up farming with his father until twenty-four years of age, when he purchased the home farm and added 160 acres. He now owns 320 acres, which he has developed into an up-to-date, well-kept farm.
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Mr. Starz was married February 26, 1891, in Minneola township, to Anna M. Kalass, born July 13, 1867. daughter of Christian Kalass. The children of this union are: Herbert II., born De- cember 1. 1891; Sophia R., boru July 10, 1897, and died May 18, 1899; Edward C. II., born February 28. 1901; Edmond L. O., born June 22. 1903; Malinda R .. born April 11. 1905, and Christian S., born July 24, 1908. Mr. Starz votes the Republican ticket. and attends the German Lutheran Church. At the present time he is town clerk, which position he has held since 1903. He is a pro- gressive farmer and a hard worker and has a large circle of friends.
John O. Vollan was born in Minneola, in which township he still resides. in 1872. son of Ole H. and Mali (Langness) Vollan, both natives of Norway. Ole H. eame to America with his par- ents, John P. and Beret (Sagen) Vollan, in 1858, and located in Minneola township. Here they purchased eighty acres of land in section 8, which they cleared and cultivated. and engaged in farming. They erected a home, barn and other buildings neces- sary, and added eighty aeres more of land to their farm. The mother. Beret, died in 1879, and the father, John P., in 1893. Ole H. was married in 1868 to Mali Langness, daughter of Ole and Gertrude (Fundaune) Langness, natives of Norway, who came to this country in 1866, locating in Minneola township. where they remained but a short time, removing to South Dakota, where they engaged in farming. The father, Ole Langness, died in 1896, and the mother, Gertrude. in 1899. There were four children in the Vollan home-Beret, who lives at home; John O. the sub- ject of this sketch, who manages the homestead ; Ole O. and Hans, who are both deceased. Jolm received his education in the com- mon schools and worked with his father on the farm until in 1898, when he entered business in a general store at Zumbrota, which he conducted for one year, after which he sold and re- turned home and took .charge of the farm in 1900. his father retir- ing from active life, but still remaining on the homestead. John O. has made a great many improvements on the farm and build- ings, and rents eighty acres, carrying on a general line of farm- ing. dairying and stock raising. He is single. Mr. Vollan is `Republican in politics, and is a member of the Lutheran Church.
Sven E. Swenson, one of those men whose industry and per- severance has assisted in the development of the agricultural resources of Minneola township, is a native born son, having first seen the light of day in Minneola. July 29, 1867. ITis parents were Erick and Susanna Swenson. substantial farmers. He lived on a farm in his youth, took advantage of the educational opportunities offered in his neighborhood and then attended St. Olaf's College at Northfield, Minn., where he proved a capable
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student. His natural bent, however, was toward agricultural pursuits, and after completing his college studies he returned to Minneola and farmed with his father until 1892, when he pur- chased a farm of 160 acres on section 26, Minneola township, where he has since continued to reside. He has brought the land to a high state of cultivation, has erected a comfortable home and a roomy barn, and in fact has made those improvements which characterize the place as an up-to-date farm in every par- ticular. He raises his own stock, makes a specialty of several high grades and carries on general farming. Although inter- ested in the progress of modern events, he has never sought public office. being content to cast his vote for others whom he deems best fitted for publie position. Mr. Swenson was married at Pine Island. JJune 4, 1891, to Gina Monson. daughter of Gun- der and Gertrud Monson. The fruits of this union are six chil- dren-Stella. Grace, Mabel. Anna. Ervie and Adaline.
Guy C. Marshall, of Minneola township, was born in Wabasha county, this state, September 1. 1867. son of Russ and Rachel (Luke) Marshall, who came from Pennsylvania and located in Plainview, Wabasha county, in 1862. and engaged in farming until 1890, when they retired and spent the remainder of their days with their sons, Clarence and John, the father dying No. vember 20. 1901. and the mother September 20, 1905. Guy C. attended the schools of Elgin township, Wabasha county, and farmed for a time with his father. He learned the barbers' trade, worked at it three years, then farmed for a while, later clerked in a hotel at Plainview and in 1900 came to Minneola township and took up farming on the Reitman estate, where he has since remained. He was married April 9, 1895, to Sophia Reitman, daughter of John and Christine E. (Katterjohn) Reitman, na- tives of Germany. To this union has been born one child. Ange- line, who first saw the light of day in Plainview, September 6, 1901. Mr. Marshall votes the Republican ticket and belongs 10 the Foresters. John and Christine E. Reitman came from Ger- many at an early day and lived for a time in Indiana. In March, 1866, they came to Minneola township, purchased 160 acres, im- proved the farm, erected a home and became prominent citizens. The father died December 31, 1904. and the mother still occupies the old homestead at the age of seventy-six years. They had twelve children.
Christian Peterson staked out the first claim in Minneola town- ship, built the first cabin, and marked the way for the influx of civilization which was to follow. He was born in Norway, May 16, 1835, and there received his education. In 1852 he came to America and after living for a time in Rockford, Ill .. located in Minneola, and took up a claim on section 26 of 160 acres. The
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story of his early experiences is told in the general history of this township. In 1882 he built a new home, commodious and well furnished. Here he lived until his death, May 15, 1904. He served the township as chairman, as supervisor and as a member of the school board. He was also deeply interested in the Norwegian Lutheran Church, of which he was for many years trustee. Mr. Peterson was married March 19, 1859, at Red Wing, to Ililda L. Swenson, born in Smaaland. Jonkjoping, Len Sand- josochen, Sweden, February 7, 1838. She came to America with her mother in 1850 and located in Rockford, Ill., where she re- mained until coming to Minneola in 1856. Her father, Swen Swenson, died in Sweden in 1843, and her mother, Marie Jonas, died in Rockford in 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were blessed with the following children : Caroline, born July 26, 1860, is now Mrs. Kyllo, of Red Wing. Matilda. born September 28, 1862, is the widow of Nels Ostedahl, and is engaged in the millinery business in Zumbrota. Charlotte, born July 8. 1866, died March 21, 1867. John A .. born February 18, 1868, died in 1875. William E., born April 27. 1870. Charlotte J., born December 11, 1872, is married to Olaf Nordvold, a farmer. Carl A., born November 19, 1875. lives on the oll homestead and manages the farm. Clara A., born April 22, 1879, is a music teacher and lives at home. Mr. Peterson was a good man in every respect, and was accorded that honor and respect which he so richly deserved.
Ole A. Lexvold was born in Minneola, in which township he still resides, July 11, 1869, son of Andrew Lexvold. His early years were spent in Minneola, where he attended the public school, worked on his father's farm, assisting him in carrying on general farming until going to North Dakota, where he filed on a homestead of 160 acres, on which he lived five years. He also pur- chased two and one-fourth sections of good farm land in Towner county. He then sold most of this land and returning to Minne- ola township in 1902 purchased 100 aeres in section 9. To this he added ninety acres in section 15, where he now conducts gen- eral farming operations, raising the usual crops, breeding live stock and meeting with considerable success. By his wife, Sophie Hastad, born March 18, 1871, daughter of L. J. and Kristine (Romo) Hastad, he has eight children-Arthur L., born March 17, 1897; Sidney, born January 8. 1899: Getha C., born August 13, 1900, and died April 21, 1904: Orla S., born April 26, 1902; Viola, born December 10, 1903, and died April 29, 1904; Getha W., born June 13, 1905; Ruth, born October 10. 1907, and George K., born April 18, 1909. The family attend the Lutheran Church. Mr. Lexvold is a Republican in his political views, but has never sought public office. Ile is a good citizen, a hard worker and an honorable man.
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HISTORY OF GOODIIUTE COUNTY
Hogen G. Romo, Minneola. was born in Minneola township, October 16, 1869, son of Gunder. O. and Anne (Trelstad) Romo, of Norway. They emigrated to America in 1865, and coming to Minneola township. purchased in section 20 eighty acres of land. which they broke and improved, following general farming until 1877. Returning to Norway, they remained until 1884, then came back to America, buying 120 acres in section 32. continuing general farming until 1896. when they retired from active life. The father died November 29. 1903. and the mother still lives with her son. Ilogen G. first took up agriculture with his father until, 1896, when he came into the possession of the old home- stead, which he has since continued to farm. building upon it in 1903 a new home. Mr. Romo was married February 10, 1897, to Julia JJ., daughter of John and Johannah Johnson. natives of Norway. They came to America, locating in Wisconsin, and in 1877, at Steele county, Minn., following agriculture for fourteen years, after which they moved to Webster. Rice county, Minne- sota, where they farmed and are still residing. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Romo are: John G., born November 26. 1897 : Alice J .. born August 15, 1899; Harry J., born October 5, 1901. and Edwin P., born March 16. 1905. Mr. Romo is a Prohibitionist and attends the Lutheran Church. He is now school clerk of district 160 and is well thought of by all who know him.
John E. Swenson, Minneola, was born on section 27 in Minne- ola township, October 14, 1871. His father and mother. Erick and Susanna (Engebretson) Swenson. were natives of Norway, emigrating to America in the year 1852 and settling first in Rock Prairie, Ill. Here they remained for three years and in 1855 moved to Minneola township, where the father purchased 230 acres of wild land, which he broke, and soon had the greater part under cultivation. On this farm he has since continued to live. John E. received his education in the public schools of Minneola. and after finishing his studies, continued to remain at home. In 1894 he took entire charge of the farm. improving it, and erecting many new buildings. He is now considered one of the successful farmers of the township. He was married June 6, 1894. at Land's Church, of Minneola, to Borgel Ronningen, daughter of Ole and Gurie (Loken) Ronningen, natives of Nor- way. but now prominent farmers in Wanamingo township. John E. Swenson is a Republican in his political views and he and his wife attend the Lutheran Church. He has always taken an inter- est in the local affairs of Minneola and has been road overseer for the past two years.
Gunder H. Gunderson, of Minneola. was born in Norway Oc- tober 5. 1858, a son of Hemming and Beret (Gunderson) Meehle. who came to America in 1872. settling in section 16, Minneola
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township, where they purchased forty acres of land and engaged in farming the remainder of their lives. The father died April 17, 1889, and the mother January 25, 1896. Gunder received his education in Norway and America. after which he took up farm- ing with his father until the latter's death, when he came into possession of the property. On this, together with an adjoining eighty-acre farm, which he rents, he carries on general farming. Mr. Gunderson was married March 14, 1896, to Ragnheld, daugh- ter of Andrew and Beret Anderson, of Norway. Three children blessed this union-Herman, born September 10. 1897 ; Borghild. born September 21, 1899: Alma, born August 17, 1902; all living at home. Although he has never sought publie office, Mr. Gun- derson is prominent as a Republican voter. The family wor- ship at the Lutheran Church.
Swen O. Swenson, of Minneola, was born in Minneola town- ship. November 3, 1862, son of Ole Swenson Sumbreen, and his wife, Julia Rude, natives of Norway. Ole came to America in 1852, and settled in Illinois, where he and his brother Erick worked for two years, after which they went to the pinery for one year. In the spring of 1855 they located in Minnesota township, where they pre-empted 160 acres of timber land. This they later traded for prairie land, which they broke, cleared and improved, erect- ing suitable buildings. They were bachelors for three years. after which Ole was married in 1858. Ile then continued general farming until his death in March. 1896. The mother still lives at the age of eighty years. Swen received his education in the Minneola public schools and attended St. Olaf's College at North- field for one year. After leaving school he worked with his father until 1893, when he purchased a farm of 160 acres in sec- tion 29. He erected a new house and remodeled the barn, and has since followed general farming. Mr. Swenson was married June 27, 1891, to Mina Steberg, who was born in Minneola town- ship, January 26, 1871, daughter of Amund and Charlotte (Seljord) Steberg, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1861 and located in Minneola township, where they engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Swenson have six children-Clara, born July 4. 1894: Mabel, August 29, 1896; Oscar. November 12, 1898; Lillian, June 8. 1901 ; AAlton. May 31. 1904; Seha, July 30, 1908. Mr. Swenson is an independent voter, and is now director of school district No. 160, which office he has held for ten years. He and his family are communicants of the Lutheran Church.
Nels Thornberg, a veteran of the Civil War, and of the In- dian expedition. is now a farmer of Wacouta township, where. upon a place of 108 acres, he does general farming combined with dairying. He was born in Sweden, May 25, 1845, and came to this county in 1857 with his father, Francis, who died about three
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months after his arrival here. Nels spent a larger part of his life in Red Wing. working in lumber and four mills and as clerk in a hardware store, the latter employment occupying his atten- tion for fifteen years. In 1862. while still practically a boy, he enlisted in Company G, Seventh Minnesota Volunteer In- fantry, under Captain (now Judge) W. W. Williston and Lieu- tenants Herman Betcher and Daniel Densmore. The company engaged the Indians in battle at Wood Lake. September 22, 1862. and continued the campaign in Minnesota until the execution of thirty-nine of the ring leaders at Mankato, which Mr. Thornberg witnessed. The regiment was then ordered south and placed in the sixteenth army corps. being discharged at Fort Snelling at the elose of the war in 1865. In 1900 Mr. Thornberg decided to spend the remainder of his life on a farm, and consequently purchased his present place. Ilis abilities have been recognized to the extent of his being called to serve as chairman of Waeouta as well as on the school board. IIe is also assessor of the town- ship. Mr. Thornberg still retains his membership in the United Workmen and the G. A. R. at Red Wing. He was married in 1872 to Nellie Nelson. danghter of Abram Nelson, who came from Sweden in the fifties and settled in Vasa township, this eounty, later moving to Douglass county. Minnesota. Mrs. Thronberg died May 30, 1908, leaving four children. Ernest, the oldest, is a jeweler in Park River. N. D. Anna. Eda, who is a school teacher, and Clarence are at home with their father.
W. H. Turner, retired farmer. is an old resident of Kenyon and during the long period of his life here he has always been known as an honorable and law-abiding citizen. His record of publie service ineludes nine years as chairman of the township of Kenyon. several terms as assessor. eight years as justiee of the peace, and many years as a school officer of his district. He was born in New York, November 6. 1839. a son of Henry and Mar- garet (Sprague). Turner, the former of whom died in New York state. The latter came to Kenyon and for many years, until her death in 1886, kept house for her son. In the family were eight children. two of whom. aside from W. II .. are still living. namely : Lyman and Delia. W. HI. came to this county in 1868 and pur- chased a farm in Kenyon township. He has now practically re- tired, and rents his farm, but still does some work on it when he feels so inelined. In the early days Mr. Turner was a school teacher, and he still keeps up his interest in education. being a great reader. He is unmarried and lives alone, but finds in his work and his books the consolation and companionship that oth- ers find in their families. Mr. Turner is a veteran of the Civil War. having enlisted in 1864 in Company B, Forty-first Wiscon- sin Volunteer Infantry. receiving his discharge at the close of
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the conflict. He votes the Democratic ticket and takes an active interest in public affairs. Ile is now a resident of the village of Kenyon.
Timothy R. Bullis, of Kenyon village, was born at St. Armond, Canada, September 10. 1829. son of Stephen and Anna (Brill) Bullis, natives of Canada. The father was born February 15, 1807, and the mother March 19, 1808. They were married in 1827, and were the parents of five children-Timothy R., Benjamin D. (deceased) : Polly U .. married to Freeman Callimore, who died in the army; Elizabeth (deceased), married to Addison Hilton, and Stephen A., who resides in Kenyon. Stephen Bullis, the father, brought his family to Minnesota in 1856 and pre-empted land in Kenyon township, section 24. He died February 6. 1888. His wife passed away October 28. 1889. Timothy R. Bullis received his education in Canada and at the Franklin Academy at Malone, New York. He came to Goodhue county in the early days and made claim on land. In 1858 he went to Reed's Landing, Wa- basha county, and clerked in the old American House. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G. First Minnesota Cavalry, and served with General Sibley in his campaign against the Indians, serving until November, 1862, when he received his discharge. He then returned to Kenyon and engaged in the mercantile business, op- erating a general store for eighteen years, after which he retired on account of ill health. In partnership with C. L. Bruesletten he built two brick stores. He built his house where he now lives in November 25, 1869. Mr. Bullis married Phoebe O. Sevey, who was born in Maine. April 5. 1848. daughter of Benjamin HI. and Catherine B. (Gray) Sevey. Benjamin Sevey moved his family to Wabasha county. Minnesota. in 1853. In 1864 he came to Goodhue county and bought a farm in section 2, Kenyon town- ship. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are living. Mrs. T. R. Bullis, Mrs. Etta Maker, of Portland, Ore. (deceased). L. B. Sevey, Ft. Smith, Ark .; Wright N .. Webb City Mo .; Harry S. old Mexico, and Mrs. F. S. Brown, of Portland, Oregon. The father died Sept. 22. 1885, and the mother lives with her daughter at Portland, Ore. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bullis are : Stephen T., born March 1, 1871; Kitty, born Nov. 3, 1872. married to Rev. J. C. Williamson : Harriet E., born April 30, 1875; Pearl E. and B. Earl (twins), born Sept. 4, 1882, and Frank Grover, born Aug. 4. 1887. Mr. Bullis served as clerk of Kenyon township for several years, and one term as postmaster under President Cleveland. He has also filled the office of mayor of Kenyon. Fraternally he is a member of Kenyon lodge No. 201, A. F. and A. M. He is a Democrat in politics and Mrs. Bullis is a member of the Methodist church.
S. A. Bullis, a prominent citizen of the county. now residing
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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY
in one of the handsomest residences in the village of Kenyon. is the fifth child of Stephen and Anna (Brill) Bullis, who were among the earliest pioneers in this part of the county. Ile was born at Clarenceville, Canada, near the Vermont line, in 1848, and there lived as a boy until coming west with his parents in 1855. The family located for one winter in Hastings, and in March, 1856, came to Kenyon, where the father took up a quarter section of government land in section 24. near the village, where at that time there was only a small store and postoffice. He erected the Pioneer Hotel, and remained its landlord and prop- rietor for a quarter of a century. He then built the house which stands next door to the residence of the subject of this sketch, and there lived until his death in 1888. The mother died in 1889 In the family there were five children. T. R. lives in Kenyon. Benjamin died in 1887. Polly. now a widow, lives in California. Harriett E. died in 1908 at Fergus Falls. this state. She married Addison Hilton and was the mother of C. L. Hilton, first assist- ant states attorney, of Minnesota. S. A .. the youngest child, received his education in the common schools. and since early youth has made Kenyon his home. His success in life is shown by the fact that he owns 700 acres of good land in this county, and 320 in Richland county, North Dakota. Ilis present beauti- ful residence was built in 1904. Mr. Bullis is a Republican in poli- ties and has served his village as councilman and as president a number of terms. He belongs to the Brotherhood of America and the United Workmen. By his wife. Emma Hewitt, a niece of Dr. A. W. Hewitt of Kenyon, whom he took as a partner of his joys and sorrows in 1874. he has two children. Clara B., a musician of much promise, was educated in the public schools and then grad- uated from St. Mary's Ilall at Faribault. She is now studying music and vocal culture in St. Paul. Mahlon M., the second child, is attending school in Kenyon. The family are members of the Episcopal church.
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