History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 90

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

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HISTORY OF GOODHUE COUNTY

Anna M. married Anton Hofstad. of Minneapolis, and now lives in Spokane, Wash .; Andrew A. manages the home farm ; Johanna married Ole B. Hofstad, of Minneapolis; John is a clerk in Spokane, Wash .; Nels O. assists his brother on the home farm ; Christine died in 1893 and Bertha lives at home. The mother of this large family is still living, and occupies the old homestead, her declining years made happy by the love and care of her children.

J. S. Brock, of Florence township, was born in New York state September 18, 1839, son of Smith and Abigail (Norton) Brock, who came to Wisconsin in 1854 where the father died shortly after. The mother died in Iowa. J. S. Broek came with his parents to Wisconsin and later to Minnesota in 1864 settling in Florence township where he bought land which he broke cleared and cultivated. He has built a fine house and other buildings and carries on general farming and dairying. He has 160 acres of which 100 is under cultivation. Ile was married in 1866 to Anna White, daughter of James and Jane White, natives of Scotland, who emigrated to this country and settled in Rock county. Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Brock have seven chil- dren : William of Central point; Bert. of Idaho; Margaret of North Dakota ; Abbie of North Dakota; Flora of North Dakota; Arthur living at home ; and Frank of Lake City.

E. N. Lewis, born in Pennsylvania, Aug. 18, 1844, son of Lot and ('larissa Lewis, came to Frontenac in 1854 with the first set- tlers and has since made this his home. The parents took up a claim June 23, 1854, and the father at once set about cultivating the wilderness. He planted the first orchard in the county, and according to family traditions made the first furniture in the county. at the old Post mill in Waconta. For a number of years he followed general farming, and died September 6, 1887, his farm being purchased by his son who had at that time managed it for several years while his father lived in retirement. In 1862. when a mere youth he enlisted in Co. F, 6th Minn. Vol. Inf., under Capt. Horace B. Wilson. He took part in the Indian cam- paign. then went to Arkansas, and spent the remainder of the time in the south. being present at the capture and surrender of Mobile. He was honorably discharged and returned to his farm, August 18. 1865. Since that time he has continued to eonduet farming operations on his place. eight miles from Red Wing, where he owns over 450 acres. Of this 80 is under the plow and 200 is timber land. A rich bed of peat underlies the lower part of this farm. covering about 100 acres; and realizing the rapid decrease of the fuel supply of the country Mr. Lewis justly has hopes that the peat will sometime be of considerable valne. Upon the productive portions of his land he carries on general

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farming and makes a specialty of stock raising and dairying, shipping considerable quantities of cream. He has a record of having made as high as 1.400 pounds of butter a year. Mr. Lewis was married, in 1877 to Helen E. Thomas, daughter of Tyler Thomas and Eliza A. Sprake, the father a native of Massachu- setts and the mother of New Hampshire. They spent the larger part of their lives in Hudson, N. II., where the father was first a mechanic and later a farmer. Both father and mother are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have been born two chil- dren. Berdena is the wife of Israel Ward, a farmer of Long Prairie, Todd county, Minnesota. Harry still lives at home. Mr. Lewis believes in a general way in the platform of the Re- publican party, but to a large extent votes independently. He affiliates with the G. A. R. at Red Wing.

Michael Ackerman, of Frontenac village, was born in Ger- many, August 12, 1834, son of Jacob and Annie (Messenschmidt), natives of Germany, where they both died. Michael received his education in Germany and in 1852 he came to this country and settled in Old Frontenac. He was a carpenter by trade, and was employed by Gen. Garrard, with whom he remained for 28 years. Ile also owns 80 acres of land in Florence township which he rents and spends his time equally with his son at Frontenac and his daughter at Missoula,, Mont. He had another son William who is now deceased. In 1862 Mr. Ackerman enlisted in Co. G, 2d, Minn. Vol. Inf., and served in all the battles in which that regiment participated. Mr. Ackerman was married in 1859 to Barbara Katzenberger, and three children blessed this union. Anna, married to Mr. Drefford a wheelwright of Missoula, Mont .; Edward of Frontenac, and William, (deceased). Mr. Ackerman is Republican in his politics. He is a member of the G. A. R. of Lake City, and attends the German Lutheran church.

O. J. Bakko, one of the honored old pioneers, of Holden town- ship, whose name will live in the county whenever is told the story of those sturdy Norsemen who came into this section in the early days was born in Norway, May 26, 1832, son of Gjergin and Kirsten Bakko, the former of whom died in 1846 and the latter in 1872. The subject of this sketch received his education in the schools of his native country and took up farming with his father until coming to America in 1852, when he located in Green Bay, Wis. June 3, 1855 he came to Holden township, and pre-empted 160 acres of land. He was among the earliest pioneers, and the story of the part he took among the first settlers is found in the general history of Holden township appearing in this volume. After arriving here, Mr. Bakko lived in an old pioneer ox-wagon until completing a 12x14 log cabin which for some years he made his home. From this early beginning he developed a farm equal

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to any in the county, having well tilled land and comfortable buildings. In 1908 he retired, since which time he has rented his farm. Mr. Bakko is a Republican in politics and has for many years been an ardent supporter of the Norwegian Lutheran church. He was married in December, 1854 to Margaret Finseth, daughter of Knute and Margaret Finseth, natives of Norway who came to America in 1853 and located in Wisconsin until 1855 when they came to this county and here ended their days. Mrs. Bakko was undoubtedly the first white woman in Holden town- ship, and the story of her early adventures has often been told. To Mr. and Mrs. Bakko were born eleven children. The oldest George O. is married and lives in Bottineau county. North Dakota. He is the one, who as a baby. so took the fancy of an Indian squaw that she stole him, and would have succeeded in getting away had not Mrs. Bakko, who had been drawing a pail of water shouted in such a way that the terrified squaw dropped the infant and fled into the woods. Christine the second child, is the wife of Nels Nyhagen, of Kenyon. Knute O. also lives in Kenyon. Margaret married Ole Berg and lives in Cali- fornia. Sophia is the wife of E. A. Satron, of Kenyon. Edward, the youngest. married Emma Sands, daughter of Henry and Gurine (Elstead) Sands, and condnets a drug store in Kenyon. A. T. Kjos, of Ilolden township, was born in Skien, Norway, March 5, 1849, and came to America the same year with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Anderson Kjos. They settled in Walworth county. Wisconsin, where they lived until 1856, when they moved to Minnesota and settled in section 23, Holden town- ship, where the family still reside. A. T. Kjos was the only son and was obliged to assist his father at an early age. When he was ten years of age he drove a string of four yoke of oxen before a breaking plow, and at twelve years hauled wheat to Red Wing with a yoke of oxen. the trip taking three days. In 1869 he was married to Karen Marie Ulvigen, and fifteen children have blessed this union, nine boys and six girls, all of whom are living. In 1887 a Washington Territory colony, with a mem- bership of 35 families was organized and Mr. Kjos was chosen to go out and locate for the colony; but finding the country and conditions. there. altogether different from what was expected. Mr. Kjos concluded to still continue his residence in Goodhue county, and advised his followers to keep away from Washing- ton. In 1888 Mr. Kjos was elected county commissioner, of the Third district, and has held that office for 16 years. He has also held other minor offices, such as town supervisor, town as- sessor, distriet school clerk, etc. Mr. Kjos was prominent in or- ganizing the Farmer's Elevator company of Kenyon, and served the first six years, as secretary of the company. The family are

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members of the United Lutheran church of Holden of which Mr. Kjos is a trustee, and has several times been elected to represent the church at the annual meetings.

Iver Haugen, proprietor of Prodigy Farm. Holden township, was born on the homestead where he now lives. April 9, 1875, son of Albert and Soneva (Bjoreker) Haugen, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1853, locating in Wisconsin where the father worked for three years, after which they removed to Min- nesota, where they pre-empted 160 acres of land in Holden town- ship, which the father cleared and improved. built a log honse where they lived for sixteen years, after which they erected a modern home. They carried on general farming until 1902 when they retired from active life and lived with the son. The mother died in 1904, but the father is still living. Iver received his education in the public schools of Holden, and completed with a course at the State Agricultural school, graduating in 1897. For five years after graduating he was at the experiment station at Crookston. Minn., where he was interested in horses and cattle. He returned home in 1902 and purchased 180 acres of the homestead. and has since been successful in general farm- ing and stock raising, also dairying. April 17, 1902, he was married to Gertrude Hofdahl. daughter of Ole and Mary ( Flakne) Hofdahl, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1895, settling in Polk county. Minnesota, where they took up a homestead of 160 acres of land and carried on a general line of farming until the death of the father in 1907. The mother still lives at Beltrami, Polk county. Mr. and Mrs. Haugen have five children : Myrtle S., Ila S .. Arnold O., Ingmar G., and Gurine A. Mr. Haugen is a Republican in his polities. He is a member of the Farmer's Club of Goodhue county, and is a director in the Farmers' Creamery at Kenyon. The family attend the Nor- wegian Lutheran church.

Knute Dalbotten, was born in Holden township on the home- stead where he now lives, January 5, 1870, son of Iver and Anna (Trove) Dalbotten, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1861 settling in Holden township, where they bought 160 acres of timber land, which the father broke, built a home and other out buildings and carried on a general line of farming until his death in October 1888. The mother died in October 1907. Knute received his education in the public schools of the town- ship and worked at home on the farm until in 1900 when he pur- chased the homestead, and has continued general farming, dairy- ing and stock raising. He now cultivates about 100 acres of his land with much success. He has five sisters and one . brother. The sisters are: Martha married Andrew Charlson living in Kenyon township; Carrie married O. I. Hangen; Ella married

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Chas. Charlson living in Warsaw township: Ida married Martin Flom of Holden; and Melvina lives at home. The brother Oliver is a farmer in California. Mr. Dalbotten is a Republican in his polities and is a member of Vang's Norwegian Lutheran church.

Hiram Alberts, Jr., proprietor of the Pleasant Valley Spring Stock farm, Roscoe township, comes of an early Goodhue county family. and. although it has not been his choice to engage active- ly in public affairs, is known as a man in whom every good en- terprise has a friend. Ile is a native born son, having first seen the light of day. May 9. 1878, on the old homestead, section 31, Roscoe township, where he still resides. After receiving his schooling and spending his boyhood on the farm, he went to North Dakota and farmed until 1907. IIe became a popular resident in that state and was on the high road to prosperity, but upon the retirement of his father he came back to this township and assumed charge of the home farm. Using up-to-date methods he has developed the farm until it is one of the best in the township, and admirably adapted to general farming which he conducts in connection with stock raising, making a specialty of Poland China hogs, of which he markets over 100 each year. Thoroughly appreciating the advantages of good fellowship and the fraternal spirit, Mr. Alberts has associated himself with both the United. Workmen and the Odd Fellows. By Anna Bury, daughter of David and Augusta Lick, whom he married July 12. 1897. he has two children: Llyod. born August 12. 1898, and Esther, born April 23, 1900. The family faith is that of the German Lutheran church.

Hiram Alberts, Sr., of Roscoe township, came from Switzer- land to America in 1854 followed a short time afterward by the lady who was to become his wife, whom he married at her par- ents home in Dodge county. In 1856 they took up their home on a quarter section in Cherry Grove township. April 16. 1875, they sold this farm and purchased 300 acres in seetion 31, Roscoe township, together with 65 acres across the street in Dodge county. making 365 acres in all. Here they followed farming until 1907 when they turned the management of the place over to their son with whom they now make their home, being most estimable old people in every respect.

C. H. Freeman, proprietor of Eh Grove Stock and Dairy Farm. Roscoe township, was born in Canada, January 27, 1862, son of George and Ann (Shields) Freeman. He was educated in the common schools and worked with his father until 1889. when he bought 97 acres of the home farm in Roseoe township. IIere he built a fine home, modern stock barn, 36x60, also other out buildings and carries on a general diversified line of farming

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and stock raising. He was married November 26, 1892 to Minnie F. Mann of Zumbrota, daughter of E. A. and Mary Everett Mann, natives of Massachusetts, who were farmers, and came west locating in Roscoe township, where they purchased 80 acres of land and engaged in farming. In 1884 they retired from active life, and moved to Zumbrota, later going to Red- wood county, where they reside. Mr. Mann was in the Indian massacre. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman have no children. Mr. Free- man is independent in his politics. He has served on the town board for several years, and has been road master and overseer for several years and also a member of the Farmer's Elevator Company of Zumbrota. He is a member of the Modern Wood- men, and Mutual Life and Accident Insurance Co. The family faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.

P. P. Finstuen, of Roscoe township. was born in Norway, November 7, 1846. IIe received his education in the public schools of Norway, and worked on the farm. In 1868 he emi- grated to America. coming to Zumbrota. where he worked at various labor for five years. In 1873 he went to Roscoe town- ship; and bought 160 acres of land which he broke and cleared for cultivation. This farm he sold, and in 1885 purchased 163 acres in the same township where he built a dwelling, a modern barn, and other out buildings, and carried on general farming as well as horse and stock raising. March 1873 he was married 10 Mathea Goplin, daughter of A. and Ingebor Goplin, natives of Norway. They came to America in 1870 and located in Roscoe township, and engaged in farming on 80 acres of land, but later added to it 160 acres more. Both parents are now de- ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Finstuen have eight children: Andrew now of Kenyon; John of North Dakota; Mathilda, the wife of Edwin Swenson now living in Canada; Albert, of Roscoe; Oscar Mella, William and Carl, living at home. Mr. Finstuen's par- ents, Peter and Agnes (Olson) Finstuen. were natives of Norway. The father was a farmer. He died in 1851 and the mother in 1901. Mr. Finstuen is a Republican in his political views, and has served on the board of county commissioners for the past three years, also on the school board for a number of years, The family attend the Lutheran church.

Peterson Brothers, proprietors of a general store at Roscoe village, opened their present establishment in 1907 and in the short time that the business has continued it has met with the liberal patronage and has won an enviable reputation for honest methods and square dealing. The brothers are highly esteemed and both are faithful attendants of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Julius P. Peterson was born in 1877 and received his educa-

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tion in the schools of his neighborhood, remaining on the farm until 1907. He is married to Anna Berg, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. Berg of Pine Island.

Otto Peterson was born on September 5, 1881 and received his education in the public schools of Roscoe township, after which he worked as a carpenter and also as a thresher until 1907. He was married September 4. 1908, to Dinah Ellfson, daughter of Ellef and Tha Ellfson, natives of Norway who came to America and located in Roscoe township where they own 90 acres. The father is now in the employ of the United States government in Panama and the mother and a brother conduct the home farmı.

Peter Peterson and Bertha Trealstad Peterson, his wife, par- ents of the Peterson Bros .. came from Norway to America in the early days and after locating a short time in Hager, purchased 80 acres which he broke and improved, erecting house, barns and out buildings. Upon this place he conducted general farm- ing until his death. in 1891 his wife having preceded him to the grave by about two years.

George Franklin Freeman, the proprietor of Poplar Grove Stock and Dairy farm, Roscoe township, was born in Canada, September 27. 1865. His parents. George Freeman and Annie Shields Freeman, natives of England. came to America in 1854, to Lower Canada. In 1857 they emigrated west to Wisconsin where they remained until in 1868. when they came to Minnesota, and purchased 80 acres of land in Roscoe township. This they broke and cultivated, built a home. barn and other ont-buildings and added to their farm, until they had 194 acres. Here they carried on a general line of farming and steok raising until the father died on February 14, 1889. The mother died in November 1895. George F. was educated in the schools of Zumbrota. After leaving school, he took up farming on the home place where he still resides, carrying on farming and stock raising. JJuly 3, 1883, he was married to Louisa Spriestersbach, daughter of John and Catherine Spriestersbach, natives of Germany, who came to Wisconsin in 1860 and in 1870 to Minnesota, locating at Pine Island. and engaged in farming. Both are now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman have had three children : Ethel is dead; Gladys, born November 28. 1895. attends the Zumbrota high school, George, born November 16. 1891, has graduated from the same institution. Mr. Freeman is a Republican. He has been town treasurer one year, treasurer of the school board for the past 18 years, and road master and inspector of state highway since 1908. Fraternally he affiliates with the I. O. O. F., United Workmen, and the Rebeccas, in which organizations, he has held office. He and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church.

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John Rebrud, Roscoe township, was born in Cherry Grove township, March 31, 1861, son of Ole and Ingerbor Rebrud, na- tives of Norway, who emigrated to America in 1850 and came to Dane county, Wisconsin, where the father worked at various labor, remaining two years. In 1852 they came to Minnesota, and bought 80 acres of land in Cherry Grove township, which they cleared and farmed until in 1869, when they sold this farm and purchased 200 acres in Roscoe township, broke and im- proved the land, built a home and other out buildings, and car- ried on general and diversified farming, also stock raising. In 1896 the father retired from active life, and enjoyed the benefits of his labors until he died on December 21, 1901. the mother hav- ing passed away April 16, of the same year. John received his education in the public schools and took up farming at home until 1886, when he went to North Dakota, and remained for five years, engaged in farming. In 1891 he sold his farm, and eu- tered the general mercantile business, at White Earth, which he conducted until 1896, when he sold his business and returned to Roscoe township. and assumed the management of his father's farm of 200 acres, which he has since conducted. carrying on general and diversified farming and stock raising. He was mar- ried in April 1909, to Mary Moe, daughter of John and Ingerbor Moe, of Zumbrota, natives of Norway, where the father was a ship-builder. Mr. Rebrud is a Republican, and has served on the school board and as town supervisor for a number of years. IIe and his wife attend the Lutheran church society.

Gustav L. Hastad, who resides on a splendid farm in section 5, Roscoe township, was born on the farm where he now resides, March 19. 1868. He was brought up on a farm, acquiring rugged health and such education as the district schools afforded, work- ing with his father until 1890, when he took charge of the home place. Being a hard worker and of a progressive turn of mind. he has made many improvements. erecting a new house and barns, and carrying on farming along the latest approved methods. Since casting his first ballot he has consistently voted the Republican ticket. November 8, 1888, he was married to Mattie Hjalpdahl, daughter of John and Eli IIjalpdahl, natives of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Hastad attend the Lutheran church. Lawrence and Gertrude Hastad, parents of Gustav L., eame to America in 1865 from Norway, their native country and located in Wanamingo township. The following year they purchased the present homestead, breaking and improving the land and erect- ing a suitable residence. The mother died May 30, 1906 and the father now makes his home with the subject of this sketeh, be- ing an honored and venerable citizen of the community.

Carl J. Davidson, of Roscoe township, son of David and

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Johanna (Hasted) Davidson, was born in Wanamingo township November 12, 1867. He received his education in the public school of the township, and assisted his father in the work on the farm until in 1895, when he purchased 120 acres of land in Roscoe township. This farm he improved, built a large barn 60x38, and other out buildings, and has recently completed a modern home well furnished throughout. All this land is under cultivation, and he carries on general and diversified farming, and stock raising. He has also added 80 acres more to his farm, making a total of 200 acres. He was married March 4, 1890 to Ingerborg A. Osteros. daughter of Ole and Elizabeth (Hasted) Osteros, of Roscoe township, natives of Norway, who came to America in 1872, direct to Roscoe township, where they pur- chased 40 acres of land and engaged in general farming. Both parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have been blessed with six children : Ella J., Lillian C., Gitta E., Dorthena O., Lynn 1., and David J .. all living at home. Mr. Davidson is Republican in politics. Ile and his family attend the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Albert A. Erstad, of Roscoe township, son of Andrew and Oline (Johnson) Erstad, was born in Minneola township. August 16, 1866. llis parents were natives of Norway, and came to this country, in 1854, locating in Iowa where they remained a year, after which they came to Minnesota and purchased a home- stead of 160 acres of wild land in Minneola township, which the father improved and cultivated. built a home, and carried on general farming and stock raising. In 1877 the mother died and the father married again. He died in 1908 and his widow is living in Minneola on the homestead. Albert A. received his education in the public schools of Minneola and remained on the farm, working with his father until 1896. He then bought 80 acres of his father in Roscoe township, and engaged in farming for himself. Here he built a home and improved the land. In December 30, 1896 he was married to Karen Lunde, daughter of Bernt and Inger (Goplin) Lunde, natives of Norway, who came to this country, in 1866, locating at Roscoe, remaining two years, then went to the pineries, where they lived until 1871. They then returned to Roscoe township and bought 40 acres of wild land, increasing this to 340 acres gradually. They have earried on a general line of farming until recently, when they retired and rented the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Erstad have two children : Winfred A., born November 16, 1897 and Nora Borghild, born June 8, 1907. Mr. Erstad is a Republican in his polities and has been road overseer. He and his family are members of the Nor- wegian Lutheran church.

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 90

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