History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 99

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

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Foster D. Barlow, a pioneer merchant of Cannon Falls, now deceased, was born in Oneida county, New York. July 16, 1821, and after attending the district school took a course in the academy at Western, N. Y. His business career started with a clerkship in his father's store in Canewango. N. Y., where he remained until coming to Cannon Falls in 1857. From that year until 1876 he engaged in the mercantile business, also man- aging his large farm of 400 aeres. In the middle seventies ill health forced his practical retirement, although he kept in touch

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with the progress of modern events up to the time of his death, February 1, 1905. Mr. Barlow took an active part in the early progress of the village, was one of the first presidents of the village council and served several years as postmaster. A good citizen, a wise father, a loving husband and a faithful friend, he combined a rigid adherence to high ideals in himself with a gentle tolerance of shortcomings in others, being of the true type of pioneer gentleman. He was an old-time Democrat, a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Masons, and a communicant of the Episcopal church. The family name is perpetuated by a widow and by two sons, Frank A., of Cannon Falls, and Fred S., of Grand Rapids, Mich. Mr. Barlow was married June 12, 1878, to Minnie M. Reynolds, daughter of John and Millie (Searle) Reynolds, both natives of New York state, the former of whom died February 6, 1865, and the latter in August, 1882. Mrs. Barlow, before her marriage, was principal of the Cannon Falls high school five years, and while serving in this capacity was wooed and won by Mr. Barlow, who at that time was presi- dentof the school board. She is a graduate of Alfred University, in New York, and is a woman of many accomplishments, one whose character and work have had an important part in the educational side of Cannon Falls life.

Paul W. Rothe, of Cannon Falls village, is a fine type of the educated, well informed gentleman who are giving the impetus to modern business and commercial life. He was born in Ger- many July 23. 1869. received his education in the common schools and then graduated from a high school at the age of sixteen years, subsequently going to Switzerland and studying scientific milling, a trade which had been followed by his father and grandfather before him. Upon landing in America in 1892, he worked on a farm three months and was then employed six years in the old Goodhue mill in this village. Subsequently he worked in mills in Minneapolis, Hastings and Pine Island, return- ing to Cannon Falls in 1902 and leasing the Thompson & Smith mill. Here he has since remained, building up a large business and attaining a reputation for milling a superior product. The mill turns out rye and wheat flour, as well as eorn meal, making a specialty of fancy patent Salle flour and the Gem Bismarck Breakfast Food, both of which have already attracted favorable. attention by their excellence. The merit of the output of this mill is shown by the fact that Mr. Rothe has contracts with the state for furnishing his flours to the state institutions at Still- water, Hastings, Red Wing, Fergus Falls, Anoka, St. Cloud, Fari- bault and Rochester. Aside from owning the mill, Mr. Rothe is interested in the Cannon Falls Canning Company and also in the Horse Breeders' Association. Ile is a Republican in politics,

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belongs to the Congregational church and is a member of the Elks, the Union Commercial Travelers, the Odd Fellows, the United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen, the Modern Samaritans and other fraternal organizations. April 23, 1893, he was married to Salle Zimmerman, by whom he has four children, Paul E., Otto E., Francis and Edward R. The mother of these children died June 16, 1903. and. Mr. Rothe was married, April 16, 1905, to Tillie Schlueter, of St. Paul. Ernest and Johannah (Hahn) Rothe, parents of Paul W. Rothe, were natives of Germany. The father. a miller, is still living, and the mother died March 12, 1903.

William Williamson, a retired farmer of Cannon Falls village, was born in Steuben county, New York, May 2, 1833, and there received his education. His first venture for himself was in doing farm work for one year near Lake Ontario, after which he returned home and soon afterward moved to Ohio, where he farmed a short time near Cleveland. Subsequently he worked as engineer in a saw mill in Illinois, then returned to Cleveland, and in October, 1855. came to Stanton township and took up a quarter-section of wild land, which he broke and improved. Later he purchased more land, until he owned a fine farm of 244 aeres, upon which he carried on general farming until 1900, when he rented the farm, purchased a home in Cannon Falls village and retired, seeking that rest from arduous toil which he so richly deserves after a life of hard work. In February, 1864, Mr. Williamson enlisted in the Union army and served in Company H. 1st Minnesota Heavy Artillery, under Colonel Col- vill, being discharged at Nashville, Tenn. He served several terms as supervisor of his township and for a considerable length of time was on the school board. Mr. Williamson was married in October, 1862, to Sarah Mckinley, of Warsaw, daughter of George McKinley, a native of Scotland. To this union were born four children: George M .. after working twelve years in the pension bureau at Washington, is now a hotel pro- prietor in Bowling Green, Ky. Frederick was drowned at the age of two years. Emma is principal of the high school at Cannon Falls. Anna lives at home and keeps house for the family. The family faith is that of the Methodist church. Mr. Williamson votes the Republican ticket and belongs to the Ma- sonic order. Abraham and Sarah (Smith) Williamson, parents of William Williamson, were natives of New Jersey, but went to New York state in the early twenties and there spent the remainder of their lives, the father being a stone mason and farmer.

Gustav Westman, now deceased, was a leader in the affairs of Cannon Falls township and village and also in matters per- taining to the Swedish Lutheran church, of which he was a

GUSTAV WESTMAN

*** A TORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

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prominent member. As mayor his services were highly esteemed and as a justice of the peace his decisions were always wise and conservative. Born in Sweden January 20, 1828, he attended the common schools, and like the other young men of his country, entered the standing army. From 1853 to 1856 he lived in Lafayette, Ind .. and in the latter year came to Cannon Falls, where he opened a mercantile establishment. continuing until his death. February 5. 1887. He was married June 9, 1878, to Mrs. Josephine (Hawkins) Norelius, daughter of Nels and Eva (Kolstrom) Hawkins, who. after leaving their native country of Sweden, lived in Indiana from 1853 to 1856, and then came to Cannon Falls, engaging in farming for the remainder of their lives. The father died April 10, 1889, and the mother May 10, 1889. Mrs. Westman was born in Sweden February 23, 1846. and received an excellent education, being a most estimable woman in every respect. There is one daughter in the family, Eva West- man, who lives at home.

J. E. Johnson, one of the leading farmers of Cannon Falls township, was born in Sweden April 10, 1867, son of Ole and Christina (Kronberg) Johnson, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1869 and located in the town of Belle Creek, this county, where the father worked for five years. after which they came to Cannon Falls township and purchased 160 acres in section 33, where the father improved the land and built a home, carrying on general farming until his death, in 1907. The mother died in 1903. J. E. was the only child, received his edu- cation in the public schools of the township and worked with his father on the farm. In June, 1891. he was married to Ida Larson, daughter of Johannes and Carolina Larson, natives of Sweden, who came to America and settled in Cannon Falls town- ship, where they engaged in farming. The mother died in 1887, but the father is still living with his daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have one child. Charles W., who is at home. Mr. John- son has made a great many improvements on his farm and build- ings and has a fine home, owning in addition to his cultivated land thirty acres of good timber. He now successfully carries on general farming and stock raising. Mr. Johnson is a Re- publican in his political views, and has been chairman of the township board for the past three years, justice of the peace for two terms, and director of school district 14 for a number of years. In addition to his Cannon Falls farm, Mr. Johnson owns 160 acres of land in Lamour county. North Dakota.

John J. Lee, of Cannon Falls village, is a native of this county. born on the old homestead in Leon township December 19, 1863, son of John. Jr., and Ingeborg (Rislov) Lee, natives of Norway, who came to the United States in the forties, settling in Boone

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county. Illinois, where they farmed for some years, afterward coming to Leon township. Being true pioneers, they made the trip by ox team, and in addition to this the father also made a return trip to Illinois by the same means. At once upon his arrival here the father pre-empted a quarter-section of land and began farming operations, erecting a shack for the shelter of himself and family until better quarters could be provided. Dur- ing these early days the pioneers had to depend upon Red Wing for lumber and provisions and as a market for their grain. The father of the subject of this sketch often made this trip, some- times taking his son John, camping on the prairie by night and spending three weary days in making the distance which is now made in a few hours. For many years the father followed farm- ing in Leon township. but in 1897 moved to Wanamingo, where he now resides. Of his five children, only two survive, the other besides J. J. being a son who makes his home with his father. J. J. Lee was brought up on the old homestead, attended the public schools and the Red Wing Seminary, and then took up farming operations, which he has since continued. He is a Re- publican in politics and was at one time supervisor of Leon township. also serving on the school board. He now owns the home place of 160 acres and fifteen acres of woodland adjoining but since 1905 he has lived in a new residence which he erected in Cannon Falls village. Mr. Lee is now engaged in the farm implement business in partnership with John Ritchie. Mr. Lee was married in 1896 to Bertha Quale, whose parents were early settlers of Wanamingo who now live in South Dakota. The Lee home has been blessed with three children, Walter J., Edna S. and Irene L.

J. F. Larson resides on the place in Cannon Falls township where his father lived before him. He was born in Sweden October 21. 1864. son of Gustav and Anna (Carlson) Larson, who came to America in 1869. and settled first in Belle Creek town- ship, this county. In 1874 they came to Cannon Falls township and purchased a farm of 200 acres. which they at once set about improving and developing and where they continued to live. The father died at his home in Cannon Falls in 1904 and the mother still makes her home in Cannon Falls. In the family there were six children. four of whom are living. J. F. Larson was bnt five years old when he started life in America. He was brought up on the farm and lived at home until twenty-seven years of age: Desiring to see something of the world before settling down for life, he went to St. Paul and Minneapolis and worked several years on the street ears. in a saw mill and as a milk dealer. He then returned to the old homestead, which he now is working for his mother. A larger part of the farm is

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plowed land, but much of it is also pasture, affording plenty of grazing for his herds of cattle, which furnish him with cream for extensive shipments to St. Paul. Mr. Larson votes independ- ently. In 1894, two years after he started life for himself, he was married to Anna Bergquist, by whom he has four children, Margaret, Evelyn, Elvera and Paul S., all of whom are at home. The Larsons are ardent supporters of the Swedish Congrega- tional church.

J. G. Nelson, who has several times served his fellow citizens as supervisor of the township of Cannon Falls, was born in Sweden December 14. 1851, son of Ole and Anna Nelson, early settlers in Chisago county, this state, where they lived from 1856 to 1862. In the latter year they came to this township and after renting a farm for some years. purchased in 1870 the land upon which the subject of this sketch still lives. The father died in 1887 and the mother in 1899. Their three children are all living. J. G. Nelson received his education in the public schools, experienced the rigors of pioneer life. and has followed in his father's footsteps as a farmer. He has 160 acres of land, 130 of which is plowed. Here he carries on general farming and dairying, selling milk to the Cannon Falls creamery. His place is about four miles from the village. and the buildings, all of which have been erected either by himself or his father, are neat and well kept. Mr. Nelson is a Republican in polities, and being a thorough believer in education, has served with credit on the school board. He was married in 1876 to Ellen Pearson, by whom he has five children, Adeline. Alfred, Henry, Leonard and Bennett. After the death of his first wife he was married to Jennie Holm, by whom he has two children, Bertrice and Everett.

John A. Ohnstad, clothing merchant and up-to-date men's haberdasher, of Cannon Falls, was born in Norway October 21, 1867, and came to America in 1875 with his parents, receiving his education in the common schools of Leon township and the Cannon Falls high school. For several years he worked in the clothing stores of B. Van Campen and C. R. Grebie & Co., and then entered the employ of Olson Brothers, subsequently going to Duluth with that concern. In 1896 he returned to Can- non Falls, elerked ten years for Henry Thompson and then pur- chased the business. He carries a large stock of goods, equal to that handled in many city stores, and enjoys an extensive trade in the city and surrounding country. He is a Republican in politics, has served on the park board, and belongs to the In- theran church. Mr. Ohnstad was married January S. 1903, to Anna Underdahl, of Warsaw township, by whom he has three children, Myron, Olga and Ruth. Andrew E. and Seneva (Ryom) Ohnstad, parents of John A., came from Norway in 1875 and

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settled in Leon township, where the father still resides, the mother having died October 8, 1904.

J. A. Peters, who owns a good farm in Cannon Falls town- ship, came to this county as a child with the early settlers, and lives on the place where his parents first settled and where the family has made all the improvements, developing the place from a wilderness to its present high state of cultivation. The subject of this sketch was born in Sweden May 30, 1849, son of John and Christina Peters, also natives of that country. After com- ing to America in 1851 they lived successively in Chicago, Indiana and Iowa, and in 1856 came to Cannon Falls township and pur- chased the place where J. A. still lives. After farming for many years, the father retired to C'annon Falls village, where he died. J. A. attended the public schools, but since carly boyhood has devoted his life to farming. He owns 320 aeres, has 200 under the plow and carries on general farming and dairying. selling cream in large quantities to the creamery. He is a Republican in politics, but beyond serving as a school officer has never cared to seek political preferment. In 1875 Mr. Peters was married to Hattie Johnson. by whom he has five children, Edward, Clarence, Esther, Ella and Edith. Edward is in Minneapolis in the hardware business. and Esther is a ladies' tailoress in Min- neapolis, the others being at home.

Eugene D. Stone is one of the genuine old settlers still living in Goodhue county. He named the town of Leon from a place with a similar name in Cattaraugus county. New York, and was the first supervisor after the organization in 1858, in which organ- ization his father had an important part. The subject of this sketch was born in Warren county, Pennsylvania, January 10. 1832, son of William and Lavina (Collins) Stone, natives of Vermont. Moved by the venturesome spirit which has always been prominent in the breasts of the sons and daughters of the Green Mountain State. they moved to New York and then to Pennsylvania. later pushing their way further west to this county, where in 1856 they pre-empted a farm in Leon township. This farm, now consisting of 222 acres, 197 of which is plowed, has since that date remained in the family. E. D. Stone, who had received his education in the East, worked with his father in breaking the land and bringing it under cultivation, and had an important part in the establishment of the family roof tree, com- ing into possession of the place after the death of his parents. For over fifty years, either alone or with his father. he carried on farming. conducting general agricultural operations and stock raising and selling cream furnished by his fine Jersey cows. More recently he has moved to the village of Cannon Falls and lived a retired life. Aside from being chairman of Leon for

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several terms, he also served many years as school treasurer. He enlisted in the army in 1864 and served two years four months and twenty days. He was married in 1860 to Ellen Johnson, daughter of Nels and Mariah (Mathew) Johnson, who came from Sweden to the United States in the early fifties and located in Elgin, Ill. After staying there a year, they came up the Mississippi river to Red Wing on the "Mississippi Bell." Red Wing was then a pioneer village, with the Indian tepees still standing. Soon afterward they came to Leon township, and ended their days near Spring Garden church. To Mr. and Mrs. Stone were born six children, three boys and three girls. Two sons are living: F. S., married to Anna Benson, lives in Min- neapolis and manages a creamery, and owns a creamery in Can- non Falls ; Silas E., married Emma Readland and is a carpenter by trade. It is worthy of note that Spring Garden, now the name applied to the Swedish Lutheran church and the com- munity surrounding it. was named many years ago by Mrs. Stone. William E. Stone died in 1867 and his wife in 1879. Nels Johnson passed away in 1879 and his wife in 1869.

James L. Scofield, of Cannon Falls village, is a native of the Empire State, born at Mt. Morris. Livingston county, New York, May 8, 1844. He came to Goodhue county with his parents, Luther and Roxanna Scofield, when about eleven years of age, in 1855, and this has been his home since. He received his edu- cation in the common schools of Cannon Falls and the old Ham- line University, of Red Wing. When eighteen years of age he enlisted, on August 13, 1862, in Company F, Sth Minnesota Vol- unteer Infantry, and served until July 11, 1865. when he was honorably discharged. After returning home he resumed farm- ing. In 1868, in partnership with his brother, Wilbur H., he established a drug business at Cannon Falls, which he has con- tinued sinee. His brother died in 1894 and his nephew, Fred W. Scofield, son of Wilbur H., became his partner. Mr. Scofield was married in Cannon Falls June 25, 1876, to Mary I. Hillman. Her father, Levi B. Hillman, was among the early pioneer settlers of Cannon Falls. Mr. Scofield was elected to the legislature in 1892 and re-elected in 1894.

Harrison M. Slocum, of Cannon Falls village, is one of those men who believes in the industrial improvement of farming con- ditions through co-operation. He was one of the organizers of the Stanton Co-operative Creamery Company and was one of its directors for several years. He also assisted in organizing the Stanton Farmers' Fire Insurance Company, of Stanton, and was one of its directors for a considerable period. In 1895, upon the organization of the Cannon Falls Co-operative Creamery Company, he became its first president and retained that position

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five years. From 1900 to 1905 he was secretary of the Cannon Falls Telephone Company, of which he was also one of the originators and organizers. In addition to all of this, he has been a successful farmer, and has found time to serve as chairman of the town board of Stanton several years. He was born July 9, 1858, in Stanton township, received his schooling in Fond du Lac, Wis., and in 1879 took charge of the home place. Upon this farm he made many improvements, remodeling the house and other buildings and erecting a large, sanitary barn, 40x50 feet. His farm was one of the finest in the township, and his farming operations were conducted on a large scale until 1906, when he came to the village of Cannon Falls, where he now lives retired. Mr. Slocum is a mason and votes an independent ticket. John F. Slocum, father of Harrison M., was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, December 19. 1803, and came with his father, Isaac Slocum, to Ohio in 1824. He subsequently lived in Fond due Lae, Wis., and in 1855. after a short stay in St. Paul, eame to Cannon Falls and built a store, the second one in the place. About the same time he pre-empted a farm in section 14, and the old land deed signed by President Lincoln is still one of the cherished possessions of the family. On this place the family erected a cabin, and were on the high road to prosperity when a fire swept the prairie. and during Mr. Slocum's absence in Red Wing, destroyed the cabin and all its contents. The family then returned to St. Paul, spent the winter there, then returned to the claim, lived there until 1861, then went to Fond du Lae, Wis., and lived there until 1874. afterward returning to this county. Barbara E. Morrell, who married John F. Slocum May 1, 1849, was born in England March 9, 1820, and died January 25, 1899. John E. Slocum died June 29, 1879. To this union were born three children. Sarah E., Mary II. and Harrison M. Sarah E. was born August 15, 1851, and died December 27, 1905. Mary II. was born September 30, 1853. and keeps house for her brother.

Arthur T. Clifford, veteran of the Civil War and retired farmer, of Cannon Falls, was born in Prospect. Waldo county, Maine, and after receiving his education worked with his father, coming west with his parents and settling in Stanton township in 1855. He pre-empted a quarter-seetion of land, brought the wilderness under cultivation and carried on general farming until his retirement, in 1893, at which time he rented his farm and moved to the village of Cannon Falls, where he now resides. In the month of February, 1864, he joined Company I, 1st Min- nesota Heavy Artillery, and served under Colonel William Col- vili until discharged at Fort Snelling at the elose of the war. Since then it has always been his delight to associate with the good old comrades of those days, and he has served as chaplain

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of MeKinley Post, No. 96, G. A. R., for many years past. Polit- ically he has not desired to be conspicuous, but has consented to serve as school treasurer eight years and town treasurer two years. As the result of a lifelong consideration of the problems confronting the nation, Mr. Clifford has become a Prohibitionist and looks for the ultimate victory of the principles of that party. He is interested in church matters also, and has taken a prominent part in the growth of the Congregational demonination of this vicinity. November 28, 1860, Mr. Clifford was married to Sarah E. Ellis, of Grinnell, Iowa. This union has been blessed with two children : Minnie E., the wife of Dr. Wilbur Morrell, and Frank F., a physician in West Concord, Minn. Jonathan L. and Susan B. (French) Clifford, parents of A. T. Clifford, were natives of Maine, where the father was a merchant and farmer. They came to Stanton township in the early days and continued to add to their original quarter-section until they owned 500 acres. In later life they retired and are both now deceased. It is worthy of note that the Cliffords arrived in Red Wing October 10, 1855, and have since that date been residents of this county.

Sever S. Hommedahl, of Wanamingo township, was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, December 4, 1853. His parents were Sever T. and Ingeborg (Selje) Hommedahl, natives of Norway, who came to the United States in 1852, locating in Dane county, Wisconsin, where the father was engaged at his trade of shoe- maker until 1855, when he came to Goodhue county, bought land in Leon township and engaged in farming until his death, in 1897. The mother died in 1907, at the good old age of eighty-three years. They experienced all the hardships of the early settlers, . hauling all their products to Red Wing by ox team, cultivating their land without any of the conveniences of our time. Sever S. received his education in the public schools of the county, after- ward taking a course at Angsborg Seminary, after which he returned to the farm and later engaged in farming for himself, purchasing 170 acres of land in Wanamingo. In 1883 he was married to Mary Loven, daughter of Thor and Guri (Finberg) Loven, old settlers of this county, who farmed in Wanamingo until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Hommedahl are the parents of seven children : Selmar, Ida Thorwald, Hilda, Susie, Esther and Herman, all of whom live at home. Mr. Hommedahl has besides his own farm, 100 acres in Leon township, also eighty acres near Houston, Tex. For many years he carried on general farming, but has now retired and rents his farm. In 1906 he bought the Falls House, at Cannon Falls. Mr. Hommedahl is Republican and has held the offices of assessor of Wanamingo, justice of the peace, and clerk of the school board for a number of years. He and his family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church.

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History of Goodhue County, Minnesota, Part 99

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