History of Houston County, Including Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 85

Author: Edward D. Neill
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 547

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in 1877, he has had entire charge of the home- stead, which is located in section twenty.

L. COPEMAN is a native of Suffolk county, Eng- land, born in April, 1854. The family came to America in 1856, and for about two years resided in New Jersey; then came to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin. In about 1863, they removed to Fill- more county, Minnesota, where the father died in 1874. Mr. Copeman, our subject, had charge of the farm until 1878, when he came to this place and purchased his present land. He was joined in wedlock on the 3d of November, 1878, with Miss Mahalie E. Colby. The union has been blessed with one child.

CHRISTIAN ENGEL was born in Norway, on the 21st of March, 1841. His father was a merchant, and Christian assisted in the store until about 1865, after which he learned the photograph busi- ness. In October, 1870, he came to America locat- ing in Fillmore county, but remained only a few months and went to St. Paul, where he followed his profession for some time. Then, after return- ing to Fillmore county and spending a short time, he came here in 1872, and has since devoted his time to photography. . In about 1875, he erected a neat frame building, the first floor of which he uses for a confectionery and tobacco stand, and the second for his art gallery. In November, 1876, he was married to Miss Anne Mathea who has borne him three children, two of whom are living.

MONS FLADAGER, one of the pioneers of Spring Grove, and its oldest merchant, is a native of Nor- way, where his birth occurred on the 7th of May, 1829. In early life he gave his attention to paint- ing, which formed his principal employment until coming to America in 1858. He spent two years in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where he built and run an establishment for turning all kinds of wood work. He then sold and came direct to this place, opening & mercantile establishment. Three years after coming here, in May, 1863, he was united in marriage with Miss Jurund Johnson. The fol- lowing year he erected a neat frame building, in which he did business until November, 1881, when he removed to his present commodious quarters, a new brick building 24x75 feet, with stone founda- tion. The only families living within the present village limits when Mr. Fladager came here, were those of William Hinkley and Robert McCormick. The Post-office had passed into the hands of Em-

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brick Knudson, who appointed Mr. Fladager his deputy, the office remaining with him about a year. He has also been twice elected Town Treas- urer. On coming here he purchased forty-five acres of land, from which he afterwards sold sev- eral lots, and when the railroad was located to this point, had the ground surveyed and platted. Up to this time lots had not been in great demand, but with the prospect of the road, they sold readily and a general business development followed.

TEMAN GILBERTSON, a resident of this town since 1854, is a native of Norway, his birth dating the 15th of March, 1837. When ten years old he came to America and settled in Dane county, Wis- consin, where he remained until coming here. He took a claim about two miles from the present vil- lage site, and now owns five hundred acres of choice farming land, three hundred of which are under cultivation. In February, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Nelson Tejos, who has borne him twelve children, five of whom are living. Mr. Gilbertson has a fine brick hotel, which has been a stopping place for the traveling public for many years. Since the organization of the town in 1858, he has been a member of the board of Supervisors. In 1871, he represented this district in the lower branch of the State Leg- islature.

KNUD GILBERTSON was born in the stift of Chris- tiania on the 15th of October, 1839. His father died when Knud was quite young, and when eight years old he came with his mother to America, lo- cating in Dane county, Wisconsin. In 1853, he came here, and for several years was employed on different farms finally . purchasing sixty acres to which he has since added, and now owns a fine farm under good cultivation, with valuable improvements. His residence is of stone which he quarried near by, and the lime was burned in a kiln on his own farm. Mr. Gilbertson was joined in marriage with Julia A. Solberg in 1860. They have eight children, four sons and four daughters.

CHARLES HOEGH, whose birth place is in the ex- treme northern part of Norway, his natal date being the 1st of December, 1845, is a representa- tive business man of Spring Grove. He was reared to mercantile pursuits, and came to America when twenty years of age, spending a short time in Chicago, thence to La Crosse, and soon after to Brownsville. On the 3d of August, 1869, he was united in matrimony with Miss Theoline Thomp-

son, of Wilmington. In 1871, he opened a hard- ware store at Brownsville, and remained there in trade until the summer of 1875, when he came here and built and opened his present large hardware store. In connection with this store is his resi- dence, which, since the completion of the railroad, has become a favorite home to the traveling pub- lic, owing to its close proximity to the depot, and the superior household management. Mr. and Mrs. Hoegh are the parents of four children, three of whom are living. He has been Treasurer for the congregation of Spring Grove for the last six years, and also Town Treasurer for two terms.

EMBRICK HANSON, one of the pioneers of the town, is a native of Christiania Stift, born on the 29th of October, 1834. He was reared to agricul- tural pursuits, and came with his parents to Amer- ica in 1852. They resided in Rock county, Wis- consin, about a year, then came to this place, loca- ting a farm in section twenty-six. His father died on the 15th of June, 1860, since which time Embrick has carried on the farm. He was united in marriage with Miss Julia Olson on the 24th of June, 1862. They have had eight children, seven of whom are living. Mr. Hanson filled the office of Town Treasurer for three years, and for the past three years has been a member of the board of Supervisors.

NILS HENDRICKSON is a native of Norway, born in Naes, Hallingdal, on the 26th of January, 1836. His father died in 1841, leaving his mother de- pendent upon her own exertions to support the children. When Nils was only nine years of age he was sent ont in the neighborhood to earn his daily bread. In 1856, his mother died, and two years later he came to America, arriving in Rock county, Wisconsin, on the 24th of June, 1858. In the fall of the following year he came to Spring Grove, where he married Bridget Olson Sagedalen, a native of Norway, born on the 15th of November, 1843, the ceremony occurring on the 7th of July, 1862. In 1864, he built a log house in which he started a grocery store, but the fol- lowing year bought a house and thirty acres of land in section eleven, where he, in company with Nels Olson, did business until 1867, when they built a stone building, but in 1869, dissolved part- nership. Mr. Hendrickson carried on the business alone until 1878, then formed a partnership with Asle Halvorson, which was dissolved the following year. In 1880, he built a two story brick build-

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HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY.

ing, and in 1881 took his eldest son, Hendrik, and John K. Roverud, who had worked for him in the store eight years, as partners. They now do a fine business in their line. Mr. and Mrs. Hen- drickson are the parents of ten children, six boys and four girls.

JOHN O. HALLAN was born in Trondhjem, Nor- way, on the 28th of August, 1830, and came with his parents to America in 1850. They located in Racine county, Wisconsin, and in 1854, moved to Winneshiek county, Iowa, settling about four miles east of Hesper. In November, 1855, Mr. Hallan was married to Miss Martha M. Hexom. They removed to this town in 1857, and settled five miles from Spring Grove, which has since been their home. For seventeen years Mr. Hallan has acted in the capacity of school Treasurer for his district. Of thirteen children born of this union, ten are living.

HANS H. HILDEN. a native of Gran Hadeland, Norway, was born on the 1st of June, 1844. At the age of twenty-two years he was enrolled in the artillery of the standing army at Christiania, but did not serve in that capacity, being employed as an apprentice in the mechanical shops of the army. In 1871, he immigrated to America, came directly to Minnesota and located at Rushford, Fillmore county, where he was employed at his trade and farming. In 1874, he came to Spring Grove and was employed in the blacksmith shop of Christian Nelson, in whose service he remained eighteen months, then erected a shop of his own in which he commenced work immediately. Miss Annie I. Bentestnen, from his native town, born on the 5th of January, 1859, became his wife in 1876. The issue of this union is two children. Mr. Hilden owns a fine residence and shop, doing a thriving business, and is considered the most competent horse shoer in this section.

T. JENSON is a native of Norway, and dates his birth in March, 1840. His parents immigrated to America when he was but thirteen years old, coming directly to this town and locating in sec- tion ten. The subject of this sketch assisted his father on the farm and attended the schools of the place until 1872, when he went to Cincinnati and entered a medical college, graduating in 18 4. He then returned to Spring Grove, and was mar- ried on the 10th of October, 1875, to Miss Julia Knudson, who has borne him two children. Mr. Jenson is the only practicing physician in the

place. He also owns a drug store in company with E. Reierson.

L. T. JOHNSON is a son of Torger Johnson, one of the old settlers of the town, who came to Amer- ica in 1849, and while in New York, the subject of this sketch was born, on the 8th of July, 1849. The family came to Wisconsin and thence to Spring Grove, where the father died on the 23d of December, 1873. Since his death Mr. Johnson has carried on the old homestead. He was united in marriage on the 3d of April, 1874, with Miss Bergite R. Peterson, who has borne him four children, three of whom are living. Mr. Johnson filled the office of Assessor two years, and for the past three years has been Justice of the Peace.

MARTIN JETMUNDSON is a native of Norway, born on the 18th of January, 1829. He spent his younger days farming, then entered a warehouse and remained one year, after which he was em- ployed in a store for two years. In 1858, he came to America, locating in Dane county, Wisconsin, where he remained three years; then came to Min- nesota and was engaged in farming and clerking in stores for a short time. He returned to Wis- consin, and was married in 1862, to Miss Julia Olson, who has borne him seven children. In 1863, he purchased his present farm, and has since re- sided here.

H. E. KIELAND, the oldest son of E. Kieland, who is one of the pioneers of this town, was born in Norway on the 7th of May, 1845. His parents came to America before our subject was three years old, and located in Wisconsin, but removed here in 1854. Mr. Kieland attended the schools of the place for a time, after which he entered the La Crosse Business College, remaining one term. In 1867, he was employed as clerk in the store of Larson & Asleson, of Brownsville, remaining with the company about nine years. Since 1879, he has been a partner with Nels Olsen in the general merchandise business, the firm name being Olsen & Kieland.

KNUD KNUDSON KIELAND is a native of Nor- way, born on the stift of Christiania on the 11th of June, 1827. He came to America and located in Racine county, Wisconsin, in 1848, remaining until his removal to this place in 1852. He came here in company with H. Narveson and Fingal Asleson, all taking claims adjoining. Mr. Kieland soon erected the house which has since been his home. Mrs. Kieland's maiden name was Ann Olson. She

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bas borne him eleven children, seven of whom are living.

JOHN J. KAARSTAD was born in Christiania on the 4th of March, 1847. His father was a farmer and merchant, and John assisted him until four- teen years of age when he began learning the tailor trade. In 1868, he came to America and en- gaged at his trade in Decorah, Iowa, remaining seven years, thence to Chicago, and three years later to Lanesboro, Minnesota, where he opened a shop. On the 5th of January, 1878, he was mar- ried to Anne Maria Larson, who has borne him two children, but one of whom is living. Spring Grove has been there home since September, 1881, and Mr. Kaarstad has done a profitable business in his line.

ANDREW PETERSON KROSHUS, one of the early settlers of the town, was born in Hadeland, Nor- way, on the 12th of February, 1822. His mother died when Andrew was but eight years old, and his father being too poor to support and care for his children, was obliged to entrust them to public charity. After twenty years of constant toil, An- drew had saved enough from his earnings to pay his way to America. He set out on his voyage on the 25th of June, 1850, coming directly to Mil- waukee, Wisconsin, where he found employment after about two weeks search, with a farmer named Amos Putman, who lived in Vernon, Waukesha county. While working in a saw-mill owned by his employer, he had the misfortune to come in contact with the machinery, severing three fingers from his right hand. In 1853, he started with a yoke of cattle and wagon for Minnesota, and loca- ted a farm in section twenty-seven, Spring Grove. After the toils and hardships of a long winter, he disposed of his cattle, and with "grip-sack" in in hand, on the morning of the 21st of April, 1854, started for Norway, Racine county, Wisconsin, and after a ten days' tramp, arrived at his destina- tion. He was joined in wedlock on the 7th of May, following, with Miss Thrime Haageness, who was born in Thelemarken, Norway, on the 18th of June, 1834, and was a member of one of the first Norwegian families who came to Wisconsin. Her parents both fell victims to the cholera plague which raged through that State in 1850. Mr. Kroshus returned to his new home immediately af- ter his marriage, accompanied by his wife, and now has a farm of three hundred and thirteen cores, the greater portion of which is cultivated,

and has a substantial farm house and outbuild- ings. Of seven children born to this union, six are now living.

ABIJAH LAMB, one of the most successful farm- ers in this region, is a son of Perry Lamb, who is now sixty-eight years of age and still young, a fine specimen of New England manhood. Abi- jah was born in Charlton. Worcester county, Mas- sachusetts, on the 28th of March, 1846. In 1851, he moved with his parents to New York, where his father owned and operated a saw-mill, and was en- gaged in the lumber business until the burning of the mill in 1860. They soon after, in 1863, came west and rented a farm in Iowa, having on their arrival just five cents in money. In 1869, they came to this place and purchased their pres- ent farm, which consists of two hundred and fifty- two acres, nearly all of which is under cultiva- tion. The subject of our sketch devotes his time, principally, to stock-raising and the manufacture of sugar from sorghum. He was united in mar- riage on the 3d of July, 1870, with Miss Mary L. Monroe, who was the first white child born in Fillmore county, her birth dating the 24th of December, 1852. This union has been blessed with three children. Mr. Lamb held the office of County Commissioner three years, and Justice of the Peace six years. He is also Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, having been a member of the board, with the exception of two years, during his residence here.

CHARLES G. LUTTMAN is a native of Pennsyl- vania, born in York county, on the 25th of Dec- ember, 1837. He attended the common schools of his native town, until the age of twelve years, then entered the Harrisburg Academy, graduating in 1852. For several years after the completion of his education he was engaged in mills, first in York county, and afterward in Jo Daviess county, Illinois. In 1861, he enlisted in Company F, of the Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, served one year and three months, and was discharged for disability, but ten days after, re-enlisted in the Ninety-sixth Infantry, Company F, serving till the close of the war. In both companies he held the office of orderly Sergeant. After receiving his discharge he came to Wisconsin, and for nine years operated a mill at Neenah, then came here and bought an interest in the Riceford mill, the firm name being Oatman & Co. The second week after coming he met with an accident which re-

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HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY.

sulted in the loss of an arm; catching his hand in the machinery, it was crushed, leaving only part of the arm below the elbow. The maiden name of his wife was Jennie Scott. They have had three children, two of whom are living, Geneva L. and John W.

OLE LEE, a native of Norway, was born on the 20th of August, 1825. He came to America in 1846, arriving in New York, on the 10th of August, thence to Milwaukee, from which place he came to Rock county, Wisconsin, with an ox team, not reaching his destination till the 4th of September. He was engaged in farming there until 1854, when he came to this place, locating on the ex- treme northern portion of the town. For a num- ber of years he was supposed to be in Black Ham- mer, and was twice elected Chairman of the board of that town, but when the dividing line was made he was found to be in Spring Grove, and has since been a member of the board of Super- visors for several years. He first purchased only eight acres of land, but bas since added until now it aggregates about two-hundred and forty, a large portion of which is under good cultivation. He was married to Miss Sigrid Christenson on the 4th of March, 1855. Of ten children which they have had, eight are living.

PEDER JOHNSON LOMMEN, one of the first Nor- wegian settlers of this town, is a native of the stift of Christiana, his birth dating the 24th of September, 1822. At the age of fifteen years he commenced learning the shoe-maker trade in the city of Christiania, but failing health obliged him to return to his home after about two years, and he devoted his time to agriculture until coming to America in 1851. He remained in Dane coun- ty, Wisconsin, till June of the following year, when he came here and settled in section three, which has since been his home. He has added to his farm and now has two-hundred and ninety acres, part of which is under cultivation. Mr. Lommen has been twice married and has had eleven children, ten of whom are living.

INGVALD MULLER is a native of Norway, born on the 1st of February, 1837. He attended the schools of his native town and afterwards studied at the University of Christiania. He soon began his profession as druggist and in 1864, came to America and entered the Rush Medical College at Chicago, remaining but a few months, however. He came to Houston county the same year, and

resided for a short time in Wilmington. On the 11th of June, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Live Olson. Mr. Muller has devoted a large portion of his time to the practice of medicine, but for the past few years has given his attention to agricultural pursuits, buying a large farm ad- joining the village of Spring Grove, onwhich is his residence. Mr. and Mrs. Muller are the parents of five children."

GILBERT NILSON MYHRA, one of the earliest settlers of Spring Grove, was born in Norway on the 27th of March, 1826. He was reared to agri- cultural pursuits and also devoted some time to the blacksmith trade. Having reached the required age he served the lawful term in the militia of Norway. On the 15th of February, 1854, he was married to Miss Martha Austinson. On the 20th of April, the same year, the young couple left their native land with the intention of making America their future home. The voyage across the ocean was a rough and stormy one, lasting eleven weeks. Their first stopping place was Painted Creek Prairie, Allamakee county, Iowa. Having rested themselves here from the 23d of July until the latter part of August, they struck out for Spring Grove, where they bought a small claim; since then several purchases have been made, so that, at the present their farm contains 150 acres of the most desirable land in the vi- cinity of Spring Grove. During the winter of 1856, Mr. Myhra split more than 10,000 rails, being paid at the rate of $1.00 per hundred, fur- nishing his own board and the necessary tools for his work. Later he found employment as a car- penter and assisted in building the first school- house in Spring Grove. He has since built and completed his own dwelling house, barns, granaries, and blacksmith shops. He often thinks of by-gone years of hard toil and incessant labor; but he has been enabled to secure himself and family an independent future.

Mr. and Mrs. Myhra have been blessed with ten children, eight of whom, four boys and four girls, are living. One of their sons owns a farm in the vicinity of Fargo, D. T .; another has a farm about one mile from Spring Grove, while the third and the youngest boy still remains at home attend- Ing common school and higher institutions of edu- cation.

ARNE O. MYRRO is a native of Norway, born in Christiania Stift, on the 24th of May, 1849. He

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came with his parents to America when nine years of age. The family came directly to this place, locating in section five, but in 1865, moved to their present farm in section nine. In 1870, Arne bought his father's farm, and has since made it his home. He was joined in matrimony, on the 20th of March, 1870, wish Miss Ann Benson. They have had eight children, six of whom are living.

MATTHIAS SCHMIDT-NILSON dates his birth in Overhalden, Throndhjems Stift, Norway, on the 7th of November, 1830. At the age of seventeen years he entered the Klabo Seminary, remaining two years, then engaged in teaching for a time. From 1861 to 1864, he attended the Veterinary College of Copenhagen. While at the latter place he was united in marriage with Miss Anna C. Schmidt, daughter of William Schmidt. They soon removed to Mr. Schmidt-Nilson's native home, where he was engaged as editor of a paper for about two years. Then coming to America they located in Iowa, and our subject was engaged as a veterinarian in Chickasaw and Winneshiek counties, and also taught school. He came here in 1870, and has since been engaged at his pro- fession, in connection with which he opened a drug store iu 1879. He was the principal con- tributor to the "Spring Grove Posten," during its existence, and now writes for several Norwegian papers in the Northwest. He is also the author of several poems.

NELS O. ONSGARD is a native of Norway, born on the 26th of May, 1837. His parents came to America, locating in Rock county, Wisconsin, when Nels was about eleven years old. There he learned the stone mason trade, at which he was em- ployed until coming to Spring Grove in 1865. Soon after his arrival he opened a general merch- andise establishment in company with Mr. Hen- drickson, and did a good business until 1870, when he disposed of his interest, and for a time was engaged in the sale of agricultural imple- ments. In 1879, he formed a partnership with Mr. Kieland, and has since done a thriving mer- cantile business. Mr. Onsgard has been, Post- master since 1869, and has filled the office of Town Clerk for the past six years. He has also served as Town Assessor several terms.

KNUD C. ONSGARD was born in Christiania, Nor- way, on the 15th of June, 1826. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and in 1861, came to America and directly to this place. He has a well

cultivated farm with good house, barn, and out- buildings. The maiden name of his wife was Bridget Larson, who has borne him eight children.

JOHN PENDERGAST is a native of Indiana, born in Ripley county on the 2d of February, 1837, He lived with his parents until 1862, when he en- listed in the Eighty-third Indiana Volunteer In- fantry, Company B, and served fourteen months, being then discharged for disability. He par- ticipated in the siege of Vicksburg and many other battles. After a visit to his home he came to Minnesota, in 1866, for the benefit of his health, but returned after traveling over a large portion of this State. Coming again to Minnesota he lo- cated his present farm, which has since been his home. Miss Jennie Copeman became his wife on the 26th of January, 1873. They have five chil- dren. Mr. Pendergast held the office of Super- visor six terms, and in 1877, was a candidate for the State Legislature.

PAUL A. ROSENDAHL dates his birth the 1st of November, 1846, in Christiania Stift, Norway. He learned the shoemaker trade in his native place, and came to America in 1866, locating in Spring Grove. The following year he removed to Browns- ville, and a few years later to New Albin, Iowa, where he opened a shoe store. In May, 1876, he came again to this village and opened his present shop where he does all kinds of repairing and general custom work.

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History of Houston County, Including Explorers and Pioneers of Minnesota, Part 85

Author: Edward D. Neill Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Number of Pages: 547

Author: Edward D. Neill
Publication date: 1882
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 547