History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 28

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1919
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1343

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 28

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married April 27, 1880, to Susanna Schmitt, who was born in Caledonia township in 1860, daughter of Frank Schmitt, a pioneer who came to the county among the very earliest settlers. Mrs. Schiltz died in February, 1916, at the age of 55 years, leaving seven children, Frank, Kate, John P., Jr., Cecelia, Peter, Theodore and Anna. The family are members of the Catholic church, Mr. Schiltz being one of the trustees of St. Peter's Church, and a member of St. Peter's Society.

Henry C. Seuffert, proprietor of a general hardware, heating and plumbing business at Caledonia, who is also an expert tinsmith, was born at Muensingen, Wuertemberg, Germany, Aug. 11, 1865, son of Christian and Rosalia (Gross) Seuffert. Both parents were natives of Wuertem- berg, the father born at Ulm, Jan. 10, 1835, and the mother at Muensingen, Nov. 23, 1830. They were married May 13, 1863. The father, who was a cooper by trade, came first to the United States to establish a home. His wife, with their two children, subsequently joined him at Muscoda, Grant County, Wis. From there they later removed in succession to Madison, Wis., Sauk City, Eau Claire, Alma, which place they left in 1881, then Alexandria, Minn., and thence to Fergus Falls, Minn., subsequently return- ing to Alexandria. After residing for a number of years at Alexandria, they came to Caledonia, Houston County, where both parents died. In addition to the two sons mentioned, who were Henry C. and Christian, of whom Christian died soon after coming to America, they had four other children: Eugene, born in Muscoda, Wis., Dec. 8, 1868; Adolph, born in Sauk City, March 16, 1870; and Louise, born in Eau Claire, Dec. 5, 1871, and Christian born at Eau Claire, who died in infancy. Henry C. Seuffert acquired his early schooling in Eau Claire, and later attended the parochial and public schools in Alma. He subsequently learned the cooper's trade, and was also engaged in mill work in Buffalo County, Wis. On July 18, 1881, he entered the employ of Tester & Schilling, of Alma, who were en- gaged in the hardware business, and remained with them for 13 years, during which time he learned the tinner's trade, becoming an expert work- man. As an example of his skill it may be stated that while at Alma he made a tin model of the raft boat "Juniata," towing a raft of logs, which was exhibited by the Mississippi River Logging Co., at the World's Fair at Chicago in 1893, where it was awarded a Blue Ribbon in the Depart- ment of Transportation. In 1895 Mr. Seuffert engaged in business for himself, opening a shop in Alma, where he conducted a tinsmith's busi- ness and carried a line of hardware until 1900, when he came to Caledonia, Minn. Here he bought out A. J. Flynn, and, bringing his hardware stock from Alma, conducted a hardware and tinsmith's business, which he has since enlarged to a general hardware, heating and plumbing business, his store being known as the "Red Front Hardware Store." Energetic and industrious, he has been successful and is now numbered among the pros- perous business men of Caledonia. He is a member of Lodge No. 20 A. F. & A. M., at Caledonia, and also of the order of Woodmen. Mr. Seuffert married Fredericka Achenbach, who was born in Belvidere township, Buffalo County, Wis., daughter of William and Christina (Laudenbach) Achenbach. He and his wife have two children: Norman Eugene and

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JAMES CLIFFORD AND FAMILY

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Luella Matilda. Norman E. married Mary Lockwood, and Luella is the wife of C. F. Lewis, of Preston, Fillmore County, Minn.

James Clifford, who is now living retired in the village of Caledonia, after a successful career as an agriculturist, is one of the prominent and respected citizens of the township and county. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, Sept. 1, 1848, son of William and Catherine (Brady) Clifford, farming people who lived and died in their native land. There were five children in the family, John, James, Margaret, Catherine and Michael. In 1871 James came to the United States, arriving in Houston County, Minn., in June. His sister Catherine, who came over in 1873, married James Brown, of St. Paul. James, who had attended school in Ireland, and worked for farmers there, began in Houston county by rent- ing and operating a place on shares. Later he bought a tract of 80 acres in Caledonia township, which he devolped into a good farm, making many improvements on it, and continuing to cultivate it with profitable results until his retirement a few years ago. He also made his energy felt in other directions, being identified with several important local enterprises, including the creamery, of which he is today vice president and a director; the Caledonia Stock & Grain Co., now known as the Elevator Company, of which also he was a director, and the Telephone Company, of which he is a member. He also devoted a part of his time to public affairs, serving as supervisor for twelve years or more, as school clerk for 15 years, and as a member of the board of county commissioners for four years, during which time the county poor farm was moved to its present location and a substantial building erected, also the court house grounds improved by the planting of shade trees. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Clifford was married Nov. 4, 1874, to Bridget Dunn, who was born in Ohio in 1853, daughter of Michael and Mary (Ryan) Dunn. Mr. and Mrs. Clifford have had ten children, of whom six are now living, namely: William, who is a farmer in Mayville township; Katherine, wife of John P. Schummers; Michael, who is a farmer; John, a salesman, James and Patrick, who is living at home. Of the four who died, Mary attained the age of 13 years. James and Patrick each did their share as loyal citizens in the service of their country during the great war, thus giving the family a record of which they may well be proud. James entered the aviation service and was stationed in England. Patrick saw active service with the heavy coast artillery in France, participating in the battle of the Meuse and the Battle of Ypres. Both were honorably discharged and returned home to again take up the civilian duties which the war had interrupted.

Michael Dunn, an early settler in Mayville township, where he built up a homestead, was a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1848, making the voyage on a sailing vessel which reached port after a voyage of six weeks. In the same vessel as a passen- ger was Miss Mary Ryan, to whom Michael was married in this country. Locating in Louisville, Ky., they kept a boarding-house there for railroad men, but subsequently moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. About 1859 or 1860 they landed at Brownsville from a steamboat and located on wild land in Mayville township, Mr. Dunn building a log house and commencing to

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clear his tract with a yoke of oxen. He had at first 80 acres, but subse- quently increased the size of his farm to 240 acres, erecting good build- ings. There he resided until 1877, when he moved to an 80-acre tract about two miles north and over the line in Caledonia township. He im- proved this latter place also and increased its size to 160 acres, making his home there until his death. His wife also died on the farm. They were faithful members of the Catholic church. They had two chlidren, Patrick and Bridget, the latter of whom married James Clifford.

John P. Schummers, deputy county auditor, living in Caledonia, of which village he is a prominent citizen and business man, was born here Feb. 28, 1880, son of Nicholas and Theresa (Lehnen) Schummers. He received his early business training in Caledonia, and was in the mercan- tile business from 1902 to 1912, selling out to the Caledonia Co-operative Co. He is now serving efficiently as deputy county auditor. He is a director of the Caledonia State Bank, and a member of the Catholic church, in which he holds the office of trustee, and also of the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Schummers married Katherine Clifford, who was born in Caledonia, daughter of James Clifford. He and his wife are the parents of four chil- dren, Margaret, Alois, Ambrose and Catherine.

Nicholas Schummers, an early settler in Caledonia, was born in the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, where as he grew up he learned the trade of cabinet-making. There he married Theresa Lehnen, and in 1871 he and his wife, with one child, Katherine, now deceased, came to the United States. They located first in La Crosse, Wis., where Mr. Schummers worked as a carpenter and staircase builder, and being an expert in all such work he found no difficulty in obtaining employment. At the end of the time men- tioned, however, he came to Caledonia, Houston county, where he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, buying rough furniture and finishing it. His store was located on the present site of the post office, and there he conducted business for nineteen years, during which time he added general merchandise to his stock. He then erected the block that now bears his name, which was originally a one-story building 22 by 60 feet, but by subsequent improvements has been transformed into a two- story building 90 by 60 feet. He remained sole proprietor of the business, which he carried on to the end of his life, dying in 1908 at the age of seventy-two years. He was a member of the German Catholic church, and one of its trustees, and had served on the building committee at the time of its erection. For twenty-one years he rendered efficient service as a member of the school board of his district. His wife died at about the same age on Sept. 23, 1917. They had nine children, Katherine, Anna, Josephus, Nicholas, John, who died in infancy ; John P., Margaret, Alois and William. Margaret is now Mrs. N. F. Gaspard, Alois resides in Austin, Minn., and William in Olivia, Minn.

Severt Solberg, who was for over thirty years engaged in the meat business in Caledonia, of which place he was a well to do and influential citizen, was born in Norway about 1859. His father, John Solberg, was a carpenter who brought the family to the United States when the subject of

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this sketch was about sixteen years old. Settling first in Illinois, they came later to La Crosse, Wis., where John Solberg finally died. Severt, who had received some slight schooling in Norway, learned the carpenter's trade from his father and followed it in La Crosse, and also for a while in Chicago, to which city he, with his father and a brother, went after the great fire of 1871 when builders and carpenters were in demand. Subse- quently he returned to Minnesota, and resided for a while in Lanesboro and Peterson, Fillmore county, opening a meat market in Peterson. In 1879 he came to Caledonia and bought out the market of Mr. Weida, which he operated for four years, at the same time being engaged in buying stock. He then rented a place on the site of the present property, finally buying it from Dan Haines, and, in 1905, he erected a handsome block which now bears his name and that of his partner, Mr. Schansberg, who resided in Lanesboro. This partnership was dissolved in 1910, Mr. Solberg retiring and the business passing into the hands of his son, Helmer J. Severt Solberg died in 1913 at the age of fifty-four years. He was well known throughout the county, where for so many years he had been engaged in the stock business. Fraternally he belonged to the Woodmen's and Work- men's lodges, and was a prominent member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and was its representative in the Old Synod at its meeting in Chicago. Mr. Solberg married Jeanette Schansberg, who was, like himself, a native of Norway, coming to America with her parents when four years old. She died in 1900 at the age of forty-two. They had ten children: James Olaf and Vina G., who died young; Laura, now Mrs. B. E. Tweten of Solway, Minn .; Inga, wife of J. B. Bjorstad of Glasgow, Mont .; Helmer J., now of the firm of Solberg Bros., of Caledonia, Minn .; Selma, wife of Frank Hundt, of Bucyrus, N. D .; Ada, wife of Adolph Eiken, of Caledonia, Minn .; Edna, who married H. S. Mckay of Cloquet, Minn .; William A., a partner of Helmer J. in the meat business; and Vina M., now Mrs. S. C. Stenehjem of Caledonia.

Helmer Julius Solberg, a member of the well known firm of Solberg Bros., meat dealers of Caledonia, was born in this village, Sept. 8, 1882, son of Severt and Jeanette (Schansberg) Solberg. He was educated in the graded school of Caledonia and a business college in La Crosse, and sub- sequently became associated with his father who was engaged in the meat and livestock business in Caledonia, in partnership with Mr. Schansberg. On the dissolution of the above mentioned firm in 1910, and the father's retirement, the business came into the hands of Helmer J., and was operated by him alone until 1914, when his brother, William A., became his partner, the firm having since been known as Solberg Bros. Founded by the father, Severt Solberg, in the early eighties, it has long been solidly established and has been conducted successfully by both father and sons. Helmer J. Solberg is now serving in his second term as a member of the city council. He is also secretary of the Houston County Poultry Association, and a member of the Commercial Club. His religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church. He married Clara M. Stevens, daughter of Edmund and Josephine Clara (Jones) Stevens, who were pioneer settlers in Houston county. Mr. and Mrs. Solberg have had four children: Cleo 14

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May, now deceased, and Helen J., Irma and Wayne Edmund. The family occupy a high social position in Caledonia and the vicinity.

Martin J. Walhus, D.D.S., who is successfully engaged in dental practice in the village of Caledonia, was born in Spring Grove, this county, Jan. 12, 1889, son of John Walhus. After completing a course in the Spring Grove high school, he entered the dental department of the State University of Minnesota, where he was graduated in 1911. He then came to Caledonia and opened an office and has since been engaged here in the practice of his profession, his patrons, of whom he has a goodly list, being drawn both from the village and the surrounding country. He is a member of the Masonic lodge and Woodmen's camp in Caledonia, and of the Masonic chapter at Winona. Besides building up a good business he has taken an active interest in local movements for the betterment of the village and county and is recognized as an enterprising and useful citizen. Dr. Walhus married Ruth E. Hellickson, daughter of E. C. Hellickson of Caledonia and a native of Houston county. He and his wife have one child, Donald.

John Schmitt, one of the hardy pioneers of Caledonia township, was born in Prussia, Germany, and grew up in his native country. In 1849 he made a trip to America, returning again to Germany. What he had seen of the country made him resolve to make it his future home and it was not long before he again set foot on Amreican shores. On each occasion his voyage was made in a sailing vessel, the first trip across occupying sixty- two days and the second ninety days. Making his way west to Chicago, he there obtained work at brickmaking, though by trade he was a weaver. In Chicago, where he remained for several years, he was married to Mary Demmer, and three children were born to them there, Theodore, Hubert and Emma. Realizing, however, that the city was no place in which to make any great success and provide for the needs of a growing family, Mr. Schmitt resolved to get onto the land and become a farmer. To do that he needed to go where land was both good and cheap. Good land could be found in many places, but in the older settled states it cost more than he could afford, and his thoughts accordingly turned to the northwest where con- ditions were more favorable for him. At last, determined to try his luck as a pioneer, he set out with his family in a wagon drawn by oxen, taking an almost straight westerly line for Dubuque county, Iowa, and then turning north, continuing his journey until he reached Caledonia township, Houston county, Minn. On several different .occasions while on the way, as the country became wilder, and the distance seemed long and interminable, he was on the point of turning back, but, nevertheless, kept plodding along. On his arrival here he located on 160 acres of mostly wild land, there being only three acres broken. There were no buildings and he had to build a log shanty. He had brought with him some stock, for which also he had to build a shelter, and then he found himself fairly started on his new career. There were then but three houses in Caledonia village and the township was very thinly settled. Of roads, there were none anywhere near his farm. To earn a little money he split shingles from logs, a common resource of the pioners, but these had to be carried to market and brought but a small price when there. It proved sufficient, however, as he was soon raising

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most of his food supply on his farm. In time he acquired eighty acres more and made good progress in developing the place, putting up more build- ings, among them a substantial hewed-log house, which has since been re- modeled by his son Phillip and is now in use. At last, after a career of useful industry resulting in well deserved prosperity, Mr. Schmitt passed from this life at the age of eighty years, honored and respected by his many friends and acquaintances, and mourned by his surviving relatives. He had been for many years a widower, as his wife had died at the age of thirty-seven. He had served as a member of the town board, and, as a faithful Catholic, has helped the churches of his religion which were es- tablished in his neighborhood. In addition to his three children already mentioned, he and his wife had three others, who were born in Caledonia township: Phillip H., owner of the old home farm, now living in Caledonia village; and Lizzie and Ann, twins, the latter of whom died in infancy. Lizzie is now the wife of Leo Schaffer of Zumbrota, Minn.

Phillip H. Schmitt, who is now living in Caledonia village, after a resi- dence of sixty years on the old John Schmitt homestead in Caledonia town- ship, which he still owns, was born in a log house on the above mentioned farm, March 16, 1855, son of John and Mary (Demmer) Schmitt. He was educated in the district school and under his father's mentorship acquired a good knowledge of agriculture, as above intimated, remaining on the home farm, which in time came into his possession and on which he raised Herford cattle, a good grade of horses and other stock. This farm is now being operated by his two sons, John and Frank. Mr. Schmitt was chairman of the township for ten years, and served for a number of years as an official of the Catholic church. He has had a successful career and is now a man of substance and high standing in the community. He married Barbara Link of Dubuque county, daughter of John Link, a pioneer, and he and his wife have had eight children: Anna, now Mrs. Layton of Caledonia township; John, now helping to operate the home farm ; Theodore, a resident of St. Paul, Minn .; Leo, now deceased; Phillip, of St. Paul; Martha, residing at home; Joe, deceased; and Frank, on the home farm.

Jacob Bouquet, a pioneer merchant of Caledonia township, and now living retired in the village of Caledonia, was born in Belgium, July 20, 1834, son of Michael Bouquet, his mother's family name being Pohl. He was the first member of the family to come to the United States, being then a young man, and making the voyage on a sailing vessel which took about thirty days to make port. After reaching this country he went first to Ohio, where he remained for about two years. After that he visited a number of places, working at his trade of mechanic, and gradually moving westward until he arrived at Chicago. From that place he continued further west to Galena, Ill., where he stayed two years, and there cast his first vote, which was for President Lincoln. Not having as yet found a place in which he cared to make a permanent settlement, he crossed over the river into Iowa, remained there two years, then spent another two years or so in La Crosse, Wis., and finally came up the river to Houston county, Minn., locating in Caledonia township. Here he made the acquaintance of Thomas Abbot and was associated with him for a number of years in making wagons,

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ploughs, drags, sleighs, and other useful articles for the early settlers. Mr. Bouquet then changed his occupation, entering into a general mercantile business in partnership with J. C. Kiern, now of Winona. They also bought and operated a store in Brownsville, their connection lasting six or seven years when it was dissolved. After that Mr. Boquet remained inactive for about two years, but at the end of that time he opened a store in Cale- donia, of which he was sole proprietor for thirty-three years, also owning the building, which he had erected, thus increasing the property value of the village. As a merchant he had a successful career and formed many warm friendships, establishing a wide reputation for enterprise and integrity, and it was a notable event in the history of the village when he finally an- nounced his retirement. He was one of the first citizens in the township to take shares in the railroad when it was put through, and he also became a stockholder in the Farmers' elevator. A member of St. Peters Catholic church, he served forty-five years as its treasurer. He is now in the en- joyment of a fair competence, the result of his many years of successful industry. Mr. Bouquet married Josephine Wagner, a native of the Duchy of Luxemburg, who died at the age of seventy-three years. Six children were born to them: John P., Herman, Josephine, Mary, Susie and Cecelia. John W. Potter, proprietor of a flourishing furniture, undertaking and musical instrument business in Caledonia, was born in Winona, Minn., July 4, 1882, son of Joseph W. and Minnie (Stott) Potter. Completing his literary education at the Caledonia high school, his parents having moved to this village, he became connected in business with his father and at the early age of eighteen obtained a State license as undertaker, being then the youngest licensee in the State. At the age of twenty-one he became a partner in the business, five years later becoming sole proprietor, which he has since remained. Here he handles the better grade of furniture, keeps an unusually good stock of musical instruments, and is conducting a re- liable and well equipped undertaking business. He is a Free Mason, belong- ing to both the Blue Lodge and Chapter, and is also a member of Lake Como Lodge, I. O. O. F., at Hokah, Minn. Mr. Potter married Emma C. Laugen, who was born three miles west of Houston, daughter of O. G. and Ninah (Christianson) Laugen, her parents having been early settlers in that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Potter have had two children: Norma and Milton, the latter of whom died at the age of four years.

Ole Olson, one of the pioneer settlers of Wilmington township in 1854, was born in Norway, where he grew up and married. In 1853 he and his wife, with their one child, a daughter, Guri, took passage for America on a sailing vessel, and after a long voyage, arrived safely in this country. Their first settlement was made in Illinois, but from that State they came in the following year to Houston county, Minn., taking forty acres of land in Wilmington township. The expense Mr. Olson had incurred for passage money and otherwise had left him without resources, and he was unable to buy even a few simple tools with which to begin the development of his land. By Mr. Sprague, however, who recognized his type of manhood, he was furnished with a grub hoe and an axe on credit, and with these he set to work. His progress, at first slow, was accelerated with the lapse of

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years, and to his first forty-acre tract he added another and still others until he was the owner of five "forties," making a farm of 200 acres. A few years after he arrived in the county he suffered a loss in the death of his wife who had accompanied him from Norway. Some time after that event he married Sigra Engen, who proved a good helpmate to him, often carrying eggs and other produce to market at Dorchester, while he, himself, made long walks with heavy loads on his back. In time he erected good farm buildings and became one of the prosperous citizens of his township. He was a member of the first Norwegian Lutheran congregation organized in the township and also of the committee which erected the first church edifice in Wilmington, and he subsequently held official position in the con- gregation. His son Ole later served on the building committee of the new

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 28

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge Publication date: 1919 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1343

Author: Franklyn Curtiss-Wedge
Publication date: 1919
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1343