History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 31

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

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 31

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Gunder O. Skree in his boyhood attended the local schools for a limited period and was trained to agricultural pursuits on the home farm. At the age of 18 years he began working out and for some time followed various occupations, including railroad work, farm work and lumbering. Marrying in 1874, he then moved to Clay county, Minn., where he took a farm which he operated for seven years. At the end of that time he sold the place and returned to Sheldon township, Houston county, taking a farm in the valley in which he now lives, and which farm he operated for 13 years. Then selling it, he moved to his present location in section 21, where he has 153 acres of valuable land on which he has erected good modern build- ings and has a thorough equipment for general stock and dairy farming.

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Since 1904 he has been giving special attention to the breeding of Short- horn cattle and Duroc-Jersey swine. He is also a stockholder in the local creamery, elevator and telephone companies. At the present time he is no longer doing any hard work on the farm, leaving its operation to his son Anton. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and in former days served as school treasurer, in politics being a Republican. Forty-six years ago, on May 18, 1874, Mr. Skree assumed the responsi- bilities of domestic life, being united in marriage with Anna Gorena Anfin- son, who was born in La Crosse Valley, La Crosse County, Wis., daughter of Anfin and Martha (Evenson) Anfinson. Of this union five children have been born: Matilda, wife of John O. Sanden, a merchant of Aurelia, N. D .; Segrid, wife of Charles Kragness, a farmer of Sheldon township; Oletha, wife of Oscar Nelson, a farmer of Kanabec county, Minn .; Anton, who married Mary Kragness and resides on the home farm; and Ellen, wife of Delbert Lewis. Anfin and Matilda (Evenson) Anfinson, the parents of Mrs. Skree, were both natives of Norway, the father born in Nunedahl and the mother in Omley. They were early settlers in Houston county, residing for a few years on Swede Bottom, after which they moved to a farm near the Stone church in Houston township, the place now being owned by Mr. Anderson. Mrs. Anfinson died in 1867, and her husband subsequently farmed for a number of years in Clay county, Minn., after which he returned to Houston county and made his home with his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Skree, dying here in 1890. . They were the parents of nine children, of whom their daughter Anna Gorena was the third in order of birth.

John A. Tangen, whose death on Feb. 20, 1916, deprived Sheldon town- ship of one of its enterprising and respected citizens, was born in Hamar, Norway, Feb. 21, 1855, son of Anderson and Bertha Tangen. The parents, who never came to this country, are both now deceased. John A., who was the younger of two children, acquired his education in Norway, and was 17 years old when he came to America. Locating in La Crosse, Wis., he found employment in a sawmill, and later did other work, residing there for 18 years. He was married in that city, and some years subsequently moved with his family to Houston county, Minn., and began agricultural operations on a farm in section 7, Sheldon township, continuing in that line of industry until his death. A man of domestic tastes, and a good neigh- bor, he was well liked in the community, and had a wide circle of friends. He was a consistent member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and in politics was a Republican. Mr. Tangen was married in La Crosse, Oct. 3, 1881, to Gusta Christianson, daughter of Cupprud and Mary (Jenson) Chrstianson, and a native of Norway, her birthplace being in the vicinity of Christiania. She was the eldest in a family of three children, and being young when she came to America, in 1860, attended school for a limited period in Fillmore county, this state, the family locating on Highland Prairie. Mr. and Mrs. Tangen had a family of four children: Ida Bertina, Gunda Jecena, Alfred Conrad and Marvin. Ida Bertina is residing at the Radison Hotel in Minneapolis; Gunda Jecena isalso at one of the leading hotels there; Alfred Conrad and Marvin are assisting their mother to

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operate the home farm, which she has managed successfully since her husband's death.

Ole A. Tweiten, a prosperous general farmer residing in section 28, Sheldon township, was born in Telemarken, Norway, Jan. 30, 1867, son of Aaslak and Sigrid (Gruta) Tweiten, who were natives of the same locality. He was the sixth born in a family of seven children, and attended school in his native land, residing with his parents until arriving at the age of 20 years. He then began working out for others, spending two years at the shoemaker's trade. In 1891, wishing better opportunities than he could find in his native land, he came to the United States, locating at Madison, Wis., in the vicinity of which place he worked on farms and at miscellaneous occupations for ten months. Then coming to Houston County, he worked out for three years and then bought a farm on Oak Ridge, where he re- sided two years. After that for about 14 years he was engaged in oper- ating various farms, which he purchased and subsequently sold, spending one year on his next farm after moving from Oak Ridge, then eight years on a farm in Yucatan township, three years on a farm in Money Creek township, and two years on a farm in Sheldon township. On selling the last mentioned place he took up his residence in Houston, where he was engaged in hauling cream for two years. He then bought his present farm of 123 acres in Badger Valley, section 28, Sheldon township, which he is operating along general lines, raising both crops and stock. Capably man- aged, the farm is yielding good returns. He is a member of the Shipping Association. He is a member of the Free church of Houston and in poli- tics is independent. Mr. Tweiten was married Jan. 5, 1893, to Elsie Bilstad, who was born in Telemarken, Norway, close to the home of Mr. Tweiten's parents, a daughter of Ole and Gjestrand (Kettlestrad) Bilstad. She came to America in 1889, but was not accompanied by her parents, who died in their native land. Mr. and Mrs. Tweiten have been the parents of eight children : Selena, Oscar, Julius, Julia, Albin and Gena, all residing on the home farm, and Albert and Harold, who are deceased.

Segurd Vathing, a former resident of Houston county, who made agricultural improvements in several different townships, was born in Telemarken, Norway, where he was married to Gro Bondahl, also a native of that locality. Coming to the United States in 1871, they proceeded directly to Houston county, Minn., and located first in Mound Prairie town- ship, where they resided for a year. They then moved to Irish Ridge' in Sheldon township, but after a year there took land in Union township, where they lived for eight years, Mr. Vathing developing a farm, which he then sold. After disposing of it he moved to what is now the farm of John Carlson in this township, but after spending three years on it, bought the farm in section 9, where his son Iver now lives. Here he remained until his death in 1904. His wife is now residing on the farm with her son Iver. They were the parents of ten children.

Iver Vathing, who is engaged in operating the farm in section 9, Sheldon township, formerly owned by his father, was born in Union town- ship, this county, Nov. 1, 1876, son of Segurd and Gro (Bondahl) Vathing. He was the ninth born of his parents' ten children and in his boyhood

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attended school in Sheldon township, afterwards assisting his father on the home farm until the latter's death. He was only 16 years old when he assumed its management, and he has since continued to operate it, his mother and sister Susie residing with him since the father's death in 1904. He has 75 acres of valuable land, which he conducts as a general stock farm, breeding Shorthorn and Durham cattle, and Poland-China hogs. He is also a stockholder in the Houston Creamery Company and the Farmers' Telephone Company. His farm is well improved and provided with modern equipment, and by industry and perseverance he has raised himself to a place among the substantial citizens of his township. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, worshipping in the stone church of that denomination in Sheldon township, and in politics is independent.

William Whaley, one of the pioneers of Sheldon township, was born in Ireland in 1821, and was a young man when he came to the United States. For some years he resided in Ohio, and then came to Houston county, Min- nesota. Here at first he worked out at anything he could find to do, for a part of the time at railroad work. In 1858 Minnesota became a state, and it was about that time that Mr. Whaley purchased the farm in section 26, Sheldon township, which has since been the family homestead, its present proprietor being his son, William J. Here he resided until his death, March 26, 1893, or for a period of 35 years, during which time he improved the property and erected good buildings on it. He was an industrious and re- spected citizen and for many years was a member of the district school board. He was survived by his wife, who is now residing on the farm with her son above mentioned. She, like her husband, was born in Ireland, her maiden name being Katherine McNamara. Their marriage took place in Houston county.

William J. Whaley, who is carrying on a good business as farmer and stock raiser on a farm of 120 acres in section 16, Sheldon township, which was established by his father, was born on this farm, Nov. 28, 1884, son of William and Catherine (McNamara) Whaley, both natives of Ireland. He was educated in District School No. 25, and has always resided on the home- stead, assisting his father until 19 years of age, at which time he assumed the management of the farm and has since operated it. He has improved the property by adding some modern buildings, including an excellent barn, 34 by 60 feet, fully equipped with all needful apparatus. He breeds Polled Angus cattle and Persian horses, gradually raising the grade of his stock, and is a shareholder in the elevator at Caledonia and a member of the Houston Shipping Association. In religion he is a Roman Catholic. Mr. Whaley was married in November, 1914, to Catherine Hurley, who was born in Crystal Valley, Union township, daughter of William and Catherine (Cunningham) Hurley. Her parents were both born in this county, and were farmers. Both are now deceased, the father dying July 25, 1911, and the mother in 1888. Their daughter Catherine was their only child.

Ole O. Runingen, a large land owner in Houston township, where he is now residing on a farm, though practically retired, was born in Telemarken, Norway, Oct. 9, 1857, and was 12 years old when he came to America.

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MARTIN T. RUNINGEN AND FAMILY

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Brought up to agricultural pursuits, he has continued in that line of indus- try throughout the greater part of a long career, and has achieved more than ordinary success, being now the owner of 726 acres of land. He is also a stockholder in the Houston Creamery Company, the Farmers' Ele- vator and Telephone companies, and the Shipping Association. For a num- ber of years he served as a member of the county board. of which for a time he was chairman, and also in other offices, including those of town supervisor and member of the school board. Mr. Runingen married Julia Johnson, who was born in Sheldon township, on October 10, 1857, just one day after his own birth. They have been the parents of seven children.

Martin Theodore Runingen, proprietor of a high grade stock farm of 160 acres in section 13, Sheldon township, was born in Houston township, this county, Oct. 19, 1888, son of Ole O. and Julia (Johnson) Runingen. He was brought up on his parents' farm, on which he remained until his mar- riage, at which time he took the farm of 190 acres on which he is now living and where he has established a reputation as an expert and success- ful stock breeder, breeding full blooded Shorthorn cattle, and high grade Duroc Jersey swine. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America at Houston, and, religiously, of the Lutheran church. Politically he is a Republican. On Feb. 20, 1917, Mr. Runingen was united in marriage with Alma Jorde, born in Hokah Valley, Houston county, daughter of John and Julia (Olson) Jorde, and they have one son, Maynard, born Jan. 15, 1919. John Jorde was born in Norway Oct. 14, 1862, and came to the United States when only nine years old. He was married in Houston county to Julia Olson, who was born in Norway, April 3, 1869. Then they settled on a farm in Hokah Valley, where they are now living retired from active work. Their daughter Alma was the second born of their six children and was educated in this county, attending district school.

Peter Wilson was the owner for some years of good farm lands in Sheldon township, but who is now living retired in Houston, after a suc- cessful career as an agriculturist, was born in Telemarken, Norway, Nov. 27, 1853, son of Aavil Mickelson and his wife, Hage Targeson. The family came to the United States in 1871, settling in Houston, this county, and three years later on a farm in the vicinity, where the father died in 1881, and the mother a few years later. They had 15 children, of whom Peter was the second in order of birth. Of these children only two are now living, Peter and Julia, now Mrs. Sever Knutson of Houston township. Peter Wilson was a well grown young man of 18 when he arrived in Houston county with the other members of the family, but he was unable to speak English. He obtained employment, however, working three years for Mr. Driscoll. Then, having attained his majority, he went to Clay county, Minn., where he took a homestead, residing on it as a bachelor for four years, and three years after he was married. Then selling the farm, he came to Sheldon township, Houston county, taking a farm there which he operated until 1913, in which year he purchased his present home in Hous- ton, where he is now living retired. He is administrator for several estates and is widely recognized throughout the township as one of its reliable and public spirited citizens. While living on his farm he served six years

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as school treasurer. He is a member of the Lutheran "Stone" church, and in politics a Republican. Mr. Wilson was married March 20, 1881, to Asper Peterson, who was born in Houston, July 10, 1863, daughter of Swan and Asper (Gunderson) Peterson. He and his wife have had eight children: Anna Helena, wife of Peter Holm, a farmer in Black Hammer township; Samuel Alfred, who married Anna Otterness and resides on the old Wilson homestead in Sheldon township; Clara Patrina, wife of Al Ross Lee, a farmer in Canada; Jane Telena, wife of George Metcalf of Caledonia; Emma Marie, wife of Robert Lee, a Canadian farmer; Gena Hancena and Clarence Helmer, who reside with their parents; and Mabel Telena, who died in infancy. The parents of Mrs. Wilson were both born in Norway, the father coming to the United States before the Civil War and settling in Sheldon township, this county, where he resided for a number of years. He then moved to Albert Lea, but later returned to Houston, and engaged in farming here. He is still a resident of Houston. His first wife, the mother of Mrs. Wilson, died at the latter's birth, she being the only child of that marriage. By a second marriage Mr. Peterson had nine other children.

Samuel Alfred Wilson, who is engaged in operating the old Wilson farm in section 19, Sheldon township, was born in Clay county, Minnesota, Nov. 5, 1884, son of Peter and Asper (Peterson) Wilson. He was the second born of his parents' eight children, and attended district school in Sheldon township, Houston county. He was reared on his parents' farm, but at the age of 14 years began working out for others, and was thus occupied for some years as a farm hand. He then engaged in stump pull- ing and made that his business for eleven years, at the end of which time he returned to the old homestead, where he has since been engaged in general farming, raising stock and grain for the market. The homestead consists of 160 acres of excellent land, together with a good set of build- ings, and Mr. Wilson is enjoying a prosperous career. At the present time he is school treasurer of his district, in politics being a Republican. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church known as the "Stone Church," and is fraternally affiliated with the order of Yeomen. Mr. Wilson was united in marriage, May 16, 1916, to Anna Otterness, who was born in Black Hammer township, this county, daughter of Ole and Martha Otter- ness, both natives of that township, where they engaged in farming. Mrs. Wilson's father died in 1899, but her mother is still living on the old home- stead. They had three children, of whom their daughter Anna was the second in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have one child, Maybelle Adeline.

Martin Westby, in former years an industrious farmer of Yucatan township, was born in Norway, and was a young man of 23 years when he came to America and settled in Fillmore county, Minnesota. After residing there a few years, he came to Houston county, taking land on Oak Ridge, Yucatan township. There he developed a farm and resided until his death, Jan. 29, 1909. He married Martha Kosa, who, like himself, was born in Norway, and who is still living on the homestead. They were the parents of 13 children, of whom their son, Oscar, is now a prosperous farmer in Sheldon township.

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Oscar Westby, a well known farmer residing in section 18, Sheldon township, was born in Yucatan township, this county, May 17, 1886, son of Martin and Martha (Kosa) Westby. He attended school in that township and worked for his father until his marriage, when he settled on his present farm of 251 acres of valuable land. Here he has made all the standing improvements, and is successfully engaged in raising both stock and grain. In politics he is independent. On Aug. 7, 1909, Mr. Westby was united in marriage with Mary Benson, who was born in Yucatan township, daughter of Gunder and Bertha Benson. Mr. and Mrs. Westby have one child, Mar- tin. Mrs. Westby's parents were both born in Norway, and are now farm- ing in Sheldon township, Mr. Benson having settled in this county at an early date. He and his wife have had six children, of whom their daughter Mary was one of the youngest.

Andrew Lind, though not one of the first arrivals in Sheldon town- ship, came early enough to take a pioneer's part in the work of local im- provement, transforming a part of the wilderness into a productive farm. He was born in Sweden, March 28, 1838, and on May 21, 1868, married Caroline Nelson, born May 5, 1842. In 1869 he and his wife emigrated to this country, locating first in Iowa. There, however, they remained but a year, at the end of which time they removed to Houston county, Minne- sota, taking a tract of practically unimproved land in section 10, Sheldon township, on which their son, Frederick O. Lind, now resides with his mother. This tract Mr. Lind improved into a good farm and, having fin- ished his lifes' labors, passed away Oct. 5, 1892. During his active career he took a warm interest in the development of the community and was one of those who organized the Houston creamery. He and his wife had eight children: Anna S., born Dec. 5, 1870; Charles F., born Jan. 10, 1872; Benjamin N., born Nov. 27, 1873; Emma, born Dec. 3, 1875; Andrew, born Dec. 23, 1877; Sophia, born Oct. 19, 1879; Frederick O., born Aug. 25, 1882; and Hilda W., born June 12, 1885.

Frederick O. Lind, who is successfully engaged in operating a farm of 167 acres in section 10, Sheldon township, was born on the farm on which he now lives, Aug. 21, 1882, son of Andrew Swenson and Caroline (Nelson) Lind. He was one of the younger of a family of eight children and in his boyhood attended the Stockholm school, in District 100. Beginning agri- cultural life on his parents' farm, he assisted his father until arriving at the age of 17 years, after which he worked out for a year. He then re- turned to the home farm, which he operated until 1907, when he went to North Dakota, where he secured and proved up a homestead. Then return- ing to the home farm he again took up agriculture here and has since oper- ated the place as a general farmer. He has put on practically all the modern improvements and now has a good set of buildings, with full equip- ment. He is also a stockholder in the creamery company, the Farmers' Elevator Company, the telephone company, the Shipping Association, and the Independent Harvester Company of Plano, Ill. He is a member of the Swedish Baptist church and in politics is a Prohibitionist. Mr. Lind was married April 24, 1913, to Emma Benson, who was born in Houston town- ship, this county, daughter of Peter and Catherine (Benson) Benson. Her

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parents, natives of Sweden, were early settlers in Houston County, the father being a farmer and carpenter by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Lind have two children, Dorothy Elenora, born June 9, 1914, and Freda Ortley, born July 9, 1917.

John T. Lee, who is profitably engaged in general agriculture on a farm of 80 acres in section 14, Sheldon township, is a native of Houston county, having been born in Crystal Valley, Houston township, May 4, 1884, son of Thor T. and Tilda (Johnson-Kittleson) Lee. Thor T. Lee came to Houston county in the pioneer days with his parents, who were among the first settlers in Crystal Valley, Houston township. He devoted his life to farm pursuits and died April 18, 1918, his wife now living retired in Houston Village. John T. Lee, the direct subject of this sketch, in his boy- hood attended school for one year in Houston township. At the age of 15 years he began working away from home, both in Minnesota and North Dakota. His work was not all of an agricultural nature, for he was em- ployed in the mail service a short time, and afterwards engaged in railroad work, serving four years as a fireman and three as a locomotive engineer, on the C. M. & St. P. Railway. During that period he resided in Austin, Minn. Finally giving up the railroad, he returned to Houston county and took up farming at his present location, where he has 80 acres of good land, with adequate buildings and is making progress along general agricultural lines. He is a member of the Houston Shipping Association. In politics he is independent and has served one term as a member of the school board of his district. Religiously a Lutheran, he is a member of the "Stone Church" in Houston; also of the Masonic lodge there. Mr. Lee was mar- ried June 24, 1909, to Edith Runingen, who was born in Crystal Valley, Houston township, daughter of Ole and Julia (Johnson) Runingen. He and his wife are the parents of four children, Ori Tyler, Gale Carlan, Eldry Joyce and Merle Julian.

Targe Nerison, a well to do farmer of Sheldon township, residing in section 14, was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, October 6, 1861, son of Ole and Anna (Targerson) Nerison. His parents were natives of Tele- marken, Norway, coming to this country in the spring of 1858 and settling in Dane county, where they remained four years. Then removing to Hous- ton county, they settled at Badger, in Sheldon township, where they spent the rest of their lives, the father dying Jan. 11, 1896, and the mother in 1900. Targe, who was the second born of their 13 children, was educated in the district school in Sheldon township and resided at home until he was 20 years old. After that he worked out for a number of years until his marriage. He then engaged in farming for himself, locating in Badger Valley, in which locality he remained for seven years. At the end of that time he bought 80 acres of timber land where he now lives, which he has since developed into a good farm, having made all necessary improvements, including the erection of a good set of buildings. He carries on general farming, raising crops and stock with profitable results. He has served one term as a member of the school board and in politics is independent. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Nerison was married in July, 1890, to Sarah Strumme, who was born in Telemarken,

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Norway, daughter of Andrew and Tagre Strumme. She died July 22, 1911, leaving eight children: Anna T., now a resident of California; Thea T., wife of Clifton Spears, who is in the hotel business at Devil's Lake, N. D .; Oscar T. and Anton T., residing at home; Julia T., residing at Devil's Lake, N. D .; Clara T., Lena T. and Theodore T., who are living at home. Andrew Strumme, father of Mrs. Nerison, with his wife and family came directly from Norway to Houston county, Minnesota, in 1870, locating in Sheldon township. For many years he followed the occupation of a teacher. He died here about the year 1901, and was survived by his wife, who is now living in Badger Valley. Their daughter Sarah was the youngest in a family of nine children.

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 31

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

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