History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 32

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

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 32

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Charles Nelson, who owns and operates a profitable stock farm of 280 acres in Sheldon township, his residence lying in section 10, was born in Halland, Sweden, April 16, 1852, son of Nels and Anne (Anderson) Carlson. His parents, who never came to this country, are now deceased. Charles re- mained in his native land until he was 20 years old, attending school there in his boyhood. When he came to America he was unable to speak Eng- lish, but found employment in railroad construction work in Pennsylvania, being thus occupied for two years. For 23 months afterward he worked on a farm in the same state, and then became fireman in a hotel in Renover, Pa., which job he retained for six months. He then resolved to seek the Northwest, knowing that there many of his countrymen had settled and achieved success, and accordingly he soon afterward made his appearance in Houston county, Minnesota. During his first two years in this county he worked out for others, saving his money and biding his time until he was able to purchase land. When he finally bought he selected his present farm, where he has since remained, and which he has greatly improved by the erection of substantial buildings of modern type. The land is also of a good crop producing quality, but Mr. Nelson is at present giving his chief attention to stock raising, making a specialty of Hereford cattle. In all branches of his work he has been successful and has taken his place among the enterprising and prosperous farmers of his township. He is a shareholder in the Houston Creamery Company and the local telephone company. His political principles are in general those of the Republican party. He has served on his district school board for a number of years. Religiously, he is a member of the Adventist church. Mr. Nelson was mar- ried Nov. 28, 1878, to Christine Nelson, who, like himself, was born in Halland, Sweden, June 25, 1857, her parents being Ben Nicholas and Anna B. (Bergeson) Nelson. Her father having died in Sweden, she accompanied her mother to this country in August, 1876, locating at Jamestown, N. Y., whence in the following December they came to Houston county, Minn. Several years later the mother died at Cannon Falls, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are the parents of eleven children, as follows: Edward, a farmer at Bonin, Mont .; Frederick, who is farming at Emerson, N. D .; Alma, wife of Albin Carlson, a farmer and miller of Money Creek township; Nannie, wife of Joseph Krohler, who is employed in a factory at Naperville, Ill .; Paul, a farmer in Houston township; Charley, a farmer in Bonin, Mont .; Archie, residing on the home farm; Julia, who is a proficient teacher;

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Esther, who resides with her parents, and Rebena, also a proficient teacher and a graduate of the Swedish Seminary at Broadview, Illinois.

Anton Nelson, one of the leading stock raisers of Houston county, having a fine farm of 300 acres in section 11, Sheldon township, was born in Sweden, April 3, 1862, son of Nels Carlson and his wife, Anne Ander- son, he being the fifth born in a family of eleven children. The parents, who never came to this country, are now deceased. Anton attended school in Sweden, acquiring an average education, and resided in his native land until reaching the age of 26 years. He then came to the United States, locating in Houston county, Minnesota. He was then unable to speak the English language, and for two years worked for a brother, Charles Nelson. Subsequently he hauled cream for three years, at the end of which time he bought his present farm, containing 300 acres of valuable land. He has added to its improvements and is making good progress in stock breed- ing, paying particular attention to Shorthorn cattle, registered, of which he has a herd numbering usually about sixty head. He is also a stock- holder in the Houston Creamery, the Farmers' Elevator, the Telephone Company and the Houston Shipping Association. Of the Telephone Com- pany he is now president, and he is one of the directors of the Houston County Fair Association. In politics an independent Republican, he is serving as a member of the school board of District 100. Mr. Nelson was married, March 13, 1894, to Anna Sophia Lind, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lind, and who for five years previous to her marriage taught school in this county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson: Leafy Norma Gladys, who was educated in the Houston high and the Winona normal school and is now a teacher in Houston county; Ernest Abner, who for two years attended the agricultural college at St. Paul, and is now assisting his father; and Chester Carlisle, a graduate of the same college, who is also at home on the farm. The family are affiliated religiously with the Swedish church on Swede Bottom.

Owen O'Connor, one of the earliest settlers of Sheldon township, was born in Kilglass, County Roscommon, Ireland. Coming to the United States in the later forties, he located first at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he resided for a number of years. About 1852 he came to Houston county, taking a tract of wild land in Sheldon township, which he subsequently developed into a good farm. There he died Jan. 9, 1874, respected in the community as a good neighbor and citizen. He married Winifred Mulli- gan, a native of the same locality in Ireland as himself. She survived him many years, passing away Sept. 4, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor were the parents of five children: Mary Ann, Thomas and Ellen (twins), John and Steven.

John O'Connor, who is profitably operating 240 acres of valuable land in Sheldon township as a general farmer, was born in this township in 1866, son of Owen and Winifred (Mulligan) O'Connor. His education was acquired in District School No. 63 and at Houston. Residing at home until the age of 19 years, he then began working out, and in 1887 became em- ployed in construction work in Illinois on what is now the Great Western Railroad. In the fall of 1889 he was employed as bridge carpenter for the

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ANTON NELSON AND FAMILY

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same road and continued at bridge work on the C. M. & St. P. R. R. until 1891, when he was transferred to the east end of the Great Northern road. In the following spring he entered the employ of the "Soo" line and re- mained with that road four months. He then returned to the farm in sections 14, 15 and 23 (with residence in the latter), Sheldon township, where he has since remained, having developed the property and made many improvements on it. He is conducting a successful business, raising both grain and stock, for which in these days he receives good prices. Inde- pendent in politics, he has taken an active part in local affairs, having served for a number of years as a member of the school board, also for a number of years as supervisor on the town board, and one year as assessor. He and his family are members of St. John's Catholic church of Caledonia. Mr. O'Connor was married Jan. 29, 1894, to Margaret Peyton, who was born in Alamakee county, Iowa, daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Mc- Nulty) Peyton. He and his wife have six children, Sylvester John, William Owen, Mary Elizabeth, Mabel Theresa, and Grace Helen, all residing at home. Margaret, a twin sister of Mabel, died in infancy. Patrick Peyton, father of Mrs. O'Connor, was born in County Mayo, Ireland, and came to this country when a small boy. He later settled in Iowa, afterwards coming to Winnebago Valley, Houston county, where he followed farming, and died Oct. 4, 1893. His wife, Margaret McNulty, a native of County Sligo, Ireland, survived him little over two years, passing away Nov. 8, 1895. They were the parents of nine children, whom they carefully reared, the family being one highly respected in the community.

Andrew T. Findring, who is prosperously engaged in general farming in section 21, Sheldon township, was born on the farm where he now lives, March 20, 1857, son of Targe Findring, a native of Norway who was an early settler in this township. His education was obtained in District School No. 23, and he remained on his father's farm, which he helped to cultivate, until arriving at the age of 18 years, after which he worked out for others. At the age of 26 he purchased a farm in Sheldon township, which he operated for 25 years, at the end of that period coming to his present farm. Here he has 178 acres of valuable land, on which he is carrying on general farming, having a good set of buildings. He is also a stockholder in the Houston Creamery Company, the Houston Shipping Association and the Telephone Company. In politics a Republican, he served for many years on the school board and for 15 years as a member of the town board. He is a member of the stone Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Findring was married Feb. 12, 1883, to Anna Dahle, who was born in Sheldon township, Houston county, on the farm of her parents, Hans and Isabelle (Nelson) Dahle, who were natives of Telemarken, Nor- way, but were married in this county. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Findring consists of seven children : Tilda, Helma, Emma, Theodore, Dorothy, Eliza and Anton. Hans . Dahle, father of Mrs. Findring, was born in October, 1824, and came to this country somewhat in advance of the Findrings. He was here married to Isabelle Nelson, who was born December 1, 1842. In Norway he had been a drummer boy in the army. After coming to Houston county he secured land in Sheldon township and engaged in farming, which

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was his occupation until his death in 1908. He held various local offices and was active in church and school work, being a man widely respected for his general usefulness and agreeable personal character. His wife is now residing in Houston. Their daughter Anna, who was the second born in a family of ten children, acquired her education in the schools of Sheldon township.

John Harrington, who was the founder of a good farm in section 26, Sheldon township, which is now operated by his widow, was born in Ire- land and when a young man emigrated to the United States, settling in Bridgeport, Conn. About 1878 he came west to Houston county, Minn., locating on a farm in Sheldon township. Later, however, he purchased the farm in section 26, previously mentioned, on which he resided until his death, April 24, 1885. He had attended school in his native land and was a man of intelligence and industry, making good progress while he lived in improving his property. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church, and in politics was a Democrat. Mr. Harrington was married Feb. 9, 1881, to Honora Cunningham, who was born in the northern part of Michigan, near Lake Superior, daughter of Martin and Ella (Dugan) Cunningham, she being the second in a family of eight children. Her par- ents, both natives of Ireland, came to this country at an early date and were married in Michigan. Not long afterwards they became pioneers of Mound Prairie township, Houston county, Minn., where they engaged in farming. Both are now deceased. Their daughter Honora, widow of John Harrington, was educated in the district schools of Mound Prairie town- ship. Since her husband's death she has shown ability in the management of the farm, which contains 3193/4 acres of valuable land. She carries on general farming successfully and is a stockholder in the Caledonia Cream- ery Company and the Houston Shipping Association. She and her hus- band had six children: Mary and John, who reside on the home farm; Michael, who is deceased; Agnes, wife of George Herbel and a resident of St. Paul; and Daniel and Cornelius, both residing at home. The surviving members of the family are, as the father was, members of the Catholic church.

Adam Heintz, a retired farmer residing in the village of Caledonia, was born in Bavaria, Germany, Jan. 23, 1851. He was 14 years old when he came to America, landing at New York in 1865. From that city he went to Canada, where he worked in the lumber camps for 50 cents a day. After being occupied in this manner for several years, he entered the States and took up his residence in Illinois for awhile. From there he came to Houston county among the early settlers. Here for awhile he worked for others. He was then married in Caledonia to Carolina Becker, and after his mar- riage engaged in farming for himself, buying land which he subsequently developed and cultivated, also erecting good buildings, until he had a good agricultural estate. After many years of successful activity, he retired and took up his residence in the village of Caledonia, where he is now living. He and his wife have had six children, all sons, and all of whom are living.

Charles Grover Heintz, residing on the old Heintz homestead of 144 acres in section 25, Sheldon township, was born on the farm he is now

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operating, Dec. 2, 1886, son of Adam and Carolina (Becker) Heintz. He was the fifth born of his parents' six children, and in his boyhood at- tended District School No. 25 in Sheldon township, where he acquired his education. He has always resided on the home farm, which for a number of years he has operated on his own account. He is breeding up in Short- horn cattle, Duroc-Jersey swine and Shropshire sheep, and has won suc- cess both as a breeder of good stock and a crop farmer. In politics he is independent. On June 30, 1919, Mr. Heintz purchased a farm of 100 acres in Union township, where he will reside from March, 1920. Mr. Heintz was married, Feb. 23, 1914, to Matilda Kuecker, who was born in Mayville township, this county, daughter of August and Emma (Tessmer) Kuecker, she being the third in order of a family of six children. Her education was acquired in Union township. Mr. and Mrs. Heintz have two children : Howard Allen, born June 8, 1915; and Lysle Charles, born May 31, 1917. August Kuecker, father of Mrs. Heintz, was born in Illinois, Nov. 3, 1863, and his wife in Houston county, Minn., Feb. 4, 1868. They are farmers now residing in Union township.

George Kittelson, an enterprising general and stock farmer of section 23, Sheldon township, was born in Telemarken, Norway, March 8, 1868, son of Kittle Torgerson and Djare Bundahl. The parents, natives of the same part of Norway, were there married and resided until 1869, when they came to Houston county, Minn., locating in Mound Prairie township on a farm. They afterwards removed to Union township, where both died. George Kittelson was the third born of their five children and received a practical training in agriculture on the home farm, assisting his parents until he was 30 years of age. He then engaged in farming in Looney Valley, where he remained for five years, at the end of that time coming to his present farm. Two years, however, he spent on a farm in North Dakota, which he bought and still owns. His farm in Sheldon township contains 160 acres of valuable land, and is situated on Hauge Ridge. It is well im- proved, the buildings being in good condition. Mr. Kittelson raises both crops and stock, being a general farmer, but is giving particular atten- tion to the breeding of Durham cattle. Independent in politics, he is now serving his second year as school treasurer. He is a member of the stone Norwegian Lutheran church in Houston. On March 30, 1886, he was married to Elsie Johnson, who was born in Telemarken, Norway, daughter of Kittel and Sigina (Oesey) Johnson. Mr. and Mrs. Kittelson have had ten children: Tillie Sophia, wife of Jerden Swenson, a farmer of Sheldon township; Carl, who died at the age of three years; John Selmer, residing at home; Selena, who is a nurse; Jeanette, Carl (second), Ella Georgina and Josephine, all living at home; Nina, who died in infancy; and Nina (second), residing with her parents. Kittel and Lena (Oesey) Johnson, the parents of Mrs. Kittelson, came from Telemarken, Norway, to Houston county, Minnesota, in 1868, settling in Yucatan township, where they re- mained two years. They then removed to Looney Valley, and later to Badger Valley, Sheldon township. Mr. Johnson died in Houston in 1908, but his wife still survives and is a resident of that village. They had seven children, of whom their daughter Elsie was the eldest.

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Swan Carlson, proprietor of a farm of 62 acres in section 9, Sheldon township, was born in Telemarken, Norway, Aug. 22, 1855, son of Carl and Helga (Olson) Erickson. He was about six years old when he accom- panied his parents to this country, and his education was acquired in the district school in Money Creek township. He assisted his father to de- velop the home farm in that township, residing on it until 20 years of age, after which he worked out occasionally, but continued to assist his parents when at home. About 1882 the family moved to the farm in section 9, Sheldon township, where Swan Carlson has since resided and of which he is now the owner. Here his parents died and the property came into his hands. His land is valuable and well improved, he having erected good buildings on it. Here he is raising a high grade of stock, breeding up in Durham cattle. He is also a stockholder in the creamery company, and is one of the thriving and progressive farmers in his township. In politics he is an independent Republican. His religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which he has been janitor for 23 years. Mr. Carlson was married Jan. 27, 1890, to Mary Egland, who was born in Stonger, Norway, daughter of Gjergen Buerenson and his wife Bertha, both natives of the same locality. The family came to America in 1871, settling first in Wisconsin and then coming to Houston, where the father, already advanced in years, taught parochial school. Both parents are now deceased. Mr. Swan Carlson died Feb. 14, 1918. The name now borne by the family was derived, as is the Scandinavian custom, from the founder's Christian name, Swan, the subject of this sketch taking as his surname, his father's name of Carl, and adding the "son."

Carl Erickson, in former days an active farmer and respected citizen of Money Creek township, was a native of Telemarken, Norway, where he married Helga Olson. Coming to America in 1861, they settled in Sheldon township, this county, remaining there a year, at the end of which time they removed to Money Creek township and took land. There they resided for 20 years, during which time Mr. Erickson developed a good farm. He and his wife then moved to the farm now operated by their son Swan in section 9, Sheldon township, where Carl Erickson died about 1894, and his wife in 1903. They were industrious and worthy people who had bravely met and overcome many obstacles and discouragements in life before reaping their reward in a comfortable prosperity. They were the parents of eight children.

Samuel Kuster, now deceased, for many years owner of a farm of 120 acres in Sheldon township, was born in Switzerland, Sept. 14, 1836, son of Christian and Mary (Sahrle) Kuster. He was educated in his native land, where his parents spent their lives, and where he remained until 1860, when he came to the United States, landing at New York on March 5. From that city he went to West Virginia, where for a short time he worked at the stone mason's trade. During the next twelve months he was employed in a salt works in Virginia. Then removing to Cincinnati, he engaged in farm- ing near that city, where he resided from 1861 to 1869. While there, in March, 1864, he was united in marriage with Mary Lewis, who was born at Toronto, Canada, Aug. 12, 1844, and whose parents had died in Canada.

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MR. AND MRS. SWAN CARLSON AND MOTHER

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In 1869, with his wife and family, Mr. Kuster removed to Lansing, Iowa, where he was engaged in farming until 1881, when he came to Houston county, Minnesota, settling on a farm near Caledonia. There he remained for eight years, at the end of which time he came to the farm in section 35, Sheldon township, which his son Henry is now operating. For a number of years he served as school clerk, in politics being independent. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and was one of the substantial and re- spected citizens of the community in which he resided. He and his wife were the parents of nine children. Mr. Kuster died in September, 1918, and Mrs. Kuster died Thanksgiving day, 1917.

George H. Kuster, in former years a prominent member of the educa- tional profession in Houston county, but now deceased, was born near Cin- cinnati, Ohio, May 10, 1867, son of Samuel and Mary (Lewis) Kuster, he being the third in order of birth of their family of nine children. His parents were farmers who moved to near Lansing, Iowa, when he was about two years old, and in the district school of his neighborhood he ac- quired the elements of his education, which was later supplemented by a high school course at Caledonia, Minn., and a scientific course at what is now known as Valparaiso University, at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he was graduated in the class of 1894. He, himself, earned the cost of his education, beginning to teach school at the age of 18 years, an occupation in which he subsequently continued, being for two years one of the teachers in the Houston High School. On the Republican ticket he was elected county superintendent of schools, taking office in January, 1897, and serv- ing four years. As such he displayed marked ability and was instrumental in the establishment of the high school at Spring Grove. He was also at one time the owner and editor of the Spring Grove Herald. Mr. Kuster continued in school work until the summer of 1909, when, on account of failing health, he moved to a farm in section 35, Sheldon township, on which he died Jan. 22, 1910, about six months after he had taken up his residence there. He was a member of the Masonic lodge at Bird Island, Minn., which he served as senior warden, and also belonged to the camp of Modern Woodmen of America at Caledonia. A highly esteemed citizen, his loss was deeply deplored by his family and a wide circle of friends. Mr. Kuster was married Dec. 24, 1896, to Emma A. Owen, who was born near Beaver Dam, in Dodge county, Wis., daughter of Warren A. and Sabina (Maguire) Owen, she being the third born in a family of eight children. She acquired a district and high school education at Postville, Iowa, which was later sup- plemented by institute work. To Mr. and Mrs. Kuster four children were born, three of whom are now living: Ethel M., who is now teaching district school in Houston county ; and George W. and Lester S., both of whom are attending the Caledonia High School. Since her husband's death Mrs. Kuster has operated the home farm of 80 acres as a stock farm, giving special attention to the breeding of Holstein cattle, of which business she has made a success. She is a member of the Eastern Star lodge and the Royal Neighbors ot Caledonia, and stands high in the community as a woman of elevated character and business enterprise. Warren Owen, father of Mrs. Kuster, was born in Herkimer County, N. Y., May 3, 1840, 16

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and was brought up to farm work. When a young man he enlisted as a private in Company C, Twelfth U. S. Infantry, and, taking part in the Civil war, was wounded at Gettysburg. From that time until the close of the war he did hospital duty, being mustered out in 1864. He then returned to a farm in Dodge county, Wis., on which he had previously settled, and re- sumed agricultural pursuits. In 1864 his marriage occurred to Sabina Mc- Guire, who was born in London, England, Aug. 15, 1838, and from Wis- consin he later removed with his wife and family to near Postville, in Alla- makee county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming. Since 1906 he has re- sided at Grand Rapids, Wis. His wife died in February, 1909.

Targe Kragness, in former years an active farmer of Sheldon town- ship, was a native of Telemarken, Norway, and came to the United States when a young man of eighteen years. A short time after arriving in this country he settled in Houston county, Minn., acquiring land in Sheldon township, where he farmed for a number of years, dying here in 1882. He was married in this county to Guneild Knutson, also a native of Tele- marken, Norway, and who survived him for thirteen years. They had a family of thirteen children. Mr. Kragness was a man of domestic tastes who devoted his whole attention to his family and the cultivation of his farm, on which he made good progress, thus helping to develop the agri- cultural resources of the county.

Ole T. Kragness, one of the substantial citizens of Sheldon township, where he is engaged in general agriculture, was born in this township, Oct. 31, 1869, son of Targe and Guneild (Knutson) Kragness, he being the fourth born of their thirteen children. He acquired his education in the district school, but was only nine years old when he began working for neighboring farmers. When he was thirteen his father died, and although so young he then had to assume a large part of the responsibility of carry- ing on the home farm, on which he continued to reside until two years after his marriage. He then operated another farm for two years, after which he bought the old homestead and was its proprietor for four years. Then selling it, he bought his present farm of 160 acres of excellent land in section 16, Sheldon township. He has a well improved place with good buildings and is raising both stock and grain with profitable results. He is also a shareholder in the Farmers' Telephone Company. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, while his religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church, of which he is a member. On May 18, 1890, Mr. Kragness was united in marriage to Sarah Kragness, a native of Sheldon township, this county, and the second born in a family of fourteen children, her parents being Levi and Sarah (Knudson) Kragness. Mr. and Mrs. Ole T. Kragness have had ten children: Targe O., Gilbert O., Louise, Lafe, Sophia, Lena, Adolph, Rudie, Edna and Martha. The first mentioned, Targe O., died in 1914, and Louise, Lafe and Edna are also now deceased. The others are living on the home farm. Levi and Sarah (Knudson) Kragness were both born in Telemarken, Norway, and were early settlers in Houston county, where Levi followed agriculture and became quite a prominent citizen, serving as town clerk and in other local offices, and being active in

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 32

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

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