History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 34

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

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 34

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Halvor O. Houge, one of the early settlers of Sheldon township whose name has been perpetuated in Houge Ridge, a prominent elevation of land in this township, was born in Telemarken, Norway, June 24, 1844. He was about seventeen years of age when he came to the United States, accom- panied by his father and grandfather. Their first settlement was made in Wisconsin, where they resided for a few years. They then came to Houston county, locating first in Badger Valley, Sheldon township, where they lived for a short time then moving to the ridge which is now known as Houge Ridge. That place became his permanent home as long as he remained actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and he left it only on his retire- ment in 1913, when he took up his residence in Houston, where he is still living. During his active career he served at times in local office, in par- ticular as a member of the school board. Mr. Houge was married in this county to Julia Wisland, who, like himself, was born in Telemarken, Norway, the date of her birth being Feb. 22, 1850. She died June 28, 1892. They were the parents of seven children.

Henry H. Houge, who is operating a farm of 122 acres in section 34, Sheldon township, and who is one of the public officials of the township, was born on a farm in Sheldon township, Dec. 18, 1873, son of Halvor O. and Julia (Wisland) Houge. He was the second born of his parents' seven children, and in his boyhood attended district school No. 98 in Sheldon township. Until arriving at the age of twenty-two years he remained on the home farm, which he assisted his father to develop. He then engaged in business as a carpenter and contractor, continuing in that line of occu- pation for about four years. At the end of that time he took his present farm of 122 acres, the land being fertile and productive, and the buildings in good condition. Here he is carrying on general farming successfully, and each year operates a threshing outfit, doing work for the neighboring

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HENRY H. HOUGE AND FAMILY

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farmers. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Caledonia and in the Houge Ridge Telephone Co., of which latter institution he is secre- tary. In politics Mr. Hogue is an independent Republican, and is now serving as town clerk and school clerk. He is a member and trustee of the Norwegian "Stone Church" of Houston. Mr. Hogue was married Jan. 30, 1900, to Anna Moen, who was born in Sheldon township, this county, daughter of Simon and Asloug (Vraa) Moen. He and his wife are the parents of seven children: Gearhardt, Abner, Helen, Stella, Myrtle, Arthur and Eugene Merle.

Simon Moen, one of the early settlers in Badger Valley, Sheldon town- ship, was born in Telemarken, Norway, in 1850, his wife, Asloug Vraa, being born in the same district in September of the same year. After settling in Badger Valley, this county, Mr. Moen devoted himself to farm- ing and improving his property and continued to be thus occupied up to the time of his death. His wife, who survives him, now resides in Houston. Their daughter Anna, now Mrs. Henry H. Houge, was educated in a district school in Yucatan township, this county.

John Lewis, an early settler of Houston county, now deceased, was born in Furstdahl, Norway, and came to the United States with his parents when twelve years old. After several years' residence at Dodgeville, Iowa county, Wis., they moved to Houston county, Minn., locating on Oak Ridge, Yucatan township, where they engaged in farming. There John Lewis grew to maturity and acquired a knowledge of agriculture in its different branches. At the age of twenty-five years he married Signe Gedstead, a native of Norway, and afterward he took a homestead in section 10, Yuca- tan township, and began to clear and improve the land. In course of time he developed it into a fine farm of 320 acres, well provided with good build- ings, and became one of the township's leading citizens, serving as a member of the school board and in town office, and showing efficiency and devotion to the public interests. Mr. Lewis resided on his farm until his death in November, 1914, his wife passing away in January, 1916. They were the parents of fourteen children, most of whom they reared, and who have since reflected credit on the family name.

Abraham Martin Lewis, proprietor of a fine modern stock farm of 280 acres in section 21, Sheldon township, was born on Oak Ridge in Yucatan township, Houston county, Nov. 22, 1868, son of John and Signe (Gedstead) Lewis. He attended school in his native township and received a good agri- cultural training on the home farm, on which he resided until his marriage, when he located on the farm he now owns and operates, which was then an unimproved tract. He has erected all the present buildings on it, his residence, built in 1916, being one of the most modern in the township. The other buildings are also of modern type and well kept, the entire property giving plain indications of good management and prosperity. Mr. Lewis breeds Hereford cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs, as well as some sheep. An active and enterprising citizen, he holds stock in the creamery company, the Farmers' Telephone Company, and the Farmers' Shipping Association. He is at the present time serving as town clerk. In politics he is independent. Mr. Lewis was married in March, 1888, to Frances Swan,

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who was born in Sheldon township, this county, daughter of Ben and Dorcas (Kragness) Swan, she being the seventh born in a family of eight children. Her father was born in England and her mother in Norway, the former being a farmer and miller by occupation. They were early settlers in Houston county, and Mr. Swan was a veteran of the Civil War. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have nine children: John, residing on the home farm; Delbert, who married Ellen Skree; Tilda, who died April 1, 1917; Lars, who resides in Wisconsin; Alice, wife of Alfred Dahle and a resident of Minneapolis; and Bennie, Teckla, Pearl and Nina, residing at home.

William Happel, a respected resident of Houston Village, where he is now living retired, is a native son of the county, and one whose life has been contemporaneous with its entire history, as he was born June 17, 1858, just a few years after the first white settlers had appeared within its limits. His boyhood was passed amid pioneer scenes, when the Indians were the most numerous inhabitants, and the development of a farm meant, in most cases, years of strenuous labor, with many natural obstacles to over- come and many privations to be suffered. When a young man he worked for a number of winters in the woods at lumbering, though farming finally became his sole occupation. The land he selected for improvement was sit- uated in Looney Valley, Houston township, and he resided on it until his retirement in 1910, when he came to his present home in the village of Houston. During his active career he served twelve years on the school board. He is still the owner of valuable property in Houston township, amounting to 270 acres of land. In 1884 Mr. Happel married Elizabeth Fitting, who, like himself, was born in this county, the date of her birth being June 16, 1861. She died Aug. 10, 1908, having been the mother of five children: Milton, Phillip, Rudolph, Alfred, and Emanuel, of whom the last mentioned is now deceased. Of the others, Milton is a farmer in Winona county ; Phillip resides in Houston county; Rudolph is a discharged soldier of the great war, and Alfred is living in Houston county. In 1917 Mr. Happel built a nice modern residence, which lies just on the outskirts of the village, close to the corporation line.

Knudt Overby, owner of a farm of forty acres on Oak Ridge, in sec- tion 16, Yucatan township, was born in Tronfell, Norway, Sept. 13, 1842. He was married in his native land to Helen Larsdatter, who was born in Norway, July 17, 1847. In 1882 Mr. Overby came to America, his wife joining him two years later. He located first in Fillmore county, Minn., where for a time he worked for others. Then coming to Houston county, he settled on his present farm on Oak Ridge, where he still resides, and which is now operated by his son, Otto F. During his active career he made good improvements on the place and was a successful farmer. He is still active in church and school work, and in other matters of a general nature, being always willing to make himself useful when his services are needed. He and his wife have been the parents of thirteen children.

Otto F. Overby, who is now engaged in operating his father's farm in Yucatan township, the property being located on Oak Ridge, in section 16, was born in this township, April 17, 1890, son of Knudt and Helen

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MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM HAPPEL

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Overby. He was the youngest of his parents' thirteen children. In his boyhood he attended the district school on Oak Ridge, and at the age of fourteen began working for others, which he continued to do until 1914, when it became necessary for him to return to the home farm, which he has since operated successfully, raising both stock and grain. The farm has an area of forty acres, the land being fertile and the part devoted to crops well cultivated. Otto F. gives his whole time to it except at times when there is little to do, when he works out for the neighboring farmers. He is a practical agriculturist and has made the farm yield good returns. In politics he is independent.

Charles Smith, a pioneer settler in the northwestern part of Houston county, was born in New York State in 1818, and was by occupation a farmer. In 1854 he came west to Houston county, Minn., taking land two miles west of Houston village, which was then known as Hamilton. In time he became an extensive land owner, and served as land agent and surveyor for nine years, locating land for new settlers. For nine years the Houston post office was located at his farm residence, he being the first postmaster. Then, as he did not wish to serve any longer, it was transferred to Houston. Mr. Smith died on his farm in 1879, his loss being regretted by a wide circle of friends. He married Sophia Galutia, like himself, a native of New York State, born in 1820. She survived him a few years, dying in 1886. They were the parents of four children: Riley, Elroy, Lucy and Herbert.

Herbert Smith, who is now living practically retired in the village of Houston, after many years spent in the cultivation of the soil, was born two miles west of Houston, on the farm of his parents, Charles and Sophia (Galutia) Smith, June 5, 1858, being the second white child born in the county. As he grew up he attended the district school and assisted his father to develop the home farm, of which he took charge at the age of twenty-two years, remaining on it for fifteen years thereafter. He then sold it and bought another farm, operating it from Houston, in which village he took up his residence. He has since continued to reside here and has recently sold his farm, being now practically retired. Mr. Smith joined the Masonic lodge in Houston a year after it was started and has passed through all the chairs. He is also a member of the Eastern Star lodge. In politics he is a Democrat and for eight years he served as boiler inspector. On March 15, 1881, Mr. Smith married Sarah Sample, who was born in the western part of New York State, Jan. 30, 1860, daughter of Gerome and Ellen (Porter) Sample. Her parents, also born in western New York, came to this county at an early date, locating first on Highland Prairie. They later retired and moved to Houston village where both died. Their daughter Sarah was the fifth born of their six children. The others are: Madellia, Genge, Ida, Newland and Emma. Mrs. Smith is a charter member of Houston Eastern Star.

Gunder Laugen, the founder of a farm in section 25 west, Houston township, but now deceased, was born in Numadahl, Norway, in 1821. He grew to manhood in his native land and was there married to Christina Landsverk. In 1867 they came to the United States, settling first near

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Rushford, Fillmore county, Minn., where they farmed for about two years, at the end of that time removing to the farm in Houston township, Houston county above mentioned. There were at the time no improvements on it, but he started them by erecting a small log house and from that time on spent his time in developing the place until advancing years made him entrust further improvements to the younger generation. He died on the farm April 3, 1903, his wife having died in 1885. They were the parents of three children: Ole G., now one of the prominent citizens of Houston township; Louis, who is deceased; and one who died at sea while on the way to this country.

Ole G. Laugen, proprietor of a fine farm in Houston township, who has also rendered public service in high official position, as county treas- urer, member of the State Board of Equalization, and State Senator, was born in Nonadahl, Norway, April 24, 1854, son of Gunder and Christine (Landsverk) Laugen. He was thirteen years old when he accompanied his parents to Rushford, Fillmore county, Minn., and two years later he came with them to Houston county, the family locating on the farm in section 25 west, Houston township, which has ever since been his home, except for one or two periods of temporary absence. As a boy he attended the district school, and for a number of years was his father's assistant on the home farm, of which in the natural course of events he finally became man- ager and then owner. It is now a fine estate, well improved with good build- ings, and provided with the necessary equipment for modern scientific farming, which he carries on with profitable results. Mr. Laugen's public service began many years ago, when he became identified with the affairs of town government, serving at various times as clerk, assessor and supervisor. His efficiency in local office led to his nomination as county treasurer, and as such he served for eight years, during that time residing in Caledonia. Renominated in 1890, on the Populist ticket, he declined office, but in 1892 he was again nominated and elected on the Republican ticket, serving eight years. In 1901 Mr. Laugen was appointed by Gover- nor Van Sant to membership on the State Board of Equalization from the Tenth Judicial District; and in 1902 he was nominated and elected State Senator from Houston county, in which office he served four years, taking a beneficial part in much important legislation. His record as a public servant is one to which his fellow citizens may point with pride as justifying their choice of a representative in the highest legislative body in the State, and was the culmination of a long career of usefulness and fidelity to public interests. Religiously Mr. Laugen is identified with the Lutheran church. He was married, Dec. 17, 1880, to Dinah Christianson, who was born in Money Creek township, Houston county, daughter of Martin and Randine (Gulbrandson) Christianson, who were natives of Christiana, Norway. Emigrating to Chicago, Ill., in 1852, her parents, accompanied by Segrid Anderson, came in the following year to Houston county, Minn., and took a farm in Money Creek township, where they spent the rest of their lives, the mother dying in March, 1916, and the father some years previous. Mrs. Dinah Laugen survived her mother by only eight months, passing away Nov. 28, 1916. She and her husband

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were the parents of six children, whose record in brief is as follows: Emma, wife of John W. Potter, of Caledonia; Sophia, wife of Leslie Emery, of Caledonia; George, a member of the firm of Potter & Laugen, of Houston, who married Velma Whitehouse; Martin, a traveling salesman living in St. Paul, who since a boy of eighteen was in the employ of Bishop & Babcock until 1918 and is now with a Chicago firm; Louis, residing on the home farm; and Josephine, who died in Caledonia. Martin and Louis both enlisted in the United States Navy for the Great War, and were in training when the Armistice was signed. Mr. Laugen is now devoting his time to the cultivation of his fine farm, being one of the leading representatives of the agricultural industry in his township. He is a member of the Shipping Association, and is fraternally connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

Knud O. Sogla, proprietor of a good general and stock farm in section 17, Yucatan township, was born in Hallindahl, Norway, Oct. 8, 1855, son of Ole Knutson and his wife, whose maiden name was Margaret Houjinson. The parents were natives of the same place as their son. In 1859 the family emigrated to the United States, and coming to Houston county, Minn., settled in Black Hammer township, where the father found em- ployment working for others for a year. He then moved over the county line into Fillmore county, where he first worked out and afterwards engaged in farming on his own account until his death. He served in the Civil War in a Minnesota regiment and returned home having escaped both death and wounds. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Knud 0. Sogla, who was the eldest of his parents' ten children, in his boyhood attended school in Fillmore county. He resided at home until twenty-two years of age, after which he worked out for others. In 1883 he married Petra Hanson, a native of Tronjen, Norway, whose parents, now deceased, never came to this country. A year after his marriage Mr. Sogla rented land in Fillmore county, which he farmed for about twelve years. At the. end of that time he took his present farm of eighty acres in section 17, Yucatan township, Houston county, where he has made practically all the improvements now standing and developed the land. He breeds Duroc- Jersey hogs and other good stock, and is also a shareholder in the Brats- berg Creamery Co. and the Farmers' Telephone Company. Since coming here he has made good progress and has become one of the prosperous citizens of his township. He and his wife have six children: Hans, who married Josie Munson, became a farmer at Big Timber, Mont., and is now deceased; Mary, wife of Abraham Neland; Julia, now Mrs. Ben Under- wood of Langton, N. D .; Paul, who married Carrie Thompson, a farmer of Big Timber, Mont., now deceased; Elmer and Elizabeth, who reside at home with their father.

Torger Torgerson-Sauro, a prominent farmer of Yucatan township, operating a farm of 320 acres in section 32 north, was born in Telemarken, Norway, March 29, 1852, son of Torger Olson and his wife Ragneild Johnson. His mother died when he was three years old, and he continued to reside in Norway until arriving at the age of eighteen, when he emi- grated to the United States, locating in Rushford, Fillmore county, Minn.,

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where he found employment during the summer working out for others. He was at first unable to speak the English language. In 1872 his father, then well along in years, also came to this country, locating in Rushford, where he met an accidental death in the following year, being killed by a train. After his first summer in Fillmore county the subject of this sketch went to Iowa, where he remained two years, during a part of which time he attended English school, thus supplementing the education he had re- ceived in his native land. After that he worked in the Wisconsin pineries for one winter and then returned to Rushford, where, and in the vicinity, he worked out for some years. He then rented a farm which he operated until 1877, in which year he came to his present location. On his farm of 320 acres he has made valuable improvements-practically all now in use -and as a general stock farmer has met with gratifying success. He also holds shares in the Rushford Creamery, Elevator and Telephone Co. In- dependent in politics, he has served at different times both on the school board of his district and as supervisor on the town board, in each case for a number of years. He is a member and trustee of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Rushford and also belongs to the camp of Modern Woodmen of America at that place. On June 12, 1878, Mr. Torgerson- Sauro was united in marriage with Gunild Gullickson, who was born in Telemarken, Norway, daughter of Gulick Herbenson and Aaslak Olson, and who came with her parents to this country in 1869, residing first in Decorah, Iowa, whence, a year later, they came to Fillmore county, Minn. Both parents are now deceased. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Torgerson: Henry, who died Aug. 17, 1918; John, who married Carrie Ekre and lives in South Rushford; Ole, on the home farm; Mollie, wife of Christ Grenrud, a tinner residing in North Dakota; Anna, at home, and Emma, who is the wife of Bernt Westby, a farmer on Oak Ridge, Yucatan township.

Oscar O. Laugen, proprietor of a fine farm of 320 acres in Houston township, residing in section 36 south, and who for many years has also been engaged in the sawmill industry, was born in Rock county, Wis., near the city of Broadhead, April 18, 1869, son of Ole and Emily (Satrey) Laugen. He was a babe of two months when his parents moved to Hous- ton county, Minn., taking the farm in Houston township on which he now lives. He was educated in the district school and also in a school at Harmony, which he attended for one term. Up to the age of twenty-two years he was his father's assistant, but at that time began operating the farm independently and, it having become his own property, he has con- tinued its development and improvement, raising grain, hay and stock. For the last twenty years he has also operated a sawmill, and in company with Messrs. Hempstead and Smith operates a threshing outfit. He has made a specialty of stock raising, but all branches of his business are on a profitable basis, and he is numbered among the leading and most enter- prising farmers of his township. He is also a shareholder in the local creamery and elevator companies. His fraternal affiliations are with the Yeomen's lodge at Houston. In politics a Republican, he served for about twenty years as town supervisor, and has also rendered efficient service

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on the school board, and in other capacities. He is a member of the Nor- wegian Lutheran church at Houston. On Dec. 22, 1892, Mr. Laugen was united in marriage with Jane Lofthus, who was born in Freeborn county, Minn., daughter of Nels and Anna (Laugan) Lofthus. She died Nov. 16, 1910, leaving five children: Olaf Norris, now a member of an engineer corps in the United States military service still in France; and Alma Telleta, Edwin Conrad, Anna Isabelle and Clara Josephine, who are residing on the home farm with their father.

John J. Sliter, now serving in his third term as representative from the First District in the State Legislature, is a man whose record as a highly successful farmer, promoter of important business enterprises, and public spirited citizen is well known to practically all the inhabitants of Houston county, where he has spent the last twenty-two years of his life. He was born at Spring Green, Wis., Aug. 26, 1873, son of John S. and Mary E. (Jones) Sliter. The father, born in March, 1846, spent his active career as a farmer and is now living retired at Spring Green. The mother, a native of Wales, died in 1903. John J., who was the second born of their four children, acquired his elementary education in the district school, afterwards attending the high school at Spring Green and the normal school at Valparaiso, Ind. He then took a stenographic course at Chicago, and subsequently studied law for one year at St. Paul. For a while he taught school in Wisconsin and Minnesota. After residing with his parents until he was twenty-two years old, he engaged in farming for himself near Spring Green. In the fall of 1896 he purchased land in Looney Valley, Houston county, taking up his residence on it in 1898. There he remained for eight years engaged in agriculture. Then disposing of that property, he located on a farm at the lower end of Looney Valley, which farm he still owns. After a residence there of eight years Mr. Sliter moved to Houston, where he has since made his home. During his career as an agriculturist, one of great activity and rapid progress, he gradually added to his landed possessions until he had become the owner of about 700 acres of valuable land, including farm buildings, which he now rents out to tenants. Since taking up his residence in the city he has shown equal activity and has identified himself closely with local interests. He is director and secretary of the Farmers' Elevator Company of Houston, which he organized, and is treasurer, secretary and general manager of the People's Shipping Association. In politics he is a Republican, but with the exception of service on the school board, has held no public offices except that of representative to the State Legislature, to which he was first elected in November, 1914, being re-elected in 1916, and again in 1918. In this important position he has made a good record and gained the confidence of his constituents. The greater part of his time, when not attending to his legislative duties, is devoted to his farm, which he has brought into a high state of improvement, and which he operates according to the most modern and scientific methods. He is a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Sliter was married Oct. 26, 1897, to Florence Thompson, who was born in Looney Valley, Houston county, daughter of Isaac and Mary T. (Darling) Thompson, natives respectively of Vermont and Ohio. Mr. 17

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 34

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

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