USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 35
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Thompson came to Houston county as early as 1852 or 1853. He and his wife are both now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Sliter four children have been born: Mary Jeanette, Margaret Elizabeth, Helen Lolah and Dorothy Edith.
Lauritz Ukkestad, an elderly resident of Yucatan township, where he has spent many years in agricultural pursuits, was born in Nonstad, Norway. He came to the United Stataes in 1865, while still single, and located immediately in Houston county, Minn. Here he married Ingeborg Tollefson, a native of Telemarken, Norway. Mr. Ukkestad's first employ- ment in this country was at railroad work, but he later rented land in Yucatan township and engaged in farming. He is still residing on a farm here and is a well known and respected citizen. He and his wife have been the parents of nine children.
Theodore Ukkestad, a well to do general farmer operating 160 acres of valuable land in section 32, Yucatan township, was born in this township, July 10, 1889, son of Lauritz and Ingeborg (Tollefson) Ukkestad. In his boyhood he attended shcool in district 17, and after he was confirmed began working out for others, though at intervals residing at home. In this way he spent the time until March 18, 1913, when he was united in marriage with Julia Olson, who was born in Fillmore county, Nov. 26, 1887, daughter of Iver and Julia (Tolrud) Olson. Her parents are now deceased. After his marriage Mr. Ukkestad bought his present farm on which he raises both crops and stock, in these strenuous times receiving good prices for all his farm products. He is a shareholder in the Rushford Creamery and in the Farmers' Telephone Company. He and his wife are parents of two children, Ruth Edna, born April 4, 1914, and Thelma Judith, born Oct. 10, 1915.
Andrew C. Johnson, Sr., proprietor of the Brantdale, a leading stock farmer of Houston township, who has also taken a prominent part in public affairs, was born near Drammen, Norway, July 6, 1857, son of John and Mary (Stensrud) Johnson. He was his parents' only child, as his father died when Andrew was but a few weeks old. In 1861 Mrs. Mary Johnson came with her son to America, locating in Houston county, Minn., where she contracted a second marriage with Peter Wager of which eight children were born. She died on a farm in Houston township in January, 1910. Andrew C. Johnson, who was a child of about four years when he arrived in Houston county, resided with his mother and in his boyhood attended the district school. He was brought up to farm work, and at the age of twenty-one, being then his own master, left home and went to Madison county, Neb., where he took a homestead, which he held while working for others. After improving it as he found opportunity, he sold it and engaged in the butcher's business at Newman Grove, a village situated on the line between Madison and Platte counties, Nebraska. There he remained for fifteen years. At the end of that time he disposed of his interests and returned to Minnesota, buying his present farm of 460 acres in section 11, Houston township. His tillable land, which is rich and fertile, he rents out to others, giving his own attention to the stock business, espe- cially to the breeding of Hereford cattle and Duroc-Jersey hogs. He has
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A. C. JOHNSON AND FAMILY
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made substantial improvements on his farm, in 1914, erecting his present residence, which is one of the most modern in this locality and which, together with his barn, is illuminated by his own individual lighting system. On this handsome estate Mr. Johnson expects to make his permanent home. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church and of the Odd Fellows' lodge at Hokah. In politics a Republican, Mr. Johnson has for many years taken an active part in public affairs in the communities where he has resided. While in Nebraska he held school office for some years, was town assessor two years; county comissioner in Madison county, Neb., for nine years in succession; and since locating permanently in Houston county he has served twelve years on the school board of his district, is now serving as justice of the peace, and was representative from Houston county in the State Legislature during the session of 1913. He is also one of the trustees of his church and was delegate to the Lutheran annual convention of 1918, held at Fargo, N. D. December 22, 1886, Andrew C. Johnson was united in marriage with Sarah Larson, who was born near Skeon, Norway, daughter of Lars and Cecil Anderson. She was an only child and was educated in Dodge and Brown counties, Minn. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been the parents of six children, John Magness, Mabel Jo- sephine, Marie, Nellie Sophia, Andrew Christopher, Jr., and Florence Serene, all of whom are residing at home except Nellie Sophia, who died Jan. 10, 1914. John M. and Andrew C., Jr., both served their country during the great war, John being in training at Camp Grant and Fort Sheridan, and Andrew C., Jr., going to France with the 333rd heavy artillery. Lars and Cecil Anderson, the parents of Mrs. Johnson, were both born in Norway, in the same locality as their daughter. Soon after the latter's birth they emi- grated to Wisconsin, and Mr. Anderson elisting for service in the Civil War, was killed at the battle of Corinth, Miss., Oct. 18, 1862. His widow sub- sequently married again, but died in Houston county when her daughter Sarah (Mrs. Johnson) was a child.
John Alfred Doblar, who is engaged in operating a well improved farm of seventy-three acres in section 18, Money Creek township, was born on this farm March 3, 1880, son of Anton and Anna (Kahoun) Doblar. He represents the third generation to reside on this place, as the father, Anton Doblar, who was born in Germany, of Swiss parents, in 1857, came here with his widowed mother when a lad of ten years, the mother con- tracting a second marriage and spending the rest of her life here. Anton Doblar was killed in Winona Jan. 17, 1898. His wife Anna, who was born in Dubuque, Iowa, May 11, 1858, is still living on the farm with her son, John Alfred. The latter was the second born in a family of nine children. In his youth he attended school in Money Creek township and first engaged in agricultural work on the home farm. From the age of twelve to that of twenty-nine years he worked out, assisting his parents with his earnings. He then married and settled down on the homestead, where he has since been engaged in general farm work. His land is highly improved and is well provided with good buildings and other equipment. Mr. Doblar is also a stockholder in the Money Creek Creamery, the Farmers' Exchange Elevator at Houston, and the Farmers Telephone Company, in which he
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is a director. In politics he is a Democrat with independent proclivities. On Jan. 11, 1911, Mr. Dobler was united in marriage with Gelena Jore, who was born in Sheldon township, Houston county, daughter of Anon and Gura (Vathing) Jora, who were early settlers in that township, to which they came from their native land of Norway. Mr. and Mrs. Doblar are the parents of four children, Archie Joseph, Myrtle Genevieve, Hazel Anna and Ruby Tona.
Lars N. Larson, in whose death on Nov. 29, 1902, the village of Houston lost a useful and highly esteemed citizen, was born at Nonstad, near Chris- tiania, Norway, Jan. 29, 1857, son of Nels and Maria Larson. He was one of the older members in a family of seven children, some of the younger of whom were born in this country, to which his parents emigrated when he was five years old, settling on land in Yucatan township, Houston county, Minn. There he attended school, and as he grew older worked on the home farm. He was still a boy when his father died, and his duties then became more onerous, the farm in time coming under his management, and he operated it for thirteen years after his marriage. Then moving to Houston village, he engaged here in the wagon repairing business, in which line of work he was very expert, and in which he continued until his death, having a large trade from all the surrounding country. A man of high character, honest in his business dealings, and with an agreeable and attractive personality, he was popular among a wide acquaintance, and his demise was felt as a loss by the entire community. He was a faith- ful member of the Lutheran church, shaping his life in accordance with its doctrines. In politics a Republican, he served three terms as supervisor in his township and for a number of years was an efficient member of the school board. Mr. Larson was married April 13, 1883, to Liva Olson, who was born near the stone church in Yucatan township, this county, daughter of Tosten and Margaret (Anfinson) Olson, she being the eldest of their ten children. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Larson, Henry Nicholai, who is now engaged in the lumber business at Altura, Minn. He married Edna Vomsal of Houston, and has one child, Leila. Toston Olson, Mrs. Larson's father, was born in Norway, as was also his wife, Margaret. They were early settlers in Houston county, where they engaged in farming. Their second farm was in Money Creek township, where they resided until 1908, when Mr. Olson retired and came to Houston village, where he passed away April 19, 1918. His wife died April 6, 1905.
J. B. Johnson, who is taking part in the agricultural development of Houston township as proprietor of a farm of 200 acres in section 31, was born in Holan, Sweden, Aug. 15, 1859. His parents, John and Anna John- son, who were natives of the same locality, came to the United States with their family in 1868, settling on a farm in Houston township, this county. John Johnson also worked at times for others, and continued to reside here until his death in 1902. His wife died in 1911. J. B. Johnson, who was the eldest of their three children, was about nine years old when he came to America, and after arriving in this country attended school in Houston. At the age of twenty years he began farming in Swede Bottom, east of Houston in Houston township, and was a resident there for a number
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of years. Afterwards he removed to a farm in Sheldon township, where he remained until his marriage in 1883, when he came to his present farm. This is a well improved piece of property, well adapted to general farming, in which Mr. Johnson has made a success. He is a stockholder in the Houston Creamery Company. His fraternal society affiliations are with the camp of Modern Woodmen of America at Houston, and in politics he is a Republican. In the month of April, 1883, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Jane Skree, who was born in Houston county, daughter of Ole and Sigrid Skree, she being the fourth born of their five children. The parents were natives of Norway and were among the pioneer settlers of Sheldon township, where both died, the father during the Civil War period. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson eight children have been born: Oscar O., a farmer in Looney Valley, Houston township, who married Olga Osfit; Josephine, wife of John S. Johnson, residing in Sheldon township; Tilla, wife of Phil Hoppel, a farmer of Looney Valley; Mattie and Verleda who are living on the home farm; and Clarence and Samuel, both of whom were in the United States service during the World War, Clarence being still in France, and Samuel having been in training at Camp Hancock.
Robert McCormick, one of the early settlers in Money Creek township who did good pioneer work in civilizing the wilderness, but who is now passed away, was born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1830. He was a young man when he came to America and found employment at railroad work in New York State. In 1868 he heard the call of the West and came to Houston county, Minn., securing wild land in Money Creek township which he sub- sequently spent many years in developing, achieving valuable results. He continued thus actively engaged until within a few years before his death, when he retired and moved to Rushford in Fillmore county, where he passed away about the year 1910. Mr. McCormick married Mary Moran, who was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1830, and who is still residing in Rushford. They were the parents of three children: Mary, Daniel and Robert William.
Robert William McCormick, who is engaged in general farming on the homestead in section 10, Money Creek township, that was established many years ago by his father, was born in this township, Aug. 25, 1880, son of Robert and Mary (Moran) McCormick. His education was obtained in the district school and he assisted his father on the farm until arriving at the age of twenty-three years, at which time he rented the farm and has since operated it on his own account. It contains 200 acres and is provided with good buildings and modern improvements. Mr. McCormick is carrying on general farming and is raising good stock, both cattle and hogs. He is also a shareholder in the Rushford Farmers' Elevator and a member of the shipping associations at Houston and Rushford. He attends the Roman Catholic church at Rushford, and, in politics a Democrat, served three years as clerk of the school board of his district. Mr. McCormick was married Dec. 7, 1905, to Rose Waste, who was born in Houston, this county, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Wright) Waste. Her father was a carpenter and contractor by occupation and passed away March 13, 1919. Her mother, who was born in Black Hammer township, died March 3, 1910.
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To Mr. and Mrs. McCormick have been born seven children, one of whom died in infancy. Those living are Paul Harold, Irene, Magdalyn Almyra, Elizabeth Mildred, Robert and Mary Rosalyn.
John E. Anderson, a general farmer owning 260 acres of land in Yuca- tan township, of which 220 acres are in section 12, where he resides, and 40 acres in section 2, was born at Getbur, in Halland, Sweden, June 2, 1866, son of Charles G. and Mollie Anderson. His mother dying when he was a boy, the father married for his second wife, Bertha Stena Johnson, and in 1880 emigrated with his family to Houston county, Minn., locating first in Looney Valley, Houston township, and two years later removing to Yucatan township, taking land on Oak Ridge, where he developed a farm. He died in 1913, but his wife Bertha is still living and is residing with her son Alec in Yucatan township. John E. Anderson first attended school in Sweden and after coming to Houston county, attended district school for two terms in Looney Valley. Until the age of 29 years he resided on the farm with his father and stepmother, and then married and engaged in farming for himself on Oak Ridge. For the first seven years he operated rented land and then bought 160 acres in section 2, Yucatan township, re- siding on that farm for six years. He then moved to his present location, where he is engaged in general farming on the two farms above mentioned, both of which are well improved. He is doing a successful business and is numbered among the prosperous citizens of his township. At the present time he is serving as treasurer of his school district. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Houston. Mr. Anderson was married April 12, 1897, to Martha Ellefson, who was born in Skeln, Norway, daughter of Ellef and Martha Ellefson. Her mother dying in 1866, she accompanied her father to this country two years later, the surviving mem- bers of the family, which included seven children, settling first on High- land Prairie, this county, but soon after removing to Yucatan Valley. After working out for three years the father bought a farm on Oak Ridge, Yucatan township, where he resided until 1906, when he removed to the state of Washington. Two or three years later he took up his residence in Montana, where he died Feb. 12, 1911, after a year's residence there. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are the parents of seven children, all residing at home, namely: Mollie, Carl, Stella, Elmer, Arthur, Henry and Gertie.
Ole K. Knutsen, a general farmer residing in section 24, Yucatan township, where he is successfully operating 216 acres of land, was born in Telemarken, Norway, Feb. 2, 1868, son of Kittel and Oshear (Olson) Knutsen. The family came to Houston county, Minnesota, in 1885, locating on this farm, where the father resided practically until his death in May, 1909. The mother is now residing on Bridge Creek, Yucatan township. Ole K. Knutsen, who was the fourth born of their seven children, acquired his education chiefly in Norway, though he attended school for about two weeks here. He was 17 years old when he came to this country and had already for four years earned his own living. Until he married he worked out for others, and then started farming for himself in Caledonia town- ship, one mile south of the Sheldon township line. Later he bought a farm on Money Creek, which he operated for five years, at the end of which time
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he purchased his present farm of 216 acres, on which he raises both crops and stock, devoting his whole time to the business. He is enjoying a pros- perous career and is one of the prominent citizens of his township. For two years he has served as a member of the school board. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Knutsen was married March 17, 1896, to Lizzie Moen, who was born in Sheldon township, daughter of Samen and Anna Moen, He and his wife are the parents of five children, all residing at home, namely : Katie, Sullivan, Anton, Amy and Knudt. The parents of Mrs. Knutsen, who were born and married in Norway, were early settlers in Sheldon township, this county, where the father died on his farm in 1889. His widow is now the wife of Halvor Hauge and resides in Houston. Be- fore coming to the United States Mr. Moen served in the regular army of Norway. Of her parents' ten children Mrs. Knutsen was the fourth in order of birth, and she was reared and educated in Sheldon township.
Ludwig H. Julsrud, one of the leading merchants of Houston, engaged in business as a jeweler and watchmaker, and dealing also in optical goods, cut glass ware and musical instruments, was born in Eidsvold, Norway, Oct. 29, 1871, son of Hans and Ingeborg (Hoken) Julsrud. The parents were natives of the same locality, the father being a farmer. Both died in their native land, where they spent their entire lives. Ludwig H., who was the seventh born in a family of nine children, attended public school in Norway, after which, at the age of 15 years, he became clerk in a store. In 1895 he came to America, locating in Rushford, Fillmore county, Minn., where he had an uncle, Jens Julsrud, who kept a store. For this uncle he worked four years. Then going to Winona he began to learn the trade of watchmaker, subsequently perfecting his knowledge in the watchmaking school at Elgin, Ill. In 1900, having mastered the trade, he started in his present business in Houston, which he has since built up into one of the solidly established concerns in the county, having gained a reputation as a fair and reliable dealer which has proved one of his most important assets. He is also a stockholder in the Houston State Bank, and in the Outlook Flour Mills, at Outlook, Saskatchewan, Canada, of which his brother is president. An Independent Republican in politics, he has served three terms as a member of the Houston village council. His fraternal society affiliations are with the Blue lodge of Masons, and the Yeomen, having formerly been clerk in the Yeomen lodge. Mr. Julsrud was married in June, 1899, to Amanda Omodt, who was born in Houston county, daughter of Knud and Ingeborg (Thorson) Omodt. Her parents, native of Norway, were pioneer settlers in Money Creek township, this county, but are now living retired in Houston. Mr. and Mrs. Julsrud have four children: Helen Ingrid, Clara Bargild, Hjordes and Adrian Leland. The family are mem- bers of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
Adolph J. Anderson, who is successfully engaged in operating a general stock farm of 216 acres in section 31 west, Houston township, was born on the old Anderson homestead in section 36 west, this township, Sept. 2, . 1871, son of Sigurd and Jorane (Egland) Anderson. His education was acquired chiefly in the school of his district, but he also attended a term at the Rushford High School, in Fillmore county. Until the age of 21 he
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acted as his father's assistant on the home farm, and then became its active manager, operating it for six years. At the end of that time, about 1899, he bought 216 acres of his present farm in section 31 west, to which he has since added until he now has a whole half section of valuable land, with good buildings. He is carrying on a profitable business as a stock farmer, raising cattle, horses and swine, of the last mentioned stock usually keeping about fifty head. His greatest specialty is in raising choice potatoes, his product demanding the top prices in the best markets. In 1919 he had no less than twelve acres. In order to better accommodate the market and to sell at the best advantage, he has erected on his farm a good potato warehouse which is proving a great convenience. He is a member of the Shipping Association, has been a shareholder in the Houston Cream- ery since its organization, and also holds stock in the elevator company. In politics he is an independent Republican, while his religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church. Mr. Anderson was married, Oct. 13, 1897, to Anna Halvorson, who was born in Norway, May 2, 1871, daughter of Even and Anna (Johnson) Halvorson, who were natives of Telemarken, Norway. The family came to the United States in 1878 when Anna was seven years old, locating immediately in Houston township, this county, where they engaged in farming, and where Mr. Halvorson died in Novem- ber, 1915. Mrs. Johnson is still residing on the old homestead in Looney Valley, with her son Alfred. Her daughter Anna was the eldest of eight children and was educated in Houston township. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson: Lawrence, who is residing with his par- ents; Stanley Edwin, who died in 1902 at the age of two years; Alice Jeanette, Martha Elenora, Stella Bernice, Geneva Irene, Ruth E. and Reuben Elvin, twins, are residing on the home farm. The family have a high social standing, Mrs. Anderson having always taken an active part in church work and the Ladies' Aid Society.
Dr. K. T. Midboe, who is engaged in the practice of veterinary surgery in Houston, Minn., was born in Telemarken, Norway, Sept. 2, 1878, son of Thomas and Signe (Midboe) Esping. The father, who was a farmer, died when the subject of this sketch was a baby, and the latter came to the United States with his mother in 1880, settling in Yucatan township, this county. The mother died in 1904 at the age of 63 years. K. T. Midboe attended the district school in Yucatan township, and began working out for farmers when 13 years old. He later engaged in farming for himself in Yucatan township. Subsequently he went to the Dakotas, where he drilled wells for three years and also farmed. Having then made up his mind to embrace a professional career, he went to Chicago, where he entered McKillopp's Veterinary College and was graduated in 1916, imme- diately afterwards establishing himself in Houston. Although located here but a comparatively short time, he has already built up a good reputation and a profitable practice, with excellent prospects for the future. He is the only veterinary in Houston. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church in this city. Dr. Midboe was married Sept. 19, 1917, to Emma Hostvedt, daughter of Anfin and Isabelle (Saugen) Hostvedt, her parents being farming people of this county. She received a good educa-
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tion, attending the Winona High School and later graduating from the Winona Normal School, after which she was a teacher for ten years be- fore her marriage. Dr. and Mrs. Midboe are active participants in the social life of Houston, and are popular among their numerous acquaint- ances. They are the parents of one child, Theron Allen.
Christ Brevig, an early settler in Yucatan township, was born in Tele- marken, Norway, and was a young man when he emigrated from his native land to Houston county, Minnesota. Here he married Julia Trond- vent, and they took land in Yucatan township and engaged in farming. After residing on their first farm for a number of years, they moved to Root River Valley in the same township, where they took another farm, on which Mr. Brevig died in the spring of 1914. His wife survived him until the fall of 1916, when she too passed away. They were the parents of three children, Charles, Susie and Osmond.
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