USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 37
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Gideon Traff, a prominent farmer residing in sections 9 and 16, Hous- ton township, where he is operating a farm of 220 acres, was born in Sweden, May 1, 1866, son of John and Inga (Jacobson) Traff. Accompany- ing his parents in 1872 to Looney Valley, Houston township, this county, he attended school there, and also for some time in Storer Valley. When 18 years old he began working out on farms, but later took up the stone mason's trade, which he followed for about twelve years. He then engaged in farming on his own account, for five years renting land in Money Creek township. At the end of that time he bought his present farm of 220 acres, on which he raises both stock and grain, doing a general farming business. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Telephone Company. His political principles are those of the Republican party and he is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. Mr. Traff was married Oct. 17, 1897, to Anna Halvorson, who was born in Houston county, Nov. 2, 1887, daughter of John and Tilda (Carlson) Halvorson. Mr. and Mrs. Traff have three chil- dren: Edna Josephine, Tena Genevieve, and Adolph Goodwin. Edna Jo- sephine is the wife of Harry R. Hastings, of Wakonda, South Dakota, and has one child, Ruth Laverne. Tena Genevieve and Adolph Goodwin are at home.
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GIDEON TRAFF AND FAMILY
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Christian J. Erickson, who holds a prominent place among the success- ful general farmers of Yucatan township, residing in section 20, was born in this township, Dec. 25, 1873, son of George and Inga (Paulson) Erickson. His parents were natives of Norway, the father coming to this county in 1869 and settling on a farm in Yucatan township, where he is still living. The mother died in 1917. Christian J. attended school in this township and was reared on his parents' farm, assisting his father until he was 15 years old. He then began working out and from that time on earned his own living. On his marriage in 1901 he engaged in farming for himself, renting land for a number of years, and was thus occupied until he bought his present farm, onto which he moved Feb. 20, 1915. He has 243 acres of valuable land, provided with good buildings and is profitably raising both stock and grain. He also holds shares in the Farmers' Telephone Company. In politics an independent Republican, he is serving as a director on the school board, and he is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Houston. On Jan. 2, 1901, Mr. Erickson was united in marriage with Betsy Kittelson, who was born in Telemarken, Norway, daughter of Kittel and Arshar Kittelson. Her parents after coming to Houston county were en- gaged for a number of years in farming in Yucatan township. The father died in 1909, and the mother is now residing with her daughter and son- in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Erickson. To the latter seven children have been born, all of whom are residing at home, namely: Albin Ingvald, Edna, Clara Jugina, Clarence Bertram, Gena Alma, Kindahl Knudt and Berdine.
O. H. Forsyth, now living retired in Houston, of which place he is a well known and respected citizen, was born in Scotland of Norwegian par- ents, and came to this country with his parents when a young man. They settled on land in Money Creek township, Houston county, where they en- gaged in the work of agricultural development. The subject of this sketch, who was a young man on his arrival in the county, assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm, and remained at home until 1881, when he went to the Red River district in North Dakota, where for a number of years he was foreman on the Grandon farm. Subsequently returning to Houston county, he resumed agricultural work here, and so continued until he finally retired and took up his residence in Houston village. Mr. Forsyth married Hilda Sorenson, a native of Norway, and they have been the par- ents of four children. Their religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church.
Edwin G. Forsyth, who is carrying on a successful business in Houston as a plumbing and heating contractor, was born in Houston, this county, Nov. 4, 1892, son of O. H. and Hilda (Sorenson) Forsyth. The years of his boyhood and early youth were spent in this vicinity, but at the age of 19 he left home and went to Alberta, Canada, where for four years he was in the employ of an uncle who was engaged in the machinery business. Then returning to Houston, he worked here for a short time, but soon went to Rushford, where for one year he was engaged in the plumbing business. At the end of that time he returned again to Houston and established his present business, for which he has a complete equipment, and is conduct- ing along modern lines, with satisfactory results. He is also the owner of 18
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real estate in Canada. His fraternal affiliations are with Mystic Circle Lodge, No. 78, A. F. & A. M. Mr. Forsyth was married Nov. 14, 1916, to Erma Onstine, who was born in Yucatan township, this county, daughter of G. H. and Julia (Seweitz) Onstine. He and his wife have one child, Russell Leland. G. H. Onstine, father of Mrs. Forsyth, was born in Fill- more county, this state, and for some years was proprietor of a hotel at Rushford. Later he took a farm in Yucatan township, Houston county, which he operated for a number of years until he retired. He is now re- siding in Houston. During his active career he held various local offices. His wife, Mrs. Julia Onstine, was born in this county.
Knud Sorum, the founder of a flourishing farm, most of which lies in sections 1 and 2, Houston township, was one of the hardy pioneers of this township who helped to change the barren wilderness into cultivated and productive fields. He was born in Valders, Norway, and was a boy when he came to Minnesota. After settling in Houston county he enlisted for service in the Civil War and became so efficient a soldier that he was pro- moted to the rank of second lieutenant, but was obliged to leave the army on account of heart weakness. He then returned to his farm in Houston township, this county, and devoted his energies to its improvement, resid- ing on it until his death in 1905 at the age of 80 years lacking two months. Mr. Sorum married Gro Midgaarden, who was born in Telemarken, Norway, and who is now living with her sons, Henry O. and E. M. Sorum, on the old homestead. They had a family of four children: Henry O., E. M., Tilda Marie, now Mrs. H. Magnuson, of Hassinger, N. D., and Aletta Josephine, who died at the age of six years.
Henry O. and E. M. Sorum are operating a good farm of 200 acres, of which 160 acres lies in sections 1 and 2, Houston township, and 40 acres over the line in Winona county. They are good farmers and substan- tial citizens and are taking their due share in the progress of the com- munity. Both were born on the farm where they now reside, Henry O. on . April 19, 1881, and E. M. on July 4, 1882. They attended the district schools, and were reared to farm pursuits by their father. Since his death they have taken over the farm, and are making a success of general farm- ing and stock raising. They are holders of stock in the Houston Co-Oper- ative Creamery and in the Farmers' Telephone Company. They are mem- bers of the Norwegian Lutheran church and in politics are independent. Henry O. Sorum was married Oct. 11, 1905, to Anna Olson, who was born in Houston county, Minn., daughter of Oliver and Belle (Larson) Olson, who were prominent farmers of Houston township, but who are now retired and residing on a farm in Money Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Henry O. Sorum have four children: Clara Gladys, Oliver Ingvald, Henry Leonard, and Ruby Marletta.
Jens Ekre, who, though not a pioneer, was numbered among the early settlers of Yucatan township, was born in Nonstad, Norway, where he spent the early part of his life and was married. In 1867, with his wife Mary, and their family, he emigrated to the United States, settling near Rushford, Fillmore county, Minnesota. After a short residence there,
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MR. AND MRS. KNUD SORUM.
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however, he moved to Yucatan township, Houston county, taking land not far from the present farm of his son, Christof J. Ekre, in section 33 north, where he engaged in farming, and was thus occupied for a number of years. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Mr. Ekre was an industrious and worthy citizen and his work along the lines of agricultural development was a factor in the improvement and civilization of the township.
Christof J. Ekre, proprietor of a fine farm of 477 acres in section 33 north, Yucatan township, of which township he is one of the leading citi- zens, was born in Nonstad, Norway, April 27, 1853, son of Jens and Mary Ekre. In the spring of 1870, a youth of 17 years, he came to America, joining his parents at Rushford, in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where they had settled several years previously. He was unable at that time to speak English, but had begun industrial life at the age of twelve years in his native land, and, being strong and energetic, soon obtained employment. For about eight or ten years he worked out for others, wisely saving as much as he could of his earnings with an eye to the future, and at last he found himself in a position to make an independent start in life. Not being able to purchase an improved farm, he bought a tract of wild land in Houston county and set to work to make the improvements himself. After being four years on that place, he sold out at a profit and took another farm, on which he resided for twenty years, during which period be brought it into good condition. Then, in 1900, he came to his present farm of 477 acres on Root River, which he is operating as a general stock farm. The land is rich and fertile, and here, too, he has made extensive improvements, erecting substantial buildings putting up fences, and making use of the most modern machinery and farm appliances, with the result that he now occupies a place among the thriving and well to do citizens of the township. He is also a stockholder in the Rushford Creamery and the Farmers' Tele- phone Company. In politics a Republican, he has devoted a part of his time to the public service, having formerly held the position of school treas- urer for twenty years and town supervisor for four years. Mr. Ekre was married in 1882 to Tilda Olson, who was born in Houston county, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ole Evenson. Her parents were natives of Norway and were farmers. The father is now deceased, but the mother resides in Yuca- tan township with her son, Christ. Mr. and Mrs. Ekre are the parents of six children: Mena, who is a teacher in Clearwater county, Minn .; Elmer, residing on the home farm which he is helping to operate; Clara, wife of John Targerson of Rushford; Amelia and Cora, residing at home; and Nels, who with his brother Elmer is also engaged in operating the farm, Mr. Ekre being now practically retired from active work.
Anton F. Magnussen, the thriving proprietor of a farm of 100 acres in section 5 south, Houston township, was born in Smolan, Kalmerland, Sweden, Aug. 16, 1855, son of Magnus Anderson and wife. Both the par- ents died in their native land, never coming to this country. The father's occupation was chiefly that of a farm laborer. Anton F., who was the youngest of five children, attended school in Sweden, but was obliged to begin work when seven years old, on account of his father's illness. For thirty years thereafter he remained in Sweden, working for various farmers
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without making much headway on the road to prosperity, until discontent with his lack of opportunity impelled him to seek a more favorable field of effort, and in 1892 he set out for the United States, in due time arriving in Houston county, Minnesota. Here he worked for two seasons as a farm hand in Looney Valley, Houston township, and having by the end of that time accumulated a little money, he began his career as an independent farmer by renting a farm in this township. This he operated for eleven years, making gradual progress, until at the end of that period he was able to purchase his present farm adjoining the limits of Houston village, which affords him a convenient market. He has achieved good results as a gen- eral farmer, and is reaping the reward of industry and perseverance. He is a member of the Farmers' Shipping Association. Independent in poli- tics, he has served twelve years as road supervisor in Houston township. The Lutheran church numbers him among its members, and he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Magnussen was married in Sweden, Dec. 27, 1883, to Amanda Christine Carlson, a native of the same locality as himself. Of this union seven children have been born: Aldor Frederick, who married Gena Peterson of Sheldon township, who operates a threshing outfit; Delia Manda Sophia, who is a resident of Winona; John Sanford, who married Anna Brennan, and is a carpenter and contractor at New Albin, Iowa; Anna Amelia, wife of John Berg, a locomotive engineer on the C. M. & St. P. Railway, residing in Malden, Wash .; Amiel Wilfred, a carpenter, who has done his country good service as a soldier of the Great War, in France; Alfreda, wife of Oscar Hanson, a farmer of Money Creek township; and Bernice, who is attending school.
August Johnson, who is now living practically retired in section 4 south, Houston township, was born in Smoland, Sweden, April 7, 1856, son of Carl and Christine (Janson) Johnson, who were natives of the same locality. When he was ten years old, his parents, in the hope of bettering their condition, emigrated to Houston county, Minnesota, settling on Swede Bottom. In the following year, however, they moved to a farm in Looney Valley, where they resided until the fathers' death in 1882. He was an industrious and worthy man, respected by his neighbors, and served on the school board for a number of years. After his death his widow made her home with her son August until 1913, when she, too, passed away. August Johnson, who was the second born of his parents' six children, at- tended school in Looney Valley, Houston township. He resided at home until 25 years old, when he married. He then rented a piece of land and farmed it for nine years, at the end of which time he bought 160 acres in Looney Valley, in close proximity to Winona county. There also he spent nine years engaged in agriculture. Then selling the place, he resided for two years on his mothers' farm, after which he bought a smaller farm west of Houston and operated it for two years. This also he sold to operate another farm for two years, at the end of which time he came to his present small farm in Swede Bottom. Here he resided three years, engaged in hauling cream and also in farming. Then selling his horses and other farm appurtenances, but retaining the ownership of the property, he took up his residence in Houston village, where he lived retired from active work for
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AUGUST JOHNSON AND FAMILY
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MR. AND MRS. ISAAC THOMPSON
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three years, subsequently moving back to his farm, where he still resides. Here he is living practically a retired life, as he has but two acres of land, sufficient to give him a little light employment. He is a member of the Free Evangelistic church at Houston, and in politics is independent. Mr. Johnson was married Oct. 27, 1881, to Sophia Johnson, who was born in Halland, Sweden, one of the younger of the seven children of Andrew and Anna Breta (Swenson) Johnson. She attended school in Sweden until 19 years old, at which time, her mother having died, she accompanied her father to Minnesota in 1880. After her marriage in the following year, he resided with her and his son-in-law, Mr. Johnson, until his death in 1911, when he had reached the advanced age of 93 years, 9 months and 9 days. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are the parents of seven children: Carl, who is now farming in Houston township; Gust, a farmer in Sheldon township; Effie, wife of Thor Kragness, a farmer of Houston township; Adolph, who is en- gaged in agriculture in Winona county; Helmer, deceased; Mary, wife of Magnus Strand, residing in Houston; and Christina, wife of Olaf Floyan, a railroad man living in Houston. This family was one of the many to be called upon to make the Great Sacrifice during the World War. The son, Helmer, entered the United States service, was sent to France, and there died, giving his life in the cause of Liberty and Democracy.
Isaac Thompson, one of the notable pioneers of Houston county, who resided on his farm in section 26, Houston township, which he took over sixty years ago, was born in Rupert township, Bennington county, Vermont, Feb. 12, 1829, son of John and Electa (Draper) Thompson, the father being a native of Connecticut and the mother of Vermont. John Thompson died when his son Isaac was a babe of eleven months, and his wife subsequently removed to Lowell, Mass., from there to New York, and later to Houston county, Minn., dying at the home of her son, the subject of this sketch, about 1897 or 1898. There were three children in the family, of whom Isaac was the youngest; and by a previous marriage of the father two other children were born. Isaac Thompson acquired the elements of knowledge in a school in Vermont, and was subsequently a pupil for one year at Homer Academy, Homer, N. Y. From the age of three to that of 22 he resided with a family named Sheldon at Homer, and then, having resolved to seek his fortune in the Northwest, he set out for Milwaukee, Wis., where he arrived with 25 cents in cash, which he divided with two companions. It was thus necessary for him to obtain immediate employment, and he gladly embraced an opportunity to teach school some two miles from the city. After five months' pedagogic experience in that locality, he made another westward drive reaching the vicinity of La Crosse, where he taught another school for four months. He then engaged in surveying, assisting to run the first levels from La Crosse to Sparta, finishing the work in De- cember; and in the following spring he worked for a short time as chainman on the Eastern Division of the Milwaukee Railway. While engaged in surveying in La Crosse county he formed a partnership with Mr. Hood and Mr. Smith in the land business and the firm lasted until 1857, when it was dissolved owing to the financial panic. In that year he took his present farm, which then consisted of wild land, though he continued to
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reside in La Crosse for three years subsequently, hiring men to break his land and get out rails for fencing. Game was then very plentiful and the Indians were almost as numerous as the wild animals, but were always friendly. After settling on his farm Mr. Thompson applied himself closely to the work of its improvement and cultivation, and in time built up a fine estate, becoming the owner of 800 acres, which for the most part he has since divided among his children. He identified himself closely with all local movements for the betterment of the community, and assisted in organizing the creamery and telephone company. He became a Free Mason as early as 1856 and now belongs to the lodge and chapter. In politics a Democrat, he took an active part in public affairs, served many times in school office, was county surveyor a number of years, town supervisor for about thirty years, county commissioner two terms, and a member of the legislature for two terms, in 1868-1872. Thus he was during a long period one of the active in shaping the history of the county, and in particular of his own township, and in his public functions he always showed dilligence and efficiency, with fidelity to local interests, his record being one that was approved by the majority of his fellow citizens, and may be regarded with justifiable pride by himself and family. Mr. Thompson was first married in 1856 to Angelina Sperry, who was born, either in New York or Pennsylvania. By her he had two children: Carrie, now the widow of John Wilson, and a resident of Aberdeen, S. D .; and Evangeline, now deceased, who was the wife of Ward Noyes of Minneapolis. In 1861 Mr. Thompson married Mary Darling, who was born near Lake Champlain, New York. Of this union seven children were born, three of whom are now deceased. Those living are: Margaret Augusta, wife of H. G. Cooley, a real estate dealer of Miami, Florida; Florence, wife of John J. Sliter of Houston; Edith B. and Porteous Isaac, who are residing at home with their father. Mr. Thompson died May 14, 1918, and Mrs. Thompson, Aug. 21, 1915.
Carl John Anderson-Nyberg, who is the owner of a farm of 120 acres in section 25, Houston township, which he is operating along general lines, raising crops and stock, was born in the northern part of Halland, Sweden, Aug. 15, 1865, son of Andrew Anderson and his wife, Anna Lena Olson, both natives of the same locality. The parents, who were farming people, died in their native land. Their son, Carl John, after receiving an average schooling, began work on farms at the age of eleven years, and continued in that line of occupation in his home district until 1880, when he came to Houston county, Minn. He arrived here unable to speak the English language but was given employment by Mr. Forsythe as a farm hand and worked in that capacity on several farms for three years. Then for two years he was engaged in mill work and later for the same length of time in a livery barn. Then he returned to farming, working a while for others, but later renting a farm which for five years he operated on his own account. At the end of that time he bought his present farm, which was then unimproved, the improvements now standing having been made by himself. The land consists of good fertile soil and its cultivation has yielded profitable results. Owing to the numerous Andersons in this vicinity the
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HENRY HANSON AND FAMILY
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subject of this sketch has adopted the surname of Nyberg to avoid con- fusion, and by that name he is generally known. He is a member of the Free church at Houston and in politics is independent. He was married Feb. 22, 1886, to Inga Sophia Olson, who was born in Sweden, daughter of Ole and Inga Olson. Her parents died in Sweden and she came to America in 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson-Nyberg have a family of nine children : Emma, residing at home; Arthur, a resident of Houston; Bertha, who is a teacher at Spring Grove; Ellen, who was teaching in Storer Valley and is now Mrs. Otto Benson of Canada; Minnie who is teaching near Rushford, and Lillie, Victor, Myrtle and Paul; who are residing at home. Arthur is a veteran of the Great War, having seen active service in France with Co. L, of the 257th Infantry. He did valliant service at the battles of St. Mihiel, Sept. 15, 1918, and at the battle of the Meuse, in the Argonne, Oct. 28, 1918. He was discharged April 8, 1919.
H. T. Halvorson, a well known and prosperous citizen of Yucatan town- ship, proprietor of a farm of eighty acres, where he is engaged chiefly in raising cattle and cultivating tobacco, was born in Telemarken, Norway, April 9, 1851, son of Targe and Segrid (Lanvik) Halvorson. He acquired his first schooling in his native land, where he resided until he was about ten years old, accompanying his parents to Houston county in 1861. The farm or land on which they settled was in the southern part of Yucatan township, and his education was continued across the line in the township of Black Hammer. For thirteen years he lived with his parents on the farm, assisting his father in its development and cultivation, and then, on his marriage, he took his present farm, where he has since remained en- gaged in the occupation above mentioned. He has a well improved place and is in prosperous circumstances. For six years he served as treasurer and secretary of the Sheldon-Houston Telephone system, for fourteen years was assessor of Yucatan township, and for twenty-four years school clerk. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a Lutheran. Mr. Halvorson was married Jan. 1, 1878, to Guneild Germundson, who was born in Tele- marken, Norway, Feb. 2, 1859, daughter of Jgermond Anundson and his wife Elsie Bjerguvson. Her parents came with their family to Houston county, Minn., in 1865, residing first in Caledonia and later in Yucatan township. Both are now deceased. Their daughter Guneild was the eldest of their three children. Mr. and Mrs. Halvorson have five children: John S., a farmer and miller in Yucatan township; Theodore, a partner with his brother John; Edwin, a photographer residing at home; Sarah, wife of John C. Houser, a farmer of Sheldon township; and Elsie, wife of Ole Bjorgufson, also a farmer in this township.
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