USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 41
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Casper F. Schonlau, the senior partner and editor. The building is 24 by 44 feet, with full basement, and concrete floors. The front is of solid rough brick, while the side and back walls are of hollow tile, stuccoed with white sand and pebble dash. The location is admirable and the whole appearance is attractive and picturesque, an ornament to the village and a credit to its owner. The conveniences are many, including a hot air furnace, electric lights, and running water from a well 295 feet deep. Work is made more comfortable and efficient by the built-in stock cupboards and the arrange- ment of the ample windows. In presses and type the establishment is well equipped, and not only turns out a creditable newspaper but also consid- erable quantities of commercial work.
Edward P. McIntire, a pioneer settler of Yucatan township, was born in New England, or in one of the Eastern states, and was of Scotch ances- try. He married Sarah Palfrey, also a native of an Eastern state, but whose ancestors were Irish. In the fifth decade of the nineteenth century they came to Minnesota, while it was yet a territory, and located in what is now Yucatan township, Houston county, where Edward P. McIntire engaged in mercantile business, in which he continued for many years, also serving as postmaster. Later he was engaged in milling for a time, and then moved into lower Houston, where he operated a farm and also kept a hotel, though at that time there was nothing on the present site of Houston village. He finally retired from active work and spent the rest of his life at, or in the vicinity of, Houston, where he was a charter member of the Masonic lodge. He and his wife were the parents of three children, one of whom, Samuel B., became a noted citizen of this county.
Capt. Samuel Bates McIntire, who had a distinguished career as a United States army officer, and was later a prominent member of the Houston county bar, was born at Dedham, Mass., May 21, 1838, son of Edward P. and Sarah (Palfrey) McIntire. The eldest of his parents' three children, he attended the common and high schools of Dedham and after- wards a school in Boston. In the fifties he accompanied his parents to the then territory of Minnesota, the father becoming a prosperous merchant in what is now Yucatan township, Houston county. From this, the First District, young Samuel Bates McIntire was appointed, on the recommenda- tion of Congressman J. M. Cavanaugh, as a cadet in the West Point Military Academy, being the first cadet appointed from Minnesota after its admis- sion as a state in 1858. From that famous institution he was graduated in 1862, and entered the Civil War as an artillery lieutenant. He served until the close of the war, taking part in a number of important battles, and being brevetted captain for gallant conduct at the second battle of Manassas, which occurred Aug. 30, 1863. After the war he served in Alaska and California, traveling four times across the United States. Then leaving the service, he was married in Philadelphia to Helen Frances Weld, and soon afterwards brought his wife to his parents' home in Hous- ton county, Minnesota. Here he helped his father to operate the farm, and also engaged in teaching. He also acquired land in Yucatan township. After a short time spent in these miscellaneous. occupations, Capt. McIntire
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took up the study of law at Rushford and, being admitted to practice, sold his holdings in Yucatan township and bought an 80-acre farm in what is now the central part of Houston village. At the same time he began the practice of law, in which he continued actively engaged up to within a few days before his death on June 14, 1917. His professional career, to which he was well adapted by reason of a high degree of oratorical ability, was marked by a conscientious sense of duty, and he was held in great esteem both by his fellow members of the bar and by the citizens of the county generally. A Democrat in politics, he was elected to various offices, serving at various times as justice of the peace, president of the village board, supervisor, and president of the school board, which last mentioned office he held for more than 40 years. He was also for some time postmaster of Houston. Other offices than those mentioned he declined. He was, how- ever, vice president of the Telephone Company, and in all things showed himself a public spirited citizen, ever ready to lend his aid and influence to the promotion of a worthy cause. He was a member of the Masonic lodge at Houston, of which his father was a charter member, and also be- longed to the Eastern Star lodge and to Grand Army of the Republic. By his first wife he had one child, that died in infancy. On Oct. 15, 1897, he was married secondly to Frances Gerard, who was born in Money Creek township, this county, daughter of John B. and Nancy (Todd) Gerard. She survives her husband and is now a resident of Houston.
John B. Gerard, one of the pioneers of Money Creek township, was born in New York State, Nov. 25, 1831. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and coming west when a young man, was married in Wisconsin, in May, 1858, to Nancy Todd, who was born in Pennsylvania, Oct. 20, 1841. Lo- cating with his young wife in Houston county, Minn., he conducted a black- smith's shop in Money Creek township until about 1877, when he moved to Houston, where he continued in the same occupation until his retirement about 1897. He died June 16, 1917, and was survived by his wife, who is still living in Houston. Mr. Gerard was a highly respected citizen, and was a veteran of the Civil War, having served three years as a private in Com- pany I, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. He and his wife had six chil- dren, of whom three are now living: Emma, wife of Casper F. Schonlau, publisher of the Houston Signal; George, a resident of Houston; and Frances, who is the widow of Capt. S. B. McIntire, late of Houston.
Gerard L. Schonlau, who is a partner with his father, Caspar F. Schon- lau, in the firm of Schonlau & Son, editors and publishers of the Houston Signal, was born in Houston village, this county, Aug. 8, 1886. After com- pleting his studies at the Houston high school, he entered the Wisconsin Business College at La Crosse, Wis., and there completed a business course. In March, 1910, he formed a partnership with his father in the firm above mentioned, and they have since been successfully engaged in the publication of the "Signal," of which they have made a bright and newsy paper, enjoy- ing a good patronage. In politics Mr. Schonlau is independent with Re- publican tendencies. Aside from his journalistic interests he is a partner with S. Abraham in the newly remodeled S. & A. Theater, staging the latest and best moving-picture plays. In 1913 Mr. Schonlau was elected village
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recorder of Houston, in which position he served for five years. He is an active and useful member of the Houston Commercial Club, and is past master of Mystic Circle Lodge, No. 78, A. F. & A. M. On June 23, 1910, he was united in marriage with Cora Mae Anderson, who was born Oct. 8, 1887, daughter of C. W. and Bertha (Benson) Anderson. Her father is now deceased, but her mother is living, being a resident of Houston village.
Ole Hovde, an early settler in Yucatan township, where he developed a fine farm, was born June 21, 1838, in Telemarken, Norway, where he grew to manhood and was married to Aslang Olsdatter, a native of the same place, born Dec. 23, 1833. In 1863 they set out for the United States, coming directly to Houston county, Minnesota, and locating on wild land in section 28 north, Yucatan township, which he developed into the farm above mentioned-a farm now of 580 acres of valuable land, which is operated by his two sons, Andrew O. and John. Here he died November, 1914, at the age of 78 years, widely known and respected. He was survived by his wife, who is still living, having now attained the age of 85 years. They were the parents of eight children, Alice, Torbin, Ole, John, Andrew, Anton, Annie and Emma, of whom Ole and Annie are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hovde with their family, were, as the surviving members now are, faithful mem- bers of the Norwegian Lutheran church.
Andrew O. Hovde and John Hovde are engaged in operating a fine farm of 580 acres in Yucatan township, and are regarded as among the most successful and enterprising men of the community. They were born on the farm where they now live, John on Feb. 26, 1867, and Andrew O. on Oct. 15, 1868, the sons of Ole and Aslaug (Olsdatter) Hovde. Both received a good boyhood education, and Andrew O. attended the Valder Business College at Decorah, Iowa. They were reared to farm pursuits by their father, and have since his death carried on general farming for them- selves on an extensive scale, doing a thriving business in both stock and grain. They are interested in the Rushford Creamery, the Farmers' Ele- vator at Rushford, and the Farmers' Telephone Company. Both are Repub- licans. Their religion as that of their parents before them is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church. John Hovde married Christine Ensrud, who died May 12, 1906. Andrew O. is now one of the members of the town board and is clerk of his school district. He is a member of the Yeoman lodge at Rushford.
Jacob T. Halvorson, proprietor of a valuable farm of 330 acres in section 11, Yucatan township, was born in Telemarken, Norway, April 14, 1860, son of Targe and Segrid Andreas Halvorson. In the year following that of his birth he came to Houston county, Minn., with his parents, who settled on a farm in the southern part of Yucatan township. As a boy he attended school in Black Hammer township, while his industrial education was not neglected, as he found plenty to do in assisting his father in the improvement of the homestead, on which he resided until his marriage. On asuming the responsibilities of domestic life he engaged in farming for himself, renting a farm in Sheldon township, which he operated for two years. At the end of that time he bought his present farm of 330 acres, all valuable land, and well provided with suitable buildings. He is giving
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HERMAN LARSON AND FAMILY
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his principal attention to the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, superintending operations, the active work being performed by his sons, to whose judgment he leaves most of the details. He has built up a profitable business and is now numbered among the well to do men of his township. A Republican in politics, he has taken a more or less active part in public affairs, having rendered six years' service as one of the town's supervisors, and having also served some time as a member of the school board. He is a Lutheran in religion, being a member of the "Stone Church" in Houston. Mr. Halvorson was married December 21, 1885, to Caroline Erickson, who was born in Yucatan township, July 23, 1869, daughter of George and Inger (Paulson) Erickson. He and his wife are the parents of ten children: Ida Serena, wife of Edward Shebstad, residing on Hauge Ridge, Sheldon township; Torwald and Carl John, residing on the home farm; Stena, wife of Solway Shebstad, a mechanic residing in Rushford; and Mabel, Clara Georgina, Bertha Ovidia, Emma Helena, Clarence Palmer and Minerva, all of whom are living with their parents. George Erickson, father of Mrs. Halvorson, was born in Nonstad, Norway, Nov. 20, 1841. He came to this country in 1869, locating on a farm in Yucatan township, Houston county, and for the first few years worked out for others. Later he bought land and began farming on his own account, still being a resident of this township. His wife, who was born in Nonstad, Norway, June 1, 1844, died Aug. 1, 1917. They had 14 children, of whom Caroline was fourth in order of birth.
Herman Larson, who was for many years a land owner and farmer in Yucatan township, was born in Nonstad, Norway, July 15, 1853, and came to Houston county, Minnesota, when eight years old, or about the year 1861. Agriculture being the main occupation here in his youthful days, he naturally became a farmer, and was thus occupied until his death on the old homestead in 1906. He was married in this county to Anna Skare, who was born in Wisconsin, Oct. 2, 1858, and who is still living on the farm where she and her husband passed so many happy years. Mr. Larson was a prominent citizen of Yucatan township in his day, at various times serving in town and school office. With his passing away the township lost another of its old and respected pioneer settlers who had done his part in contrib- uting to its present state of prosperous development. He and his wife had eight children.
Theodore H. Larson, a prosperous general farmer of section 6, Hous- ton township, was born in Yucatan township, Houston county, July 25, 1880, son of Herman and Anna (Skare) Larson, who were pioneer settlers here. There were eight children in his parents' family, of whom he was the second in order of birth. His education was acquired in the district school, while he learned agriculture and stock raising on his parents' farm, where he remained until 1910, or four years after his father's death. He then came to his present farm, where he has 175 acres of good land, with adequate buildings, and is carrying on general farming successfully. He is also a stockholder in the Houston Creamery Co. and the Telephone Company. At the present time he is serving as school clerk, in politics being a Re- publican. His religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran 20
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church. Mr. Larson was married Oct. 3, 1907, to Anna Hostvet, who was born in Houston township, this county, daughter of Anfin J. and Ingeborg (Laugen) Hostvet, and who was educated in Yucatan township. Her father, a native of Norway, and an early settler in Houston township, died on the family homestead on Oak Ridge. Mr. and Mrs. Larson are the par- ents of four children: Harley, Irvin, Ruth E. and Helen.
Tolef Jordshaugen, who has been identified actively or passively with agricultural enterprises in Yucatan township for the last half century, was born in Telemarken, Norway, in July, 1838, and was about thirty years old when he emigrated to Houston county, Minnesota, and settled on a farm in Yucatan township. He was married in this county to Hegge Medby, and after some years' residence of the first farm they moved about three miles distant to the farm on which they have since resided. They have been the parents of five children. Tolef Jordshaugen died July 10, 1918, and was buried in the Lutheran Stone church cemetery, July 12, 1918, at the age of 80 years.
Theodore Jordshaugen, who is engaged in operating a profitable farm of 160 acres in section 25, Yucatan township, was born in this township, June 21, 1886, son of Tolef and Hegge (Medby) Jordshaugen. He was the fourth born of their five children, and was brought up on his parents' farm, attending school in District No. 20, Yucatan township. At the age of twenty years he rented his father's farm and operated it on his own account for ten years. He then bought the farm in section 25 on which he has since resided and which is a good piece of agricultural property, having a fertile soil and substantial buildings. Besides carrying on general farming successfully, Mr. Jordshaugen is a stockholder in the Houston Co- Operative Elevator and the Twin Ridge Telephone Company. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, and in politics a Republican. On Nov. 6, 1915, Mr. Jordshaugen was united in marriage with Olena Gausted, who was born on an adjoining farm in this township, daughter of Ole and Betsy (Bratland) Gaustad. Both her parents were born in Nor- way, the father in Trondhjem and the mother in Telemarken. The former came to this country with his parents when a lad of 13 and grew up and attended school in Yucatan township. He is now the owner of one of the best farms on the ridge. He and his wife have had nine children, their daughter Olena being the third born.
Harvey Chapel, in early times a farmer of Money Creek township, and later a stock shipper and for over forty years a resident of Money Creek township, was born in Tioga county, New York, March 1, 1838. When nine years old he accompanied his parents to Dodge county, Wisconsin, where he was reared to manhood. In 1854, at the age of 16, with a companion, he walked from his home in Dodge county to Money Creek township, Houston county, Minn., and two years later, in 1856, he came here and bought gov- ernment land, remaining six weeks. In the following year he came again. returning home after the harvest. The fall of the next year, 1858, saw him united in marriage with Julia Wydhoff, who was born near Berlin, Germany, in 1841. In 1859 he brought his wife to his farm in Money Creek township, and they took up their residence in a log house which he erected, and in
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MR. AND MRS. THOMAS CHAPEL
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which they made their home for three years. Mr. Chapel then moved with his family to Wisconsin, and was enrolled in the Second Wisconsin Cavalry, but before entering the service he was attacked by the measles which left his lungs in so weak a condition as to unfit him for army life, and he was accordingly discharged. After being away from Houston county for three years he returned and resumed his residence on his farm, where he re- mained until about 1870. He then took up his home in Money Creek village and there resided until 1903, in which year he moved to Houston village, where he continued to live until his death, March 2, 1912, aged 74 years and one day. At the time of his death he was the owner of 300 acres of land, in addition to town property. For a number of years during his active career he gave a portion of his time to public affairs, serving twelve years as constable, one term as a member of the board of county commissioners, and holding school office almost continuously. In early life he was a mem- ber of the Grange. Prior to the Civil War he became a charter member of the Masonic lodge at Houston, and he was one of those who organized the lodge of that order at Money Creek. His wife survived him three years, dying Feb. 20, 1915.
Thomas Chapel, a well known stock dealer and land owner of Houston, who for many years has been one of the prominent citizens of the county, was born near Beaver Dam, Dodge county, Wis., Dec. 24, 1863, son of Harvey and Julia (Wydhoff) Chapel. While he was still a babe he was brought by his parents to Money Creek township, Houston county, Minn., where they owned a farm, and there the early years of his boyhood were spent. In that vicinity he first attended school, his education being con- tinued in Houston village, to which the family moved in 1870. The father being engaged chiefly in stock dealing, young Thomas picked up some knowl- edge of business, and at the age of 17 he bought a colt and began a modest business of his own. He resided at home until he was 21 years old, by which time he had accumulated some capital. He then went to work in a cement factory at La Crescent, where he was employed for about two and one-half years. It was ten months after he entered the employ of the cement com- pany, or on Sept. 7, 1886, that he was united in marriage with Mary Ella Lockwood, a native of Ridgeway, Winona county, Minn., and daughter of James and Mary Jane (Lee) Lockwood. Leaving La Crescent in 1888, Mr. Chapel rented a farm in Money Creek township, near his old home, and for four years subsequently was engaged in its cultivation. He then rented a farm in Pine Creek township, Winona county, for two years. At the end of that time he gave up farming for awhile and moving to Houston engaged in business as a butcher, being thus occupied for about five years. Then trading the business for a farm in Pine Creek township, Winona county, he resumed the stock business, renting his farm. He is still thus engaged, having one farm, however, which he operates with hired help. Mr. Chapel now owns about one thousand acres of valuable farm land in Houston county, most of which is in Money Creek township. He is a stockholder in the Security State Bank of Houston, and in the Galoway Farm Implement plant at Waterloo, Iowa. In politics a Democrat, Mr. Chapel served for a number of years as justice of the peace at La Crescent, and was a member
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of the village board of Houston for nine years. He belongs to the Blue Lodge of Masons and to the Modern Woodmen of America at Houston, and attends the Presbyterian church. Both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star Lodge. They are the parents of seven children: Gertrude Maude, wife of L. H. Briggs, cashier of the Security State Bank of Houston, who has one child, Lyle Ellsworth; Ella Pearl, wife of Wallace McMillan, bookkeeper in the Houston State Bank; Winnie May, wife of Orrin Ons- gard, proprietor of a garage and dealer in Ford automobiles; Hazel Jo- sephine, wife of Clarence Wahl, for several years bookkeeper in the J. R. Watkins Medical Company of Winona, and who has one child, Darrel Chapel; Thomas Ray, who is a farmer assisting his father; Vera Mabel, wife of Robin Foss, who is in the employ of the Standard Oil Company at Houston; and Ilah Belle, telegraph operator at Houston, and wife of Ernest L. Rowlee. James Lockwood, father of Mrs. Thomas Chapel, was born in New York State, and in 1853 came to Bangor, La Crosse county, Wis., where he en- gaged in farming. About two years later he removed to Winona county, where he also followed agriculture, residing on his farm there until he retired about 1907. His wife died Nov. 3, 1901, and he is now living with his children, with whom he finds a comfortable home. For a number of years during his active period he served as a constable. He and his wife had nine children, of whom Mary Ella, now Mrs. Chapel, was the fifth in order of birth. During her girlhood she attended school in Winona county.
Halvor H. Baker, for many years a prominent citizen of Rushford township, just over the line from Houston county, was born in Norway, Feb. 26, 1840, and came to America as a boy of fourteen in 1854. For a few months he lived at Muskeegan, Wisconsin, and then spent several months in Illinois. In 1860 he set out for Minnesota, coming overland with a yoke of oxen. He settled in Fillmore county and there spent the remainder of his days. The tract upon which he settled was at that time nearly all wild. He set to work with a will, and in time developed an excellent farm, consist- ing of 40 acres in Money Creek township, forty acres in Yucatan township, and 100 acres in Rushford township, the home being near the line but in Rushford township. With the passing of the years, he achieved a good measure of prosperity and occupied an excellent position in the neighbor- hood. For thirty years he did good work on the school board, he was road overseer for a number of terms, and in other ways did his share as a public spirited citizen. He was a liberal supporter of the Norwegian church and one of its trustees. His business interests included stock in the Rushford Creamery. After a useful life filled with worthy labor and successful en- deavor he died July 29, 1911, leaving to his family the heritage of an excel- lent record. Since his death his widow conducts the place with the help of her son Henry and daughter Sarah. General farming is successfully conducted, a specialty being made of full blooded Swiss cattle. The home is known far and wide for its hospitality, and the family stands high through- out the county. Mr. Baker was married April 14, 1862, to Augusta Olsen, who died at the age of twenty-four. April 7, 1887, he was married at Winona to Alice Reese, who was born in Norway, June 16, 1859, came to America in 1882, lived for a while in Illinois and then came to Rushford.
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This union was blessed with five children: Henry, who is on the home farm; Eli, of Wilmar, Minn .; Julia, now Mrs. Torger Lewis, of Oak Ridge, Houston county ; Sarah, who is at home; and Carl, who works for Torger Lewis.
Gust Leander Dean, who took an active and effective part in the work of agricultural development in Houston township, where he died Dec. 5, 1905, was born in Halland, Sweden, June 4, 1857. His parents both died in Sweden, the father being a sea captain by occupation. Gust L. Dean was a young man when he emigrated to the United States, locating first at Preston, Minn., where he found employment. From there he came to Houston, where for about five years he worked in the mill. For awhile also he taught school in this county, but finally settled down to agricul- tural work, securing land in section 36 in the southeastern part of the town- ship, which he developed into a farm of 200 acres. Here his death occurred, as already narrated. Mr. Dean was an energetic and enterprising man, a good practical farmer and an agreeable neighbor, and his passing away was regarded as a distinct loss to the community. He was the first stockholder of the co-operative creamery company and was always ready to take a help- ing hand in promoting local interests. He was a member of the Swedish Baptist church. Mr. Dean was married February 8, 1889, to Augusta Olivia Sackerson, who was born in Halland, Sweden, Oct. 24, 1861, daughter of Andreas Martin Sackerson and his wife, whose maiden name was Josephine Matilda Benson. The father was formerly a tailor, but is now living re- tired in Sweden, being 88 years old and his wife 79. Neither ever visited America. Their daughter, Augusta Olivia, was the second born in a family of seven children, and was educated in her native land, coming to this country in 1886, four years before her marriage. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dean: Olga Leoranga, born Dec. 7, 1891, and Leo Walter, born Oct. 22, 1894, both of whom were educated in Houston county and are residing at home with their mother, Leo operating the farm.
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