History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 42

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

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John H. Halvorson, proprietor of a feed mill in section 23, Yucatan township, who is also engaged successfully in tobacco culture, was born in this township, March 27, 1879, son of H. T. and Guneild J. (Gunderson) Halvorson. He was reared on his parents' farm in this township and in his boyhood attended the district school on Oak Ridge. For a number of years he was engaged in assisting his father, residing on the home farm until his marriage. He then rented a farm in Yucatan township, and later one on Houge Ridge, in Sheldon township, where he remained two years. At the end of that time he bought his present mill, known as the old Howe mill, together with 61 acres of land. The mill, which he has since conducted, has a capacity of 15 sacks of feed an hour, and is provided with an equip- ment for sawing lumber. To this he is about to add a planing-machine. His land he devotes to the cultivation of tobacco and is having good success with this crop. His brother Theodore is a partner in the business, John H. being the active manager of the mill. Mr. Halvorson is the present school clerk of District No. 1, in politics being a Republican. He is a mem- ber of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Houston. Mr. Halvorson was married Nov. 24, 1904, to Mary Schiebsted, who was born in Houston, this.

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county, daughter of Sven and Solvo (Moen) Schiebsted. Her father, a native of Telemarken, Norway, settled at an early date in Houston, but now resides on Houge Ridge with his son. The mother of Mrs. Halvorson is now deceased. The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Halvorson has been enlarged by the birth of five children, Cecelia Galena, Hazel Elvena, Gynther Melvin, Ernest Tenious and Melton John.

Aaron Vance, one of the earliest settlers in Money Creek township, was born in Gratton, Vt., Oct. 14, 1812. He grew up in his native state, where he learned the shoemaker's trade, and was married to Lucinda Tucker, who was born in Newbury, Vt., in 1818. In 1849 he moved with his family to South Ryegate in the same state, and resided there until Feb. 28, 1866, when he came to Houston county, Minnesota, arriving March 3, 1866, settling on a tract of wild land in Money Creek township. Two brothers and two sisters had preceded him here, but there were very few settlers in the township, and Money Creek village contained but one store and a grist mill. Mr. Vance spent 10 years in developing a farm, at the end of which time he moved to the village. Later he took up his residence in Winona, but the last four years of his life were spent with his son, William A., in Houston, his death occurring Jan. 4, 1905. During his active period he held various local and town offices. His wife died six years before him. They were the parents of eight children: George L., David E., W. A., Albert N., Nancy Jane, Nicholas W., Abbie and Aaron W. George L. and David E. are deceased; Nancy J. is now Mrs. D. C. Dyer, of Houston village; Abbie is now Mrs. Calvin Vance of Houston village.

William A. Vance, a respected citizen of Houston, connected with one of the principal mercantile establishments of the village, was born in Bar- nett, Vt., April 5, 1843, son of Aaron and Lucinda (Tucker) Vance, he being the third born of their eight children. As a young man, Dec. 25, 1866, he came to Houston county, whither his parents had preceded him, and he resided with them until reaching the age of 21. For ten years he lived on their farm in Money Creek township and then moved to Houston, where he worked six years for Mr. Dyer. At the end of that time he was appointed postmaster under President Harrison's administration and served in that office for four years. After that for two years he conducted a store in Sheldon township for Mr. Dyer. Then returning to Houston, he entered the employ of James P. Onstad, one of the leading merchants here, deal- ing in dry goods, groceries, hardware, shoes, and farm implements, and has been thus occupied for practically all of the time since. He owns a comfortable home in the village, where he and his wife are residing, spend- ing the afternoon of life, surrounded by their children and acquaintances, having an adequate competence to maintain their declining years. A Re- publican in politics, Mr. Vance has for a number of years at various times taken an active part in local government affairs. He served some years as town assessor in Money Creek township, and also as a member of the school board. In Houston he has served as village trustee and also as president of the village council, and he has further rendered service as a member of the Republican County Central Committee, and as census taker in Houston and in Money Creek township. While a young man living in

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MR. AND MRS. W. A. VANCE

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Vermont he joined the Presbyterian church, but joined the Baptist church after coming to Money Creek township, this county. Mr. Vance was first married to Mary Gray, a native of St. John's, New Brunswick, who, how- ever, died eleven months after her marriage. Two years later, Jan. 12, 1875, Mr. Vance married Abigail Simms, daughter of Robert and Jane (Hall) Simms. He and his wife have three children, Hattie Belle, Ethel May and Minnie Gray. Hattie Belle is the wife of Charles Metcalf, of Caledonia, the present clerk of court for Houston county, and they have one son, Charles Vance. Ethel May is the wife of Abraham Abrahamson, who is clerk in a mercantile establishment in Lanesboro, Minn. She has two children, Marian, a teacher, and Aldons, who is clerk in the James P. Onstad store in Houston. Minnie Gray is the wife of Elmer O. Abraham- son, who is employed in the same store. Mr. Vance is a member of the Masonic lodge in Houston and has passed through the chairs. Both he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star lodge, in which Mr. Vance has been Worthy Patron and Mrs. Vance Star Esther. They are people of means and of high standing in the community. Though often persuaded by his children to retire, Mr. Vance has hitherto preferred to lead an active life, of which he is still capable, in spite of his advanced years.

Ove T. Rakstad, who is successfully engaged in general and stock farming in section 29, Yucatan township, was born in Nonstadt, Norway, June 22, 1867, son of Olavat and Marn (Bjarkanas) Rakstad, who were natives of the same place. Both the parents died in Norway. Ove T., who was the second born of their four children, attended school in his native land, where he remained until he was 15 years old. He then came to the United States, locating in Lac qui Parle county, Minn., where he found employment working for others for about four years. When he arrived in this country he could speak no English but subsequently he picked up a knowledge of the language. At the age of 19 he came to Houston county, where in January, 1892, he was united in marriage with Susan Jacobson, a daughter of Ole and Bertha Jacobson, and who was born on her parents' farm in this township. The parents, who were natives of Norway and pioneers in this vicinity, are both now deceased. Renting his father-in- law's farm, Mr. Rakstad operated it for four years, after which he bought his present farm of 217 acres of valuable land, on which he has since re- sided, carrying on general farming and stock raising with profitable results. He has made all the improvements now on the farm, including a new barn recently erected, 60 by 36 feet in ground dimensions. Through hard work and attention to business he has made steady progress until he is now numbered among the substantial citizens of his township, and is a man respected both for his achievements and for his personal character. He is a stockholder in the Rushford Creamery and the Rushford Elevator. His fraternal affiliations are with the Yeomen lodge at Rushford. Mr. and Mrs. Rakstad are the parents of three children, all sons: Ole, who has an excellent record in the United States military service, and Bennie and Selmar, who are residing on the home farm.

Mathias Gustavson, who is following general agriculture successfully on a farm of 150 acres in section 8, Yucatan township, was born in Tele-

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marken, Norway, in 1853, son of Gust and Anlog (Moe) Gustavson. The father, who was a Swedish Finn, was bookkeeper for a firm operating the richest copper mine in Norway, while the mother was born in Satersdahl, Norway. Both are now deceased. Mathias, who was the second born in a family of four children, attended school in Satersdahl. His industrial life began at the early age of eight years and he worked out for others until he came to the United States in 1885, locating immediately in Houston county, Minnesota. Here also he worked out for awhile but finally bought his present farm, a good piece of agricultural property both as to the land and buildings, and where he is raising both crops and stock on a profitable basis, devoting his whole time to the business. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Oak Ridge. Mr. Gustavson was married in November, 1885, to Christina Olson, who was born in Norway, daughter of Ole Olson and wife. Both her parents died in their native land, and Mrs. Gustavson, herself, passed away Nov. 5, 1898. She left three children: Andrew and Ole, who are residing with their father; and Anna Berdina, who is the wife of Bennie Benson, a farmer residing at Leroy, Minn.

Herman Larson, the founder of one of the best farms in Yucatan town- ship, whose life's labors came to an end some twelve years ago, was born in Nonstadt, Norway, July 15, 1853, son of Nels and Mary Larson. He was a lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents to Fillmore county, Minn., whence the family after awhile moved to Houston county. Here the father died, and the mother subsequently married again and finally died in Eau Clarie. Young Herman acquired his education in the district schools and was brought up on the home farm, which he began to operate on his own account at the age of 25 years. After carrying on the enter- prise for two years, he rented another farm, which he operated for about the same length of time. He then settled on a farm in Section 11, Yucatan township, which had some small improvements, but which he subsequently developed into a fine farm of 280 acres, with substantial buildings, residing thereon until his death on Aug. 3, 1906. His success was made as a general farmer, and by his industry, enterprise and high qualities as a man he had' won high regard among his fellow townsmen. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and at time held various local offices, serving on the school board and as chairman of the town board. In politics he was Republican. Mr. Larson was married in March, 1876, to Anna Thompson, who was born near Stoughton, Wis., Oct. 6, 1857, daughter of Tollef and Helen (Skahre) Thompson. Her parents were both natives of Telemarken, Norway, who set- tled first in Wisconsin and later in Yucatan township, Houston county, Minn., where they engaged in farming until their death. Mrs. Larson has continued to reside on the farm established by her husband and has in- creased its size to 440 acres, the actual work being attended to by her sons. Of her marriage with Mr. Larson eight children were born, one of whom died in infancy. The survivors are: Nicholas, a farmer living at Brail, near Rice Lake, Wis .; Theodore, a resident of Yucatan township; Tena, wife of Ole Lee, of this township; Bertha, wife of Melvin Laumb, a farmer of Fillmore county ; and Henry, Arthur and Inga, who are residing at home. Mrs. Larson is an active member of Ladies' Aid Society and takes an interest

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in every movement calculated to benefit the community in which she lives.

David Murray, one of the pioneer settlers in Houston county, now de- ceased, was born in Amsterdam, N. Y., in March, 1841. His chief occupa- tion through life was that of farming, but when he first settled in Houston county he drove the stage for awhile between Prairie du Chien and Winona. On giving up that occupation he settled at Ridgeway, Winona county, but later moved to Pleasant Hill township, Winona county, where he engaged in farming. On his retirement after a career of many years in agricultural activities, he tok up his residence at Ridgeway Corners, where he died a year later. He was a Civil War veteran, having served 18 months as private in a Minnesota regiment. Mr. Murray married Jane Lemon, who was born in Ireland in 1844, and who is now living in Winona. They were the parents of four children : Jenette, Lester, Royal, and Etta.

Lester A. Murray, a well known and prosperous farmer of Money Creek township, residing in section 20, was born at Pleasant Hill, Winona county, Minn., Feb. 16, 1880, son of David and Jane (Lemon) Murray. He was the third born in a family of four children, and in his boyhood attended school at Ridgeway, Winona county. At the age of 16, being then a resident of Pleasant Hill township, that county, to which location his parents had moved, he began working out, but resided at home during the winters until the age of 19. After his marriage in 1902 he worked for two years in a lumber yard in Winona, at the end of that time moving to the farm on which he is now residing, and which he is operating as a general dairy and stock farm. He has 160 acres of valuable land, with good buildings and fences, and his place presents evidence of careful and successful manage- ment. Among his other business interests are those of a stockholder in the Money Creek Creamery, the Houston Elevator, and the Paradise Tele- phone Company, of which last mentioned institution he is now serving as treasurer. He is a member of the Masonic order, being past secretary and present Steward of his lodge; also of the Eastern Star. In politics he is an independent Republican. Mr. Murray married Mabel Chapel, who was born in Money Creek, daughter of Harvey and Julia (Wydhoff) Chapel. Mrs. Mabel Murray died in December, 1916, leaving three children : Harvey A., born June 18, 1902; Harry David, born April 15, 1909; and Mertie Belle, born Sept. 25, 1910, all of whom are residing home with their father.

Jokkum Larson, in former years a well known farmer and respected citizen of Money Creek township, was born in Christiania, Norway, Jan. 1, 1830. He grew to manhood in his native land and there married Anna Jenson, by whom he had twelve children. In or about the year 1869 his wife died, after which event he sought a new home in the United States, arriving in Chicago not long after the great fire of 1871, which destroyed a large portion of the city. There he remained for a number of years, be- ing connected with the builder's trade, which was then flourishing and continued to be good until the city was reconstructed. Subsequently Mr. Larson went to Stevens Point, Wis., where he was engaged for a short time in railroad work. At the end of that period he came to Houston county, Minnesota, securing land in section 17, Money Creek township, which had

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some improvements on it. To these he added and as time went on de- veloped a good farm, on which he died in December, 1905. When a young man he had served in the Norwegian army, and possessed a good physique, which enabled him to do the hard work incidental to the building up of his farm.

Hans J. Larson, proprietor of the old Larson homestead in section 17, Money Creek township, where he is carrying on a prosperous farming and stock raising business, was born in Christiania, Norway, March 22, 1865, son of Jokkum and Anna (Jenson) Larson. The eleventh born in a family of twelve children, he was brought to this country by his father, then a widower, in the early seventies, accompanying him to Chicago, later to Stevens Point, and finally to Money Creek township, Houston county, Minn. Here he attended the school in district No. 96, and remained with his father until twelve years old, at which time he began working out for others. Later, when about 17, he went to the pine woods and worked as a lumber- man. bringing home his money to help the family. For a few years before his marriage in 1903 he rented the home farm and after that event took up his permanent residence on it, subsequently, on his father's death, be- coming its proprietor. Since then he has made all the important improve- ments now standing and in use, and has 280 acres of fertile land. He is engaged in general stock raising, making a specialty of Durham cattle and Poland-China swine, and is a stockholder and director in the Rushford Creamery. He has served on the local school board, in politics being an in- dependent Republican, and is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Rushford, and of the Modern Woodmen of America at that place. Mr. Larson began domestic life when, on Jan. 22, 1903, he was united in mar- riage with Ida Omodt, who was born at Money Creek Station, this town- ship, daughter of Louis and Julia (Hanson) Omodt. Both her perents were natives of Norway, the father of Stavenger and the mother of Tele- marken. Mr. and Mrs. Larson have four children : Ralph Harold, Vernon Omodt, Irvin Harley and Harley Irvin.

Gust Nelson, a general farmer whose residence lies in the village of Money Creek, together with a part of his land, was born near Varmland, Sweden, Sept. 30, 1866, son of Nels Johnson and his wife Carrie Nelson, both of whom were natives of the same locality. After emigrating to near Christiania, Norway, where Nels Johnson was for awhile engaged in farm- ing, he and his family, in June, 1885, came to Houston county, Minnesota, locating on a farm in Looney Valley, Houston township, where he resided until his death in 1903. His wife, who survives him, is now residing with her son Gust, who was the second born of their three children. The latter, who was about 19 years old when he came to America, acquired his school education in Norway, but could not speak English when he arrived in this country. Until 25 years old he assisted his father on the parental farm, and then bought a farm of his own in Storer Valley, which he operated for three or four years. Then he purchased land in Looney Valley which he and his brother worked together, a few years later dividing it. He con- tinued his residence in that valley until the summer of 1917, when he sold his property there and bought his present farm, having 46 acres in connec-

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MR. AND MRS. OLIVER OLSON

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tion with his house in the village and 26 acres farther west, all of which he is operating as a general farmer. He is also a stockholder in the Houston Creamery. Mr. Nelson has made good progress in carving out his fortune and is now in prosperous circumstances. In politics he is a Republican. He was married April 11, 1911, to Julia Henderson, who was born in Storer Valley, Houston township, Sept. 10, 1875, daughter of Jule and . Guri (Hegge) Henderson, who were early settlers in that locality, coming directly from Norway. Both parents are now deceased. Their daughter Julia (Mrs. Nelson) was the third born of their four children, and ac- quired her education in Houston county. As a farmer's daughter she is well adapted for a farmer's wife and presides over the household with an efficiency founded upon practical experience. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church.

Oliver Olson, who is now living practically retired on a farm in section 8, Money Creek township, was born near Money Creek, Houston county, Nov. 16, 1855. The greater part of his life has been spent in agricultural pursuits, though when a young man he worked for awhile at the carpenter's trade. After buying land in Houston township, he remained on his farm there until the spring of 1916, when he took up his residence on the farm where he is now living, which is owned and operated by his sons, Henry O. and Helmer B., and is a fine estate of 440 acres. Mr. Olson married Belle Larson, who was born in Norway, April 22, 1866, and who was brought to this country when five years old. They have been the parents of eleven children : Henry O., Anna now Mrs. Oscar Sooum, Ida, Helmer, Lester, Helen, Ellen, Eva, Melvin, Martha and Martin. The family faith is that of the Lutheran church.

Henry O. Olson, who with his brother, Helmer B. Olson, owns and operates a fine farm of 440 acres in section 8, Money Creek township, where they are raising a fine grade of stock, was born in Rushford, Fillmore county, Minn., Dec. 16, 1884, son of Oliver and Belle (Larson) Olson. He was the eldest of his parents' eleven children and was educated in district schools in Houston township, also spending two winters in a Bible school in Chicago. From the age of 16 until that of 26 he worked out for others, but since 1911 has resided with his parents, and for some time operated the farm for them. He and his brother are now partners in the business and are successfully breeding Roan Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. The farm is fully equipped with modern appliances and is well im- proved as to buildings, the two brothers exercising careful management over every detail. Henry O. Olson is also a stockholder in the Money Creek Creamery. In politics he is a Republican with independent proclivi- ties.

Abram Nelson, now living practically retired in section 12, Money Creek township, after an active career as a general farmer, was born in Norway, Feb. 2, 1837, son of Andrew and Josephine Nelson. The parents came to America in the year 1844, locating on Koshonong Prairie, Dane county, Wis., where they resided about two years. They then removed to Baraboo, Wis., where soon after the father died, his wife passing away about a year later. Abram was the youngest in a family of five children.

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He attended school for a limited period in Baraboo, Wis., and North Free- dom, Wis. At the age of eleven years he went to reside with a family with which he remained for a year, and after that he became self-supporting. In 1854 he came to Minnesota and took a land claim, but for several years he was employed in operating a breaking team and a threshing outfit. In 1857 he bought 160 acres of land in Wiscoy township, in the location known as Vinegar Hill-a tract that he sold a number of years ago. He has now 175 acres in Wiscoy township, Winona county, having retained but seven acres of land where he now lives, which he is cultivating as a garden. He is a member of the G. A. R., having served in the Civil War as a private in Co. A, First Minnesota Heavy Artillery. In politics he is a Republican with Prohibition proclivities, and has served as justice of the peace and a member of the school board. Mr. Nelson was first married in 1860 to Aldeline Amelia Clark, who was born in New York State. Of that union two children were born, of whom the only one now living is Dora, wife of E. J. Kingsley of Money Creek township, Houston county. In 1890 Mr. Nelson married Mrs. Brenerman, a widow residing in Sheldon town- ship, of which union there were no children. Mr. Nelson subsequently married for his third wife Mrs. Anna Campbell of Money Creek. She died in 1911, leaving no children. In 1912 Mr. Nelson married Mrs. Catherine R. Griffin, a resident of the vicinity of Rushford. She is the mother of two sons, Alfred, of La Crescent; and Samuel J., of Arizona.

Hugh O'Donnell, who aided in the development of Money Creek town- ship by the establishment of a farm in section 17, was born in county Tip- perary, Ireland, and was a young boy when he came to this country with his parents. Later he separated from the rest of the family in Albany, N. Y., and coming west, reached Winona, Minn., before there was any railroad built to that place. Soon after, however, he became engaged in railroad work and was thus occupied until about 1873, when he came to Money Creek township and bought the land in section 17 which he sub- sequently developed into the farm above mentioned. It was practically all wild land when he took it, but he had brought lumber with him, with which he built a small frame house, which was one of the first in this vicinity. To his original tract, which contained 40 acres, he subsequently added 100 more, and continued his improvements and the cultivation of his farm until his death about 1910. Mr. O'Donnell married Margaret Hennessy, who, like himself, was born in Tipperary, Ireland. She died before him-about the year 1901. They were the parents of six children.

John O'Donnell, a well to do general farmer operating 608 acres in Money Creek township, his residence lying in section 17, was born in Winona, Minn., Nov. 8, 1862, son of Hugh and Margaret (Hennessy) O'Donnell. He was the eldest of his parents' six children. His early educa- tion was obtained in Winona and he subsequently attended school for awhile in this township. Until he was 21 years old he acted as his father's assistant on the home farm, and after that worked out until his marriage. He then settled on a 40-acre farm close to his present location, operating it for two years, after which for five years he rented an adjoining farm. Then he went back to the 40-acre place, residing on it for a few years, and

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 42

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

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