History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 46

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

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 46

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Gustav H. Boldt, who owns and operates a farm of 140 acres in section 8, Mound Prairie township, was born at New Hartford, Winona county, Minn., July 27, 1878, son of Herman and Margaret (Milius) Boldt. The father was born in Pommern, Germany, May 1, 1842, and emigrated to Houston county, Minnesota, in 1870, locating in Mound Prairie township, where he worked out for others for seven years. He then bought land in Winona county, where he is still residing on a farm which his sons are operating, he being now retired. His wife died June 18, 1909. Gustav H. Boldt was the third born of his parents' eight children. He attended district school in Winona county and resided at home until sixteen years old. For nine years after that he worked out on farms, and during part of that time operated a threshing machine. At the end of that period he took a farm in La Crescent township, Houston county, which he operated for four years, and then moved to Looney Valley, where he farmed for two years. He then took his present farm of 140 acres, well improved, which he is operat- ing along general lines, raising grain and stock, and giving particular atten- tion to breeding Hereford cattle and Poland-China hogs. He is also a stock- holder in the Houston elevator. He is a member of district school board No. 94, Mound Prairie township, and is independent in politics. Mr. Boldt was married Sept. 24, 1906, to Lydia Krage, who was born in Wiscoy township, Winona county, Minn., Aug. 15, 1888, daughter of William and Wilhelmina (Marquardt) Krage. He and his wife are the parents of four children, Harvey H., Herbert J., Sylvia Esther and Sidney Charles.

William C. Senn, proprietor of a well equipped and profitable farm of 113 acres in section 4 south, Mound Prairie township, was born in this township, Nov. 2, 1884, son of John and Katherine (Miller) Senn. The parents were both natives of Wisconsin, the father coming to Houston county when a lad of eight or nine years, and growing up with the county. His occupation has always been that of a farmer and he and his wife are still living on their farm in Mound Prairie township. William C., who was the second born of their eight children, was reared on the homestead and in his boyhood attended school in Bush Valley. Until his marriage he was

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engaged in assisting his father on the home farm, and then moved to the farm on which he now lives, which he is operating along general lines, raising crops and stock to good advantage. He is also a shareholder in the Hokah elevator. In politics he is independent, voting for the man rather than for the party. Mr. Senn was united in marriage, June 15, 1911, with Emma Anderson, who was born in Houston township, this county, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Halberg Anderson. Her parents were both born in Sweden and came to Houston county many years ago. Mrs. Senn's father is now dead, but her mother, who is still living, resides with her. Mr. and Mrs. Senn have four children, Willard, Russell, Lola and Shirley.

Emil Byer, a general farmer residing in section 8, Mound Prairie town- ship, where he is operating a farm of 120 acres, was born in Vernon county, Wisconsin, Oct. 20, 1879, son of Michael and Thresa (Werner) Byer. The parents were natives of Germany. The father, born in 1833, came to the United States when a young man and engaged in farming in Wisconsin, where he resided for the rest of his life. He is now deceased, but his wife is still living on the old farm. Emil, who was the second born of their four children, was educated in the district schools of Vernon County, Wisconsin. After residing at home until about nineteen years of age he rented land and farmed for two years in Wisconsin. At the end of that time he came to Mound Prairie township, Houston county, and for fourteen years sub- sequently was engaged in farming rented land, at the end of that time buy- ing his present farm. On this he has made some notable improvements, having lately erected a good barn, 40 by 60 feet in size, and with modern equipment. His other buildings are also good and substantial, and he is numbered among the prosperous farmers of this township. He is a member of the Lutheran church and in politics is a Republican, with independent proclivities. Mr. Byer was married April 17, 1901, to May Goede, who was born in this township, daughter of Ferdinand and Pauline (Brunke) Goede. The parents were born in Pommern, Germany, but settled at an early date in Houston county, Minnesota. The father is still residing on a farm in this county, and has been a widower for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Emil Byer are the parents of four children: Selma Viola, Hazel Eleonora, Louisa Anna and Pauline Freda.

Henry H. May, a general farmer who owns and operates a farm of 166 acres in section 4 south, Mound Prairie township, was born in Plymouth, Wayne county, Michigan, Oct. 2, 1868, son of Henry F. and Fannie (Hyatt) May. The father, who was a native of the same place, was a merchant and lumberman, devoting a number of years of his life to the latter industry in various parts of the lumber region. At the time the Civil War broke out he tried to enlist as a soldier, but was refused on account of his youth. He finally obtained a place in the commissary department, in which he ren- dered service to the government. His wife was born at Ann Arbor, Mich. Both died in their native state. Henry H. May, who was the eldest of their four children, attended school at Cadillac, Mich., and also at Grand Rapids, that state. When twenty years old he worked out in the woods at lumbering, and followed that occupation in part for a number of years, also at times working in mills. In 1895 he came to Houston county, Minnesota, and se-

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MR. AND MRS. HENRY H. MAY

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curing land in Mound Prairie township, engaged in farming. He did not, however, remain at his first location, but subsequently removed to the farm on which he now lives, which he is operating as a general stock farm. He has made good progress, having a well equipped place, and is now numbered among the prosperous citizens of this township. He is a member of Fron- tier Lodge, No. 145, A. F. & A. M., at North La Crosse, to which he was dimitted from Hokah, where he first joined the order. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. May was married, April 6, 1915, to Margaret Elizabeth Crowe, who was born in Orange township, Schuyler county, New York, daughter of William and Ann (McClung) Crowe. Her parents were among the early settlers in Houston county, coming west in 1867 and taking land here. They spent many years in farming in Mound Prairie township, and each attained a venerable age, Mr. Crowe being ninety-eight years old when he died and his wife ninety-two.

John Olson, one of the early farmers in Mound Prairie township, who did his part in the promotion of agriculture and the civilization of the county, was born in Norway, near the city of Christiania, and was a boy when he came to the United States. In 1858 he arrived in Houston county and found employment. In 1860 he and his brother Olaus bought a farm in Mound Prairie township, and for three years he resided with his brother. Soon after he was married to Helen Hanson, a native of Telemarken, Norway. During the last six months of the Civil War he served as a private in a Wisconsin regiment, and on his return home he settled with his wife on a small farm in this township, on which he resided for two years. At the end of that time he took sixty acres in section 30, his dwelling being a small log house, and here he resided for nearly half a century, or until his death in 1914, spending many years of that time in the improve- ment of his property. For a number of years he was a member of his district school board. His wife survived him but a short time, dying on Christmas Day, 1915. They had but two children, of whom, Ole Martin is now proprietor of the old homestead, which has been enlarged to a farm of 405 acres; and the other of whom is now Mrs. Lena Happel, of La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Ole Martin Olson, proprietor of a modern stock farm of 405 acres, his residence lying in section 30, Mound Prairie township, and who is also one of the principal town officials, was born in Houston township, this county, May 5, 1865, son of John and Helen (Hanson) Olson. He was educated in the schools of Mound Prairie township, where, soon after the Civil War, his parents took a farm, two years later removing to a sixty-acre farm which now forms part of his present estate. On this latter place he took his first lesson in agriculture, assisting his father until arriving at the age of fifteen years. He then started in for himself, breaking a pair of calves, and renting a tract of land on which he engaged in farming. In time he increased his stock and bought land, also operating a threshing outfit. He returned to the old homestead which finally came into his possession, and where he has since resided. It is now a farm of 405 acres and he is operating it successfully as a general stock farm, making a specialty of breeding swine and Percheron horses. He also raises good cattle and is a.

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stockholder and director in the Houston creamery. He is now serving his tenth year as chairman of the town board, and has been a member of the school board since he was twenty-one years old. His fraternal society affiliations are with the Odd Fellows lodge at Hokah. Mr. Olson was mar- ried in March, 1891, to Matilda Haupt, who was born in Mound Prairie township, this county, daughter of Adolph and Henrietta (Redmann) Haupt. He and his wife are the parents of ten children: Henrietta; Adolph, who served in the army during the Great War; Myrtle, now Mrs. Arthur Anderson of Houston; Vera, Irvin, Julia, Dorothy, Eva, Georgia and Marion. Henrietta is the wife of Charles Johnson, of Houston town- ship, and has three children, Harold, Lois and Loraine. Vera, who grad- uated from the Houston high school, including the normal department, is now a teacher. The other children are all residing on the home farm.

William Bottcher, an active and enterprising farmer of Mound Prairie township, residing in section 29, was born in this township, Nov. 19, 1882, son of Charles and Minnie Bottcher. The parents were both natives of Germany, the father emigrating directly to Houston county, Minnesota, about 1872 or 1873. He cleared and improved a farm in Mound Prairie township, residing on it for a number of years until he met his death in a runaway accident in La Crosse. His wife is still living on the old farm. William was the fourth born of their eleven children, one of whom, Joseph, is now operating the farm. At an early age, having acquired his education in the district school, William became active on the farm, assisting his father in the work of improvement. Residing at home until his marriage, he then rented a farm in Mound Prairie township, operating it until 1913, when he came to his present location in section 29. Here he has sixty acres of good land, besides twenty-three acres in the Root River Bottom, and is carrying on general farming with profitable results, raising both grain and stock. He is a member of the district school board, and in politics is independent. Mr. Bottcher was married June 17, 1903, to Metta Vix, daughter of Louis and Arvilla (Edmonds) Vix, pioneers of Mound Prairie township. He and his wife have seven children: Lillian, Esther and Ethel (twins), Irvin, Raymond, Arthur and Adolph.

James G. Sheldon, M. D., a notable pioneer of Houston county, long since deceased, was born in Herkimer county, New York. Of his early life there are few details available, but it is known that he studied medicine and was graduated as a regular physician. At Celina, Ohio, he was married to Margaret Roberts, a native of Mercer county, that State, and in 1853 they came to Houston county, Minnesota, Dr. Sheldon buying a farm of 160 acres in Wild Cat Valley, Brownsville township, from Samuel McPhail, for which he paid $600. Almost immediately he assumed his natural place as a leading citizen, practicing his profession, and taking a prominent part in public gatherings, and all movements for the progress and welfare of the community. He was one of the committee that had charge of the great barbecue held at Brownsville, July 4, 1855. In 1856 he sold his farm in Brownsville and moved to Mound Prairie township, buying a farm in sec- tion 33. It contained 430 acres, but the active work was done mostly by

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FRANK SHELDON

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his sons, as he continued in the practice of his profession, having his office and residence on the farm, and, his services as a physician being in great demand, he had little time for agriculture beyond exercising a general supervision over the work. After the state was admitted, and when for a time the counties were governed by a board of supervisors, Dr. Sheldon was the temporary chairman of the second board of supervisors, in 1859, and took a prominent and active part in the subsequent proceedings of the board. As a man of education, his councils were of the highest value in those days when the foundations of the county were being built, and when the policies of the future conduct of county affairs were being formed. He was a great student, well versed in the classical languages, and in addition to his other mental activities, gave some time to the study of law, though he never practiced it. In 1879 he deeded the farm to his sons, Sumner S. and H. R. Sheldon, who still own and conduct it, and who still have in their possession most of their father's valuable books, constituting at one time the finest library in the county. In 1880 Dr. Sheldon passed from this life, a man greatly honored and respected. He had become quite well to do, but will be chiefly remembered for his public spirit, and the help he was al- ways willing to render to the sick and distressed. His wife survived him many years, dying in 1908, after having been for fifty-five years a resident of this county, and a sharer in her husband's fame and popularity. Their children were as follows: Celina A., now Mrs. H. J. Herzog, of Drady, N. D .; H. R. and Sumner S., on the old home farm; Florence N., wife of Rev. A. R. Carrick, a Presbyterian clergyman of Tieton, Wash .; and Julia A., now Mrs. W. J. Evans, of Gooding, Idaho.

Sumner S. Sheldon, a successful farmer and stock raiser of Mound Prairie township, of which he is one of the leading citizens, was born in Wild Cat Valley, Brownsville, township, Houston county, Minnesota, Aug. 19, 1855, son of Dr. James G. and Margaret (Roberts) Sheldon. In the year after his birth his parents took the farm in section 33, Mound Prairie town- ship, on which he is now residing, and here he grew to manhood, acquiring his education in the district school. In early manhood he and his brother, H. R., took charge of the farm, the father being engaged in the practice of medicine. In 1879 their father deeded the property to them, and since then the subject of this sketch has greatly improved it, having erected a fine residence, with a complement of outbuildings, and added twenty-five acres to the estate, which now has an area of 455 acres, all contained in sec- tion 33. Mr. Sheldon follows general diversified farming, and breeds a good grade of stock, including cattle, horses, swine and sheep. A man of enterprise, wealth, and public spirit, he possesses a marked influence in the community, and has served Mound Prairie township in various official positions, having been assessor, supervisor, and town clerk. He was also for several years a member of the school board. In 1890 he served as U. S. census enumerator of Mound Prairie township. His religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian church. Mr. Sheldon was married May 2, 1887, to Ada L. Fairbanks, who was born in Mound Prairie township, this county, Nov. 6, 1868, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Fairbanks. Of this union six children have been born, as follows: Ruth, Feb. 26, 1888;

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Julia C., Oct. 17, 1889; Frank, Jan. 3, 1895; Lois S., May 11, 1899; Laura M., Aug. 19, 1901; and Sumner S., Jr., Aug. 13, 1910. Ruth is now Mrs. J. F. Bottcher, of Money Creek township, and has three children, Ada, John, and Ruth. Julia C. is the wife of A. E. Swenson, of Sheldon township, and has two children, Warren and Wayne. Frank, of whom a separate sketch ap- pears in this volume, gave his life to his country in the great war just ended. The three other children are residing on the home farm.

Frank Sheldon, one of Houston county's youthful heroes who have sacrificed their lives in the cause of human freedom in the great world war, was born on his parents' farm in section 33, Mound Prairie township, Jan. 3, 1895, son of Sumner S. and Ada L. (Fairbanks) Sheldon. He ac- quired his preliminary education in the district school, later attended the agricultural school at Caledonia, and was graduated in the class of 1914 from the La Crosse County Agricultural College at Onalaska. Thus prepared for a successful career, he took up farming on the parental estate, which was the pioneer farm of his grandparents, and assisted in its operation according to modern and scientific methods until he was called to the colors, Feb. 24, 1918. Having become a private in Company G, 132d Regiment of Infantry, he learned the duties of a soldier first at Camp Dodge, then at Camp Logan, Texas, and later at Camp Upton, New York, and in May, 1918, sailed for France. His regiment was assigned to the 33d Division, and he became a member of an automatic rifle squad, with which he made a fine record. His bravery was proven on various occasions, and particularly a few days before his death, when his company formed part of the force which captured Forges Wood, when he took eleven prisoners, single-handed, from a dugout. On Oct. 8, 1918, his command crossed the Meuse River, at the village of Brabant, about fifteen miles north of Verdun, and swept up the right bank of the Meuse through the town of Consenvoye. There they met with a heavy machine-gun resistance, and took shelter in shell-holes, ad- vancing their bombers by ones and twos to overcome the strong points with grenades, the automatic rifles in the meanwhile pouring a shower of lead at the enemy. Frank, who was taking part in this work, succeeding in silencing two of their machine guns. While thus engaged he was struck in the head by a machine gun bullet and instantly killed. His body was interred in a cemetery just outside the town of Consenvoye, the grave being marked by a wooden cross. His corporal, John R. Chantland, said of him: "Frank was one of the best liked men in the company. He never grumbled, was always willing and ready to offer his services for any kind of work, and I don't believe he ever had a falling-out with anyone. He gave himself freely, and left us all with a clean record, and the memory of a brave lad whom all could admire." His lieutenant-colonel, P. P. Stanis- zewski, bore similar testimony. When the news of his death was received in his home town, the sympathy of the entire community went out to his parents in their great hour of sorrow.

Buford Martin Buckbee, who for a number of years was well known as an enterprising and successful general farmer of Mound Prairie township, residing in section 18, was born in this township, Nov. 29, 1864, son of James and Melissa (Storer) Buckbee. His father, a native of the State of

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BUFORD M. BUCKBEE AND FAMILY

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EMIL B. BENSON

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Maine, was an early settler in this township, locating here immediately after the close of the Civil War, in which he served three years as a soldier in a New York volunteer regiment. His wife, also a native of Maine, accom- panied him to this county. They established a flourishing farm, and both attained an advanced age, James Buckbee dying on his son's farm in sec- tion 18 in 1904 and his wife about two years previously. Buford Martin Buckbee was reared on his parents' farm and when a boy attended school in Mound Prairie township. When he grew to manhood he engaged in farming for himself and his time for a number of years was spent in de- veloping the estate of 120 acres in section 18 on which his widow is now living. He was one of the useful citizens of his township, ever ready to lend a hand in promoting its moral or material interests, and for some time he rendered efficient service on the school board. His death, which occurred Aug. 8, 1910, caused deep regret in this and neighboring town- ships. Mr. Buckbee was married Oct. 13, 1900, to Anna Dorthea Pederson, who was born in Norway, Dec. 4, 1859, near the city of Christiania, daughter of John and Inga (Gulbrandson) Pederson, and who came to Houston county, Minnesota, when a child, about 1870. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Buckbee, both sons-Ira Manville and Bennie Delphen-who are now operating the home farm for their mother. The soil is rich and the farm well provided with modern buildings and equipment, and the two sons, though young, are already practical farmers equal to the task im- posed upon them.

Emil B. Benson, a general farmer operating 163 acres of land in sec- tion 9, Mound Prairie township, was born in Halland, Sweden, April 9, 1881, son of Frederick and Ange (Anderson) Benson. The parents were natives of the same province, the father born May 17, 1849, and the mother Jan. 11, 1847. The former was in early life a fisherman. Coming to Houston county, Minnesota, in October, 1900, they settled near Houston, where they remained until 1905, when they retired and took up their residence with their son Emil B. The latter, who was the fifth born in a family of eight children, attended school in Sweden and also for a short time in Houston township, this county. When only eight years old he began to earn his own living by herding cattle, and continued at that and other occupations in his native land until he was sixteen years old. He then came to Minne- sota, locating immediately in Houston, where for three years he worked out for others. He then rented a farm in the township, from which some years later he moved to his present place, where he is doing a good business as a general farmer. In politics Mr. Benson is a Republican with indepen- dent proclivities. He is a member of the Lutheran church.

Barney Jamieson, who contributed to the work of civilization in Hous- ton county by developing a good farm in section 9, Mound Prairie township, was born in Telemarken, Norway, Sept. 28, 1830. It was in 1853 that he came to the United States, a young man in his twenty-third year. For a number of years he traveled through various parts of the country, until he came to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where he remained for a while. From there he come in 1862 to the adjoining county of Houston, securing a tract of wild land in Mound Prairie township, on which he built a log house

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and began the work of improvement. Starting with seventy acres, he built up his farm until it had an area of 200, and was well provided with necessary buildings. On this place he resided until his death on July 27, 1914. In early days he served as a member of the school board, being a well read man and well qualified to exercise supervision in educational matters. He was also a man of peaceful temperament, preferring rather to suffer injustice than engage in disputes or contentions with his neighbors, by whom he was universally respected. Mr. Jamieson married Anna Halvorson, who was born in Telemarken, Norway, Sept. 28, 1831, their marriage taking place in Fillmore county. She died Jan. 15, 1900, in the same room and in the same bed where her husband breathed his last more than thirteen years later. They were the parents of eight children, of whom James, the fourth born, is now proprietor of the homestead.

James Jamieson, who is his father's successor in the proprietorship of the old Jamieson homestead in section 9, Mound Prairie township, was born on this farm, May 15, 1867, son of Barney and Anna (Halverson) Jami- son. He acquired his education in the district school, and as soon as he was old enough to work became his father's assistant on the home farm, where he has always resided. In 1901 he purchased the property, con- sisting of 1961/2 acres of valuable land, with a good set of buildings and equipment, and is operating it successfully as a general stock farm. Many of the more important improvements have been introduced by himself and are of modern design. Mr. Jamieson has served six years as a member of the town board, showing good qualities as a public official. In politics he is a Republican and in religion a Lutheran, being a member of the "Stone Church" in Houston township.

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 46

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

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