History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 48

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

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 48

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).

Digitized by Google

354

HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY

John R. Wheaton, who as general supervisor is operating the Wheaton stock farm of 1,120 acres in the western part of Mound Prairie township, is one of the leading stock raisers in this part of Houston county. He was born in Caledonia township, this county, April 7, 1885, son of Samuel N. and Anna M. (Houghton) Wheaton, and was the third born in a family of six children, being the eldest of the four who are now living. He was educated in the district school of his locality and at the age of sixteen years began doing a man's work on the parental homestead, proving a valuable assistant to his father, with whom he was closely associated until after attaining his majority. At that time he took the practical charge of the farm which he is now operating, and of which for some time he has had full charge. He raises a large amount of stock yearly and is also profitably engaged in selling wood and lumber. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Exchange and Elevator at Houston, and a director of the Farmers' Tele- phone Co. In politics he is an independent Republican, while his fraternal society affiliations are with the Masonic order. Mr. Wheaton was married Dec. 18, 1907, to Caroline Dahl, who was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, daughter of Lars Dahl and wife, whose maiden name was Betsey (Halseth). Her parents were born in Norway, where the father was a farmer and fisher- man. On coming to the United States many years ago, they settled in Fillmore county, Minnesota, where Mr. Dahl died in February, 1909. He was survived by his wife, who is still a resident of that county. Their daughter Caroline (Mrs. Wheaton) was the second born of their five children. Mr. and Mrs. Wheaton are the parents of four children, all resid- ing at home, namely: Ruth Louise, Arthur Nelsen, Olive Lucille and Samuel Nelius.

Albert Blank, one of the leading general farmers of Mound Prairie township, where he is operating 480 acres of land, his residence lying in section 5 north, was born in Pommern, Germany, April 26, 1854, son of Carl and Mena (Huffman) Blank. The mother dying in her native land at the age of forty years, the father emigrated to Brazil, where he resided for some time with his children and finally died. Albert, who was the first born of the eleven children, was educated in Germany. He resided at home until he was thirty years old, and then came to the United States from Germany, locating first in La Crosse, where he resided for nineteen years, following different occupations, including those of sawmill worker and mason. Then coming to Houston county, he took a farm on South Ridge, Mound Prairie township, which he operated for three years. For the next eight years he was engaged in agricultural work in Brownsville township. At the end of that time he came to his present farm containing 480 acres of valuable land, well provided with buildings, which he is operating as a general stock and grain farm with profitable results. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and in politics is independent. Mr. Blank was married in February, 1878, to Hulda Dobratz, who was born in Pommern, Germany, April 20, 1860, daughter of William and Frederica Dobratz. Her parents with their family emigrated to the United States in 1882, settling in Wisconsin. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Blank have been the parents of twelve children: Charles, who died at the age of fourteen years;

Digitized by Google

Digitized by

Google

MR. AND MRS. JACOB KROEHLER T. J. KROEHLER AND FAMILY

Digitized by

Google

355

HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY

Anna, wife of Earl Harris, a foreman in the rubber mill at La Crosse; George, who is engaged in government work at La Crosse; William, a rail- road machinist residing at La Crosse; Fritz, a resident of La Crosse; Elsie, wife of Joseph Leidolph, who is employed in a motorcycle works for the government; Olga, wife of Frank Otto of South Ridge; and Walter, Esther, Irene and Arthur, who are residing at home.

Jacob Kroehler, one of the pioneer settlers of Mound Prairie township, who has departed forever from the scene of his early labors, was a native of Germany, who, on coming to the United States, settled first in Wiscon- sin. Thence, after a short time, he came to Houston county, locating in Mound Prairie township before the government survey of the county had been made. The tract of land on which he settled was in section 21, and his first dwelling was a small log house. He married Kathrine Eberhard, also a native of Germany, and they worked together through a long series of years, converting their wild tract of land into a cultivated and well im- proved farm, and also rearing a family of 13 children. Mr. Kroehler died on his farm on the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day, 1914. His wife survived him but a few months, passing away Feb. 20, 1915. They were worthy pioneers who did their part in advancing the work of civilization in this county.

Tobias J. Kroehler, a well known general stock farmer, having 395 acres of land in Mound Prairie township, was born on this farm, Feb. 19, 1866, son of Jacob and Kathrine (Eberhard) Kroehler. He was the sev- enth born of his parents' 13 children, and his boyhood was spent amid pioneer scenes, one feature of which was the little log schoolhouse in which he acquired the elements of knowledge. His industrial education was more thorough, for at the early age of ten years he was put to work behind the plow, and from that time on for a number of years he spent the greater part of his time assisting his father to improve the home farm and culti- vate the land, also, when he became old enough, operating a threshing outfit in the fall. At the age of 25 years he assumed the management of the farm, his father on account of age taking a less active part, and in time the property came into his hands. It now includes 395 acres of valuable land, together with good buildings and a full equipment of all necessary tools and machinery, and Mr. Kroehler has operated it success- fully as a general stock farm, being also a shareholder in the Houston Ele- vator Company. Many of the most notable improvements on the place have been made by himself, and his reputation as a man of enterprise and ability stands high in the community. At the present time Mr. Kroehler is renting his farm to tenants, though he exercises a general supervision over the property, paying personal attention to the orchard, which contains 1,500 apple trees of the Wealthy species. A Republican in politics, though with independent proclivities, he served four years as town supervisor, and was a member of the school board for a number of years. He and his family attend the Evangelical Association church. On Nov. 16, 1893, Mr. Kroehler renounced bachelor life, being united in marriage with Harriet Grace Swin- burne, a teacher for several years in Houston county schools, who was born near Sparta, Wis., daughter of George W. and Mary F. (Perkins)

Digitized by Google

356

HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY

Swinburne. He and his wife have four children, Avis Lydia, Esther Eliza- beth, Myron Willard and Everett Charles Lee. Avis Lydia is now training for a nurse at the Winona General hospital. Esther Elizabeth, who was educated in the local schools and at the Winona Normal School, has taught school in Winona and Houston counties, and is now residing at home and teaching in the home district. The two younger children are also home. George W. Swinburne, the father of Mrs. Kroehler, was born at Lyndon- ville, Vt., in 1847, and his wife Mary near Milwaukee, Wis., in 1848. Mr. Swinburne was a carpenter and builder by trade, and came to Houston county, Minn., at an early date, residing with a brother in Mound Prairie township. He later settled in Sparta, Wis., residing there for a number of years, and afterwards spending a number of years in Cavalier county, North Dakota. He is now living at Zephyr Hills, Florida. He is a man of high education, and is a Civil War veteran, seeing active service during the great struggle between the North and South, in which he received a gun- shot wound. He enlisted in 1861, first in the National Guards of Man- chester for three months' service at Fortress Monroe, Portsmouth Harbor, N. H. ,and was discharged from there at expiration of service. He then enlisted in Company G, 4th Vermont Volunteers, and continued in the army until close of the war.

William Orr, a former resident of Mound Prairie township, where for a number of years he was engaged in the work of agricultural improvement, was born in New York State, Sept. 3, 1853. His occupation was always that of a farmer. He was a young man when he sought his fortune in the West, locating in Mound Prairie township in 1880 and taking land which he in time developed into a good farm. He became a prominent man in his township at various times holding local office, and his death, which occurred Feb. 18, 1918, caused widespread regret. Mr. Orr married Cath- erine Vix, who was born in Houston county, Minn., in 1853, she being, therefore, about the same age as himself. They had a family of 11 chil- dren: Nora, Raymond, Maude, Archie, Myrtle, Agnes, Jennie, Clifford and Pearl, living, and Georgia and John, who died in infancy.

Clifford Earl Orr, a well known and respected citizen of Mound Prairie township, where he is enjoying a successful career as a general farmer, was born on the farm where he now lives, Sept. 26, 1895, son of William and Catherine (Vix) Orr. He was the tenth born of his parents' eleven children and attended school in Mound Prairie township and at Hokah, this county. When 17 years old he took charge of and operated one of his father's farms in Mound Prairie township, remaining there until April 5, 1917, when he removed to his present farm, the one on which he was born, and which contains 127 acres. In addition to this he operates the lower farm of 147 acres, raising both grain and stock, his herd of cattle averaging about 40 head. In politics he is independent, voting for the man rather than for the party. Mr. Orr was married Dec. 20, 1916, to Mabel Doering, who was born in Nebraska, daughter of Adam and Clara (Henningsen) Doering, her father being a native of Germany and her mother of Copen- hagen, Denmark, Mr. Doering was brought to this country when a lad of four years and at the age of 22 went to Nebraska. Later he returned to

Digitized by Google

Digitized by

Google

357

HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY

Houston county, Minn., where he had previously resided, and is now living in Union township, being still in active life. His wife is also living. Their daughter Mabel was the eldest of their family of four children. She was educated in Caledonia township and taught school in Houston county for four years before her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Orr have two children, Mabel Ivy and Violet Henrietta.

Edmund Evans, for many years proprietor of Silver Tower Fruit Farm, but now deceased, was born in Blackthrone, Oxfordshire, England, in Sep- tember, 1819. On April 10, 1849, he was married to Ann Ayers, also a native of England, and in the year of their marriage they sailed for the United States, and settled in the state of New York, where they resided until 1852. They then removed to Indian Territory, where Mr. Evans was employed by the government in the agricultural department of Spencer Academy, a Presbyterian mission institution located on the Choctaw reser- vation. He held that position until 1859, when on account of his wife's poor health, he returned with her to New York state. Early in 1860 they came to Houston county, Minnesota, and for a short time resided in La Crescent village. From there they moved to a farm in section 11, Mound Prairie township, where they established a home, Mr. Evans carrying on general farming and fruit raising. As a fruit grower he was not only the first in his vicinity, but was also one of the earliest in the state, and as such be- came widely known, while in general agriculture he was equally successful. In course of time he increased the area of his farm to 360 acres, and resided on it until his death in 1898. Mrs. Evans died Sept. 28, 1915. They were the parents of eleven children, namely: Edwin F., William J., Sarah R., Henry C., Arthur, Mary Jane A., Sheldon J., Walter T., Albert E., Julia A., and Rose L. Mr. Evans was a member of the Presbyterian church of La Crescent.

Sheldon J. Evans, proprietor of the Excellsior Fruit Farm, who for a number of years has been one of the leading factors in fancy fruit and berry culture in Houston county, and who is also engaged in general fruit farming in section 10, Mound Prairie township, was born in section 3, this township, March 27, 1863, son of Edmund and Anna (Ayres) Evans. He was educated in the district school, and until the age of 21 years was en- gaged in assisting his father on the latter's fruit farm, known as Silver Tower Fruit Farm. He then engaged in carpenter work and painting, and was thus occupied until 1890, when he went into the business of raising red raspberries on his parents' farm, continuing in it for seven or eight years with good success. At the end of that time, in 1896, he bought his present farm, where in addition to fruit culture he raises grain, cattle and hogs, and also carries on dairying. The farm contains 320 acres, and in 1914 Mr. Evans built a neat modern residence of concrete cement brick. It is interesting to note that this beautiful residence is practically the sole work of Mr. Evans himself. He was the architect, supervised the work in person, and even made the brick himself in a three brick hand machine, so that the structure is a tribute to his ability, good taste, and versatility, as well as an evidence of his sincere desire to do his share toward building up the community. His operations have been conducted on a profitable basis,

Digitized by Google

358

HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY

and in addition to the interests already mentioned, he is a stockholder in the Pine Creek Valley Creamery, and the Farmers' Co-Operative Elevator and the Stock Shipping Association at Houston. He is also a stockholder in the Farmers' Co-Operative Market Co., at La Crosse, an association which by providing means for the farmer to reach the consumer directly is doing much toward solving marketing problems and the high cost of living. He is a life member of the Minnesota Horticultural Association and is active in its work. For about thirty years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Foresters. His religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he is a Republican. Mr. Evans was married, Sept. 6, 1898, to Sophia Lind, daughter of Andrew and Caroline Lind. Her parents were born in Sweden, the father on March 27, 1838, and the mother May 5, 1842. Emigrating to Iowa in 1872, they remained there about a year, and then came to Houston county, Minn., settling in Swede Bottom, near Houston, where the father died Oct. 5, 1892. The mother is still living and resides on the old farm. They had eight children, of whom their daughter Sophia was the sixth in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have seven children, whose respective names, with dates of birth, are as follows: Silas Clement, Aug. 10, 1898; Edmund Arthur, Jan. 14, 1900; Luella Viola, Oct. 13, 1902; Marland Lind, April 9, 1905; Evelyn Janette, Aug. 4, 1906; Harold Willis, Jan. 11, 1908; and Stella Jermima Caroline, Aug. 22, 1910. Mr. Evans has shown a commendable degree of enterprise in all his undertakings, and especially in his successful career as a fruit grower, a line of business in which many farmers fear to embark, on ac- count of the risk from unfavorable weather and insect pests. He has mas- tered all difficulties, however, and built up a high reputation. His home is surrounded with evergreens, trees, and shrubbery, set out in a tasteful manner, which shows that the owner is a man who believes in doing every- thing well.

Henry Doering, a well known and respected citizen of Union town- ship, who is successfully operating a farm of 120 acres, residing in section 16, was born in Hessen, Germany, Oct. 10, 1862, son of Henry and Kath- erine (Falk) Doering. His parents, who were born and married in Ger- many, came to the United States in 1868, and engaged in farming in Hous- ton county, though the father's occupation in Germany had been that of a weaver. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Their children were Mary, Valentine, Henry, Adam, William, Daniel, Anna, and Gustav. By a previous marriage Henry Doering, Sr., had three other children: Eliza- beth, Kathrine and Bertha. Henry, Jr., was educated in the district school, and resided on the home farm, assisting his father until his marriage. Three years previous to that event, however, he bought the farm on which he now lives, and on to which he moved at the time he began domestic life. About 85 of the 120 acres are cleared, the rest being woodland. He has erected all the present buildings, having a good barn and modern house, and is successfully carrying on mixed farming, devoting special attention to the raising of cattle and hogs. He is also a stockholder in the local tele- phone company, and is clerk of his school district. Mr. Doering was mar- ried Feb. 18, 1892, to Ida Mann, who was born in Union township, Houston

Digitized by Google

359

HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY

county, Dec. 31, 1872, daughter of Louis and Emelie (Kreise) Mann. Her parents, natives of West Prussia, Germany, came to the United States in 1870, and engaged in farming in this county. They had nine children : Emil, Ida, Alvina, Adolph, Ludwig, Reinhold, Emma, Minnie and Charles. Of these children, Emil, Adolph and Ludwig are now deceased, as also are the parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Doering eight children have been born: Clara, May 8, 1893; Vera, Oct. 19, 1894; Ida, Feb. 17, 1897; Esther, Nov. 8, 1898; Elanor, June 18, 1900; Henry, March 31, 1902; Helen, June 21, 1905; and Gladys, July 21, 1910. Clara is the wife of George Schauble. The others are residing on the home farm, those of suitable age attending school. The family attend the Lutheran church.

Nere Tveten, one of the leading farmers of Yucatan township, oper- ating 360 acres in section 3, where he has resided for the last eleven years, was born in Telemarken, Norway, July 29, 1856, son of Gulick and Anna (Nereson) Tveten. His parents were farming people who died in their native land, never coming to the United States. Nere was the third born in a family of seven children and attended school in Norway, where he grew to manhood. In 1882, ambitious to advance himself in life, he fol- lowed the example of so many of his countrymen in emigrating to the United States, settling in Fillmore county, Minnesota. When he landed in this country he could speak no English, but remedied that disadvantage after a short residence here. At first he worked out for others, but as soon as he was able he secured a piece of land and began farming for him- self in Fillmore county. There he remained for several years, subsequently going to Winona county, where he farmed for three years. Twenty-one years ago he came to Houston county, and eleven years ago to the Ed John- son farm on which he is now living, and where he is carrying on general farming successfully, having at the present time about 60 head of cattle, besides hogs and other stock. He is also a shareholder in the Rushford Creamery. Energetic and enterprising, he is making good progress and is numbered among the substantial citizens of Yucatan township. In poli- tics he is independent, while his religious affiliations are with the Nor- wegian Lutheran church at Rushford. Mr. Tveten was married in January, 1892, to Rognhild Amalia Anderson, who was born in Fillmore county, Minn., daughter of Gout and Anna (Halvorson) Anderson. Her parents were natives of Telemarken, Norway, who on emigrating to America settled first in Illinois. Later they removed to Fillmore county, Minnesota, settling on a farm near Rushford. They are now retired and are well advanced in years, Mr. Anderson having served as a soldier in the Civil War. Their daughter Rognhild Amalia (Mrs. Tveten) was the third born in a family of seven children, and was educated in Fillmore county. Mr. and Mrs. Tveten have ten children, all residing at home, namely: Gust Adolph, Andrew Edwin, Carl Helmar, Anna Jeanette, Nora Regina, Reuben Leonard, George Martin, Selmar Theodore, Henry Oscar and Cora Amelia.

John O. Lee, who is now living retired on the farm of his son Gilbert in Yucatan township, after a long career in agricultural pursuits, was born in Fyrstal, Telemarken, Norway, Sept. 11, 1838. In 1854 or 1855 he accom- panied his parents to the United States, they settling at Kaskoning, near

Digitized by Google

360

HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY

Madison, Wis. Being then a strong well grown boy of 16 or 17, he was able to aid in the support of the family, and for a year was employed on the rail- road. At the end of that time the family moved to Badger Valley in Sheldon township, Houston county, Minn., and engaged in farming. The Civil War coming on, young John O. Lee was drafted for military service and was in the army for one year and nine months, being fortunate enough to escape both wounds and sickness. On his return home he resumed his residence on the home farm. On May 17, 1869, he was married to Margaret Brakke, who was a native of the same part of Norway as himself, born Feb. 19, 1848. He then settled on the farm in Yucatan township, where he is still living and which during a long course of years he developed into a valuable prop- erty, finally retiring from active work. He is still in the enjoyment of good health. Mr. Lee was formerly active in school and church work and assisted in the building of the Lutheran "Stone" church at Houston. He also served as town supervisor. He has recently sustained a bereavement in the death of his wife, which occurred April 3, 1918. They were the parents of eight children: Halvor J., Gilbert (first), Christian, Emma, Gina, Ole, Gilena and Gilbert (second).

Ole J. Lee, who is following a prosperous career as a general farmer and stock raiser in Yucatan township, having a good farm of 211 acres in section 22, was born on an adjoining farm in this township, Jan. 3, 1882, son of John O. and Margaret (Brokke) Lee. He was the fifth born of their seven children, and was educated in District No. 20, this township. Up to the time of his marriage he resided on the home farm, assisting his father for the most part, but during the last few years having the management of the farm. On assuming domestic responsibilities he started in for him- self on his present farm, which he is operating along general lines, though making a specialty of breeding Durham cattle, of which he has a good herd. He is also a stockholder in the Yucatan Creamery, the Farmers' Telephone Company, and the Security State Bank of Houston. He is a member of the Lutheran church at Houston and is now serving as school clerk, in poli- tics being a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the order of Yeomen. Mr. Lee was married Sept. 25, 1903, to Tena Larson, who was born in Yuca- tan township, this county, Aug. 13, 1884, daughter of Herman and Anna (Skare) Omonrud, she being the third born of their seven children. Her father, a native of Nonstad, was a prominent farmer here who died at the age of 53 years in August, 1906. Her mother, a native of Houston county, is now residing on the old homestead in Yucatan township. Mr. and Mrs. Lee are the parents of two children, John Hilbert, born Sept. 9, 1905, and Harold Albin, born Sept. 18, 1907.

Gulick Highlen, for many years a well known and respected citizen of Yucatan township, where he was engaged in agriculture, was born in 1834 in Stavanger, Norway, where he grew up and married Anna Tenneson, a native of the same locality, born in 1836. Their emigration to the United States took place in 1869, and coming to Houston county, Minn., they first settled in Spring Grove township. A year later they moved to Yucatan township, where they engaged in farming, in which occupation here Mr. Highlen spent the rest of his life, dying in 1916. He had been a widower

Digitized by Google

MR. AND MRS. JOHN O. LEE OLE J. LEE AND FAMILY

Digitized by Google

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by

HANS TRULSON AND FAMILY

Digitized by Google

361

HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY

for two years, his wife having passed away in 1914. They were the parents of eight children.

George Highlen, who is engaged in operating the Dever Bros.' farm of 120 acres in section 33, Yucatan township, and is also a property owner, was born in Stavanger, Norway, Nov. 14, 1866, son of Gulick and Anna (Tenneson) Highlen. He was an infant of two or three years when he accompanied his parents to Houston county, Minnesota, and his education was acquired in district schools in Yucatan and Money Creek townships. When twelve years old he began working out and earning his own living, and from that until his marriage he was variously employed-at farming, railroad work, and lumbering. In July, 1897, he was united in marriage with Susan Brevig, who was born in Yucatan township, daughter of Chris- topher and Guneild Brevig. Her parents were natives of Telemarken, Nor- way, who were early settlers in Yucatan township, where they farmed for a number of years. Both are now deceased. At the time of his marriage Mr. Highlen started farming for himself in Money Creek township, subse- quently removing to Houston, and later to Yucatan township. In Houston he was engaged in business for six years, and then engaged with the Dever Bros. to operate the farm on which he now resides, and where he is raising both crops and stock. He owns 80 acres of land in Martin county, Wis- consin, and is one of the well to do men of his township. He has served on the school board for three years, in politics being an independent Repub- lican, and is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church on Oak Ridge. He and his wife have ten children: Cora G., Jesse A., Grace C., Edna L., Nora, Charlotte O., Belvina, Orvin T., and James T. Jesse A. died April 27, 1919. The others are living at home.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 48

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

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