History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 49

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

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 49

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Lars Trulson, who was formerly engaged in agricultural pursuits in Yucatan township, but is now deceased, was born in Holling, Norway, and was a young man when he emigrated to Houston county, Minnesota. After some agricultural attempts elsewhere, he settled on land in section 1, Yucatan township, and was there engaged in farming until 1882, when he removed to North Dakota. A year later, however, he returned, and the rest of his life was spent in this township, where he died in the fall of 1904. He was a man of mark in the community and at various times held school and town office. He was married in Houston County to Gunhild Halgrimson, also a native of Norway, and by whom he had nine children: Truls, Hans, Rindena, Arnt, Helmar, Mary, Elling, Emil and Christina. Mrs. Gunhild Trulson died in October, 1912.

Hans Trulson, who is owner of a farm of 156 acres in section 1, Yuca- tan township, which he is successfully operating, was born in Houston township, this county, Sept. 23, 1877, son of Lars and Gunhild (Hal- grimson) Trulson. He was the second born in a family of nine children, and attended school on Oak Ridge in Yucatan township. Residing at home, he worked for others at intervals until 16 years of age. Later he rented a farm for one year, and then with his brother bought a farm of 280 acres, to which he removed in 1913. He carries on general farming with profitable results, and is making a specialty of raising full blooded Hereford cattle. He is chairman of the district school board and in politics is independent.

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Mr. Trulson was married April 26, 1903, to Emma Moen, who was born in Sheldon township, this county, daughter of Simon and Anna (Vraa) Moen, she being the seventh born of their nine children. She was educated in Yucatan township. Her parents, natives of Telemarken, Norway, were ' early settlers in Sheldon township, this county, where the father died. The mother is now residing in Houston. The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Trulson has been enlarged by the birth of six children, all of whom are residing at home, namely: Gena, Agnes, Lawrence, Charlotte, Sullivan and Edna.

Tinnes Highlen, who is conducting a profitable business as a general farmer in section 6, Yucatan township, was born near Stavanger, Norway, Feb. 2, 1862, son of Gulick and Anna (Helleland) Highlen. 1869 he came with his parents to Houston county, Minnesota, the family settling first in Spring Grove township, whence they removed to Yucatan township a year later. Both parents are now deceased, the mother dying in 1914 and the father in 1916. Tinnes began assisting his father in grubbing and other elementary farm work at the age of ten years. Two years later he began working out for others, and did so thereafter for 16 years, during which time he traveled over a considerable stretch of country. After his marriage he began agricultural operations on his own account on a rented farm in Money Creek township, where he resided for five years. He then moved to Houston township, operated a small farm there for three years, which he then sold, buying a farm in Yucatan township. This latter farm he sold three years later, buying the farm on which he now resides, but to which he did not move until a year after he had purchased it. Here he has 154 acres of good land, with adequate buildings, and is operating the place as a general stock farm. He has met with good success, attained by hard work, and is now in comfortable circumstances. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Oak Ridge and in politics is a Republican. Mr. Highlen was married September 13, 1903, to Matilda Steen, who was born near Westby, in Vernon county, Wisconsin, March 11, 1876, daughter of Peter and Anna (Amundson) Steen. He and his wife are the parents of four children, Eva Andrea, Melvin Theodore (died June 8, 1919), Telona and Gilmore. Mr. and Mrs. Steen, the parents of Mrs. Highlen, were both born in Norway, the father being a farmer in early life and the mother a school teacher. They were early settlers in Vernon county, Wisconsin. Both are now, deceased, Mr. Steen dying when his daughter Matilda was a child.

Tollef Odegaarden, who was one of the settlers in Yucatan township in the early eighties, was born in Telemarken, Norway, Oct. 24, 1865. He was 18 years old when he came to the United States and located in Iowa, where he worked for two years. At the end of that time he came to Houston county and settled on a tract of land on Oak Ridge in Yucatan township. There he resided until 1907, when he went to Bowman county, N. D. Two years later he returned to Yucatan township, where he spent the rest of his life on the farm, dying June 24, 1917. Mr. Odegaarden married Hattie Sheper, who was born in Telemarken, Norway, May 25, 1865, their marriage taking place in Houston county. She survives her

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OLE T. ODEGAARDEN AND FAMILY

TOLLEF ODEGAARDEN AND FAMILY

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husband and is now residing with her son Ole on the old homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Odegaarden had two children: Ole, the son above mentioned, and Lizzie, who is the wife of Fritz Anderson, a farmer in Houston township.

Ole T. Odegaarden, a well known farmer and tobacco raiser, who is operating 200 acres of land in Yucatan township, was born in this town- ship, Feb. 2, 1887, son of Tollef and Hattie (Sheper) Odegaarden. His education was obtained in District School No. 103, after which he con- tinued to reside on the home farm until his marriage, at which time he went to Bowman county, N. D., where, however, he remained for only a year, at the end of that returning to the homestead. There he remained for three years operating the farm, at the end of that time buying and removing to a farm in Root River Valley, where also he stayed for three years. He then came back to the home farm, on which his mother resides, and which has an area of 120 acres. In addition to this he is operating the valley farm of 80 acres, the two estates occupying all his time. For some time past he has made a specialty of raising tobacco. He is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church, known as the "stone church," and in poli- tics is an independent Republican. Mr. Odegaarden was married July 17, 1911, to Bertha Odegaarden, who was born in Norway, daughter of Bert and Anna (Halverson) Odegaarden. Neither of her parents ever came to this country, the father dying in Norway, where the mother is now living. Mr. and Mrs. Odegaarden are the parents of three children, Tollef, Burns and Helmer, all living at home.

Lars P. Gaustad, a well known resident of Yucatan township, where he has resided for 22 years, was born in Droughtheim, Norway, Oct. 5, 1847. As a young man of twenty years he emigrated to Fillmore county, Minnesota, where for a considerable time he worked for other people. In 1896 he came to Houston county and settled on a farm in section 17, Yuca- tan township, where he is now living retired, after a life of successful in- dustry. Mr. Gaustad married Maria Rolph, who was born in Sweden, Nov. 16, 1844, and they were the parents of five children: Anna, wife of C. Johnson, who is a member of the Minneapolis police force; Christina, widow of Frank Haggard and a resident of Rushford, Minn .; Peter L., who is now operating the home farm; Sarah, wife of Alfred Anderson of Rushford; Ida, wife of Edwin Helgemo of Rushford; and Carl, who is now deceased. Mr. Gaustad is a stockholder in the Norway Creamery at Bratsberg.

Peter L. Gaustad, a practical agriculturist now operating the old Gaustad farm in section 17, Yucatan township, was born in Norway town- ship, Fillmore county, Minn., June' 12, 1877, son of Lars P. and Maria (Rolph) Gaustad. He attended school in his native district and later accompanied his parents to Yucatan township, Houston county, where his subsequent life has been spent on the homestead which they took in 1896 in section 17, and which he is now operating as a general farmer. It con- tains 140 acres and he is also operating an additional tract of forty acres. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Rushford. His religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church, he being a member of the congregation at Highland Prairie, while in politics he is a Republican.

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John J. Lewis, who is operating a farm of 260 acres of valuable land in section 10, Yucatan township, was born on the family homestead in this section and township, now belonging to his brother Targie, on May 10, 1887, son of John and Signe (Gidstead) Lewis. His education was acquired in the district school on Oak Ridge and under his father's direction he early became expert at general farm work. At the age of 16 he rented his father's land and resided on and operated the farm for a number of years thereafter. About 1911 he went to northern Minnesota, where he took a farm which he conducted for two years. At the end of that time he sold out and returning to Houston county settled on his present farm, which adjoins the old home. It is a well improved piece of property and he is carrying on general farming with good financial results, being also a stock- holder in the Houston Creamery and the Rushford Elevator. In politics he is a Republican, while his religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Lutheran church.

Halvor J. Lee, who is successfully conducting a general stock farm of 320 acres in section 10, Yucatan township, was born in Sheldon township, Houston county, Feb. 20, 1870, son of John O. and Margaret (Brakke) Lee. His parents soon after his birth moving to Yucatan township, it was here that he acquired his education, attending the Yucatan Valley stone school- house. Until his marriage at the age of 27 years he remained at home assisting his parents, but on assuming the responsibilities of domestic life, he moved to a farm belonging to his father in Yucatan township, which he operated for five years. Then going to Houston village he engaged in mercantile business with S. S. Vathing and was thus occupied for six years. On selling out his interest in the store he came to his present farm on Oak Ridge, where he has 320 acres of highly improved land, most of the im- provements having been made by himself. His farm is one of the best in this part of the county, and he is raising a good grade of cattle, sheep and hogs, finding a ready market for his stock. He is also a shareholder in the Houston Creamery, the Farmers' Exchange Elevator and the Telephone Company. Like his father, he is a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church. He has served six or seven years as a member of the school board, and also as town supervisor and town clerk, in politics being a Republican. He and his wife have five children, all residing at home, namely: Julian O., Gynther M., Hilda A., Orvin L. and Morris G.

Andreas H. Wahl, who is wooing fortune successfully as a general stock farmer in section 20 north, Yucatan township, was born in Rhuken, Norway, Oct. 24, 1847, son of Hans Evenson and Arlet Larson Wahl. He was his parents' only child, and never knew his mother, as she died when he was a week old. He attended school in Norway, and resided with nis father until he was 20 years of age, after which he began working out, being employed for some time in a sawmill. Later he went to Christiania, the capital of Norway, where for two and a half years he worked for a crockery dealer. In 1877 he married Gunhild Targarson, who was born in Telemarken, Norway, daughter of Targe Olsson and Ragneild Johnson. Her mother died in Norway, and her father later coming to America, met an accidental death, being killed by a train at Rushford, Fillmore county,

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JOHN J. LEWIS

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HALVOR J. LEE AND FAMILY

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ANDREAS H. WAHL AND FAMILY

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SEVERIN ERICKSON AND FAMILY

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Minn. In 1881, Mr. Wahl came with his wife and family to the United States, locating at once in Houston county, Minnesota. For three or four years after arriving here he worked out for different farmers, and then engaged in agricultural work for himself, renting land for three or four yeas in Yucatan township. Having by the end of that time accumulated a little money, he bought the land which constitutes his present farm, but which at the time was destitute of improvements. Since then he has had a manful task to perform, but has done it well, and is now the owner of a well improved place of 270 acres, with good buildings, where he is profit- ably engaged in stock breeding. He also owns shares in the Rushford Creamery and the Farmers' Telephone Company. A Republican in politics, he has served four years on the school board. In religion he is a Lutheran and a member of the church of that denomination. He and his wife have been the parents of four children: Hans, who was a farmer in Canada, but who died, leaving a widow and four children; and Theodore, Gena and Oscar, who are residing at home with their parents.

Severin Erickson, a general farmer of Yucatan township, residing in section 22, was born in this township, No. 28, 1875, son of George and Inga (Paulson) Erickson. The early years of his boyhood were spent on his parents' farm, his education being acquired in the district school. At the age of twelve he began working out for other farmers and from that time on was practically self-supporting. Until his marriage in 1899 he continued to work out, except for one year during which he operated a rented farm. On assuming the responsibilities of domestic life he rented a farm in Yuca- tan township, and from that time up to 1907 operated rented land. In the year last mentioned he bought a farm in this township on which he resided until the spring of 1917, when in company with his father-in-law he pur- chased the farm which he is now operating, and which has an area of 3771/2 acres, being provided with adequate buildings. He carries on general farm- ing, raising stock and grain for the market and is receiving good prices for his products. A Republican in politics, he has served as town supervisor and also as clerk on the school board of his district. In religion he is a Lutheran and a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Houston. Mr. Erickson was married July 27, 1899, to Sophia Sennes, daughter of Kunte O. and Rachel (Butten) Sennes. He and his wife have two children, Melvin K., born Sept. 27, 1899, and Reuben E., born May 17, 1902, both residing at home.

Carl J. Anderson, who spent a number of years in agricultural im- provements in Houston and Yucatan townships, chiefly in the latter, but who is now deceased, was born in Hallan, Sweden, in 1833. There he grew to manhood and married Bertha Stena Johnson, who was seven years younger than himself. In the spring of 1880 he emigrated with his family to America, landing in New York on May 11, and coming west to Houston county, Minnesota. Here he worked out for a year and then engaged in farming in Looney Valley, Houston township, remaining there two years. At the end of that time he removed to Oak Ridge, Yucatan township, where he continued in agricultural work until his death on Oct. 20, 1913. His wife is now residing with her son Alec S., who conducts the home farm. Alec S.

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Anderson was born in Houston county, March 12, 1887, was educated in the district schools, and was reared to farm pursuits by his father. He is a substantial man of the community, and has been successful in his farm- ing operations.

Emil J. Anderson, a respected citizen of Yucatan township, engaged in farming in section 1, and also in kindred pursuits elsewhere, was born in Hallan, Sweden, Dec. 24, 1873, son of Carl J. and Bertha Stena (Johnson) Anderson. He was the eldest in a family of seven children, and was in his seventh year when he accompanied his parents to the United States and to Houston county, Minnesota. Residing first in Houston township and afterwards in Yucatan township, he attended the district school, and when a lad of 16 began working at intervals for others. In 1892 he went to Dakota, where he worked out on farms, and continued in that occupation after returning home until taking up his residence on his present farm in section 1, Yucatan township, which now contains 110 acres, he having sold another tract of the same size. He also operates a farm of 153 acres in North Dakota, and is giving his time to farming and threshing. In addi- tion to his real estate holdings near Minot, in Burk county, N. D., he oper- ates a threshing outfit in Steele county, that state, and has been thus en- gaged for a number of years, making the trip each year. An energetic and enterprising man, he is making good progress along business lines and steadily increasing in prosperity. He is a member of Mayflower Lodge, No. 94, A. F. & A. M., at Findlay, N. D. In politics he is a Republican with independent proclivities, voting for the man rather than for the party.

George Walters, who was formerly connected with the milling business at Hokah, Houston county, was born and grew to manhood in Germany, where he was married. Soon after the latter event he came with his wife Katherine to the United States, settling first in Pennsylvania, where he worked at his trade of miller. Subsequently he removed to Wisconsin and from that state came to Hokah, Houston county, Minn., where he was em- ployed in the mill for a number of years, dying there in 1904. His first wife, Katherine, died about 1868, leaving five children, and he subsequently contracted a second marriage, of which six children were born.

Louis G. Walters, who has developed a good farm of 200 acres in Yuca- tan township, lying mostly in section 21, was born near Bad Axe, Wis., Aug. 4, 1866, son of George and Katherine Walters. He was quite young when he accompanied his father to Hokah, Houston county, where he attended school. Of his mother he has no recollection, as she died when he was two years old, and he was reared chiefly by his stepmother, his father having contracted a second marriage. At the early age of nine years he had to contribute to his own support and from that time on worked out for others until he married. After that important change in his life he rented land in Money Creek township, and was engaged in farming there for four years. He then moved to Houston township, operated one farm there for four years and another for three years, and at the end of the latter period came to his present farm, which was then unimproved. He has since erected good buildings and fences and turned it into a valuable

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R. E. L.ILLY AND FAMILY

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estate, on which he conducted general farming on a profitable basis. He belongs to the camp of Yeomen at Yucatan and is a member of the Lutheran church. His political principles are those of the Republican party. He still owns his farm, but in February, 1919, he moved to Houston village where he has erected a modern stucco residence, where he is practically retired. His son-in-law, William Paulson, is now operating the farm. Mr. Walters was married March 11, 1897, to Dora Tennison, who was born July 9, 1879, daughter of Tennes and Odena (Aemolia) Tennison. He and his wife are the parents of five children: Mabel, wife of William Paulson, who conducts the home farm in Yucatan township; Verna, who married Gilbert Brevig, a farmer in Yucatan township, and Lavida, Daphne and George, who are living on the home farm.

Bird E. Lilly, a well known and highly esteemed resident of Houston, who, though now retired, is the owner of a valuable stock farm of 240 acres in Houston township, was born in Kent county, Mich., July 20, 1858, son of David and Harriet (Turrel) Lilly. His parents were natives of Ohio, the father in early life being engaged in the lumber business and later in farm- ing. After the breaking out of the Civil War, David Lilly enlisted in a Michigan regiment of volunteer infantry and was killed at the battle of South Mountain in 1862. His wife survived him many years, dying at the age of 58 in 1899. Bird E. Lilly was educated in the graded school at Dover, Ohio. He resided with an uncle in that state until 16 years old, when he began industrial life. Subsequently coming to La Crescent, Minn., in 1877, he bought a farm in this vicinity, beginning farming operation. In 1888 he moved to Houston township, where he bought the farm he now owns, containing 240 acres of valuable land, well improved, and provided with substantial buildings and a complete equipment for stock and general farming. After operating the place successfully until 1911, Mr. Lilly then retired, placing tenants in charge of the farm, and taking up his residence in the city of Houston, where he is enjoying the rewards of his former in- dustry. He is a shareholder in the Farmers' Telephone Company, the Farmers' Elevator, and the Houston State Bank. In politics a Repub- lican, he served formerly as a member of the Houston town board, and also on the school board of his district. His fraternal affiliations are with the Mystic Circle Lodge, No. 78, A. F. and A. M. Mr. Lilly married Ella Augusta Frey, born in Mound Praire township, this county, April 7, 1865, daughter of John and Augusta (Zeuskee) Frey, respected farmers. The father, a veteran of a Minnesota regiment in the Civil War, and a most sub- stantial citizen, died Nov. 7, 1900, while the mother is now living in Marsh- field, Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Lilly have three children: Elma E., born April 16, 1888; Marietta, born May 11, 1895, a teacher; and David, born Aug. 20, 1902.

Ole Evenson, who in former years took an active part in the agricul- tural development of Houston and Yucatan townships, but who has long since passed away, was born in Telemarken, Norway, in 1836. There he grew to manhood and married Berget Targerson, who was born in Febru- ary, 1838. Emigrating to the United States, they arrived in Houston county, Minnesota, in 1866, and first settled on a farm near Houston, later

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removing to section 32 north, Yucatan township, where Mr. Evenson established the farm that is now owned by Torger Torgerson. On this place he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1883. His widow, who still survives him, is now residing with her son, Christopher, in this township. They are the parents of eleven children, of whom there are now living: Christopher, Christian, Theodore, and Tilda, the last named of whom is the wife of Christ Ekre.

Christopher O. Evenson, a well to do farmer engaged in operating a farm of 82 acres in section 29 north, Yucatan township, was born in Houston township September 19, 1870, son of Ole and Berget (Targerson) Evenson. In his boyhood he attended school on Oak Ridge and also the Chisom and Ferndell schools. His industrial experience began at the early age of eleven years when he already worked out for other farmers besides at times assisting on the home farm. Later he worked out more regu- larly and continued to be thus occupied until 1890, when he returned home and took charge of his present farm, which he has since operated, his mother, now past 81 years of age, residing with him. He has some valuable land, which he is operating successfully as a general farmer, being also a shareholder in the Rushford Creamery. In politics he is a Republican with independent proclivities, while his religious affiliations are with the Nor- wegian Lutheran church.

Sever Knutson, proprietor of a poultry farm in section 33, Houston township, was born near Cambridge, Dane county, Wis., Sept. 9, 1869, son of Soren and Isabella (Klave) Knutson. The parents were natives of Nor- way, the father born in Telemarken in 1831, and the mother in Voss, June 24, 1842. They were married in Wisconsin, where Soren Knutson worked as a farmer, also being employed for some time in a wagon factory at Stoughton. He died May 6, 1876, and his widow subsequently became the wife of Arne Arneson, whom she survives, being now a resident of Houston. She had three children by her first and four by her second marriage. Sever Knutson, her first born by her first marriage, was educated in a district school in Hancock county, Iowa, and after leaving home at the age of 14 years he worked for farmers in that county until he was 18. Then coming to Houston county, he was engaged here in railroad work for five years, at the end of which time he bought his present farm, consisting of 40 acres in the Houston school district, where he is engaged chiefly in raising poultry. He also operates other land. He has fully improved his farm, which is pro- vided with good modern buildings and equipment. His house is new with modern comforts, and is well located as to picturesque scenery and pleasant surroundings, as well as in regard to more utilitarian purposes. Mr. Knut- son is a member of the Lutheran church and in politics is a Republican. On No. 23, 1892, Mr. Knutson was united in marriage with Julia Ovalson, who was born in Telemarken, Norway, Sept. 11, 1866, daughter of Oval and Haggie (Targersdater) Hageland, and who was brought to this country by her parents when six years old, the family settling immediately in Houston county, Minn., on the farm now occupied by the subject of this sketch, where he subsequently died, being an elderly man at the time he arrived here. His wife survived him, passing away in February, 1893. Mrs. Knutson was

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 49

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

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