History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 50

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

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 50

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MR. AND MRS. SEVER KNUTSON AND RESIDENCE

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HISTORY OF HOUSTON COUNTY

the youngest of their five children, and in her girlhood attended school in Houston.

Christopher Jacobson, who formerly carried on agricultural operations in Root River Valley and elsewhere in Houston township, was born in Nonstadt, Norway, in January, 1844. In 1867, at the age of about 23 years, he emigrated to America, coming directly to Rushford, Fillmore county, Minn., where he worked on farms and also on the railroad for a number of years. Then going to North Dakota, he was engaged there in farming until 1884, when he returned to Minnesota and took a farm in Root River Valley, Houston township. A few years later he removed to the farm in section 6, Yucatan township, that is now operated by his family. Here he resided until his death, June 25, 1917. His wife is still living and resides on the homestead. They were the parents of three children: Martin A., now a farmer in Palouse, Wash .; John Alexander and Carl Melvin, who are residing on the homestead.

John Alexander Jacobson, farming on a general stock farm of 80 acres in section 6, Yucatan township, was born in Barnes county, N. D., May 28, 1883, son of Christopher and Karn (Goarder) Jacobson. His education was acquired in the school of his district in Yucatan township, and from an early age he made himself useful on his parents' farm, the management of which came into his hands when he was but 15 years old. He has since operated it with profitable results, and is also a stockholder in the Rushford Creamery and the Farmers' Telephone Company. His religious affilia- tions are with the Norwegian Lutheran church at Rushford, and in politics he is a Republican. Mr. Jacobson was married Jan 16, 1918, to Hilda Stensing, who was born in Rushford, Fillmore county, Minn., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Stensing. Both her parents were born in Norway, the father in January 1852, and the mother August 14, 1854. Mr. Stensing, who was a tailor by trade, came to the United States when a young man, locating in Winona, Minn. He later removed to Rushford, then returned for a time to Winona, but finally took up his residence in Rushford, where he conducted a tailor's business for nearly forty years. For some time he was a member of the Rushford city council, but declined other office. His death took place in Rushford March 7, 1916. He and his wife had ten children, of whom their daughter Hilda (Mrs. Jacobson) was the second in order of birth. She attended school in Rushford and subsequently be- came a trained nurse, practicing there and in North Dakota until her mar- riage. They have one child, John Clifford, born June 4, 1919. Carl M. Jacobson, who is associated with his brother, John A., in operating the home farm, was born in Fillmore county, Nov. 23, 1889, received his education in the districts schools, and has devoted his life to farm work.

Ole Mikelson, who contributed to the development of Houston county by the establishment of a farm in section 1 south, Houston township, was born in Telemarken, Norway, Jan 31, 1833. He grew to manhood in his native land and there married Droches Christenson of that district of Norway, who was a few years younger than himself. Emigrating to the United States, they arrived in Houston county, Minnesota, at a very early date and for two years resided in Sheldon township, Mr. Wikelson working

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for others. Then securing land in Houston township, he established the farm above mentioned, on which he died Nov. 4, 1914. His wife died many years before him, in July, 1890. They were the parents of seven children : Mary, wife of Ed Clark of Aaslyn, Wis .; Michael, who is residing on the old home farm; Carrie, wife of Alfred Nelson, a farmer living near Hous- ton; Anna, wife of John Vetch, a farmer on Union Ridge, Mound Prairie township; Christine, who resides at Madison, Wis .; Gertrude, who is living on the old homestead; and Christ, also living on the old homestead, of which he is now the proprietor.

Christ Mikelson, who is profitably engaged in operating a good farm of 117 acres in section 1 south, Houston township, which is the homestead established by his father, was born on this farm, Oct. 10, 1884, son of Ole and Droches (Christenson) Mikelson. His education was acquired in the district school and he was trained to agricultural pursuits under the mentor- ship of his father. At the age of 21 years he took charge of the home farm and worked on shares for some eight or nine years, at the end of which time he bought out the interests of the other heirs and it became his prop- erty. It is well improved and he is carrying on general farming with satis- factory results, being numbered among the prosperous men of his town- ship. He is a member of the Lutheran church and in politics is independent.

John August Johnson, a former resident of Houston township, who contributed to its agricultural development, was born in Sweden, Oct. 9, 1841. In 1869, at the age of twenty-eight, he came from his native land directly to Houston county, buying land in Houston township, where he engaged in farming. His active career lasted until his death April 24, 1885, or a period of 16 years. He was married in this county to Anna Noeling, who was born in Sweden, Aug. 29, 1850, and who died in Houston county Dec. 13, 1880. They were the parents of three children, Carl Alfred born Nov. 21, 1875, is now a prominent farmer in Houston township. Hannah Josephine, born May 21, 1873, is now Mrs. G. A. Barbisch of La Crescent, Minn. John Edward Johnson was born Jan. 24, 1878.

Carl Alfred Johnson, a prosperous stock farmer, operating a good farm of 240 acres in section 27, Houston township, was born in this township, Nov. 21, 1875, son of John August and Anna (Noeling) Johnson. He was educated in the district school and began industrial life at an early age on his parents' farm. When twelve years old he went to work for Mr. Lilly on the latter's farm and was in his employ for 15 years. He then was em- ployed at the State Agricultural School for one year, and at the end of that time rented the N. H. Forsyth farm for five years, and then came to the Lilly farm of 240 acres which he is now operating on his own account. He makes a specialty of raising Hereford cattle and Poland-China hogs, and has been very successful both as a stock and general farmer. He also owns a farm in this valley which he is leasing to others. The Farmers' Co-opera- tive Elevator Company and the Farmers' Telephone Company number him among their shareholders. A Republican in politics, he has taken a more or less active part in the affairs of local government, being at present a supervisor of Houston township and clerk of the school board of his dis- trict. Mr. Johnson was married Aug. 26, 1914, to Elenor Regina Senn, who

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CARL ALFRED JOHNSON AND FAMILY

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was born in Mound Prairie township, Houston county, June 11, 1892, daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Schild) Senn. She was the fourth born in a family of eight children, and was educated in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson two children have been born : Alton N., June 14, 1915; and Lloyd A., Oct. 15, 1917.

Richard Chapel, a prosperous stock farmer in section 19, Sheldon township, having a farm of 260 acres, was born in Money Creek township, Houston county, Sept. 23, 1866, son of Harvey and Julia (Wydhoff) Chapel a memoire of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Richard Chapel was reared on his parents' farm and attended the school of his district in Money Creek township. He resided at home until the age of 21, working for the most part on the home farm, though at times being employed by other farmers. Upon attaining his majority he engaged in business as a blacksmith at Houston, conducting a shop there for about five years. At the end of that time he moved to the vicinity of Sparta, in Monroe county, Wis., where he resided for twelve years. Then returning to Money Creek township, he operated the old home farm for a year, subsequently pur- chasing his parent farm in section 19, Sheldon township. The property is well improved and Mr. Chapel is profitably engaged in stock raising, giving special attention to the breeding of Durham cattle and Poland-China swine. In politics an independent Democrat, he has served at times in local office, including three years as town treasurer while residing in Wis- consin. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Chapel was married Jan. 1, 1897, to Ellen Hanson, who was born in Sheldon township, this county, daughter of Hans and Anna (Halcimer) Levi. He and his wife have two children: Clifford and Harriet, both residing at home. Clifford is a member of the Masonic lodge and Modern Woodmen camp at Caledonia. The parents of Mrs. Chapel, who were both born in Telemarken, Norway, were early settlers in Houston county, taking a home- stead which they improved. The father died in September, 1898, and the mother now lives at Whalen, Fillmore county.

Nels Nelson, the owner of a farm part of which lies within the cor- poration limits of Houston, and who is also a rural mail carrier, on Route No. 2, was born in Warberg, Sweden, July 31, 1863, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nels Martin Swenson. The mother's name before her marriage was Wil- helmina Emanuelson. Neither of the parents ever came to America. The mother died in 1874, when her son Nels was a boy of eleven years. The father died in 1904. Young Nels attended public school in Sweden, being confirmed in the Lutheran church at the age of fourteen. When sixteen years old he came to Minnesota, locating in Houston county, where he at- tended school for some time. In his native land he had had about eighteen months' industrial experience, and in Houston county he found agricultural and other work, his residence for the most part being in Houston village. Later he secured employment in the flour mill here, and worked in it for eleven years. For a few years after that he was engaged in farming, but about nine years ago he went on the mail route, and has remained as car- rier ever since in connection with the Houston post office. When not em- ployed in distributing the mails he is engaged in cultivating 57 acres of

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land, 15 acres of which lie within the city limits. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and to the Yeomen, in the former lodge holding the office of worthy advisor. Mr. Nelson was married Nov. 25, 1888, to Julia Erickson, who was born in the house in Houston in which she and her hus- band now live, daughter of Peter and Bertha (Overn) Erickson. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have three children: Pauline Natalia, born April 25, 1891; Roscoe W., born May 7, 1895, and Vivian Janice Margaret, born Jan 6, 1901. Pauline, who was graduated from the Houston High School, for some years prior to her marriage followed the occupation of a teacher. She is now the wife of Carl C. Hvambsal, and resides at Minot, N. D., her husband being head buyer for the Piper-Howe Lumber Company of that place. Roscoe W., who was graduated from the Houston High School and also from the Winona Business College, is now on the home farm with his parents. Vivian Janice Margaret was graduated from the Houston High School and is now a student in the normal department of the same school. She is residing at home.

Peter Erickson, a Houston county pioneer and for a number of years ut to the time of his death a highly respected resident of Houston village, was born in Norway, and came to this country when a young man. He first settled in La Crosse, Wis., where he worked a few years for a Mr. Cameron. At that time he could have had lots in what is now the heart of La Crosse city for his pay, but declined the offer, preferring to receive the cash. He came to Houston County before the original village of Houston (known as the Old Town) was founded, and established a saw-mill on the banks of Root River. There were then no railroads and all merchandise and sup- plies had to be hauled by ox teams from La Crosse. After a few years Mr. Erickson built a blacksmith's shop in the Old Town, which he conducted until the outbreak of the Civil War. Animated by the true American spirit, he then joined the Union army as a member of the 19th Wisconsin Volunteers, and served till the close of the war, quitting the service with the rank of sergeant. Though never wounded, the hardships he endured sapped his vitality, and he never fully recovered his health, being unfit for manual labor. He continued to reside in Houston until his death in 1896. He served a number of times as a member of the town board, and in other local offices, showing public spirit in all things concerning the welfare and progress of the community. Mr. Erickson married Bertha Overn, also a native of Norway, who died in 1910.

Phillip Charles Happel, who owns and operates an excellent farm of 120 acres in section 14, Houston township, was born in Mound Prairie township, this county, Sept. 11, 1886, son of William and Elizabeth (Fit- ting) Happel. Of his parents' five children he was the second in order of birth. His education was acquired in the district school, and he remained at home until 1901, when he began working out, though for three or four winters he still resided at home. For two years he hauled cream for the Houston creamery, and then engaged in farming on his own account. After a residence of five years on the first farm he took, he purchased his present place of 120 acres, with adequate buildings, which he is operating as a general stock farm, making a specialty of breeding Hereford cattle.

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PHILIP C. HAPPEL FAMILY AND RESIDENCE

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LOUIS WOHLERS

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On March 11, 1919, his residence was burned, and he replaced it with his present home, well arranged and equipped throughout with all modern comforts. His standing as a farmer and as a citizen is shown by the fact that in the spring of 1919 he was elected a member of the board of super- visors of Houston county. Mr. Happel is a shareholder in the Houston Creamery Company, of which he is one of the directors; and in the Farm- ers' Elevator Company, the Co-operative Store, the Farmers' Telephone Company, of which he is president, and a member of the board of super- visors of Houston township. In politics he is independent and is now serving as director of the school board. His fraternal society affilia- tions are with the Modern Woodmen of America.

Mr. Happel was married, Dec. 6, 1906, to Tilda Johnson, who was born in Sheldon township, this county, daughter of John Benjamin and Janet (Skrey) Johnson. Her parents, who were born in Norway, are now resid- ing west of Houston. The family circle of Mr. and Mrs. Happel has been enlarged by the birth of five children, one of whom, however, the young- est, died in infancy. The survivors are Lavera Jeanette, Helen, Norma Phyllis, and Beverly.

Ole K. Gordon, who as a general farmer is operating 149 acres in section 32, Houston township, was born in Numdahl, Norway, July 29, 1866, son of Knud Peterson and his wife Veil, whose family name was Olsdater. His parents were farming people who spent their lives in their native land. The second born of their three children, he attended school in Numdahl, and at the age of ten years began working on farms during the summer, continuing at school in the winter. On attaining his majority in 1887 he left his native land for the United States, and landing at New York, came directly from that city to Houston county, Minnesota. Here until his marriage he was engaged in miscellaneous occupations, including railroad work and lumbering. On beginning domestic life he worked a farm for his wife's father for one year, and then moving to Houston, was employed in the mill until it burned down. He then worked at bridge carpentering one year, at the end of which time he came to his present farm, which consists of 149 acres of valuable land adjoining the corpora- tion of Houston. Here he is making good progress as a general farmer, finding a ready sale at good prices for his crops and stock, and operating his farm on a paying basis. He is a member of the Lutheran church and of the order of Beavers, and in politics is a Democrat with independent proclivities.

December 17, 1895, Mr. Gordon was married to Pauline Johnson, who was born in Houston Township, this county, Aug. 31, 1877, daughter of Andrew and Anna Johnson. Her parents were natives of Sweden, the father being one of the first settlers in Looney Valley, this county. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Their daughter, Pauline (Mrs. Gor- don), who was the youngest of their three children, was educated in Hous- ton township. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon have one child, Aldis Kermitt, Oct. 4, 1909, who is attending school.

Louis F. Wohlers, who is engaged in operating the Wohlers farm in section 23, Houston township, and who, aside from this connection, is an

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independent land owner, was born at Brownsville, Houston county, Minne- sota, March 27, 1879, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wohlers. The parents were born in Germany but were married in La Crosse county, Wisconsin, subsequently becoming farmers in Brownsville, where Henry Wohlers held office on the school board and in other capacities. He is now retired, the farm being operated by his son, George. He and his wife have been the parents of ten children. Louis F., who was one of the younger mem- bers of the family, attended school in Brownsville. At ten years of age he began working for others and has earned his own living ever since. His life has been devoted to agriculture, and in the spring of 1913 he began farming for himself. He has 160 acres of valuable land in Carson county, South Dakota, but at present is operating what is known as the Wohlers farm, which previously belonged to his brother John, who was killed by a train while en route to Chicago. He carries on general farming with profit- able results, having a practical knowledge of all parts of the business. His political principles are those of the Republican party, but so far his activ- ities in the direction of politics have been confined to casting his vote. As a prosperous and enterprising citizen of Houston township, he is well known and his reputation stands high.

Jacob Ray Vanderpan, who is engaged in general agriculture on a 400-acre farm in Houston township, was born in Eau Claire county, Wis- consin, May 19, 1881, son of Isaac and Sybil (Hoffma) Vanderpan. The parents were natives of Holland, from which country the father emigrated to Wisconsin when 17 years of age. Previous to his marriage, in Wiscon- sin, he worked out, and then engaged in farming. He and his wife are now living retired at New Amsterdam, La Crosse county, where he has held various town offices. Jacob Ray was the second born of their four children. After attending school at New Amsterdam, he became a pupil at Gale Col- lege, Galesville, Wis., where he completed his literary education. Until he attained his majority he resided with his parents. After that he worked out a few years and then engaged in farming. In 1907 he took his present farm, which he is operating in a general way, raising both grain and stock, and has made his mark as a successful farmer. He is affiliated politically with the Republican party. Mr. Vanderpan was married Nov. 23, 1905, to Cynthia Sanderson, who was born on this farm, daughter of John and Jane (Benson) Sanderson, and who was educated in the dis- trict school here and at Houston. He and his wife have two children, Laurel Sanders and Carrol Ames. John Sanderson, father of Mrs. Vander- pan, was born in Norway, and his wife, Jane Benson, in Sweden. He was an early settler in Houston county, and for a number of years owned and operated the farm on which his daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Vanderpan, now live. He and his wife are now retired and reside in Houston.

William Bailey, one of the pioneer settlers in Mound Prairie township, was born in Cambridgeshire, England, in 1833. After emigrating as a young man to the United States, he located first in Illinois, where he mar- ried Mrs. Sophia Harvey, nee Borgeus, who, like himself, was a native of Cambridgeshire, England. In 1861 he came with his family to Houston

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IRVIN BAILEY MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM BAILEY-MR. AND MRS. GEORGE W. BAILEY

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county, Minnesota, settling in Mound Prairie township, where he took land which he began to improve. After being thus engaged for three years, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, as a private in a Minnesota regiment, and served for one year lacking 13 days, or until the close of the war, when he was honorably discharged. After his return home he re- sumed his interrupted farm work, and continued to reside on the home- stead until his death in 1913. His wife had died about five years previ- ously. They were the parents of two children: George W., now a farmer in section 1, Houston township, and Ida, who is the widow of William Hughes. By a previous marriage, however, Mrs. Bailey had four other children.

George W. Bailey, who is making a specialty of stock breeding on a farm of 160 acres in section 1, Houston township, was born at Richmond, Ill., Dec. 22, 1857, son of William and Sophia (Harvey) Bailey. He was about three years old when his parents came to Houston county. His early education was obtained in the log schoolhouse and he later attended school for a while in Winona county. The early part of his life up to the age of 37 years was spent on the parental homestead, during which time he worked with his father in improving the place. He then moved to the farm on which he is now living, where he has since resided, and where he is making a suc- cess as a breeder of pure-bred Brown Swiss cattle and Poland-China swine, being also a stockholder in the Farmers Telephone Company. In politics he is independent.

Mr. Bailey was married Dec. 15, 1893, to Adelia Rouse, who was born in Winona county, Minnesota, Aug. 26, 1867, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Rouse. Her parents were natives of an eastern State, but had removed to Winona county, Minnesota, at an early date and were there engaged in farming. Both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are the parents of one child, Irvin A., who was born April 19, 1896, and is now associated with his father in farming.

Edward Peterson, who has led an active career for a number of years both as a merchant and farmer, and who is now proprietor of a fine farm of 283 acres in section 25, Houston township, was born in Houston county, Minnesota, Dec. 31, 1871, son of Swan and Caroline (Swenson) Peterson. The parents were natives of Norway, the father coming to Houston county, Minnesota, when a young and single man. He was married here and be- came a land owner and followed agricultural pursuits until his retirement. He and his wife are now residing in Houston, he being 84 years of age and his wife about 74. Their son, Edward, was the fourth born in a family of eight children. He attended school in Houston, and afterwards the La Crosse Business University. He was brought up on the farm but at the age of 18 began to learn the cooper's trade, at which he continued for two years. He then went to work in the general store of Field & Briggs in Houston, entering their employ on Jan. 5, 1890, and continuing with them for nine years, after which he followed the same line of occupation until 1911, work- ing partly for others, but operating a store in Houston for seven years. At the end of that time he came to his present farm of 283 acres, all valuable land, and, having added to the improvements, has now one of the best

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equipped farms in Houston township, on which he is raising both grain and stock with profitable results. He is also a shareholder in the Farmers Tele- phone Company. Politically he is an adherent of the Prohibition party, and religiously a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr. Peter- son was married June 21, 1899, to Anna Swenson, who was born in Houston county, Minnesota, daughter of Swen and Sophia Swenson, she being the youngest of five children. Her parents, natives of Swenden, were early settlers in this county, the father being a shoemaker by trade. He died in Houston, where his wife is still living. Mrs. Anna Peterson died May 7, 1916.

Evan Olsen, who for twenty-five years formerly was engaged in agri- cultural pursuits in Yucatan township, and did valuable work in improving a farm, was a native of Telemarken, Norway, and came to Houston county, Minnesota, when 20 years of age. He was accompanied by his parents, then well along in years, for whom he cared until their death. For some time after coming here he worked out for others, and as he was strong and vigor- ous, and handy with the broad axe, he found plenty to do in the pioneer community, building log houses, constructing fences, and performing other useful service. After some years of this kind of work, he thought it time to establish a home of his own, and so secured a tract of land in Yucatan township, on which he resided for 25 years, developing it into a good farm. He then moved to Pleasant Hill township, Winona county. He is now living in Houston village at the age of 79 years. Mr. Olsen was married in Houston county to Tilda Kettelson, who died in August, 1917. They were the parents of nine children : Olaus E., Tilda, Edward (deceased), Clarence (deceased), Andrew (deceased), Tenius, Gina (deceased) and Edwin.

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 50

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

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