History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 63

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

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 63

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).

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mercantile business of H. B. Hanson, which he has since conducted with profitable results. In 1911 Mr. Bagley bought the Onstad farm, just east of Black Hammer church, in sec. 22, an improved farm of 100 acres, of which 85 acres are under cultivation, though the buildings are but ordinary. It is, however, a productive farm, and he has it leased out to a tenant, retain- ing the pastureland, which he uses in grazing the stock which he buys, fat- tens and ships to market. A Republican in politics, Mr. Bagley has served as township treasurer for the last four years, and is also treasurer of his school district. An industrious and enterprising man, he has been success- ful and is highly esteemed throughout the community. He and his wife are the parents of eight children : Irving, born Jan. 31, 1897; Clara, Oct. 25, 1898; Edna, Jan. 2, 1901; Milton, July 16, 1905; Milo, Oct. 18, 1907; Victor, June 6, 1910; Ruth, Oct. 23, 1912; and Viola, June 26, 1916.

Simon O. Hauge, a highly respected and successful farmer of Black Hammer township, was born in Norway, Dec. 25, 1859, the son of Ole and Ella (Norberg) Hauge, who brought him to America when he was a baby and settled in Badger Valley, this county. Later they bought 80 acres on Sheldon Ridge, in Sheldon township. Simon O. helped his parents in their pioneer endeavors and attended school until he was about 15 years of age. After his marriage he continued on the home farm until 1884. Then he went to Hamlin county, South Dakota, and homesteaded a quarter section of land. But successive crop failures there turned his footsteps once more homeward and he resumed his work on the home farm. In 1897 he purchased 200 acres in sections 5 and 6, Black Hammer township. No buildings had been erected and only a few acres improved. The farm is now one of the best in the community. It is located fourteen miles from Houston village and twelve miles from Spring Grove, Houston and Rushford. One hundred acres are under the plow and 100 acres in pasture and timber land. The buildings which Mr. Hauge has erected are all in good condition and include a comfortable eight-room house, a frame barn, 40 by 60 by 10, on a full stone, eight-foot basement; a granary, 16 by 30 by 8; a poultry house, 30 by 16 feet; a double corn crib, 18 by 30 feet, with an eight-foot drive between; a machine shed and garage, 24 by 84 by 10; a woodshed, 18 by 24 feet; and a hog house, 16 by 30 by 8 feet. The farm is well tilled and productive and well equipped with tools and machinery. Aside from successfully raising the usual crops, Mr. Hauge has a fine herd of some fifteen pure bred Poll- Angus cattle, the milk and cream of which he sells to the Yucatan Creamery Association, of which he was at one time manager and of which he has been for some time a director. He also has a fine drove of Poland-China swine.

Mr. Hauge was married March 14, 1879, to Hattie G. Weisland, daughter of Gunder and Annie Weisland, and this union has been blessed with twelve children, of whom eight are living. They are: Ole, Ella, Gun- der, Andrew, Gena, Thomas, Sarah and Rinus, living; and Hannah (first), Hannah (second), Alvin and Martin, deceased. Ole was born Dec. 25, 1880, married Helma Clauson, of Alamakee county, Iowa, lives in Pekin, N. D., and has four children. Ella was born Nov. 1, 1882, married Iver Gustad, resides in Houston, and has eight children. Gunder was born April 28, 1884, married Carrie Engen, lives in Buxton, N. D., and has two children.

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SIMON O. HAUGE AND FAMILY

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Andrew was born Dec. 29, 1885, and lives in Bucyrus, N. D. Martin was born Dec. 8, 1887, and died June 28, 1919. Hannah (first) was born Dec. 8, 1992, and died when 2 years of age. Gena was born May 16, 1893, mar- ried Conrad Buross, lives in Fillmore county, and has one son. Hannah (second) was born April 5, 1894, and died June 15, 1898. Thomas was born Jan. 21, 1896, and lives at home. Sarah was born Nov. 8, 1898, mar- ried Christian M. Westby, and lives in Yucatan township. Alvin was born March 24, 1902, and died in infancy. Renus was born July 17, 1903, and lives at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Hauge are both much interested in education, and Mr. Hauge has served on the school board, in which capacity his judgment and good sense have been of much service. Both are also prominent in the affairs of the South Fork Congregation of the Norwegian Lutheran church, in which Mr. Hauge is a trustee.

Austin Burtness, one of the pioneers of Black Hammer township, was born in Norway, Nov. 14, 1828, and came to the United States in 1848, when in his twentieth year. His first location in this country was at Rock Prairie, Wis .. where he had two brothers, but from there he went to St. Paul, in which city he resided for some years. In 1857 he came to Houston county, Minnesota, and bought a tract of wild government land in section 27, Black Hammer township, for which he paid $1.25 an acre. Here, in pioneer fash- ion, he built a small log house and began the task of developing a farm, per- severing with good success until his death at the age of 60 years on April 29, 1889. Mr. Burtness married Helene Leren, who was born in Norway, March 19, 1831, and who came to America in 1851. She is now living at Harmony, Minn., and the old homestead is the property of their son, H. A. Burtness.

Helge A. Burtness, a well known and respected farmer of Black Ham- mer township, residing in section 28, was born on his present farm, Jan. 8, 1862, son of Austin and Helene (Leren) Burtness. In common with most farmers' sons in early days, he acquired his education in the district school, which he attended up to the age of 15 years. He was also well trained in agriculture, assisting his father until the latter's death, at which time he purchased the home farm, then containing 142 acres. Since then he has increased its area to 202 acres, of which 140 are under cultivation, the rest of the land being in pasture and timber. The property is in first-class con- dition, the farm being well fenced and the soil very productive, while the buildings are substantial and of modern type. The latter include a com- fortable two-story, ten-room frame house, a good barn, granary, corn crib, machine shed, shop and garage. One pleasing feature of the farm is a fine apple orchard. The stock consists chiefly of Shorthorn cattle and Poland- China hogs. With two others Mr. Burtness owns a threshing outfit, thresh- ing for themselves and their neighbors generally. In addition to his direct farming interests Mr. Burtness is also a shareholder in the Spring Grove Creamery, the Spring Grove Stock & Grain Company, the Spring Grove Equity Shipping Association and the Spring Grove Hospital. In politics a Republican, he has served for some twenty years or more as a member of the town board, of which he is now chairman, was town assessor for three

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years, and has also for many years been a member of the school board. In 1885 Mr. Burtness was married to Carrie Bergsrud, daughter of Helge and Marit Bergsrud, of Black Hammer township. He and his wife are the par- ents of eight children : Helen L. M., born May 21, 1887; Austin H., Dec. 29, 1889; Henry M., July 1, 1892 ; Minerva E., July 31, 1894 ; Lloyd O., Feb. 2, 1899; Selma C., Aug. 21, 1901; Julia O., April 11, 1904; and Thora A., May 18, 1907. Austin H. married Julia Storlie, a daughter of K. C. Storlie, of Spring Grove. Henry M. served in France during the great war in the Medical Corps, having enlisted in June, 1918. Mr. Burtness and his family are members of the Black Hammer congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church.

Erick Gunderson Pladsen, who became a factor in the development of Black Hammer township by developing a good farm from wild land, was born in Norway, where he grew to manhood and married Inger Torkelson. In 1876, with his wife and two children, he emigrated to Minnesota, settling in Black Hammer township, Houston county, where he bought 80 acres of wild government land in section 12, made a small clearing and erected a small log house. He was very poor, but had a yoke of oxen, with which he began the improvement of his place, both he and his wife working hard. Making gradual progress, he was able in time to purchase another tract of 80 acres adjoining his farm on the west, and also to erect comfortable build- ings, including a frame house, a barn, granary, machine shed and other out- buildings, also putting up a steel windmill. He also brought a considerable portion of his land under cultivation. On this farm he died in November, 1911, a well known and respected citizen of his township. His wife is still living, being now (1918) 68 years of age. They were the parents of eleven children, the four eldest born in Norway, where Gunder, the first born, died. The others were: Gunder (second), now a farmer at Isabel, S. D .; Torkel, deceased; Bertha, now Mrs. Frank Robbins, of Stockelle, Mont .; Albert, now proprietor of the old home farm; Andrew, a farmer in Buffalo Springs, N. D .; Matilda, now Mrs. Christ Grondal, of Isabel, S. D., where her husband is engaged in farming; Bernt, now working around Spring Grove, Minn .; Olaf, deceased; Theoline, a resident of Minneapolis; and Edward, now in the United States service.

Albert Pladsen, a well known farmer and prominent citizen of Black Hammer township, where he is operating the old Pladsen farm established by his parents in section 12, was born on this farm, Feb. 9, 1881. He has always resided on it, assisting his father until the latter's death in 1911, since which time he has operated it on his own account. It became his prop- erty a year or two ago and he now has about 100 acres under the plow, and in addition to grain is raising Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. The farm is well provided with good buildings and is well fenced. The land is very productive, and Mr. Pladsen's full equipment of tools and machinery, together with his expert knowledge of agriculture and stock raising, enables him to work it to its full capacity. He has made some valuable improve- ments on the place and is enjoying a prosperous career, owning a good Max- well automobile. In politics he is a Republican. His religious affiliations are with the Norwegian Evangelical church of Black Hammer township.

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JOHN P. HOILAND AND FAMILY

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Peder S. Hoiland, a pioneer, was born in Voss, Norway, Sept. 15, 1828, and was there married. In 1858 they came to America and located at Koochinong, Wis., where he had a brother, Lars. In 1860 Mr. and Mrs. Hoiland set out for Houston county, driving an ox team and a few young cattle. Coming directly to Spring Grove they bought 120 acres in section 27, from Andrew Bjonstua. A small log house had been built on the place and a few acres had been broken. Into this cabin they moved with their daughter, Margaret, now Mrs. T. A. Thompson, of Lac qui Parle county, Minnesota, whom they had brought with them from Norway. Here they lived and labored for many years, developing a farm from the wilderness. In 1899 they sold the place to their sons, John P. and Stork, and purchased a farm in section 16, in the same township, to which they moved. There they lived until Mr. Hoiland's death, May 5, 1901, when his wife moved back to the old home where she died in February, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Hoiland were the parents of ten children. The oldest daughter has already been mentioned. Stork died in 1903. Karine is the wife of Amund Bergh of Rossea county, Minnesota. Olaus lives on the old home farm. Emma died in 1892. Martin lives on the home farm. John P. owns the home farm. Three died in childhood.

John P. Hoiland was born on section 27, Spring Grove, where he still resides, March 5, 1861, son of Peder S. and Margarite Hoiland, the early settlers. He was reared on the home farm which he assisted in grub- bing, breaking and developing. In 1899 he and his brother, Stork, bought the place, John P. taking the south eighty. No buildings had been erected on this tract, until two years before, when in anticipation of this move, he had built a small frame house 14 by 24 by 12. In 1913 he replaced this with a two-story frame dwelling of nine rooms, 24 by 28 by 16 feet. In 1907 he built a good frame barn, 30 by 50 by 18 feet. He has a granary, 14 by 20 by 10 feet, a machine shed, 18 by 24 feet, a work shop 10 by 12 by 8 feet, a good corn crib, and other buildings. To his original purchase, Mr. Hoiland has added two adjoining forties, so that he now has a good farm of 160 acres, seventy-five of which are under the plow. The farm is unusually productive, and is worked with intelligent care. The teams, tools, ma- chinery and equipment are of the best and everything about the place be- speaks the thrift and energy of the owner. Aside from raising the usual crops, he has a herd of some thirty graded Red Poll cattle, and about one hundred head of Duroc-Jersey swine. A man of much public spirit, he has become a shareholder in the Stock & Grain Co. of Spring Grove and in the Farmers' Co-operative Creamery there. Mr. Hoiland was married June 18, 1887, to Marit, daughter of Hans and Martha (Lere) Qven, of Spring Grove township, where she was born July 24, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Hoiland have three children, Andrine Marie, Peter and Hannah. Andrine Marie was born Aug. 26, 1887, and married Ole Swenson. She and her daughter, Annie Odella, born March 30, 1908, made their home with Mr. and Mrs. Hoiland until she married Benjamin Keume, and took up her residence on Looking Glass Prairie, in Iowa. Peter, born Aug. 5, 1891, works with his father. Hannah, born Nov. 23, 1900, attends the Spring Grove high school. The family faith is that of the Norwegian Lutheran church at Spring Grove.

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Embrick Benson (Benrud), one of the earliest settlers in Spring Grove township, who developed there a fine farm of 279 acres, was born in Sigdal, Norway, June 24, 1829. In 1842, when he was a boy about thirteen years old, his parents came with their family to the United States, settling at Muskego, Wis., where they remained until 1850. They then removed to Washington Prairie, Allamakee county, Iowa, where in 1854 the subject of this sketch was married to Kjersti Ruen. She was born in Hadiland, Norway, June 4, 1833, and had come to America in 1850, her family settling in Racine county, Wisconsin, whence, like the Benruds, they had removed to Allamakee county, Iowa. At the time of his marriage Embrick Benson Benrud moved with his wife to Spring Grove township, Houston county, Minnesota, taking a tract of wild land in section 13 one and a half miles southeast of the village. There they remained until 1899 when they re- moved to Spring Grove Village. Of the wild tract on which he settled Mr. Benrud developed the farm of 279 acres above mentioned, which is today one of the best farms in this part of the county. Their early accommo- dations were crude and primitive, but in time he erected a comfortable two- story, frame house, a good frame barn, and other buildings. After retiring from the farm he and his wife resided in the village for over eleven years, being among its most honored residents. There also they celebrated their golden wedding. Early in February, 1911, both were taken sick and on February 10 Mr. Benrud passed away, his wife being united with him in death but nine days later. For fifty-eight years they had lived happily together, and not for long were they separated. Nine children were born to them, namely: Gunder, now deceased; Annie, now Mrs. O. B. Nelson of Spring Grove township; Peter, who resides at Verona, N. D .; Clara, who married Peter Qually; Eddie, wife of Gustav Gilbertson of Spring Grove township; Helene, now Mrs. Charles Smerud of Solway, Minn .; Hustava, now Mrs. Ole Hendrickson, of Chaseburg, Wis .; and Adolph, who is the present proprietor of the old homestead.

Adolph Benson, a leading representative of the farming interests of Spring Grove township, residing in section 13, is proprietor of one of the best farms in the southern part of Houston county, a farm established by his parents sixty-five years ago, when the seeds of civilization were being planted here by the first white settlers. His parents were Embrick and Kjersti (Ruen) Benson (Benrud), of Norwegian birth, who on coming young to this country with their respective families, had settled first near Racine, Wis., thence removed to Allamake county, Iowa, and from there, where they were married, had come to Spring Grove township, Houston county, Minnesota. Adolph, who was the youngest of his parents' nine children, attended the district school up to the age of fifteen years and daily assisted his father in the work of the farm, where he has always resided. In 1898, a year before his parents' retirement and removal to the village of Spring Grove, he bought the property, and has since con- ducted it on his own account, engaged successfully in general farming, including dairying and stock raising, in all of which branches of agricul- tural work he is proficient. Of an enterprising and progressive spirit, he has made a number of improvements on the place, having improved the

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GUEL E. OVESTRUD AND FAMILY

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house and barn and built corn cribs, a feed house, machine shed and other necessary structures. The barn now measures 34 by 60 by 16 feet, having a full eight-foot basement, while the house is a two-story building of eleven rooms. The farm is in a good state of cultivation, and is well stocked with grade Hereford cattle and Poland-China swine. Mr. Benson having a herd of from thirty to thirty-five of the former, including ten or twelve milch cows, while of the latter he has from 100 to 125. He is also a share- holder in the Spring Grove Farmers' Co-operative Creamery, the Spring Grove Stock and Grain Company and the Spring Grove Hospital. On May 18, 1898, he was united in marriage with Maria, daughter of Ole K. and Margaret Blexrud of Spring Grove township. Their only child, Emil, was born March 8, 1899, and is residing on the home farm. Mr. Benson and his family are members of the Spring Grove congregation of the Nor- wegian Evangelical Lutheran church. In politics he is a Republican. The son of hardy and industrious pioneer settlers, he has worthily maintained the family traditions and has advanced in worldly circumstances through persevering industry. Neither are his interests wholly selfish, for he has always been ready to lend a helping hand to whatever was for the good of the community in which he resides, and as such is a respected citizen of his township.

Guel E. Ovestrud, who died on his farm in section 26, Spring Grove township, on Jan. 16, 1913, was well known throughout the southwestern part of Houston county as a successful farmer and worthy and reliable citizen. He was born at Orfordville, Wis., Nov. 5, 1853, son of Erick and Mary (Trosteun) Ovestrud. He acquired his primary education in the common schools of Wisconsin and was later a pupil for some time at St. Olaff College at Northfield, Minn., subsequently teaching school for several terms. In 1879 he came to Spring Grove, Houston county, and entered the employ of T. T. Bergh, with whom he remained for some time. After- wards he was engaged in the farm machinery business for a period and also spent ten years as a stock buyer. On May 15, 1880, Mr. Ovestrud mar- ried Berget Sagdalen, daughter of Knut and Margaret Sagdalen of Spring Grove township, and he and his wife began domestic life in Spring Grove village. In 1895 he bought his father-in-law's farm in Spring Grove town- ship, three and a half miles south of the village, in section 26. It was his wife's birthplace, and was a good farm of 160 acres, with a comfortable two-story residence, a good barn and other buildings. Its location was but two miles north of the Iowa State line. Mr. Ovestrud had previously had some experience in mercantile business, having been clerk for a time in a general store at Northwood, Iowa, and conducted a restaurant in Spring Grove in addition to the other occupations above mentioned, but he now devoted all his attention to farming in its different branches, including dairying and stock raising. His cattle were grade Shorthorns, and his swine of the Poland-China breed, and he kept improving his herds by the use of full-blooded sires. He also improved the farm in various ways, and his buildings and operating equipment were adequate and of modern type. His activities were continued up to 1910, when he suffered a paralytic stroke, after which until his death he was an invalid. He was a man widely known

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and highly respected, and was a useful and prominent member of the Spring Grove congregation of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church, to which his family also belonged. At one time he was manager and secretary of the Spring Grove Stock and Grain Company, holding that position at the time he took up his residence on his farm, and continuing to do so for several years, driving to and from town. His political principles were those of the Republican party. He and his wife were the parents of eight children: Eddie, born Jan. 3, 1882, who died in infancy; Edmund, born Nov. 5, 1884, who was graduated from the Spring Grove high school, and the University of Minnesota, and is now principal of a public school at Hills, Minn., spending his summers on the home farm; Clarence, born Sept. 8, 1886, now a farmer residing at Bow Bells, N. D .; Melvin, born March 17, 1889, who was graduated from the Spring Grove high school and the University of Minnesota and is now a mechanical engineer; Mathilda, born May 22, 1891, who died in infancy; Millie Belinda, born Jan. 31, 1893, who was a pupil for three years in the Spring Grove high school and is now residing at home with her mother; Geneva Eliza, born March 16, 1895, who was graduated from the Spring Grove high school and is now a teacher; and Ernest, born March 10, 1897, who has operated the home farm since he was fourteen years of ago.

Albert E. Vik, a successful young business man of Spring Grove Vil- lage, was born in Spring Grove township, Jan. 14, 1885, son of Endre A. and Kjerste (Traan) Vik. He received his preliminary education in the district schools, and his higher education in the Breckenridge Academy at Decorah, Iowa, and in the Valder Business College in the same city, where he took the full commercial course. In the spring of 1903 he entered commercial life in the employ of his uncle, K. A. Vik, who had a store at Decora. The next year he returned to Minnesota and started work in the general store of Ole Lees at Newhouse. In 1907 he determined to try his fortunes in North Dakota, but after a few months came back to his native township of Spring Grove. In April, 1908, he established a restaurant and confectionary busi- ness in Spring Grove Village. Two years later he sold out and went to North Dakota, where he homesteaded 160 acres of land near Esmond. There he built a small house and barn, and cultivated the requisite number of acres. In January, 1914, he rented this land and returned to Spring Grove. Here he discovered that the business he had established had passed through three hands. This he purchased and still conducts. He also retains possession of his North Dakota farm, which he rents. He is doing a good business, and is regarded as one of the popular young men of the village. Mr. Vik was married, June 10, 1908, to Minnoe Landson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Landson, of Spring Grove township. This union has been blessed with three bright children, Morris Carlton, born Nov. 4, 1911, Alvin Manuel, born July 17, 1914, and Ernest, born March 5, 1918.

Endre A. Vik, agriculturist, musician and church worker, was born in Norway, Sept. 7, 1855, son of Arne N. and Ragnel Vik. He received a good education in his native land, being trained especially in music. At the age of twenty-two he determined to try his fortunes in the new world. Accord- .ingly, with a steamship ticket and $1.50, but with courage and resolution,

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MR. AND MRS. OLE TOLLEFSRUD HENRY TOLLEFSRUD AND FAMILY

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he boarded a boat for the New World. June 18, 1877, he landed in New York, and by the aid of his fellow countrymen, made his way westward. When he reached Decorah, Iowa, he had been without food for three days. Friends there assisted him on his way to Newberg, in Fillmore county, this State, where he worked as a farm hand for four years. He then came to Riceford and worked on the farm for Rev. E. P. Jenson one year. His musical ability then attracted the attention of Rev. E. P. Jenson, of Rice- ford, who took him into his home as an assistant about the church and parsonage. In 1885 he purchased ninety-eight acres of partly improved land in sections 7 and 8, Spring Grove township. In the meantime he, in December, 1882, had married Kjerste Traan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gunder Traan, and on their advice borrowed money and built a comfortable home which he and his family now occupy. He also bought a splendid team of horses, which he planned would be a help for years to come. But both horses sickened and died, entailing a serious loss. Badly hampered by this loss, but undiscouraged, he and his wife set out to recoup their losses. By frugality, industry, and intelligence, they prospered, and won their place as substantial and respected citizens of the community. Sixty acres of their farm is now under the plow, and general farming is successfully conducted. From time to time suitable buildings have been erected, and in 1914 they constructed a sightly and commodious barn which now adorns the property, a frame structure with full basement. The farm is well equipped with tools and machinery. But in winning this material success Mr. Vik has not forgotten the higher things of life. For nearly a quarter of a century his voice has been a factor in religious worship in Riceford, Newburg and Black Hammer Norwegian Lutheran churches. Not only this, but he is also a musician of ability with both the organ and the violin, and this ability he has transmitted to his children, several of whom are vocal and instrumental musicians whose talents have added greatly to the religious and social life of the community. Since early boyhood Mr. Vik has been a deep Bible student and is an authority on many theological subjects. It is therefore natural that he should be a prominent member of the Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran church, and that he should many times represent that organization in Synodical gatherings and conferences. In the cause of religion he has been generous both in means and service. Mr. and Mrs. Vik are the parents of six children, Gustav A., Albert E., Anna Randina, Elena Christina, Sarah Georginia and Emma Bethena. Gustav A. lives in Fillmore county. Albert E. is in business in Spring Grove Village. Anna Randina is at home as is Elena Christina. Sarah Georgina is now Mrs. Alfred Haugstad of Spring Grove Village. Emma Bethena is now Mrs. Julius Haugstad of Isabella, S. D.

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 63

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

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