History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 85

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

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 85

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Fritz Almquist, who though not a resident of Houston county, was con- nected by marriage with a well known family of Money Creek township, was born in Munsen, Sweden, Oct. 4, 1853, son of August and Helena Almquist. His parents died in Sweden, and in that country he attended school, for a part of the time at Stockholm. At the age of 14 years he came to this country to join a brother in Clay county, Minnesota, and there his school education was completed. After living a year with his brother, he went to Rolag in the same county, where he was clerk for one year in a store. At the end of that time he went to Hawley, also in Clay county, where after a while he engaged in mercantile business. Later he sold his store and became manager for another firm, continuing in that position until his death on March 6, 1906. For some time he held the office of recorder at Hawley, and was one of that town's best known and most re- spected citizens. In politics he was a Democrat, and, religiously, a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Almquist was married June 4, 1890, to Ellen Olson, who was born at Money Creek, Houston county, Minn., daughter of Tosten and Margaret (Anfinson) Olson, of Money Creek town- ship, this county, the former of whom died April 19, 1918, and the latter April 6, 1905. After her husband's death Mrs. Almquist returned to Houston county, taking up her residence in the village of Houston, where she expects to make her home for the future. She has recently sold her property in Hawley, Minn., and has come into possession of the estate of

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MR. AND MRS. SWEN LARSON SWENSON-MR. AND MRS. CHARLES A. BENSON ELMORE O. BENSON AND FAMILY

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her father. She and her husband were the parents of four children : Alvin Thomas, Lyla Margaret, Charlotte Helena and Leona, all of whom were graduated from the Houston high school and the Winona Normal School. Alvin, who also graduated from Upper Iowa University, and was for some time a teacher, is now in the United States service as a member of the Fifth Engineer Corps. The daughters are all teachers, Lyla M. at Bertha, Minn., Charlotte at Blue Earth, Minn., and Leona at Leroy, Minn. Mrs. Almquist belongs to the Rebeckah branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to which her husband also belonged, he being a charter member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at Hawley.

Charles A. Benson, one of the first settlers in Houston township, who died a few years ago, was born in Sweden, April 19, 1840. With his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ole Benson, he came to Houston county, Minnesota, in 1853, they settling with other Swedes on the east bank of the south fork of Root River, in what is now section 3 south, Houston township. Here on their arrival they took up their residence in a tent, but soon had a more substantial abode. The father took land and developed it, and in due course of time died. Charles A. attended district school and was reared on the home farm. In the early sixties he went to the Pacific coast in search of gold, travelling through Colorado and California. After two years he returned and assisted his parents on the home place, in time developing a farm of 177 acres, besides acquiring an adjoining tract of 80 acres. A man of industry and enterprise, he was held in high regard by his fellow citizens, and at various times was called upon to serve in town office. He married Cornelia Anderson, who was born in Sweden, Dec. 24, 1849, and who is now residing in Houston with Mrs. C. W. Anderson. They were the parents of four children: Ida, Bertha, Amy and Elmore O. of whom Elmore O. is now operating the old home farm. Mr. Benson's death occurred in April, 1915, and with him passed away another old settler whose life was practically contemporaneous with the history of Houston county.

Elmore O. Benson, one of the leading farmers of Houston township, proprietor of the old Benson homestead in section 3 south, was born on the farm on which he now lives, on Nov. 15, 1876, son of Charles A. and Cor- nelia (Anderson) Benson. He attended district school in his home neigh- borhood and also in Houston, and assisted his father until 21 years old, after which he had the practical management of the farm, which he is still operating to the extent of 177 acres, the balance of the estate being rented out. He does general farming, raising for the market both crops and stock, and is a member of the Houston Shipping Association, and a shareholder in the local creamery company and the Security State Bank of Houston. His farm is provided with all modern improvements, the buildings, fences and other appurtenances being in the best condition, and the estate forming a valuable piece of agricultural property. Mr. Benson is independent in politics. In the spring of 1919 he was elected township assessor, and he has previously served efficiently as a member of the school board of his district. Mr. Benson has taken considerable interest in the early history of the locality. One of his cherished possessions is an Indian hatchet, which he dug up on his farm, where it was reposing at a depth of three

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feet. It is supposed to have been buried there with its maker or owner, as three Indian graves have been found practically on the same spot. On April 16, 1903, Elmore O. Benson was united in marriage with Effie Swenson, and they have two children, Charles Arvid, born Oct. 12, 1906, and Samuel Rodney, born April 2, 1909. Mrs. Benson was born in Sweden, Aug. 4, 1875, daughter of Swen Larson Swenson, born May 19, 1841, and his wife, Olena Carlson, born June 25, 1841. This family settled in Swede Bottom, this county, in 1881, and now live in Houston. The children are: Charles J., Carrie, Effie, Ellen, Hannah and Alfred. Mrs. Benson is a lady of wide education, having received her training in the Houston High School 'and the Winona State Normal School, and was an efficient teacher for eight years.

Michael Houlihan, a thrifty and enterprising farmer of section 12, Wil- mington township, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, Sept. 16, 1853, son of Patrick and Katherine (Moore) Houlihan. He was but three years old when he accompanied his parents to America, and after a residence with them in Illinois, and later in Iowa, he found himself at the age of 12 years in Wilmington township, Houston county, Minn. Here his parents bought 80 acres of land in section 12 that forms a part of his present farm. Here he grew to manhood, and for a short time in his boyhood attended school. On June 22, 1886, Mr. Houlihan was married to Ellen Norton, daughter of Dennis and Mary Norton of Sheldon township, where she was born Jan. 13, 1859. In the year of his marriage he bought his parents' farm, which he has since been engaged in operating on his own account. Having purchased an adjoining tract of 38 acres, he now has a farm of 118 acres, with 75 acres under the plow, the balance being in timber and pasture. His other improve- ments include the erection of a number of good buildings, including a com- fortable, eight-room frame house; a frame barn, 24 by 40 by 16 feet, with a lean-to 16 by 40 feet for cattle; a second barn, 16 by 20, for cattle; a granary 16 by 18, and a garage 9 by 14. The operating equipment is good and the farm is well stocked with grade Shorthorn cattle and mixed Duroc and Poland-China swine. Mr. and Mrs. Houlihan have had eight children: James M., John T., Edward J., George P., Mary A., Paul V., Robert H., and Leo F. James M. was born April 3, 1887. John T. was born June 25, 1888, and died May 25, 1914. Edward J. was born Oct. 2, 1889. George P. was born March 8, 1891. Mary A. was born March 27, 1893, and is now a trained nurse at St. Mary's Hospital, at Minneapolis, Minn .; Paul V. was born March 3, 1895. Robert H. was born Nov. 8, 1897. Leo F. was born Nov. 18, 1900. The family enjoys a unique record for loyalty. It is the only family in the county that furnished four sons to the United States service during the Great War, and indeed one of the few of the whole country. James M. enlisted Aug. 26, 1918, in Detachment 28, Depot Brigade, and was discharged in February, 1919. Edward J. enlisted in Co. G, 132nd In- fantry, Feb. 24, 1918, and served one year in France, seeing active service in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. George P. enlisted May 27, 1918, and served nine months in Co. D, 127th Infantry. He saw active service in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Paul V. enlisted May 27, 1918, and served a year in France, taking part in the Battle of St. Mihiel, and the Meuse-

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REINHOLD MANN AND FAMILY

MR. AND MRS. LUDWIG MANN-MR. AND MRS. EMIL KRUEGER

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Argonne and the Mabaele-Taue offensive. The family faith is that of the Catholic church. In politics, Mr. Houlihan is a Democrat.

Patrick Houlihan, who for 35 years was a well known and respected citizen of Wilmington township, where he developed a farm, was born in Ireland, where he grew to manhood. There he was married to Katherine Moore and they resided in County Kerry until about 1856 when they emi- grated to the United States. For awhile he and his family resided in Jo Daviess county, Illinois. About 1858 Mr. Houlihan became employed in railroad construction work on the railroad between McGregor, Iowa, and Austin, Minn. Later he located in Decorah, Iowa, and helped to build the line between that place and Calmar. In 1865 he came with his family to Houston county, Minn., and engaged in farming, buying 80 acres of land in section 12, Wilmington township, that is now included in the farm of his son Michael. Some of the land on the place had been cleared and there was a log house and some cattle sheds on it. There he resided, operating and improving the farm until 1886, when he sold it to his son Michael on the latter's marriage. He continued to reside on the place, however, until his death, which occurred on May 11, 1900. He had been a widower for some years, his wife having passed away in 1894. They were the parents of three sons, Thomas, Edward and Michael, all of whom were born in Ireland.

Reinhold Mann, proprietor of a good modern farm in section 28, Union township, was born in the village of Hokah, Houston county, March 6, 1881, son of Ludwig and Emelia (Kriese) Mann. The parents were natives of Germany and the father was a soldier in the German army during the war with Austria. He came with his family to America in the seventies, locat- ing in this county. For seven years he worked in the mill at Hokah, but the rest of his life here was spent in agriculture, at first on a rented farm, but later on the farm now owned by his son Reinhold, which he purchased. He and his wife had nine children: Emil, Adolph, Ida, Alvina, Louis, Rein- hold, Emma, Minnie and Charles. Emil, Adolph and Louis are now deceased. Reinhold Mann in his boyhood attended the local schools, his time out of school hours being for the most part spent in helping his father on the home farm, on which he has since resided. On his marriage at the age of 29 he rented a part of the homestead and three years later purchased the farm from the heirs. The present house was then standing, but he has made some notable improvements, having erected a barn, 40 by 100 feet, with stone basement, partly cemented and provided with ventilators. It is mod- ern in style and substantially built. He has also erected several outbuild- ings, including a machine-shed and a hog house, a granary with a basement adapted to the purposes of a garage and storeroom. Besides carrying on general farming very successfully, he is part owner of a threshing outfit and owns elevator and telephone stock. Mr. Mann was married May 29, 1910, to Hulda Krueger, who was born in Allamakee county, Iowa, Jan. 18, 1884, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Krueger. The father engaged in farming in Houston county, though at times working out. He and his wife had six children: Arthur, Frederick, Hulda, Emma, Albert and John. After his death his widow married Ferdinand Kliskie, by whom she had six children: Anna and Mary (twins), Elsie, Louis, Arthur and Ruth. Of

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the children in the two families, all are now living except Albert and Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Mann are the parents of two children: Violet Ruth, who was born Jan. 27, 1917, and Arlyn Reinhold, born May 14, 1919.

William Orr, one of the pioneer settlers of Mound Prairie township, now deceased, was born in County Donegal, Ireland, and was a young man when, in 1845, he emigrated to America, settling in the state of New York. After remaining there for a time, he made a trip to the Northwest, find- ing employment at lumbering in the woods and in river work on the Mis- sissippi. Returning to New York, he was there married to Mary Crowe, and then brought his young wife to Houston county, Minnesota. At the first land sale in Brownsville he bought a tract of wild land in Mound Prairie township and he and his wife took up their residence there. After making some improvements on his original tract, he moved to another farm near by, where he made his permanent home, dying there about 1903, his wife having died a few years previously. During his active career he served in various town offices. He was survived by six children.

Joseph Orr, now deceased, for many years a prominent citizen not only of his own township of Yucatan, but also in the general affairs of the entire community, did the county good service as chairman of the county board, and left a splendid reputation for integrity and ability. He was a native of this county, born in Mound Prairie township, Oct. 29, 1855, second of the six children of William and Mary (Crowe) Orr, who were among the earliest settlers in that township. He was educated in the district school, and was reared to farm pursuits, remaining with his parents until thirty years of age. He then purchased a farm in Yucatan township, adjoining the one where his son now lives. There he resided for eleven years, improv- ing and cultivating the place in many ways. Subsequently he returned to Mound Prairie township, and there farmed for awhile. Then he came to the present Orr farm in section 22, Yucatan township. To the cultivation of this farm he devoted the remainder of his life. This farm, consisting of 200 acres, is one of the best in the township. He carried on general farm- ing, and made a specialty of stock raising, being numbered among the most enterprising and prosperous citizens of the county. Mr. Orr early became interested in public affairs and affiliated himself with the Republican party. After serving in minor offices he became chairman of Yucatan township, and in this office established such a good record that he was elected a mem- ber of the county board, of which in time he became chairman. He died April 8, 1919, and his death was sincerely mourned.

William Bernard Orr, farming the Orr place, section 22, Yucatan Town- ship, represents the third generation of sturdy agriculturists in Houston county. He was born in this county, July 16, 1890, and after passing through the district schools, took a course at the Wisconsin Business Uni- versity at La Crosse, Wis. He then farmed with his father until the latter's death, April 8, 1919, when he rented the place. He successfully carries on general farming and is regarded as one of the rising young men of the community. Mr. Orr married Gusta Dahl, born May 25, 1889, daughter of Andrew and Martha Dahl, early settlers of this county. This union has been blessed with three children : Benora, born July 22, 1914; Allan, born

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MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH ORR

WILLIAM BERNARD ORR AND FAMILY

MR. AND MRS. ANDREW DAHL,

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ALFRED J. ANDERSON AND FAMILY

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June 23, 1916; and Alys, born May 23, 1918. Like his father before him, Mr. Orr is associated with the Masonic body.

Mr. Orr was married, Sept. 7, 1888, to Harriet H. Comstock, who was born in Yucatan township, daughter of Julius W. and Maria Comstock. Her parents, natives of Broome county, New York, were early settlers in Houston county, where both died, the father after holding various local and town offices. Mrs. Harriet H. Orr was born Sept. 30, 1868, and died May 11, 1906, after a happy married life of seventeen years. She was the mother of three children : William Bernard, Marian and Frank.

Alfred J. Anderson, who is assisting in the general improvement and development of Houston county as a raiser of stock, his farm of 180 acres lying in sections 11 and 12, Houston township, was born in Halland, Sweden, Sept. 22, 1867, son of John B. and Hannah Lena (Carlson) Ander- son. The family came to Houston county, Minnesota, in 1873, settling on a farm in this township, where the father died in 1898. The mother is still residing on the homestead. They had eight children, of whom Alfred J. was the eldest. He was educated in the school of his district and began working out when 11 years old, being thus occupied for a number of years, or until his marriage. For three years he worked as a car conductor. Later he rented a farm in Houston township, operating it for ten years, at the end of which time he bought his present farm, a well improved piece of prop- erty, with good modern equipment, the improvements having been made largely by himself, on which he is breeding Shorthorn cattle and Poland- China hogs. He has met with a good measure of success and is now num- bered among the well-to-do citizens of his township. He is also a stock- holder in the Houston Creamery. He is the present treasurer of his school district, in politics being a Republican, and is a member of Camp No. 1962, M. W. A., at Houston. Mr. Anderson was married, June 24, 1893, to Bertha May Williams, who was born near Christiania, Norway, Dec. 4, 1874, daughter of Peter and Inga Williams. Seven children have arrived to brighten and enlarge their family circle: Charles Walter, Ethel Irene, Harold Clayton, Melvin Curtis, John Alton, Paul William and Roger May- nard. Charles Walter was born Dec. 24, 1893. He enlisted May 27, 1918, in Company F, 162d Infantry, and trained at Camp Lewis and Camp Kear- ney. He went to Europe in August, 1918. He was then transferred to Company L, in an infantry regiment of the 26th Division. He was dis- charged April 26, 1919, and is now at home. Ethel I. was born Aug. 21, 1896, is the wife of Irwin Johnson, a farmer of Houston township, and has one daughter, Ruby Irene. Harold C. was born March 15, 1898. Melvin C. was born May 31, 1901. John A. was born Nov. 28, 1902. Paul W. was born March 24, 1906. Roger M. was born March 9, 1911. The parents of Mrs. Anderson came to this country from Norway in 1882, and for seven years resided in Iowa, the father following the occupation of contractor and builder. Subsequently they removed to Minneapolis, and thence to a farm at Eagle Bend, Minn., where Mr. Williams died in the spring of 1913. His wife is still residing on the farm. Of their three children Bertha May was the second in order of birth.

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Daniel Vance, who for a long period in former years was a well known and respected citizen of Money Creek township and village, was born in Caledonia county, Vermont, Aug. 31, 1818. He grew up in his native state and as a young man learned the carpenter's trade, becoming proprietor of a shop and conducting business on his own account. On one occasion his shop was destroyed by a cyclone. While still a resident of Vermont, Mr. Vance was married to Angelina P. Clark, also of good Vermont stock, born April 2, 1822. Three children were born to them in their native state. In December, 1852, Mr. Vance joined in the rush of gold seekers to California, leaving his family behind in Vermont. While seeking his fortune in the far distant state, where he spent less than a year, his daughter Elizabeth died, and on learning of her death he at once returned home. In 1864 he and his wife lost their third child. For three years longer they remained in Ver- mont, and then in November, 1867, they came to Minnesota with their son, Charles H., locating in Money Creek village for the winter. In the follow- ing spring they settled on a farm in the township, which was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Vance for many subsequent years, or until their retirement from active work, when they settled in the village. There they spent the rest of their lives, Mr. Vance dying April 1, 1905, at the age of 76, and his wife on Feb. 24, 1907, when nearly 75. In addition to making a good record as a farmer, Mr. Vance took an active part in church and school work, serv- ing for a number of years as treasurer of the school board. His knowledge of the carpenter's trade also proved useful, as he was employed to build the M. E. parsonage, which he did in a substantial and thorough manner. In his later years on the farm he worked in partnership with his son, Charles H., who finally became proprietor of the homestead.

Charles H. Vance, a prominent citizen of Money Creek township, was born in Caledonia county, Vermont, Oct. 15, 1855, son of Daniel and Angelina P. (Clark) Vance. He was educated partly in his native state and partly in Minnesota, coming to Houston county with his parents when about 12 years old. Besides attending the district school in Money Creek township, he was a pupil for a short time in the Winona High School. From the time he was 14 years old he was his father's assistant on the home farm, finally becoming a partner with him, and later the property passed into his hands. In May, 1907, on account of impaired health he disposed of his holdings here and moved to Colorado, where he resided for about six years, being in the employ of the Great Western Sugar Company. He then returned to Money Creek township, this county, to take care of an aunt. While on the old homestead he was largely engaged in raising full- blooded stock, being one of the first farmers in the valley to enter that line of business. He was the first vice-president of the Creamery Association, and served as school treasurer for a number of years, besides occaionally holding other local offices. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been a Prohibitionist in politics since the time of Governor St. John, of Kansas, who was a presidential candidate in 1884. At an early date he joined the order of Good Templars. Mr. Vance was married, Oct. 18, 1877, to Josephine B. Crosby, who was born in Money Creek village, Houston county, Minn., daughter of Joseph Emerson and Jane (Vance)

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MR. AND MRS. FELIX HAFNER MR. AND MRS. LORENZ HAFNER MR. AND MRS. JOHN REINART Digitized by Google

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Crosby. Her father was born in Rumney, N. H., Nov. 17, 1813, and her mother in Vermont, Aug. 12, 1820. They were married in the East and resided in Vermont for a number of years subsequently. In 1854 Mr. Crosby came to Minnesota to preempt land, and after finding a satisfactory location in Money Creek, Houston county, returned to Vermont for his fam- ily, whom he brought with him to the new home. Their first dwelling here was the log house in which Mrs. Vance was born, and of which they tool possession in 1855. Mr. Crosby continued farming here for practically the rest of his life. He and his wife have both passed away.

Felix Hafner, proprietor of a farm of 220 acres in section 13 La Cres- cent township, was born in this township Jan. 13, 1862, son of Lorenz and Mary Meier Hafner. The eldest in a family of eight children, he was edu- cated in the convent school at Hokah, this county, and resided on his parents' farm for the most part until his marriage. He then rented the home farm from his father for one year, at the end of which time he bought his pres -. ent farm of 220 acres, which is well improved, and where he is carrying on general farming, chiefly raising grain. He is enjoying a prosperous career and is a stockholder in the Hokah State Bank and the La Crescent State Bank, and a director and stockholder in the Hokah Farmers State Bank. He has been one of the town supervisors during most of the time for the last 16 years, and is now serving in that office, and for the last nine years has served as school treasurer. He is a member of the Catholic church and in politics is independent. Mr. Hafner was married April 14, 1891, to Katie Reinart, daughter of John and Lena (Friedman) Reinart, her father being a native of Austria and her mother of the state of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hafner are the parents of nine children: John, Lawrence, Sophia, Mar- garet, Elizabeth, William, Lena, Francis and Albert. John married Anna Reinhart, and they live in Hokah and have one child, Euthalia. Lawrence saw service in the Great War with the Engineer Corps in France. Sophia married Joseph Wermerskirchen, lives in Montana, and has one child, Vernon.

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 85

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

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