History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 89

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

USA > Minnesota > Houston County > History of Houston County, Minnesota > Part 89

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Arthur J. Flynn, in former years a well-known merchant and leading citizen of Caledonia, who for nine years served as judge of probate for Houston county, was born in Waterford county, Ireland, July 27, 1843, son of Arthur and Anastasia (White) Flynn. The father, who was a cooper by trade, died before Arthur J. was born, and when the latter was 2 years old death also deprived him of his mother. He and the only other child of his parents, a twin-brother named John, were taken care of by their grand- parents, John and Catherine White, who about five years later brought them to the United States, the family landing at New York, May 1, 1850. On the subsequent death of John White, in Chicago, his widow, Catherine, went to live with her daughter, Johanna, who was the wife of John Hurley, and it was Mr. Hurley, with Thomas White, an uncle of Arthur, who brought the family to Houston county, Minnesota. The journey was a long one, being made in a wagon drawn by oxen, but Union township, this county, was finally reached, a piece of wild land selected, and a log house built. Here the grandmother, Mrs. Catherine White, lived out the rest of her life. The Hurley family in later years moved to the village of Cale- donia. Arthur J. Flynn attended district school, and as he grew older worked on farms. That he made progress in his studies may be inferred from the fact that during the winter of 1861-62 he taught school in his

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district. It was an unsettled time, however, with the Civil War in progress, and on Sept. 27, 1862, young Flynn showed his loyalty to the country which had adopted him by enlisting in Company A, First Minnesota Mounted Rangers, commanded by Capt. E. M. Wilson, in which he served until Oct. 20, 1863. In March, 1864, he went to Chicago, where he learned the tinner's trade, which he followed until December, 1868. On the 26th of that month he was married in the Catholic church at Caledonia to Mary Theresa Murphy, who was born in Waterford county, Ireland, March 19, 1850, daughter of Pierce and Margaret (Phalen) Murphy. With his newly wedded wife Mr. Flynn then settled in Lanesboro, Fillmore county, Minn., where he engaged in the mercantile business in partnership with Ed Kevin. There he remained until 1874, in which year he sold his interest in the business to his partner, and returning to Houston county, opened a hard- ware store in Caledonia, of which he was the proprietor for a number of years, until he finally sold out. A staunch Democrat in politics, Mr. Flynn had begun to take part in public affairs while still a resident of Lanesboro, becoming the first recorder of that village on its incorporation, to which office he was twice re-elected. In October, 1871, he was nominated for county coroner of Fillmore county, but was defeated. In 1877, some three years after settling in Caledonia, he was elected village trustee, and in the following April became village clerk, serving as such for many years by successive re-elections. By 1879 he had become so well and favorably known throughout the county that in the fall of that year he was elected judge of probate, in which office he served for nine years, or until 1888. He also rendered good service on the school board of Caledonia, and as a member of the State Democratic Central Committee. A Roman Catholic in religion, he was a faithful member of his church, belonging also to the Catholic society of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of "Billy" Mattison Post, G. A. R., which he served as commander. Mr. Flynn was a man of cheerful disposition and courteous manners, and his death, which occurred in May, 1916, was an event deeply regretted in the com- munity of which he had been for many years one of the most popular citi- zens. His widow is still a resident of Caledonia. Mr. and Mrs. Flynn were the parents of five sons and three daughters, a brief record of the children being as follows: Arthur Pierce, who graduated in law, died at the early age of 29 years; Margaret is the wife of Charles Leighton, of Austin, Minn .; George F. is a traveling man residing in La Crosse; Anastasia is engaged in the millinery business; Pierce, who was a railroad conductor, died at the age of 37 years ; Robert, a physician of La Crosse, served in the U. S. Army during the great war as a lieutenant in the Medical Corps; William E. is an attorney of Caledonia.

Pierce Murphy, a pioneer of Sheldon township, was a native of Water- ford county, Ireland, in which country he grew to manhood. There he married Margaret Phalen and they resided in County Waterford until 1850, when, seeking to better their condition, they emigrated to the United States. They were accompanied by their family of three sons and four daughters-Michael, William, Nicholas, Margaret, Ellen, Alice and Mary T., the last mentioned, who later became the wife of Arthur J. Flynn,

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being then 3 months old. After a voyage of seven weeks they landed in this country and proceeding west, settled in Chicago. Later they removed to Beloit, Wis., and from that place came in 1858 to Sheldon township, Houston county, where they located on a tract of wild land, built a log house, and with the help of oxen started to develop a farm. This task was in time accomplished and Mr. Murphy became a prosperous and re- spected citizen of the county. The last nine years of his life were spent in Caledonia, where he died at the age of 76. His wife died at the age of 86. Their two youngest children, Edward and John, were born in this coun- try. The family were members of the Roman Catholic church.

William Edward Flynn, county attorney of Houston county, who is engaged in the practice of law in the village of Caledonia, was born in this village March 6, 1889, son of Arthur J. and Mary (Murphy) Flynn. His elementary education was obtained in the graded and high schools, and he was graduated from the law department of the Minnesota State uni- versity in the class of 1911. Locating in Minneapolis, he became connected with the law firm of F. H. Ayers, working for one year as an assistant, after which he was taken into partnership. Mr. Ayers dying in March, 1913, Mr. Flynn subsequently practiced alone in Minneapolis until October, 1916, when he came to Caledonia and opened an office here, where he has since successfully practiced his profession. He was elected to his present position as county attorney in the fall of 1918, and for some time he has served as village attorney. He is the present Grand Knight of the Cale- donia Lodge of the Knights of Columbus, and is a member of Minneapolis Lodge, No. 44, B. P. O. E. His civic affiliation is with the Caledonia Com- mercial Club. The family faith is that of the Roman Catholic church.

Frank Lorenz, a prominent farmer and one of the leading citizens of Hokah township, residing in section 31, was born in this township, April 2, 1880, son of Anton and Elizabeth (Brokes) Lorenz. The parents were born in Bohemia, the father July 13, 1847. He came to Hokah, Minn., in 1866 at the age of 19 years, and subsequently settled on a farm here, which he cultivated until his death. His widow still resides at the old home. Frank was the second born in a family of eight children. He was educated in the Hokah convent, where he was employed for two years from the time he was 18 years old. For four years thereafter he worked out, but resided on the home farm. On his marriage he rented a farm in La Crescent town- ship, which he operated for two years, at the end of which time he bought his present farm of 147 acres in section 31, Hokah township. Here he has erected a good modern barn, with other buildings, and is engaged in general farming with profitable results. In 1915 and 1917 he won the title of Corn King by his exhibits at the County Corn Show held in Houston. He is a shareholder in the Hokah Grain & Stock Company and in the Hokah Farm- ers' State Bank. As a public spirited citizen Mr. Lorenz has interested himself to a large extent in affairs of his township and has served as super- visor since 1910. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church, and in politics is independent. He was married in February, 1904, at the Hokah convent, to Caroline Vogel, daughter of Frank and Frances (Dibbel) Vogel.

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MR. AND MRS. ANTON ANDERSON

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He and his wife have three children: Joseph, born Nov. 19, 1904; Alice, Aug. 9, 1908; and Angeline, May 10, 1915. The son, Joseph, was born in La Crescent, and the two daughters in Hokah. The parents of Mrs. Lorenz were born in Germany, Frank Vogel coming to Hokah, Minn., when a boy. He is still living and is engaged in agriculture in this vicinity. His wife, Frances, came to America at the age of 20 years. They have had nine chil- dren, of whom their daughter Caroline was the sixth in order of birth. James Dean, a well-known and respected citizen of Money Creek Town- ship, was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, Aug. 22, 1858, son of James and Katherine (Hennessy) Dean, who were natives of the same Irish county. The family emigrated to the United States in 1872 or 1873, com- ing directly to Houston county, and locating on the farm in section 11, Money Creek township, which the subject of this sketch now owns. Here the father died a widower in 1880, his wife having passed away a few years previously. James, Jr., who was one of the younger members of a family of five children, acquired his education in District School No. 89, Money Creek township. He began working out at the age of 17 years, and so continued until his marriage in March, 1885, to Anna Layne, who was born at Galena, Ill., daughter of John and Hannah (Shortell) Layne. He then bought 40 acres of land adjoining the old Layne homestead, to which he added from time to time until he had brought the farm up to its present dimensions of 200 acres. The death of his wife, which occurred Oct. 12, 1909, was a heavy bereavement, and two years later he turned the management of the farm over to his son, though still residing on it, and became deputy for the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He is a stock- holder in the Rushford Creamery. He has five children: Josephine, Kath- erine, John, Margaret and James. Josephine, wife of Robert Randall, a farmer in Money Creek township, has two children, Helen and Lucile. Katherine, the wife of Orlando St. John, resides near Money Creek vil- lage. John, who is living on the home farm, married Hannah O'Brien and has two children, Meriland and Bernard. Margaret is the wife of F. P. Burk, a veterinary surgeon of Madelia, Minn., and has one child, Frances Margaret. Her brother James resides with her. Mr. Dean is a Catholic in religion and in politics is independent. He is affiliated fraternally with the I. O. O. F., Canton and Rebekah Lodge at Hokah, the Modern Wood- men of America at Houston and the Brotherhood of American Yeomen at Money Creek.

Anton Anderson, a resident of Mayville township since 1896, where he has developed a good farm of 55 acres from wild land, was born in Norway, Jan. 26, 1856, son of Andreas and Olena Olson. His education was acquired in his native land, where he grew to manhood and learned and followed the carpenter's trade. Coming to Houston county, Minnesota, in 1892, he first located in Caledonia, where he was engaged in carpenter work for about four years, or until 1896, when he bought his present farm in section 8, Mayville township. The land being then wild, he had to break it and do much hard work in grubbing and clearing, but this work shows results in a fine and profitable farm, well provided with good buildings. It is now managed by his sons, Mr. Anderson himself being practically retired. Mr.

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Anderson was married in Norway, in 1880, to Mary Peterson, who was born in that country July 12, 1858. Of this marriage seven children have been born, all of whom are now living, namely: Nettie, born July 6, 1881, now Mrs. Johnson and residing in California; Carl O., born Sept. 7, 1883; John, born March 4, 1890; Christ, Feb. 12, 1892; Olga, Jan. 7, 1896; Amelia, Sept. 27, 1898; and Helmar, Aug. 21, 1901. All but Nettie are living on the home farm. Christ served nearly two years in the United States Army in the world war. Mr. Anderson and his family are members of the Nor- wegian Lutheran Church and among the most respected residents of this part of Houston county.

Louis Helm, Sr., a well-to-do resident of Hokah, of which village he is one of the leading citizens, was born in Germany, September 8, 1851, son of Fritz and Dorothy Helm. The father having died in Germany in 1860, Louis, with his mother, and sister Freda, emigrated to Canada, and for four years resided in Toronto. It was during the time of the American Civil War, but in 1865 the war came to an end, and in the following year, 1866, the family came to Minnesota, settling on a farm in Mayville Township, Houston County, where the subject of this sketch acquired a practical knowledge of agriculture, a business that he followed for over 30 years, for 27 years of that time being foreman and general manager of the A. D. Sprague farms, including Mr. Sprague's large farm in Mound Prairie Town- ship. Subsequently he bought a farm for himself in Union Township, where he resided, becoming prosperous and influential, and serving six years as chairman of the town board. In 1898 he made his residence in Hokah vil- lage, but about the same time he bought 400 acres in Hokah Township, sections 27 and 28, 100 acres of the tract being improved land. He has continued the improvements on an extensive scale, having built a fine resi- dence and other buildings, all being in excellent condition. His home in the village is also a desirable piece of property. On the farm his sons conduct an extensive stock raising business, keeping full-blooded Hereford cattle. Mr. Helm is a stockholder and director in the Hokah State Bank and the Hokah Stock & Grain Co. For 18 months he was the local representative of the Sears-Roebuck Company of Chicago. In politics a Republican, he served as chairman of Hokah Township for one year and was also one year supervisor, and for 23 years he served as deputy sheriff. Since 1894 he has been a member of Morning Star Lodge No. 29, A. F. & A. M. Mr. Helm was married February 2, 1871, to Caroline Schutz, who was born in Germany, December 15, 1849, daughter of Jacob and Minnie Schutz. She emigrated to Canada with her parents in 1854, and ten years later came to Houston County, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Louis Helm, Sr., are the parents of seven children: Anna, who married Andrew Senness of Union Township, and has five children; Alice, Roy, Eva, Arthur and Florence; Louis, Jr., a prominent farmer of Hokah, who married Tillie Boldnan and has two children, Clarence and Erma; Lydia, now Mrs. John Minzer of Hokah, who has one child, Beulah; Libbie, who is the wife of Gust Leitzau, of Union Township, and the mother of four children, Ralph, George, Dorothy and Grace; Fred, who is a farmer; Nels, who is a bridge foreman on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway west of Mobridge, S. D .; and John, who is a farmer.

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MR. AND MRS. JOHN O. JORDIE CHARLES A. MANN AND FAMILY .

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Louis owns a farm of 90 acres, Fred one of 185 acres and John one of 80 acres, in Hokah Township.

Ludwig Mann, who came to Houston County in the seventies and achieved an enviable reputation as an extensive landowner, successful farmer and useful citizen, was born in Germany, and as a young man was married to Emelia Kriese, likewise a native of that county. His education was obtained in the schools of his native village, and his military reputation was achieved as a soldier in the German army, when, in 1866, Prussia and her allies under Wilhelm I. were engaged in war with Austria and her allies. A few years after this war he brought his family to America and found his way to Houston County, where he worked for some seven years in a flour mill at Hokah. After this he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, first renting land for a while, and then purchasing land in Union Township. By hard work and frugality and ably assisted by his family, he gradually improved his farm, and added to his property, until at the time of his death he owned a fine place, now divided into two farms, one of 204 acres being owned by his son Charles, and one of 316 acres owned by his son, Reinhold. Mr. Mann was a substantial man of solid worth, and his death, in 1910, was sincerely mourned. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, Emil, Adolph, Ida, Alvina, Louis, Reinhold, Emma, Minnie and Charles A., of whom Emil, Adolph and Louis are now deceased. His wife died May 2, 1915.

Charles A. Mann, one of the more progressive and influential farmers of Houston County, owns a highly improved farm of 204 acres in section 28, Union Township, and is doing more than his share toward developing the county into one of the foremost agricultural regions of the state. He was born in Hokah, this county, Sept. 2, 1887, received a thorough education in the public schools, and was reared to agricultural pursuits on his father's farm, in Union Township. After his father's death he rented 204 acres of the home place, and four years later, in 1914, purchased it, being now the sole owner and proprietor. Being a man of ability and good judgment, coupled with modern ideas and a willingness to work hard, he has made many improvements on the place, and today is numbered among the leading and up-to-date farmers of the present generation. He has thoroughly fenced the entire farm, remodelled the residence, and erected a suitable set of outbuildings, including a smoke house, a power house, a garage and a hen house, as well as other suitable structures. He has just completed a new modern barn, 36 by 102 feet, with full double basement wall of cement blocks lined with tile, which gives it strength, warmth and dryness. The roof is decorated with three large revolving cupolas which are connected with an enclosed or boxed in ventilating system reaching from the cupolas to the basement. This system provides for entire sanitation, furnishing clean, fresh air to the stock at all times, and carrying off the foul air. The barn is equipped with all the latest modern equipment, including the James patent stanchions. The water system is furnished from his deep well, having a natural flow to the barn. This barn, with its roomy spaces and modern separator room, is one of the most modern, best equipped and up-to-date barns in the county, bespeaking as does everything else about

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the place, the thrift and good judgment of its owner. Mr. Mann follows general diversified farming, and breeds the stock that he deems the best of their kind for dairy and market purposes. Busy as he is with his farm, he has not forgotten his public duties, and is serving efficiently as treasurer of school district 108. His business interests include stock in the Farmers Elevator at Caledonia. Mr. Mann was married Oct. 27, 1914, to Anna Gurina Jordie, who was born in Union Township, this county, Aug. 16, 1894, daugh- ter of John and Julia (Holte) Jordie, and this union has been blessed with one son, Burdette Charles, born July 27, 1915.

John O. Jordie, now living retired in Houston City, after an active and successful career as a farmer in this county, was born in Norway, Oct. 14, 1860. He was about six years old when in 1866 he came to the United States with his parents, who settled at Stoughton, Wis., where he attended school. Coming to Houston County in 1887, he located first on Caledonia Ridge, in Sheldon Township, buying a farm there. Two years later he sold that farm and bought one of 160 acres in Union Township, a place on which he remained for 16 years and brought into fine condition. He then sold it and bought one of 260 acres on Caledonia Ridge, Sheldon Township, which he also thoroughly developed, and on which he resided until 1915. Then retiring from active work, he built a fine cottage in Houston, where he now resides with his wife, the farm being operated by his sons Helmar and Michael. Mr. Jordie was married Jan. 29, 1887, to Julia Knutson Holte, who was born in Norway, April 3, 1867, and came to America with her parents at the age of one year, they settling in this county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jordie are as follows: Helmar, born March 30, 1890, who is married, and by his wife Lydia has one child, Hilton J .; Alma, born Oct. 17, 1891, who married Martin Runnegen, and has one child, Maynard A .; Michael, born April 29, 1893; Anna, born August 16, 1894, who is the wife of Charles Mann, and has one child, Burdette; Josephine, born July 24, 1897, who married Carl Runnegen, and has one child, Regnald C .; and Ella, born Feb. 8, 1899, who married Olof Gresby. Mr. Jordie is a stockholder in the Caledonia creamery. He and his family are members of the Norwegian Lutheran Church, attending what is known as "the Stone Church" in this vicinity. They are people of standing and influence in their community, each individual member of the family having an honorable record.

N. E. Dorival, for many years a prominent citizen of Houston County, was born in New York State in 1835, the son of John Dorival, who was born on the Island of San Domingo, was brought to the United States as an infant, and spent his life in New York State. N. E. Dorival was reared in his native state, and came to Houston County in 1860, settling on a farm. He had a long and active career in public affairs. The first winter he spent in Minnesota he spent as an assistant clerk in the house of representatives. In 1866 he was elected county auditor, serving two terms, after that was register of deeds, and for a number of years was a justice of the peace. During the latter years of his life he was engaged in the machinery and insurance business. He and his wife were members of the Episcopal Church. He was affiliated with the lodge and chapter of Masonry, serving as secre- tary of his lodge for a number of years, while in politics he was one of the

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best known Democrats in Houston County, and was held in high esteem by all classes of citizens. He died in 1900. Mr. Dorival was married in Houston County to Ellen Eaton, who was born in New York State in 1846, daughter of Eber Eaton. This union was blessed with six children: Mary, Edward, John, Gurth, Charles A. and Grace. The Eaton family has been in America for many generations, having originally come from England. Several members of the family participated in the Revolutionary War on the side of the colonists. Eber Eaton was born in New York State, and was a pioneer settler in Houston County, Minnesota, in 1854. He followed farming and died in Houston County. In the early days he had gone out to California as a gold seeker.

Charles A. Dorival, judge of probate of Houston Township for the past ten years, is one of the leading citizens of the county, and comes of a family that has taken a prominent part in its affairs. He is a man of broad sympa- thies and understanding, with a wide experience in human nature both as a barrister and jurist, and his activities along various lines have had their share in shaping the county's destinies. He was born in Caledonia, Feb. 18, 1880, the son of N. E. and Ellen (Eaton) Dorival. He was reared in Cale- donia, and after passing through the common schools, was graduated from the Caledonia High School in 1898. Then he studied law with Capt. W. H. Harries, and was admitted to the bar in 1903. In this profession he met with marked success. In 1909, Gov. John A. Johnson appointed him judge of probate, and to that office he has since been successively elected. In this capacity he has proved his merit and won the regard of his fellow citizens, as proof of which, in the old days of partisan politics in county affairs, he was elected as a Democrat, although the county is strongly Republican. For several years he served as secretary and treasurer of the County Democratic Central Committee. One of his most notable achieve- ments is his work during the Great War. In August, 1917, he was appointed secretary of the local exemption board, and served faithfully and efficiently in this capacity throughout the conflict. His standing in his profession is shown by his membership in the American and Minnesota State Bar Asso- ciations. He is also a prominent Mason, being past master and present secretary of Caledonia Lodge No. 20, A. F. & A. M., and high priest of the Caledonia Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. His other fraternal relations are with the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen.

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History of Houston County, Minnesota, Part 89

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

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